Questions for the photographer

I am going to see my photographer this friday and my plan is to ask them their timeline, style, how many photos will be taken, if they provide the opporunity to give a shot list (mine does not), and just ask for tips and tricks to be prepared for on the wedding so you know how to stand/pose and smile.

Ask if you can see photos from previous weddings, if they have experience at your vendor, how many final and edited photos you get, if she is ok working with a videographer (if you have one), what her rules are for you sharing your wedding photos online afterwards (some request to be tagged), what their package includes, payment schedule, etc

I'd also ask if you can see an example of a complete wedding shoot. Most photographers will show you the highlights of their best shots - but if they promise you 200 digital images, ask if you can see and example of another wedding's 200 shots - so you can really see the full scope/quality of their work.

I would ask what her style is, if she retouches pictures (and if so, the extent of retouching she normally does), what the printing process is like (as mine indicated that pictures do not always come out well through other vendors such as Wal-Mart Photo Studio due to specific printer settings), package information, fees (such as the deposit), if she has backup photographers in the event of an emergency, if she has a second shooter option, what her turnaround time is like, etc.

- What does a typical wedding day look like for you? (Their preferred routine)

- How long does it take to get all of the photos? (This question knocked a photographer off our list because he guaranteed 700 photos in a week... and we realized his quality was suffering due to rushing. Our photographer now says 1-2 months).

- What is your policy/guarantee if you can't make the wedding due to any circumstance? (Make sure it's their responsibility to have a replacement of the same caliber/quality in case of cancellation or emergency)

- What do you generally wear to "work"? (Even though they are behind their camera, other guests will see them, probably catch them in their photos)

- How long have you been photographing weddings? Doing photography?

- What is your favourite part of the process?

- What do your packages include? Are there any add-ons/discounts? (Including an engagement session, price per additional hour, per additional photographer)

- IF you are interested in videography, do they have a videographer contact, or partner?