Ask these before you book
A photographer's portfolio tells you whether you like their work. It tells you nothing about what you receive, when, or what happens if they cannot come. These questions do.
| Question | What you are listening for |
|---|---|
| How many edited images do we receive, and by when? | A number and a number of weeks. "A selection" and "in due course" are the two most common causes of complaints against photographers |
| Will you personally shoot our wedding? | Some studios book under a lead name and send an associate. Both are fine; being told afterwards is not |
| What happens if you are ill on the day? | A named backup or an industry network. If the answer is "that has never happened", ask again for what the contract says |
| Have you worked at our venue? | Not essential, but a photographer who has knows where the light is at 4pm in October |
| Can we see one complete wedding, not a highlights reel? | Highlights are the best 30 frames of a career. A full gallery shows you the other 400 you will actually receive |
| What is the second shooter's role and cost? | Whether they are included, optional, or quietly assumed |
| How long do you keep the files? | Many delete after 12 months. Ask, then back the gallery up yourself the week it arrives |
| Do you need feeding, and when? | Almost always yes, and it should be during the meal so they are not eating during the speeches |
| What is your overtime rate? | A number, agreed now. Negotiating at 11pm never goes your way |
| Are printing rights included? | Whether you can print, share and post the images, and at what resolution |
The three answers that should worry you
No delivery deadline. This is the single most common source of unhappy couples, because it surfaces after the wedding when the balance is paid and your leverage is gone. Ask for a number of weeks in the contract.
No answer on non-attendance. Every contract covers what happens if you cancel. Many say nothing about what happens if they do.
A portfolio with nothing recent. Styles and equipment move. If the most recent full wedding is two years old, ask why.
Compare the answers side by side
Three photographers give three different packages. Put them on one sheet before you compare prices.
Common questions
What should you ask a wedding photographer before booking?
The number of edited images and the delivery deadline in weeks, whether they personally shoot the day, what happens if they are ill, the overtime rate, and whether printing rights are included. All five should end up in the contract, not just the conversation.
How many photos should you get from a wedding?
It varies widely by photographer and coverage length, so the number matters less than having a number. What matters is that the contract states one, along with the week by which they arrive.
How long should wedding photos take to arrive?
Commonly six to twelve weeks, with a preview gallery within a week or two. The problem is not the length of the wait, it is a contract that never states one.
Do you have to feed your wedding photographer?
Almost always, and it is usually in the contract. Ask for them to be fed at the same time as your guests, so they are not eating through the speeches.