Kent Wedding Photographer Colin Sherlock offers his advice on what questions you should ask any wedding photographer ahead of your big day!

When selecting and working with a wedding photographer, it’s essential to ask a variety of questions to ensure their style, experience, and services align with your needs and expectations. Here are key questions to consider!

First, inquire about the photographer’s availability and booking process. Ask if they are available on your wedding date and how far in advance you need to book them. It’s important to understand their availability and how their scheduling works.

Next, explore their experience and style. You should ask how long they have been photographing weddings and how they would describe their photography style, whether it’s traditional, photojournalistic, artistic, or candid. Request to see a full gallery of a recent wedding they’ve shot to get a comprehensive view of their work.

When discussing services and packages, ask about the different packages they offer and what is included in each one. It’s beneficial to know if they offer customizable packages to fit your specific needs and if they provide engagement sessions as part of their services.

On the wedding day itself, understanding logistics is crucial. Ask how many hours of coverage they provide and how many photographers will be at your wedding. Additionally, ensure they have a plan for backup equipment to avoid any mishaps.

Regarding specific shots and flexibility, discuss whether you can provide a list of specific shots you want and how they handle family and group shots. This ensures that your key moments and important family members are captured.

Post-wedding, you’ll want to know about the editing and delivery process. Ask how long it will take to receive your photos and how many photos you can expect to receive. Inquire about their editing process, including if they offer retouching services.

It’s also important to discuss products and rights. Ask if they offer albums, prints, or other products and if you will receive high-resolution digital files. Clarify whether you have the rights to print your photos.

On the legal and financial side, request to see a sample contract and understand the payment schedule. Ask about their cancellation policy to be aware of any potential penalties.

In case of emergencies, ask if they have liability insurance and what their backup plan is if they are unable to photograph your wedding. This will provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events.

Additionally, ask for references from past clients to get an idea of their reliability and professionalism. Inquire about any additional fees you should be aware of, such as travel or overtime charges.

Finally, discuss how you will communicate leading up to the wedding and whether they have worked at your venue before. Effective communication and familiarity with the venue can significantly impact the smoothness of the process.

These questions will help you gauge the photographer’s professionalism, ensure your expectations are met, and provide peace of mind on your big day.

Colin provides a reliable and professional photographic service for all types of wedding celebrations. Specializing in candid and authentic photography, Colin’s images capture the cherished moments shared with your closest loved ones. With meticulous attention to detail, Colin ensures that even the smallest moments, often overlooked by other photographers, are beautifully preserved.

Contact him today to discuss your wedding day photography dreams.