Questions You Must Ask Your Wedding Photographer

You love their Instagram feed, their pricing fits your budget, and they are available on your date. Before you sign the contract, you need to ask a few practical questions to ensure you're covered if things go wrong.

The Essential Questions

• Can I see a full wedding gallery? (Anyone can curate 10 great shots for Instagram. You need to see how they shoot the boring parts, the dark reception hall, and the family formals.)
• What is your backup plan if you are sick or injured? (Professional photographers have a network of trusted peers who can step in, and it should be in the contract.)
• Do you bring backup gear? (Cameras break. They should have at least two camera bodies with them.)
• How long after the wedding will we receive the photos? (Standard is 4 to 8 weeks, but it's important to set expectations.)
• Do we have full printing rights? (Some photographers require you to print exclusively through their expensive lab. Make sure you get a print release.)
• Have you shot at our venue before? (If not, ask if they plan to scout it beforehand to find the best light.)

Hire someone whose personality you like. They will follow you around for 10 hours on the most emotional day of your life.