12 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer Before Booking
Choosing your wedding photographer? Here are the questions you should ask to help find the right one for you.
Choosing the right photographer.
You’re running down your list of wedding planning to-do’s and now it’s time to choose your photographer! When it comes to style, editing, what’s included, and what isn’t, it can become a lot. Use this as a guide to cut the overwhelm and find the photographer that is perfect for you.
How would you describe your photographic style?
With so many styles of shooting and editing, it can be helpful to hear how a photographer describes his/her own style and if that aligns with what you want.
What exactly is included in your services?
Prints? Digital files? Hours of coverage?? Every photographer includes different offerings. Asking for a price sheet will help simplify this (and reference later if needed).
What is your travel & lodging fee?
While most photographers travel, how they charge for it can differ. It’s always a good idea to ask if they have a travel rate and if they require a hotel if coming from a distance.
What is your payment schedule?
Make sure to ask what is required for booking and locking in your date. Is a retainer required and when are subsequent payments due by?
Are you insured?
This might not be top of mind when thinking photography, but it’s often required by venues, and often overlooked by photographers a bit newer to the game. Gotta have it!
When will we receive our images?
While your photos should be given the time they deserve in post-processing, it’s also good to know when you can expect your images by!
What happens if you are too sick to photograph our wedding?
Man, what happens if they’re literally too sick to perform? It’s best to know now if they have a plan in place for an unfortunate situation like this.
What is your photo backup process?
Ahh the glam of file-management! 😉
These photos are precious. What is your photographer doing to protect them?
How are images delivered?
Prints? Gallery??
Ideally your photos are delivered in a way that are easy to access, share, and order prints and products from.
What gear do you bring to a wedding?
Are they prepared for less than perfect lighting? Do they have backup gear and multiple camera bodies in case of failure?
How comfortable are you with directing people?
Most people aren’t models and a little direction can go a long way! Not to mention being able to guide multiple people into larger groupings (family photos).
Do you help with wedding day timeline creation?
Most couples don’t have a lot of experience in knowing how much time is needed for different segments of the wedding day, but your photographer likely is! Hopefully they’re open to helping you create an awesome timeline!
Well, GLORY BE
That’s a lot, I know! The good news, hopefully the photographer you’re interested in will be hitting you with this information without you needing to ask. In my experience, most couples at the beginning stages of wedding planning don’t really know what exactly to expect from photographers, so hopefully having these questions in the hopper will help guide you on your journey!
One of my favorite things about working with couples is helping them and offering tips and suggestions as they plan their day, hopefully making the photographic portion the easiest part of the process!
If you’ve begun wedding planning and are looking for a photographer, I’d love to meet you.
Hey! I’m Jeff
I’m a Minneapolis wedding photographer, serving Minnesota and beyond. I believe each person and every relationship is overflowing with worth and value and my aim is to draw that out and capture it in frames. My hope is that, years from now, you’ll look at the photos of your wedding and be reminded of the awesome relationship you have.
Marriage is the best. Weddings happen all over, but a marriage is created from within. Your unique relationship is what draws me in and I’d love to see what we can create together.
Why Work With Me
Relaxed Vibe
My aim is to keep my shoots as relaxed as possible. Most people say they feel like short little adventures (of course, with old friend Jeff tagging along).
Experience
Rain, snow, blazing sun, you name it, I’ve photographed in it. Rest easy, knowing that I can create in nearly any situation.
Style
Taking more of a documentary approach, my approach tends to be less on posing, and more on drawing out your natural connection.
Let’s Chat!
Every relationship starts somewhere, and ours could very well begin with a few swift keystrokes. Feel free to send a message here or reach out to me directly at jeff@jeffdose.com and I’ll be in touch soon.
Testimonials
“From the moment we met Jeff, we knew he was the photographer for us. We loved his charisma, passion, and ability to capture emotions. From initial planning through the end of our big day, Jeff’s friendly and genuine nature made him very enjoyable to work with. Our family and bridal party loved him, and we ended up with the most beautiful photos. We could not have asked for a better photographer. We hope to work with Jeff again in the future, and strongly recommend Jeff Dose Photography.”
“I used to think that photographers were overpriced. Jeff was worth ten times what we paid. He is such a bright light of a human being and he helped make our big day so special. His pictures are amazing. Check out his blog. He was FAST doing pictures after the ceremony and he brought such a professional calming presence. I don’t know what else to say. Hire him! Amazing pictures. Even better person. If I ever need another photographer I wouldn’t hesitate to call Jeff.”
“Jeff was INCREDIBLE to work with! Even through multiple changes with our plan due to COVID, Jeff was always positive and helpful. Our photos are beautiful and our favorite part was that he got to know us and truly wanted to make the photos a memorable part of our day. We are so grateful to have found Jeff, and our family and friends couldn’t stop raving about him.”
“I truly cannot say enough on how wonderful Jeff was to work with. His talents show not only in his pictures, but also his shining personality. He brings this energy that makes you feel confident, and at ease. He’s punctual, communicative, flexible, and takes his time to get to know you, your wedding party and the venue to make sure he can capture what you are looking for. We really couldn’t be happier sharing our day with him! I HIGHLY recommend Jeff Dose.”