10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Wedding Photographer

1.  The first question you should ask is to see the photographer’s business license.  I’m surprised that in 11 years of photographing weddings not one couple has asked to see my business license.  This is the easiest way to eliminate nonprofessionals.  I always keep my business license close at hand in case somebody asks to see it.  Another reason you want to ask about the business license is to make sure your photographer is honest.  If they are charging you sales tax and don’t have a business license, then they are dishonest and are only trying to get more money.
2. The next question you should ask is if the photographer has liability and equipment insurance.  You want to know that you are protected if someone in your family gets hurt by accidentally tripping over one of the photographer’s cables or equipment.  Your photographer should also be protected against theft or equipment damage.  A nonprofessional photographer without Equipment Insurance may try to sue you for damages if their equipment is broken by one of your family.
3.  Ask if the photographer you’re considering accepts credit cards even if you’re not going to pay with a credit card.  A photographer who takes their business seriously will have gone through the trouble to learn and set up credit card processing.
4. Ask to see a wedding from start to finish, every picture that was taken at one wedding.  This will give you an idea of what type of pictures the photographer will take during your entire wedding day.  If you don’t like what you’re seeing, then don’t hire that photographer.  It will also show you how competent the photographer is.  If there are only a few good shots, then that photographer is not a professional.  If they can’t show you an entire wedding, then you don’t want to hire them.  It’s a clear sign they are an amateur.
5. Ask for references.  A photographer who is good will have no problem giving you references.  They’re clients will be happy clients and will volunteer to give their reference.  Almost all of my clients volunteer to give a reference for me.  If a photographer you’re meeting with is reluctant to give references, then keep looking.
6. Ask for a list of photographers that will step in and take over in case your photographer is ill.  I am lucky to say that for 11 years I have never had to use my list of backup photographers, but I will always have a list just in case.  Ask for a printout of that list so you can check and make sure those photographers are also professional.
7. Ask the photographer if they have a money back guarantee.  A true professional will have confidence in their work and will have no problem offering a limited time money back guarantee because they know they will never have to give that money back.  They will work hard for you to create what you want to make sure you are happy.
8. Ask your photographer if they use a contract.  If they say no, then don’t book them.  Without a contract neither you nor the photographer have any protection.  Your photographer could accept your payment and then never show up to the wedding and you would have no legal proof of your agreement.  A contract also helps spell out what each of you expect so there are no misunderstandings.  If it is not on the contract, then your photographer may not honor what you agreed on verbally.  Always have your expectations in writing on the contract.  Ask if you can have a copy of the contract before booking so you can take your time and read through the terms and ask questions.
9. Tell your potential photographer who your other vendors are and see if they have worked with them before.  The more experienced a photographer is the more vendors they will have worked with in the past.  You’ll also learn the relationship your potential photographer has with these vendors.  Your wedding day is more likely to run smoothly if your vendors are familiar with each other.  You may also want to ask how many years they have been working as a photographer and if they work as a photographer full time.  There are a lot of weekend warriors out there who only shoot weddings on the weekends for extra money.  They may not be as serious about their craft has a photographer who completely depends on their wedding income.
10. Ask the photographer specific questions about past weddings they have shot to get an idea of how experienced they really are.  A competent photographer will have excellent ideas on how to solve problems you have planning your wedding.  They will have been to many weddings and seen many different ways of handling different situations.  For example, ask the photographer how they would solve a problem with exiting the church after the ceremony.  A photographer who has shot a lot of weddings will have many suggestions for you.  Perhaps your minister has told you that flash is not allowed during the ceremony.  An experienced photographer will know how to handle that situation and will have no problem shooting without flash.