Questions to Ask Your Photographer Before You Book

Booking a photographer is a bit like booking a hairdresser. You want to feel relaxed, you want to trust them, and you want to love the result. The best way to get there is to ask a few good questions before you pay a deposit. Here are the ones I think are worth asking, whether you are planning a family session, a wedding or a shoot for your business.

Questions about style and experience

Can I see a full gallery, not just the highlights? Anyone can pick ten great shots for Instagram. A full gallery shows you how a photographer handles a whole session, including the in-between moments.

Have you shot this kind of session before? Photographing toddlers, a busy wedding day and a product flat lay all need different skills, so it is fair to ask for examples that match what you are booking.

How do you guide people who feel awkward in front of the camera? Most of us do. A good answer here tells you a lot about how the day will feel.

Questions about the practical bits

What is included in the price? Ask how long the session is, roughly how many edited photos you will get, and whether prints or extras cost more.

How and when will I get my photos? Find out the typical turnaround and whether you will get an online gallery, downloads or both.

What happens if the weather is bad or someone gets ill? Here in Northern Ireland the weather has its own plans, so it is good to know the rescheduling rules before the day.

Questions about the day itself

Can you help with locations and what to wear? A photographer who knows local spots and can give outfit tips will save you a lot of stress.

How much time should we plan? For weddings especially, a clear timeline helps everyone relax and makes sure nothing important gets missed.

What do you need from me beforehand? For business shoots this might be a short brief or a moodboard. For families it might just be the names and ages of the kids.

Ready to ask me?

I am always happy to answer any of these, so please do not feel shy. If you already feel like we are a good fit, you can check availability and pick a date on my Book Online page. Planning a wedding? Have a look at my Wedding page too.