What to Ask Your Photographer and Videographer

Planning & Advice

Preserving your wedding memories is so important which is why choosing the right photographer and videographer is a must. So, we’ve prepared this checklist of questions you should ask your photographer and videographer. All the essentials are covered – then, all you’ll have to do is spend some time looking at their work to decide if the style suits you and the type of celebration you want. 

Be sure to check the weddingsonline supplier directory for some of the most amazing photographers and videographers in Ireland and abroad!

It’s also worth checking their reviews and comments from past couples as well (you can find reviews on the supplier’s weddingsonline profile page). A large number of happy customers is what you’re looking for – because if there’s one thing you shouldn’t leave to luck is your wedding memories. After all, these photos can’t be re-taken, it’s a one-time deal.

So, here are all the questions you should ask your photographer and videographer, before you hire them:

  • Are you available on my wedding day?
  • Are you available for both my wedding and the reception?
  • How far in advance do I need to book your service?
  • Do you take a deposit, and how much?
  • Is a deposit refundable within a set period of time?
  • What payment methods do you accept?
  • Is there a payment plan option?
  • Have you worked with our photographer/videographer before? 
  • Do you offer a variety of packages, or can we pick and choose?
  • Do you offer a pre-wedding/engagement photo shoot, either as a trial, or as part of the package?
  • Do you also supply photobooths?
  • Do you work in a particular style, for example reportage/documentary?
  • How will audio be captured while filming?
  • Can we send you our favourite song to use in the video/as a background to the photo slide-show?
  • Can we see photos/videos of complete weddings you have attended?
  • Do you work alone, or will you have an assistant?
  • Can you arrange to have preparation photos/filming done while we’re getting ready at two different locations?
  • Do you (and your assistant) require a meal on the wedding day?
  • Can we book you for a specific number of hours?
  • Do you charge extra for mileage or for long weekends?
  • Do you charge overtime?
  • Have you worked at our venue before, and if not, will you have a chance to visit it before the wedding?
  • How soon after the wedding can we expect to see the first photos/film preview?
  • Can we have our photos on disc to use as we want afterwards?
  • In what format will our video be delivered, for example, DVD or Blu-ray?
  • Will you provide an online link we can share with our guests?
  • Are there any restrictions to sharing our photos and videos?
  • How many photos can we expect to have?
  • How long will our wedding video be?
  • Do you retouch the photos?
  • Can we ask for a video re-edit once we see it?
  • Can we ask for particular photos we’d like to be taken, or scenes captured?
  • What input would you like from us?
  • Can we ask to avoid being photographed/filmed from particular angles?
  • Can we arrange a ‘first look’ photo?
  • Can you advise on the best timings for photos and filming?
  • What happens if you fall ill?
  • What happens if your equipment fails? Or it rains?
  • Are you insured?
  • When is the final balance due?
  • What is your cancellation policy?

And remember, we have all other suppliers covered too, so find the checklists you need below:

Questions to ask your wedding planner

Questions to ask your wedding venue

Questions to ask your wedding cake maker

Questions to ask your wedding band or DJ

Questions to ask your hair stylist and makeup artist

Main photo from Kelly & Jake’s real wedding by Art Wedding Photography