7 Questions Wedding Photographers Should be Asking Clients

This week on our vlog, we asked all the questions to local Wedding Photographer Maura Jane Photography
Now we are giving our wedding photographer readers the questions you should be asking YOUR clients. As crucial as it is to your customers to ask every question thinkable it is vital to have a discussion with your clients in preparation for their wedding day to finalize all of the details. Here are 7 important questions wedding photographers should ask your next wedding photography client (if they aren’t already).

1. What is your realistic budget?
Evaluating your client’s budget for your wedding photography services is essential. Even though you may think it is awkward to ask, it is essential that you know this since the budget will indicate to you whether or not you can take up the project or not. There is a whole range of factors that should be considered when evaluating your budget, and the price you set for your wedding photography package – one of which specifically includes the services that you are actually providing, and how big the event is.
2. How many guests are invited to the wedding?Knowing a rough number of guests that are expected to attend the wedding will help you to plan how you will approach photographing the event. It may also help you determine whether or not you need a second photographer or not.
In some cases, knowing the number of guests that are attending the venue will also help you determine the price that you wish to set for your services as it can significantly change the difficulty of the work that you carry out and your costs. 
For large weddings, an assistant might be of great use to you. One way of finding an assistant would be to strike a deal with another wedding photographer to become your second photographer, and that you become their second photographer at a wedding for one of their clients to return the favor.

3. What do you expect from your wedding photographer?Every couple will have varying expectations – so you’ll find that the answer to this question will vary greatly from client to client. Asking such a vague question can be helpful as you may find that they simply talk about wanting good quality photos, recommendations, and more. This open-ended question will allow them to explore their requirements in-front of you.
4. Do you have a list of certain poses and photographs that you specifically want to capture?Some couples will have seen the wedding photographs from one of their friends, or from a famous wedding online and may want to recreate a similar photo for their own wedding. It might help you if you make a checklist of all the poses, angles and moments that they specifically want to capture so you can make sure that you’re ready for them.
Additionally, it would be important to make sure there are any angles or shots the customers may not be open too, which will save time and energy later if the poses you plan for are not what the clients want.

5. Would you like to take some photographs prior to or after the wedding?The time that you’re able to spend with the couple before the wedding will not only help break the ice but also understand how they handle themselves in front of a camera so you can better manage yourself (and them) on the day of the actual wedding.

6. Will there be someone apart from the bride or groom at the wedding that will help me arrange things?Unless you’re photographing the wedding of a family member then it is almost certainly going to put you in some awkward situations when you are trying to get the attention of a group of people but they can’t seem to hear you. A member of the family, which isn’t as stressed as the bride or groom themselves, that can help you manage and set up the group photos, give you guidelines at certain moments and more is going to be invaluable in ensuring you can capture the best possible photographs. 

7. Do you agree to the wedding photography contract?Signing a contract with the couple is important as it will cover all of the details like budget, number of poses, total group photos and more. This is the time to ask the couple whether or not they agree to sign the contract or not. Once signed, both parties (you and your client) will need to follow the guidelines/legal agreement to ensure that you have a great time.
 
 
Good luck at your next meeting with a potential client and if you do end up asking these vital questions wedding photographers should be asking or find another great one we should add to this list – let us know in the comments below!