5. How much coverage do I need?
The length and flow of wedding celebrations tend to vary according to cultural traditions. Certain wedding traditions call for three days of celebration, while others mandate a tea ceremony early in the morning and the marriage ceremony in the afternoon. Talk to your photographer about what kind of wedding you’re planning, so you can make arrangements for appropriate coverage.

Wedding coverage typically starts with the bride getting ready, then moves onto the ceremony itself, followed by a photography hour, reception with grand entrance, toasts, dinner, cake cutting, first dance, father/daughter & mother/son dance, and then open dancing. This type of wedding typically only requires 5 to 7 hours of photography coverage. The difference in time variance depends on factors such as if the ceremony and reception are in the same or different locations, length of ceremony, and number of locations for the day. Helping to create timelines for our clients is a part of our services, so that we know we’re capturing all the important moments of the day.
Sometimes the couple may think that they would rather have a photographer who offers unlimited time or coverage to the end versus a photographer who is doing a specific length of time. Look at the quality of the photography. Understand that more coverage time doesn't necessarily equal quality coverage.

6. Can we get the digital negatives from our wedding? Is there an extra cost? When will they be available?
In the era of digital photography, many couples now expect to receive a disc of their photos in addition to prints. Let your photographer know up front if this is your expectation, and ask if there is an additional cost for the digital high resolution images. A photographer who offers you images that have not been adjusted at all (i.e., straight out of the camera) should raise concerns for you. Great photographers will want you to have a finished product: images that have been edited, cropped, and adjusted by a professional—whether those images are stored on disc or given to you as prints.

7. What kind of photography equipment will you be using? Are you insured?
While you may not know much about photography gear yourself, get an idea of your photographer’s setup. If it requires tripods and extra lights, you may want to discuss strategies for keeping the photography setup as unobtrusive as possible. Also, a good photographer will bring backup equipment to cover unforeseen problems.
Professional photography insurance should never be an option when looking for the right photographer; this should be mandatory. A real pro will carry insurance to protect themselves and their equipment at your event.

8. What if you’re sick or have an emergency on my wedding day?
Your photographer should have a backup plan if for any reason they’re unable to make it to your wedding. While highly unlikely, accidents and family emergencies do occur. Be sure to discuss your contractual options should this happen, so that you’re not left stranded.

9. Do you charge for overtime, and if so, what’s your rate?
Weddings rarely start or end on time, and it may be that during the course of your event something took longer than it was supposed to take. Discuss overtime with your photographer so that you don’t miss any important moments. This detail should be included in your wedding photography contract.

10. How will you be dressed at my wedding?
This may seem superficial, but if you’re planning a formal wedding you don’t want your photographer to show up looking like they’re going to a beach barbecue. A professional photographer will be dressed comfortably yet appropriately for your event.