With today’s technology and digital cameras anyone can seem like a good photographer. Professional photographers have unique skills and training in the artistry, they have the ability to see lines and light, as well as composition that most people do not even notice. Before you sign with any photographer, make sure your photographer is well-versed in creating beautiful imagery.

To help I have put together a list of critical questions you should ask prospective photographers before you make your final decision.

Who will be photographing the wedding?

Make sure the person you are dealing with is the actual person that will be photographing your wedding. There are a lot companies who farm out work or a commission to other photographers or worst yet Photographers in training, who may not have the experience or talent as the person you thought you booked. Always clarify exactly who will be photographing your wedding.

Are all your portfolio images from real weddings?

A new trend that some photographers are doing is to hire professional models for the day to do a mockup wedding photography spread. No doubt this leads to stunning images. But photographing a model is not like photographing a real wedding. Just check if the photographer will be able to produce the same stunning images at a real wedding under pressure. The best way to see this is to ask the next question.

Can I see only complete wedding albums?

Photographers pick their best images to advertise with, but to you need see their overall style. Make sure they can show you complete storybook albums. Be sure you actually see the products you receive in your wedding package not just great photos, that don’t show a complete story. Any confident photographer would be more than happy to show you a complete wedding album.

What steps do you take to protect my images?

They should have on-site and off-site backup of your images, or a fireproof safe on-site.

Do you have backup equipment?

This is a very important question equipment can fail at any time. Be sure they have backup cameras and lighting equipment.

How long after the event will the proofs, album, etc. ready?

Your photographer should be able to give you a timeline of how long it takes before you your proofs. How long will it take to design your album? How long will it take to receive your album?

What is included in the price?

Because packages often very, it’s unlikely that you will be able to compare vendors exactly to the next. The lowest-cost isn’t necessarily the best value. Some hire quotes include services that you pay extra for in other packages. Make sure you take this into account.

Your photographer should have completed products of exactly what you will receive in your package or collection. Be sure to ask, Is this the same product I will receive?

How long have you been photographing weddings?

There are a lot of photographers out there. You want one that specializes in weddings. A seasoned wedding photographer knows what is going to happen before it happens.

Do you have a contract?

If the answer to this question is No RUN. A wedding contract is designed to protect both you and the photographer. Make sure anything you discuss, including special agreements or deals is written in the contract. People won’t remember verbal promises made to you over a year ago, so make sure all details are clearly written in the agreement.

Do you carry liability insurance?

The answers to this question should be yes. This protects you in case of an unfortunate accident should occur on your wedding day. It also shows that this is a reputable business and not just a fly-by-night operation that it doesn’t protect its self or customers.

What happens if I cancel?

Find out if your deposit is refundable under any conditions.

Do you edit and do post production to the images?

Factor in how the images will look is there a post production that is employed. Be extremely careful many photographers do not post process to your images. They give you unfinished images straight from the camera. In this situation were not receiving a finished professional product.

Do I receive my digital images? Are they edited?

Many photographers these days include some or all of your images. If this is the case, be sure they clarify it in the contract. Many budget photographers just photograph and give you a disc, this may seem great, they promised hundreds of images but when it come to your wedding photographs quality beats quantity every time. Make sure that the images are at least color corrected and ready to print.

Do you offer engagement session? Is it included in the price?

This is important because, in order make the most of your wedding day photography, there needs to be some sort of rapport between yourselves and the photographer. A great wedding photographer will always deliver great photography, but their best work will be with couples where a relationship has developed.