What to Ask When Hiring a Wedding Photographer

Here at Aura Marzouk Photography, we feel it is important for all couples to have the opportunity to make an informed decision regarding their choice of wedding vendors. This list of questions was created in an effort to make the process of choosing the right photographer for your wedding a little bit easier, and possibly to provide some valuable inside information about the world of wedding photography.

·       Do you work with a second photographer or an assistant?

This is a very important question. In years past, wedding photographers usually came to the wedding alone with a few rolls of film and took mostly posed formal portraits. Today most wedding photographers work with a second photographer or an assistant, or at least have the option of adding a second photographer to the wedding package. It is important to ask if this second person will be an assistant (who carries things, straightens dresses etc.) or a second photographer who is an experienced photographer who also shoots photographs at the wedding, usually from a different angle with a different approach. This second photographer may offer another perspective to your wedding day and catch little details that may not be possible for a single photographer to capture. Although the main photographer should always have the ABILITY to shoot a wedding alone, it is often an added value to have a second photographer there as well. At Aura Marzouk Photography, each and every wedding package includes a very talented and capable second photographer.

·       Are all of the photos on your website taken by the business owners?

This seems like a given. If a wedding photographer has a website advertising their services, all of the images should have been taken by them, right? Not always. I have first-hand knowledge that this is not always the case. Sometimes if a photographer hires a second photographer or outsources a wedding (which we will address later) the first photographer will take images by the second one, affix their logo to them, and post them on their websites and even in print ads. Sometimes these second photographers are interns, apprentices, or other small business owners who are looking to fill some calendar dates or make some extra cash. This is an issue I take very seriously, and I never, under any circumstances, use another photographer’s photos on my website, or print ads. If I include a photo taken by my second shooter in blogs or on social media, I always give proper photo credit. Every photo used to advertise Aura Marzouk Photography was photographed by Aura Marzouk.  

·       Who will be shooting my wedding?

Well, that seems like a no-brainer. I hire Jane Doe Photography; Jane Doe will be there, right? Not necessarily. Read your contract, and ask questions. Just because the photographer’s name is on the website doesn’t mean he/she will be working it. Many photographers have begun outsourcing their weddings. What does that mean exactly? Well, they book you, sign a contract with you, and then hire another photographer to shoot the wedding. Now we all have backup plans— someone we trust and can count on if an emergency arises to step in and shoot the wedding. What I am talking about is outsourcing: double-booking dates and sending someone else out to shoot the wedding .Sometimes you pay big money for a great photographer and end up with something average or maybe even less than average. If you see a photographer you love, make sure you are getting THAT photographer. I personally never outsource or double book. Unless there is a life threatening emergency, I will be there.

·       What type of lighting experience do you have?

This is a huge one! Photography is all about light! Make sure your photographer has experience with your type of lighting situation. For example, are you having pink up-lighting, a sparkler exit, maybe a dark church where flash is not allowed? So many lighting obstacles are overcome by wedding photographers every day. Knowing how to photograph in various lighting situations will make all the difference in your photos. Make sure your photographer has experience with your lighting situation, and ask to see some examples to make sure it fits your vision for your wedding.

·       Can I see a full edited wedding?

So many photographers post beautiful bridal portraits on their websites—pretty girl, lovely venue, perfect image. Well, what did the rest of the wedding look like? Make sure that your photographer doesn’t just take nice pictures of pretty brides, but can competently cover the whole wedding day. Ask to see a full wedding package that was delivered to a customer. I always offer to show my potential clients a full wedding day. By showing exactly what I produce, from the start of the day to the exit, my clients can make an informed decision about hiring me.

·       Do you have backup equipment?

All professional wedding photographers should have lots of backup equipment and should be insured. Imagine on your wedding day: a camera breaks and a photographer comes to you and says, “Sorry, I can’t shoot your wedding, my camera is broken.” What a nightmare! All quality professional photographers know how important backup equipment is, and if photographers you interview reply “no” to this question, it is time to show them the door. Aura Marzouk Photography carries insurance, and every photographer is equipped with plenty of backup equipment.

·       How many hours of coverage do I need?

This one depends on you, but make sure to get advice from your photographer. I have learned that many brides think they need only 6 hours of coverage in their package. Sounds like a lot at the time, but it’s not. Wedding days are very busy, and time goes by so quickly. If you plan to get photos of the getting-ready process, the dress before it’s put on and while it’s being buttoned, all the way to the exit you will need a lot more than 6 hours. I have discovered that 9 to10 hours is usually closer to the amount of time for an average wedding, some up to 14 hours. Always overestimate the time you may need, and ask for your photographer’s advice.

Aura Marzouk is a full-time professional wedding photographer based in Greensboro, NC

www.theampstudio.com ~ (336)899-8919 ~ aura@theampstudio.com