I'm back with part two of my "Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer" series! Today's subject: wedding planning administration. Enjoy!

1. Is my date available?

I probably should’ve led with this one. I definitely should have led with this one. Always lead with this one unless you’re willing to move your wedding date according to your desired photographer’s availability. (Which, by the way, would be quite the compliment!)

2. Do you charge a travel fee?

Your dream photographer may not live in your county, or even your country, and that’s ok! Just make sure you know their philosophy on traveling for shoots. For me, if you pay my travel expenses I’ll shoot your wedding wherever you desire! [For regional weddings I don’t charge within a two hour radius and charge $25 per hour of driving one way after that.]

3. What is your payment structure?

Every photographer is different here. Most require a deposit to reserve your date, some require full payment months before the big day, some set up payment plans, some are happy to be paid at the end of the event. Make sure you know not only the payment schedule but the best way for them to receive payment, and the best way for you to pay them. I require a $600 (50% of the base package) deposit with the rest of the money paid before I leave the wedding (preferably paid at the rehearsal) and am happy to set up a payment plan. I accept cash, check and all major credit cards.

4. Will a contract be provided and can I get a copy?

Every business transaction should have a contract to insure both parties are on exactly the same page. For each wedding I require a signed (by both parties) contract with the deposit, with a copy each for me and the couple.

5. Do you have insurance?

Much like having a contract, this one is important to ensure that problems, accidents and acts of God are covered. Some venues also require liability insurance from the other vendors for the same reasons. I have all of my equipment insured as well as hold liability insurance.

6. How would you describe your working style?

Bossy or laid back? Heavy on posing or primarily shooting candids? Depending on your personalities and comfort in front of the lens, you may gravitate towards one or the other type of shooting style. Personally, I have a pretty laid back approach preferring to offer basic interaction (not posing) advice allowing me to capture more authentic moments, but I am also perfectly happy to direct those huge family group shots when necessary.

7. Do you have an assistant?

An assistant isn't a necessity; it is possible to photograph a full wedding solo. However, it certainly isn’t easy! Particularly if you are taking sunset photos, it is handy to have an assistant to carry lighting gear. I’m really excited this year to not only add substantial off-camera lighting knowledge to my arsenal, but an assistant to my team as well!

8. Do you have a second shooter?

Similar to having an assistant, this one isn’t necessary, but it can be helpful, particularly at a big wedding. A second shooter ensures that you get ceremony coverage from multiple angles and different perspectives, important if you enjoy the documentary style and want a lot of images from the ceremony. While my basic wedding package only includes one photographer, I do offer the option of adding a second.
9. What equipment do you use?

Great photos come from iPhones; bad photos come from expensive DSLRs. But, while a good photographer can make any camera work, it's nice to have nice gear. Zoom and telephoto lenses can help the photographer stay inconspicuous during the ceremony, prime lenses can create beautiful bokeh as well as work great in low light, speedlights add extra light while remaining mobile and strobes create beautiful and powerful light to brighten even the darkest of nights. And having 2 or more cameras can be incredibly useful as it allows us photographers to use multiple lenses simultaneously without taking the time to change them, thus capturing the scene versatily.

I use 2 Nikon d750s with a 2.8 14-24, 2.8 28-70, 2.8 70-200, and 1.8 50mm prime. I also use Yongnuo speed lights, often with various shoot-through umbrellas, soft boxes and diffusers. These allow me to capture any scene at any time.

10. What happens if my event runs later than planned?

You don’t want to find out that your photographer won’t stay extra time until they leave before your grand exit. You also don’t want to find out on the day of that they charge an arm and a leg for extra time. These stipulations should be written in your contract. I personally would rather make sure that your day is fully covered. I charge $150 per hour of photography which can be added even minutes before my contracted end time. Extra hours must be paid before I leave the event.

11. Is it ok if other people take photos?

Your family and friends may have their own nice cameras or good phones, and they will of course want to document your day so that they can remember it and post about it themselves. Some photographers care about this more than others but the bottom line is that we as paid professionals are there for a reason: to document your day so that everyone else can simply enjoy watching the two of you promising your eternal love to each other. For me, it is generally ok for others to take their own photos as long as they are not directly in my way; there’s nothing worse than having the perfect moment hidden by someone else taking a snap on their phone. If you don’t want to worry about this, simply ask your officiant to ask the guests to refrain from photographing during the ceremony, or even have an unplugged wedding!

Stay tuned for next week's post on Photo Product Questions!