I'm Eric Goldstein, a Boca Raton wedding photographer. If you're comparing photographers, these are the questions I'd ask. Where I can, I've added my own answer so you can see what a straight one looks like.
Coverage
1. How many hours are included, and what happens if the day runs over?
Mine run from 6 to 10 hours. If the schedule changes and I can stay, extra hours are billed at the rate in your contract. Here's how to work out the hours you need.
2. Will you be the one photographing my wedding?
With me, yes. You book me, you get me, from the first call to the final gallery.
3. Do you work with a second photographer?
Most weddings I shoot on my own. A second photographer is a paid add-on for larger weddings or when two rooms need covering at once.
4. Do you shoot video and drone too?
Yes. I shoot photo and video at the same time, and I fly a drone when the venue and weather allow. One person means one consistent look across the whole day.
Style and Experience
5. How would you describe your style?
Documentary with an editorial eye. I'm there to photograph your day as it happens, and I handle formal portraits and family groupings properly. I wrote more in what documentary wedding photography is.
6. Have you photographed at my venue?
It helps. A photographer who has worked a venue knows where the light falls and where the quiet corners are. I keep a list of venues I've photographed.
7. Can I see a full gallery from a real wedding?
Ask for one. A highlight set shows a photographer's best frames. A full gallery shows what you'll receive.
Deliverables
8. How many photos will I get, and how long will it take?
A full wedding day typically comes out to 600 to 900 edited images. You get a sneak peek within 48 hours and the full gallery in 4 to 6 weeks.
9. Are all the images edited?
Mine are. I edit every image myself and don't pad the gallery with duplicates.
10. Do I get a print release?
Yes. It's included in every package, so you can print, frame and post your photos without a licensing fee. More on this in do wedding photographers give you the RAW files.
Business
11. How much is the retainer, and what does it cover?
Mine is a percentage of your package, applied to the final balance. It's non-refundable, because it reserves your date. Contract and retainer together hold the date.
12. What happens if you can't make it?
Ask every photographer this one. A good answer is specific: who steps in, how that person is chosen and what you're told.
13. Do you carry liability insurance?
Many venues ask vendors for a certificate of insurance before the day, so ask before you sign.
14. Is the final price in writing?
Get the package, the hours, the add-ons and the fees in your contract. If a quote leaves anything out, ask about it before you book. Here's what a wedding photographer's price depends on.
Common Questions
What should I ask a wedding photographer before booking?
Ask about hours of coverage, who will shoot your wedding, a second photographer, video and drone, style, experience at your venue, how many edited images you'll get and when, the print release, the retainer, a backup plan and insurance.
How do I choose a wedding photographer?
Look at full galleries from real weddings instead of highlights, and check that the style matches what you want. Then compare quotes on hours, edited images, the print release and what's added on top.
Should I meet my wedding photographer before booking?
Yes, even by phone or video. You'll spend most of your wedding day with this person, so you want to feel comfortable with them.
Do wedding photographers need to be insured?
Many venues require vendors to carry liability insurance and provide a certificate before the wedding. Ask your photographer and your venue early.
Planning a South Florida Wedding?
Send me your date and venue and I'll tell you if I'm free. Get in touch here.