As a wedding couple deep into planning, you've probably done a search for "questions to ask your photographer" during the wedding process. And you probably came across the Brides.com article with that enormous list.
Well, I'd love to make the whole wedding photography thing a bit easier for you, so I've gone ahead and answered most of those questions below.
Availability
Is my wedding date available?
This is the most important question to ask because I can't be in two places at once (unless I clone myself, which is super difficult).
Will you be the one photographing my wedding?
I am currently the only photographer at Chris Ferenzi Photography, so yes, I will be photographing your wedding (along with a second photographer if that's included in the package you choose). However, I am considering offering the option for an associate photographer in the future.
How many other weddings will you photograph that weekend?
Zero! Photographing a wedding takes a huge amount of energy so I prefer to focus solely on one couple for the weekend. It's you, it's you, it's all for you!
Will you have any assistants with you on our wedding day?
I will have a second photographer with me if that's included in the package you choose. You can add a second photographer a la carte for only a few hours (two hours minimum) if you'd like additional coverage. On rare occasions I may bring a lighting assistant if I deem it useful, but that's on me and you wouldn't be billed for it.
Background Check
How long have you been photographing weddings? How many weddings have done so far?
I started shooting weddings part-time in 2007 and I went full time at the end of 2016. In total, more than 150 (the majority of which have been since 2017). I should do a recount but...I'm too busy taking pictures!
Do you often photograph weddings that have a similar size and style to the one we are planning?
Most likely! Although, if I haven't, I love a unique wedding and tend to perform best in new situations : )
Can we see some full wedding galleries from a few of your recent weddings?
Of course! I wouldn't let you hire me without seeing those galleries first!
Have you ever photographed a wedding at our ceremony and reception venues? If not, do you plan to check the venues out in advance?
See my venues blog link above. The answer is "Most likely!" Although, if I have not I will certainly scout it out beforehand.
Have you ever worked with our planner? Videographer? Florist? DJ?
I've worked with a lot of different wedding planning professionals in DC, so there's a good chance I have! You can see some of the wedding vendors I've definitely worked with here.
Style
How would you describe your photography style?
All the adjectives! Modern, geometric, unexpected, and inventive.
How would you describe your working style? Do you prefer to blend into the background to capture candid moments, or do you like to be more visible and take charge to choreograph images?
Candid, relaxed, laid back, and blendy most of the time, but I will become visible to provide light direction for portraits and challenging group photo sessions.
Do you photograph digitally? With film? Or both?
Digital all the way! Pixels are the best invention since film.
Pricing and Packages
What is included in your standard package? What add-ons do the more expensive packages include?
My basic package includes a single photographer (me!) and six hours of coverage. The larger packages include more hours, a second photographer, albums, and some secret perks!
Can I customize a package to fit my needs?
Definitely! In fact, I encourage it! Sometimes you need an engagement session, sometimes you don't.
Do you include engagement photos in your packages? What about pre-wedding events like rehearsal dinners?
Funny you should ask. I do in all my packages except for the base six hour package. But, you can add coverage a la carte if you wish. I'm also available for pre-wedding events at the hourly rate listed in your contract. That, and you may convert an engagement session into pre-wedding coverage.
How many hours are included in each package? How much do extra hours cost?
6, 8, 10, 12, ALLL DAYYYYY. My rate for extra hours varies (it's discounted as the hours increase) and will be listed in your contract.
Do you offer a photo booth?
I refer out to a few other photo booth vendors who can provide a great experience for you. You can see them in my favorite vendors list.
Do you offer retouching, color adjustment, or other corrective services? Are those included or an additional charge?
I color correct and apply the "Chris Ferenzi Photography" style to every photo I deliver. I also fix blemishes, stray hairs, etc. No extra charge for that.
Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?
I charge the federal mileage rate for any wedding more than 2 hours from DC. I'll also need lodging for the night for extended travel (I gotta sleep!)
Prints and Albums
Can we order prints or albums directly from you?
Of course! But know that you aren't required to.
What type of album do you offer? Do you provide assistance selecting images and designing the album?
I offer leather, faux leather, and linen bound albums in a variety of sizes ranging from 6x6" to 12x12" and I most definitely provide assistance with the design. So let me know what you have in mind and I'll do my darnedest to make it happen!
Are albums or prints included in your packages?
I include albums in my 10hr, 12hr, and all-day packages. However, albums can be added to any package if that's something you want.
How long after the wedding will we receive the images? How will they be delivered?
I deliver photos 8 to 10 weeks after the wedding. You'll receive them in an online gallery like the sample galleries you've seen.
Will we have the rights to the images?
I will retain the ownership / copyright. That sounds scary, but in reality it's not! I'll give you full usage rights so you can make prints, albums, share online, etc. The only stipulation is that you can't sell the images.
Will we receive the negatives and/or high resolution digital images? Is there a fee for that?
I generally take thousands of photos for an 8 hour wedding. Trust me, you don't want them all. Most of them have odd facial expressions, are slightly out of focus, etc. I go through the images and edit and deliver only the best of the best. I do not provide the digital negatives (RAW files). However, high resolution edited JPGs are included. I generally provide 50-100 images per hour of shooting, but I can't guarantee any specific number as all weddings are different.
Will the images be accessible online? For how long?
Your photo gallery is guaranteed to be online for one year after the wedding. In practice, the gallery is available longer than that until I need to reclaim the storage space! I recommend immediately downloading the gallery and backing it up to Dropbox or another online service of your choice. You can never have too many backups!
Logistics
When will we receive the contract?
As soon as you're ready to commit!
How much of a deposit do you require? When is it due?
I require an initial payment of $1000 and the remainder is due no later than one month before the wedding day.
Do you accept payments in installations?
Sure! I'm happy to discuss something if needed.
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
The initial payment is non-refundable, but the remaining balance may be depending on the situation.
Do you have liability insurance? Does it cover your assistants, as well?
Yes and yes! I have a $1,000,000 liability policy (which is required by most venues anyway).
Do you carry backup equipment?
Yep! I bring two cameras with me (at minimum), as well as backup lighting equipment, lenses, etc.
What is the backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for an unexpected reason?
I've never missed a wedding, but I've worked with a wide variety of other wedding photographers who'd be able to take over for me in an emergency (with your approval).
How will you and your assistants be dressed?
Business casual. Ties tend to get in the way of laying on the ground and moving around like a ninja. However, if you have specific preferences I'm happy to oblige!
Can we request a list of specific shots we would like?
You can give me a shot list, but I can't guarantee I'll capture them all. I'll request a list of group photos you'd like, but the rest is generally left to me. For example, I don't need to know that you want a photo of you two kissing at the ceremony : ) But please do let me know about any family heirlooms or important objects you DEFINITELY need captured.
Will you be posting about our wedding on your website and social media? Will you be submitting our photos to magazines or blogs?
Yes and yes! We can go over the the details in more...detail...once we reach the contract stage.
I hope this was helpful!
I'm Chris and my mission is to capture bold, modern, and distinctive photos for unconventional couples. I want to make you look epic, awesome, amazing, beautiful, and dapper – all the things you like and none of the things you don’t. Most importantly, I want to capture what makes you you.
If this sounds like you and your partner, I’d love to chat! Please reach out to me regarding availably and pricing. You can also e-mail me at chris@chrisferenzi.com.