Wedding photography questions for clients

Big days are big business for wedding photographers. But what should you ask your clients so everything runs smoothly and you provide them with their ideal pics?

It’s not easy to remember every question to ask, but without key details it could affect the quality of service you provide and make you less competitive. 

For example, you could miss crucial moments your clients want to capture on their special day or miscommunicate your fees which leads to confusion when billing.

To avoid any issues, we recommend key questions to ask to help get the right information. Don’t be left in the dark, highlight the priorities of your clients and deliver the photos they can treasure.

This guide discusses wedding photography questions for clients, which include:

• What’s their budget?
• How many photos do they need?
• Their point of contact on that day?
• Which group pictures do they want?
• What’re their expectations?
• How did they meet?
• Where’s their venue?
• Would they recommend you?

It will be a good idea to get to know your clients first. Being friendly and open might mean you get picked for your services over other photographers (it’s common for couples to speak to a few before they decide).

There might be some fun opportunities to create photos personal to them. That extra touch might make your service standout and leave a lasting impression on your clients.

Can they afford your services? You need to know whether they’ll pay your rate, or whether there’s room to negotiate.

Maybe you offer your services in different package options, for example:

• Full — photography onto USB Drive, in a book and film ceremony.
• Semi — photography on USB and a book.
• Basic — photography on USB.

If you detail the full package first, customers will know what they would miss out on if they choose one of the other options.

To protect yourself from liability if the clients refuse to pay after the wedding, ask if they’ll sign a photography contract. 

Contracts should include:

• Names — both yours and the clients’.
• Service — the photography packages.
• Fee breakdown — each fee you charge and deposit.
• Date — ceremony and reception.
• Advertising permission — to use the photos for your marketing.
• Signatures — both yours and theirs.

You need to know how many photos the client wants, so you can bring enough storage capacity (memory cards).

Ask for an estimation of when the ceremony starts and when the reception ends. It would be helpful to know the times and to get there early if you need to set up.

The couple might not have their phones on them all day, so your point of contact might be someone else. You should check in advance. It’s likely to be one of the following:

• Parents of couple
• Best man
• Head bridesmaid

If they have a wedding planner, then you’ll need to be in contact with them as well. 

Ask for their name and contact details so you can speak to them beforehand to ensure you’re able to work together. If you build a good relationship with the planner, they may recommend you for other weddings.

There’s likely some essential group photos that your clients would like, and these could include:

• Family photos
• Bridesmaids
• Groomsmen

You’ll need to know who they want in those photos as well, so ask for a list of names, checking who should be in each one.

Certain family members may not get along, or should avoid each other for whatever reason. Find that information out, to avoid arguments.

What clients expect could vary from wedding to wedding, so ask what they want exactly. 

Your clients may have some specific poses that mean something to them, that they’d like everyone to do.

There could be particular moments that your clients want you to capture so they can look back. Those could include:

• Their first dance
• Cutting the cake
• Their kiss at the ceremony
• Arrivals and departures

Find out where the wedding will be, both reception and ceremony. You need to know how long it will take to get there and whether you’ll have to arrange accommodation if it’s far away.

Different venues might have restrictions on photography, so ask if clients know of any beforehand. It might even be helpful to contact the venue yourself (they might suggest the best spots for photos).

You’re likely to be there all day, so will they plan to offer you food? If they won’t, then you’ll need to arrange a time to take a break.

After the wedding day is over, ask if they’d recommend you. They might know other couples who could hire you.

After a good experience, they may be happy to write a review for you. References can be helpful for marketing your services.

There may be a way to make a list of what went well and not so well, for you to use at the next wedding. In that case, why not send your clients a questionnaire to ask their opinions on the services. 

Now you’re set to provide your clients with the photos of their dreams, make sure late payments don’t get in the way of your business reality.

Countingup is a business account with built-in accounting software to make financial management accessible through your phone.

Its easy-to-use invoicing feature lets you create and send bills to your clients on the go.

Get started for free.

For more helpful tips for your photography business, see:

• Bookkeeping tips for self-employed photographers
• How to promote your photography business on Instagram
• How to create a photography portfolio website