Do you know all the details of your photographer’s contract by heart? How do they handle glare on glasses? What’s their favorite moment to capture during a wedding? There are tons of important questions you should be asking when you’re interviewing potential photographers. Since I’ve been knee deep in this over the last few weeks, I’d thought I’d share the list of questions I compiled:

1. Basic packages and pricing info – this is probably on their website, or at least a ball park is, but they should be happy to go over all the packages, including: how many hours you get, what kind of equipment they use, any other special requirements they have.
2. Pricing for extras – if you want them to come early, or need an extra hour, or want to do engagement pictures (or boudoir photos, woo hoo!) , you should know how much that costs.
3. Training – where did they go to school and how did they get in to photography? “Taking photos of my sister’s kewpie doll collection to put up on Ebay” is NOT an appropriate answer here folks.
4. How long have they been in business – I’m not saying new photographers don’t deserve a chance. They’ve got to get a start somewhere. But at the same time, if your photography is very important to you, you might want to go with someone a little more seasoned.
5. Their favorite weddings to shoot/most challenging – how will they overcome any obstacles at your wedding? Is there one kind of style they favor heavily over others? If they couldn’t deal with stress factors at other weddings, chances are good they might flake at yours.
6. Pricing on prints – if the photography package is reasonably priced, will you end up getting raked over the coals after when you want prints for parents and grandparents.
7. Length of time after wedding till you have proofs: will they be at your doorstep in 2 weeks or will it be 4 months? Set your expectations now so you’re not hounding them for some teaser shots the day you come home from your honeymoon.
8. Can you buy the rights – I’m getting all of our photos on a flash drive after the wedding with the rights to take them any where I please. This option is getting more and more popular, so if you don’t see it, ask!
9. I can haz Facebook? Can you upload the photos you love to your website or social media sites?
10. Can you see a full wedding shoot? My photographer leaves some of her print ordering galleries open, so I was able to stalk them and see every single shot she took at a wedding, not just the best of the best that she wanted me to see. I got a much better idea of how she works and what we can expect at our wedding.

What other good tips do you have for choosing a photographer? If I get some good ones, I’ll keep expanding the list!