9 Questions To Ask Your Photographer Before The Photoshoot

Planning is a crucial part of a successful photoshoot. Whether this is your wedding day, senior photos, or a family photo shoot, these are very important memories you want to capture in the best possible way. Here are the 9 most common questions to ask your photographer before a photoshoot. This allows everyone to be prepared and that we are all on the same page.

1. Do you need a shot list? 

Some photographers prefer to get a shot list from the customer to make sure they know ahead of time what poses, groups, and locations are the most important to you. Dani Weiss Photography will always help you to prepare before the photo shoot and make sure the best outcome occurs.

2. How long will the session be? 

If this is a scheduled family photoshoot or a special occasion like a wedding or corporate event, you’ll need to know how long the session will take or how long the photographer will offer their services. The longer a session or event takes, the higher the photographer’s fee will likely be, so it’s important to plan this ahead of time so that everyone knows what to expect. This is something we always discuss with a client when they first contact us.

3. How do you handle payment? 

Always find out if there is a deposit due before the shoot or on the day of the shoot as well as when the full payment is due. It is possible that there will be additional fees if your time goes over the scheduled session. It is common practice in our profession to pay the photographer in full before the initial session happens. This is typical for photographers that are in high demand. We often need to reserve your date a year or more in advance.

4. Will you do the photoshoot yourself? 

Make sure to ask the photographer who will be handling your session. Will it be the same photographer you met with or an associate? Be sure you are getting the photographer you’re expecting and that you have met them or have seen examples of their work as well. At Dani Weiss Photography, my team communicates who you will be working with in advance so you know what to expect on the day of the photoshoot.

5. What will happen if your photographer can’t make it to the photoshoot? 

Find out what the emergency plan is, especially if the assignment is an important event like a wedding. Always be sure the photographer has a backup plan in case of emergency and they are unable to make it. With any larger event, we always have this in the contract in order to cover our bases.

6. What is included in the package?  

Ask your photographer what is included in your package regarding the amount of time spent as well as if albums are included. Find out if you will have the copyright to the photos in order to make copies and share on social media. It’s helpful to know ahead of time what to expect so that there are no surprises. Often times, we supply clients with smaller files that have our logo on them for use in social media. 

7. Do you offer retouching? 

Photographers sometimes retouch images when necessary. A photographer should always improve color and tonal quality. Ask whether or not these improvements will cost extra before you count on them being done. It is unrealistic to expect every image to be retouched. We always encourage clients to choose their favorite images and have them retouched when necessary.

8. Is there a fee for overtime? 

Ask what happens if the event or photoshoot goes over the original time scheduled. Will the photographer be willing to stay longer? Will there be an overtime fee that is higher than the original hourly rate? For events such as weddings, things rarely ever go according to schedule, and it’s important to know that your photographer will be willing to cover the extra time. At Dani Weiss Photography, we would rather plan for these scenarios and communicate in advance than be unprepared.

9. What do you need from me before the shoot? 

Ask your photographer what they need from you before the photoshoot takes place and when they need it. A well-established photographer will always ask questions before the event to allow everything to move smoothly. This way the photographer can focus on documenting the event with little interruption. We always make sure to let clients know anything and everything we may need from them well in advance to make their photoshoot goes as smoothly as possible.

Looking for a Professional Photographer For Your Event?

Whether you’re looking for a wedding photographer or a professional photographer for a family photoshoot, Dani Weiss Photography is prepared to handle your big day. With over 30 years of photography experience, Dani and her team have developed a unique style and ability to capture your loved ones in photographic memories you will cherish for years to come. 

Have some questions to ask your photographer? Call (206) 409-9982 to schedule your photoshoot or connect with Dani.