With the invention and access of digital cameras, the photography industry exploded! There are so many photographers to choose from when you need pictures taken. However, not all photographers’ packages are created equal. It’s important to find out what you’re getting before you book with them. Here are important questions you need to ask!
How many pictures do I get from my session?
Some photographers limit the number of pictures you receive from a session and some don’t. Personally, my packages include 10 for a half-hour session with more available for purchase. Some photographers include all the edited pictures but there is a good reason for photographers to limit the photos though. By controlling the amount of pictures, they’re able to have more control over the time they spend in post processing so they’re not giving one client more time than another. Imagine 2 different clients: they both paid $80 for a half-hour session, but since family 1 was able to get more pictures in, their family photographer spends double the amount of time editing compared to the pictures from family 2. In doing so the photographer actually got paid less for their work from family 1 even though they originally spent the same amount as family 2. If the photographer limits the amount of pictures, not only can they have more control over what they’re getting paid, but they can also have a better idea of how to schedule their time and how many photography sessions they can take and turn around within a certain period. No matter which method your photographer uses, it’s important to know if there is a limit to how many pictures you are getting from your session.
When will I get my pictures back and in what form?
Will it be a week? 2 weeks? 4 months? Find out when you can expect to get your photos back and in what form. Do you have to also separately purchase a digital download or prints of your pictures? My clients get a digital download of their photos within 2 weeks.
How would you describe your style?
This is a little more subjective than how many pictures am I going to get, but it’s good to know the photographer’s style to make sure it matches up with yours. If you’re picturing your family photos very light and airy but the photographer you booked tends to shoot in a darker and dramatic style, your pictures aren’t going to turn out the way that you want. It’s not that a certain style is wrong, it’s that it can just be not right for you.
What rights do I have to my photos?
With my packages my clients get personal printing rights to their photos. This is exactly what it sounds like: they have the right to print as many of their pictures wherever they want for personal use. Some photographers don’t include any rights to the pictures. If you want copies, you have to order from them. Some photographers (probably inexperienced ones that don’t understand what they’re selling) include all rights to the photos, which means the clients could go and sell them if they wanted. Find out from the photographer exactly what you’re getting.
What if something happens, and we cancel?
If your photographer is like me, they probably do a lot of outdoor shoots. This means you can have beautiful light and scenery for your photos, but it also means that the weather can screw things up. Does your photographer have a plan in place in case you’re rained out? Do you lose your deposit or does it transfer to a rescheduled date? Is there a backup location in case you absolutely, positively have to have your pictures taken that day? I’ve been very lucky (knock on wood) that so far none of my sessions have been rained out, but I have had several clients cancel their sessions. If they cancel for any reason other than rain, they forfeit their deposit. Since my deposit is only $10, clients don’t make too much of a fuss over it, but it does act as a slight deterrent to just canceling left and right.
Are you properly licensed?
Various states have various licensing requirements for photographers. By making sure that you’re booking a licensed photographer you’re making sure that you’re working with a legal business and someone who knows their stuff. If you book with an unlicensed photographer you’re running a risk of something going wrong legally, financially, and professionally. If your photographer dodges this question or refuses to answer you should probably find a different photographer who’s on the up and up.
Make sure you know what you’re paying for when you choose a photographer. When you’re shelling out a chunk of money, it’s important to make sure you’re on the same page. Are there any burning questions that you found out that you had to make sure to ask your photographer? We want to hear about it in the comments below!
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