The Wedding Photographer Checklist: A No BS Way to Ensure You're Not Left High and Dry

Whether you choose Stag & Bird or another option, before signing anything, ask your potential photographer these non-price-related questions:

So you’re about to drop a chunk of change on a wedding photographer. Great move. But before you go signing any contracts, there are a few things you need to get straight. Let’s cut through the fluff and get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s what you need to ask your potential photographer to make sure you’re not left in the lurch on one of the most important days of your life.

1. Are You Insured, and Can You Provide a Copy of the Certificate of Insurance (COI)?

Let’s get this straight: a wedding is a well-oiled machine with more moving parts than you can shake a stick at. Venues often require vendors to carry insurance, and they’re not kidding around. You don’t want to be the one left holding the bag because your photographer showed up uninsured. Ask for a copy of their COI (Certificate of Insurance). If they hesitate, or worse, can’t provide it, you might want to take your business elsewhere. Insurance isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s peace of mind. It means if anything goes wrong—whether it’s a spilled drink on their gear or an unexpected venue mishap—there’s a safety net in place.

2. Can You Show Three FULL Galleries with Different Conditions?

One gallery might look fantastic, but can your photographer handle the unexpected? Ask to see AT LEAST three full galleries from weddings shot under various conditions: bright sunshine, gloomy rain, and the kind of dimly lit reception that makes your phone’s flashlight look like a beacon of hope. You want to see that they’re not just cherry-picking their best shots but actually know how to deliver quality regardless of the situation. Because let’s face it—rain is a real possibility, and some venues could be darker than a moonless night. If your photographer can’t show a range of work that covers these scenarios, you might want to reconsider.

3. How Many Cameras Will Be on Site?

Here’s the deal: if your photographer shows up with less than two cameras, you’re asking for trouble. Weddings are unpredictable, and having multiple cameras on-site is crucial. We’re talking three to four cameras, each with dual memory cards. This isn’t just about having a backup; it’s about redundancy for redundancy’s sake. If one camera malfunctions or a card fails, there’s no scrambling to find a fix mid-event. Your big day deserves a fail-safe approach, and multiple cameras with backup systems are non-negotiable.

4. How Will You Store My Files?

You want to make sure your precious memories are handled with the utmost care. Inquire about how your photographer will store the files from your wedding. Look for multiple storage solutions—external drives, cloud storage, and a clear plan for data management. No card clearing until the photos are delivered is a must. After the wedding, files should be stored securely for at least 18 months. This gives you a cushion in case you need to retrieve or revisit your images down the road. The last thing you want is to have your memories at risk because your photographer didn’t take proper precautions.

5. What If There’s an Emergency?

Let’s face it—life happens. Photographers can get sick, have accidents, or face any number of unforeseen issues. Ask your photographer about their contingency plans. Do they have backup staff on standby? What happens if they’re unable to shoot your wedding due to an emergency? This is about ensuring that if the worst-case scenario happens, you won’t be left without coverage on your big day. Their response should give you confidence that they have a robust plan in place to handle emergencies with minimal disruption.

6. How Long Will It Take to Get My Images?

Patience is a virtue, but there’s a limit. Your photographer should have a clear timeline for delivering your images. We aim for under 12 weeks—because waiting six months for your wedding photos isn’t just inconvenient; it’s frustrating. Make sure you have a firm understanding of their delivery schedule so you’re not left in limbo. If they promise delivery times that are longer than you’re comfortable with, it’s worth discussing whether they can meet your expectations or if it’s time to move on (FYI: we delivered all weddings during fall busy season under seven weeks this year!!).

7. How Many Weddings Are You Doing This Year?

Experience matters, but so does personal attention. If a photographer is booked solid every weekend, you might be sacrificing the personalized touch for volume. Conversely, if they’re only shooting a few weddings a year, they might lack the experience necessary to handle the day-to-day chaos of a wedding. You’re looking for a balance: a photographer who is seasoned but not overextended. Make sure they have enough time and energy to give your wedding the attention it deserves without spreading themselves too thin.

8. How Do You Handle _____?

Fill in the blank with potential challenges: big personalities, drama, delays, or unexpected weather. A wedding is a live event, and things rarely go according to plan. Ask how they handle various situations that could arise. Are they experienced with managing strong personalities or dealing with delays? What’s their strategy if the weather doesn’t cooperate? Their answers should give you confidence that they’re prepared to handle anything that comes their way, ensuring that your day runs as smoothly as possible.

There you have it—a comprehensive guide to ensuring your wedding photography is nothing short of stellar. Nail these points down, and you’ll be well on your way to securing a photographer who will capture your day with all the professionalism and flair you deserve.

-Court

The Unapologetically Different Photographer

@stagandbirdphoto

www.stagandbirdphotography.com.