Most 10 question articles refer to the most mundane questions…do you have a back up camera? What happens if you get sick on the wedding day?

While these questions are all important, most photographers are prepared for them. Remember, photographers meet with couples for a living and answering these types of generic questions is a part of the sales process.

Sales process? Of course, don’t ever forget that you are getting a sales pitch from a photographer when you meet with them. They are trying to convince you that their products, service, and photography is the best fit for your wedding. It is no different than any other sales process.

Here are some unique questions that can help you get a better understanding of the photographer and his/her personality.

We want to make sure we are comfortable with you taking our pictures before our wedding…can we schedule an engagement session prior to booking our wedding?

Working one-on-one with the photographer is the only way to know if you are going to be comfortable with him/her during your most important day. Getting a chance to have your engagement photos taken before signing a contract is a sure-fire way to make sure you are comfortable.

Most photographers will charge you (and they should, they are spending valuable time) to shoot you engagement session.

Narrow your choice down to two photographers and have an engagement session with both of them…compare the pictures and then make your decision. Ask both photographers if they will take the price of the engagement session off the wedding package price if you choose to work with them.

What is your worst wedding photography experience and how did you deal with it?

Asking your photographer about a bad experience can tell you a lot about their personality. Do they start ranting and raving? Do they start bad-mouthing a bride or her mother?

These simple questions should give you a good idea of how a photographer handles situations, deals with conflict, and reacts to situations under pressure.

What is the most important shot(s) during a wedding?

There are plenty of important shots during the course of your wedding day. Asking the photographer which shots are his/her most important or favorite will help you understand his style.

Once you get an idea of the most important shots in the photographer’s mind it will be a little easier to understand his style and help you decide.

Have you ever had a couple that wasn’t happy with their wedding photos?

The law of averages say that if a wedding photographer has shot 100 weddings, somewhere there was a bride that wasn’t happy or had a problem with their photos. Ask them if they can tell you about an unhappy bride and why there was a problem. You will be amazed to find out that most unhappy brides are unhappy with the personality of the photographer, not his work. This reinforces the point that you should be sure you are comfortable with the photographer before the wedding day.

What products and services do you offer after the wedding and what are the prices?

Most photographers offer collages, framing, touch up, etc… Ask the photographer ahead of time what you should expect when you get your proofs back Ask them how long it will take to create your wedding album if you ordered one, ask them about prices of frames…make sure you know exactly the prices are going to be after the wedding.

Can I see the proofs from an entire wedding (or two, or three)?

Any photographer can show you 15 great wedding photographs, but where are they from. Is it one photo from 15 different weddings…what about the other photos. Make sure that you see an entire wedding or two from start to finish. Make sure to ask the person that you are meeting with if they took all the pictures (did they have an assistant or second photographer at that wedding).

Seeing an entire photo album of proofs from a wedding will ensure that you the photographer can produce quality images for the entire day…not just one good shot to put in the portfolio.

Can I customize my package?

Most photographers have packages and they are guidelines for what they offer. If you are looking for something very specific, the photographer should be willing to work with you and build a custom package that suits your needs. Afterall, you want a photographer that is flexible and has your best interests and needs in mind.