Questions I like to ask photographers whenever I’m booking a photo session:

When booking a photographer for a photoshoot, it's essential to ask the right questions to ensure you get the best possible service and value for your money. Here are a few questions I like to ask photographers when booking a special shoot with them.

1. Are you available on x date? If you already have a time/day in mind, this is the most critical question to ask.

2. What is your rate for xyz details of a shoot? I think pricing is one of the first questions that comes to mind when you’re booking a photographer. By the time you are messaging them, you’ve most likely already seen their website, social media and potentially read some reviews. At this point, it’s decided that you like their work; now it’s a question of working with your budget.
   
   A few notes on this question- including as many details as possible is always beneficial. Depending on the photographer you’re reaching out to, pricing can vary based on location, duration, and number of people- so sharing some of this info early on will help them get back to you with a more specific rate. 

3. What is the payment process like? Knowing when payment is due and if they require a deposit to officially set aside your date is essential. Most photographers will have an online option, so this should be seamless.

4. When can I expect the photos? This will vary a lot depending on the photographer and the season. Photographers during wedding season or holiday photo season, for example, may take a little extra time, so it’s always a great idea to know what to expect. 

5. What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy? This may already be included in the contract, but it’s always a good thing to reference. Things inevitably come up from time to time, so this is one of those good-to-know clauses; especially for shoots you’ve put a deposit in on. 

These are common questions I like to ask when booking a session, but always feel free to ask anything else that comes to mind. As a photographer and someone who’s booked shoots, I can honestly say that most photographers welcome your questions and are happy to answer anything that comes to mind. Of course, you may only be booking a session from time to time, so no one is expected to be an expert or not to have the occasional in-front-of-the-camera-nerves, so always feel free to ask away! 

You can visit my FAQs page for some common questions I receive from time to time.