6 Questions Every Wedding Photographer Should Ask Before the Wedding Shoot

Booking a wedding as a Peoria, Illinois Wedding Photographer is always an exciting moment.  Among the first things professionals do to prepare for the big day, is gathering the tools they need to prepare for the shoot.  But aren't you forgetting something?  Going into the shoot, there is a list of questions you should always ask your client.  Asking these questions on your first sit down with the bride and groom will give your insight into the services they are hiring for and help you prep for the shoot.

What are your photography expectations for the day?

Every bride and groom dreams of the day they will be united with their soul mates, so trust when we say they have a vision of what they want the day to be.  From the venue, what they wear to the wedding pictures.  Don't be the Peoria, Illinois Wedding Photographer who clients wish they would have done better.  So, talk to them.  Ask them what they like, and want for their wedding pictures and their general expectations for their wedding photography experience.  The more specific they are about their expectations, the easier it will be for you to deliver.  If your clients ask to send you a shot list, welcome the idea, it will give you a better understanding of their expectations.

What is your story?

Every couple has one, and they are more than happy to share it.  As their Peoria, Illinois Wedding Photographer this would be a great way to break the ice and connect with them.  Come the day of the shoot; they will be more comfortable in front of the camera.  A backstory to their journey of love will also help personalize their photos and make them originally them.

At Kinard Photography & Wedding Films, we love to hear our clients' stories, by understanding you and your better half a little more.  We can develop creative and unique photography ideas to bring out your personalities in the fantastic photos we capture.

Do you have a budget for the photography services?

It can be uncomfortable to bring up the topic of finances, but one thing you should know is that your clients are prepared for this.  Anyone who expects to have their pictures and film captured on their big day has a budget for their Illinois wedding photography services.  However, how much one client is willing to splurge on their wedding snaps will differ from another.  Therefore, it is crucial to ask this way; you can present them with the different packages within their budget.

Are we on the same page creatively?

In any client-professional relationship, communication is key.  So, before the day of the shoot ensure you confirm that your clients know what they are signing up for when hiring you for the shoot.  Your style for photography and their taste and aesthetic preference should be on the same page.  You can bring some of your past work to show the couple to ensure your style is what they are going for in their photos and films.

If your clients expect a photojournalistic style of snaps under the sea of chandeliers and backdrop of the beautiful brick at the Silver Fox, you can bring similar work you have done before.  Present the beautiful pictures depicting the architectural walls with a modern twist at the venue and get a take on what they think.

Who do you want to be in photographed with?

Wedding albums hold memorable snaps of the bride, groom, their guests on their grand day.  Before going into the shoot, ensure you have sat down with the couple to get a list of who they want to get photos with on their special day.  The list of people does not always end with family, there are friends from college, college roommates, that friendly neighbor who became a family friend.  As much as these wedding pictures with the family and friends are essential, some of them could easily slip the couples' mind with the ceremony's hustle and bustle.

As their Peoria, Illinois Wedding Photographer, your job is to take the weight off your client's shoulders and remember these people for them.  You can create a list of their extended family, childhood friends and colleagues and remind them who they might have missed forgotten to get photographed with.  You will not believe how grateful your clients will be!

Do you need a second shooter?

Sometimes the couple may not think about a second shooter, but as the professional, you should ask them how big the event will be or how much coverage your clients want for the day.  It should help them determine whether a second shooter is necessary.  An extra set of hands would make your job twice as easy, especially when you are expected to be at two places in the event at once.  Knowing whether you will get an assistant for the shoot will give you time to find someone you know and can work with comfortably.

Here at Kinard Photography & Wedding Films, we will never miss any detail of your big day.  With every photography package you pay for, we offer not one but two shooters.  Suppose you are having your ceremony at The Trailside Event Center.  In that case, you can have a worry-free day knowing these experts will capture every moment in the beautifully set up ballroom and also the lush backyard if you are having an outdoor ceremony.  We will document each beautiful moment with your loved ones in high-quality photos.

Kinard Photography & Wedding Films we understand clients have different budgets when hiring a professional shooter for their grand day.  That is why we have photo and video packages suiting their preferred needs.  Before the wedding shoot, we have discussions at length with our clients to understand their wedding photos and videos goals.

We want your wedding album to be everything you dreamt of and worth every penny you spent.  Sounds too good?  Peak into our gallery and review the different approaches and style we used to capture unique shots for different couples on their special day.  With professional editing, we ensure your event's raw footage is edited to quality online proofs you can share with family and friend.  Reach us via, calls, messages and email we would love to hear from you how we can give you the ultimate photography experience.