15 Questions to Ask Your Senior Photographer

Selecting a photographer for your senior session can be tough. There are a lot of wonderful options out there and I want to make sure you have a perfect fit for your personality and style! Here are 15 questions to ask photographers as you begin the hunt. Each photographer will have their own set of answers (most of which can probably be found on their website). There aren’t really right or wrong answers to these questions, just what works for them. Use their answers to feel things out and see who you felt most comfortable with!

1. Do you select the location(s) of your photo session or does the photographer? If you choose, do they have a location guide to help you out if you are unsure at the moment?

2. How much experience does the photographer have? Are they able to show you examples of full galleries for you to see the full scope of their work?

3. What is the price of a session and what does that price include? Helpful hint: Make sure you understand their pricing. Does the session fee include images (prints/digital) or are those priced separately?

4. Some photographers offer packages. Are those packages clearly understood and are the prices clearly marked?

5. Are there any add-ons that you can purchase? This could be an album, a mini-movie, or additional images.

6. How do they store their images and for how long? Helpful Hint: Most have two sources, a physical hard drive and then cloud storage.

7. TO make sure all parties are protected, does the photographer have a contract for you to sign? Does that contract include information on cancellation/rescheduling policies?

8. Is your Photographer insured?

9. Does your photographer give you permission to print your photos via a print release? Do they ask for your permission to post their photos via a model release?

10. What is their delivery time and how will your images be delivered? Are both of these addressed in your contract?

11. What all is included in your session? This could be multiple outfits, a change of location, etc.

12. Do they have any previous client testimonials to help describe the client session experience?

13. How long do you have access to your gallery?

14. What is their stance on retouching? Do they charge for retouching?

15. Do they have backup equipment that they will bring to your session in case of an emergency?

There are so many things to consider when selecting your photographer. These questions will hopefully help you narrow down your selection. When the decision has been made, you will feel more confident in knowing that this photographer is one that will best meet your needs. See anything missing from my list? Let me know! I’d love to help others be even more prepared for their session!