What to Ask a Photographer Before You Book (Even If You Don’t Know Anything About Photography)

A lot of people wait until after the event to regret the photos.I’ve seen it happen too many times. Someone books a “photographer” because the price was good or the Instagram page looked nice. But when the final photos come in, it’s a different story. Blurry shots. Missed moments. Bad angles. No editing. You can’t rewind the day. You’re stuck with what you got.

If you’re not into photography and don’t know what makes a good photo, don’t worry. You don’t need to become an expert. You just need to ask the right questions before you book.

Here are simple but powerful questions you should ask any photographer before paying a deposit:

1. Can I see a full album from a recent event?

Most people only show their best 5 to 10 pictures online. That doesn’t give you the full picture. Ask to see a full gallery from a similar event, not a model shoot or a styled session, but something real. It helps you see how they capture the full story.

2. Do you shoot in different lighting conditions?

Your event might run from day to night, or be indoors with bad lighting. Ask if they’ve shot in similar conditions. Great photographers know how to work with shadows, low light, or even rain. You want someone who can adapt, not panic when the lighting isn’t perfect.

3. What’s your editing style like?

Editing makes a big difference. Some photographers love bright and airy edits. Others prefer deep and moody tones. Some barely edit at all. Make sure their editing style matches what you like. If you’re not sure what you like, ask them to show you different examples.

4. Do you work alone or with a team?

If it’s a big event like a birthday or anniversary with over 50 guests, one photographer might not be enough. Ask if they work with a second shooter or assistant. It helps cover more ground and moments especially during busy parts of the event.

5. What happens if something goes wrong?This is important. Ask if they have backup equipment in case of technical failure. Do they have insurance? What if they fall sick on the day of your event? A professional photographer should have a backup plan for every situation.

6. When will I get my photos?Set expectations clearly. Some photographers deliver within a week. Others take up to a month. Ask about delivery time and how you will receive the photos; online gallery, flash drive, printed album? It matters.

You don’t have to know all the camera specs or editing tools. You just need to know what outcome you want and ask the right questions to get there.

Need a team that can bring your vision to life whether it’s for an event, photoshoot, podcast, or music project?

At Tebeba Media, we offer professional videography, photography, podcast production, music recording, and live streaming services tailored to your needs.

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Let’s help you create something unforgettable.