10 questions to ask your photographer

for a successful photoshoot!

Whether you need a photo shoot, an indoor or outdoor portrait, photographic coverage for corporate or institutional purposes, or images for your event, choose a professional photographer that meets your requirements.
But it’s not always easy to find the right person to bring your vision to life.

Let these 10 questions to ask your photographer guide you in your search.

1 – Are you available as a professional photographer?

Are you organising an event (party, reception, team-building session, sporting event, press conference, etc.) and simply need to find a photographer to capture the occasion?
First, check your photographer’s availability. Whether you need coverage for a wedding, a corporate event or a portrait, professional photographers’ diaries can be booked well in advance.
Please get in touch as soon as possible to secure your preferred date.

2 – Can we meet up?

A meeting is a time for sharing, exchanging ideas and connecting.
This meeting provides an opportunity to meet your photographer for the first time and to understand their vision and their work. It also allows you to get to know each other and build a relationship of trust with the person who will capture your emotions.
This meeting is a key moment when the professional photographer will answer all your questions and you will learn about the full range of services they offer.

This discussion can take place in person, but all other means of communication are also welcome. Do you live too far away, or is your diary a bit too full? There’s nothing these days that can limit our contact: meetings can just as easily take place over the phone or via video call.

3 – What is your photographic style?

You should never select a photographer without first reviewing their portfolio.
You need to visualise, understand and appreciate their photographic style. It is important to review their previous work and to align with the type of images they produce.
Review their portfolio to assess the artist, their originality, their signature style and their talent. This will help you determine whether they are the right photographer to cover your event.

4 – What are your rates for corporate photography?

The crux of the matter… The question may seem a little abrupt, but it is necessary – indeed, it is of the utmost importance.
The photographer will first ascertain your requirements and grasp your expectations in order to propose the most suitable package.

5 – How will the photo shoot be conducted?

Have you never hired a professional photographer to cover your events, or have you never posed for a photographer before? Don’t worry – the photographer is there to guide you too. They will answer any questions you have about their work and how they can capture the best shots. Trust their vision and creativity.

During a photo shoot, a professional photographer captures and conveys emotions effectively. They work with light and other elements to create creative images that reflect your vision.

During a portrait session, if you’re not used to it, he certainly is. The photographer will put you at ease and guide you through the poses. Trust and a connection will come naturally. Live in the moment and let yourself shine.

6 – Do you work on your own or with a team of photographers?

Being a photographer is a rather solitary profession. But what should you do if something unexpected comes up? The date has been set; the photographer is unable to carry out the assignment. They need to be able to find a replacement at short notice.

Some assignments require several photographers and multiple angles. Therefore, you should confirm whether your photographer works alone or as part of a team, and whether they can recommend a reputable colleague.

7 – How many photos do you provide?

It is difficult for the photographer to state exactly how many images they will deliver. The number depends on the shoot and the time spent on location. Therefore, it is best not to fix on a specific number of images. As far as we are concerned, as long as an image is good and relevant, it will be included in the selection.

8 – How long will it take to receive the images I have ordered?

Once the event is over, you want to relive those moments as soon as possible by looking through the photos. You are eager to see the images so you can show them off and share them – and that is perfectly understandable.
The timeframe varies greatly depending on the type of assignment, but photographers’ responses are consistent: as soon as possible.
In some cases, you can receive a few photos on the same day and a small selection the following day. However, you may need to be patient to receive the full selection of photos. Taking the photos is only a small part of a photographer’s job. After the shoot, the photographer edits and retouches the selected images. Therefore, delivery time depends mainly on the professional photographer’s workload in post-production. The wait is worthwhile.

9 – In what format will I receive the photos?

With digital photography, anything is possible!
The photos taken by your photographer can be delivered by email via a WeTransfer link, by FTP, through an online gallery, on a USB stick, or as prints. The choice depends on your preference.

The same applies to file sizes. The choice is yours. It is advisable to receive the photographic coverage in high definition, but you can also request additional images in a lower resolution, as these are better suited to the internet and social media.

10 – Can I use the images as I wish? What rights do I have over the photos?

When you hire a photographer, discuss how you intend to use the images. The fee may vary depending on the intended use. Will the photos be used for commercial purposes? Are they for personal keepsakes, or do you plan to publish them on a website? What rights do you have over the images captured by the photographer you have hired?

It is therefore essential to discuss this with the photographer to establish to what extent you are willing and able to share the images. Conversely, clarify how and where they will be able to use photos of your event (on their website, social media, etc.).

As you’ll have realised, choosing a photographer is, above all, a matter of chemistry – finding a style of photography you like, along with a few technical details 😉
Find your professional photographer through our network of professionals in Wallonia, Brussels, Belgium and Luxembourg. We’re here to help with all your needs and to capture all your special moments in photos.

Share your vision with us.