Wedding Photography Questionnaire

Wedding Photography Questionnaire

I understand this form is lengthy, but I promise that it's worth your time. Please take some time to complete it so that I have as much information as possible. Some of the questions are standard, and others I just find to be incredibly relevant. They're in depth, and will help with my prep. If you run into a question that you simply don't know the answer to, or are unsure about, we can discuss it during our consultation. This is NOT our contract. It's a very important questionnaire that will provide us both with some brain food for our consultation. It'll also stimulate the senses! As always, please feel free to contact me directly if you should have any questions. - Jon
How did you hear about Grand Archive Photography?*
Event Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Ceremony Time

:HourMinutesAM/PM Option
Reception Time

:HourMinutesAM/PM Option
Estimated Number of Guests*
Bride*

First NameLast Name
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail*
example@example.com
What address do you want your final products to be sent to?*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Groom*

First NameLast Name
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail*
example@example.com
Additional Wedding Day Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
Is text okay?

YesNo
Family and Wedding Party

Part of my process is understanding who the people closest to you are. Also, every now and then if a situation calls for it - I may call on someone for a quick impromptu photograph.
Total number of people in your wedding party: (groomsmen and bridesmaids)
Bride's Intermediate Family: Name & Relationship
Groom's Intermediate Family: Name & Relationship
Maid of Honor

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
Best Man

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
Names of all Bridesmaids
Names of all Groomsmen
Names and ages of Ring bearer(s) and Flower girl(s)
The Details

We'll start out with some elements we can find in traditional American weddings.
Ring Exchange Ceremony?

YesNo
Unity Candle Lighting?

YesNo
First Dance?

YesNo
Father/Daughter Dance?

YesNo
Mother/Son Dance?

YesNo
Best Man Toast?

YesNo
Maid of Honor Toast?

YesNo
Additional Toasts or Speeches? Please provide details.
Cake Cutting Ceremony?

YesNo
Bouquet Toss?

YesNo
Garter Toss?

YesNo
Grand Exit? (Sparklers, Bubbles, Flowers, etc.)
Let's dig a little deeper.

Please tell me some of what you have in mind for your wedding. Will you incorporate traditional elements, start your own or maybe a hybrid of both?
Will the Bride and Groom see each other prior to the wedding?

YesNo
Will there be an exchange of cards/gifts between you and your partner prior to the ceremony? When, where and who will be presenting them?
Please provide the details of your preparation, start/end time and address (if applicable).
Will there be any special traditions taking place on your wedding day? If so, please explain.
Will there be any unique events happening at the wedding that I should be made aware of?
Are there any restrictions or guidelines at your ceremony or reception venues that I should know about?
The Vendors and Venues

Planning and coordination are good things, and so is courtesy. I like to reach out to the vendors. Not only do we get to introduce ourselves to each other, but I also kindly remind them that their setups are going to be photographed. This is usually another incentive to make sure their presentations are in tip top shape!
WEDDING PLANNER
Company Name if Applicable
Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
OFFICIANT
Church/Institution/Organization
Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
CEREMONY VENUE
Church/Institution/Organization
Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
RECEPTION VENUE
Church/Institution/Organization
Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
Musician/DJ
Company if Applicable
Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
CATERER
Company Name if Applicable
Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
VIDEOGRAPHER
Company Name if Applicable
Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
FLORIST
Company Name if Applicable
Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
HAIR STYLIST
Company Name if Applicable
Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
MAKEUP
Company Name if Applicable
Contact Person

First NameLast Name
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail
example@example.com
Bride's Wedding Attire: (Dress, Accessories - were they purchased, gifted, handmade and by whom?)
Groom's Wedding Attire: (Suit, Tux, Accessories) Were they purchased, gifted, handmade and by whom?)
Meal for Photographer and Assistant

Wedding photography is incredibly demanding for the photographer and assistant. There may only be a couple of small windows of opportunity for us to have a meal. There are mixed feelings about providing a meal for a wedding photographer. According to TheKnot.com and Brides.com, your photographer is with you every step of the way so it is certainly encouraged. Grand Archive Photography does not demand or ask to be included in the headcount, but it is certainly appreciated. If you cannot provide meals for the photographer and assistant, please let us know and we will gladly bring our own meal or go off-site if there is place close by. All is awesome either way! :-)
Are Photographer and Assistant included in head count?

HeadcountBrings own mealSeparate meal
Reminders (Super Important)

Plain and simple - the following reminders allow for better photographs. The following are some things we can both start thinking about early on. We can both discuss and work on them together. :-)
As you're getting ready, please remember have the following items in the Bridal Suite for your Photographer to photograph:

(Find a great place, but if you need help - I've got your back!)

1. Dress Hung

2. Jewelry

3. Shoes and Accessories

4. Bridal Bouquets

Please Note: It is most common to have the Bridal Party and Mother dressed and ready before the Bride so that they can help assist the Bride into her dress.
Please have the following items in the Groom's Suite for your Photographer to photograph:

(Find a great place, but if you need help - I've got your back!)

1. Grooms Tux

2. Cuff Links

3. Shoes

Please Note: It is most common to have the Grooms Men and Father of the Groom Photographed while the groom is adjusting his tie and putting his cuff links on. Please inform the Grooms Wedding party and father that they will need to be ready and at the Grooms suite by the above time.
Bridal Party Wedding Attire (Same as Above): If there are any unique details, please provide.
If the time of day allows, please allow at least 20 minutes for the Bride and Groom to have Romantic Sunset Portraits taken. (No Spectators will be allowed at this time.) This time is set aside for the Bride, Groom, Photographer and Assistant only.
CONSULTATION

Our consultation is conversational at first, but then I dig deeper so that I can get to know you better. This helps me understand the things that are most important to you. - Also, our conversation is an action plan. We get to set the foundation together and do a walk-through of your event. Many times, my clients walk away with fresh ideas and perspectives. We will also review the questions you've answered here and make any necessary updates.
We will cover the Wedding Contract and Agreement at the consultation. The list below includes some of the items we will be covering.
- Reservation
- Pre-Event Consultation
- Cooperation
- Shooting Time / Additions
- Venue Rules
- Digital Negatives, Prints and Copyrights
- Model Release
- Exclusivity
- Cooperation
- Completion Schedule
- Purchases
- Penalty Fees and Charges
- Right of Withdrawal
- Limit of Liability
- Performance
- Amendments
- Signatures
My Style and Approach to Wedding Photography

I cover events and weddings with a photojournalistic approach. I get in a zone and become committed to the story in front of me. I want to document it, and archive it for my clients. My style can best be described as a fusion of Classic Color Photography, Classic Black and White Photography and Art Photography. I view each photograph as an individual piece of art. There's no question that it's been taken with a purpose, reviewed and edited with the utmost respect towards my craft. Please rest assure that your collection is being worked on with passion, hard work and pride.
My gear, AKA - Photography Equipment

Wedding photography requires dedication, skills and talent, but having the right equipment is crucial for sharp and well-composed images that depict people at their best. Here’s a basic rundown of some gear I keep in my arsenal. We'll go over this more in detail during our consultation. In case it's on your mind - YES, I always carry backup equipment!

My photography gear includes, but is not limited to the following:

CAMERAS:
- Canon 5D Mark IV
- Canon 5D Mark III
LENSES:
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom
- Canon EF 24‑70mm f/2.8 L II USM Standard Zoom
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Prime
FLASH/LIGHTING:
- Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT
- Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT
Tips, Ideas and more Reminders

Of course weddings come with a certain degree of stress, but I've got your back. Here are some things to consider on your wedding day. If you have not hired a Wedding Planner, you may want to delegate some of these tasks to one or more of your most trusted people in your inner circle.
1: Tidy up

It's easy to overlook plastic wraps from dresses and accessories, empty carboard boxes or miscellaneous items on the floor. Whether it's in the bridal suite, on the reception floor or in other spaces, trash on the floor or on furniture is never a good thing. I advise my clients to delegate this task to someone that will make sure the spaces are tidy. Clean and clear spaces are beautiful and photographs and add an open and comfortable vibe for your guests.
2: Break your shoes in.

Obviously, a pair of worn shoes are always more comfy. Break your shoes in or bring or bring an alternate worn pair, but make sure to keep your new shoes close for any traditions that involve showing your shoes like the garter toss.
3: Give yourself as much time as possible to get ready.

This is your wedding day. Of course there's a lot going on, but if you've prepared well and delegated the right job to the right people, then you'll have many things already taken care of on your wedding day.

Easier said than done? Check out the rest of my tips and tricks for to prepare for and reduce stress and anxiety on your wedding day. I'll be adding a section for this on my website soon!
Final Note:

I'm working on something big for my brand. I want to put the magic back in professional photography, and to create lifelong customers. Putting together a wedding is no easy task, but with good preparation, we can have a great time along the way, and get amazing results. Thank you for choosing Grand Archive Photography, and thank you for your business. Let's do it! - Jon
Should be Empty:

Wedding Photography Questionnaire

Family and Wedding Party

The Details

Let's dig a little deeper.

The Vendors and Venues

Meal for Photographer and Assistant

Reminders (Super Important)

CONSULTATION

My Style and Approach to Wedding Photography

Tips, Ideas and more Reminders

Final Note: