I talked on my Instagram Stories last week about how this is the booking season for photographers and also Four Things to Consider When Booking Your Wedding Photographer. Because of this, I wanted to share in a little more detail on how to inquire with a photographer.

So, you’ve found your photographer, you did your research and you found the one you want to book… but what is the process? I’m going to the process of how to inquire with a photographer.

• If you are looking to inquire, the best way is to find your way to the photographer’s website. This helps save a step on your end and also on the photographer’s end and that we’re not just saying, “Hey, head to the website.”

• Once you head to the website one thing that I think is so crucial is knowing your price range ahead of time. This can save a lot of time for you as a potential client and also for the photographer. This way we’re not responding to clients that already know they’re not in the price range. One way you can find whether or not you’re in the price range is to search the website. Websites are meant to be helpful and informative! On my website personally I do list my starting investment cost (which is often listed under a tab called, “details”, “Information”, or “Investment”. I welcome all and any potential clients to search my website. I put a lot of time and energy into helping answer your questions and learn more about my experience!

Email is the best method of contact.

• For me personally, I prefer email. When I receive a direct message through Instagram I will always redirect the client through my website to the contact form. However, if it’s not a wedding inquiry then I will have the client just send me a direct email. Either way, it is all still being funneled through email. This helps me to have my inquiries organized and I’m not double-booking anything!

• Another reason why I love why email is because it’s also more efficient than Instagram messaging. I can collect all the information that I need upfront to see if the wedding is a good fit. I love getting to know my potential clients because it’s how I build client relationships. Email is also best because that’s how I send my pricing guide which is ultimately what the client is looking for!

• Lastly, OK, so you’ve found the photographer you want to book with. You have also found their price range on their website and you’re ready to move forward. So go ahead and fill out the contact form (fill it out completely; the more details the better!). This helps us on our end to read over the information and understand the potential client that we could be working with and just have a little more information to work with from the start.

Final thought: An inquiry does not mean booking.

An inquiry is just finding out more details if the photographer is available or if they are a good fit. Once I receive an inquiry, then I send out a questionnaire getting to know the couple better, what their dreams are for their wedding day and my pricing guide! Only after that point when the clients are ready to move forward, it becomes a booking! If they decide to book then that moves the process into the contract and collecting the nonrefundable retainer! If they choose to go the other way, no harm no foul because nothing was secured and it was just simply an inquiry!

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