Photography & Videography

From wedding photography to commercial video production, photographers and videographers document moments and create content across a wide range of styles and purposes for many different kinds of clients. This category covers professionals for weddings, portraits, events, and commercial projects of every scale.

What's included in this category

Wedding and event photographers, portrait photographers for family, individual, and professional headshots, commercial and product photographers, videographers for events and weddings, and commercial video production for business and marketing purposes across every industry.

Equipment and technical considerations

While the artist's eye matters more than any specific piece of gear, it's still reasonable to ask about a photographer's backup equipment, lighting setup for indoor venues, and experience shooting in the specific conditions your event or shoot involves, such as low-light receptions or outdoor golden-hour sessions. A photographer who asks thoughtful questions about your venue and timing in advance is generally better prepared than one who shows up without having discussed these practical details beforehand.

Reviewing a photographer or videographer's style

Look through a full portfolio, not just highlight images, to understand a photographer's consistent style and quality across an entire shoot or event, not just their best individual shots. Different photographers have distinctly different styles, so look for a style that genuinely matches what you want.

Booking for weddings and major events

Wedding photographers and videographers, especially well-reviewed ones, often book out many months to a year in advance, so start researching and reaching out early if you have a set date. Ask specifically what's included in a package — hours of coverage, number of edited photos or final video length, whether a second shooter is included, and how long after the event you'll receive final deliverables, since timelines vary considerably between photographers and can affect other planning, like ordering thank-you cards with a photo.

Drone and aerial photography

Aerial photography and video, captured by drone, has become increasingly popular for real estate, events, and commercial projects, offering perspectives that aren't possible from the ground. If this interests you, ask specifically whether a photographer or videographer is licensed to operate a drone commercially, since this typically requires separate certification beyond standard photography skills, and ask about local regulations that might restrict drone use at your specific venue or location.

Licensing music for video projects

Any video project intended for public use needs properly licensed music if it includes a soundtrack, since using copyrighted music without a license can create real legal and platform issues, including videos being muted or taken down entirely. Ask your videographer directly how they handle music licensing, since many maintain subscriptions to licensed music libraries specifically for this purpose, which keeps costs predictable and avoids these problems for both parties.

Editing style and turnaround expectations

Beyond the shoot itself, editing style significantly affects the final look of your photos or video, and different photographers have distinctly different approaches — some favor natural, true-to-life color grading, while others apply a more stylized, dramatic look throughout the final product. Ask to see full galleries rather than only heavily edited highlight images, and ask directly about typical turnaround time for final deliverables, since this can range from days to several months depending on workload.

Print and product options

Beyond digital files, many photographers offer physical prints, albums, and other printed products as part of or in addition to their standard packages. Ask about the quality of materials used for albums specifically, since print and binding quality varies considerably between vendors, and a photographer who prints through a professional lab typically produces noticeably better results than consumer-grade printing. If physical products matter to you, ask to see a sample album in person before committing to a specific package that includes one.

Model releases and usage permissions

If a photographer or videographer plans to use images from your session in their own marketing or portfolio, they typically need your written permission through a model release, and you should feel free to decline or negotiate specific terms if you'd prefer certain images stay private. Ask directly about their standard policy on using client photos for their own promotion, and clarify this in writing before your session rather than assuming a default arrangement that may not match your actual preferences.

Commercial and business photography

For product photography, headshots, or marketing content, ask to see examples of work for businesses similar to yours, and discuss usage rights upfront — some photographers license images for specific uses while others provide full ownership, which affects both price and what you can do with the final images across your marketing channels.

Questions to ask before booking

Ask about backup equipment and contingency plans, especially for one-time events like weddings where there's no opportunity for a reshoot. Ask about their process for selecting and editing final images or footage, and confirm payment structure and cancellation policy in writing before booking anything significant to avoid confusion later on.

Second shooters and team-based coverage

For larger events, a second photographer or videographer covering different angles simultaneously can capture moments the primary photographer would otherwise miss — a groom's reaction while the primary photographer focuses on the bride, for instance. Ask whether a second shooter is a standard part of a package or an optional add-on, and if optional, ask what specifically you gain from adding one for your particular event. For smaller, more intimate gatherings, a single skilled photographer is often entirely sufficient, so weigh this against your specific event size and priorities.