Contrary to popular belief, my first question would not be "What kind of camera/gear do you use?". The fact is, with the advancement of technology even today's entry level SLR cameras are capable of professional results (in the right hands of course :) ). In no particular order, here is a breakdown of what I would ask my photographer if I were shopping around.
1. How long have you been shooting?
There is nothing wrong with asking someone new to the art to take photos. Chances are if you have selected a photographer or two you like their work. I have known some amazing photographers that may have only been shooting for less than a year. It's ok to give someone a chance who is brand new. In some cases it works to your advantage because it can lead to a less expensive shoot.
On the flip side, sometimes you want the security of knowing someone has been doing this for a long time. When you only get one chance (like say a wedding) you definitely don't want to leave too much to chance. Typically the more seasoned photographers command a higher price, but they also can be relied on to get the job done right...the first time.
2. What do you do to separate yourself from other photographers (Why should I pick you)?
Like I said previously, if you've selected some photographers you like, there is a reason. Whether it's their shooting style, location choices, post-processing or whatever, you like them. It's very helpful to have them explain the process to you. It also helps solidify that they can achieve the same results with you. Having them answer this question definitely helps open the door to let them get the chance to tell you what they have to offer.
3. Do you have the capabilities to shoot low light without flash?
Undoubtedly some people looking at this are either getting married or might know someone getting married. This question is most important to them. Many churches where the ceremony is held either do not allow, or very much prefer no flash photography. It's a distraction for everyone involved. There ceremony in the church is a very special and spiritual part of the day. It definitely doesn't look good having a bunch of flashes popped off during the ceremony. This is where gear makes a difference. Entry level lenses just won't cut it here, this is where someone who has invested in their gear starts to shine. They can fire off those candid shots and capture the ceremony without anyone really knowing they are there.
The other part to this is at the reception. During the dinner there is a great ambiance that many venues put a lot of time and effort into. It's a time to enjoy dinner and socialize. Running around throwing bright light in everyone's face often leads to distracted guests who may not necessarily like being blinded for the next few minutes. Plus it really calls a lot of attention to the photographer and there may be some missed shots as people duck away from the lens. During the dances are a different story. Most DJs have a light show that goes on during that time, and an occasional pop of a flash for the most part will go unnoticed.
4. How much post processing is included with the price (for things such as acne, skin blemishes, braces)?
Post-Processing is not just dropping a cool filter on the photo to make it look like it was shot in the 1800's. It's a time consuming task to pull the very best out of your image. Believe it or not, some people do not offer post-processing, or they even may charge extra. The simple truth is all photos need to be "developed" after the shot is taken, just like film.
There is no "Click and Done" when it comes to my work. A typical wedding for me is 12-14hrs on location and another 40-60 hours of editing afterwards. A seasoned photographer knows there will always be a need for a little extra work to pull out the very best in your photographs. For me, I have color corrections to make, lens distortion to fix, maybe some acne or braces to remove...the list goes on. You've spent hard earned money on your photographer and it's our job to give you the best results we can.
Here is and example of the photo directly out of the camera:
Here it is after the post-production:
Which would you choose?
5. What is you process for prints and how does printing work?
What is the sense of hiring a photographer only to have your photos printed at the local 1 hour lab? Believe me when I say, there is an inherent difference. You can search the internet and find a lot of examples of Pro Lab vs less expensive labs. The truth is, it's very difficult to tell when you are only looking at one image. But when you put them side-by-side the differences start to become very apparent. All my prints come with a guarantee. All my prints are printed on archival paper. As long as they are in a frame (doesn't matter if it's from a dollar store or you spend $300 getting it done professionally) I guarantee them for 100+ years. The reason for the frame is simply because as people look at them and handle them , people have a tendency to warp them slightly (not on purpose, it's just a natural occurrence).
Conclusion:
You'll notice I never once asked how much they charge. Price is a concern, but for me not a top concern. I let their work speak and the questions I ask lead me to know whether or not the price they are asking is really aligned with their abilities. If I ask these questions and I get a response of....blank stares, an answer like: "Well I'm not really sure", or the dreaded "Ummmmmm", red flags go up and the conversation comes to an end.
The main point I am trying to make is, know your photographer and make sure they meet your expectations. These questions are to help you get a better understanding of what they can/can't do for you. Make the best educated decision you can on if they are the right fit for you. Ultimately you are the one spending the money, so spend it wisely.
