The Right Questions Save Time and Sessions
A good pre-session questionnaire does three things: collects the information you need to prepare, sets client expectations, and makes the client feel heard. A bad one asks too many questions or the wrong ones.
Here are questionnaire templates for the most common photography types. Build them in creavio under Settings > Questionnaires.
Wedding Questionnaire
Send 6-8 weeks before the wedding.
Questions
- Wedding date, ceremony time, and venue name
- Reception venue (if different)
- Getting-ready location for bride and groom
- Wedding coordinator name and phone number
- DJ/band name and phone number
- Officiant name
- How many bridesmaids and groomsmen?
- Family group photo list (who must be in formal family portraits?)
- Are there any family dynamics we should know about?
- Special moments you want captured (first look, shoe game, sparkler exit)
- Anything you specifically do NOT want photographed
- Will there be a videographer? Name and contact.
- Do you have a Pinterest board or reference images for style?
Portrait / Family Questionnaire
Send immediately after booking.
Questions
- How many people in the session? Names and ages of children.
- Location preference: studio, outdoor (specific location), or let you choose
- Are there clothing colors you plan to wear? (Share your style guide link)
- Is there a specific reason for the session? (Holiday cards, milestone, just because)
- Has your family been professionally photographed before?
- Any physical limitations or accessibility needs
- Do you want to include a pet?
- How did you find us?
Newborn Questionnaire
Send after baby is born.
Questions
- Baby's name, birth date, and birth weight
- Hospital or home birth
- Any medical considerations (jaundice, colic, sensitivity to touch)
- Is baby breastfed or bottle-fed? (Affects feeding schedule during session)
- Will siblings be included? Names and ages.
- Will both parents be photographed with baby?
- Color preferences for wraps and props (neutrals, pinks, blues, earth tones)
- Do you have any family heirlooms to include? (Blankets, stuffed animals)
- Are you comfortable with baby being photographed without clothing? (Standard for posed newborns)
Commercial / Product Questionnaire
Send after initial consultation.
Questions
- How many products or SKUs need to be photographed?
- What platforms will the images be used on? (Amazon, Shopify, social media, print)
- Required image dimensions and file formats
- Background preference: white, lifestyle, both
- Do you have brand guidelines? (Please share)
- Reference images or mood board for the desired look
- Are models needed? Will you provide or should we source?
- Props and styling: will you provide or should we?
- Deadline for final image delivery
- File naming convention requirements
Boudoir Questionnaire
Send immediately after booking.
Questions
- What inspired you to book a boudoir session?
- Is this a gift for someone or for yourself?
- How would you describe your comfort level? (First time, experienced, nervous but excited)
- Are there specific poses or styles you love? Share Pinterest or reference images.
- Are there areas of your body you want highlighted or prefer not to emphasize?
- What outfits are you planning to bring? (Share our what-to-bring guide)
- Will you be using our hair and makeup artist or bringing your own?
- May we use select images (without identifying features) in our portfolio?
Building in creavio
Go to Settings > Questionnaires and create a template for each type. Link the questionnaire to the corresponding session type. When a client books that session type, the questionnaire sends automatically as part of your booking workflow.
Review questionnaire responses in the client record before the session. This is your preparation. Walk into every session already knowing what the client wants.