Photography Client Questionnaires: What to Ask Before Every Shoot

A great photo shoot starts long before you pick up the camera. The right pre-shoot questionnaire helps you understand your client's vision, prepare properly, and deliver results that exceed expectations.

Why Pre-Shoot Questionnaires Matter

Without proper preparation, you risk:

Misaligned expectations

Showing up unprepared

Missing important details

Unhappy clients

Wasted time for everyone

A good questionnaire solves all of this.

Essential Questions by Photography Type

Portrait Photography

What's the purpose of these photos? (LinkedIn, dating profile, personal branding)

Do you have specific poses or styles in mind?

What will you be wearing?

Are there any features you'd like to highlight or minimize?

Indoor or outdoor preference?

Wedding Photography

Tell me about your wedding venue and timeline

How many guests are expected?

Are there specific moments that are must-captures?

Do you have a shot list from Pinterest or other sources?

Any family dynamics I should be aware of?

Second shooter needed?

Product Photography

What platform will these images be used on? (Amazon, website, social)

Do you have brand guidelines (colors, style)?

How many products and variations?

Do you need lifestyle shots or white background?

Any specific dimensions required?

Newborn Photography

What's the baby's due date/birth date?

Do you have specific colors or props in mind?

Will siblings or parents be in any shots?

Any allergies or sensitivities?

Home or studio session preference?

Real Estate Photography

Square footage of the property?

How many rooms need to be photographed?

Will the property be staged?

Do you need aerial/drone shots?

Twilight shots required?

Building Your Questionnaire

Structure Tips

1. Start simple: Name, contact info, date of shoot 2. Get specific: Move to shoot-specific questions 3. Allow uploads: Let clients share inspiration images 4. Open-ended finish: "Anything else I should know?"

Formatting Best Practices

Use dropdown menus where possible (faster to complete)

Make critical questions required

Group related questions together

Keep it under 15 questions (shorter = more completions)

Automating Your Workflow

Instead of emailing questionnaires back and forth, create a digital intake form that:

1. Auto-sends after booking: Client books a session, questionnaire goes out automatically 2. Reminds them: If not completed, send a reminder 3 days before the shoot 3. Centralizes responses: All answers in one place, searchable 4. Syncs with your calendar: See questionnaire responses alongside booking details

Creating with Apollyx

With Apollyx, you can create professional photography questionnaires in seconds:

1. Tell our AI: "Create a wedding photography questionnaire" 2. Customize the questions for your specific style 3. Share the link when clients book 4. Review responses before every shoot

Our templates include all the essential questions plus the ability to collect reference images—everything you need for a successful shoot.

Conclusion

A well-designed client questionnaire transforms your shoots from guesswork to precision. You'll spend less time on back-and-forth communication and more time creating stunning images.

Create your photography questionnaire and start preparing better for every shoot.