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Questionnaire Examples

Quick Reference​

Ready-to-use questionnaire templates for different photography types. Copy these as starting points and customize them to match your style and process.

Available Templates:

  • Wedding Photography - Comprehensive timeline and details
  • Portrait Session - Location, style, and family details
  • Newborn Photography - Safety, style, and preferences
  • Family Session - Group dynamics and preferences
  • Branding/Headshot - Business needs and usage
  • Real Estate Photography - Property details and requirements

How to Use These Templates:

  1. Read through the example questions
  2. Copy the ones that fit your process
  3. Modify wording to match your voice
  4. Add your unique questions
  5. Remove questions you don't need

Customization Tips:

  • Use your tone (formal, casual, fun)
  • Add examples specific to your work
  • Include questions about your specific deliverables
  • Reference your packages or offerings

Wedding Photography Questionnaire​

Intro Message​

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! This questionnaire helps me prepare to capture every important moment of your big day. It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. You can save your progress and return later if needed.

Your answers help me create a detailed photography timeline, understand your priorities, and ensure I'm prepared for your venue and schedule. Don't worry about perfection—just share what you know and we can discuss any questions later!

Section 1: Basic Information​

Your Names (Required)

  • Short text: "Bride/Partner 1 full name"
  • Short text: "Groom/Partner 2 full name"

Wedding Date (Required)

  • Date picker

Venue Information (Required)

  • Short text: "Ceremony venue name and address"
  • Short text: "Reception venue name and address"
  • Checkbox: "Same location for ceremony and reception"

Best Contact Method

  • Radio buttons:
    • Email
    • Phone call
    • Text message

Section 2: Timeline & Schedule​

Getting Ready

  • Time picker: "What time will you start getting ready?"
  • Short text: "Where will you be getting ready? (Address)"
  • Radio buttons: "Will you be getting ready together or separately?"
    • Together
    • Separately

First Look

  • Radio buttons: "Are you doing a first look before the ceremony?" (Required)
    • Yes
    • No
    • Still deciding
  • If yes, time picker: "What time?"
  • If yes, short text: "Where will the first look take place?"

Ceremony

  • Time picker: "What time does the ceremony begin?" (Required)
  • Short text: "How long will the ceremony last?" (Example: 30 minutes)
  • Text area: "Are there any restrictions on photography during the ceremony?" (Flash restrictions, movement limitations, etc.)

Cocktail Hour & Reception

  • Time picker: "What time does cocktail hour begin?"
  • Time picker: "What time does reception begin?"
  • Time picker: "Approximate end time for the reception?"

Key Moments

  • Checkboxes: "Which events are included in your reception?" (Select all that apply)
    • First dance
    • Parent dances
    • Speeches/toasts
    • Cake cutting
    • Bouquet toss
    • Garter toss
    • Grand exit

Estimated Timing

  • Text area: "If you have a detailed timeline, paste it here (or attach a file below)"
  • File upload: "Upload your day-of timeline (optional)"

Section 3: Wedding Party & Family​

Wedding Party

  • Short text: "How many bridesmaids/groomspeople?"
  • Text area: "List their names (this helps me call them by name!)"

Family Formals

  • Text area: "Who are the must-have people for family formal photos?"
    • Help text: "Example: Both sets of parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. Please note any family dynamics I should be aware of (divorced parents, family members who don't get along, etc.)"

Children in Wedding

  • Radio buttons: "Will there be children in the wedding party or attending?"
    • Yes
    • No
  • If yes, text area: "Tell me about the kids (ages, roles, any special considerations)"

Family Dynamics

  • Text area: "Is there anything about family relationships I should know?" (Optional)
    • Help text: "Example: Divorced parents who need separate group photos, family members who shouldn't be photographed together, etc. This info is completely confidential."

Section 4: Photos & Priorities​

Must-Have Shots

  • Text area: "What are your top 5 must-have photos?" (Required)
    • Help text: "Example: First look reaction, ceremony kiss, father-daughter dance, dance floor fun, sunset couple portraits"

Style Preferences

  • Checkboxes: "What photo styles appeal to you?" (Select all that apply)
    • Candid, documentary moments
    • Romantic, posed portraits
    • Editorial/fashion-inspired
    • Fun, creative shots
    • Traditional family formals
  • Text area: "Describe your vision for the photos"
    • Help text: "Example: Romantic and timeless with soft, natural light. More candid than posed."

Inspiration

  • File upload: "Upload 3-5 inspiration photos (optional)"
    • Help text: "Photos from any photographer that represent the style, mood, or specific shots you love"

Special Moments

  • Text area: "Are there any special traditions, surprises, or moments happening that I should be ready for?"
    • Help text: "Example: Surprise performance, special dance, cultural traditions, proposal to bridesmaid, etc."

Section 5: Vendor & Venue Details​

Venue Contact

  • Short text: "Venue coordinator name"
  • Short text: "Venue coordinator phone number"

Other Vendors

  • Short text: "Videographer name/company (if applicable)"
  • Short text: "Wedding planner name/company (if applicable)"

Venue Details

  • Text area: "Is there anything I should know about the venue?"
    • Help text: "Parking, access restrictions, lighting conditions, unique features, spots you love, etc."

Section 6: Anything Else?​

Final Thoughts

  • Text area: "Is there anything else you'd like me to know?"

Questions for Me

  • Text area: "Do you have any questions for me before the wedding?"

Completion Message​

Thank you so much! I've received your responses and will review everything carefully. I'll create a detailed photography timeline and reach out within 3-5 days to discuss any follow-up questions.

I'm honored to be part of your wedding day and can't wait to capture all these beautiful moments. If you think of anything else before the big day, just email or text me!

Congratulations again!

Portrait Session Questionnaire​

Intro Message​

Thanks for booking a portrait session! This quick questionnaire helps me plan the perfect session for you. It takes about 5-10 minutes. Your answers help me choose the best location, prepare for the number of people, and understand your style preferences.

Section 1: Session Basics​

Session Date (Required)

  • Date picker: "What's your preferred session date?"

Location Preference (Required)

  • Radio buttons:
    • Outdoor location (park, beach, urban, etc.)
    • Indoor studio
    • Your home
    • Not sure—let's discuss!

If Outdoor:

  • Dropdown: "What type of setting appeals to you?"
    • Nature/park
    • Beach/waterfront
    • Urban/city
    • Open field/rural
    • Gardens/botanical

Session Time (Required)

  • Dropdown: "What time of day works best?"
    • Morning (before 10am)
    • Midday (10am-2pm)
    • Afternoon (2pm-5pm)
    • Evening/Golden hour (after 5pm)

Section 2: Who's Involved​

People in Photos (Required)

  • Text area: "List everyone who will be in the photos (names and ages)"
    • Help text: "Example: Sarah (mom), Tom (dad), Emma (7), Jack (4), and Bella (our golden retriever)"

Including Pets?

  • Radio buttons: "Will you include pets in the session?"
    • Yes
    • No

Special Considerations

  • Text area: "Is there anything I should know about anyone in the photos?" (Optional)
    • Help text: "Example: Shy toddler, grandma uses wheelchair, teenager prefers not to smile with teeth, etc."

Section 3: Style & Vision​

What's This Session For?

  • Checkboxes: "What will you use these photos for?" (Select all that apply)
    • Holiday cards
    • Wall art/home decor
    • Social media/family sharing
    • Gifts for family
    • Just for us!

Style Preferences

  • Radio buttons: "How would you describe your style?"
    • Classic & timeless
    • Natural & candid
    • Fun & playful
    • Artistic & creative

Wardrobe

  • Text area: "Tell me about your wardrobe plans"
    • Help text: "Example: Coordinating neutrals (cream, tan, white) with denim. Aiming for casual but put-together."

Vision

  • Text area: "What do you hope to feel when you look at these photos?"
    • Help text: "Example: I want to remember how small the kids were and how connected we feel as a family."

Section 4: Must-Have Shots​

Group Combinations (Required)

  • Checkboxes: "Which combinations do you want?" (Select all that apply)
    • Everyone together (full family)
    • Parents with all kids
    • Just the adults/couple
    • Each child individually
    • Siblings together
    • Candid, playing/interacting
    • Kids with mom
    • Kids with dad
    • Extended family groups

Specific Requests

  • Text area: "Any specific poses, locations, or shots you're hoping for?" (Optional)

Section 5: Anything Else?​

Questions or Concerns

  • Text area: "Do you have any questions for me before the session?"

Additional Notes

  • Text area: "Anything else I should know?"

Completion Message​

Perfect! I have everything I need to plan an amazing session. I'll reach out in the next day or two to confirm the final location and time.

In the meantime, check your email for wardrobe tips and what to expect on session day. Can't wait to photograph your family!

Newborn Photography Questionnaire​

Intro Message​

Congratulations on your new arrival! This questionnaire helps me prepare for a safe, comfortable newborn session. It takes about 10 minutes. Don't worry if you don't know all the answers yet—we can finalize details after baby arrives!

Section 1: Baby Basics​

Baby's Name (Required)

  • Short text

Baby's Birth Date (Required)

  • Date picker

Baby's Age at Session (Required)

  • Radio buttons:
    • 5-10 days old (ideal for sleepy, curled poses)
    • 2-3 weeks old
    • 4-6 weeks old
    • Older than 6 weeks

Baby's Temperament

  • Radio buttons: "How would you describe baby's personality so far?"
    • Very sleepy and calm
    • Alert but easygoing
    • Fussy or colicky
    • Still figuring it out!

Section 2: Session Planning​

Preferred Date

  • Date picker: "What date works best?" (Required)

Feeding Schedule

  • Text area: "What's baby's current feeding schedule?"
    • Help text: "This helps me plan breaks and timing. Example: Eats every 2-3 hours, usually around 9am, 12pm, 3pm"

Session Location

  • Radio buttons: "Where would you prefer the session?" (Required)
    • My studio
    • Your home
    • Let's discuss!

Section 3: Style & Preferences​

Color Preferences

  • Text area: "What colors appeal to you for props and wraps?"
    • Help text: "Example: Soft neutrals (cream, tan, white), pastels, or specific nursery colors"

Nursery Theme

  • Short text: "What's your nursery theme/color scheme?" (Optional)

Props & Setups

  • Checkboxes: "What types of setups interest you?" (Select all that apply)
    • Baby wrapped in soft blankets
    • Baby in basket or bowl
    • Baby on fluffy layers
    • Parent/sibling posed with baby
    • Naked baby (with strategic coverage)
    • Lifestyle/natural family moments

Personal Items

  • Radio buttons: "Would you like to include any special items in photos?"
    • Yes
    • No
    • Not sure
  • If yes, text area: "What items?" (Example: Grandma's blanket, special stuffed animal, hospital hat)

Section 4: Family Involvement​

Family Photos

  • Radio buttons: "Do you want family photos included?" (Required)
    • Yes, full family with baby
    • Just parents with baby
    • Siblings with baby
    • Just baby alone
    • All of the above!

Siblings

  • Radio buttons: "Do you have other children?"
    • Yes
    • No
  • If yes, text area: "Tell me about them (names, ages, temperament)"

Pets

  • Radio buttons: "Do you want to include pets in any photos?"
    • Yes
    • No

Section 5: Safety & Special Needs​

Safety Concerns

  • Text area: "Are there any medical concerns or special considerations?" (Optional)
    • Help text: "Example: Preemie, in NICU, skin sensitivity, umbilical cord still attached, etc. All information is confidential."

Sensitivities

  • Radio buttons: "Does baby have any known sensitivities?"
    • No known sensitivities
    • Skin sensitivity
    • Touch sensitivity
    • Not sure yet

Section 6: Anything Else?​

Special Requests

  • Text area: "Any other details you'd like me to know?"

Questions

  • Text area: "Questions for me before the session?"

Completion Message​

Thank you! I have all the details I need to prepare for your newborn session. I'll reach out 1-2 days before to confirm timing and answer any last-minute questions.

A few tips for session day:

  • Feed baby right before we start (sleepy baby = best photos!)
  • Dress baby in something easy to remove
  • Keep the house warm (75-80°F helps baby stay comfortable)
  • Plan for 2-3 hours (we move at baby's pace)

Can't wait to photograph your precious little one!

Family Session Questionnaire​

Intro Message​

Excited to photograph your family! This quick questionnaire ensures we plan a session that captures your family's unique personality. It takes about 5 minutes.

Family Members (Required)

  • Text area: "List everyone in the photos (names and ages)"

Session Date (Required)

  • Date picker

Location

  • Radio buttons: "Where would you like the session?"
    • Outdoor location (park, beach, etc.)
    • Your home
    • My studio
    • Let's discuss options

Style

  • Radio buttons: "What vibe are you going for?"
    • Fun and playful (capturing personality)
    • Classic and posed (traditional portraits)
    • Mix of both

Wardrobe

  • Text area: "Wardrobe plan?" (Optional)
    • Help text: "Example: Coordinating colors (blues and whites), casual and comfortable"

Must-Have Shots

  • Checkboxes: "Which combinations do you want?" (Select all that apply)
    • Full family group
    • Parents with kids
    • Individual kids
    • Siblings together
    • Couple alone
    • Candid moments

Special Requests

  • Text area: "Anything specific you're hoping for?"

Questions

  • Text area: "Any questions for me?"

Completion Message​

Perfect! I'll confirm details in the next day or two. Check your email for wardrobe tips and session prep info. See you soon!

Branding/Headshot Questionnaire​

Intro Message​

Let's create photos that represent your brand perfectly! This questionnaire helps me understand your business and photo needs. It takes about 10 minutes.

Section 1: Business Basics​

Your Name (Required)

  • Short text

Business/Brand Name (Required)

  • Short text

Industry (Required)

  • Short text: "What industry are you in?"
    • Help text: "Example: Real estate, coaching, law, consulting, etc."

Website/Social Media

  • Short text: "Website URL" (Optional)
  • Short text: "Instagram handle" (Optional)

Section 2: Photo Usage​

Primary Use (Required)

  • Checkboxes: "How will you use these photos?" (Select all that apply)
    • Website
    • Social media
    • Marketing materials/ads
    • Business cards
    • Email signatures
    • LinkedIn
    • Press/media kit
    • Other

Specific Deliverables Needed

  • Text area: "Do you need specific shots or formats?"
    • Help text: "Example: Square format for Instagram, horizontal for website header, vertical for LinkedIn"

Section 3: Brand & Style​

Brand Colors

  • Short text: "What are your brand colors?" (Optional)
    • Help text: "Example: Navy blue, gold, and white"

Brand Personality

  • Checkboxes: "How would you describe your brand?" (Select all that apply)
    • Professional & polished
    • Warm & approachable
    • Creative & artistic
    • Bold & confident
    • Relaxed & casual
    • Luxurious & high-end

Visual Style

  • Radio buttons: "What photo style fits your brand?"
    • Corporate/traditional
    • Modern/editorial
    • Lifestyle/environmental
    • Creative/artistic

Wardrobe

  • Text area: "What will you wear?"
    • Help text: "Example: Navy suit with white shirt, or casual button-down and jeans"

Section 4: Session Details​

Location Preference (Required)

  • Radio buttons:
    • Studio (clean, professional backdrop)
    • Your office/workspace (environmental)
    • Outdoor location (natural light)
    • Mix of locations

Number of Outfits

  • Radio buttons:
    • One outfit
    • Two outfits
    • Three or more

Products/Props to Include

  • Radio buttons: "Will you include products or props?"
    • Yes
    • No
  • If yes, text area: "What items?"

Section 5: Team Photos​

Team Members

  • Radio buttons: "Are we photographing team members too?"
    • Yes
    • No
  • If yes, short text: "How many people?"
  • If yes, text area: "Tell me about your team and what you need"

Section 6: Anything Else?​

Inspiration

  • File upload: "Upload inspiration images" (Optional)

Additional Notes

  • Text area: "Anything else I should know about your brand or vision?"

Questions

  • Text area: "Questions for me?"

Completion Message​

Great! I have everything I need to create photos that perfectly represent your brand. I'll reach out in 1-2 days to finalize session details and location.

Looking forward to working with you!

Real Estate Photography Questionnaire​

Intro Message​

This quick form helps me prepare for your real estate shoot. It takes about 5 minutes. Your answers ensure I capture the property's best features and deliver photos that sell!

Property Address (Required)

  • Short text

Property Type (Required)

  • Radio buttons:
    • Single-family home
    • Condo/townhouse
    • Commercial property
    • Vacant land
    • Other

Session Date (Required)

  • Date picker

Session Time

  • Time picker: "What time should I arrive?"

Access

  • Text area: "How do I access the property?"
    • Help text: "Lockbox code, key pickup location, meet you there, etc."

Parking

  • Text area: "Where should I park?"

Square Footage

  • Short text: "Approximate square footage"

Number of Rooms to Photograph

  • Short text: "How many rooms?"

Key Features (Required)

  • Checkboxes: "What features should I highlight?" (Select all that apply)
    • Kitchen
    • Master bedroom/bath
    • Living/family room
    • Outdoor space/yard
    • Pool/spa
    • View
    • Unique architectural details
    • Garage
    • Bonus rooms

Special Features

  • Text area: "Any unique features to highlight?"
    • Help text: "Example: Custom tile work, updated appliances, mountain views, smart home features"

Staging

  • Radio buttons: "Is the property staged?"
    • Yes, professionally staged
    • Partially staged
    • Occupied (lived-in)
    • Empty

Utilities

  • Radio buttons: "Are utilities on?" (Required)
    • Yes, all utilities on
    • Some utilities on
    • No utilities (power/water off)

Twilight Photos

  • Radio buttons: "Do you want twilight/dusk photos?"
    • Yes
    • No
    • Not sure

Drone/Aerial

  • Radio buttons: "Do you want drone/aerial photos?"
    • Yes
    • No
    • Not sure

Usage

  • Text area: "How will these photos be used?"
    • Help text: "Example: MLS listing, marketing flyers, social media, website"

Deadline

  • Date picker: "When do you need photos delivered?"

Special Requests

  • Text area: "Anything else I should know?"

Completion Message​

Thank you! I'm all set for your shoot. I'll arrive at the scheduled time and text you when I'm there. Photos will be delivered within [your turnaround time].

Please ensure:

  • All lights are on
  • Curtains/blinds are open
  • Personal items are minimized
  • Pets are secured or removed
  • All rooms are tidy

See you soon!

Best Questions by Photography Genre​

Questions Every Wedding Questionnaire Should Include​

  1. "What time does your ceremony begin?" (foundation for timeline)
  2. "Who are the must-have people for family photos?" (ensures no one is forgotten)
  3. "What are your top 5 must-have shots?" (clarifies priorities)
  4. "Are there any restrictions on photography during the ceremony?" (avoids surprises)
  5. "Ceremony and reception venue names and addresses" (logistics)

Questions Every Portrait Session Should Include​

  1. "Who will be in the photos?" (names and ages)
  2. "What will you use these photos for?" (helps style appropriately)
  3. "Indoor or outdoor preference?" (location planning)
  4. "Which group combinations do you want?" (ensures all variations captured)
  5. "Any special considerations?" (mobility, shyness, pet temperament)

Questions Every Newborn Session Should Include​

  1. "Baby's age at session time?" (affects posing options)
  2. "What's baby's current feeding schedule?" (timing and breaks)
  3. "Color preferences for props/wraps?" (style planning)
  4. "Do you want family photos included?" (scope of session)
  5. "Any safety concerns or special considerations?" (baby's wellbeing)

Questions Every Commercial/Brand Session Should Include​

  1. "How will you use these photos?" (affects composition and format)
  2. "What's your brand personality?" (guides style)
  3. "What products/props should be included?" (ensures completeness)
  4. "Team photos needed?" (scope and scheduling)
  5. "When do you need photos delivered?" (deadline planning)

Customization Tips​

Make It Your Voice​

These templates use neutral, professional language. Make them yours:

Formal tone: "Please indicate your preferred session location"

Casual tone: "Where would you like to do the session?"

Friendly tone: "Where should we meet for your session? I have some favorite spots or we can explore new locations together!"

Choose the tone that matches how you communicate with clients.

Add Your Unique Questions​

Include questions specific to your offerings:

  • "Would you like to include your pets?" (if you specialize in pet photography)
  • "Are you interested in adding a short video clip?" (if you offer video)
  • "Would you like hair and makeup services?" (if you partner with H&MUA)
  • "Interested in a mini album or wall art?" (if you sell products)

Reference Your Packages​

Tie questions to your specific offerings:

  • "You've booked the Premium Collection which includes..."
  • "Your package includes an engagement session—when would you like to schedule it?"
  • "Would you like to add extra coverage hours to your package?"

Use Your Location Knowledge​

Suggest specific locations:

  • "My favorite local spots are Riverside Park, Downtown Waterfront, or Oak Tree Gardens. Do any of those appeal to you?"
  • "I know great locations for urban, nature, or beach vibes—which sounds most like you?"

Include Your Policies​

Remind clients of important policies:

  • "Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes"
  • "Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can start on time"
  • "Rescheduling requires 48-hour notice"
  • "Gallery delivery is 2 weeks after your session"

What's Next?​

Ready to implement these questionnaires?

Creating Questionnaires - Build these templates in ShootPath

Client Experience - Understand what clients see

Workflows - Automate sending questionnaires at the right time

Questions? Look for the help links throughout ShootPath, or use the support widget if you need assistance!