Your photographer is with you for more of the day than almost any other supplier, so it’s worth asking the right questions before you book. Here are the ones I’d ask, with my own answers, so you know exactly what to look for.
Availability and price
1. Are you available on our date?
It sounds obvious, but ask first. Popular summer Saturdays book up well in advance. Send me your date and I’ll get straight back to you.
2. What’s included in your packages?
Look for the hours of coverage, the number of images, how you’ll receive them and whether an album is included. Mine are £1800 for full-day coverage, or £2450 with a luxury album and two extra hours, both with 600+ images in an online gallery.
3. Do you charge for travel?
Some photographers add mileage or accommodation on top. Travel is included in my packages anywhere in the UK.
4. How much is the deposit, and when is the rest due?
Every photographer works a little differently, so make sure the payment dates are clear and in writing before you book.
Style and experience
5. How would you describe your style?
Natural, documentary, posed, editorial, light and airy, moody… The words matter less than the photos. My style is relaxed and natural, with gentle direction where it helps. You can read more in natural wedding photography: what to expect.
6. Can we see full wedding galleries?
Anyone can pick 30 great photos. A full gallery shows you how a photographer handles the whole day, from a dark church to a busy dance floor. Have a look through my sample weddings.
7. Have you photographed at our venue?
It isn’t essential, but it helps. I keep a map of every venue I’ve photographed, and wherever you’re getting married, I arrive early to find the best light and spots.
8. How many weddings have you photographed?
Experience shows when things don’t go to plan: a sudden downpour, a delayed ceremony or 100+ guests for group shots. I’ve photographed over 300 weddings in nine years.
On the day
9. How do you handle group shots?
Ask how long they take and how the photographer keeps them moving. I ask for a group shot list in advance, and they usually take about half an hour.
10. What happens if it rains?
A good photographer will have ideas for indoor portraits and sheltered group shots. Here’s how I plan for a rainy wedding day.
11. Do you bring backup equipment?
Ask about spare cameras, memory cards and batteries, and how your photos are kept safe after the wedding.
12. What would happen if you were ill?
It’s rare, but it’s worth knowing whether they have a network of photographers they can call on.
After the wedding
13. When will we get our photos?
Timings vary a lot between photographers. With me, you’ll get around 30 sneak peeks within 48 hours, then your full gallery of 600+ images in about a month.
14. How will we receive them?
Check whether it’s an online gallery, a USB or prints. Mine come in an online gallery that’s easy to share with family and download.
15. Do you offer albums?
An album is the way your photos get looked at for years to come. My £2450 package includes a luxury album.
Before you book
Have a chat first. A quick conversation tells you more than any website about whether you’ll feel comfortable with someone all day. I offer consultations by phone, Zoom or in person, so we can get to know each other before you decide.
Questions couples ask
When should we book our wedding photographer?
As soon as you have your date and venue. Photographers can only take one wedding a day, so popular dates go first.
Should we meet our photographer before the wedding?
Yes, even if it’s just a video call. Feeling comfortable with your photographer makes a big difference to how relaxed you look in your photos.
