A good first call covers the practical questions quickly, so there's time left for the one that matters: do you feel at ease with this person?
In short
- Ask who will actually photograph your wedding.
- Ask for full galleries, not a highlights reel.
- Ask how much of the day is directed, in minutes.
- Ask about payments, delivery times and what happens if the photographer is ill.
Questions to ask before booking a wedding photographer
These are the questions to ask before booking a wedding photographer, in roughly the order they come up on a first call. For each one I've added what a good answer sounds like, and my own.
Is our date free, and will you photograph it yourself?
What to listen for: a clear yes or no, and the name of the person who will be there.
My answer: I photograph weddings personally when I'm available. If I'm not, I suggest a photographer from my studio, agreed with you and named in the contract.
Can we see two or three full galleries?
What to listen for: they send them without hesitation.
My answer: yes. I send complete galleries on request, ideally from venues similar to yours.
How much of the day do you direct?
What to listen for: a specific answer, in minutes, not just "a mix".
My answer: part of the getting ready and a couple session of 20 to 40 minutes. The ceremony, the speeches and the party are documentary.
How many photographers do we need?
What to listen for: a recommendation based on your day, not on the most expensive option.
My answer: two for most full-day and destination weddings, one for elopements and very intimate weddings.
What's included, and what costs extra?
What to listen for: a written list, not a vague "everything you need".
My answer: every collection includes a private online gallery, help planning the day and drone footage where rules and weather allow. Albums, film, extra hours and a preview gallery are options. Travel and accommodation are agreed separately.
How and when do we pay?
What to listen for: clear percentages and dates.
My answer: 30% on booking to hold your date, and the balance between three weeks before the wedding and the day itself, album and extras included. Never after the wedding.
When will we receive the photos?
What to listen for: a realistic time frame written in the contract.
My answer: photos only within about three months. With an album or a film, between three and eight months. Faster delivery can be arranged.
Do we get the RAW files?
What to listen for: a straight answer either way.
My answer: no. You receive the edited images in high resolution, with a licence for personal use, sharing and printing.
What happens if you're ill on the day?
What to listen for: a named plan, not "it's never happened".
My answer: a photographer of equal level from my studio takes my place, and you're told straight away.
What happens if it rains?
What to listen for: calm and a plan B, not a shrug.
My answer: we adapt the timeline and use covered spaces. I've written about it in
what if it rains on your wedding day in Italy.
The best question isn't on this list: can we imagine spending one of the most important days of our lives with this person?
Ask me anything
Send me your date and venue with your questions. We can go through them on a video call before you decide anything. I reply personally within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What questions should we ask before booking a wedding photographer?
Whether your date is free and who will actually attend, full galleries, how much of the day is directed, what's included, payment terms, delivery times, RAW files, and what happens if the photographer can't be there.
Should we ask to see full wedding galleries?
Yes. They show how the photographer handles the whole day, not only the highlights.
Should we ask about backup equipment?
Yes. A professional carries spare cameras and memory cards and backs up the files on the day.
Is personality as important as style?
Yes. You'll spend most of your wedding day with your photographer, so feeling at ease together matters.
