You have found a photographer whose work you like and you are thinking about getting in touch. Before you book, there are a few things worth asking so you know what to expect both before and on the wedding day.
The photographs themselves are obviously important, but so is the experience of working with the person behind the camera. Your photographer will be around for a large part of your wedding, so it helps to understand how they work, what is included and how they approach different parts of the day.
Here are eight questions that can help you decide whether a photographer is right for the wedding you are planning.
CAN WE SEE A FULL WEDDING GALLERY?
A photographer's website and social media are useful for getting a feel for their work, but they will naturally show a selection of their favourite photographs.
A full wedding gallery gives you a better idea of what you could actually receive.
Look at how the photographer works across different parts of the day. That might include getting ready, the ceremony, family photographs, speeches and the evening reception.
Pay attention to how consistent the photographs are when the lighting and surroundings change. A wedding can move between bright outdoor spaces, darker ceremony rooms and evening receptions, sometimes within a few hours.
It is also worth looking beyond the couple portraits. How are guests photographed? What do the family photos look like? Are there plenty of natural moments throughout the gallery?
Seeing a complete wedding is one of the easiest ways to understand how a photographer approaches an entire day rather than judging their work from a small selection of photographs.
HOW DO YOU WORK ON THE WEDDING DAY?
Every photographer works slightly differently.
Some give a lot of direction throughout the day, while others take a more documentary approach and concentrate on photographing things as they happen. Many photographers will use a mixture of both.
Ask what you can expect from them.
If you feel uncomfortable in front of a camera, will they give you some guidance during your couple photos? Will they help organise family photographs? How much time do they normally spend taking you away from your guests?
There is not one approach that suits every couple. What matters is finding someone whose way of working fits how you want your wedding to feel.
My own approach is relaxed and natural for most of the day, with guidance when it is useful. I will organise family photographs, help during couple photos and step in when something needs a bit of direction, while leaving you to enjoy the rest of the wedding.
HOW DO YOU WORK WITH DIFFERENT LIGHTING AND SKIN TONES?
Weddings can involve very different lighting conditions throughout the same day, and a photographer needs to be able to adapt.
This can be particularly important if you and your partner have different skin tones. You should feel comfortable asking a photographer about their experience and seeing examples of their work.
Look through full galleries and pay attention to how people are photographed together in different environments, including indoor ceremonies, outdoor photographs and evening receptions.
You can also ask how the photographer approaches editing and whether they have experience photographing a range of skin tones.
I have written a separate guide about what interracial couples should look for in a wedding photographer if you would like to read more about this.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICING?
Do not assume every photographer includes the same things.
Find out what the price actually covers and what you will receive afterwards.
Depending on what you are looking for, useful things to ask about include the amount of coverage, the approximate number of edited photographs, whether a pre wedding shoot is included, whether you receive an online gallery and whether there are any additional costs you should know about.
It is also worth asking about delivery times and whether you will receive a preview before the full gallery.
You do not necessarily need the package with the most extras. You just need to understand what you are paying for and whether it suits what you have planned.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CANNOT PHOTOGRAPH OUR WEDDING?
Nobody books a photographer expecting them to be unable to attend, but it is still a sensible question to ask.
Find out what would happen if illness or another serious situation prevented them from photographing your wedding.
They should be able to explain what arrangements they would try to make, how they would communicate with you and what their contract says about circumstances where they genuinely cannot attend.
It is also worth reading the contract yourself rather than relying entirely on what is discussed beforehand.
Hopefully none of this will ever be needed, but knowing how unexpected situations are handled before you book gives you a clearer idea of what you are agreeing to.
WHAT IS YOUR BOOKING PROCESS?
Once you have decided you would like to work with a photographer, make sure you understand what actually secures your wedding date.
Ask whether you need to sign a contract, how much the booking payment is and when the remaining balance will be due.
You can also ask what happens after booking. Will there be a questionnaire? When will you discuss timings? How are family photographs planned? When will you speak again before the wedding?
With me, your date is secured once your contract is signed and the 30% booking payment has been made. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your wedding.
We will also plan the photography together before the day so I know your timings, the family photographs you would like and anything else that is important to you.
CAN WE READ REVIEWS FROM OTHER COUPLES?
A photographer's portfolio shows you their photographs. Reviews can tell you much more about the experience of working with them.
Look for reviews that talk about what the photographer was actually like before, during and after the wedding.
Did couples feel comfortable around them? Were they organised and easy to communicate with? How did they handle the wedding day? Were couples happy with their finished gallery?
You will probably start to notice the same things appearing across several reviews. That can give you a useful idea of what previous couples genuinely valued about working with that photographer.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE FAMILY AND GROUP PHOTOS?
If group photographs are important to you, ask how your photographer approaches them.
A little planning beforehand can make them much easier on the wedding day.
I ask couples for their group photo list before the wedding so I know which combinations are important. I also recommend choosing somebody who knows your families and can help gather people when we need them.
Your photographer should be able to explain how they organise groups and how they will work them into the rest of your wedding without unnecessarily taking you away from your guests.
If you have complicated family circumstances or anything else your photographer should know about, you can discuss that privately beforehand as well.
I have also written a full guide on how to make group photos easier on your wedding day if you would like more advice on planning them.
FOUND A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU LIKE?
The photographs are important, but there is more to choosing your wedding photographer than looking through a portfolio.
Ask about the things that matter to you and pay attention to how comfortable you feel talking to them. You should understand what you are booking, what will happen before the wedding and what you can expect from them on the day.
If you like my relaxed, natural approach and would like to ask me any of these questions about your own wedding, I would be happy to talk through what you have planned.
