What should i ask my photographer before booking?

1 – Can we see a full gallery?

So important! I can’t stress this enough – view a full gallery before you book!

But what are you actually looking for when you view a gallery? Well, firstly… do you like it? Is there a good variety in the couple shots? Does it look natural or stiff? How many images are there? Is it full of duplicates?

The last thing you want is 42 pictures of the dress hanging up – you just want 2 or 3 of the best! The same goes for everything else in the album.

2 – How many images do you expect we will get?

There’s no right or wrong answer here – most photographers deliver anything from 400–1000 images, but this is purely so you know what to expect. Some deliver 2000 but with lots of duplicates, while others deliver 400 focusing on the best of the best.

3 – How many cameras do you have?

Two is an absolute minimum! And they should have backup memory cards in them in case one card goes boom.

4 – What time do you arrive and leave?

Some photographers leave after the first dance, some hang around longer. Some will arrive at bridal prep at 5am, others 2–3 hours before your ceremony.

What’s the “right” answer? There isn’t one – it’s just about what you expect.

What’s most ideal? In my view, 2–3 hours before the ceremony is more than enough, and staying an hour after the first dance is super handy.

My biggest bugbear is photographers who leave as soon as the first dance is done! The best images usually come 30–60 minutes after, when the dance floor is full. At the bare minimum, a photographer should be staying at least for some of that time.

Check for yourself – are the last images in their gallery the first dance… or the party?

5 – Check group shots!

Always worth a look – do they look organised, relaxed, or awkward?

6 – Do you offer extra photographers/albums?

This only matters if it applies to you. Some photographers don’t offer this at all, but most do. It’s just worth checking in advance if you think you might want it – you don’t want to find out later that your photographer can’t do you an album.

7 – How do you command the day?

Do you want a photographer who’s fly-on-the-wall, or someone who takes charge? This really comes down to personal taste.

My etiquette? I’ll take charge when needed, direct when needed, but sit back when I can so things feel natural.

But don’t book a laid-back photographer if you want someone who’ll step in and organise everything for you.

8 – Do you visit the venue beforehand?

Honestly, 90% of the time a pre-visit just isn’t a thing. In the modern world, there’s usually enough info online to gather what we need. But if this is important to you, ask in advance – don’t just assume it’s included.

9 – How long will my images take?

Find out in advance so you’re not shocked if they say 12 months! It can be a dealbreaker, and often it’s too late once the wedding’s already happened.

10 – We’re awkward in front of the camera – how do you combat this?

99.9% of couples aren’t models – they don’t know how to pose, and they need help! That’s where a good wedding photographer makes all the difference.

I’ve never had a couple say “that felt awkward” after a shoot – in fact, most say it was a lot of fun!

But challenge your photographer with this question – it’s a tough one, and it’ll put them on the spot. Any experienced photographer will have the right answer. The not-so-good ones? They’ll just say “I’ll tell you how to pose,” which is far from the right answer.

11 – Do they sound like they’re taking notes?

Every call I have with a couple, I’m taking notes! It’s no good for me to nod along and then hope I remember everything two years later.

The last thing I want is to promise something early on and then completely forget about it by the wedding day.

You need to tell the difference between photographers who are just telling you what you want to hear, and those who are genuinely taking on board what you ask.