The Questions Every Couple Should Ask Their Wedding Photographer, According To A Pro

What’s your photography style?

You need to ensure your vision and that of your photographer align. It allows you to understand not only how they shoot but how they interpret a wedding day – the mood, the pacing, the atmosphere, the emotion. It’s also a way for you to see if the connection in style and intention is a match. I always encourage couples to communicate how they want their wedding photos to feel. Do you imagine something elegant and editorial? Soft, emotional, and documentary? Or a blend of both? Do you want your photographer to focus on posing you both or no posing?

My style is what I’d describe as editorial documentary. I guide when needed but I also step back when the couple need space. I pay attention to their energy, the way they move and the moments that matter. I adapt based on who they are, so the images feel like them.

How many photos will be received and when?

To make sure you have a great experience and there are no misunderstandings later, it’s important to know what you will receive and when. However, instead of focusing on the quantity, I recommend focusing on quality and intention. A thoughtful, curated gallery tells your story clearly and it is far more powerful than thousands of rushed or duplicated photos.

My couples usually receive 600+ fully edited images from a ten-hour wedding day. I send a preview gallery within the first 24 hours, and the final gallery is delivered within eight to 25 weeks. I don't like putting an exact number on how many pictures my couples will get because every wedding is different. I believe in curating images that tell the story with intention and not overwhelming couples with volume.

Do you offer an engagement shoot?

Engagement sessions help you feel comfortable being photographed and allow us to create something more relaxed and personal. It’s a space to practice, play and simply be yourselves, without a timeline or eyes on you. It makes the wedding day feel much easier, more natural and it allows us to build trust beforehand. I do offer engagement sessions and I always recommend them. 

What happens if the weather is bad?

It’s normal to worry about this. Weather is unpredictable and having a plan will always help you feel safe and supported. One thing that’s good to understand is rain does not ruin photos, it simply creates a different mood – soft, cinematic, emotional. What matters most is staying flexible and working with the conditions rather than against them. I always monitor the weather, bring protective gear and plan indoor or covered portrait options if needed. I’ll guide you through every step so you never feel unsure or stressed. 

What’s the back-up plan if you’re ill or there’s an emergency?

A good photographer should always have a professional contingency plan, so make sure yours can give you this peace of mind. I work with a trusted network of photographers who share my approach and standards. If something unexpected were to happen, I would handle securing the replacement and briefing them so couples are never left figuring out a solution alone. 

How do couples book you and what’s the payment schedule?

When it comes to payments, expectations and responsibilities, you want everything to be clear, transparent, and fully understood from the beginning. The first step is to read the contract before signing or paying anything. Your contract should outline what is included: delivery timelines; what happens in emergencies; how both you and the photographer are protected and terms regarding cancellations or date changes. Once everything is clear and aligned, then you move forward with payment. Every photographer handles payments differently. I try to make it as easy as possible. I accept credit cards, bank transfer or cash, depending on what’s most comfortable. For most weddings, I require a 50% retainer to reserve the date. However, for multi-day or higher-budget weddings, I adjust the retainer to 25% to make the process lighter and more accessible. 

Do you work with a second shooter or alone?

Having a second shooter directly affects how complete and emotionally rich your final gallery will feel. A second photographer allows us to capture multiple perspectives of the same moment which is something one person simply cannot do alone. For example, during your ceremony, I will be fully focused on the couple but at that same exact moment, parents might be holding back tears, a best friend may be smiling and these moments are just as meaningful. A second photographer ensures the story feels full, not partial. My recommendation is this: if your wedding has more than 120 guests or if your day involves multiple locations or layered events, a second photographer is highly recommended. 

Do you accept shot lists or requests for must-have photos?

Certain photos are deeply personal and your photographer cannot know their meaning unless you share it. A shot list is especially important for family groupings; cultural or religious traditions; sentimental items or tributes; relationships or moments that hold emotional weight. A thoughtful photographer will always ask for this list; for me, it’s non-negotiable. I always request a family photo list, any sentimental details I should look out for and any specific people you want featured.

Do you edit or retouch all the photos?

Editing style and approach can vary widely between photographers. I edit every photo I deliver. Colour, tone, softness, and atmosphere are all customised so the images feel cohesive, natural and timeless. However, I do not alter body shapes or physical features. I want my clients to feel seen, not changed. That said, I do make sure you feel your best. So, I encourage you to communicate your comforts and insecurities in advance rather than asking for Photoshop.  

Do you offer albums or prints?

Albums are not just products, they’re how your story lives on. A digital gallery is wonderful for sharing with family and friends, for posting and printing as you wish. But an album allows you to relive your wedding in a slow, intentional, emotional way. When choosing an album, ask your photographer about cost and whether that price changes if you order now versus after the wedding. Find out if you can customise the cover or design and if you can choose the images or if the photographer will choose. In my case, my albums are art-driven, editorial and designed to feel like a coffee-table art book. You can choose the photos or I can curate them for you. Every album includes two rounds of revisions so my clients can ensure everything feels just right before printing.

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