Top Questions To Ask a Wedding Photographer
Choosing any wedding supplier is a tough one, and photographers are no exception, there are so many of us in this industry. Not only do you need to look at the portfolio but also personality, we are going to be with you all day, it’s so important that we click. After hours of scrolling through endless websites, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed with the choice. But then, when you do find the one you love and you go to get in touch, what do you ask.. what comes next?
Here is my list of top questions to ask your wedding photographer.. Along with my answers so it helps you out too. I hope this is of some use in your wedding planning and researching. If you have any queries or anything you wish to ask, just pop me a message - I would love to hear from you!
** A little note to say my 2021 dates are going quickly and 2022 bookings are also coming in, just drop me a message if you want me to check your date for you :)
How long have you been a photographer for and how many weddings have you shot?
I have been shooting weddings since 2007! So 13 years now and have seen over 450 weddings! That’s about 40,000 different faces photographed and around 315,000 final images delivered and that’s just weddings! I have worked in fashion, film stills, celebrity and magazine shoots too, but fell in love with the weddings the most and decided to dedicate the business solely on this back in 2014.
<< This is me in Cariacature form- done by the awesome Tony (Tonys Toons)
Can I see a full wedding album?
Absolutely! This is a really great one. I love putting together blogs of weddings that I am allowed to share (I will come back to this in the point below) but with download times being affected, I keep my images down to around 150 or so. Which is about 1/4 of what you would receive!
So a blog is tiny snapshot into somoene’s day. I have many galleries I can pop over to you so you can see them from start to finish!
How many images can we expect?
I never limit the amount I shoot, on average you can expect around 600/700 final edited images from a full wedding day! There’s so much that happens from the preps, the ceremony, the family shots, those gorgeous portraits of you both together, all the natural shots of your guests plus all the small details, and that’s not even mentioning the speeches, the wedding breakfast and your evening do plus the first dance. It’s a very busy day and I never stop shooting so you can be assured you get the full coverage with nothing missed.
Can I keep my wedding day private / can you not share on social media?
Your wedding is your day and you have every right to keep this to yourselves. I will always honour any request of yours to not share any images, if that’s what you would prefer.
Have you photographed at our wedding venue before? if not, is it any issue?
I have photographed at many UK and Cotswolds Wedding venues. If I haven’t had the pleasure of shooting at yours, I would do plenty of research beforehand and fit in a “Recce” before the big day to scout out any locations I particularly love etc.
How long do you stay for at the wedding?
I always join around 2 hours before the ceremony and go through the whole day until a few songs after the first dance, giving me plenty of chance to get some great dance moves shots!
Can I read your reviews?
Sure! I have over 80 Google reviews - Google is the best source to check out real reviews as you know they are coming from real couples and nothing can be altered!
How many times do we meet before the wedding?
I always have an initial call with you before booking to discuss your day and plans, to make sure we are all on the same page etc. I love hearing from you throughout the process and helping where I can. I then arrange to meet at least once before the wedding day. I want you to think of me as more of a pal at your wedding - not a stranger with a camera! I welcome contact any time - always here to chat anything weddings!
How long after the wedding, will we receive our images?
I get cracking on with your images straight away. (You literally have a sneak peek that evening of your wedding!!) Your final images will be ready between 3 and 4 weeks after the big day, to keep those wedding blues away!
What would working with you on our wedding day be like? What can we expect?
I always say to my couples, please read my reviews - I like to think they sum me and my approach up really well. When I say I adore wedding photography, I really do mean it. I get such a buzz documenting your special days and I really do think I have the best job ever. I like to think this shows, right from the start. When you first email me, I will be straight back in touch with you. I will be at the end of the phone, end of an email at all times from booking to the big day. By the time your wedding comes round, I am a friendly face and familiar voice who you can relax and be yourself around. I will be there to make sure you have the most incredible day possible and get the very best photographs for you too. After the wedding day, when all the images are backed up, I get working on them and even that night will send you some sneak peeks. As soon as they are ready, I will be in touch to you let you know the great news and get your special package all delivered to you (with nice extra treats in there too!) even after the day, I will be there to support you through any extras you may wish to sort such as albums, gifts, prints etc too.
Do you have backups of equipment? Do you have Insurance?
Yes, I use two cameras with multiple lenses and each camera back ups to two separate cards too! I have professional indemnity and public liability, so fully insured!
How does it work with communication before the wedding day?
I hope you have gathered by now reading through this, that I stay in touch with my clients throughout the whole process. I will be in touch within a matter of hours via email, and will organise at least one meeting or video call ahead of the day. We will discuss all the finer details and logistics around 4 - 6 weeks ahead of the day too, so you don’t have to worry about anything on your day.
What do you wear when you come to my wedding?
I always dress smart at a wedding - something comfortable I can work in and always flat comfy shoes (which help me be discreet in ninja’ing around and won’t be clomping during your ceremony or speeches!) :)
How do we book?
A completed booking form and deposit of £400 are required to book your date. The remaining balance is then due one month before the wedding day!
Are you available for my wedding?
Please pop me a message here with your details and I will get straight back to you with my availability for your day!
