What to Ask a Wedding Photographer Before Booking

A Guide for UK Couples

Booking a wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during your wedding planning process. With so many photographers out there, it can be difficult to know how to choose the right one. Asking the right questions before booking is key to ensuring they’re the perfect fit for your big day.

Here’s a guide to the essential questions you should ask any potential wedding photographer before signing on the dotted line.

1. How would you describe your photography style?

This is one of the most important questions to ask upfront. Every photographer has their own unique style, whether it’s candid wedding photography, fine art, traditional, or documentary. Understanding their style will help you see if it matches your vision for the day.

For example, if you love the idea of natural, unposed moments, a photographer who specialises in candid wedding photography will be a great match. Or, if you prefer artistic and highly stylised images, you might lean towards a fine art wedding photographer. The key is finding a style that resonates with you and will capture the day as you envision it.

2. What’s your approach to editing?

While photography style is crucial, don’t forget about the editing process. Every photographer edits their images in a specific way, and this will have a huge impact on how your wedding photos look. Ask about their editing style to make sure it aligns with your preferences. They wont change their editing style unless they’re an inexperienced photographer who will accept any and all bookings, so booking the right photographer for you is so important.

For example, I offer a colourful and bold editing style, focusing on vibrant, dynamic images that really pop. Other photographers might have a more bright and airy look with soft, pastel tones, or they may favour a dark and moody style with deep contrasts and dramatic lighting. It’s important to make sure the editing style complements your wedding’s vibe and your personal tastes. We want you to fall in love with your wedding photos, maybe even shed a tear – but for the right reasons, not because you don’t like how they’ve been edited!

3. Can we see a full wedding gallery?

It’s tempting to be swayed by the highlight reels you see on a photographer’s website or Instagram. However, these carefully curated portfolios don’t always tell the full story. Before booking, ask to see a complete wedding gallery. This will give you a better understanding of how the photographer captures the entire day, from the ceremony to the dance floor.

Seeing a full gallery will also help you get a sense of consistency. A great photographer will be able to deliver high-quality images across every aspect of the wedding day, not just a few standout moments.

4. Do you have experience with weddings like ours?

Every wedding is unique, and it’s worth asking if the photographer has worked on weddings similar to yours. Whether it’s an intimate garden ceremony, a grand city wedding, or a countryside celebration, their experience can make a difference.

For example, if you're having a laid-back, outdoor wedding, a photographer who excels at capturing candid wedding moments might be a better fit than someone who focuses on formal, posed shots.

5. How many weddings do you shoot each year?

This question gives you insight into the photographer’s workload and availability. Some photographers may limit the number of weddings they take on each year to ensure they can give each couple the attention they deserve. Others might handle multiple weddings every weekend. There’s no right or wrong answer here, but it’s important to make sure they have the time and energy to focus on your big day. Nobody wants to or should have to wait 6+ months to see their wedding photos.

6. What’s included in your wedding photography packages?

Before booking, you’ll want to be clear on what’s included in the wedding photography packages. Do they offer an engagement shoot? Will there be a second shooter to capture different angles? Are albums or prints included, or will you receive digital files only?

My wedding photography packages include 8-12 hours of coverage, from morning preparations through to the evening party, along with a pre-wedding consultation, a fully edited gallery of high-resolution images, and a pre-wedding shoot. Two of my packages also include beautiful printed albums. You can see what are included in my packages in more detail here. Some photographers don’t have as much information readily available, so asking this question is essential to know what’s covered so there are no surprises later on.

7. How do you handle difficult lighting situations?

Weddings can take place in all sorts of environments, from dimly lit churches to bright outdoor ceremonies. It’s important to ask how your photographer handles tricky lighting conditions to ensure they can still capture high-quality images no matter the circumstances.

A lot of photographers I know prefer natural light photography so that it captures the ambience of the day – and I’m one of them. I will use flash if I have to, and like to use it on the dance floor. Likewise, bright direct sunlight is tricky with the harsh shadows on people’s faces, but it’s not impossible to work with. Backlit photos are probably the worst and most difficult situations to navigate. A lot of venues like to put the signing table and/or top table in front of windows for example!

A skilled photographer will know how to work with both natural and artificial lighting and should have professional equipment, such as off-camera flash or reflectors, to help in low-light situations.

8. How long after the wedding will we receive our photos?

You’re likely to be eager to see your wedding photos soon after the big day, so it’s important to ask how long the photographer typically takes to deliver the final images. It’s also a question some photographers will dread, especially if they’ve got a big backlog after the summer wedding season.

Some photographers offer sneak peeks within a week, while others may take several months to deliver a full gallery. On average, couples in the UK can expect to receive their wedding photos within 4 to 8 weeks after the event, but this can differ greatly between photographer. Make sure the timeline works for you and ask if there’s a specific process for receiving prints, albums, or digital files.

If I can, I offer same-day previews while you’re having your wedding breakfast. If not, it’s within a couple of days. When I’m not busy, I can deliver your full online gallery within a week, but I usually take between 2 and 4 weeks – which is faster than what’s in my contract but I aim to please!

9. What is your backup plan in case of an emergency?

Life is unpredictable, so it’s essential to know what happens if your photographer falls ill or faces an emergency on your wedding day. Do they have a backup photographer who can step in at short notice? What happens if their equipment fails?

Professional photographers will have contingency plans in place to handle such situations. I always carry backup equipment and have a network of trusted photographers I can call upon in an emergency to ensure your day is captured without a hitch.

10. Can we read testimonials or speak with past couples?

Reviews and testimonials from previous couples can give you a real sense of what it’s like to work with a photographer. If possible, ask if you can speak with past couples or read reviews to get a better understanding of their experience.

Positive feedback about a photographer’s communication, professionalism, and ability to put couples at ease is just as important as their technical skills behind the camera. Many of my clients mention how I was able to put them at ease in front of the camera, which helped them relax and enjoy the moment.

Final thoughts on what to ask a wedding photographer

Choosing the right wedding photographer isn’t just about liking their work — it’s about finding someone who understands your vision and can deliver the experience you’re looking for. By asking these key questions, you’ll be well-prepared to make an informed decision and find the perfect photographer for your big day.

Remember, your wedding photographer will be with you throughout one of the most important days of your life, so it’s worth taking the time to find someone you truly connect with and trust.

If you’re looking for more tips or have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help couples find their ideal photographer, even if it’s not me!

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Have any questions for me?

If you’d like to ask me any of the above and are interested in chatting about booking me for your wedding, fill in your details below and I’d be happy to help! I’ll be in touch as soon as I can.