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Wedding planning

38 important questions to ask a wedding photographer before the big day

The rapport between a wedding photographer and a couple will hugely contribute to the finished set of photos. These questions to ask a wedding photographer include queries on style, logistics and editing to help you find the right person to capture your special day.

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7 minutes

Your wedding photographs are a keepsake from the day to display and look back on, and for many couples, getting them right is one of the most crucial tasks on their wedding planning checklist. To get the perfect snaps, it’s important to be armed with the right questions to ask a wedding photographer to ensure your visions are aligned before hiring them.

‘You’ll see your photographer more than anyone else on your wedding day,’ Jules Williams, a leading London wedding photographer, tells us. ‘So getting along is key and will help you relax.’ They'll be there documenting each moment, from exchanging vows to the first dance. They should enable you and your partner to immerse yourselves in the day — which takes a certain level of trust. That trust comes from adoring their work, Williams explains, ‘The key thing is that a couple chooses a photographer because they love their style and are truly invested in them, from how they edit to how they take photos. With that comes trust. It also gives the photographer confidence that the couple will love the images.’

Bride and groom look at each other with the London lanscape behind

Credit: Dominika Miechowska

Holding a meeting with a potential wedding photographer is a crucial step to ensure you connect personally and creatively. We’d advise seeing a prospective photographer in person or virtually in the first instance to gauge how you gel. Try to be open and authentic while discussing their style and working methods. ‘It’s essential to ensure your photographer understands you as a couple, your style, vision and what you want to achieve with your album,’ says Tallulah Adams, a wedding planner at Davenport House

The best questions to ask a wedding photographer

Under the guidance of wedding planners and photographers, we’ve compiled the most important questions to ask a photographer both before hiring them, and before the big day. Asking the right questions can help you and your wedding planner better understand each other in what is often a short window, and determine whether you’re a good fit. 

Questions to ask a wedding photographer before hiring them

Recommendations for wedding photographers can come via friends, wedding planners, the venue, a Google search or, increasingly, the appealing aesthetic of a wedding photographer’s Instagram page. Once you have a photographer, or a shortlist of photographers, in mind, these practical questions will help you decide whether you’re compatible.

The initial meeting is all about scoping out their style, how closely your tastes align, and what they can offer technically. It’s worth bringing along some wedding photography inspiration — a scrapbook, Pinterest board, saved posts on Instagram or a mood board (physical or via an app) — so they can discuss any limitations or add further ideas. 

Bride and groom wave from a vintage car, standing next to traditional marquee

Credit: Barker Evans

‘Storytelling is key. It’s not just about capturing a moment in time, but a feeling: a glance between a couple, a laugh between friends, a hand on the small of someone’s back.’

Jules Williams, wedding photographer

1. What wedding photography style do they use?

‘One of the first questions to ask a photographer is: can I see your portfolio?’ William Bartholomew of William Bartholomew Party Planning tells us. Then ask them to talk you through their style. ‘All photographer's styles are slightly different. We’re also seeing a trend now to opt for documentary photographers for weddings, as they’re so good at candid images,’ Bartholomew tells us.

Photographer Jules Williams uses documentary-style photography to showcase the subtle moments of connection between a couple and their guests, explaining, ‘Storytelling is key. And that doesn’t just mean the moment captured, but also how the image is framed and shot. It’s not just about capturing a moment in time, but a feeling too: a glance between a couple, a laugh between friends, a hand on the small of someone’s back.’ She continued, ‘I use warm tones, shot in what I like to call an editorial-meets-documentary way. I also love editorial fashion-led wedding photography and a completely candid documentary style. Both are very different and I aim to blend the two.’

Bride and groom pour champagne over a tower made of coupe glasses.
Bride and groom are enjoying a moment together in a sunlit room of their wedding reception venue
A long table featuring a minimal wedding table décor for autumn wedding

Credit: Jules Williams Photography

Wedding photography styles: a quick run down

  • Formal wedding portraits: Less creative and more posed, formal wedding photographs are framed simply and usually taken at eye level. The couple poses with different guests grouped by association with the couple — for example, close family, extended family, bridesmaids and groomsmen together. Many couples opt to have some pre-wedding photographs of just the two before the wedding so the flow of the day isn’t disrupted. 
  • Documentary or photojournalistic: Candid photography is popular with modern couples who don’t want their finished album to look too staged and favour heartfelt, natural moments. This style of photography is less structured, with the photographer capturing moments as they unfold.⁠
  • Editorial-style photographs: Though far less common, some couples opt for editorial-style photographs reminiscent of a magazine photoshoot, with staged shots that feel more abstract rather than portraits. 
  • Landscape and aerial photography: The beautiful backdrops of wedding venues allow for some incredible images, and drone photography is another technique that’s rising in popularity. ‘A lot of my couples love having shots from above of the guests mingling,’ Bartholomew told us. ‘It's a unique way to show a wedding party in action.’
  • Blended styles: Most photographers offer a mix of styles to suit couples’ needs. For example, a documentary-style photographer may capture candid moments, as well as a range of staged shots and portraits of the couple, their close family, and their bridal party. 

Bride with veil and groom in morning suit are kissing outside the traditional English church
Smiling bride peeks outside the vintage car windonw

Credit: Alexander Stevens Photography

2. What are your recommendations for group and portrait photographs? 

Wedding portraits are one of the most popular wedding traditions. Typically, the photographer would run through every sub-group of guests (close family, bridesmaids and groomsmen, university friends and so on) during an allocated timeslot, typically after the ceremony. However, this more prescriptive style of photography is no longer favoured by many couples who want to spend more time mingling with guests rather than posing for photographs, so consider whether this is right for you. ‘If you aren’t a fan of posing for photos with every family member you have in a portrait style, then make that known,’ Adams suggests. ‘Then go for a candid and opportunistic photographer that will capture freely and subtly so that you don’t have to look down a camera lens for big chunks of your day.’ While documentary-style and editorial-led photography are popular wedding photography styles these days, Williams argues there’s still a place for group and portrait photographs. ‘It’s a traditional thing to do that is often just as important to the family members in those photos as well as the couple,’ she tells us. ‘More often than not, for those family members, that photo will end up in a frame on their wall. I usually recommend doing up to six group photos max as they can each take 3-5 minutes per group. A full group shot is still fairly popular I had to stand on a tractor for the last one of those I did!

Formal group wedding portrait with bride, groom and groom's family in traditional Nigerian outfits.

Credit: Michael Newington Gray

4. How do they adapt to challenging environments?

Photography inevitably comes with logistical challenges. Seeing how a photographer has previously negotiated different conditions will put you at ease should circumstances change on the day. ‘Ask them to share some past work they have done, firstly, in a similar style venue, secondly, in the rain, and thirdly, without natural daylight, to ensure your images will look good in different scenarios,’ Matthew Shaw, founder of events planning company Sauveur advises. He also suggests asking a wedding planner how they might prepare for shooting at a new location they aren’t familiar with. 

5. Do they use film or digital photography? And if digital, is film an option?

Digital cameras and smartphones have revolutionised photography and offer sharp images in high volume. They’re also somewhat more reliable, considering photographers can instantly check the quality of their work. However, we’ve seen a resurgence of the timeless craft of wedding film photography, with renowned photographers such as Santa Barbara-based Jose Villa famously preferring film. Villa, who has been named one of the top wedding photographers by Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, shoots on a Contax 645 and says of his chosen medium on The Wedding Biz podcast, ‘Printing things in the dark room; people don’t really do that anymore. But when you do [...] it becomes art. It becomes a one-of-a-kind photo.’

Bride and groom walking together after ceremony while the confetti are being thrown at them

Though less common, it’s worth considering whether a film photographer is more in line with the images you favour. The plus side of digital photography is that there’s little room for error, and it can capture dozens of images in seconds, which is more advantageous for fast-moving moments like walking down the aisle or the first dance. Black and white images can also look beautiful in both digital and film photography, and this would be a good point to discuss that option. With film, the photographer has to decide beforehand whether they’re shooting in colour or black and white, so it’s important to discuss this. 

Film

  • Softer effect with a wider tonal range 
  • Timeless and romantic
  • A more curated experience with the photographer
  • A slower and more deliberate photography process
  • Can produce more original and distinctive photographs
  • A less high-definition effect can be more flattering
  • Can feel more authentic 

Digital

  • A less-time consuming photography process
  • Higher volume of images 
  • Sharper images
  • The photographer can be more discreet
  • More photographs to choose from
  • Appropriate for fast-moving action
  • More flexibility with editing 

Bride and groom are kissing while being slightly covered with bride's veil
Bride and groom walks the streets of London on their wedding day
Bride and groom dance together at the hall with checkerboard floor at The Ned hotel.

Credit: Rebecca Searle Photography

6. Ask yourself, do I feel comfortable in this person’s presence?

Your wedding day is a deeply personal experience, and it’s essential to feel at ease with the person documenting it. An initial meeting will give you an overall picture of a photographer’s presence and working style — so it’s important not to rush it and to ask as many questions as needed. 

Bride walks from the wedding venue, a Georgian manor house in the countryside

Credit: Alex Beckett

More questions to ask a wedding photographer before hiring them

Style/Background

7. Who inspires you in the wedding photography space?⁠

8. How long have you been working as a wedding photographer? 

9. Do you do any other types of photography? 

10. Has your wedding photography style evolved? 

11. Do you prefer to take candid or posed photos?

12. Can we request specific shots for the day? (You might want photos of the decorations, flowers, or of thoughtful details like your wedding favours.)

13. Can you tell me about some of the different wedding styles you’ve worked on?

14. How adaptable are you to different environments?

15. What is most important to you when working with couples?

16. How do you get to know what your couple wants on the day?

17. Do you offer drone shots, and is there an extra charge?

18. What is your photo editing style? 

19. Are there any editing effects you offer or prefer to use?

20. Do you prefer to keep shots natural or more stylized? 

21. Do you work with any videographers and is there anyone you can recommend? 

Bride and groom kiss during their wedding ceremony at Myatt's Field Park,
Bride in lace wedding dress looks at the butterfly that landed on groom's shoulder

Credit: Beatrici Photography

Logistics

22. Is the wedding date feasible without any potential issues?

23. Can we have a pre-wedding shoot? How much does that cost?

24. Can we check in and discuss the wedding beforehand? 

25. Do you include the whole day in your pricing? (or do they leave at a particular time?)

26. Do you carry backup equipment? 

27. What happens if you are sick on the day?

28. Do you charge a travel fee? 

29. Do you offer a photo booth or have a recommendation for a company that does? 

30. Do you work with an assistant, and does that incur an extra cost? 

31. Have you ever worked with our wedding planner or venue?

32. How many weddings do you have around that time?

33. What's the turnaround time for photographs to be ready after the wedding?

34. How many prints are included, and is there an option for albums? 

35. Do you offer retouching and corrective services as part of the package? How many rounds of edits do you offer?

Bride and groom pose for a group wedding portrait with their friends

Credit: Chloë Lowe Photography

Last-minute questions for wedding photographers

Once you’ve decided on your chosen photographer and booked them you probably won't be in touch with them for a while. But there are a few questions you should ask before the big day to ensure you’re aligned on the action plan and to make them aware of the finer details.

Your wedding photographer will usually schedule a meeting in the run-up to the wedding to iron out any queries on logistics. ‘I think the more information you can share with your photographer, the better prepared they can be,’ Williams tells us. ‘A few weeks before a wedding day, I ask my couples to fill out a questionnaire that details their timeline, but I also still ask if there are other timeline documents they’ve put together.’ The photographer added, ‘Know that there is no silly question.’

36. Will you visit the venue with us before the day?

Though not always essential, it can be useful to walk around the venue together, discuss the best points for group photographs and troubleshoot any potential challenges on the day. It’s also a good opportunity to meet with your photographer and ask any preparatory questions. ‘If you are local to your photographer, consider booking a pre-wedding shoot with them,’ Williams suggests. ‘Not only will you have beautiful photos, but you’ll also really have the opportunity to get to know your photographer, which can help you relax ahead of your day.’

Bride and groom leave their wedding ceremony in townhall while guests are throwing confetti

Credit: Diana V Photography

37. How will you interact with wedding guests?

Some photographers will opt for the chameleon approach, blending in with guests and subtly capturing the day, while others will be more involved in organising the guests. Communicating your preferred approach beforehand and reaffirming it before the big day is important. 

One of the wedding guests is turning towards the camera during wedding ceremony

Credit: Kat Gillespie

38. Where should we be taking any portrait photographs?

To plan the day, working out the timeline for any portrait photographs beforehand is essential. Bartholomew also suggests establishing whether pre-reception photographs will be inside or outside. ‘Consider the natural lighting and the best time of day to capture them,’ he tells us. ‘This is dependent on time of year and sunset timings.’ 

What to do after agreeing your photography plan

  • Make the necessary introductions: ‘It might be good to introduce your wedding party planner to the photographer so they can show them where the guests will be within the venue at any given time,’ Bartholomew suggests. 
  • Share your timeline: ‘The best way to ensure that everything runs smoothly with your photographer is to share everything that you can with them regarding the timeline of your day so that they can be fully prepared,’ Williams explains. 
  • Issue a checklist: ‘Ensure you give them a list of the people you must have photographed, like the bride and groom's family,’ Bartholomew explains. It might also be useful for them to have a copy of the wedding seating plan so they can snap key people throughout the reception.
  • Discuss having a no-phone policy during the ceremony: If you want ceremony photos without a sea of smartphones, Bartholomew advises that 'for your ceremony, encourage/ask your guests not to use their phone.’ This can be discussed with your celebrant, officiant or wedding planner and they can inform the guests.

How do you know if you've found a good photographer?

The right wedding photographer will not only have a portfolio that excites you but will also put you at ease. As Adams notes, ‘Your photographs are a key part of your day, something you will look back on forever,’ — so it’s worth spending some time and energy on finding the right person. Photographer Williams advises focusing on finding a photographer who's signature style you love, rather than asking someone to shoot in away that's trending and not intrinsically them. ‘There are many photography styles and genres out there, and I'd always say go with what you are naturally drawn to over something trend-led,’ she tells us. ‘Take note of the style of the photos and the tones. From clean, vibrant, true-to-colour edits, to bright, light and airy, from dark and beautifully moody, to warm tones with a nostalgic feel. That way you know the kind of photographer you are looking for, which will help narrow your search.’

Traditional English bride and groom pose with page boy, flower girl and the maid of honour next to a floral arch.

Credit: Deborah Grace Photography

While an online portfolio can tell you a lot about a photographer’s style, it’s only when you can meet them and ask them about their craft that you will get a true sense of what it would be like to work together. Someone flexible, personable and experienced is more likely to ensure a smooth process. While there’s nothing wrong with hiring new talent, weddings can throw up last-minute changes or challenges, and an established photographer will usually be able to deal with these calmly.

As a final note, as talented as a wedding photographer might be, the subject matter — you and your partner — is arguably the most important factor when it comes to getting great photos. Try to enjoy the moment without worrying about what the finished pictures will look like. Williams advises, ‘Be in the moment. Be together and be with your people. Have fun. It goes by so fast. The most wonderful wedding photos are the ones where the couple are really in it, immersed in their own story.

Main Photo Credit: Alex Beckett

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