25 questions to ask your wedding photographer

I thought this would be a good guide for anyone looking to book a wedding photographer and for me to provide a little bit of insight into how I work, so here we go, 25 questions to ask your wedding photographer.

1. How would you define your style?

My style is definitely laid back, natural, contemporary and more reportage than traditional and posed.. My aim is to tell the story of your day through my images and to ensure everyone is relaxed. I understand that you want amazing images but I also understand that you want to be able to enjoy the day without feeling awkward about the photos or feeling like you are missing whats happening by being away for a long time having photos taken. Hopefully if you look through my work and read my reviews you can see that people are relaxed. I want to create real memories with real emotions that will last a lifetime. I try and use natural light wherever possible but Im also happy to use a flash when needed.

2.We have certain ideas we would like – can you do these?

Of course, I love to work with couples who have photo ideas. We can discuss and build on your vision to create something amazing.

3. Can you show me a complete set of recent wedding photos from start to finish?

This is something that is very important when choosing a photographer. Anyone can show one or two handpicked images from a particular wedding and share these but you need to see a set of images from a whole wedding to get an idea of consistency across the day. When I share images I like to include a number of photos across the whole day for this reason.

4. Do you have insurance?

Yes, I am fully insured for Public Liability and Professional Indemnity and all our equipment is covered for loss, damage or Force Majeure.

5. Are you a member of any professional photography organisations?

No. I am 100% self taught. I started photographing friends weddings and my experience built from there. I’ve never been a 2nd shooter for anyone else and whilst maybe a little reckless in the early days, I like to think that has helped me define my own path and style without any influence from others. I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion on this matter but I think your work is gauged on the quality of your images and the feedback from people with whom you have worked with on the day rather than a few letters or a membership of an organisation.

6. What happens if you fall ill on the day?

I have to be dead to not attend your wedding lol - I take an aspirin and plough on!! Seriously though, I do have a network of friends and use forums with other photographers I could call on in the unlikely event of something happening that meant I couldn’t attend.

7. What happens if your camera develops a fault?

Being a professional photographer it is essential that I have back up of everything. I lay out my equipment on a table and take one thing away. If I couldn’t shoot your wedding to my best ability with this item missing then I need a back up. Typically I take 3 cameras and up to 10 lenses with me. This is something you need to check with your photographer as it’s something less experienced photographers might overlook .

8. What happens if it rains?

You get a little wet and we get amazing photos regardless!!! In Scotland it does tend to rain a lot but I have never had a day where we havent managed out side for a few shots in weather gaps. I carry umbrellas and you would be amazed how we can still catch outdoor photos with a few groomsmen on hand with umbrellas or table clothes on the ground to protect dresses.I always work with venues to come up with a plan B to utilise indoor space and if you know my work, well, lets just say if it rains in the evening I’m a happy bunny lol ';)

9. Can my other guests take pictures?

Of course - I actively encourage guests to take photos and I’m usually giving out advice or asking to look at their cameras. Phones are amazing these days and guest can take amazing images so it keeps me on my toes and means I have to keep raising my game to keep ahead.

10. I dont see many formal group shots shared on your pages - do you do family group shots.

Yes - 100%. I dont share many group shots because nobody really wants to see other families lined up but I do think these shots are important. Mums and Dads want something for the mantlepiece but standing on the same spot for countless photos doesn’t appeal to many people (nor me) but I would advise to at least have the important ones covered - Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Bridal Party, both close families etc

11. When will I see my photos?

On the night of your wedding I will edit and send over 5-10 images so you have these before you go to bed. Its a great way to end the day and it also means you can share a few awesome ones the next day before the dodgy phone shots from guests start to appear haha!!

I aim to deliver the final images to you within a month of the wedding.

12. How can I actually be sure that you’ll be any good and that we’ll get along?

I think it’s important that we meet before the wedding so you can be sure you will be comfortable with me being around on the day and I’d also encourage you to look through all of my images. I am consistent with the work I share - I try and share every wedding I shoot, not just the favourites that I think will attract more work. I have client testimonials and reviews on my page and actively encourage anyone to contact previous couples for references.

13. Do we feed you on the day.

While it isn’t a deal breaker, something to eat would be amazing. I’m on my feet for over 12 hours so having something hot to eat means I dont have to break out the cheese sandwiches haha.

14. Who will actually take my photographs?

Me - I dont have any associate shooters. If you book me it will be me that shoots your wedding.

15. Do you bring a second photographer.

No, I like to shoot on my own. My aim is to catch natural photos and whilst it’s a bit of a cliche, see everything but never be seen. Working on my own means I can fly under the radar a little easier with little to no presence. If a 2nd photographer is specifically requested then this can be arranged with associated costs agreed.

16. Do you cope well under pressure and what about any emergencies on the day?

I like to think so. The more experience you have the more relaxed you can be and confident in your ability to capture the day the way you want. Any nervousness or stress shown by your photographer will simply rub off on the couple and this will be evident in the images.

17. How far ahead should we book?

Due to demand I am currently booking Saturday weddings up to three years in advance - there are spare weekends in between but it is never too early to get your photographer booked. I always think that having your venue, photographer and band are the three main things to get booked as soon as possible. Midweek and winter weddings are also growing in popularity so dont rule these out either.

18. My Wedding is not in Scotland is that a problem?

No, I regularly travel abroad for destination weddings. Ive been to Thailand, Lake Garda, Tuscany, Portugal and Greece.

19. How do we book?

You can reach me through any of the contact streams on my site with your wedding date and venue. I’ll get back to you straight away and if I have your date free I’ll send all of the details through. Then we can arrange a meeting to chat through your plans for your big day.

20. We have a Videographer, is that a problem?

No, I actually love working with videographers, especially ones who can offer creative input and work with me. It is just as important to me that your video turns out amazing as it is the photos. I hear a lot of stories about photographers who write into their agreements that they have to take the lead and the videographer has to work around them. thats not for me, If I’m working with a videographer then we are a team we work together to get the best end result. I work regularly with videographers and can even recommend ones who I think are aligned with my style too.

21. What is included in your package?

To keep things simple I only have one package. You get me from as early as you want in the morning until late into the dancing at night. Its important for me that I tell your story through my images. I dont have a silver or bronze package, one price and for that you get everything and will never have to pay a penny more. I don’t provide albums as they are so easy to do online with templates now and I find most couples actually enjoy sitting down and designing their own.

One thing that I that separates me from most other photographers is that I will provide you with every single image I take on the day. Most photographers provide a set number of images and that all you get. On a typical wedding day Ill shoot up to 1500 images and Id far rather you have them as a record of your day than they sit on a hard drive on my computer, never to be seen. I know most photographers only want their very best work out there and dont want anyone seeing mistakes but for me I’d rather provide all the straight from camera shots in a separate folder to the edited images. I can also edit any particular image that is special to you to match the final edited shots.

22. How much would it be for an additional hour?

It would be free because I dont have set hours. My job is to cover your wedding to the best of my ability and if I was restricted to set hours I feel this might compromise my ability to capture your day. Obviously if I’m only there for a half day or a set amount of hours as part of a discounted agreement then that is different.

23. How long have you been taking wedding photos for?

I shot my first wedding in 2014 - a friend who had spent all their money and knew me as the guy with a camera. I really enjoyed it and havent looked back since.

24. What information do you need from us?

Just the main things like timings. locations, any specific family dynamics you think I should know., order of the day that kind of thing. I am also happy for couples to send me over images they like ahead of the wedding (doesn’t have to be mine) as that helps me create a mood board of sorts and build up a picture of what they like - most couples just ask me to get on with it and do my thing though.

25. Questions to ask yourself before booking.

Do I feel a positive connection with this photographer?

Am I confident in their ability and can I trust them to capture the biggest day of my life.

Has this photographer listened and addressed all of my concerns?