35 Questions for Your Wedding Photographer
Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. It’s not just about the images; it’s about finding someone who you want to spend 10 hours with on the most important day of your life.
With 20 years of experience photographing weddings across Manchester, Trafford, and Salford, I’ve seen every kind of "list of questions" from magazines. Most are helpful, but some are a distraction. Here are the 35 questions you should be asking, grouped into the five pillars of a great wedding experience.
Pillar 1: Experience & Trust (The Basics)
- How long have you been shooting weddings? (I’ve been at it for two decades!)
- How many weddings have you shot? (Over 200 and counting.)
- Are you insured? (Yes, full public liability and equipment cover is essential.)
- What happens if you are ill? (I have a trusted network of professional peers for emergency cover.)
- Can we see a full gallery, not just highlights? (Always ask this! I’m happy to share full stories.)
Pillar 2: Style & Fit (The Vibe)
- How do you describe your style? (Natural, documentary, and 'no-fuss'.)
- Do you take group photos? (Yes—I recommend 10-12 key groups to keep things moving.)
- How do you handle camera-shy couples? (With gentle prompts and a relaxed, unposed approach.)
- Will you stay for the party? (My full-day coverage includes the first dance and the madness afterwards.)
- Do you use flash? (Only when needed—I prefer natural light but carry professional lighting for dark venues.)
Pillar 3: The Manchester Factor (Logistics)
- Have you worked at our venue before? (I’ve shot at most major North West spots like The Monastery and Flixton House.)
- If not, will you visit it beforehand? (Yes, I perform a pre-wedding scout for every new location.)
- How do you handle the Manchester rain? (I’m unfazed—I have backup indoor locations and lighting ready to go.)
- Do you charge for travel? (Not within Greater Manchester.)
- Are you familiar with local registrars/churches? (Yes, I’ve worked with teams across Salford, Trafford, and the City Centre.)
Pillar 4: Technical & Security (The "Safe Hands")
- What gear do you use? (Professional-grade Canon bodies and a full set of prime lenses.)
- Do you have backup equipment? (Always. I carry multiple cameras on the day.)
- How are our photos backed up? (In real-time on the camera, and across multiple drives the moment I get home.)
- Do you work solo? (Usually, yes. I’m an expert at managing the day alone.)
- Is a second photographer available? (Yes, for larger weddings or multiple prep locations.)
Pillar 5: After the Big Day (The Delivery)
- How long until we see our photos? (Sneak peeks in 48 hours; full gallery in 4-8 weeks.)
- How are the photos delivered? (Via a private, permanent online gallery.)
- Do we get high-resolution files? (Yes, with full printing rights.)
- Are there watermarks on the files? (Never. They are your memories, not my adverts.)
- Do you offer albums? (Yes, museum-quality albums are available if you want them—no pressure.)
(Plus 10 more "deep-dive" questions for when we meet!)
The Most Important Question of All...
The 35th and final question is one you should ask yourselves: "Do we feel relaxed around this person?" As an ex-serviceman, I bring a calm, organized energy to every wedding. I’m there to make your day easier, not harder. If you want a photographer who is an expert in his field but doesn't take himself too seriously, we’ll get along famously.
Check My Availability or explore my Manchester Wedding Advice Hub for more tips on planning your perfect day.