Planning your wedding can feel like a whirlwind of choices – from cakes to venues to guest lists. But there’s one decision that quietly holds lasting power: choosing your photographer.
Because long after the confetti has been swept and the cake devoured, it’s your images that bring those memories back to life. And not just how it looked, but how it felt.
As someone who photographs smaller, more intimate weddings (usually between 3 to 6 hours), I’ve seen how the right questions at the beginning can set the tone for a relaxed, joyful and genuinely meaningful photography experience. So today, I’d love to share some thoughts that might help you find a photographer who feels like the right fit for your day.
Why These Wedding Photography Questions Matter
Many couples go into choosing a photographer with a set list of standard questions: What’s your price? Do you shoot in RAW? How many photos will we get?
Those are important, of course. But when your priority is connection, emotion and presence, finding someone who truly understands your story, you need to go a little deeper.
My approach is documentary in style, guided by moments of connection and emotions, rather than poses, and grounded in storytelling rather than perfection. So what I encourage couples to ask is less about the technical checklist and more about the experience behind the camera.
What You Should Really Be Asking Your Wedding Photographer
1. “Can We See Real Weddings You’ve Photographed – Not Just Styled Shoots?”
Styled shoots can be beautiful, but they’re carefully curated and controlled. Real weddings are full of messy magic, unplanned smiles, and unpredictable moments – and that’s exactly where I feel most at home.
Ask your photographer to share full galleries from real weddings. This helps you get a true sense of their storytelling style and how they document real people over the full course of a wedding day – even just a few intimate hours.
2. “Do You Have Back-Up Equipment?”
This one might sound boring, but it matters. Things happen. Equipment can fail. And your wedding day doesn’t have a do-over.
I always arrive with multiple cameras and lenses, ready for anything. It’s not something you should need to worry about, but a quick confirmation can provide peace of mind. A professional photographer plans for the ‘what ifs’ so you don’t have to.
3. “What’s Your Style – and Does It Match What We Want to Remember?”
Photographers work in many different ways. Some use a more posed, editorial style. Others create spontaneous, storytelling images.
Look closely at their portfolio and notice how it makes you feel. Do the people look relaxed? Are the moments emotional or staged? Do you see yourself in those images?
If you’re drawn to honest, unfiltered moments – just how things were, not how they looked on Pinterest – make sure your photographer’s philosophy resonates with that. That alignment brings comfort, ease, and better photos.
A helpful tip: ask your photographer why they shoot the way they do. Their answer will tell you a lot about what they value.
4. “How Do You Help Us Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera?”
Especially if you’re a bit camera-shy (and let’s be real, most people are), it’s important to know what kind of experience the photographer creates.
For my couples, I offer the option to book a relaxed pre-wedding session – not posed or styled, just an everyday moment together. Many love doing this, but it’s never required. Either way, I always take the time to get to know you beforehand through a call or two, and a thoughtful questionnaire. That connection makes all the difference on the day.
You’re not expected to ‘perform’ for the camera. That said, if you do want to take some time for more posed couple photographs, it’s always helpful to let your photographer know. I’m more than happy to build this into the day — typically around 30–45 minutes — if that’s something you’d love.
I see wedding photography as a collaboration. We work together, and you’re always welcome to share ideas or moments that feel important to you. Whether that’s something simple and natural or a little more intentional, the goal is the same: images that feel like you.
5. “How Do You Handle Low Light, Weather, or Unexpected Changes?”
Weddings rarely go exactly to plan, and that’s part of the beauty.
Ask your photographer how they adapt when timelines shift, the weather turns, or light changes. Experience matters here, especially for intimate weddings where flexibility is key.
A seasoned photographer doesn’t panic — they problem-solve quietly and keep the day feeling relaxed.
6. “What’s Included in the Price – and What Happens After?”
Every photographer includes slightly different things in their wedding packages. Some include prints, others digital galleries. Some deliver within weeks, others might take longer.
Make sure you understand what’s included upfront:
- How many hours of coverage?
- Is transportation included?
- When can you expect to receive your photos?
- How many digital images can I expect?
- Will we get prints, wall art, album or slideshow?
No surprises. Just clear expectations and beautiful results.
7. “What Do You Need From Us to Do Your Best Work?”
This is a subtle but powerful question.
A photographer who’s invested in your experience will have thoughtful answers — whether that’s time to connect beforehand, space to work quietly, or trust on the day itself.
For me, it’s all about preparation and connection.
I always schedule two video calls and send a thoughtful questionnaire ahead of your wedding. This helps me get to know you as people — which naturally makes you feel more relaxed around me — and it also allows me to plan your day with care.
Understanding your wedding timeline is especially important to me. Knowing when and where things are happening means I can be in the right place at the right time, without rushing or missing moments that matter to you.
That might include:
- The start of the ceremony
- Cake cutting
- Speeches or toasts
- Transportation between locations
- First dances or open dancing
- Any meaningful traditions or quiet moments you don’t want forgotten
The more clarity I have beforehand, the calmer and more present I can be on the day — which ultimately leads to better, more intentional photographs for you.
Why Trust – Not Only Talent – Is Key
These conversations aren’t about testing or “quizzing” your photographer. They’re a way to build trust.
Your wedding photographer is with you during some of the most emotionally intimate moments of your day. You’re choosing someone to witness your connection, your nerves, your joy – and to turn it all into your future memories.
That’s more than logistics. It’s legacy.
Let’s Talk About Your Day
If you’re planning an intimate wedding in London, Kent, or any surrounding area, and you want images that feel honest, warm, and rooted in real life – I’d be honoured to hear more about your plans.
My goal is to help you feel not just seen but truly remembered, exactly as you were. No over-editing, no pressure to perform. Instead beautiful storytelling that holds space for who you are and how you love.
Ready to explore working together? Get in touch here.
Let your story unfold and I’ll be there to capture it.
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