What Questions to Ask your Wedding Photographer
- Treasure Box Photography
- 2 minutes ago
- 8 min read
What Questions to Ask your Wedding Photographer
I’m Eamonn McColgan, a Northern Ireland wedding photographer, and I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories from the gorgeous grounds of Beechill Country House Hotel to the stately halls of Belfast’s historic wedding venues.
Over the years I’ve seen many couples kick themselves for not asking certain key questions before booking. To help you avoid any surprises, here’s your guide on Questions to Ask your Wedding Photographer before you book.
Why Asking the Right Questions Makes All the Difference
Your wedding photographs aren’t just pretty snaps; they’re the storybook of your big day. They’ll be flicked through by grandchildren, shown on anniversary nights, and shared with friends near and far. Yet too often couples discover too late that they didn’t know how long their photos would take, or that their included album would only hold thirty images, or that watermarks would spoil their favourite shots.
By asking these questions up front, you’ll:
- Avoid hidden pitfalls – no unwelcome fees or intrusive watermarks
- Set clear expectations – know exactly when and how you’ll receive your images
- Relax and enjoy – because booking your photographer should be stress-free
1. What’s Your Turnaround Time?
Why this matters
You can’t wait to relive those first kisses, laugh at silly speeches and show your nan the photos. But every photographer works at a different pace. Some deliver a “sneak peek” within a week, others take six to eight weeks for the full set.
Questions to follow up
- Do you offer a small preview gallery within days?
- Can we pay extra to speed up the full collection?
- Do busier months (May to September) extend your processing time?
Couple’s regret: A pair once assumed they’d have their images before their thank-you cards arrived—only to receive them six months after the big day. If you’re sending cards or planning a slideshow, get turnaround times in writing.
2. Will There Be Watermarks on the Images?
Why this matters
Many photographers watermark online proofs to protect their work, but you’ll want crisp, watermark-free files for printing, sharing on social media or creating photo books.
Questions to follow up
- Do you watermark all digital files or only web-sized proofs?
- Can we purchase unwatermarked, high-resolution files? At what cost?
Couple’s regret: One bride downloaded her favourite sunset portrait, only to spend hours erasing a watermark before printing. Ask early so you receive clean files from the start.
3. How Many Photos Will You Deliver?
Why this matters
After 10 hours of coverage—from bridal prep to the first dance —you might expect hundreds of images. But some photographers guarantee a minimum per hour, while others simply curate the best.
Questions to follow up
- Do you guarantee a set number of images per hour of coverage?
- Will every shot be hand-edited, or do you let us choose favourites for retouching?
Couple’s regret: A couple assumed they’d get every frame taken. They ended up with half the quantity they’d expected as their contract only
4. What Are Your Coverage Hours and Timings?
Why this matters
“Eight hours of coverage” sounds straightforward, but you’ll want clarity on start and finish times. Does eight hours begin with hair and make-up at 10am, or with arrival at the venue? And will they stay for the first dance, or pack up when guests are called in for speeces?
Questions to follow up
- Can we extend coverage if speeches or the first dance run late? What’s the hourly rate?
- Does travel time count as coverage?
- Are there extra fees for late evening or “golden hour” shoots?
Couple’s regret: One bride was heartbroken when her photographer left straight after the meal—just before the first dance. If dancing shots matter to you, confirm finish time (or overtime cost) in advance.
5. How Many Photos Will Be in Our Album?
Why this matters
If you’re planning a luxury album, you’ll want to know how many spreads and slots for images. Standard albums might include ten spreads and up to 40 images, but some packages only bundle a small parent album as an add-on.
Questions to follow up
- Which album sizes and styles do you offer?
- How many spreads or pages come as standard, and how many images per spread?
- Can we upgrade or customise the design later?
Couple’s regret: A pair loved their online gallery of 600 images, only to find their included album fit just 20. Sketch out your album wish-list at the outset so you don’t miss key moments.
6. Do We Need to Feed You?
**Why this matters**
Out of all your vendors, your wedding photographer (and videographer) will be with you the most throughout your day. The only opportunity they get to eat is when you sit down for your own meal. It’s a customary and polite gesture to offer your photographer a meal so they’re properly fuelled—many of us will happily tuck into a simple dinner (even bar-style food) so we’re ready for the cake-cutting photos and the remainder of the evening’s celebrations. It also means we’ll stay on site rather than ducking off to grab a sandwich. You don’t need to include us in your formal seating plan—we’ll often be busy backing up images, checking gear, or catching up with family.
uestions to follow up
Do you have any dietary requirements or allergies we should know about?
Would you prefer a hot meal, finger food or something lighter to keep you shooting?
At what point in the day would you like to be fed—after speeches, during the main course, or a packed sandwich for later on?
Couple’s regret: One couple forgot to arrange a meal for their photographer and ended up with some of the key evening shots having to wait while their photographer dashed out for food.
7. Do You Have a Second Shooter or Assistant?
Why this matters
One photographer can’t be everywhere at once. A second shooter means you’ll capture both partners’ preparations, guest reactions, and multiple vantage points during vows.
Questions to follow up
- Is the second shooter a seasoned photographer or an assistant in training?
- Are their services included in the package or an optional extra?
- How do you coordinate shot lists and maintain a consistent style across both photographers?
Couple’s regret: At a large reception, one couple missed the father-and-bride dance because their photographer was busy capturing the groom’s speech solo. If you want full coverage, make sure you’ve got a team you trust.
8. What’s Your Backup Plan?
Why this matters
Equipment can fail, memory cards can get corrupted, and life can throw curveballs. You’ll sleep better knowing your photographer has contingency measures.
Questions to follow up
- Do you shoot with two camera bodies and back-up memory cards?
- Do you carry spare batteries, lenses and lighting?
- If you fall ill or have an emergency, do you have a vetted replacement photographer?
Couple’s regret:** A photographer’s trip abroad ran into airline strikes, and no backup was arranged. The couple never saw a single image—and lost their deposit. Always ask: “What if you can’t make it?”
9. What Are Our Usage Rights?
Why this matters
Under UK and Irish copyright law, photographers retain ownership of their images by default. You’ll want to know exactly how you can use your photographs.
Questions to follow up
- Will we receive a print release or licence to share on social media?
- Can we tag the photographer’s social channels?
- Are there any restrictions on printing or sharing with other wedding suppliers?
Couple’s regret: One pair discovered they could only print 20 images without extra fees. If you’re planning to produce additional albums, thank-you cards or wall prints, make sure you have the freedom to do so.
10. May We View Complete, Recent Galleries?
Why this matters
Portfolio highlights show your photographer’s best work, but viewing a full, uncropped gallery reveals consistency of style, coverage and editing.
Questions to follow up
- Can we see complete weddings shot in venues similar to ours?
- Do you have examples of ceremonies, speeches and dancing under low-light conditions?
- May we read testimonials from past clients?
Couple’s regret: Some photographers only showcase their crowning achievements. Seeing an entire gallery helps you set realistic expectations for coverage and editing style.
11. What If We Need to Postpone or Cancel?
Why this matters
Life is unpredictable—weather, venue changes or family emergencies happen. Your photographer’s flexibility can make all the difference.
Questions to follow up
- What is your postponement policy? Can deposits be transferred to a new date?
- If we cancel outright, is the deposit refundable or transferable?
- Do you offer a scaled-down digital package if we opt for a micro-wedding?
Couple’s regret: A couple delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, only to discover their non-refundable deposit vanished. Make sure you understand rebooking options and deposit terms.
Booking your wedding photographer in Northern Ireland shouldn’t feel like navigating a minefield. By asking these twelve essential questions—about **turnaround times, watermarks, image counts, coverage hours, albums, packages, second shooters, backup plans, usage rights, travel fees, full galleries and postponement policies**—you’ll sidestep the most common regrets and ensure your photos tell your story just as you imagined.
Questions You Don’t Need to Ask Your Wedding Photographer!
If you can’t get a clear sense of a photographer’s style and personality from their website and social media within a week or two, they’re probably not the right fit. Good wedding photographers should anticipate your needs and answer the bulk of your questions up front—if you’re still hunting for reassurance, you might want to keep looking.
Can we have the RAW files so we can re-edit them ourselves?
Every photographer has their own editing style—it’s like their signature. By asking for unedited files, you’re essentially saying you don’t trust (or even want) their artistic vision. If you love someone’s portfolio, trust them to deliver their best work; if you’d rather craft your own look, book someone who shoots purely in RAW or offers bespoke editing.
We’ve got a Pinterest shot list—can you tick all those boxes?
Your wedding is unique, and you’ve hired us for our eye, experience and creativity. Handing over a long checklist robs us of the freedom to capture those unplanned, magical moments that make your day yours. Of course we’ll discuss essential family groupings and any special requests, but we’ll always leave room for the spontaneity and fun that you booked us for.
Can you style your photos more like Another Photographer’s work?
If you’re admiring another photographer’s portfolio, by all means book them. Trying to retrofit someone else’s look into your own wedding images undermines the very reason you chose your photographer in the first place—because you loved *their* style. Trust your gut: if you want Another Photographer’s aesthetic, Another Photographer is who you should hire.
Another Photographer has offered us this package at that price—can you match or beat it?
In the wedding world, you often get what you pay for. Comparing quotes can be useful, but if price is your only criterion, you’ll miss out on the intangible qualities—personality, service, attention to detail—that make your photography experience truly stress-free. If you find a better fit (quality, style, personality) for the same cost, sign on the dotted line; otherwise, recognise that you’re paying for more than just files on an online gallery.
So there you have it—my take on the questions you really **don’t** need to ask. Your photographer should anticipate your needs, communicate clearly on their site and socials, and instil confidence from your very first browse.
Let’s Talk Wedding Photography
If you’re planning a wedding anywhere from the Giant’s Causeway to the Slieve Donard estate, and you’d like a friendly, professional photographer who’ll gladly answer all these questions (and then some), drop me a line. I’m Eamonn McColgan—Northern Ireland wedding photographer—and I’d love to capture every heartfelt glance, tear-jerker moment and spirited dance move on your big day.
Get in touch for a free consultation and let’s make some magic together!
Eamonn McColgan - Treasure Box Photography
Wedding Photographer — Northern Ireland
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