Finding “The One”: 10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Choosing a wedding photographer is a bit like dating. You browse their profile, maybe stalk their Instagram for a bit, and then finally meet up for a coffee (or a Zoom call) to see if you click.

But once you’re sitting down with them, what do you actually ask?

Beyond the obvious “Are you free on my date?”, there are a few deeper questions that will help you figure out if a photographer is truly the right fit for your vibe. To help you out, we’ve put together the top 10 questions we love answering—and why you should ask them.
 

1. “Can we see a full wedding gallery?”

This is arguably the most important question on this list. Instagram and websites are essentially a “greatest hits” album—they show the epic sunsets and the perfect confetti shots. But a wedding day is 90% other stuff: candid laughter, family groups, dark dance floors, and quiet moments.

Why ask? You want to know that your photographer can handle every lighting situation and deliver a consistent story from morning prep to the final song, not just 5 lucky shots.
 

2. “How do you handle group photos?”

We know, we know—group photos are nobody’s favorite part of the day. But they are important for the history books!

Why ask? You want a photographer who can take charge without being a drill sergeant. We personally recommend keeping the list to about 8-10 groups so we can get them done efficiently (usually in 15-20 minutes) and get you back to the party with a glass of fizz in hand.
 

3. “What happens if you get ill?”

It’s the question nobody wants to think about, but life happens.

Why ask? A professional should have a solid “Plan B.” For us, being a husband-and-wife team gives us a built-in safety net. But beyond that, we are part of a trusted network of local photographers we can call on in an absolute emergency. You need peace of mind that you won’t be left high and dry.
 

4. “How do you approach the ‘awkward’ couple portraits?”

Most of our couples start by telling us, “We hate having our photo taken!”

Why ask? You need to know if their style matches your comfort level. If they talk about “posing” and “looking at the camera,” that’s a very different vibe from “walking, talking, and laughing.” We focus on the latter—prompting you to interact with each other rather than stiffly smiling at us.
 

5. “Do you have backup gear?”

Camera SD cards can fail. Lenses can break. It’s rare, but it’s a machine, and machines can be temperamental.

Why ask? You are hiring a professional to mitigate risk. We carry multiple camera bodies (Sony a9II and a7IVs), lenses, and lighting setups. Plus, our cameras record to two memory cards simultaneously, meaning your photos are backed up the second we click the shutter.
  

6. “What is your lighting style for winter weddings or dark venues?”

Natural light is amazing, but the sun will go down eventually.

Why ask? If you are planning a winter wedding or have a dark barn venue, you need a photographer who is confident with flash. We use a mix of off-camera flash and continuous video lights to make sure your first dance looks cinematic, not just a dark, grainy blur.

7. “Do you offer hybrid photo and video coverage?”

Okay, this is a bit of a shameless plug for us, but it’s a valid question!

Why ask? Traditionally, you’d hire a photographer and a separate videographer. But that means more people, more deposits, and more cameras pointing at you. Hiring a hybrid team (like us!) means you get both photos and a highlight film from the same team, with a consistent style and less “paparazzi” energy on the day.
  

8. “How long after the wedding will we get our photos?”

The post-wedding blues are real, and waiting for photos can be tough!

Why ask? You need to manage your expectations. Some photographers take 2 weeks; others take 6 months. We generally aim for around 4-6 weeks, but we always send a “sneak peek” gallery within a few days so you have something beautiful to share while the excitement is still high.
  

9. “Are you insured?”

This is the boring administrative one, but it’s non-negotiable.

Why ask? Many venues actually require suppliers to have Public Liability Insurance before they let them on-site. It protects everyone involved. (Spoiler: Yes, we are fully insured!)
  

10. “What is it like to have you around on the day?”

Your photographer will be with you more than your spouse will be on your wedding day! You’ll see them in the morning when you have no makeup on, and they’ll be there when you’re sweating on the dance floor.

Why ask? You have to actually like them. We aim to be more like guests who happen to have fancy cameras—fixing veils, fetching water, and having a laugh with your mates—rather than just service providers standing in the corner.
  

Ready to ask us these questions in person?

We’d love to hear about your plans! Drop us a message via the contact form, and let’s chat about how we can capture your day (and answer any other questions you might have!).

Man with glasses and beard, wearing a blue shirt, holds a professional camera against a dark background.

David Jennings

Wedding Photographer in Essex

[email protected]
01206 700 743

Natural Wedding Photography from Jennings Photography

Hey! We’re David & Emma, a husband-and-wife wedding photography team located in Manningtree on the Essex/Suffolk border.

Our vibe is relaxed documentary storytelling, meaning you get to relive the day exactly as it felt: chaotic, beautiful, and perfect.

We keep things super chill so you can actually enjoy your party instead of stressing about poses. Because let’s be honest—the best photos happen when you’re just being yourselves and having a great time.

Get in Touch

Tell us more about your day and we will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm availability and the next steps.

Phone / WhatsApp:
01206 700 743

Email:
[email protected]

Address:
Manningtree / Essex & Suffolk border

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