10 Questions You Absolutely Need to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Choosing your wedding photographer isn’t just about flicking through galleries of pretty pictures (although, let's be honest, that is a pretty fun bit!). It's about finding that right person – someone you genuinely connect with, someone you trust completely to bottle up the magic of your biggest day exactly how you’ll want to relive it forever.
I'm Martyn, and I spend my days capturing weddings across Lancashire and the North West. My job is to be that friendly shadow, making sure you feel totally comfortable while I get on with telling the real story of your day.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed with where to start? Don't sweat it! I'm here to help cut through the noise. So, settle down with a cuppa, get comfy, and let's chat through the 10 essential questions you need to ask any wedding photographer before you book them in.
1. Are You Available on Our Wedding Date?
Sounds dead obvious, I know, but you'd be surprised! Always, always kick off with this one. The best photographers (if I do say so myself 😉) get booked up well in advance, sometimes 12-24 months ahead. No point falling head over heels for a portfolio if they're already busy popping confetti elsewhere!
2. Have You Shot at Our Venue Before?
Now, this isn't a make-or-break question, so don't worry if the answer is no. A great photographer can rock any venue. BUT, if they have worked there before, it's a brilliant bonus! They'll already know the best spots for photos, how the light hits at different times, and might even have a cheeky secret location up their sleeve.
(And if they haven't? No bother at all! I always do a lot of research into each venue I visit and if I need to go and visit to scope it out!).
3. What's Your Photography Style?
This is a biggie! Every photographer has their own vibe, their own way of seeing and capturing your day. You've got:
Light and airy
Dark and moody
And then there's my style: Natural, relaxed, and documentary.
My style is to capture those real, unscripted moments as they happen with a timeless rustic vibe. Make sure their style truly matches the feel and look you want for your wedding memories.
💡 Top Tip: Don't just scroll through the highlights reel on Instagram! Ask to see https://www.martynhathawayphotography.co.uk/wedding-gallery a few full wedding galleries to get a real feel for how they capture the whole day.
4. How Many Weddings Have You Shot?
Experience really does count in this game. Weddings are a whirlwind – fast-paced, full of emotion, and sometimes a little bit unpredictable! You want someone who's comfortable rolling with whatever happens and is skilled at being in the right place at the right time to capture every single beautiful moment without getting in the way.
5. What's Included in Your Packages?
Right, let's talk brass tacks. Get the full lowdown on what you're getting! Always ask for specifics:
How many hours of coverage are included?
Are things like engagement shoots part of the deal?
Roughly how many images will you receive?
Are physical products like albums or prints included, or are they extra?
Getting this clear upfront means absolutely no nasty surprises down the line. You can check out https://www.martynhathawayphotography.co.uk/package-price details on my packages here to see how I break things down.
6. Can We See a Full Wedding Gallery?
I touched on this already, but it's so important it deserves its own point! Anyone can show you five epic shots from different weddings. Seeing a full gallery – from the morning prep, through the ceremony, family photos, speeches, right up to everyone throwing shapes on the dancefloor at 10 pm – shows you consistency and proves they can nail it all day long.
Seriously, ask for these! https://www.martynhathawayphotography.co.uk/lancashire-wedding-photography-blog/a-dunkenhalgh-wedding Take a look at some complete wedding stories I've captured.
7. What Happens if You're Ill or There's an Emergency?
It's not the nicest thing to think about, but life happens. A true professional will always, always have a solid Plan B. This usually involves a trusted network of fellow photographers who shoot in a similar style and are ready to step in if the worst should happen. Ask them about their backup plan for your peace of mind.
8. How Long Will It Take to Get Our Photos?
Once the wedding is over, you'll be absolutely itching to see your photos – it's totally normal! Get a clear idea of the timeframe for delivery. Will you get any sneak peeks to keep you going?
With me? I know how keen you'll be! You'll usually get a few sneak peek images within a few days to keep that wedding buzz going strong, with your full, beautifully edited gallery following in roughly 6–8 weeks.
9. Will You Help Us Feel Comfortable on the Day?
Let's be honest, most of us aren't used to being papped all day! If you're a bit camera-shy (and honestly, who isn't?!), it's vital to choose a photographer who is brilliant at making you feel relaxed, natural, and completely yourself.
It's all about connection. You want someone who feels less like a supplier and more like a genuinely helpful, friendly guest who just happens to have an amazing camera. https://www.martynhathawayphotography.co.uk/about Read a bit about how I make sure you feel comfortable in front of the lens.
10. What's Your Booking Process?
Found the one? Fantastic! (Yay!) Now, how do you actually make it official? Ask about their process:
What's needed to secure your date?
What's the payment schedule like?
Are there contracts or any paperwork to sign?
For me, keeping things simple is key. A signed contract and a small booking fee secure your date in my diary – easy peasy! Then you can proudly tick "Find our dream photographer" right off that to-do list.
Ready to Chat About Your Day?
If you're looking for a wedding photographer in Lancashire or the North West who is genuinely relaxed, super friendly, and totally focused on telling your real story – no awkward posing required – then I'd absolutely love to hear from you.
👉 https://www.martynhathawayphotography.co.uk/contact Get in touch here!
Tell me all about your wedding plans, your venue (love a good local venue!), and definitely mention your dog if they're joining the party (please, please let them be invited! 🐾).
Let's make sorting your wedding photography one of the easiest, most enjoyable decisions you make for your big day.
