35 Key Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer — Answered by a Manchester Wedding Photographer
Booking your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make while planning your day. You want someone who fits your style, understands your venue, brings genuine experience, and feels like a safe, calming presence.
This guide answers the 35 essential questions couples should ask, with open and honest insight based on nearly two decades photographing weddings across Manchester. Whether you’re celebrating at The Monastery, Flixton House, Runcorn Town Hall, or another local spot, this will help you make a confident choice.
If you’re looking for more planning advice afterwards, you can explore my [Wedding Photography Advice Hub] for timelines, checklists, FAQs and expert guidance.
1. How would you describe your photography style?
I’m a true documentary photographer, focusing on natural storytelling with minimal posing. If you like imagery that feels authentic, warm and real, you’ll feel at home with my style.You can see this in practice on my Wedding Portfolio.
2. Do you use flash?
I mainly rely on natural light, shooting wide open at f/4 or below. Flash is used only when needed — for dark ceremony spaces, late-night dancefloors or dramatic effects.
If you'd like to see how I handle low-light venues, explore my pages for:
- The Monastery Manchester Wedding Photography
- Flixton House Wedding Photography
- Runcorn Town Hall Wedding Photography
3. How much experience do you have?
Nearly 20 years. I started in events, editorial photography for newspapers and magazines, and commercial portrait work before specialising in weddings. That background taught me timing, patience and how to capture unrepeatable moments.
4. What’s your approach on the day?
I’m structured but never intrusive. No barking orders. No bossy vibes. I keep the day flowing naturally while making sure nothing important gets missed.
If you prefer a calm, unobtrusive photographer, my Manchester Wedding Photographer page explains more about my approach.
5. Do you help plan the timeline?
Absolutely. I can get as involved as you need — from helping design the ideal photography schedule to offering venue-specific guidance. For deeper planning insights, visit the Wedding Planning & Advice Hub.
6. How do you handle group photos?
The sweet spot is 10–12 groups, at around 2–3 minutes each, keeping things efficient and stress-free. I encourage assigning an usher or bridesmaid to help gather people.
I’ve written a full breakdown on this in my [How to Plan Your Wedding Group Shots] guide.
7. Will you meet us before the wedding?
Yes — ideally at a pre-wedding portrait session. We’ll chat, laugh, take a few relaxed shots and shake off any camera nerves. Most couples look at the first preview and instantly relax.
8. How do you support camera-shy couples?
With warmth, humour and no-pressure guidance. You’ll see samples of how natural this looks in the Engagement Photoshoot post.
9. Do you shoot solo?
Yes, for most weddings. With two decades of experience, I confidently manage the day alone. A second photographer is available if needed for larger weddings or multi-location timelines.
10. What equipment do you use?
Multiple professional Canon EOS 5D Mark IV SLR camera bodies, a full set of lenses including my 300mm for discreet close-ups, and enough memory cards and batteries for two weddings.
11. What backup systems do you use?
Dual-card cameras, multiple on-site backups, and studio redundancy. Your images are held in at least three places the same day.
12. Can you handle bad weather?
Being a Manchester photographer teaches you to be ready for anything. Umbrellas, covered spots, fast lenses — we’ll still get incredible images.
You can see wet-weather examples in the Real Weddings blog section.
13. How do you manage dark venues?
Natural light first, supplemented with flash when absolutely required. I know how to handle challenging spaces like The Monastery’s Great Nave or winter ceremonies.
14. Can we see full galleries?
Of course. I’ll happily share full-day galleries so you can see consistency from start to finish.
15. How many images will we receive?
Typically 400–700, depending on coverage. All fully edited in timeless, natural tones.
16. Do you offer full-day coverage?
Yes — and I strongly recommend it. A wedding day is a full story. Full-day coverage gives you the emotional arc your album deserves.
More about this on Do We Really Need a Full-Day Wedding Photographer?
17. What moments do you love most?
Speeches — the laughter, the tears, the nerves.Evening guests arriving.Dancefloor chaos.And quiet moments between you two.
You’ll see these moments in many of my Manchester Real Wedding Stories.
Final touches before the celebrations begin, captured in a Manchester city centre hotel.
18. What’s included in your packages?
- Pre-wedding chat or engagement session
- Timeline guidance
- Full photography coverage
- Cloud-hosted gallery
- 48-hour social preview
- Full gallery in 2–4 weeks
19. How fast do you deliver photos?
48 hours for previews, 2–4 weeks for the full gallery.
20. Do you charge for travel?
Not within Greater Manchester. Other regions are quoted fairly.
21. How do you work around guests?
I blend in — most guests assume I’m another guest with a camera. This helps keep reactions natural and genuine.
22. Will you direct us a lot?
Only when helpful. Light guidance, natural poses, and minimal interference.
23. Do you do confetti photos?
Absolutely — confetti lines are some of the most energetic, joy-filled moments of the day.
See examples on my Manchester Wedding Photography Portfolio.
24. Do you deliver black-and-white edits?
Yes — selectively. Only when it enhances the storytelling.
Groomsmen owning the Manchester streets — bold lines, sharp suits, perfect shadows
25. How do you deliver the gallery?
A beautifully presented, cloud-hosted online gallery that you can share effortlessly with friends and family.
26. Do we get printing rights?
Yes. You can print freely, or I can create premium albums and wall art.
27. Do you offer engagement shoots?
Yes, and I highly recommend them. They build confidence and help us connect before the wedding.
Learn more in the Engagement Session Guide.
28. What’s your cancellation policy?
Clear, simple and explained upfront.
29. Are you insured?
Yes — full public liability and equipment cover.
30. Do you back images up long-term?
Yes — both locally and using secure storage solutions.
31. How far in advance should we book?
Popular dates go 12–18 months ahead.
32. Why do couples choose you?
Warm, personal approachNearly 20 years’ experienceCalm presenceNatural documentary styleFast deliveryTransparent pricingStrong Manchester venue knowledge
You can read their words directly in the Client Reviews & Stories section.
33. What makes being a Manchester wedding photographer special?
The people, the architecture, the energy — and the unpredictable weather that always keeps things interesting.
If you’re still exploring venues, browse the Manchester Wedding Venues Hub for guidance.
34. What do you enjoy most about your job?
Showing couples their photos for the first time — especially the moments they didn’t realise I captured.
35. What's your best advice when choosing a photographer?
Choose the person you feel comfortable with — someone who understands your vision and complements your day. The relationship matters just as much as the images.
Final Thoughts
Manchester is home to some of the most charming wedding venues in the UK, from the grandeur of The Monastery to the gardens of Flixton House and the elegance of Runcorn Town Hall. After nearly two decades photographing weddings across the region, my mission remains the same: authentic storytelling, warm connection, and a natural documentary flow that reflects the real you.
If you’d like to check availability or learn more, feel free to explore the Manchester Wedding Photographer – Cherished Images Home Page.
Let’s tell your story — naturally.