Top Wedding Photography FAQs — Answered! 

Answer: Ideally, you should book your photographer 6–12 months before your wedding date—especially if you’re getting married during peak season or on a popular date. Some photographers are booked up to a year in advance.

Pro Tip: The earlier you book, the more flexibility you’ll have with package options and engagement session scheduling.

Answer: Costs vary widely depending on experience, location, coverage hours, and what’s included (like albums or engagement shoots). On average, couples spend 10–15% of their total wedding budget on photography.

You’re not just paying for images—you’re paying for:

• The photographer’s time and experience

• Professional equipment

• Post-production editing

• Creative vision

• Delivery systems (online galleries, USBs, albums)

Tip: Always choose value and style fit over just price.

Answer: This depends on the length of coverage and your photographer’s shooting style. On average:

• For Prenup/E-session (5-8 hour photoshoot): 300–500 edited photos

• For Wedding Day Full day coverage (10+ hours): 700–1000+ images

You’ll receive the best images, professionally edited—no blurry or misfired shots.

Answer: Most photographers deliver your final gallery in 3–8 weeks, depending on the season. Some offer sneak peeks within 2–3 days to give you something to enjoy right away UNLESS you availed a same-day edit service where you can see your highlight photos right after your formal wedding program.

Albums and prints may take additional time, especially if customization or approvals are needed. 

Answer: It depends on the package inclusion or arrangement. Normally, your professional photographer will carefully cull and individually edit each image for color correction, lighting, and consistency. This ensures a polished, cohesive look that reflects your wedding’s emotion and beauty.

Note: Heavy retouching (like removing wrinkles or altering body shapes) may be available upon request but often comes at an additional fee.

Answer: A "First Look" is a private, pre-ceremony moment where the couple sees each other for the first time. It’s emotional, intimate, and perfect for capturing raw reactions—and it allows more time for couple and group portraits before the ceremony.

Pros:

• Calms nerves

• More photos in natural light

• A chance to be alone before the busy day unfolds

• Answer: If it’s a new venue, many photographers will do a site visit or arrive early on the wedding day to scout locations and lighting. Some may even attend the rehearsal if requested or required.

• Tip: Share your venue details, Pinterest board, or inspiration gallery early on so your photographer can plan ahead.

• Answer: Absolutely. A professional photographer will help you create a customized wedding photography timeline to ensure there’s enough time for each segment—from getting ready to couple portraits, group shots, and reception highlights.

• This collaboration ensures nothing is rushed or missed.

• Answer: Yes. You’ll be asked to fill out a pre-wedding questionnaire with group combinations you’d like photographed. Your photographer may also ask for a “photo wrangler” (a trusted family member or coordinator) to help gather people quickly and keep things efficient.

• Tip: Limit combinations to what’s most meaningful—usually 8–10 groupings.

• Answer: No worries—professional photographers know how to adapt! We bring weather-ready gear and location alternatives. Covered areas, indoor spots, umbrellas, and creative lighting can still result in magical photos.

• Sometimes rain even adds drama and emotion to the shots!

Answer: Yes, always. A photography contract protects both you and your photographer. It outlines:

• What services are included

• Total cost and payment terms

• Delivery timelines

• Cancellation/reschedule policies

• Rights to the images

Never hire a photographer without a signed agreement.

Answer: Yes—most photographers give clients personal-use rights, which means you can print and share your images online. However, some commercial use (like submitting to magazines or vendors) may require separate permission or credit.

Note: Ask if high-resolution files are included in your package.

Answer: Definitely! Engagement sessions help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, build trust with your photographer, and provide stunning images for your save-the-dates, guestbook, or wedding website. Some wedding packages include it for free or at a discounted rate.