How to choose a wedding photographer: 10 questions you should ask

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions when planning your big day. It's an investment in memories that will last a lifetime.

To make sure you find the right professional, I've prepared a list of 10 key questions you should ask every potential wedding photographer.

1. What is your photography style?

Ask whether they prefer documentary wedding photography, which captures events naturally, or styled and posed shots. My approach focuses on wedding storytelling. (More about my style here)

2. How much wedding experience do you have and can I see a complete wedding gallery?

Experience is key. More important than years is portfolio quality. Ask to see a complete gallery from one full wedding, so you can see how the photographer works throughout the day, not just “best of” shots.

3. What exactly does your pricing include?

Ask about the number of hours, number of edited photos, delivery format and whether travel is included. Avoid hidden fees. With me, travel within 100 km of Prague is included, and every package comes with a free guest gallery and wedding website. (See my pricing here)

4. When and how will we receive the finished photos?

Delivery times vary a lot between photographers, so have the deadline written into the contract and ask about a quick preview too. I send the first previews within 7 days and the complete gallery within 3 weeks of the wedding, guaranteed by contract. (More about photo delivery here)

5. Do you use a written contract?

A professional photographer always uses a written contract. It should contain all agreed terms – date, location, price, scope of services, delivery deadline.

6. What happens if the photographer gets ill or has a technical failure?

It's always good to know the “plan B”. Does the photographer have backup equipment? Will they arrange an adequate replacement in case of an unexpected event?

7. How does post-production and photo editing work?

Ask about the scope of editing and style. Every photographer has their own touch. Whether they edit each photo individually or use bulk presets.

8. What is your approach to detail shots, group photos and portraits?

Good photos aren't just about the two of you. Ask whether the photographer also captures atmosphere, décor details, moments with guests and how they handle group shots to keep them swift and fun.

9. Do you offer additional services like a wedding album, prints or a photo booth?

Many photographers offer complete packages. If you're interested in a wedding album, printed photos or a photo booth, ask about options and prices. (My photo booth and vendor recommendations here)

10. Is personal chemistry important to you?

You'll spend a significant part of your wedding day with the photographer. It's important that you have mutual rapport, trust and comfortable communication.

How far in advance should we book a photographer?

The sooner the better. Popular summer Saturdays are often booked a year ahead. Your date is held only by a signed contract and a deposit; an enquiry alone doesn't block it.

Our wedding is in a few months. Is it too late?

Not necessarily. Write to me anyway, and if your date isn't free, I'll tell you whether I'm available on the days around it.

What's the quickest way to find out if you're available?

Send me your wedding date and venue using the form below. I'll get back to you within 24 hours to tell you whether the date is free. The enquiry doesn't commit you to anything.

How does booking work?

After your enquiry we arrange a short free consultation by phone or online, where I show you complete galleries from real weddings. Then I send you a summary: package, price and any travel fee beyond 100 km. A signed contract and a deposit reserve the date, and before the wedding we go through the day's timeline together.

How much is the deposit and when is it paid?

You pay the deposit within 14 days of signing the contract, and it reserves your date. The rest is due when I deliver the photos after the wedding. The deposit is 7 000 CZK; for the Intimate Memories package the amount is stated in your contract.

What if the wedding has to be postponed or cancelled?

If something unforeseen happens, such as illness, we'll find a solution. We can move the wedding to another free date, or I'll offer you a refund of the deposit.

What should we check before signing the contract?

The contract should state the date, venue, price, scope of coverage and photo delivery dates. Also ask about travel and the plan B if equipment fails. With me, travel within 100 km of Prague is included, delivery dates are in the contract, and I shoot with two camera bodies and backup lenses.