1. What's your photography style?


There are many different styles of photography, but the two main ones that couples look for are either documentary/photojournalistic that focus on candid moments (think a fly-on the-wall approach), or fine art, which tends to be more set up and posed, like something out of a film, or a painting would be the best way to describe it.


To be honest, all photographers usually go between the two throughout a wedding day. It's just when you view the photo gallery as a whole you get a sense of which style a photographer tends to lean into. Both are beautiful in their own way, it just depends on your style and vision for your wedding photography. If you ask a photographer for some example galleries it'll help you gauge their style and whether or not you think you'd be a good fit.



2. Have you photographed a wedding at our venue before?


This is a good question to ask, but it doesn't mean you need to rule out a photographer who hasn't been to your venue before. Sure there's benefit in knowing your way around beforehand, but honestly, a photographer's job is finding the best light as it's the light that truly makes the photos. An experienced photographer will be able to find these spots and deliver whether they've been to your venue or not.


Photographers won't usually "scope out" the venue before the wedding, simply because they'll know when they get there where to find the best light. The best thing I can say is trust your photographer and their instinct on this.



3. What does my package include?


Photographers will usually offer several packages to suit all needs and budgets. Your package will include the hours of coverage (like full day, or half day), and it may include other things like a second photographer, prints or pre-wedding session. Make sure and ask your photographer what's included in your package, and ask questions about any add-ons you may want. You can usually find information on all these things on either the pricing/investment page of the website, or in their brochure.



4. Do you have a backup plan in case of an emergency?


It's our job to ensure that your wedding day gets photographed, no matter what. I can speak of this personally as fairly recently I had to get emergency cover for a wedding day due to unforeseen circumstances. It's important that your photographer is part of a network of other photographers who they can rely on and step in if needed. Because of this, I was able to get cover easily and notify my couple about what was happening without any stress.


In situations like this, your photographer will usually hire an "associate" to photograph your wedding, but your original photographer will still be the main point of contact and the one who will carry out all the editing. When done right, the couple should know no difference and still receive a beautiful gallery at the end of it all. Of course, things like this are a very rare occurrence, but it is absolutely essential (and professional) to have a backup plan, just in case.



5. What if it rains?


This is a question every couple asks! Who can blame them when we feel like we get 365 days of rain per year in Northern Ireland? The first thing is, there's enough to stress about when planning a wedding without also stressing about the weather. Try and only worry about the things you can control, and let go of the things you can't.


From a photographer's perspective, we usually have two thoughts:

  1. It's hardly going to rain ALL day, surely we will get a 30 minute window for outdoor portraits...?
  2. If it does rain all day, there will always be places inside the venue, or covered over outdoor areas that we can use.


Either way, we know how to plan for all weather and get good results in blinding sun in august or a dark and misty November day. In my experience, the couples who just decide to go for it for the sake of the photos will always have the best craic. I'm game for heading out in the rain for an evening portraits sessions if you are, you only get to do it once!*


*Coming from a 2021 bride who literally ran into the sea at blue hour... in the dress, shoes and all!



6. What's the best time of day for photos?


Okay, this is where it can get a bit technical so let's just run with it...


Best time:

  1. Early evening
  2. Golden hour


Worst time:

  1. Noon


The best kind of natural light for photographs is soft, diffused light. As the sun is highest in the sky at midday, it can create harsh shadows and make it really hard for you not to squint. Believe it or not, photographers really don't like waking up on a wedding morning in the middle of July with pure blue skies forecasted for the entire day, but we work with it!


I know what you're thinking, most wedding ceremonies are around noon and that's when we might be doing some portraits or group shots in and around the church. Yep, you're right, but luckily, clouds are our friend for creating softer light (yay for NI weather), and if it's sunny, we usually create our own shade by placing you in the shadow of the building or under a big ol' tree. Honestly, there's an answer to everything.


The light is softest in the early evening and golden hour, about an hour or so before sunset. This is the best time of the day for photos by far. Blue hour is just after sunset and results in the most stunning silhouette photographs. You can create so much magic in this tiny window. Please request an evening shoot with your photographer if you can fit it in!