What questions should we ask a wedding photographer?

Below are some of the most common questions you might be wondering.

A couple, a woman in a white wedding dress and a man in a dark suit, holding hands and walking in Union Station in Washington DC.
A couple, a woman in a white wedding dress and a man in a dark suit, holding hands and walking in Union Station in Washington DC.

Questions about the booking process

  • I'll send you the information you need to decide whether we're a good fit, including availability, pricing, and what working together looks like.

    If you'd like, we can also schedule a call once we know we are a good fit.

  • Once you've decided you'd like to work together, I'll send over a contract and invoice. Your date is officially reserved with a 50% retainer. The remaining balance is due two weeks before the wedding.

  • Yes. Payment-plan options are available, including financing through Klarna.

  • Absolutely not. I’d say about 40% of my clients prefer not to do a call. Totally up to you and what you’re comfortable with.

  • Yes. I maintain indemnity insurance and public liability insurance. You should always make sure your wedding photographer is insured.

  • I have never missed a wedding in 15 years. However, in the event there is an emergency.

    I have contingency plans in place for emergencies and maintain relationships with other professional photographers who can step in if circumstances ever make it impossible for me to photograph your wedding.

Questions about the photography & services

  • I photograph weddings with a documentary mindset. I’m paying attention to what is actually happening rather than trying to manufacture moments for the camera.

    That doesn't mean I never give direction. I’ll step in when it’s helpful—especially for portraits and family photographs—but I’m not interested in turning your entire wedding into a series of poses.

    You should be able to experience your wedding while I photograph it.

  • No.

    In fact, I’d prefer that you don't spend much time thinking about posing.

    For portraits, I’ll give you enough direction to keep things moving and help you feel comfortable. Beyond that, I want you interacting with each other rather than performing for me.

  • For about 95% of your wedding I’m hands off.

    However, I’ll help when needed, such as family group shots, or couples portraits.

    The difference is that I don't want my direction to become the experience of the day.

  • This depends on your wedding, but I generally recommend keeping portraits fairly efficient.

    You don't need to disappear from your wedding for two hours to get good photographs. A little time with the two of you, combined with family photographs and whatever naturally happens throughout the day, is usually plenty.

  • Yes. For my clients that want family group shots, I will organize this section of your day quickly, so you can get back to enjoying your wedding day.

    We'll create a list ahead of time so we can get through them efficiently and get you back to your guests.

  • Yes. I’m a Charlotte based wedding photographer, but also do destination weddings.

    I cover weddings anywhere in the U.S. Travel fees may apply depending on location. I’ve photographed weddings all across the East coast.

  • We photograph the wedding.

    Rain might change the plan, but it doesn't have to ruin the photographs. Some of the most interesting photographs happen when the original plan stops working.

    I'll work with you and your venue/planner to adapt rather than trying to recreate an ideal version of the day.

  • Absolutely. Good vendors make everyone's job easier.

    I'm happy to collaborate with your planner, coordinator, videographer, venue, and other vendors. The goal is to make the day work—not to have everyone competing for the same moment.

  • 95% of weddings I photograph by myself. 1 photographer is typically plenty, unless your wedding is unusually large.

    For very large weddings I have several experienced 2nd photographers I work with.

Questions about after the wedding

  • For a typical full wedding day, you'll receive several hundred fully edited photographs.

    I don't believe in hitting a predetermined image count just for the sake of having more files. I'll deliver the photographs that tell the story of the day without padding the gallery with duplicates.

  • My normal turnaround is 4–6 weeks.

    You'll also receive approximately 10 sneak-peek photographs within 24 hours of your wedding.

    If you need the full gallery sooner, rush delivery is available for an additional fee.

  • All your photos are edited by Brandon, personally.

    Within 4-6 weeks you will receive a professional, private online gallery where you can view and download the digital images. Here you can order prints, or design albums.

    You can easily share the gallery with family and friends where they will have unlimited downloads.

  • Yes. Your photographs are backed up to multiple storage locations, including one off-site location. Once your gallery is delivered, I also recommend that you maintain your own backup.

  • You will receive all your wedding photos edited in color and b&w.

    All photos are color corrected and edited by Brandon personally using his own custom lightroom profile.

  • We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.

A black and white photo of a wedding at Uhwarrie Vineyard, showing the bride and groom exchanging vows, surrounded by friends and family. The bride is smiling and wearing a white wedding dress with a veil. Several guests are standing around.
A black and white photo of a wedding at Uhwarrie Vineyard, showing the bride and groom exchanging vows, surrounded by friends and family. The bride is smiling and wearing a white wedding dress with a veil. Several guests are standing around.

Other questions

  • Absolutely. I photograph weddings anywhere in the U.S.

    I frequently photograph weddings in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, but can travel anywhere in the country.

  • If you value the real, emotional moments of your wedding day and want authentic looking wedding photos, this may be a good fit.

    If you think you are “awkward” in front of a camera, documentary wedding photographer would probably be a better fit.

    People typically think if they are “awkward” in front of the camera, they need a photographer to pose them. In my experience, it’s the opposite. Trying to pose people that are uncomfortable in front of a camera tends to look stiff.

    It’s better to put you in situations where you don’t have to perform and you can just be yourself. A experienced photographer will make you look good in any situation.

  • Even though I’m a documentary wedding photographer, I don’t mind getting a few traditional couples portraits, etc.