What to Ask Before Booking Your Wedding Photographer in Scotland

1. What is your photography style and experience?

Start off by understanding how the photographer works and their background. Ask them to describe their photography style in their own words. Is it candid and documentary, more posed and traditional, artsy and dramatic, light and airy, etc.? You want to make sure their aesthetic matches the kind of images you envision. It’s also smart to ask how many years (or weddings) of experience they have, especially with weddings similar in scale to yours. Scotland offers everything from tiny elopements to 300-guest castle weddings – have they done events like yours before? Experience often correlates with confidence and ability to handle tricky situations. Don’t shy away from asking to see a full gallery from a recent wedding, not just the highlight reel on Instagram. This gives

Why it matters: A photographer’s style is essentially their artistic signature – you should love how they see the world. And their experience will reassure you that they can handle the unique flow of a wedding day. If a photographer has, say, 10 years of experience shooting Scottish weddings, they’ve probably navigated rain at Glencoe elopements, dark winters, bright summer highs, bagpipers, ceilidh dances – you name it! They’ll be ready for anything.

2. Have you photographed at our venue (or one like it) before?

It’s a bonus (though not a necessity) if the photographer is familiar with your wedding venue. Ask if they’ve shot there before, and if not, how they prepare for a new venue. For example, maybe you’re having a chic city wedding at The Engine Works in Glasgow – does the photographer know it has an industrial vibe with low lighting? Or perhaps your venue is a grand estate like Mar Hall or a remote barn on the Isle of Skye. A seasoned photographer will often scout the location beforehand (either in person or via online research/asking colleagues) to plan good photo spots and assess lighting. If they have worked there, ask to see some shots from that venue for reference. If they haven’t, a great follow-up is: “How do you handle venues you haven’t been to before?” Most pros will arrive early on the day or even the day before to scout, and they come equipped to adapt to any setting. The key here is gauging their confidence in tackling your particular setting.

Why it matters: Every venue has its quirks and opportunities. Familiarity can save time and help things flow – the photographer will already know, for instance, the best courtyard for family portraits or that breathtaking overlook at sunset. If they haven’t been, their willingness to do homework shows professionalism. And if your venue is very unique (say, a tiny chapel or a windswept beach), you want to be sure they’re comfortable with that environment. Their answer can also reveal excitement – a passionate photographer might say, “I haven’t, but I can’t wait to shoot there, I’ve heard about the beautiful stained glass!” That enthusiasm is a good sign.

3. Will you be the one photographing our wedding, and do you work with a second shooter or assistant?

If you’re talking to a larger studio or a team, clarify who exactly will be behind the camera on your day. Sometimes the person you correspond with (especially on a studio’s website with multiple photographers) may not be the one who shows up. You’ll want to meet or at least speak with the actual photographer who will shoot your wedding, to ensure you gel with them. At Jackson’s, for example, it’s always me (or me plus an assistant) so our couples know who they’re getting. Also ask if they plan to bring a second shooter or assistant. A second shooter can be invaluable for capturing different angles or covering groom prep while the lead covers bridal prep, etc. Some photographers include a second shooter in their packages for weddings over a certain size; others charge extra for one; some work solo but can handle it by themselves. There’s no right or wrong, but you need to know the setup. If there is a second shooter, you might ask about their experience too.

Why it matters: You want zero ambiguity on the personnel. Your photographer is someone you’ll spend a lot of time with on a very personal day – knowing it’s the person you expect (and like) ensures you’re comfortable. If a studio were to swap in someone last-minute without your knowledge, that could be unpleasant. Regarding second shooters, knowing if there will be one helps manage expectations about coverage. Two photographers can capture more moments simultaneously (for instance, one focuses on you coming down the aisle while the other snaps the partner’s reaction). If your wedding is large or logistically complex, I’d lean towards having two photographers. Ask the lead how they coordinate with their second shooter; a good team is like a well-oiled machine.

4. What does your package include, and how many hours of coverage do we get?

This is a biggie: get a clear breakdown of the photography packages they offer and what’s included. Key things to cover: number of hours of photography on the day, number of photographers (covered above), whether an engagement shoot is included, and what products/deliverables you’ll receive (digital images, prints, an album, etc.). Also ask about image rights – will you get high-resolution digital files to keep? Is there a limit on number of photos you’ll receive or do you get all the good ones? Most pros will give you anywhere from 300 to 800+ photos depending on hours and events, but clarify that. If you have a full-day wedding (getting ready through the dance party), you’ll likely need 8-10+ hours of coverage. Check if their standard package covers that or if you need to add hours. Don’t forget to ask about overtime rates in case the day runs longer. If your wedding spans multiple days (e.g., a day-after brunch or rehearsal dinner you want covered), ask if they accommodate that and how it affects cost. Basically, get all the nuts and bolts of what you’re paying for, in writing if possible.

Why it matters: No one likes surprise fees or misunderstandings. You should know exactly how long the photographer will be there (e.g., from bridal prep at 10 AM to final dance at 10 PM) so you can plan around it. If you expect them to stay till midnight but their package ends at 9 PM, that’s a problem unless addressed. By discussing packages, you might discover perks too – perhaps they include a beautifully edited slideshow or a fine art album. Or maybe prints are extra – good to know so you can budget. Also, asking “how many photos do we generally get?” sets realistic expectations. Some couples think 1000+ images will come; in reality, a tighter curated selection is better. But knowing “approximately 500 images” (for example) will prevent any confusion later. A professional will be transparent about all this.

5. Do you have backup equipment and a backup plan if you can’t make it?

It might feel awkward to bring up worst-case scenarios, but it’s an important question for your peace of mind. Ask the photographer about their backup equipment – do they carry spare camera bodies, extra lenses, additional lighting, multiple memory cards, etc.? A true professional will say yes, absolutely. We never head to a wedding with just one camera; we have backups for our backups because equipment failure (while rare) can happen, and you don’t want your day jeopardised.

Then, the sensitive part: “What if an emergency prevents you from photographing our wedding?” Essentially, do they have a plan if they fall ill or have an accident? Most dedicated photographers have a network of trusted colleagues they could call in a dire emergency. Some might even have an associate shooter on standby. It’s extremely rare for a committed pro to miss a wedding (I’ve shot weddings through colds and sprained ankles – we take our duty seriously!). But asking this will show you how responsible and prepared they are. Look for an answer that details their contingency – even if it’s “In 15 years I’ve never missed one, but I do have a list of other professionals I can reach out to if needed.” It shouldn’t offend them; it’s a fair question.

Why it matters: You’re entrusting this person with an unrepeatable event. Knowing they have redundancies in gear and a thought-out backup plan demonstrates professionalism. It will help you feel secure that no matter what, you won’t be left without a photographer on your big day, nor will technical issues steal your memories. Think of it like asking a DJ if they have spare speakers or a generator – you hope it’s never needed, but it’s good to know it’s there.

6. How long after the wedding until we see our photos, and how will they be delivered?

Patience may be a virtue, but after the wedding you’ll be dying to relive the day through your photos! It’s important to set expectations by asking about the turnaround time for your images. Photographers often will give a range, say 4-8 weeks, depending on the season (summer is peak wedding season so editing queues are longer). Also ask if they provide any sneak peeks or previews earlier. Many of us love to send a handful of edited teaser photos within a week or so, because we know couples are excited (and might want to share a thank-you card or social media post).

Then clarify how the photos will be delivered. Nowadays, most use an online gallery platform where you can view and download high-res images. Some might provide a USB drive or even an in-person viewing session. Will the gallery be easy for family to access? Is it password-protected? Also inquire about how long the gallery stays up (so you know when to save them on your own devices). If you ordered albums or prints, ask about the timeline for those too – designing and printing an album can add extra weeks once you’ve selected photos.

Why it matters: Knowing when and how you’ll get your photos helps manage that post-wedding anticipation. You won’t be left wondering “Is it normal that it’s been 2 months and we haven’t heard anything?” because you discussed it already. Every photographer’s workflow is different – some are super speedy, others take their time to artfully edit. Neither is bad, but you should be in the loop. If you have any specific needs (maybe you’re having a second reception a month later and hope to have some photos to show), let them know; they might accommodate by finishing a portion quicker. The delivery method is also key because it should suit your tech comfort level. Most find online galleries convenient. And importantly, by asking, you’re also confirming that editing is included (virtually always yes with a pro, but a “cheap” photographer might just dump raw files – yikes). A pro will curate and edit before delivery.

7. Can we request specific shots or provide a shot list? How do you ensure you capture what’s important to us?

This question is about communication and customisation. Some couples have particular images in mind – maybe replicating a parents’ pose, or a group photo with university friends, or detail shots of heirlooms. Ask the photographer how they handle shot lists or special requests. Many photographers welcome a short list of “must-have” family groupings or unique details (especially so we don’t miss any VIPs). However, be wary of giving a massive Pinterest-inspired shot list; it can hinder the photographer’s creativity and ability to capture candid moments if they’re checking off 100 staged ideas. A good approach is to discuss your priorities. For example: “It’s really important to us to get a photo with our vintage VW van” or “We have a tradition with university friends we want a shot of.” Also let them know about any family circumstances (divorces, dynamics) so they can organise group photos sensitively.

The second part of the question – how do they ensure to capture what matters to you – gives insight into their planning process. Many will say they’ll have a pre-wedding consultation or questionnaire where you can outline key people (like “make sure to get a photo of Gran who’s 90”) and moments. Some might ask for a family formal list in advance so those go smoothly. They might also talk about their candid approach: e.g., “Beyond your requests, I’ll be watching for emotional moments – like your partner’s face as you come in, or your mum wiping a tear during the vows.” Their answer should reassure you that they listen and adapt to each couple’s story.

Why it matters: While you want to trust your photographer’s expertise, you also want to feel heard regarding specific desires. This question opens that conversation. It’s your day, and if there are one or two absolutely must-capture elements for you, express them. A flexible, client-focused photographer will take note and make it happen. On the flip side, if a photographer bristles at the idea of any shot list or input, that’s a red flag – it’s your wedding, not a styled shoot for their portfolio. Most pros strike a good balance: they want you to be thrilled, so they’ll collaborate on key shots, but they’ll also advise not to script every photo. Their experience lets them capture lots of wonderful things you’d never think to request. Trust and communication go hand in hand here.

8. What are your pricing, payment schedule, and contract terms?

Now onto the business side: you’ll want to fully understand the cost and terms before you book. Ask the photographer to break down the pricing for the package you’re interested in, including any add-ons (like an engagement shoot, extra hours, second shooter if not included, albums, travel fees if your venue is far or involves ferries/overnights). Inquire about the payment schedule: most require a retainer or deposit upon booking (often 20-50% of the fee) and the remainder by a certain date (like two weeks before the wedding). Know when each payment is due and what methods they accept (bank transfer, credit card, etc.).

It’s also crucial to discuss the contract. A reputable photographer will have a contract ready for you to review. Key points in it include: cancellation/postponement policy (in case you need to change dates – relevant especially after recent years of pandemic reschedules), what happens if they can’t perform (tie back to that backup plan), how long they’ll retain your images (and do they archive them – many keep files for years, but not all guarantee it forever), and any model release (whether they might blog or publish your photos, which is usually fine but good to know). Ask if there’s a clause about meal breaks – typically if they’re shooting 8+ hours, you need to feed them (a well-fed photographer is a happy photographer!). Also confirm travel arrangements: will they arrange their own accommodation if needed or do you need to provide it? All these details should be spelled out.

Why it matters: Money and contracts aren’t romantic, but they set the foundation for a smooth vendor relationship. Knowing the payment timeline helps you budget (and ensure you don’t accidentally miss a payment). A contract protects both sides – for you, it guarantees what you’ll receive and that your date is reserved; for them, that they’ll be compensated, etc. Make sure you’re comfortable with all terms before signing. If anything is unclear, ask! It’s better to clarify now than have an awkward misunderstanding later. For example, if your wedding runs an hour late and you want the photographer to stay, the contract might state the overtime hourly rate – if you discussed it beforehand, you won’t be surprised and you can simply decide in the moment knowing the cost. Transparency here is key. And remember, signing a contract and paying a deposit is what officially books your date with them – so don’t delay those steps if you’re sure, or someone else might snag your date (photographers book up fast, often a year or two in advance for popular summer weekends!).

9. Can we meet or do an engagement session before the wedding?

Finally, consider asking about building rapport. Many photographers offer or encourage a pre-wedding shoot or at least an in-person meeting (or video call if distance is an issue). Ask if they do engagement sessions and what the cost is (sometimes it’s included, sometimes a small add-on). Engagement sessions are fantastic for a few reasons: you get comfortable in front of the camera together, you learn the photographer’s posing tips and communication style, and you all get to know each other. By the wedding day, you’ll feel like you’re working with a friend, not a stranger. Plus, you get some lovely casual photos in normal clothes, maybe in a location meaningful to you. If an engagement shoot isn’t feasible, even a coffee meet-up or venue walk-through with the photographer can establish that connection.

Also, ask how much communication is welcome leading up to the wedding. Can you send them Pinterest ideas or family shot lists gradually? Will they reach out to confirm details as the day gets closer? Good photographers often check in a month or so out to finalise timeline specifics. It’s nice to know they’ll be there not just on the day but as a resource in planning (for example, I often assist with creating a photo timeline if couples need guidance).

Why it matters: Your photographer will be around you more than almost any vendor on the wedding day – sometimes more than even your planner or maid of honour during key moments. Having a comfort level is SO important. When you feel at ease, it shows in the photos. If you’re stiff or uneasy, that shows too. Meeting beforehand or doing an engagement session breaks the ice. You’ll already have inside jokes and a relationship by the wedding. So asking about that opportunity is great. If they’re local to you, awesome; if not, maybe a video chat at minimum to say hi “face-to-face.” Also, their reaction to this question will tell you if they value personal connection. Many will light up and say they love engagement shoots for exactly these reasons. That’s the kind of enthusiasm you want.