The 15 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Photography — Answered by a Professional

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Introduction

Choosing your wedding photographer isn’t like hiring a DJ or a florist. This is the only vendor who will be with you from getting ready until the last toast, and the only one you’ll keep in touch with years later whenever you revisit your wedding photos.

And between us, photos are forever! The cake gets eaten, the flowers wilt, the dress gets stored away. What you’ll have left are the images. That’s why asking the right questions before signing the contract is the smartest thing you can do.

In this article, we share the 15 essential questions you should ask your wedding photographer to avoid regrets, nasty surprises, and, above all, to ensure you hire someone you can trust. Remember: your wedding photos are for a lifetime.

1. What is Your Photography Style?

This is one of the most important questions.
The photographer’s style defines how your wedding will be visually remembered.

Main Styles:

• Documentary / Photojournalistic — Captures spontaneous and real moments, without intervention. The photographer is invisible but records everything that happens naturally.
• Editorial / Fine Art — More posed, artistic, inspired by fashion magazines. Careful compositions, crafted lighting, sophisticated aesthetics.
• Classic / Traditional — Focus on formal photos, well-organized group portraits, standard poses. Works well for more conservative families.

What to Look For in the Portfolio:

Look closely at the photographer’s portfolio and ask yourself:

• Do the photos look natural or forced?
• Are the images the photographer presents consistent with each other?
• Is the editing overdone (saturated colors, heavy filters) or timeless?
• Does the photographer show galleries featuring photos from multiple weddings or just a selection of their absolute best shots?

At Boris the Cat, over the years, we’ve developed a very unique, mixed style. We complement the authenticity of photojournalism with the elegance of Fine Art editorial. All without awkward poses and always with a simple, elegant, and timeless touch.

👉 Check out our portfolio

RED FLAG

Defining a personal style requires years of work and deep reflection from the professional.
If the style exactly replicates what you’ve seen on other websites or social media, it’s a sign that the photographer hasn’t yet reached professional maturity and is more concerned with copying the latest trends than developing a unique and consistent body of work.

2. How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?

Experience matters. A lot!

Why does experience makes a difference?
An experienced photographer:

• Anticipates problems before they happen.
• Handles unforeseen events (rain, delays, bad light) naturally.
• Has refined technique and knows exactly where to be at every moment.
• Doesn’t panic when something goes wrong.
• Can communicate well in any situation.

Classification by Years:

0-5 years: Apprentices. Still building experience, more prone to mistakes.
5-10 years: Solid experience. Have photographed enough weddings to master the basics.
15+ years: Masters. Ready for any challenge, any unforeseen event, any condition.

At Boris the Cat, Miguel started photographing in 1988 and turned professional in 1999.
That’s over 25 years photographing weddings!
👉 Meet Miguel

3. How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in Portugal? What Is Included in the Quote?

Average Prices in Portugal:

In Portugal, a competent wedding photographer costs between €1,500 and €3,500, depending on factors like:

• The photographer’s years of experience.
• Coverage duration (6h, 10h, 12h+).
• Deliverables included (only digital files? printed album? pre-wedding session?).
• Second photographer.

Attention: If it seems “too cheap”, be suspicious. There are actually two types of low-cost photographers:

The “malicious” ones – Who purposefully provide a mediocre service to hide costs that will force you to shell out more money later.

The well-intentioned ones – Who don’t know the true value of their work. They are generally early-career photographers who charge very low prices to attract more clients. To make a minimally acceptable income, they have to take on a high number of weddings, which causes them to provide a lower quality service.

What Should Be Included?

Make sure you know exactly what is included:

• Coverage hours: How many? Is there a limit? How much do extra hours cost?
• Digital files: Do you get them all? Or do you have to pay extra for them?
• Printed albums: How many? What quality? Or is it a paid “upgrade”?
• Travel: Are there extra costs? Starting from how many kilometers?
• Editing: Are all photos edited? Or only a limited number?

Common Traps (Red Flags)

Low-cost photographers usually:

– Charge extra hours starting from ridiculously early times
– Include poor quality albums (few pages, low print quality) forcing you into expensive upgrades
– Charge absurd travel fees (e.g., €50 to travel 15 km)
– Edit only 100-200 photos, charging for each additional edit

Direct question to ask: “What is not included in this quote? What extras might I be charged for?”
👉 Check Out Our Prices (No Surprises!)

4. Can I Have Access to 2 or 3 Complete and Recent Wedding Galleries?

Seeing a beautiful Instagram or portfolio isn’t enough.
At a wedding, anyone can capture 50 spectacular photos. What matters is the complete set!

Why You Need to See Complete Galleries:

A complete gallery shows you:

• If all important moments were recorded (ceremony, speeches, dancing, details…).
• If the work has visual consistency and color harmony.
• If there are imperfections in the backgrounds (trash cans, power lines, distracting objects).
• If you can perceive a logical story of the day.

What to Look For:

When looking at a complete gallery, ask yourself:

• If the colors and lighting are consistent across the photos or if they vary wildly
• Are there poorly composed or blurry photos?
• Are the emotional moments there (genuine tears, laughter, hugs)?
• Or is it all “pose, pose, pose”?

At Boris the Cat, our portfolio is a selection of works, organized into (almost) complete galleries from various weddings. Whenever possible, we grant access to private galleries containing all the images we delivered to the client.

RED FLAG

f the photographer complicates things, refuses, or makes excuses not to show complete galleries, they have something to hide. It could be inconsistency in their work, a lack of enough quality photos, or simply insecurity.

EXTRA Red Flag – The Scourge of Wedding Editorials (Styled Shoots)

Although visually stunning, many current portfolios are flooded with styled shoots (staged editorials) in breathtaking locations with professional models, creating a false perception of the professional’s true experience. Photographing experienced models in a controlled environment is easy! There are no tight schedules or unforeseen events; it’s completely different from mastering the pressure, poor lighting, and unpredictability of a real wedding.

To protect yourself from this trap, look at the photographer’s work with a critical eye.
Actively look for photos that include people other than the bride and groom. A genuine wedding is made of laughing guests, emotional parents, spontaneous hugs, and the chaotic energy of the dance floor; if the gallery you are analyzing only shows flawless, isolated portraits of a couple without showing interaction with family and friends, it’s a strong indicator that the professional might have a great aesthetic, but may lack the essential skills to document the true story of your big day.

5. Do You Work Alone or with a Team? Is a Second Photographer Worth It?

Quantity Does Not Equal Quality

Some photographers do excellent work alone. Others prefer working in a team. Neither option is inherently “better”; it will depend on each wedding.

When It Makes Sense to Have a Second Photographer

It worth it if:

• You have many guests (200+).
• You want to record both sides of the getting ready process, and the bride and groom are getting ready far apart.
• You don’t want to miss any spontaneous moments (e.g., the mother’s reaction during the ceremony while the main photographer is focused on the couple).

What to Ask About the Team

If the photographer works in a team, ask:

What is the team’s composition?
How many members?
Who is the lead photographer? Is that the person you’re speaking with now?
What does the second photographer do? Just “backup” or do they bring a second creative vision?

At Boris the Cat, we prefer working in a team when it makes sense.
Each member specializes in different areas. But we also photograph weddings with Miguel alone when the specifics don’t justify bringing anyone else.

RED FLAG

Pay attention to ensure the person showing you the portfolio is the one who will actually shoot your wedding. No photographer can replicate another’s work. If the work they show you belongs to someone else, something is wrong!

6. What is the Team Composition and Who is the Lead Photographer?

This question is critical if the photographer works in a team.

Why It Matters

Photographing weddings has a huge human component. You need to feel empathy, trust, and comfort with the person who will be by your side all day. If you’re talking to one person but someone else shows up at your wedding… the chemistry isn’t guaranteed.

What to Ask

• “Are you the one photographing my wedding?”
• “If you work in a team, who leads? Who directs the couple?”
• “Can I meet all team members personally before the wedding?”

At Boris the Cat, we provide a highly personalized service. The person talking to you is always Miguel, and Miguel will always be the one with you on your wedding day. No surprises!

7. What is the Team’s Workflow Like on a Wedding Day?

Here is where you separate professionals from amateurs.

What You Want to Know

• Do they have a defined work plan? Or do they “see how it goes on the day”?
• Do they work discreetly (photojournalism) or are they interventionist (requiring a lot of attention from you and the guests)?
• How do they capture key moments without interrupting the party?
• What preparation do they do before the wedding (visit the venue, review the timeline, coordinate with other vendors)?

Incorporating the Must-Have Photo List

You can (and should) send a list of “must-have photos,” especially family photos and specific groups you want to guarantee. A professional photographer appreciates this list because it eliminates guesswork. But remember: the best moments aren’t planned, they’re lived. Leave room for the unexpected.

RED FLAG

If the answer is vague (“we work based on inspiration”) or hesitant, be wary.
Lack of planning = amateurism. A professional knows exactly what they are going to do, when, and why.

8. How Far in Advance Should I Book My Photographer?

Ideal Timeline:

Book your photographer 9 to 18 months before the wedding.

Why So Early?

The most sought-after photographers book up quickly, especially for weddings between May and October, which is the peak wedding season in Portugal. If you’re getting married on a Saturday in June, July, or September, you might struggle to find top available photographers if you leave this decision until 3-4 months prior.

At Boris the Cat, we only shoot 1 wedding per weekend to guarantee total dedication to each couple and to meet our short delivery deadlines. We run out of availability quite easily.

Practical Tip:

If you’ve found a photographer you really love, book early. You protect the date and avoid stress.

9. How Many Hours Should I Book for the Wedding Day?

Typical Duration:

The most common is 10 to 12 hours of coverage:

• From getting ready (afternoon)
• Ceremony
• Cocktail / group photos
• Dinner
• Cake cutting / opening the dance floor

Alternatives:

• Partial coverage: Only ceremony + cocktail (6-8 hours). Cheaper, but you miss the party.
• Full coverage with no limits: Some photographers (like us) don’t impose strict time limits. They stay until the end if necessary, with no stress about “extra hours”.

How to Decide:

Think about the dynamics of your day: What time will you start getting ready?
What time does the party will end?
Are there moments you absolutely don’t want to miss?

At Boris the Cat, we don’t want you worrying about the clock on your wedding day, so we don’t work with predefined hours packages.

10. How Much Time is Needed for the Couple’s Photoshoot? Is a Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Worth It?

Couple’s Photoshoot on the Wedding Day

If you want more polished and elaborate photos of just the two of you (without guests), plan for 30 to 45 minutes max. Knowing this helps you build the day’s timeline without stress. You don’t need 2 hours — that’s stealing precious time from your own party.

At Boris the Cat, we guarantee authentic portraits in just 20-30 minutes integrated naturally into the day.

Is a Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Worth It?

Yes. Absolutely.

• You will get more comfortable with the camera and the photographer.
• You get to know their working style before the big day.
• You can use the photos for invitations, wedding websites, or venue decor.
• It’s a relaxed moment just for you two, without the day’s pressure.

11. I Don’t Like Being Photographed… What Can I Do?

It’s super common. Most people feel uncomfortable in front of the camera.

The Secret

Choose a photographer you feel empathy with, someone who puts you at ease, not someone bossy or cold. Do a pre-wedding session to familiarize yourself with the camera before the big day. Trust that you will be guided naturally; a good photographer directs you subtly without you even noticing.

At Boris the Cat, we focus on capturing your essence with lightness and naturalness. No “smile for the camera.” Just you, living your day.

guarantee

We guarantee you won’t “look bad” in the photos. It’s our job to ensure you always look your best!

12. How Many Photos Do You Deliver at the End? Will We Receive All of Them?

Different Approaches

Há fotógrafos que:

• There are photographers who work with hard limits (e.g., 500, 800, 1000 photos…”)
• Those who deliver all the necessary ones to tell the complete story
• Those who deliver thousands of photos (including duplicates and mediocre ones)

Which is the Best Option?

Choose quality over quantity.
A thousand repetitive photos aren’t worth much. But 800 excellent, edited, coherent photos that tell a story—that’s gold!

At Boris the Cat, we hate restrictions. We deliver the amount of photos necessary to tell the story of your day completely and coherently. On average: 80-100 photographs for every hour of shooting. For a full wedding (10-12h), you receive between 900 to 1,500 images. All are carefully edited and published in a private online gallery where you can view, download, and share them with friends and family.

13. Do You Edit All the Photos or Just Some?

The Trap:

Some photographers, especially low-cost ones, deliver thousands of photos but only edit 100-200. The rest come “raw” (unedited). Then they charge you extra to edit the remaining ones.

What to Ask:

“Are all the photos you deliver edited?”

Our Commitment:

Yes, all the images we deliver are edited with our timeless editing style:

• Soft and natural colors
• Real skin texture (no “photoshop” look)
• Balanced light
• Attention to detail

Zero “raw” photos. Zero extra charges for editing.

14. Do You Create Printed Albums? What is the Design Process Like?

If you want a physical printed album (which we highly recommend!), you need to ask:

• Do you make albums? Or do you only deliver digital files?
• Can I see physical examples? (Not photos of albums — real albums).
• What is the quality like? Printing, binding, paper, finishes.
• Can I customize the design? Or is it a fixed layout?
• Do I get to approve it before printing?

What to Look For in Sample Albums:

High print quality (accurate colors, sharpness), good binding (stitching, glue, cover), sufficient size (30×30 cm minimum for visual impact), and a variety of cover materials (leather, fabric, custom).

RED FLAG:

The best album manufacturers work exclusively with professional photographers. They do not sell to the general public. If the photographer uses generic store-bought albums, it’s a sign of amateurism.

15. What is the Turn Around Time for the Final Work?

Standard Market Deadlines:

• Digital files: 4-8 weeks (experienced photographers).
• Printed albums: +4-6 weeks after design approval.

Long Deadlines = Red Flag?

If they give you deadlines of 3-6 months or more, be suspicious. It could mean the photographer doesn’t do this full-time, has a disorganized workflow, or has so much work they can’t keep up.

Our Commitment:

At Boris the Cat:

• 1-2 weeks to deliver all edited work (digital files) and design your album.
• +2 weeks for album printing (after design approval).

We believe that waiting months for your wedding photos is unfair. You deserve to see your memories while they are still fresh.

Bonus Questions

There are 3 more questions that, although not part of the “top 15”, are very useful:

How is the Team’s Backup Routine?

A technical but fundamental question. Make sure the photographer has a robust backup system so your photos are never lost. A professional photographer must have:

– Backup during the event (dual memory cards in the cameras),
– Immediate backup after the wedding (external drive),
– Off-site backup (cloud, remote server).

At Boris the Cat, we are paranoid about backups, duplicating automatically in-camera, and then copying to 4 different locations post-wedding.

Do You Limit the Number of Weddings Per Year?

Some photographers limit them, others don’t.

Why does it matter?

It directly affects delivery times, editing quality, and availability before and after the wedding.

At Boris the Cat, we limit ourselves to 16-20 weddings per year to ensure a high-quality experience.

Will You Display and Sell Photos on the Wedding Day?

Some photographers still set up a booth at the wedding to sell photos to your guests. It can be interesting… or invasive. At Boris the Cat, we prefer to dedicate ourselves entirely to our clients and the party without distractions, only doing this in exceptional cases if the client requests it.

Conclusion

These 15 questions are the minimum you should ask to protect your investment and ensure your wedding is documented by someone competent.

Before signing any contract, make sure that:

• You got clear and detailed answers.
• The photographer answered with confidence (no hesitation or evasiveness).
• You feel empathy and trust in that person.

Remember: your wedding only happens once. The photos they take are forever!
Choose someone you trust. Someone who respects your day. Someone who knows how to tell your story through images.

If you identify with a natural, elegant, and documentary style, we would love to meet you.