I am a wedding photographer myself, so take this article with a pinch of salt. But that is exactly why I know which questions couples ask in the first call and which ones they wish they had asked afterwards. The second list is more interesting. If you are looking for a photographer for a wedding or elopement in the Dolomites or South Tyrol, everything below applies, with a few extra points about travel and local knowledge.
Style first, then the name
Before you compare photographers, work out together what you like. Save twenty wedding photos that move you and look at what they have in common. Usually it is one of three directions.
Documentary
- The photographer stays out of the way and shoots what happens
- Real faces, real tears
- Fewer perfectly composed images
Classic
- Clean poses, everything in place
- Good for families who expect this style
- Takes more time on the day and can feel stiff
Magazine look
- Strong visual style, often with flash or film
- Striking portraits of the two of you
- The photographer directs a lot
No direction is better than the others. What matters is that you do not ask a photographer to do something they normally do not do. Someone with only posed pictures in their portfolio will not suddenly become a documentary photographer on your day.
The 9 questions
- Can we see two full weddings?Not the highlights, but everything from morning to night. That shows whether the dinner, the dance floor and the dark church look good too.
- How do you work on the day?Do they place people or wait for moments? How long do the couple portraits take? The answer tells you how the day will feel.
- What do you do if it rains?Someone who has shot many weddings has a quick, relaxed answer. Hesitation is a hint.
- When do we get the photos?Ask for a number of weeks. And whether there is a small preview you can send to family and friends.
- Roughly how many images?The number matters less than whether you get only the best ones or every usable one.
- What if you are ill?A good photographer has a network of colleagues who can step in. Ask how exactly it is arranged.
- How do you back up the data?Two memory cards in the camera and several copies afterwards should be standard.
- What is included in the price?Travel, accommodation, album, second photographer, drone. Better to ask once now than to be surprised after the wedding.
- Do you know our venue?Not a must, but an advantage. Someone who knows where the sun is at five o'clock plans your portraits without searching.
If you marry abroad, add one more: does the photographer know the region and travel to you, or do you have to cover their flights and hotel? For a wedding in the Dolomites, local knowledge of light, weather and logistics saves a lot of time on the day.
The best question in the first call is not really a question. Notice whether you feel relaxed after ten minutes. That is how you will feel in front of the camera too.
Gabriel Höllrigl, wedding photographer in South TyrolRed flags
Most photographers do their job properly. A few things should still make you stop and think:
- Single images onlyNot one complete wedding to be seen in the portfolio
- No reviewsOr only brand new ones, all written on the same day
- No contractAgreements only by WhatsApp, without delivery time and services
- Vague answers"It takes as long as it takes" when you ask about delivery
- Pressure"Only today at this price" has no place in wedding planning
What belongs in the contract
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Date and times | So it is clear from when until when the photographer works |
| Services | Getting ready, ceremony, reception, album, drone, second photographer |
| Delivery time | In weeks, separately for the preview and the full gallery |
| Type of delivery | Online gallery, download, how long it stays online |
| Usage rights | What you may do with the images and what the photographer does with them |
| Cancellation | Illness, bad weather, postponement, cancellation |
| Extra costs | Travel, accommodation, meals on the day |
With me, travel within South Tyrol is always included, and whatever we agree on the phone ends up in the contract exactly like that. If you want to know whether my style suits you, have a look at my wedding photos or read how couples get natural photos without stiff poses.
Frequently asked questions
How early should we book our wedding photographer?
For a Saturday between May and September, 12 to 18 months ahead is realistic. On a weekday, or in spring or autumn, it is often possible with shorter notice. If you are planning a destination wedding in Italy, book early, because the best photographers for the Dolomites season fill up first.
How do I know if a wedding photographer is good?
By complete weddings, not just the best ten images. Ask to see two or three full galleries, ideally including one with bad weather or a dark church.
Should we meet the photographer before booking?
Yes. You will spend the whole day with this person, often more than with your guests. A phone call or video call is enough, but it should feel right. This works well for couples booking from abroad too.
How long does it take to receive the photos?
It varies a lot. Ask for a specific number and get it in writing. With me, you get a preview within two weeks and the full gallery after four to six weeks.
What should be in a wedding photography contract?
The date, hours, services, delivery time, number or scope of images, usage rights, what happens if the photographer is ill, and whether travel and accommodation are included.