So you’ve got the date and venue booked and now you’re looking to book your wedding photographer. I’ve been a professional wedding photographer for 19 years and have lots of wedding planning top tips on how to find your perfect wedding photographer. Here are my list of 15 questions you should ask your wedding photographer and why.

1. Are you available for our date?
2. Have you worked at our venue before?
3. We feel really uncomfortable in front of the camera – help?
4. Why do you love wedding photography?
5. How long have you been photographing weddings?
6. What’s it like working with you on the day?
7. Do you have insurance?
8. What happens if you’re ill?
9. Can I see some full wedding galleries?
10. Can I read your reviews?
11. Can we meet beforehand?
12. How do you approach the group shots?
13. Do you have a back-up camera?
14. What will you wear on our wedding day?
15. What happens after the wedding?

To see if I’m available for your wedding please email me on : tessa@tessaclements.co.uk

1 – Are you available for our date?

It’s always best to start with the most important question. I can get booked up super early (sometimes 2 years in advance). So the sooner you reach out, the more chance we have securing a date and avoiding disappointment. I currently still have some dates available in 2026 and 2027.

The best way to get in touch is to drop me a message with your wedding date and as many details as you’re happy to share. I’ll check my diary and get back to you ASAP. If I’m available, I do a little kitchen dance and suggest we set up a time to chat.

2 – Have you worked at our venue before?

I’ve photographed at a huge number of wedding venues, but there are still some each year that are new to me. Any experienced professional photographer will always visit your venue beforehand. If I’m not familiar with your venue I will always visit a couple of months before your wedding for a location recce. This gives me the chance to scope out the best photo spots at your venue, look at where the light is falling and work out a wet weather plan (should we need it).

3 – We feel really uncomfortable in front of the camera – help?

Every couple wants to feel and look relaxed in front of the camera. My aim is to capture the ‘natural’ you in your portraits and make you feel as relaxed and happy as possible. I will only ever ask you to do things that you naturally do together as a couple and keep it all very simple.

I always meet couples 4-6 weeks before for a planning meeting at their venue where I also do a little practice shoot with them around the grounds. Then on the big day all the nerves have already gone. Have a read of what some of my previous couples have said about how I put them at ease. And here is a little podcastI was in about why couples book me – listen here.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

4 – Why do you love wedding photography?

This is a great question to ask. You want to be certain that your photographer genuinely has a passion for their job and will do everything possible to make it the best day for you. I could honestly write an essay about this, I LOVE it so much! It’s a huge privilege to be part of a couples wedding day.

I’m all about telling love stories through fun, natural, and creative photography! Think vibrant, feel-good images with a dash of romance, a sprinkle of magic, and lots of genuine, joy-filled moments—all captured in the most relaxed way possible. And most importantly capturing the natural ‘you’.

5 – How long have you been photographing weddings?

It’s super important to know what kind of experience your photographer brings to the party – after all, this isn’t just any day! I’ve snapped my way through hundreds of weddings over the past 19 years, from sun-soaked vineyards to rainy golf courses, across all four seasons (and sometimes all in one day!)

That kind of experience means I show up calm, confident, and ready to capture your day at its absolute best. Plus I’m there with plenty of tips, tricks, and emergency safety pins if needed.

6 – What’s it like working with you on the day?

It’s important to get a feel for your photographers personality. If you want someone to guide you through the day while being discreet, calm and capturing all the best moments from the sidelines, then ask them how they tend to work.

I love to keep everything relaxed and fun but without being intrusive to your day. While I love being organised (and will have a schedule and plan printed and ready to work to), I know things don’t always go to plan with timings. It’s important to find someone who can adapt quickly to weather changes, timing changes and the order of photos – especially if Auntie Jean has just gone missing at the bar when she’s due in the group photo!

7 – Do you have insurance?

When booking a photographer make sure they have public liability insurance. This means they are covered for the little accidents that can happen such as someone bumping into a lens or tripping over a tripod mid-dance moves.

Any professional will also have equipment insurance and professional indemnity insurance. I sometimes have to show my insurance certificates to wedding venues as it’s their way of checking they are working with professionals.

A hobbyist photographer may sometimes skip the insurance to save a few pennies, but trust me – it’s worth checking!

8 – What happens if you’re ill?

Even if disaster strikes – I’ve got your back (and your photos). If the unthinkable happens and I can’t be there on your big day, don’t worry – I’m part of an amazing emergency photography cover group.

I’ll find a talented photographer whose vibe and style are totally in sync with mine. They’ll show up, capture every laugh, tear, and dance move, and then I’ll work my magic behind the scenes – editing all your photos in my signature style. So your gallery still feels 100% you and still in my style.

9 – Can I see some full wedding galleries?

So you’ve seen their website, flicked through their Instagram, Facebook and TikTok pages, and love their style. BUT don’t just leave it there. Any professional would be super happy to share some full wedding galleries with you so you can get a view of a whole wedding. I will always happily send full galleries to couples as it helps them see the quality and type of images to expect from their big day.

10 – Can I read your reviews?

Absolutely! The best people to vouch for your photographer are the couples they’ve previously photographed. And if yours is a venue they’ve worked at before you could also ask the venue’s opinion. I’m a recommended supplier at various wedding venues.

Google reviews is the best place to get an overall view of someone’s ability. I’m super proud to have over 125 5*star google reviews and I do a little happy dance whenever someone takes the time to leave me one.

DETAILS

11 – Can we meet beforehand?

You spend a big chunk of your day with your wedding photographer, so you have to like them. Whether it’s over coffee or Facetime, we need to know if we’re going to click (pun very much intended!) I always recommend a meet-up, either in real life or online. I love to chat all things weddings.

I also schedule a face to face catch-up about 4-6 weeks before the big day so we can go over all the finer details.

12 – How do you approach the group shots?

Let’s be honest, it’s not every day you’ve got all the family in one place looking fabulous – so yes, group photos are absolutely worth doing.

To make it all run smoothly and to avoid you all getting achey smiling jaws – I recommend keeping them short and sweet. Think 6 to 8 small, relaxed groups max. We’ll go through the list beforehand and I’ll start with larger groups to minimise guest waiting time. Having a designated helper who knows the guest list can greatly streamline the process.

13 – Do you have a back-up camera?

Your wedding day isn’t the time for my camera to have a nervous breakdown – so I come fully prepped, like a camera-slinging cowgirl.

I shoot with two cameras strapped to me (like a photo ninja). I also bring more lenses than I technically need, enough batteries to power a small village, and a ridiculous number of memory cards. Basically, if something can break, I’ve got a backup for it.

14 – What will you wear on our wedding day?

I’ve photographed weddings at fancy venues with dress codes, beautiful places of worship that ask for a bit more coverage, and outdoor spots where good footwear is an absolute must.

My go-to is something that’s smart but comfy – usually a jumpsuit or trousers and a nice top. And trainers or black boots (because I’m often darting around, crouching, or occasionally climbing things to get the perfect shot!) Classic example of me climbing onto a roof for the group guest shot below for you.

15 – What happens after the wedding?

Every photographer does things a little differently! I always send send you a little treat – a few sneak peek images within the first week. It’s timed perfectly to land just as you’re coming back down to earth (and maybe back from your honeymoon), so you’ve got something gorgeous to relive and share.

Then, your full gallery will be ready no later than 8 weeks after the big day—sometimes even sooner. If you’re local I invite you round to mine in Beckenham for a little slideshow and a catch up natter so I can hear all about newly married life!