Weddings are Complicated

This blog post serves to inform both wedding photographers as well couples-to-be wed!

If you are a couple looking to hire a photographer, I highly recommend reading this blog before signing with a photographer!


Let's face it —photography is typically chill. Most of us start photography as this creative artistic outlet, a hobby, something we enjoy in our free time. Wedding photography is simply no that, unless you have the systems in place to make it easy for yourself. Wedding photography is a great gateway into monetizing your photography skills, but for many photographers, it betrays the initial reason why they became photographers. It definitely isn't for everyone.


Weddings are complicated. Even if it's not a grand affair, it's always monumental for the couple. People dream of walking down the aisle with their life partner waiting at the other end. They dream of the details, and wish for the day to play out just like their dreams. Our job is to capture that vision, or ideally, the clients select a team after vetting their work and selects those photographers for their day. There are factors than can usually prevent that, the biggest one is cost. Wedding photography can be costly, and just because a couple is going for a budget-friendly option, that doesn't mean they can't get production in line with what they want.


As the professionals delivering this service, it’s our responsibility to ensure clients are happy when they leave our care. In this post, I’ll cover key aspects many photographers—novice and seasoned alike—often overlook when booking clients. Trust me, these factors play a huge role in the success of your work and your client’s satisfaction.


Managing Expectations

Like any service provider out there, we have the duty to clearly set and communicate expectations to clients. There are systems that cover our backs as the service providers, and help achieve this goal. The first step to this is gather requirements from your potential client. This is critical, failing to complete this step can cause lots of issues down the line for both parties. Here are some strong requirements gathering techniques to use:


Client Questionnaire

A detailed questionnaire covering essential areas like preferred styles, must-have shots, timelines, and any special requests (e.g., candid moments, specific group shots).

Tools: Google Forms, Typeform, JotForm.


Mood Board or Pinterest Board

A visual tool for clients to compile inspiration and reference images that match their vision.

Tools: Pinterest, Canva (for creating customized boards), Milanote. (I use all of these!)


Photography Timeline Template

A guide to help clients structure their day, ensuring they allocate time for key moments like bridal preparations, the ceremony, and group photos.

Tools: Google Sheets, Excel, or a customizable timeline tool like WeddingWire's timeline creator.


Shot List/Photo Style Guide

A pre-made template that allows clients to list must-have shots for their wedding day. You can adjust this with them for personalization.

Tools: Google Slides or Sheets


Wedding Day Checklist

A comprehensive checklist that covers all the details your clients may forget, such as specific people for group shots, locations, and special requests.

Tools: Google Docs


Keep in mind that you can create templates for this list and share them with any client, it will be a huge help.

With all of these details in paper, both the photographer and the client know exactly what is being delivered.


Okay cool, what if, on the odd chance, we get a client that doesn't really know what they want, they just like our work? Well, you can start by:

  • Creating a mood board
  • Shotlist/Style Guide

and go over these with them.

Then, together with the client, you draft:

  • Wedding day checklist
  • Photography Timeline


Sometimes people need a professional hand to help them, we may not be wedding planners, but we know how weddings work. These activities also have the big added benefit of building trust and comfort between the two parties. The client will feel involved and heard, you will also win their trust in judgment. There are also less unknowns to deal with, which reduces anxiety for both parties!


If this post helped you, let us know by reaching us on instagram @yowmedia.ca :)