When it comes to your wedding photography, getting the right amount of coverage is essential. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer to "how many photos should a wedding photographer take?" there are some factors that can help you decide what's right for you and fits within your budget. Let’s talk about what you need to do before you call you photographer for an estimate.
Estimate the Number of Guests
Before you start scrolling through Google to find the “best wedding photographer,” grab your guest list and do a quick head count. This will help you gauge the amount of time you'll need your photographer to be on-site. Plus, they’ll know how much physical "ground" they need to cover to capture all of the special moments.
If your wedding is going to be humongous, and you want to capture every single detail, you'll probably need longer coverage time to catch all of the excitement. If you’re not sure of your guest list, let your photographer know when you solidify plans to avoid a frantic photography disaster.
For smaller ceremonies, you might not need as many photos. Notice I said “might.” Sometimes having a small wedding actually leaves more time for creative pictures. It all depends how big you want your album to be.
Sort out the Timeline
Think about the timeline and flow of your wedding day. If you are having a traditional multi-day wedding complete with a bridal shower, ceremony, and reception, you're gonna need more coverage to capture those memorable moments. Your photographer will have to find a place to stay if they’re traveling to get to you, too.
Most photographers book by the hour, or charge by set blocks of time. Although, I prefer to stay for the whole day to capture every little moment. The changes in the natural light at outdoor weddings makes for some pretty awe-inspiring shots.
You'll also have to sort out how early they need to arrive on the day of the ceremony. If you want your photographer to be there from bathrobes and hairspray all the way to lights out at the end of the reception, be sure to give them a heads up well in advance.
If you're planning an outdoor wedding, factor in when you'll have the best lighting. Do you want some sunset shots? Or maybe some fun sparkler photos after the dark? You might have a million ideas for your pictures, but consider asking your photographer if they have any ideas in mind, especially if they've been to the venue/location before.
Decide How Many Photos You Need Per Event
Before settling on a final number of photos, consider how many you’d like for each event. Remember, you might not get an exact count, but a ballpark estimate will do. A good rule of thumb is to calculate roughly an hour of coverage for every moment you want documented.
The hour can include multiple locations or events such as a ceremony, cocktail reception, and/or dance performances. Having an idea of how much detail you want from each location can give your photographer clarity while they work on creating beautiful memories.
Don't worry about getting too detailed though. Remember, your photographer is a pro and has some creative ideas of their own, so let them breathe a bit. They'll probably bring ideas to the table that you hadn't thought of.
Consider Extras or Alternatives for More Pictures
Need more coverage than the photographer can provide? Fortunately, you don't have to cancel their services and start a new search from scratch. If it's in your budget consider booking an assistant photographer or a videographer (or both)!
You may even want to schedule a second or third look during picture time. This can be especially helpful if members of the wedding party are traveling or need to touch up their makeup during picture time.
Ask Your Photographer for Suggestions and a Final Count Estimate
After you’ve discussed your expectations and the type of coverage you want, ask your photographer for their specific recommendations. They should be able to give you a general estimate on the number of photos they recommend taking to make sure those special moments are captured throughout the day.
For example, when I shoot a wedding, I typically offer 100-400 photos for a full day of photography.
Together, you can work out an agreement on the final count estimate, ensuring that all of your expectations and requirements are met.
It's as simple as that! Voila, now go book your wedding photographer.