By Dimitris Alexandrakis, destination wedding photographer, Alexandrakis Photography

Before booking a wedding photographer, ask how many weddings they have shot, to see a full gallery, what exactly you receive and when, whether there is a written contract, and what their backup plan is if something goes wrong. For a destination wedding in Greece, also ask about travel costs, venue experience, and a standby photographer.

I am Dimitris Alexandrakis, and clear answers to these questions are the best sign of a professional. Below are the questions that matter, grouped by theme, with a note on what a good answer sounds like.

Asking well does two things: it protects your day, and it shows you how a photographer thinks and communicates. Both are useful before you commit.

If you are still comparing photographers, start with how to choose a wedding photographer in Greece and the complete guide to weddings in Greece.

The essential questions at a glance

Ask about experience and style, deliverables and turnaround, pricing and the contract, backups and contingencies, editing and albums, and the extra questions that only apply to a destination wedding. Each group is expanded below.

You do not need to fire off every question at once. Use the groups as a checklist across a call or two, and note how each answer feels as well as what it says.

Questions about experience and style

Ask how many weddings they have photographed, not just how many years they have worked. Volume and consistency matter more than time alone.

Ask to see a full wedding gallery from start to finish, ideally in mixed conditions like bright sun and a dim reception. This shows how they handle the full arc of a day.

Ask whether they have shot weddings like yours, whether that is an intimate elopement or a large multi-day celebration. Different formats need different instincts.

Ask how they would describe their style and whether it matches your vision. My approach is unobtrusive and editorial, and the difference is explained in documentary vs posed wedding photography.

Questions about deliverables and turnaround

Ask exactly how many edited images you receive, in what resolution, and whether they are watermarked. A vague answer here is a warning sign.

Ask when the photos arrive. At Alexandrakis Photography you receive roughly 700 edited 4K photos, a sneak peek within 7 days, and the full private gallery in 6 to 8 weeks, with download rights and no watermark.

Ask how you receive the images and whether you can download and print them freely. A private online gallery with download rights is the standard to expect.

Questions about editing and albums

Ask how they edit, since a consistent, natural style should run through the whole gallery. You want your photos to still look timeless in twenty years.

Ask whether albums and prints are available and how they are made. A heirloom album is one of the best ways to enjoy your photos off a screen. Compare formats in photo album vs digital photos.

Questions about pricing, packages and the contract

Ask what each package includes and whether there are any extra costs. You want clarity on hours, images, travel, and any albums before you sign.

Ask whether they provide a written contract. I always give a signed, itemised proposal detailing every product and service, with no hidden charges.

Ask how payment works and when each stage is due. Clear terms upfront prevent any awkwardness later.

Ask which small extras are not included, so nothing surprises you. See the hidden costs of wedding photography and my wedding photography contract guide.

Questions about backups and contingencies

Ask what happens if the photographer falls ill or cannot travel. A professional will have a trusted standby within their network and proper insurance.

Ask how your images are protected during and after the wedding. Dual card slots, plus cloud and on-site backups, are the standard you want to hear.

Ask what the plan is if it rains or the timeline slips. Calm, ready answers show real experience.

Ask how long they store your files after delivery. Knowing your gallery is safe for years brings real peace of mind.

Extra questions for a destination wedding in Greece

Ask whether travel and accommodation are included or arranged by you. In my packages, travel within mainland Greece and the major islands is included, and anything further is quoted transparently upfront.

Ask whether they have photographed at your venue or island before. Local experience means they already know the light and the best spots.

Ask how they handle the legal and timing quirks of a Greek wedding, from golden-hour sunset times to ceremony logistics. A local photographer plans around them naturally.

Ask how they communicate across time zones during planning. For more on booking from overseas, read how to find a wedding photographer in Greece from abroad.

What a good answer sounds like

A strong photographer answers each question calmly, specifically, and without dodging. You should hear real numbers, clear timelines, and honest limits.

If an answer is vague, rushed, or defensive, treat it as information too. The way someone answers is often as telling as the answer itself.

The best sign is a photographer who asks you questions in return, about your day, your people, and what matters most to you. That curiosity is what makes the photos personal.

Questions about the wedding day itself

Ask what time they arrive and when coverage ends, so the hours match your timeline. A photographer should help you plan this, not just turn up.

Ask whether they build the photography timeline with you and how they handle family group shots. A clear plan here keeps the day relaxed and on schedule.

Ask about drone footage or extras if your venue allows them, and whether video is available from the same team. My in-house team shoots photo and video together, explained in photography vs videography for weddings.

Questions about you as a couple

Ask how they help couples who feel awkward in front of the camera. A good photographer directs gently and keeps things natural, so you never feel posed.

Ask how they capture the people and moments that matter most to you. The answer tells you whether they will make the day personal or just tick off a shot list.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most important questions to ask a wedding photographer?

Ask how many weddings they have photographed, to see a full gallery, exactly what you receive and when, whether there is a written contract, and what happens if they fall ill. For Greece, add travel costs, venue experience, and backup photographer arrangements.

What happens if my wedding photographer cannot attend?

A professional will have a clear plan, usually a trusted standby photographer within their network and full insurance. Always confirm this in writing before booking, especially for a destination wedding where travel adds risk.

How many photos should I receive and how soon?

Expect a defined number rather than a vague estimate. At Alexandrakis Photography you receive roughly 700 edited 4K photos, a sneak peek within 7 days, and the full gallery in 6 to 8 weeks.

Should a wedding photographer always provide a contract?

Yes. A written, itemised contract protects both sides by confirming coverage, deliverables, timing, and payment. I provide a signed proposal detailing every product and service, with no hidden charges.

Ask me anything: book a consultation

Have your list ready and put it to me directly. I am happy to answer every question before you decide, because a confident couple is a relaxed couple on the day.

Reach me at +30 693 7303 591 or info@alexandrakisphotography.gr, or send your date through the contact page to arrange a relaxed consultation.