What to Expect From a Wedding Photographer — A Step-by-Step Guide

From your first enquiry to your finished gallery — here’s exactly how we’ll work together to capture your big day.

How it works

If you’ve never hired a professional before, you might be wondering what to expect from a wedding photographer — how the process works, what happens on the day itself, and when you’ll actually get your photographs. It’s a fair question, and one I’m always happy to answer.

I’ve designed a clear, relaxed process that takes the guesswork out of everything. No jargon, no complicated paperwork, no surprises. Just a straightforward journey from our very first conversation through to the moment your finished gallery lands in your inbox. Here’s how it all works, step by step.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS — Before Your Wedding Day

Step 1 — Say Hello

It all starts with a message. Drop me a line through my contact form, send an email to jeanluc.benazet@gmail.com, or give me a ring on 07811 512 422. Tell me a bit about your plans — your date, your venue, the feel you’re going for — and I’ll get back to you within 12 hours, usually much sooner.
At this stage, I just want to understand the basics so I can check my availability and let you know whether I’m free on your date. There’s absolutely no obligation — just a friendly first conversation.

Ready to get started? Send me a message →

Step 2 — Let’s Have a Proper Chat

Once we’ve made contact, we’ll arrange a consultation — whether that’s over a coffee in Cambridge, a video call, or a relaxed phone chat. This is the part I genuinely enjoy most. It’s a chance for me to get to know you as a couple, understand your vision for the day, and answer any questions you might have about my approach, my style, or the practicalities.
I’ll share examples from similar weddings I’ve photographed, talk you through the package options, and give you honest advice on timing and coverage. There’s no hard sell — just an open conversation to see whether we’re the right fit for each other.

Step 3 — Secure Your Date

Happy with everything? Brilliant. I’ll send you a straightforward contract and ask for a deposit to hold your date — typically 25% of the package fee. Once that’s done, your wedding day is in the diary and I’m yours. The remaining balance is due four weeks before the wedding, which keeps things manageable and gives you one less thing to think about in the final run-up.
No complicated clauses, no fuss — just a simple, transparent agreement that protects both of us.

Step 4 — The Run-Up to Your Day

In the weeks and months before your wedding, I’m on hand whenever you need me. We’ll finalise the timeline for the day, confirm your must-have shots, go through your family group photo list, and iron out any last-minute details. If you’d like advice on scheduling, lighting at your venue, or anything photography-related, just ask — I’ve done this over 500 times and I’m always happy to share what I’ve learnt.
About a fortnight before your wedding, we’ll have a final check-in to make sure everything is exactly where it needs to be. By that point, you’ll know precisely what to expect from your wedding photographer [FK natural mention] on the day itself — no guesswork, no anxiety, just quiet confidence that the photography is completely taken care of.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS — YOUR WEDDING DAY

On Your Wedding Day

This is the part we’ve both been waiting for. I’ll arrive calm, prepared, and ready — with my equipment checked, batteries charged, backup gear packed, and a clear plan for the day ahead.
From the nervous excitement of getting ready with your bridal party or groomsmen, through the ceremony, the confetti, the portraits, the speeches, and the first dance — I’ll be there capturing it all. Quietly, naturally, and without ever getting in the way of you enjoying every single moment.
You don’t need to worry about directing me or reminding me to photograph anything. After more than 500 weddings, I know instinctively where to be, when to step in, and when to step back. I’ll guide you gently through your couple portraits and organise group shots efficiently, but for the vast majority of the day, you won’t even notice I’m working. And that’s exactly when the most beautiful photographs happen.

“Jean-Luc is a wonderful photographer and a great person to have around on your wedding day. His care in preparing for our wedding day, presence on the day, and after-care service were fantastic. His shots were great and we got some really great creative and natural ones. Massively recommend this guy.”
— Natasha & Matt, Rectory Farm, Cambridge

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS — AFTER THE WEDDING

After Your Wedding Day — What Happens Next

Step 5 — Editing & Post-Production

Within a day or two of your wedding, I begin the careful work of selecting and editing your photographs. Every image is individually reviewed, colour-corrected, and enhanced in my signature warm, natural style. I don’t use heavy filters or trendy presets — I aim for photographs that look true to life and will stand the test of time.
Depending on the length of your coverage, your final gallery will typically contain between 300 and 800 professionally edited images. I’m meticulous about quality, so every photograph you receive will be one I’m proud to put my name to.

Step 6 — Your Private Online Gallery

Your complete gallery will be ready within six to eight weeks of your wedding day. You’ll receive a link to a private, beautifully presented online gallery where you can view, download, and share your photographs with family and friends. Every file is delivered in high resolution, print-ready, and yours to keep forever.
If you’ve booked one of my longer packages, you’ll also receive a curated selection of 8–12 highlight images within 24 hours of your wedding — perfect for sharing the excitement on social media whilst it’s still fresh.

Step 7 — Albums & Prints (Optional)

If you’d like a tangible keepsake of your day, I offer beautifully crafted, bespoke wedding albums designed around your favourite photographs. We’ll work together on the layout, choosing the images and the flow of the story, and the finished album will be professionally printed on premium materials. It’s the kind of thing you’ll reach for on anniversaries, show your children one day, and treasure for a lifetime.
Albums start from £600 and can be ordered alongside your wedding package or any time afterwards. There’s no rush — your images are safely backed up and I’ll be here whenever you’re ready.

Find out more about my wedding albums →

ONGOING SUPPORT

It Doesn’t End When You Receive Your Gallery

My commitment to you carries on long after your wedding day. If you need prints, additional digital copies, recommendations for professional framing, or you’d like to order an album months or even years down the line — I’m always here. Your wedding files are securely backed up in cloud storage and on external hard drives, so even if you accidentally delete something or lose your collection, I’ve got you covered.
I genuinely value the relationships I build with my couples, and many stay in touch long after their wedding. That’s one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

FAQ

Common Questions About What to Expect From a Wedding Photographer

I’d recommend getting in touch as soon as you have a date confirmed. Peak season — May through September — tends to book up 12 to 18 months in advance, and I only take on a limited number of weddings each year. The earlier you reach out, the better your chances of securing your preferred date.

If I’m unavailable, I’ll let you know straight away — I won’t keep you waiting. I also have a network of trusted colleagues whose work I genuinely admire, and I’m happy to recommend someone if it would be helpful.

This depends on the length of your coverage. As a rough guide: a six-hour wedding typically yields 300–350 edited images, an eight-hour day produces 400–450, and a full twelve-hour celebration can result in 600–800. Every photograph is individually edited in my signature warm, natural style — no batch processing, no shortcuts.

For the most part, no — and that’s a good thing. My documentary approach means I capture your day as it naturally unfolds, which produces far more authentic and emotional photographs than rigid posing ever could. I will gently guide you during couple portraits and organise your family group shots efficiently, but the vast majority of the day is photographed candidly. You just need to be yourselves.

Absolutely. I carry two professional camera bodies, multiple lenses, and full lighting equipment to every wedding. I also have a network of trusted photographer colleagues who can step in at short notice in the extremely unlikely event of an emergency. Your day is too important to leave anything to chance.

Yes — I photograph weddings right across England with no travel fees whatsoever. Wales and Scotland involve a modest travel supplement, and I’m also available for destination weddings across Europe. I hold a French passport, so working in the EU is completely straightforward.

Life happens — I completely understand. If you need to move your date, I’ll do everything I can to accommodate the change at no extra cost. If I’m genuinely unable to make the new date, we’ll work out a fair solution together.

Ready to Get Started?

Now you know exactly what to expect from a wedding photographer [FK natural mention] who genuinely cares about your day, your story, and your photographs — the next step is simple. Get in touch and tell me about your plans. I’d love to hear about your wedding, your venue, and everything you’re hoping for.

Send me a message and I’ll be in touch within 12 hours. I can’t wait to hear your plans.

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