Here’s his list to help you ask smart questions when you meet with a photographer and really work out whether you’ll make a great team.

1. How would the day run from start to finish?

Planning a great schedule together well before the wedding day will give you a smooth, stress-free day and ultimately better pictures because calm people are better looking! If you need to consider options like doing photographs before the ceremony, a good photographer will guide you through the decisions.

2. Who is the actual person who will photograph my wedding?

If you’re going to entrust the responsibility of capturing your wedding day to somebody, it’s very reasonable to ask to meet them, see their portfolio and discuss your day with them to see if you connect.

3. When will we get our pictures and products?

We’ve all heard the stories about couples not getting their pictures for two years. Make sure you’re not one of those stories by discussing the whole process from booking right through to collecting your pictures. Do you need to choose the album photos yourself or will your photographer guide you through these choices? How long after the wedding can you start the album design and how long will it take to be made afterwards? Will it be an in-person design session or just an online gallery?

4. What’s in the package and what might we purchase after the wedding?

A lot of couples choose to book their photographer with a base package before the wedding and then purchase wall prints and album upgrades afterwards. This is a smart way to go as it allows you to see your pictures before committing to putting them all over your walls. To avoid any misunderstanding, make sure you discuss any potential extra costs before booking.

5. Who produces your albums?

Unfortunately, in the age of cheap photo books and digital galleries, beautiful, high-quality, made-to-last albums are becoming rare. Whether you’re looking for a cheap album or a locally hand-made masterpiece, asking a few questions about the albums your photographer uses will help you to make an informed decision.

If you’re considering an amateur photographer or you’re not sure how professional your “professional photographer” actually is, here are a few more questions which can help:

6. How do you reduce the risk of images being lost or damaged?

Even the best cameras can fail, memory cards can corrupt and lenses can be dropped, so serious professionals whose livelihoods depend upon their photography will have plans in place to cover these situations.

7. Can you show me some examples of pictures taken in poor lighting conditions?

Gorgeous, natural light is always best if possible, but it’s not always available and a good wedding photographer has the skills, experience and equipment to quickly create natural light when necessary. This is especially important if you’re having a winter wedding or at reception in a dark venue.

8. How will you handle my overbearing mother / drunk uncle / paparazzi auntie or my slightly-jealous-of-all-the-attention-I’m-getting bridesmaid?

The best wedding photographers have a personality that can get the best out of people even in stressful situations. You don’t want a photographer who is likely to freak out at the slightest hint of family stresses or politics.

Ultimately, the most important thing is that you choose somebody who you feel comfortable enough with to drop your guard on the day and be totally yourselves. This is what will result in the best, most natural and meaningful pictures, but the questions above will help you choose somebody you can rely upon to capture those moments for you.