Here are a few things couples often ask me about booking, the wedding day and getting their photographs afterwards. If there’s something else you’d like to know, get in touch—I’m happy to help.
For a more detailed look at how photography fits into the day, have a read of my wedding timeline guide.
About my photography and booking
How would you describe your wedding photography?
I like to photograph the day as it happens, without asking you to stop and pose all the time. I’ll keep an eye on what’s happening around you as well as the two of you, so you get to see moments you might otherwise have missed.
I’ll give you a bit of direction for portraits and help organise the family photos. For the rest of the day, you can get on with enjoying your wedding.
How long have you been photographing weddings?
I started assisting and second-shooting weddings in 2006, before building my own photography business. Weddings have been a big part of my life ever since.
What wedding coverage do you offer?
I offer full-day coverage from morning preparations through to the dancing, along with shorter coverage for smaller weddings and elopements. Tell me what you’re planning and we can talk through which option suits your day.
If you’re eloping and need a witness, I can help with that too. It’s something I’ve done for couples before.
Do you photograph weddings outside Glasgow?
Yes, I photograph weddings across Scotland. I’ve also photographed weddings abroad, although since starting a family I’ve chosen to focus more of my work closer to home. If you’re planning something further afield, you’re welcome to ask.
How do we book you?
Start by checking my availability. Send me your date, venue and a little about your plans. The booking process is handled online, and I’ll take you through it.
How much is the booking fee?
The booking fee is £300 and is deducted from your final balance. Once it’s paid, your date is reserved and I won’t take another booking for that day.
Can we read reviews from other couples?
Of course. The reviews give you an idea of what it’s like having me around on the day, as well as what couples thought of their photographs. You can read them below or find John Johnston Photography on Google.
Can we see a complete wedding gallery before booking?
Yes. Get in touch and I’ll share examples of full-day wedding galleries. It’s worth seeing how I photograph a whole wedding, rather than choosing from a few favourite images. You can also browse wedding stories on the blog.
Before your wedding
When will we go through the plans for our day?
Around four weeks before your wedding, I’ll send you a questionnaire to gather the details. We’ll then arrange a catch-up to talk through your timeline and anything else I need to know. If you’re in Glasgow, we can meet in person, or arrange a video or phone call.
I’ll also send a few emails in the run-up with planning tips and advice, and can suggest suppliers if you need them.
Do we need to give you a shot list?
You don’t need to plan out every photograph. Most of my coverage is documentary, so I’ll follow what’s happening on the day.
The questionnaire includes space for the family and wedding-party groups you’d like. I recommend around ten groups or fewer so we can keep this part manageable and leave you plenty of time with your guests.
Can we add a second photographer?
Yes, a second photographer can be added. We can talk about whether that would be useful for your plans during the booking process.
What if we need to reschedule?
If you need to reschedule, please contact me as soon as possible. I’m happy to move your deposit to your new date, provided I am available. If I am already booked on your new date, your booking fee is non-refundable. If your new wedding date is over 12 months from your original date, there may be a slight increase in price to reflect that year’s pricing.
On your wedding day
How long do you stay for full-day coverage?
Full-day coverage begins approximately two hours before the ceremony and continues until around five or six songs after your first dance. That gives me time to photograph the preparations and stay for some of the party too.
We’re not used to being photographed. Will you help us?
Absolutely. You don’t need to arrive knowing how to pose. I’ll give you some guidance during portraits, and we’ll keep it straightforward. For much of the day, you can focus on each other and your guests rather than the camera.
Are you insured?
Yes. I have public liability, professional indemnity and camera equipment insurance. I can provide the details to your venue if they need them.
What happens if you’re unable to attend?
I’ve never missed a wedding. If I were unable to attend, I have a network of wedding photographers with a similar approach who could help cover the day. It’s something we support each other with.
Your photographs and albums
How many photographs will we receive?
For a full-day wedding, I typically deliver around 900–1,000 or more photographs, without watermarks. Shorter weddings and elopements usually have fewer images because there’s less time being covered. You can download your photographs and print them for yourselves.
When will our photographs be ready?
I aim to deliver the full gallery within five to six weeks during busy periods, although it’s often sooner. All my packages include previews within 24–48 hours of the wedding, ready to download and share from your gallery.
How do we view, download and share our photographs?
Your photographs are delivered in a private online gallery, which is included in every wedding package. You can download them, share access with family and friends, and hide individual images from guests if you prefer.
You can also order prints and other products through the gallery, watch a slideshow set to music, and use face detection to find photographs of particular people. Guests with access can use that feature too. The video below shows you more of the gallery.
Do you offer wedding albums and other products?
Yes. You can browse the wedding album and USB package brochures below to see the options. If you’d like help choosing, just ask.
Anything else you’d like to know?
You don’t need to have every detail worked out before getting in touch. Send me your date, venue and any questions, and we can take it from there.