Capturing Your Wedding Day: 300-1500 Photos | best Tips

just the number?

As you plan your wedding day, one of the most common questions you might have is: How many photos will we receive from our wedding photographer? While it's completely understandable to want to know what to expect, the truth is that the answer depends on a few important factors—chiefly, the amount of time you’ve booked for photography and which parts of the day you'd like to be captured.

1. The Basics: Time and Coverage Matter

The number of wedding photos you'll receive is directly related to how long I’m there to photograph your day. A typical wedding photography package may include anywhere from 4 to 12 hours of coverage, depending on your needs and your budget. Generally speaking, the longer the coverage, the more moments I’ll be able to capture. But how does this translate into a final number of photos?

• 4 hours of coverage: If we’re capturing just the ceremony and a few key moments like portraits of the couple, expect around 300-500 photos.

• 6-8 hours of coverage: For a full-day experience that includes the ceremony, portraits, reception, and dancing, you might receive anywhere from 600-800 photos.

• 12 hours of coverage: For a comprehensive day that includes getting ready, details, formal portraits, the ceremony, reception, and late-night celebrations, the total can range from 1,000 to 1,500 photos.

These are only estimates, of course—each wedding is unique, and your photographer may include additional moments that others might not. For example, some couples opt for a “first look” before the ceremony, which can add more intimate photos to your collection.

these numbers represent an average, but many factors influence the number of photos taken. the weather often plays an important role, as does the couple's organization in terms of the number of hours they want me to spend with them. also, if there are different locations, this will impact the number of photos taken, as the number of effective hours will be reduced. moreover, if the couple doesn't want to make a call or video call beforehand, this will take a few minutes to break the ice. the more these elements are anticipated, the greater the number of photos taken.

For the first wedding I photographed in 2025, the couple had organized a whole schedule with different locations very close to Dublin that were important to them, so I was able to give the couple a greater number of photos to match their expectations.

2. It’s the Wedding Day That Creates the Photos

While the number of hours and the moments you ask your photographer to capture play a role in how many photos you’ll receive, the true magic comes from the wedding itself. Weddings are full of emotion, candid moments, and beautiful details—it's this vibrant energy that creates stunning photographs, even if some of them may seem a bit cliché (and that's okay!).

Whether it’s a tearful exchange of vows, the first dance, or the groom nervously waiting to see his bride for the first time, these moments are full of meaning. It’s my job as a photographer to ensure that every special moment is captured in a way that’s unique to you and your love story.

One of the most important things to remember is that your wedding day is special because it’s your wedding day. It’s about documenting emotions and moments that can never be repeated, and that’s what makes these photos priceless. It’s not about trying to avoid certain “typical” wedding shots—it’s about telling your story through beautiful imagery.

3. A Quick Tip: Let’s Meet Virtually Beforehand

While many couples feel comfortable with their photographer right away, there are always a few that feel a little nervous in front of the camera. This is especially true for grooms, who may not be used to having their photos taken. I’ve had many weddings where I never met the groom until the big day, and I can tell you—it shows in the photos. There’s a certain ease and connection that makes for natural, beautiful shots when you’re comfortable in front of the camera.

That’s why I always recommend a 30-minute video call a few days before the wedding. This gives us the chance to chat about the day’s schedule, go over any specific photos you’d like, and, most importantly, build a rapport. A quick chat will help both of us get on the same page, and I’ll be able to give you a few tips on how to feel more comfortable in front of the camera.

It’s also a great opportunity for me to offer advice on how to make your photos even more special, like when to take a break, which moments to savor, and which elements might be important to capture in more detail. For example, maybe you want to ensure a family heirloom or a unique detail from your venue is photographed, or you want to discuss a special shot during your vows.

4. The Importance of Family Photos

Even if you’re camera-shy or don’t love being the center of attention, remember that the photos aren’t just for you—they’re for your family, too. Parents, grandparents, and future generations will treasure these images. Not everyone will be able to attend the wedding, and they’ll rely on your wedding photos to feel part of the day. It’s important to think about these photos as a gift to your loved ones.

Additionally, many couples appreciate having high-quality images that they can print and display in their homes. Whether it’s a framed family portrait or a custom wedding album, these photos are an heirloom that will be cherished for years to come.

6. Conclusion: It’s About Quality, Not Quantity

So, how many photos will you receive from your wedding? While the exact number depends on your coverage time and your specific requests, remember that the most important part is the quality of the images—and the emotion they capture. Whether it’s 300 or 1,500 photos, what matters most is that these images tell the story of your unforgettable day.

I encourage you to take a few moments and schedule that virtual meeting with me. Let’s chat, get to know each other, and talk through the important moments that matter most to you. The better we know each other, the more natural and beautiful your photos will be. And in the end, that’s what it’s all about—capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

We love

Bring life to photos that are very important moments in life by printing them out and sharing them with family and important guests.

what I love:

After sharing the photos with the couple, I often receive an email listing their favorites. Over time, I’ve noticed that candid shots are most frequently selected—those unposed, genuine moments that truly capture the essence of the day. These include instances where I wasn’t directly present but managed to document an important part of the event, or where I was observing discreetly from a distance and became almost invisible, as in this example.