Skip to content
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing who documents your wedding is one of the most personal decisions you will make in the planning process. We believe that decision should feel clear, not overwhelming. We have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions we’ve been asked, and if something is missing or isn’t clear, we encourage you to reach out to us.
Our approach
What makes EMÈS different from other wedding photographers?
We are a small, dedicated studio. Not an agency, not a rotating team of associates. Every wedding we accept is chosen with intention, and every couple we work with receives our full creative investment. Our work is grounded in editorial aesthetics and emotional honesty. We document what is genuinely there: the atmosphere, the feeling, the quiet details that make your day entirely your own. After more than ten years, that restraint and care is still what defines us.
How would you describe your visual style?
Refined, timeless, and emotionally grounded. We draw from editorial influences and design references: clean compositions, considered light, a palette that holds over decades rather than seasons. We are not drawn to heavy retouching, dramatic filters, or imagery that prioritises spectacle over substance. We are drawn to authenticity. Photographs that feel honest and personal, not posed or performed.
Do you direct couples during the day, or do you work more candidly?
Somewhere between the two, and intentionally so. We blend documentary observation with refined direction when it is needed, allowing moments to unfold naturally while ensuring portraits to feel elevated and intentional. Most couples tell us they forgot we were there. That is exactly what we are working toward.
How do you handle family portraits and group photographs?
With quiet efficiency. Family formals matter and we treat them that way, moving through them calmly so they do not overshadow the rest of the day. We recommend preparing a concise list of groupings in advance and we will guide everyone through it without fuss.
Have you been published or received recognition for your work?
Yes. In 2026 we were named Best of German Wedding Photographers by THE WED and have been featured in THE LANE and Carats and Cake, among others. While we value this recognition, our priority is always creating meaningful, lasting imagery for the couples we work with. If publication is of interest to you, we are happy to support submissions.
Do you limit the number of weddings you take each year?
Yes, and intentionally so. We take on no more than ten weddings each, per year to ensure all our couples receive our full creative focus and attention. That is not a marketing position. It is how we protect the quality of our work and the depth of care we are able to give.
“We highly recommend you and your work! You are two truly wonderful people who are a joy to work with. And that, coupled with your talented eye for capturing those important and emotional moments, is a jackpot!“
Jana & Marcel, Masseria Grieco, 2024
Our services
Do you offer photography only, or videography as well?
We specialise exclusively in wedding photography. Every decision we make, creatively, technically, and in how we move through your day, is made with still imagery in mind. That focus is intentional, and we believe it shows in the work. We are happy to recommend trusted filmmakers for couples who are seeking both.
Do you offer pre-wedding or engagement sessions?
Yes, as an add-on, and something we genuinely encourage. A pre-wedding session is not a formality. It is a chance for us to work together before the day itself, easing any nerves around being photographed and giving us a shared sense of how you move, how you connect, and what feels natural. It tends to make a real difference in the experience.
Do you work with a second photographer?
For weddings with a guest count above 120, a second photographer is included to ensure full coverage of larger, more complex celebrations. With more moving parts and simultaneous moments, having two photographers allows us to capture your day seamlessly from multiple perspectives.
For more intimate weddings, a second shooter is available as an optional add-on. However, if we feel that the timeline, guest count, or overall logistics could impact the quality of coverage, we may require a second photographer to maintain the standard of work we’re known for.
Do you photograph internationally?
Yes, and all across Europe without additional travel costs to you. Whether your wedding is in Italy, France, Greece, Spain, travel is included in your package. All pricing is presented transparently. What you see is what you pay, taxes included. For destinations outside of Europe, we are happy to provide custom proposals.
Do you offer custom packages?
Yes. While we offer structured collections, we are happy to tailor coverage to suit your celebration. Every proposal we send is built around your specific day, your timeline, and what matters most to you.
Planning and preparation
When should we reach out to book?
We recommend reaching out as soon as you have a confirmed date. While many couples traditionally booked 12–18 months in advance — especially for peak season and destination weddings — we understand that timelines are shifting and decisions are often made more quickly now.
Our calendar can fill both well in advance and on shorter notice, depending on the season. Whenever possible, we love having time to connect and thoughtfully plan your coverage, but if your wedding is coming up soon, it’s always worth inquiring. We occasionally have availability for dates that align well.
What does the booking process look like?
It begins with an inquiry. From there, we offer an optional discovery call: a relaxed conversation to understand your day, your vision, and whether we are the right fit for one another. If everything feels aligned, we put together a custom proposal tailored to your wedding. Once you are ready, we confirm your date with a signed contract and a 50% retainer, with the remaining balance due after the wedding alongside delivery of your highlight gallery.
How do we secure our date?
A signed agreement and a non-refundable retainer of 50% secure your date. Early booking is strongly recommended given our limited annual availability.
How involved are you in the planning process?
As involved as you need us to be. We guide timeline structure, lighting considerations, and location planning to ensure the day flows beautifully, and are happy to collaborate with your planner on logistics. A few weeks before the wedding, we send a detailed online questionnaire to refine the key moments and details. Couples may be as involved or as hands-off as they prefer.
Do you need a detailed shot list from us?
Not in the traditional sense. We do not work from a checklist of posed setups. What we ask for is context: an understanding of your day, the people who matter most to you, and any meaningful details or moments we should be aware of. That information allows us to be present and prepared without being mechanical about it.
Will you visit the venue before the wedding?
For destination weddings or venues we have not worked at before, we research thoroughly in advance, reviewing the space, the quality of light at different times of day, and the flow of the day as planned. Either way, we arrive on your wedding day prepared and without surprises.
“We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the incredibly wonderful collaboration! Even before our wedding, we felt completely at ease with you, and your professionalism and loving approach truly impressed us. Your work utterly enchanted us – the photos and videos far exceeded our expectations! ”
Helena & Simon, Lake Garda, 2024
On the wedding day
What is your approach on the day?
We blend documentary observation with refined direction when it is needed, allowing moments to unfold naturally while ensuring portraits feel elevated and intentional. We are present without being intrusive, and considered without being controlling.
What time do you arrive, and when do you leave?
We arrive before the getting-ready process begins and stay through the end of your agreed coverage window, typically through the first dances and into the evening reception. Exact timing is confirmed during planning and built into your timeline together.
Will you guide us through the portrait session?
Yes, quietly. We keep portrait time relaxed and conversational. We’ll gently guide you into natural, relaxed poses while keeping the experience easy and unforced. Our approach is never overly choreographed, but you won’t be left wondering what to do either.
We create space for genuine connection while offering direction when needed, so you feel comfortable and confident. The result is imagery that feels effortless, authentic, and truly reflective of you.
How do you work with our other suppliers?
With respect and ease. We work well alongside planners, coordinators, and other creative suppliers. What matters to us is that everything runs smoothly for you, and that means being part of a team when it is called for.
What if we are running behind schedule?
It happens and we are prepared for it. We communicate calmly with your planner or coordinator and adapt as needed. We know which moments cannot be missed and we protect them. A delayed timeline is not a crisis. It is part of the day, and we move through it with you.
How do you handle unpredictable light or difficult venues?
It is part of the craft. We do not rely on ideal conditions. We work with what is there, and often what seems difficult produces the most atmospheric and interesting results. Low light, overcast skies, indoor ceremonies with no natural light: we are experienced across all of these.
Can we extend coverage on the day if we want you to stay longer?
Yes, subject to availability. If the day is running longer than planned and you would like us to stay, we can discuss extending coverage on the spot. Additional hours are billed at an agreed rate, confirmed clearly in your contract from the start.
Editing and Delivery
When will we receive our gallery?
A curated highlight gallery of 100 to 150 images is delivered within one week of your wedding. Your full edited gallery follows within approximately 12 weeks. We do not rush the editing process. Every image is considered individually and the gallery as a whole is reviewed for consistency before it is delivered.
How many images will we receive?
Each collection includes a guaranteed minimum number of professionally edited images, based on the hours of coverage and photographers present. There is no upper limit. We deliver every image that meets our quality standards and do not pad deliveries with near-identical frames or images that fall below them.
Who edits the images?
All editing is completed in-house by us. We do not outsource retouching or culling. This is how we maintain the consistency and quality you see across our portfolio.
What does your editing approach look like?
We edit every image by hand with an approach that is consistent, restrained, and focused on longevity: natural skin tones, true colours, and a palette that will not feel dated in ten years. We do not apply heavy presets or stylistic filters that drift from reality. What you see in our portfolio is what you will receive.
Can we request specific editing styles or adjustments?
We ask that couples trust our editing process, refined over more than ten years and consistent across our body of work. Minor adjustments can be discussed, but significant stylistic departures from our established look are not something we accommodate. If our aesthetic resonates with you when you inquire, you are in the right place.
Do you provide RAW files?
No. Every delivered image is carefully edited to reflect our aesthetic and quality standards. RAW files are unfinished and do not represent our work. We do not share them.
“We are literally at a loss for words. You guys captured the day so beautifully. We couldn’t be happier to have these lifelong memories to keep. You guys are incredibly talented. Thank you for sharing your talents with us”
Kristina & Mark, Villa Miani (Rome), 2023
After the wedding
How will our photographs be delivered?
Through a private, beautifully presented online gallery. Your full edited collection is delivered there alongside your curated highlight gallery, a smaller and more considered selection of the day’s most resonant images. Depending on your package, additional products such as fine art coffee table books will be discussed and ordered through us separately.
How long will our online gallery be accessible?
Your gallery will remain accessible for an extended period after delivery. We still recommend downloading your full collection as soon as you receive it and storing it in at least two separate locations: a physical hard drive and a cloud backup. We provide guidance on this alongside your delivery.
Do you offer albums or fine art prints?
Yes. We offer heirloom quality albums and fine art prints produced through professional labs for archival longevity. If these are not included in your original package, they can be ordered separately after your wedding and we will guide you through the options when the time comes.
Can we share our photographs on social media?
Yes, freely. Your images are yours to share and use personally. We simply ask for a credit where possible and that images are not altered in a way that changes the edit significantly. Full usage rights are outlined clearly in your contract.
How do you handle privacy?
We deeply respect our clients’ privacy and understand that every couple’s comfort level is different. If you prefer that your images remain private or are not shared publicly, we are happy to accommodate your wishes.
We can discuss tailored arrangements at the time of booking or at any point afterward, ensuring everything continues to align with your preferences and expectations.
Do you stay in touch after the wedding?
Often, yes. Many of the couples we have worked with over the years have become people we genuinely care about. We are not transactional by nature. If you want to share news, revisit your gallery years later, or commission future work, we are always glad to hear from you.
Contingencies
Are you insured?
Yes, fully. We carry professional liability insurance and use professional equipment with complete backup systems throughout every wedding. Documentation is available on request and can be provided to your venue if required.
What happens in case of an emergency?
In the unlikely event that something prevents us from being there, a trusted professional from our network would step in and all images would still be edited in our signature style to ensure full consistency. We would never leave you without coverage, and any contingency arrangement would be communicated to you immediately and with complete transparency.
What if our wedding is postponed or cancelled?
We understand that plans change, sometimes for reasons entirely outside your control. Our contract outlines the terms around postponement and cancellation clearly and fairly. In most cases, if you are moving your date rather than cancelling entirely, we will do everything we can to accommodate the new date, subject to availability.
What if the weather is difficult on the day?
Weather is something we work with, not against. Some of our most atmospheric and emotionally resonant images have come from grey skies, soft rain, and moody light. We do not consider difficult weather a problem. We consider it part of the story.
What if something happens to our photographs after delivery?
We retain your original files securely for a defined period after delivery, as outlined in your contract. If something happens on your end within that window, reach out to us. Beyond that period, responsibility for safe storage transfers to you, which is why we strongly encourage backing up in multiple locations from the moment you receive your gallery.
What if we are unhappy with the results?
We take this seriously. Our standards are high and our editing process is thorough, but we are human and open to honest conversation. If something feels wrong, come to us directly and we will listen. That said, dissatisfaction rooted in a preference for a fundamentally different aesthetic is something we address before booking, not after. Our portfolio is a clear and honest representation of the work we create.
We would love to chat to you
When you’re ready, we would love to hop on a call with you to go over any questions
or specific requirements you have.