I remember the phone call from a desperate bride, which arrived in March 2019. “Federico, we're getting married in July and all the photographers we contacted are already booked!”"Her voice trembled with anxiety, and unfortunately I had to confirm her fears: my calendar was also completely full for that date. After fifteen years of weddings between Naples and the rest of Southern Italy, I can tell you with certainty that the timing in booking the photographer can make the difference between having the professional of your dreams and having to settle for second best.
Planning a wedding is a complex art, and the photographer booking It should be at the top of your list. I'm not exaggerating when I say I've seen couples give up their dream location to get the photographer they wanted, and others who've postponed their wedding date by months.
In this article, I'll reveal all the secrets to perfect timing, based on my firsthand experience at weddings in Campania, Lazio, Puglia, Molise, and Tuscany.
The Ideal Time: 12-18 Months Before the Wedding
The golden rule that I always recommend to my couples is simple: when to book a photographer of wedding? At least a year before, but ideally between 12 and 18 months before the chosen date.
This timing isn't a coincidence. It stems from years of field observations, especially here in the South, where wedding traditions are still deeply rooted and spring and summer weekends are literally sold out. And I'll go further: the busiest month by far is now September!
Why So Far In Advance?
During my career I have noticed that the most sought-after photographers tend to fill their calendars with this photographer advance:
- May-June: they must be booked by January of the previous year
- September-October: These are now the busiest months for weddings. September is always the first to fill up.
- Special dates (like June 2nd or long weekends): they fill up even 2 years in advance
In 2020, despite the pandemic, I received bookings for 2022 as early as September. The most organized couples know that investing time in finding the right photographer always pays off.
Factors That Influence Booking Timing
Not all marriages are the same, and the booking timing It can vary based on various elements that I have learned to recognize over the years.
The Season of Marriage
Working mainly in Campania, Lazio, Puglia, Molise and Tuscany, I have noticed very clear patterns in seasonal preferences:
- High season (May-June, September-October): book 15-18 months in advance
- Mid season (April, July, November): 10-12 months in advance
- Low season (December-March): 6-8 months can be enough
The most memorable low-season wedding I've photographed was in January 2021 at a masseria in Puglia. The intimate atmosphere and golden light of the southern winter created unforgettable shots.
The Type of Photographer You Want
My experience has taught me that there are different categories of professionals, each with its own booking times:
- Top photographers: 18-24 months in advance
- Established professionals: 12-15 months
- Emerging talent: 6-10 months
- Generalist photographers: 3-6 months
How to Optimize Search and Booking Times
After photographing over 300 weddings, I've developed a strategy that I always recommend to couples to optimize their search.
The 30 Day Strategy
Dedicate three months to searching for the perfect photographer, divided as follows:
- First month: online research, portfolio consultation, initial selection of contacts
- Second month: direct contacts, estimates, introductory meetings
- A word of advice from someone who has seen many undecided couples pass through their office: limit your choice to 2-3 subjects. When you talk to the right photographer—and I hope it's me!—you'll know right away. Don't miss out.
This mode allows you to calmly evaluate every aspect, from photographic portfolio to personal harmony.
Getting lost in indecision, mathematically counting the quotes to see who offers the highest price at the lowest, as if it were a car or a phone quote, will only drive you crazy. Photography is about feeling: if love strikes, it's the right moment.
Signs of a Reliable Photographer
During introductory meetings, pay attention to these elements that I have learned to recognize as indicators of professionalism:
- Responds to emails within 24-48 hours
- It has a clear and detailed contract
- Show recent and completed works
- He openly discusses backups and plan Bs.
- Has verifiable reviews and references
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Wedding Photographer
In fifteen years of career I have seen the same mistakes repeated, which I now want to help you avoid.
The “We'll Think About It Later” Mistake”
The most striking case I remember is that of a Neapolitan couple who wanted to get married at Villa Cimbrone in May. They had chosen the location, catering, and flowers, but had postponed the choice of photographer until "“when we would have defined everything else“.
When they finally contacted me in February, all the photographers on their list were already booked. I met them at another wedding as a guest a year later: they were furious about the terrible photos they'd received.
The “Easy” Date Trap”
Many couples think that by choosing less popular dates they will have more time to decide. This is only partially true. Even for a midweek wedding in November, I always recommend at least six months of planning. advance.
High-quality professionals tend to have full calendars year-round, not just on peak weekends.
After fifteen years spent immortalizing the love between Naples and the regions of Central and Southern Italy, I can say with certainty that when to book a photographer A wedding isn't a decision to be taken lightly. The right timing ensures not only the availability of the desired professional, but also the peace of mind of stress-free planning.
Remember: investing time in researching and booking a photographer well in advance means investing in the quality of memories you'll cherish for a lifetime. If you're planning your wedding in Campania, Lazio, Puglia, Molise, or Tuscany, don't wait any longer.
Your love story deserves to be told in the best way possible. Contact me here to discuss your needs and check availability for your special date.
