Most Asked Questions
Top questions are here. Scroll down for a full list.
Do you have our date available, and what’s your pricing?
To confirm availability, send your date, venue, or city here. I take a limited number of commissions each year, so once I have those details, I’ll send over current pricing and next steps.
How many photos will we receive, and when/how do we get them?
Image count varies based on coverage length, guest count, and how full the timeline is. Rather than capping a number, I deliver the complete story—edited, high-resolution images in a private online gallery with full-resolution downloads. Typical delivery is around 8–10 weeks.
Are you NDA-friendly / can we keep our images private?
Yes— by request. For high-profile clients and privacy-seeking clients who prefer additional discretion, I offer optional privacy tiers, including private galleries and no-publication options, which are arranged in advance and included in the contract before signing.
How would you describe your style—what does “documentary/low-profile” actually look like?
One sentence sums me up: I notice more deeply.
I photograph weddings with a calm, low-profile documentary approach—real moments as they unfold, with minimal direction. I’ll step in for family photos and a few relaxed portraits when needed, then step back so you can stay present while I quietly capture candid emotion, meaningful details, and the full story.
What’s included, and how do we book (retainer/contract/payment schedule)?
All collections include my coverage and a private online gallery with full-resolution downloads. To book, you’ll sign an agreement and pay a retainer to reserve your date. The remaining balance is due before the wedding (I’ll outline the exact schedule in your proposal).
faq
Got more questions?
01.
HOW MANY HOURS OF COVERAGE ARE INCLUDED?
Coverage length depends on the collection; most run from 5 to 10 hours. We’ll map out your exact start and end times together once we know your timeline.
02.
DO YOU CAPTURE GROUP + COUPLE PHOTOS?
Even though I work as a wedding photojournalist, I always capture group photos, unless the couple asks otherwise. I keep posed groups to about 20 minutes, so you can get back to the cocktail hour and your guests. I also take portraits and environmental compositions beyond the formal lineup. Happy to accommodate specific requests. It’s your celebration, after all.
03.
WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH?
I love the craft of photography. As a former press photographer, I tell stories using a documentary approach that captures the authentic moments of your special day. I keep things simple and make sure you both never get overwhelmed or feel like the wedding is a huge production of lights, light stands, and assistants. My trusty Leicas are all I need to get the job done right using available light.
04.
DO YOU HAVE REVIEWS?
Yes, there’s a ton on the internet. For the most recent, check out The Knot or Google.
05.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I’m from Chichester, England, and moved to San Antonio, Texas, in 2006. Why? I married a Texan. We both worked on a cruise ship in 2002 and started dating (cue ‘The Love Boat’).
06.
WHEN DID YOU START IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
I have been a full-time professional photographer since 1992, starting as a press photographer. I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, and I picked up my first camera around 13 or 14. I still sketch, but I do it with a camera now. I’ve had good fortune along the way. I got a break working at a local newspaper, shooting news stories, sports, and handshake pics, and I developed my craft there. Most importantly, I had great mentors who taught me a lot. I then traveled the world for ten years before meeting my wife, who hails from Texas.
07.
DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO?
Yes. I have a cozy studio adjacent to our home. Appointments are by Zoom at this time.
08.
A WORD ABOUT A.I
I cannot emphasize enough how much I value the photos I deliver to my clients. As a former press photographer, I’ve always held to strict editorial standards. I don’t manipulate images in Photoshop or with third-party plug-ins, aside from small adjustments to color balance, brightness, contrast, and minimal dodging and burning. That’s what keeps these images trustworthy, an accurate portrayal of your day.
09.
WE ARE BOTH UNCOMFORTABLE HAVING OUR PICTURES TAKEN. HOW CAN YOU HELP US DURING THE WEDDING?
That’s how I feel too. I’m a calm, mellow person with a classic British sense of humor, especially the self-deprecating kind, and I have an uncanny ability to blend into a scene rather than draw attention to myself. That, combined with my documentary style, means you’ll both be used to me within the first 30 minutes of getting ready. The only times you’ll really notice the camera are during family photos and creative portraits. You can just be you, I’ll take care of the rest.
10.
WHAT CAMERA GEAR DO YOU USE?
I’m a film and digital photographer. I photograph with Leica M Rangefinders. I use an M6 and an M3 for film, and for digital, an M10R, an M11, and an SL3-S. The Leicas are steeped in cultural history; these cameras are entirely manual, quiet, and unobtrusive. I also love using a medium-format Mamiya RZ67 film camera for landscapes and portraits.
11.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BOOK YOU FOR OUR WEDDING?
A $2000 retainer deposit will hold the date and require a signed contract.
12.
SHOULD I GIVE YOU A SHOT LIST?
I’m thorough. I cover the wedding day, including the decor and details, as I find them, so there’s no need for a shot list. The one list I might ask for is family group shots. If you hand me one of those exhaustive lists pulled from the internet, I can’t focus on delivering what you actually hired me for.
13.
WHAT IS THE COLOR GRADING OF YOUR WORK?
My color work closely replicates the look of Kodachrome 64 and Fuji Astia. My black-and-white work aligns with Kodak Tri-X, the 35mm film I shot as a press photographer.
14.
HOW MANY IMAGES DO YOU SHOOT?
I don’t cap moments. Final count depends on the timeline, guest count, and number of events.
15.
WHEN MUST I CHOOSE THE ALBUM DESIGN?
Please finalize your album approval within 60 days of your first release date. Album orders queue behind other clients’ weddings, so a prompt approval keeps things moving and gets you the full attention your design deserves.
16.
DO WE GET A CHOICE OF BLACK AND WHITE OR COLOR?
I deliver roughly 70% color and 30% black and white. Couples trust me to make that call based on my artistic read of the moment, not a shot list. Some images are captured in black and white at the time, so they can’t later be converted back to color. Either way, I take real care with every final file and print I deliver.
17.
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH ANYTHING OTHER THAN WEDDINGS?
Yes. While weddings remain my primary focus, I also offer a limited number of documentary and observational still photography services, including production stills and behind-the-scenes photography for film, commercial, and branded shoots.
DOCUMENTARY & OBSERVATIONAL STILL PHOTOGRAPHY – Philip Thomas captures discreet production stills and behind-the-scenes photography for film, commercial, and branded shoots in San Antonio and Austin, Texas.
18.
HOW DO YOU ARRANGE TRAVEL?
I book all my own travel, airfare and hotel included. San Antonio and the Austin area have no travel fees. Houston and the Gulf Coast carry an $800 travel fee. Out-of-state destination weddings in the US add a $2,500 fee, covering flights, two nights’ hotel, and a rental car.
19.
DO YOU SHOOT INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes. I photograph across Texas, throughout North America, and in Europe, and I keep my passport ready. San Antonio is home base, and about half my weddings happen in Houston, Austin, Dallas, and along the Texas Gulf. Recent weddings have also taken me to New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Santa Fe, and California.
20.
WHAT ARE ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHERS
If I’m not available on your wedding day, one of my associate photographers may be available at a lower rate. These are tried and trusted full-time pros who share a similar documentary philosophy to mine. Reach out and I’ll fill you in.
21.
DO YOU BLOG EVERY WEDDING?
I try to, for around 8 out of 10 weddings, but it’s not always possible. My main focus stays on getting your wedding images to you quickly.
22.
WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WORK?
My hero of sorts is a French photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson. He is considered the master of candid photography and was one of the early pioneers of street photography. It’s his particular early work that I’m drawn to. Cartier-Bresson was uniquely talented at capturing decisive moments using geometry, composition, form, and balance in his images. I enjoy reading about many photographers, and if you come to my studio, you’ll see a huge stack of books. Right now, I’m reading and learning about Eve Arnold (you know, the one who became friends with and photographed Marilyn Monroe). Books are my number one source of inspiration.
23.
DO YOU HAVE A LIST OF YOUR FAVORITE VENDORS?
This is not a concrete list. I work with anyone, but these are certainly solid, charming pros. Click for San Antonio or Houston,
24.
WHAT ALBUMS DO YOU USE?
Beautiful Italian-made GraphiStudio albums, included in all custom packages. Handcrafted in Italy, start to finish.
25.
WHAT IS THE TURN AROUND FOR OUR PICTURES?
I aim to have professionally edited images ready within 8–10 weeks of your wedding day, sometimes sooner depending on the season.
26.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY ALBUM?
Delivery depends on how long it takes you to order. I personally design every album layout. Album designs and online proofing stay open for ninety days after release, with up to three free rounds of changes included. Once you approve the design, the books are handcrafted in Alba, Italy, generally taking up to four weeks. Your album will be one of a kind, and worth the wait.
27.
HOW DO WE KNOW IT WILL BE YOU WHO SHOOTS OUR WEDDING?
Unless you’ve booked one of my associate photographers, because I’m unavailable or it fits your budget better, I personally shoot every wedding, usually with an experienced second shooter. I also shoot smaller weddings (50 to 75 guests) solo, at a reduced rate.
28.
WHAT ABOUT ENGAGEMENT OR BRIDAL SESSIONS?
Higher-end packages include a bridal or engagement session. Or you simply add an engagement session à la carte. If you don’t want a bridal or engagement shoot, that’s fine too. I custom-design packages.
29.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE UNABLE TO SHOOT DUE TO ILLNESS OR AN EMERGENCY?
It’s rare, but if illness or an emergency ever kept me from being there, I’d bring in a qualified, trusted substitute to cover your day. If that’s not possible, your deposits are refunded in full. It’s spelled out in the contract, but I don’t take it lightly.
30.
DO YOU HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Yes.
31.
CAN I HAVE THE RAW FILES (NEGATIVES UNEDITED)?
I don’t release raw files. What you receive is a blend of black-and-white and color images, fully edited as JPEGs, with a printing release. That release gives you full rights to print your photographs wherever and whenever you like.
32.
DO YOU ALSO PROVIDE VIDEO SERVICES?
No, only still photography. I have a list of referrals in the info menu.
33.
CAN WE RECEIVE THE OUTTAKES?
During my editing process, I remove and delete images that do not meet my standards for delivery. This can include test shots, repetitive images, shots where I unintentionally overexpose or underexpose, etc. I deliver all of the images that don’t fall into those undeliverable categories. The outtakes are not archived, so they are not available.
34.
DO YOU SELL OR SHARE OUR INFORMATION?
No, never. I don’t sell or redistribute your information to anyone. I occasionally send newsletters or promotional emails to couples I’ve worked with, and to anyone who registers to view their online gallery.
35.
Do you work with planners/security teams?
Yes, happy to coordinate directly with your planner or security team.
36.
DO YOU POST OUR PHOTOS ONLINE OR IN YOUR PORTFOLIO?
By default, yes. I share select images from most weddings on my website, Instagram, and in submissions to publications. If you’d rather keep things private, that’s exactly what the privacy tiers above cover; just let me know before we sign the contract.
37.
What does “low-profile” look like during the day?
I blend in. I dress to match the room, move quietly, and avoid drawing attention (no constant posing, no “everyone look here” energy).
I work from the edges, not the center. During ceremonies, toasts, and emotional moments, I’m positioned so I can see everything without blocking guests or becoming part of the scene.
I don’t interrupt what’s happening. I anticipate moments and shoot as they unfold—small reactions, hands, hugs, glances—without stopping them to “re-do” anything.
Direction is minimal and purposeful. I’ll guide family formals efficiently and take a few relaxed portraits when it makes sense, then I step back.
I coordinate with your planner. I’m timing-aware (lighting, transitions, timelines) and I’ll work quietly with your team so things stay smooth.
I’m comfortable in tight spaces (getting ready, small rooms). In short, I’m present enough to catch the real moments, and quiet enough that you can forget the camera is there.
38.
Refund Policy
I’ve never had an unhappy bride, let alone a refund request, but the lawyers want this posted on our website in addition to being in the contract signed at booking. We go above and beyond to ensure you are thrilled and never have to think about our refund policy. Don’t take my word for it, though. Read some of the independent client reviews we’ve received. With that being said, here is a message from legal: Philip Thomas Photography, LLC (STUDIO) and its photographers specialize in artistic, photojournalistic wedding photography. Due to the nature of event photography, STUDIO does not guarantee any specific image will be captured. CANCELLATION. Should the CLIENT cancel the reservation of the Wedding Date or cancel or breach this agreement, the STUDIO shall retain all deposits and fees paid up until the reservation is cancelled. The STUDIO reserves the right to hire a qualified subcontractor(s) to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement. In the event of an emergency rendering the STUDIO incapable of carrying out its obligations, the STUDIO will endeavor to obtain the services of a qualified and competent substitute. Should the Studio be unable to obtain a substitute, all deposits shall be refunded to the CLIENT as the CLIENT’S sole remedy. If the CLIENT cancels or postpones the original assignment date, if the STUDIO is available on the new date, the STUDIO reserves the right to issue a new contract and charge the most up to date pricing. The pricing provided on this agreement applies only to this agreement for the dates specified. LIABILITY. The CLIENT has hired the STUDIO for its expertise in providing wedding photography and the CLIENT acknowledges that photography is an art. Accordingly, the CLIENT defers to the Studio in determining the best way to document the wedding. The STUDIO shall not be liable for omissions caused by failure of the CLIENT to maintain all agreed schedules or caused by delays due to inaccurate information provided by the CLIENT. The STUDIO shall not be liable for failures or faults in the manufacture or processing of materials or other causes that may reasonably be deemed beyond the control of the STUDIO. In the event such circumstances prevent the STUDIO from performing its obligations or delivering the agreed product or service, the CLIENT’S sole remedy shall be the refund of any deposits, as a Limitation on Damages as set forth in paragraph 19. Omissions or failure to produce specific images that may be discussed or proposed at a planning session shall not constitute a breach of this agreement and/or shall not result in a refund or other compensation to the CLIENT by the Studio.
