Most Asked Questions
Top questions are here. Scroll down for a full list.
Do you have our date available, and what’s your pricing?
The best way to confirm availability is to inquire with your date(s), venue/city, and a rough timeline. I take a limited number of commissions each year, and I’ll reply with current wedding collections and next steps (and I’m happy to help you choose the coverage that fits your day).
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?
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.
WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?
I offer wedding collections (with options to tailor coverage). For full pricing and availability, inquire confidentially, and I’ll send the current collections guide
02.
DO YOU CAPTURE GROUP + COUPLE PHOTOS?
Even though I’m a wedding photojournalist, I always capture group photos, unless the couple requests otherwise. I try to keep these posed groups to 20 minutes so you can go about and enjoy the cocktail party or just be with your friends and family. Refreshing approach, right? Additionally, I skillfully take beautiful portraits and artful compositions within their environment. I’m happy to accommodate any requests; after all, it’s a celebration and a time for families and friends to come together.
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. Good fortune has been in my life. I got a break working on a local newspaper, shooting news stories, sports, and handshake pics, and I developed my craft. 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 that I deliver to my clients. As a former press photographer, I have always adhered to strict editorial standards. I do not believe in manipulating my images in Photoshop or any other third-party plugins, except for making small adjustments to color balance, brightness, contrast, minimal dodging/burning, and the overall look. This is what makes these images trustworthy and an accurate portrayal of your special day.
09.
WE ARE BOTH UNCOMFORTABLE HAVING OUR PICTURES TAKEN. HOW CAN YOU HELP US DURING THE WEDDING?
Well, that’s how I feel too! I’m a calm, mellow person who inherited and embraces that classic British sense of humor, especially the self-deprecating kind! I have this uncanny ability to blend into the scene rather than bring attention to myself. Combined with my documentary style, will have you both used to me within the 30 minutes of getting ready time. The only times you’ll really notice the cameras are in the family group photo and the creative portraits. You can just be you, and I will 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 the 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, along with a signed contract.
12.
SHOULD I GIVE YOU A SHOT LIST?
You will see that I’m very thorough, and I cover the wedding day, including all the decor and details as I find them. There is no need to provide a shot list. The only list I might need is the family group shots. If I have one of those detailed shot lists from the internet that your photographer must cover, then I really cannot focus on delivering what you hired me for in the first place.
13.
DO YOU SHOOT INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes. I photograph Texas statewide, all over North America and Europe, passport-ready. I love shooting in my home base of San Antonio, Texas. 50% of my weddings are in Houston, Austin, Dallas, and the Texas Gulf. My recent weddings were in New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Santa Fe, and California.
14.
HOW MANY IMAGES DO YOU SHOOT?
I don’t cap moments; final count depends on timeline/guest count/events.
15.
WHEN MUST I CHOOSE THE ALBUM DESIGN?
Aim to have your final approval within 60 days of the first release date, as the process can otherwise be delayed by other clients’ weddings. This way, I can give you the full attention you deserve.
16.
DO WE GET A CHOICE OF BLACK AND WHITE OR COLOR?
I deliver about 60% in color and 40% in black-and-white. Brides trust me to choose according to my artistic interpretation at the point of capture. Photos in black and white cannot be converted to color, as they’re captured by cameras that record only black and white. I take great care over the final file and prints delivered to you.
17.
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH ANYTHING ELSE 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 travel, like airfare and hotels, if needed. If I shoot in San Antonio or the Austin area, there are no travel fees. If I shoot in Houston or the Gulf Coast, there’s a $800 travel fee. For out-of-state destination weddings in the USA, a $2,500 fee is added, which covers flights, two nights’ hotel, and car rental.
19.
DO YOU SHOOT INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes. I photograph Texas statewide, all over North America and Europe, passport-ready. I love shooting in my home base of San Antonio, Texas. 50% of my weddings are in Houston, Austin, Dallas, and the Texas Gulf. My recent weddings were in 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 wedding photographers may be available at lower rates. Don’t worry, these are tried and trusted full-time pros who have a similar philosophy of shooting – like yours truly. Reach out and inquire for more info.
21.
DO YOU BLOG EVERY WEDDING?
I really try, too, like 8 out of 10 weddings, but it’s not always possible, as my main focus is delivering wedding images speedily to my clients.
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. I include books in all custom packages. Oh, and they’re made in Italy. Yes, Italy!
25.
WHAT IS THE TURN AROUND FOR OUR PICTURES?
I will endeavor to have professionally in-house edited images ready within 6-8 weeks after your wedding day. Sometimes, they’re ready earlier than that, as it depends on how busy the wedding season can get.
26.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY ALBUM?
Delivery will depend on how long it takes you to order. I personally custom-designed the album layouts. All album designs and online proofing are available for ninety days once they have been released to you. You’re allowed up to three free design changes. Generally, it can take up to four weeks once the design is approved by you, as the books are handcrafted in Alba, Italy. Your custom-designed album will be one-of-a-kind and well worth the wait.
27.
HOW DO WE KNOW IT WILL BE YOU WHO SHOOTS OUR WEDDING?
Unless you’ve hired one of my associate photographers because I’m unavailable or the budget doesn’t allow it, I personally shoot all of my weddings, most with an experienced second shooter. I also shoot small weddings solo (50-75 guests) for a reduced fee.
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.
DO YOU EMPLOY SECOND SHOOTERS ON THE DAY?
I personally shoot all of my weddings and, most of the time, with a second experienced shooter.
30.
DO YOU HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Yes.
31.
CAN I HAVE THE RAW FILES (NEGATIVES UNEDITED)?
I do not release RAW files. What you will receive is a blend of black-and-white and color images, beautifully edited JPEG files, and a printing release. The release gives you the full ability to print the photographs whenever and wherever you would 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.
PRIVACY POLICY
I take your privacy seriously. I do not sell or redistribute your information to anyone, ever. I occasionally send out newsletters or promotional emails to our couples and to those who register to view their online galleries.
35.
Do you work with planners/security teams?
Yes—happy to coordinate.
36.
ARE YOU NDA-FRIENDLY?
Yes— For high-profile clients and privacy-seeking clients who prefer additional discretion, I offer optional privacy tiers. I’m experienced in photographing private celebrations and confidential projects, and I offer optional privacy tiers for clients who prefer additional discretion, including private galleries and more restrictive no-publication options. Because these protections affect image use and workflow, they are arranged in advance and included in the contract before signing.
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 sched¬ules 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.
