Photographer FAQ
Answers for photographers.
Everything worth knowing about being recommended by Focal Weddings and booking weddings through us — fees, contracts, payments, and how the whole process works. Already chatting with us about a wedding? Just ask your Focal contact anything that isn't covered here.
Fees & getting listed
Is there a membership, referral, or commission fee if a couple books with me?
There's no monthly membership fee to be included on our recommended photographers list.
If we book a wedding for you, Focal Weddings takes an agreed percentage of the booking as a revenue share. We'll always walk you through the pricing, the revenue-share amount, and exactly what you'll be paid before the couple ever receives a quote — so you get to review and approve every detail before anything goes out.
How bookings work
Do you work as a referral service, or do you coordinate bookings through Focal Weddings?
We coordinate bookings directly through Focal Weddings — we're not just a referral list.
We meet with couples to learn about their wedding plans and coverage needs, recommend photographers who fit what they're looking for, and work with the photographer to put together a package and quote if the couple wants to move forward.
We handle the entire booking process for you, but you'll always review and approve the package, pricing, and services before anything is sent to the couple. Once we reach the quoting stage, I'm happy to jump on a call and walk you through exactly how it works.
Who looks after the couple once they've booked?
You do. Once a couple signs their contract and pays their non-refundable deposit, you take over the booking fully — timeline planning, pre-wedding consultations, and any wedding-related questions, just as you normally would.
I'll connect you directly with the couple once everything is confirmed.
When do galleries need to be delivered?
The gallery delivery deadline is set in the couple's wedding contract — typically the standard turnaround of 4 to 8 weeks after the wedding.
The only time that changes is if a couple specifically requests and/or pays for a rush delivery, which you'd know about before the booking is confirmed.
Contracts & agreements
Do I need a contract to be on the recommended photographers list?
No. There's no contract required just to be on our recommended photographers list — only when you decide to accept a specific booking through us.
What agreements are involved when I accept a booking?
Two, and you'll see both before anything is finalized. First, a booking-specific agreement between you and Focal Weddings: it outlines the package and services being offered and your commitment to reserve the wedding date and provide those services. I send this over while we're discussing the package and quote for each couple.
Second, a wedding contract between you and the couple. You can review the full booking and that contract before the couple books, so nothing catches you off guard.
Payments & payouts
How do couples pay, and what's the payment schedule?
Couples pay for their booking through the Focal booking portal we put together, with payments typically processed through Stripe.
The typical schedule for the couple is 50% at the time of booking and 50% thirty days before the wedding. If a couple requests a payment plan, I'll share the exact payment and payout schedule with you before the booking is finalized.
How and when do I get paid?
We collect the couple's payment, retain the agreed revenue-share portion, and then send you your payout. Alternative transfer methods for your payout are possible if Stripe doesn't suit you.
The timing and number of installments depend on the specific booking details and its size — we'll go over exactly how your payout works at the booking and quoting stage.
Still have a question?
If you're already in touch with us about a booking, just reply to your Focal contact — we're always happy to jump on a call and walk you through anything here, from revenue share to payout timing.