Because “sunset vibes” won’t save you from a sweaty nightmare shoot at noon.
Thinking of getting married in Santorini? Good choice. It’s beautiful. It’s dramatic. It’s photogenic as hell. But before you book a photographer just because they slapped a few sunset shots on their homepage, ask the questions that actually matter. The uncomfortable, behind-the-scenes, “are-you-going-to-mess-this-up-or-not?” kind of questions. And since I’ve heard them all, I’m answering them all. No fluff. No filters. Let’s go.
All you need to know
1. “Do you actually scout locations beyond the Instagram clichés?”
Why ask:
Let’s be real. If your Santorini photographer drags you to the same spot every influencer and their ring light has already posed at… congrats, your wedding album just became part of the feed-scroll void. You’re not paying all this money to look like the fifth wedding of the day under the same blue dome.
My honest answer:
Yes, I’ve shot Oia. No, I won’t drag you to that same corner with 47 other couples in white linen. I’ve hunted down 15+ off-map locations—quiet cliffs, secret alleys in Pyrgos, hilltop chapels with not a tourist in sight. I walk these paths before every shoot. I climb rocks. I trespass (legally…ish). I obsess. You didn’t fly to Santorini to be basic—and I didn’t come here to photograph it that way.
2. “Can you survive Santorini’s intense summer light and heat?”
Why ask:
Because Santorini sun doesn’t care about your makeup, your rented tux, or your Pinterest board. It burns, blinds, and destroys shadows like an angry Greek god. If your photographer’s idea of dealing with this is “just squint less,” run.
My honest answer:
I shoot golden hour like it’s a religion. I also know how to manipulate harsh midday light without turning your face into a tomato. I bring reflectors, shade diffusers, and lenses that can handle sun flares like a dream. And no, I don’t need a stylist to tell me when someone’s about to melt. I know where the light falls in every corner of the island—from high noon in Imerovigli to golden haze in Akrotiri. If you want someone who understands light like it’s a second language, I’m your guy. If you want soft filters over bad lighting, go with someone who shoots for filters, not feelings.
3. “What happens when tourists swarm in the background?”
Why ask:
Because Santorini during peak season feels like trying to get married in Times Square with more donkeys and fewer personal boundaries. A dreamy sunset photo turns into a photobomb festival unless your photographer knows how to navigate chaos.
My honest answer:
I’m half photographer, half crowd-control specialist. I time my shoots with military-level precision. I shoot around the cruise ship schedules. I know the backdoors, side alleys, and rooftop angles that magically erase crowds. If someone wanders into the frame mid-vow, I either wait it out, edit them out, or politely (but firmly) ask them to move their mojito elsewhere. If you’re paying for a moment that looks timeless, you deserve to not have a guy named Rick in cargo shorts standing behind you while you say “I do.”
4. “If something goes wrong (gear fails, weather shifts), what’s your backup plan?”
Why ask:
Santorini is beautiful. Santorini is also unpredictable. Ferry strikes. Wind that will slap your veil into the Aegean. A camera that decides to retire mid-ceremony. Stuff breaks. Plans fall apart. The fantasy crashes—unless your photographer is ready for it.
My honest answer:
I pack like I’m flying to Mars. Backup cameras. Extra SD cards. Spare batteries. Two of everything that can possibly break—and then some. I scout Plan B locations in case the wind turns your dream cliff shoot into a Greek tragedy. I have weather apps, tide trackers, and a network of local vendors I can call if we need to pivot. You won’t even notice the crisis because I’ve already solved it before you say “oh no.” That’s not luck. That’s prep.
5. “How do we actually get to know each other—and feel comfortable in front of the lens?”
Why ask:
Unless you’re a couple of former Vogue models, there’s a high chance one of you hates having your photo taken. And that’s okay. But if your photographer treats your wedding like a content factory shoot, your discomfort will absolutely show.
My honest answer:
I’m not here to make you pose like someone you’re not. I want you to laugh mid-kiss, whisper weird inside jokes, and forget the camera’s even there. That starts way before the wedding day. We chat. We Zoom. We go for a drink or a walk through a sleepy village and shoot something chill—zero pressure. I’m not selling a “look.” I’m telling your story. And your story is better when you’re relaxed, not over-directed into stiff poses and fake laughs. Trust makes magic. That’s what I’m here for.
6. “How do we budget for travel, lodging, meals, and fees?”
Why ask:
Because your “affordable Santorini wedding” can suddenly become a financial cliff dive once hidden costs start popping up like heads in a group photo.
My honest answer:
No surprises. You’ll get a full breakdown upfront. Travel, accommodation, ferry transfers—whatever applies to your shoot, I itemize it. My base rates include my time, editing, equipment, and creative brain. Want me for just a few hours? Cool. Want a full day plus a private catamaran session with drone shots at sunset? Also cool. You choose. I’ll never upsell you with vague extras. I’m here to document your story, not hijack your honeymoon fund.
7. “What’s your editing style and can we tweak it?”
Why ask:
Because there are two kinds of photographers: ones who edit to a trend, and ones who edit to truth. And if you don’t ask, you might end up looking like a washed-out Instagram filter version of yourself.
My honest answer:
My style is cinematic—rich contrast, honest skin tones, moody when it matters, golden when it counts. I edit to feel, not to match some aesthetic that’ll be outdated next year. That said, I include a sample gallery and one revision round if you want tweaks. Want lighter tones? I’ll show you what that looks like. Want me to turn your Santorini dream into a TikTok vibe? I’ll politely decline. You’re hiring me for vision, not just buttons and sliders.
Closing time: The real talk.
If you’re still reading, chances are you’re the kind of couple I love working with: curious, bold, allergic to boring. Good. Because I don’t do templated shoots. I don’t fake perfect. I don’t make you pose like you’re on a cruise brochure. I shoot real people who love each other in one of the most stunning places on Earth.
Book me, or don’t. But whatever you do, don’t book blind. Ask questions. Demand honesty. Expect more. Santorini deserves it. You deserve it. And if we click, well… let’s make some photos that don’t look like anyone else’s.
Want timeless wedding memories in Santorini?
Let’s connect!
At Chris Giantsis Photography, we specialize in capturing emotional, timeless moments that you’ll cherish forever. Whether it’s a sunrise shoot in Oia or a sunset proposal in Imerovigli, we know the island like the back of our hand and can help make your dream day unforgettable.
Contact us today to learn more about our wedding photography packages and let’s start planning your Santorini love story!
FAQs
When is the best time of year for a wedding photoshoot in Santorini?
The best months are April to early June and September to October — perfect light, fewer crowds, and that dreamy golden glow without melting in the summer heat.
How far in advance should we book you for our Santorini wedding?
Ideally, 6–12 months out. Santorini books fast—especially during sunset season (read: all of May through October). If you’re a last-minute couple, I might still have room. But don’t count on it unless you like living dangerously.
Can we do a pre-wedding shoot or day-after session?
Absolutely. In fact, I recommend it. It’s the perfect way to shake off the nerves, explore the island, and get even more stunning shots without the wedding day chaos. Bonus: you’ll feel like actual movie stars.
What if we’re super awkward in front of the camera?
Perfect. Awkward couples make the best photos. All you need to do is show up, be yourselves, and trust me. I’ll guide you when needed, but mostly? I’ll just let you be real and capture that.
