Wedding Photography FAQ'S
Love in the time of COVID - UPDATE
Current government guidelines are now up to 30 people. Whilst I have undertaken several "micro-weddings", understandably couples are holding out for a time when rules are relaxed and they can have the wedding they hoped for with all their family and friends by their side. With that in mind, I still have available dates for 2022 but they are filling up. So if, like me, you're hoping amongst hope that life will return to normal by then and you're planning your big day then don't delay, do get in touch and we can chat about your plans. In the meantime, keep positive, we'll get there!
Current government guidelines are now up to 30 people. Whilst I have undertaken several "micro-weddings", understandably couples are holding out for a time when rules are relaxed and they can have the wedding they hoped for with all their family and friends by their side. With that in mind, I still have available dates for 2022 but they are filling up. So if, like me, you're hoping amongst hope that life will return to normal by then and you're planning your big day then don't delay, do get in touch and we can chat about your plans. In the meantime, keep positive, we'll get there!
Tell us about your style?
As a photographer its important not to get in anyone’s way so I like to step back and, with a little patience and observation, document your day as it unfolds in an intimate and honest way. I like to blend in with your guests, so I’ll wear what they are wearing, be it a suit, black tie or a morning coat. For me its all about keeping it natural and with weddings providing virtually every raw emotion you can think of I make sure that I capture all of them and then, with all the little different touches that help make your day so unique, put them all together to help tell your story.
Do you do group/formal shots?
Of course! I understand that these are an essential part of your day so, having drawn up a list with you in the preceding weeks, I’ll make sure that we get through them with the minimum amount of fuss. I find it’s always best to designate an usher or sibling to help me organize folks and I do like to try and keep it to a maximum of ten variations as I’m sure you’d rather be mingling with your guests! I also make sure that I get to spend a little bit of time with just the 2 of you to get some of those more intimate shots. If you want a nice big group shot of all the wedding guests then I'm also happy to oblige and I've been known to hang out of upstairs windows or balance on top of ladders from time to time (there may also have been a tree involved once...).
How do we book? Can we meet first?
Absolutely, in fact I prefer to meet potential clients first for a coffee and a chat before any decision is made. It gives you a chance to find out more about me and me, more about you. If I’m going to be telling your story I want to know everything about you – how you met, how you got engaged, your favourite hobbies, telly programmes, everything! You’re going to want to know about me and my life as well. It’s important that we click. Terrible pun, sorry. But it is important because it helps to have a friendly face around on your big day, someone impartial who can offer words of encouragement and put you at ease.
After we meet, if you think I’m the man for you then fantastic! We can then get excited about the ride ahead. To secure the date, I’ll ask for a 25% booking deposit and a signed contract, with the balance due 2 weeks before the big day.
If you can't meet or we can't make diaries line up for whatever reason then I'm always happy to chat on either FaceTime, Skype or Zoom.
What happens after booking?
Where possible I like to try and recce locations we’ll be using (a habit from my TV production days!). I also like to make myself available to you whenever you feel you might want a chat to firm up schedules, run any ideas by me or just to basically vent.
After you’ve booked I’ll also give you a questionnaire, its essentially a list of useful info for me. Names, numbers, addresses, that kind of thing. If you could get that back to me a week or 2 before the “I do’s” that would be a great help.
So what do we get?
For starters, me. For the whole day. What does the day include? Essentially you’re looking at 10-12 hrs coverage, but I don't like to put a strict time limit on things. You can have me for as long as you want me. We’ll start with the Bridal prep and then I’ll make time for the Ushers wherever they’re meeting for lunch or a glass of Dutch courage. It’s then on to the ceremony, the reception and then dancing. Most photographers will call it a day after the first dance, but that is when the party really gets going and everyone starts to let their hair down. So I will be there, probably on the dance floor with you. If you have a big send off planned and you’d like me around for it, then that’s fine with me.
Around 3-4 weeks (4-6 during the busy summer season) after your wedding you’ll receive a digital downloadable file with approx. 400 hi-res (usually more!), fully edited images in a mixture of colour and black & white (group shots will have one of each). These are yours to keep and come with a licence to share and print. I’ll also upload them to a password protected online gallery for you to forward to friends and family who can then download images for free if they choose.
I'll send handful of sneak peaks on WhatsApp after a day or 2 and then, to tide you over on honeymoon, I also send my couples a cool slideshow set to music with just a small selection of images that will help keep the memories fresh! Oh, and because pictures belong on a wall I'll send you a couple of 8x10 fine art prints just to get you started.
Do you travel?
Yes I do. Most of my bookings are based around Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex or London but I’m more than happy to travel further afield and have covered weddings in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Just drop me a line and we’ll see if we can make it work.
Do we need to feed you on the day?
Being on your feet taking pictures for 10-12hrs does require energy. So if a meal is available then that would be great. It’s not a deal breaker though, so just give me a heads up as I can always bring something with me.
Do you offer engagement shoots?
Sure. Some couples aren’t comfortable with the thought of being photographed so an engagement shoot is a great ice-breaker and helps you get more comfortable in front the camera and also with me. Although difficult I do try and keep these to weekdays only as weekends are booked up, although they may be more free during the Autumn and Winter months. Drop me a line for more details.
Do you offer an album service?
I’m finding more and more these days that couples aren’t really that concerned about wedding albums but I'm a big believer in getting your photos printed and so I can arrange a handmade album for you, using the finest quality materials, at extra cost. Prices vary depending on the number of images/spreads etc. so again, if you want to know more do please get in touch but rest assured you won't be given the hard sell if it's not something you're sure about.
What kit do you use?
I'm a Canon man and I always use 2 x camera bodies - currently a 5D MkIII as my main and a 5D MkII as back up, with assorted professional L series lenses, for example a f2.8 70-200mm is great for those candid shots but I also love a prime lens with the 50mm (the nifty fifty!) being a particular favourite.
Do you have insurance?
I have full public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
So that's it! If you think of anything else that I haven't covered above then please feel free to get in touch
As a photographer its important not to get in anyone’s way so I like to step back and, with a little patience and observation, document your day as it unfolds in an intimate and honest way. I like to blend in with your guests, so I’ll wear what they are wearing, be it a suit, black tie or a morning coat. For me its all about keeping it natural and with weddings providing virtually every raw emotion you can think of I make sure that I capture all of them and then, with all the little different touches that help make your day so unique, put them all together to help tell your story.
Do you do group/formal shots?
Of course! I understand that these are an essential part of your day so, having drawn up a list with you in the preceding weeks, I’ll make sure that we get through them with the minimum amount of fuss. I find it’s always best to designate an usher or sibling to help me organize folks and I do like to try and keep it to a maximum of ten variations as I’m sure you’d rather be mingling with your guests! I also make sure that I get to spend a little bit of time with just the 2 of you to get some of those more intimate shots. If you want a nice big group shot of all the wedding guests then I'm also happy to oblige and I've been known to hang out of upstairs windows or balance on top of ladders from time to time (there may also have been a tree involved once...).
How do we book? Can we meet first?
Absolutely, in fact I prefer to meet potential clients first for a coffee and a chat before any decision is made. It gives you a chance to find out more about me and me, more about you. If I’m going to be telling your story I want to know everything about you – how you met, how you got engaged, your favourite hobbies, telly programmes, everything! You’re going to want to know about me and my life as well. It’s important that we click. Terrible pun, sorry. But it is important because it helps to have a friendly face around on your big day, someone impartial who can offer words of encouragement and put you at ease.
After we meet, if you think I’m the man for you then fantastic! We can then get excited about the ride ahead. To secure the date, I’ll ask for a 25% booking deposit and a signed contract, with the balance due 2 weeks before the big day.
If you can't meet or we can't make diaries line up for whatever reason then I'm always happy to chat on either FaceTime, Skype or Zoom.
What happens after booking?
Where possible I like to try and recce locations we’ll be using (a habit from my TV production days!). I also like to make myself available to you whenever you feel you might want a chat to firm up schedules, run any ideas by me or just to basically vent.
After you’ve booked I’ll also give you a questionnaire, its essentially a list of useful info for me. Names, numbers, addresses, that kind of thing. If you could get that back to me a week or 2 before the “I do’s” that would be a great help.
So what do we get?
For starters, me. For the whole day. What does the day include? Essentially you’re looking at 10-12 hrs coverage, but I don't like to put a strict time limit on things. You can have me for as long as you want me. We’ll start with the Bridal prep and then I’ll make time for the Ushers wherever they’re meeting for lunch or a glass of Dutch courage. It’s then on to the ceremony, the reception and then dancing. Most photographers will call it a day after the first dance, but that is when the party really gets going and everyone starts to let their hair down. So I will be there, probably on the dance floor with you. If you have a big send off planned and you’d like me around for it, then that’s fine with me.
Around 3-4 weeks (4-6 during the busy summer season) after your wedding you’ll receive a digital downloadable file with approx. 400 hi-res (usually more!), fully edited images in a mixture of colour and black & white (group shots will have one of each). These are yours to keep and come with a licence to share and print. I’ll also upload them to a password protected online gallery for you to forward to friends and family who can then download images for free if they choose.
I'll send handful of sneak peaks on WhatsApp after a day or 2 and then, to tide you over on honeymoon, I also send my couples a cool slideshow set to music with just a small selection of images that will help keep the memories fresh! Oh, and because pictures belong on a wall I'll send you a couple of 8x10 fine art prints just to get you started.
Do you travel?
Yes I do. Most of my bookings are based around Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex or London but I’m more than happy to travel further afield and have covered weddings in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Just drop me a line and we’ll see if we can make it work.
Do we need to feed you on the day?
Being on your feet taking pictures for 10-12hrs does require energy. So if a meal is available then that would be great. It’s not a deal breaker though, so just give me a heads up as I can always bring something with me.
Do you offer engagement shoots?
Sure. Some couples aren’t comfortable with the thought of being photographed so an engagement shoot is a great ice-breaker and helps you get more comfortable in front the camera and also with me. Although difficult I do try and keep these to weekdays only as weekends are booked up, although they may be more free during the Autumn and Winter months. Drop me a line for more details.
Do you offer an album service?
I’m finding more and more these days that couples aren’t really that concerned about wedding albums but I'm a big believer in getting your photos printed and so I can arrange a handmade album for you, using the finest quality materials, at extra cost. Prices vary depending on the number of images/spreads etc. so again, if you want to know more do please get in touch but rest assured you won't be given the hard sell if it's not something you're sure about.
What kit do you use?
I'm a Canon man and I always use 2 x camera bodies - currently a 5D MkIII as my main and a 5D MkII as back up, with assorted professional L series lenses, for example a f2.8 70-200mm is great for those candid shots but I also love a prime lens with the 50mm (the nifty fifty!) being a particular favourite.
Do you have insurance?
I have full public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
So that's it! If you think of anything else that I haven't covered above then please feel free to get in touch