FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers.
How long have you been shooting weddings?
I shot my first solo wedding in 2011. You do the maths!
How many images do you deliver?
It depends on the length of the wedding, but typically 700-1000 images for 10am-10pm coverage. Some of those will be duplicated to black and white
How long does it take to get our images after the wedding?
It depends on how many weddings I’ve got in the editing pile, but usually 4-6 weeks. It could be up to 8 weeks at the tail end of a particularly busy wedding season. I’ll try get some sneak peaks to you within a few days of the wedding!
How do we book you?
I need two things to complete a booking- A £500 booking fee and a signed electronic contract. Then you’re all booked in! I’m afraid I can’t hold dates without payment.
Do your prices include VAT?
Don’t you just hate when you go to buy something and then they slap 20% on at check out? You and me both. No hidden fees. The price you see is the price you pay.
Do you charge for travel time?
For full day weddings, I’ll travel 100 miles from Bristol to your wedding at no extra cost. This covers most of the South of England. If you’re further than that, no problem, there just might be a small charge for extra mileage and possibly an overnight stay. I don’t want to be doing any long distance driving after 11pm- it’s just too dangerous after an early start. I will often take my campervan, so I’m happy to stay in that to keep costs down.
Do you shoot destination weddings and elopements?
Yes, I shoot destination weddings. There will be extra costs for travel, accommodation, meals and a hire car if necessary. I do what I can to keep these costs down for you.
Are your portfolio images from styled shoots or workshops with paid models?
No. I have only and will only ever feature work from real weddings. Warts and all!
I’m so glad that my husband and I made the choice to ask Ali to photograph our wedding. Ali has a beautiful, candid photography style and is able to effortlessly capture the warmth, connections and magic that weddings create. We adore our photos, as do all of our family and friends who all said how great Ali was at capturing such beautiful moments but without being intrusive at all on the day. Thank you so much Ali for capturing such special memories!
How do you choose which images will be in black and white?
It is the images that have a higher contrast that work well in black and white. In my opinion, a good black and white image starts as a good colour image so I always deliver the colour version as well.
Do you do the more formal group shots?
Yes, I always do the more formal group shots at every wedding, usually during the drinks reception. I recommend doing a maximum of 10 so you can get back to enjoying yourselves and I can get back to doing what I do best – getting the candid shots of guests.
Can you get a group shot of everyone?
I can certainly try! I’ll need a window I can shoot from, ideally on to a shaded area so guests aren’t blinded by the sun.
Do I need a second photographer?
While I strive to be everywhere on a wedding day to capture a variety of angles, it’s not always feasible—especially in settings like churches with restrictions. Adding a second shooter has its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Comprehensive coverage, including both the groomsmen and bridal party getting ready.
- Multiple angles of key moments.
- More candid shots of your guests.
Cons:
- It can feel more intrusive, as having another camera (in addition to a videographer) may be distracting for some.
Do we need to feed you?
For events over 4 hours – yes please! Wedding photography is hungry work and you really don’t want a hangry photographer (my wife will attest to this). The only break I take is during the wedding meal, and chances are I haven’t had time to eat since breakfast. I don’t need a seat on a table- I’m quite happy to eat on a sofa or quiet spot, as I’m usually out scouting for photos anyway! My dietary preference is vegan.
What do you wear to weddings?
Yes, I have been asked this multiple times! Maybe there has been an epidemic of scruffy looking wedding photographers lately? I’m usually smart casual- linen shirt, black trousers, black shoes/boots. As much as I want to wear trainers for comfort, I just can’t bring myself to do it. I always ask for the dress code to dress up or down accordingly!
We couldn’t be happier that we booked Ali for our wedding day. The photos all came out beautifully and he captured the essence of our day perfectly – from getting ready right through to the dancing. For most of it we didn’t even realise he was there! So it was amazing when we got the photos back and relive those moments with family and friends. Thank you Ali!
Do you have insurance? My venue are asking.
Yes, I’ve got public liability and indemnity insurance. If you give your venue my email address, then I can send the proof over to them.
Do we own the images you take?
I always retain the copyright of the images, and you are granted an unlimited use/print licence. You can do pretty much anything you like with them except sell them for profit.
Can we keep our images private and not have them shared online?
I’m very happy to respect your right to privacy! I can’t do it with every wedding, as I need to show my work to get work, but if you don’t want your faces online for whatever the reason- no problem.
Can you shoot video as well?
I’m a one person business, and it’s not possible to juggle both photography and video at the same time without some compromise. I work with videographers regularly, so I can send over some names if you need. I am trailing a basic video service in 2025. If I can find someone reliable to do the shooting for me, I will consider making this a permanent offering.
What if you can’t photograph our wedding?
It is every photographers nightmare to not be able to shoot a wedding, and I do everything I can to ensure that doesn’t happen. If your wedding is far away, I’ll travel down the night before so there is less chance I’ll get caught in traffic and I pride myself on having the immune system of an Ostrich. If I absolutely can’t, I will arrange for a photographer to come and shoot on my behalf and I will edit the images. If that is somehow not possible, you will be refunded in full. I’ve only ever missed one wedding in 14 years – I broke my collarbone during a tough mudder (don’t ask) and literally couldn’t lift a camera. NEVER AGAIN. I was back shooting a week later.
If, after all that, you still have an insatiable lust for answers, please use the contact form below.