I get a lot of questions over email and in client meetings, so I figured I’d make a page that answers the majority of them.
How long have you been shooting weddings for?
First wedding was in 2011. I’ve done a fair few since then!
Did you study to be a photographer?
No, all self-taught. My education was in Biological sciences but I started shooting weddings whilst I was at university and have been doing it ever since.
How do I book you?
I take a £500 retainer fee via bank transfer to hold me for the day and a signature on an electronic contract which makes everything legally binding. The final payment isn’t due until 4 weeks before the wedding.
How long do you stay at a wedding?
You have me for the full day so I’ll start and finish whenever you’d like me to. My only rule is that I don’t do any long distance driving after midnight (weddings are exhausting!) If your wedding is particularly far away and you would like me to stay late, you can put me up in some accommodation nearby or I can stay in my campervan.
Do you need to see the wedding venue before the day?
Not really! Wedding photographers are at their best when thinking on their feet and working out the best shots depending on what the light is doing. Seeing the venue beforehand usually isn’t that beneficial as the light and weather will likely be completely different on the wedding day. There is always plenty on time on the wedding day to have a look around and predict where the best shots will be throughout the day.
Do you have a 2nd shooter?
I don’t often work with second shooters as I like to remain as unobtrusive as possible. I wouldn’t want you to feel like the paparazzi are at your wedding. A 2nd shooter would be helpful if you would like shots of both the groomsmen and the bridal party getting ready at the same time in two different locations. Usually I’m able to cover both as the boys get ready in about 15 minutes! If you’d like a 2nd shooter I’ve got plenty of very talented contacts to call on.
What cameras/lenses do you use?
A Sony A7III, Canon 5DIII and a bunch of f/1.4 prime lenses.
How many images do you deliver?
I don’t limit the number of images I deliver, it just depends how many I consider ‘keepers’. Usually around 600-800 images and many will get duplicated into black and white if they look good in both.
How long do we have to wait until we receive our images after the wedding?
In peak season it can take up to 4 weeks for me to finish editing your images. I often have multiple weddings a weekend and I don’t have time to edit them before the next wedding comes around so they build up. I’ll always try to leak a few ‘previews’ to keep you going till I’m happy with them. If you need any quick edits for thank you cards, just ask.
Do we choose the images for our wedding album?
I send out a PDF explaining the design process after you have got your images back. I ask for a few favourites that you would like featured big in the album and a few other ‘must-haves’. I then design the album with these images in mind. After the first draft, you can change any images for ones you would prefer.
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes! Travel anywhere in the UK is included in my price. I love going to new places so I encourage it! I also love traveling internationally, so do get in touch if your wedding is abroad! The only extra costs would be for travel and accommodation.
Do you shoot video as well as photography?
Not on a wedding day. Very different gear are settings are required to shoot video so too difficult for one person to juggle. I have plenty of videographer recommendations so get in touch if you need any. It’s important that they have a similar shooting style to me so we don’t get in each others way!
What happens if you get sick?
I’m not the sort of person that gets ill often (touch wood!) If it were to happen however, I am part of a great community of talented photographers that help each other out in these situations.
Are you insured?
Yes I’m fully insured with public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
What information to you need from us before the wedding?
I send out a wedding questionnaire before the wedding which gives me all the information I need to shoot the wedding with minimal intrusion. Things like addresses, contact telephone numbers and what family group shots you would like etc.
Phew! Hopefully that covers most things, but if you have any more questions I’m more than happy to answer them via a phone call, email or in person. Just get in touch!
