Wedding photography FAQs
Are you a full time wedding photographer?
The answer is a resounding yes. It’s a passion, it’s my job. I pay my mortgage by it, so I take it and everything associated with it seriously. You won’t be getting a call to say “I’ve decided to go back into insurance.”
I really want to book you, but my ‘fella’ says he can get his friend cheaper.
It may sound a little soft, but this truly is an exceptionally valuable one of a kind family memoir. There is a process to providing this service that makes sure your day is covered comprehensively – and then delivered in a proper album. Trusted to your good pal ‘Dave’ you’ll no doubt get some reasonable pictures here and there, but friends so often leave great chunks of the day untouched and unless they intend to be saints for a day, the odd glass or four of Pinot Grigio doesn’t help their task.
How would you describe your style?
Editorial is one word. Natural is another. Having said that, my mum took some pretty natural photos, granted they were dreadfully composed and featured far too many chopped off heads. I suppose the difference will always come down to the fact I know how to use a camera and I know how a wedding flows. I’m very familiar with my lenses and comfortable with the knowledge that come rain, shine or candlelight, I can work in available light without napalming the environment with paparazzi style flash at every given moment. I believe that a good wedding photograph should be a documentary of a real moment. I may pose an image or three (my low light work is a good indication of that) but generally I’ll observe, follow, study and document. I don’t generally ask people to be whacky or step outside their comfort zones, that wouldn’t be natural. ‘Leaping bridal parties’ are not my bag, I’d prefer the group to connect in a far more informal and natural manner. I read so often that photographers say they put the fun into a wedding day. I’ve never thought that’s my job, or really a necessity. It’s your wedding day. Champage is flowing, your friends and family are around you. It’s already fun, without needing to unnaturally create it.
Can you travel?
Variety being the spice of life, I’m more than happy to drive cross country to shoot weddings, or indeed jump aboard a jet. I’ve shot weddings for clients in Europe and as ar away as South Africa. Travel costs are negotiable.
Do you shoot alone?
Mostly yes. It’s a strength in that I can focus totally on the task in hand. I will not treat your wedding as a training ground for assistants! If I do take a second photographer or assistant you can be sure that they will have been fully briefed on why they’re there and what additional benefit I am expecting them to bring to the party. Most of my clients desire a discreet photography coverage. Double the photographer presence and you cross the line. Guests feel like they’re unable to move without a lens following their every move.
We went to a wedding recently and their photographer took over the wedding. Will you?
Hopefully you will have recognised by the photographs displayed on this site, that’s not my style. You’ll have seen group portraits and these will have been agreed prior to the day at a pre-wedding meet. It is a balancing act, because I appreciate that many weddings have family guests who haven’t seen each other for years and a professional portrait is on the wishlist. Most importantly it’s your day, not mine. I won’t be asking the chef to run the risk of overcooking the starter because I haven’t captured all I would like. I’ll come with a plan and make sure I work to it.
Will you let other people take shots?
Of course! I guess I sometimes wonder why ‘Uncle Bob’ wants to shadow me all day when he could be supping free champagne but that’s his prerogative. I won’t claim exclusivity of shots because I’m confident that I will always be shooting them very differently. Actually having guests ask you to pose for them takes your mind off the fact I’ll be capturing the scene from a different angle.
Are you subtle?
Yes, I won’t for instance summon your family members with a whistle – I know, I couldn’t believe that one either! I’m also very respectful in church. It’s often seemed to me that everyone is welcome in the House of the Lord… except for the photographer. But I can understand that when I hear tales of my peers dancing in the aisles with zoom lenses and papping a priest or vicar mid sermon two inches from his or her ear. I was married in a church myself; I understand the solemnity of a service, whether it’s church or civil and will work exceptionally hard to deliver some fantastic documentary moments in print.
What happens if you fall ill or are injured?
In all walks of life you can never totally guard against the unexpected. I can call upon two assistant photographers in this company who are both talented wedding photographers in their own right working to the standard and style you see on this website.
If I pay cash can you discount your price?
As a professional organisation I offer a service that has been financially calculated to cover the time and energy dedicated to your special day. Wedding photography is so much more than collecting photographs from one day. Many of my weddings are booked a year to eighteen months in advance, so the knowledge that I will still legally be operating at the time of your wedding is vital. You would rightly feel agrieved if you knew that someone booking a wedding at the same time as you, paid less. Also, whether the day of the week begins with a W or an S, I’ll work my socks off to make sure I capture superb images. I don’t charge extra for working Sundays and apply the same fairness rule to midweeks.
My friend booked you for their wedding, will my album look the same?
Certainly not. There are of course design styles and features that are undeniably ‘Breathe,’ but each album is designed afresh. I do not use standard templates.
Can I print pictures from the DVD we get?
Yes you can, absolutely. You have licence to print them wherever you wish for personal use. The only thing I stipulate is that you do not use them for any commercial purpose.
What exactly is the mobile evening studio?
This is an additional service offered in the evening. It’s a backdrop with professional studio flash light that is set up to capture more informal and fun based portraits following your wedding breakfast. It is usually set up in a room near or in the bar as this is where people gather for an hour or so after eating. It is there to collect some fabulously amusing and character-ful images to remind you of your guests.