FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions

How do we book & how far in advance?

I usually take bookings for the current year and the next 2 years in advance but if you have another date please do contact me. My diary tends to fill up rather quickly so I would recommend you to get in touch as soon as you’ve set a date. To book just get in touch via the button below and we’ll get the ball rolling. If you prefer a chat give me a call on 07792913443, if there is no answer I may be photographing, so please leave a message and I will get back to you.

What equipment do you use?

I use Canon DSLR cameras along with a selection of zoom and prime low light lenses to capture your images even in the darkest of churches. I carry an array of flashes too although, where possible, natural light is my thing. I also carry backups of equipment – you can’t be too careful!

Are you insured?

Absolutely. I have full business liability insurance.

How long does it take to receive our photographs?

My normal turnaround time is two to four weeks, but please allow up to eight weeks in busy periods. In this time I will sort through the images and select the best images, and professionally edit your final images so that they are looking their best for you. This can, however, increase slightly during peak periods. After that, you will either receive a call or email from me to arrange me dropping off your photos or I will simply pop them in the post by recorded mail. Alternatively, you can opt to receive a link to your very own private online gallery, from which you can instantly download all of your images. Please bare in mind the download of images may take a while due to the images being very high quality.

You also get a full print release for all of your photographs, meaning you can share and print the photographs for your own personal use. In other words, they’re yours to keep forever.

Oh, and make sure to keep an eye on my Facebook Page and Blog for little sneak previews a few days after your wedding too!

Are our images safely stored?

As safely as is humanly possible. I’ve never had a memory card fail and my cameras use dual memory cards as redundancy so if one memory card breaks all images are still safe on the other memory card. At suitable intervals, during the day I will backup your images taken so far onto my laptop. At the end of the day I back up every image I take onto my server as well as secure cloud storage.

Do I have to pay extra to buy the photos?

When buying my services you are also buying the rights to be able to print your photos for your own personal use. If you do require me to produce print photos, canvas or special gifts I can provide these, and quite often at much cheaper prices than consumer websites or on the high street.

Can I purchase a gift voucher?

Yes, I now sell gift vouchers through my website in £10, £20 and £50 values. You can purchase them from the online shop here.

Can I print my photos at any photo developing centre?

Yes, I provide a print release form that shows to the photo developing centre that I have given permission to allow you to print the photographs for your own personal use.

Can I share my photos on social media?

When buying my services for an event you are also buying the rights to be able to print your photos for your own personal use. So, yes you can share you photos on social media.

Do you require a booking deposit?

I ask for a non-refundable retainer fee of £100 to secure my services for your date and me not to book anyone else for that date. The retainer fee gets deducted from your full package price and the remaining balance can be paid in installments if you wish as long as the full balance is paid 1 month prior to the event date.

I’ve been through the photos, and there are some missing?

As mentioned below in the wedding photography section, there could be a few different reasons why some photos are not there that you were expecting. Being able to capture the photos depends on the weather, but also the willingness of the client/guests etc. to take part, as well as certain timings. It is the responsibility of the client to disclose any special individual photos that you require prior to the event date.

How long do you keep copies of our photos?

I keep the client’s photos forever, but if you would prefer that I don’t keep your photos any longer please request this in writing and I will destroy all copies of your photos that I hold.

What if I need to cancel my booking

In the event of you having to cancel your booking, I am unable to refund any monies paid which is why I recommend you do not make any payments towards your wedding until the 1 month deadline. The amount you have paid however IS transferable towards a new date at any time in the future providing I am available on that date.

Weddings

What is your style of wedding photography?

The keyword to my style of wedding photography is ‘natural’. Although there is a place for traditional photographs, natural photos allow capturing the real emotion of the day without staged smiles. I like to be discrete and capture the day as it really happens and capture moments that you inevitably miss whilst you are being busy being the bride and groom! I always strive to tell the story of your special day.

What time will you arrive to photograph our wedding?

It depends on the Wedding package you have booked. If you have booked Package 1, 2 or 3 then I will arrive at your Wedding venue about 30 minutes before the Ceremony begins. If you have booked package 4 then I aim to be at the place the bride is getting ready 2 hours before the ceremony.

Do you take traditional group photographs of friends and family?

The simple answer is yes. I try to keep this part of the day as brief as possible, to allow you and your guests to enjoy the day. I also find that it’s a good idea for you to appoint a family member or close friend to do the rounding up duties for group photographs – that way I’m able to keep a lower profile on your wedding day and therefore get the shots that we want.

How do you know which group photographs to take?

Each wedding is similar in structure so usually the standard group photos such as groomsmen, bridesmaids, bride and groom with bridesmaids and groomsmen, grooms parents, brides parents, etc. When I consult with couples I discuss and prepare a list of photos they would like. It is important to remember that the photos taken will vary depending on the weather and the location – more of that below. It is also very important to note that the photos which are taken also depend on the willingness of the guests to take part. We are unable to force guests or children to pose for photographs. It is the responsibility of the client to disclose any special individual photos that you require prior to the event date.

How long will it take for group photographs and what will happen?

Roughly 30-45 minutes but it does depend on how many groups you require, but no matter how many, I try to keep this part of the day as brief as possible to allow you to get back to the party. Once the group photos are complete, I will whisk the bride and groom away for more intimate couple photographs. This time will be the first real-time that the two of you can relax a little away from your busy day. I will have already scouted out some lovely locations in the venue or grounds to get some beautiful images.

You won’t be asked for any cheesy posing, it will all be very relaxed and I will capture the real love and emotion between yourself and your new husband/wife.

Can other people take photos during the wedding?

Of course they can! I would ask that they do not get in my way, after all you are paying me to capture your perfect day and I’m sure you wouldn’t want your special moments missed due to guests getting in the way of the shot. Also, bear in mind that other people taking photos can distract those who are having official images taken, and this can affect the photos received such as where people’s eyes are looking.

What if it rains or snows?

In the event that it does rain or snow, it is not the end of the world, a bit of rain or snow never hurt anyone and it can add to the emotion of the day. If it really is too adverse to venture outside, don’t worry I will have already scouted out alternative locations indoors or undercover for photographs.

How many photographs will we receive?

Every wedding is different. But, roughly, I’d say in the region of 300+ images for a full days wedding photography.

Do we receive our images in a wedding album?

All packages come with a DVD or USB stick in a presentation box with your images at high-resolution with a print release form to allow you to share and print the photographs for your own personal use, after all, they are your photos to keep forever. I can provide wedding albums, prices start at £50. Full details of wedding albums can be found on the weddings page.

Do you expect a meal?

We understand some photographers request this, but I don’t believe in it. I understand that you have spent a lot of money on your wedding without you having to provide the extra expense of another guest who you are already paying good money for.