FREQUENTLY ASKED WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY QUESTIONS

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 biased, 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?

Observant. Narrative. Calm. Natural. Having said that, my mum took some pretty natural photos. I know how to use a camera and I certainly know how a wedding flows. I’m comfortable that come rain, shine or candlelight, I can work with available light without napalming the environment with paparazzi style flash at every given moment. I work to be subtle where required and value the occasion. I’m not shy to pose an image or three but generally I’ll observe, follow, study and document. I don’t promote that clients step outside their comfort zones, that wouldn’t be natural. Leaping bridal parties and brides held aloft by the boys are not my bag; I prefer people to connect in a far more instinctive manner. So many photographers boast that they will inject fun. I’ve never thought that’s my job, or really a necessity. It’s your wedding day. Champagne is flowing, your friends and family are around you. It’s already fun, without needing to unnaturally create a scene that isn’t actually very natural at all.

Do 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 far 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. Discretion is tough to achieve when guests feel they’re being ‘papped’ from all sides.

Do you work well alongside videographers?

Absolutely yes. It’s your day and of course the two skill sets provide very different coverage angles. An observational note; videographers understandably have their own agenda from which they will record your day and I will have mine. Experience has shown that some clergy and registrars find it hard for whatever reason, to distinguish the difference. Freedom is restricted if officials feel they are being descended upon by what they see as a ‘film crew’ made of up videographers and photographer. Equally I’ve found guests feel more comfortable when not faced by a wall of cameras during the rest of the day. Subtle photo/videography crew numbers are an advantage, without doubt.

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 wish list. 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 a small collective of photographers who work to a similar style.

If I pay cash can you discount your price?

As a professional 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 aggrieved 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.

Can you present an evening photo booth?

Yes I can, and have, many times. If presented, it’ll be a backdrop with professional studio flash light, set up to record informal 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.