Frequently Asked Questions
Booking a photographer - especially for a wedding or a large event - can be a big commitment, and usually some key questions or concerns crop up. What happens if it rains, do you have to feed me, how long will it take for me to edit your photos?
I've tried to cover some of these below, but if you have a question about anything that isn't mentioned here, please just send me an email and I'd be happy to answer it for you, or you can ask me over the phone or in person if we're due to meet for a consultation or session in the near future!
You shouldn't have to second-guess yourself when it comes to your photography, and I'm always on hand to give advice, answer any questions and generally be as helpful as I can be. It's always better to ask a photographer what their own policies and working practices are, rather than ask what the 'norm' is on social media or online forums, as this can vary greatly between photographers.
You are paying for the love, care, attention to detail, and dedication that only a professional can provide. From that first enquiry through to booking, planning your session or wedding, on the day itself, editing and delivering your images and finally ordering printed products or an album for your memories. I will be with you every step of the way offering assistance and advice. For me it’s not just about the time you spend in front of the camera, but everything else that contributes to making your experience with me truly special.
Portrait sessions are paid up to and including the day of the session, so if you have already paid then you can always rearrange for another day at no extra cost. If you would rather have your money back then as long as 24 hours’ notice is given you can have a full refund. For weddings, the deposit that you paid upon booking is non-refundable, with any balance paid subject to the timescales within which the cancellation was made. In either event, all cancellations must be made in writing.
I have personal liability and professional indemnity insurance, and I can provide copies of my certificates if this is needed. The question of back up equipment is often raised and is important for events and weddings, where failing gear can otherwise mean the end of coverage. I have at three professional camera bodies with me (although I tend to only use one at a time) with two of these cameras having two card slots, meaning every image is recorded to both memory cards simultaneously.
Weddings are hard work and tend to be long days, so I need to be comfortable when it comes to my clothing. I tend to wear a light coloured chino or trouser, brown suede shoes and a dress shirt. This works really well as it's still quite formal and I am not too restricted when flexing awkwardly to get those amazing shots. The best way to describe my attire is similar to that of an evening guest.
I do my best to explain how your session will works beforehand, including ideas on what to wear. If you’re having photos taken with your partner or family then I just love capturing the natural interactions between everyone, rather than too many formal group photographs. I’ll be on hand throughout to give direction if you're not sure what to do. If you're worried about being anxious having your photo taken on your wedding day, I definitely recommend an engagement session beforehand. I even offer a short posing crash course to get you started, and break the ice a little.
It will depend heavily on my current workload, but I will always try to give you an estimate after the session or wedding on how long it will take. Portrait sessions typically take 2-4 weeks before your proofs are ready, with the number available to download dependent on the particular session type. Weddings of course take longer to work through but are usually complete after 6-8 weeks, but can take up to 12 weeks during busy periods. For 8 hours of coverage or more, couples typically receive between 400-600 final images from their wedding on both a USB posted to you and an online gallery which is ideal for sharing. This number will obviously be less for shorter coverage and may be more if using a second photographer.
As someone completely self-taught in photography, I know it can be a steep learning curve when you're just starting out. That's why I offer a range of outdoor workshops covering different subjects throughout the year. These are great for learning new skills with other like-minded photographers. If you'd prefer something more 1-2-1, I also offer mentoring sessions which can be tailored to different subjects. Finally, I also offer a full and comprehensive 'crash course' so you can hit the ground running. Click the 'Training' tab in the menu to find out more.
I see this question get asked a lot, especially on forums and in Facebook wedding groups. I believe it should be the couple’s choice not the photographer’s requirement. The vast majority of venues will provide a single course supplier meal at a fraction of the price of a normal guest meal. If you would like to offer something it’s greatly appreciated, however if you are unable to provide food then I will happily bring a packed lunch. Just let me know beforehand so I don't turn up empty handed!
Yes, absolutely! If you would like to bring someone for moral support or as a chaperone that is absolutely fine. They can even jump in on the action too if they want! I would however appreciate it if you could let me know beforehand, just so there are no surprises on the day, and that they do not unnecessarily hinder your session.
You can order a range of canvas mounts, prints, and more through me and my preferred supplier via your online gallery. For albums you have a choice of sizes, cover materials and colours to choose from, as well as customised printing or embossing on the cover. I will ask you to choose a number of your favourite images for your album, which I may compliment with a few I have chosen that really help tell the story of your wedding or photo session. I design the album layout and you will have the chance to view the proofs and request changes before anything is paid for and ordered. At this time, albums cannot be ordered via your online gallery, so get in touch directly if they are of interest.
A deposit is taken for all of my photography services to secure your date or time slot. For weddings, the deposit is £300. For all of my portrait sessions, as well as workshops, the deposit is £25. Deposits can be paid online by credit/debit card, PayPal, or by bank transfer, with receipts given for your records.
With Covid in some form likely to be a reality for some time to come, postponements may well continue to happen. I treat each one on a case-by-case basis and encourage you to get in touch to discuss before you make a decision, especially when a date change is required. Where possible I will move you to a new date free of charge, and this remains the ideal solution. Any cancellations will be treated based on any current guidance in place for the affected wedding date.
I have had two vaccine does as well as the necessary boosters against Covid-19, and I can provide proof of my vaccination record if requested. I am also more than happy to abide by any local or venue specific rules regarding masks and/or social distancing as necessary.
If you're getting married in the UK, my three main 'full day' wedding collections include generous travel across the Southeast as standard (up to 250 miles round trip), but I am always happy to travel further afield provided any extra travel costs are met. If you're unsure if your venue(s) fall under the included areas, get in touch and I will be happy to quote for any extra costs if applicable.
With the UK now no longer a member of the European Union, and easy travel to other countries in Europe now more difficult, destination weddings are no longer something I routinely offer. That being said, if you are getting married abroad and are interested in my work, send me a message over on the contact page so we can discuss things in more detail and I will see if I can come up with a workable proposal.
I will monitor the forecast beforehand so we can make a firm decision as to what to do. My equipment can withstand some drizzle but if it's meant to be really wet it may be best to reschedule or use an indoor area if the location allows. If it’s your wedding day then I will do my very best to make light of the situation and will have alternative arrangements in place to ensure you still have the best day of your lives and some stunning photos are taken during any breaks in the weather. If you’re brave we may even venture out into the rain for some unique photos you can be sure no one else has in their wedding album!
From 2023 I will be introducing some videography services you can add on to your wedding photography collection. Initially, these will be a full ceremony film and a full speeches film, both with high quality audio via portable microphones. In 2024 I will also be introducing a 3-5 minute wedding highlights film, capturing elements of the entire wedding day in a cinematic style with music and audio overlays.
Absolutely, in fact this is encouraged. Along with all of your high resolution photographs I also include smaller versions which are perfectly sized for Facebook/Instagram and other social media. Share as much as you like! I do kindly ask however that additional filters are NOT applied, or if they are, that in this instance I am not tagged or mentioned, as then the photos are no longer representative of my work.
This is another frequent question and it’s one of those situations we all hope never happens. First off, I have a very good immune system, so the odds of me being too ill to attend your wedding is very unlikely. Should the worst happen and I am unable to come, there are support networks in place which enable me to find another suitable person to stand in on the day if necessary. Traffic is more unpredictable and I always check the latest conditions before I set off for a wedding, and will allow additional time even if the conditions are good. This also means if I am early I can spend the extra time scouting the venue for photo opportunities later in the day.
If you know of somewhere in particular you would like to have your photo session then of course I am more than happy to go there. It’s great if the location has some special significance to you, as you will be more at ease and relaxed, and the photos will look more natural. If you are happy to pose as well then all the better, of course if you are stuck for ideas I am on hand to assist and direct if necessary. I can also bring a few ‘crib sheets’ with key poses that can act as a visual aid if necessary.
The poses I use and the angles from which I shoot are chosen so that you are cast in a good light and flattered as much as possible. However, I know that everyone wants to look their best and I can airbrush out minor blemishes on request. I don’t believe in excessive changes though, as my photographs are meant to be a realistic representation of who you are - and you should be proud of this!
That’s great news! The first step is to send me a message. Head over to the contact page and tell me all about your ideas, your plans, when your wedding is etc. - anything you feel is important! You can expect a response within 24 hours. Don’t forget to check your spam folder for responses. Wedding bookings require a contract and booking form (which is completed online) and a deposit to secure your date (this also applies to larger events too), with the balance due 30 days before the wedding. Portrait sessions also require a small deposit, and a basic model release form completed online, with the balance due on the day of the session.
Want to get in touch?
I can't wait to hear from you - so head over to my contact page and send me a message.