Wedding FAQ
'Reportage' is the buzz word at the moment. Reportage photography means no intervention or prompting by the photographer and most definitely no staged photographs or posing! (Clearly the above photo is not reportage.) I really enjoy this style of photography for capturing the story of your wedding day as it unfolds with all the fun and spontaneity as and when it happens.
However, I feel it is also important to include a mix of informal and classical wedding photography as well. Informal photographs are fun and relaxed, for example photographing ‘all the kilts’, the bride and groom walking through a pretty garden, throwing confetti etc. Classical (or formal) photographs require the pose, light and backdrop to be carefully managed (without taking too much time) to ensure a timeless, or classic, photograph.
Photographs will be discussed and carefully planned around your requirements.
Experience has taught me to work with the bride & groom to produce two photographic plans: one for no-rain and another in case it rains. I can provide studio lighting equipment to photograph large wedding parties inside. I invest in the latest professional digital technology to ensure great photographs whatever the conditions.
I am taking bookings for 2011 (and beyond) so please let me know your wedding date asap so I can at least pencil it in if you are considering my services. I do have some availability left this year. To confirm a date I ask for a £250 deposit.
Have car – will travel! I photograph weddings from the North of England to the Scottish Highlands. Distance is not a problem.
Normally two: Myself and an assistant (who is also an excellent photographer) however this is discussed and arranged before hand. Two photographers enable all aspects of the wedding to be covered. For example before the ceremony I may photograph the bride & bridesmaids getting ready while my assistant may photograph the groom & the boys getting ready; during the ceremony I may be at the front near the bride and groom and my assistant is at the rear to photograph the arrival of the bride, the bride & groom walking up & down the isle etc; after the ceremony I can photograph the various special moments for example throwing confetti, the bride throwing her bouquet of flowers, the speeches, first dance etc. while my assistant photographs the guests reactions to these special events.
Yes, I generally attend the venue(s) with the bride & groom before hand so we can walk through the wedding and make a photography plan for the day. This is also an excellent opportunity for a pre-wedding photo shoot. If you have a wedding coordinator I will liaise with him / her.
I have no prescribed formula. I tailor my services to fit around your requirements.
‘Proof’ images will be ready when the bride & groom return from their honeymoon and may be viewed in an album and / or DVD.
I would be delighted to produce black & white or sepia (slightly faded brownish colour) photographs as well as colour. I can include both on a CD.
Absolutely - I optimise the colours, contrast, brightness, sharpness etc. and re-size (normally 10”x8” or 8”x6” however the choice is yours) the photographs ready for printing. I also supply the photographs adjusted for viewing on a computer screen / website / sending as an email attachment.
Pease note: If I’m not printing the photographs I cannot guarantee the quality as there is a huge variation in quality between different printing labs. I am happy to supply guaranteed and fade resistant photographs.
My wedding books are beautiful products - they are a stunning visual record of the wedding day and are treasured possessions. We are used to viewing pictures on a computer monitor however the quality of monitors (or even HD TV) does not even come close to a printed photograph.
I provide a range of wedding books in both full and pocket sizes - pocket size albums make wonderful gifts. To appreciate fully the quality of these books you would need to see some samples.
As a member of the Society for Wedding & Portrait Photographers (SWPP) I use a standard SWPP Wedding Contract that I explain with the bride & groom.
I hope these FAQ’s have conveyed an idea as to the time that’s involved in producing great photographs and a stunning wedding book. Prior to the wedding there's the planning and preparation as all weddings are different! This is time well spent as it ensures the wedding photography is a seamless integration into the wedding day and the wedding runs smoothly. During the wedding there will typically be two photographers present. After the wedding there's the post production and preparation of a CD of images and time to produce a wedding book.
I appreciate there are many wedding photographers promoting their services however I strive to differentiate myself with my eye for detail, commitment to quality, flexibility (I will tailor my service to fit around your requirements) and customer service (e.g. pre-wedding planning and no additional cost if the wedding is running a little late).
Please phone or send me an email (preferably with your phone number) so we can have an informal chat about your wedding and photography wishes. I would like to meet up with you (typically at your home) to show you some of my wedding books and loose print wedding photo display boxes as it is not possible to convey the richness of colours / contrast, sharpness and overall quality of images on a website.
Furthermore, the wedding photographer is the most intimate of all wedding services as (s)he is with the bride & groom on the most special day of their lives and it is essential that all parties are happy with the interpersonal dynamics so the bride & groom are relaxed and have a great day the photographer can take wonderful pictures.
