Do you have insurance?
It's important to ensure that whichever photographer you employ is properly covered by professional insurance, not just for your peace of mind, but also because an increasing number of venues are insisting on seeing proof of this in order to allow the photographer to work on their property. Imagine having found a deal that you thought was a bargain, only to find that they weren't covered should something terrible happen, or, that the venue refuses to allow them in on the day because they don't have proper insurance cover.
I have £2,000,000 public liability cover and £100,000 professional indemnity insurance as standard and am happy to show evidence of this where needed.
What if your camera breaks?
A wedding is once only chance for capturing those special moments. There can be no re-plays. If equipment fails we can't just come back next week when it's fixed. So it's important that your photographer has plans in place to deal with the inevitable hiccup.
I routinely have 2 professional cameras on my person at all times. So if a camera fails, I can carry on and worry about it later. In addition my cameras record to multiple memory cards simultaneously to ensure that I have a back up of your pictures as soon as they are taken.
What if you are ill on the day?
Well I've been self employed for many years, so I'm well used to soldiering on. So it's fairly sure that I'll still be there anyway.
However clearly in extremis there may be circumstances where this isn't possible. I have good working relationships with other professional photographers that I trust, and where possible will organise one of them to take my place. Where this isn't possible I will give you an instant 100% refund so that you have the funds to employ someone else, and I will spread the word among the wedding photographer networks to put you in touch with other photographers that can help.
But what if I am so ill that I am unable to do this? My wife has an emergency action plan and access to all the required information to put the above measures in place on my behalf.
When will we receive our pictures?
While I aim to get your pictures edited and out to you as soon as possible, I aim to give you the highest quality pictures that I am able, which does take a little time. I generally advise a delivery time of up to 4 weeks. However if due to high work load this is likely to be longer you will be informed in advance so that you always know what is happening and what to expect.
How many pictures will we receive?
This is a very difficult question for me to answer, as every wedding is different. Clearly smaller weddings will produce fewer photo worthy moments than very large weddings. Some groups of people are also much more lively than others.
However, I do not cap the number of pictures that you'll receive. You don't receive a set number, you receive every picture that is a 'keeper'. In other words, once I have taken out any duplicates, people blinking, unflattering facial expressions, missed focus etc., you get everything that's left.
As a rough guide a full day coverage would generally result in over 500 pictures but could be much higher.
Do we have to buy prints from you?
Of course I am very happy to supply high quality prints , albums and large wall art pieces for you, to make sure that you get the highest quality product. However, your pictures are downloadable from your online gallery at a resolution that allows for printing . You are then able to purchase prints from any on-line or high street supplier. You will also be provided with a permission to print letter, to show to them, in case they aren't happy about printing them.
You also get an access link for your on-line gallery to share your pictures with friends and family. If they want any prints, it is fine for you to get them printed for them, or share the file with them for them to get them printed. However if you don't want the bother of dealing with all these requests, they can order prints directly from the on-line gallery.
How many photographers will be at my wedding?
Having photographed many different weddings, I'm am confident that unless it is a very big wedding (in excess of 150 people) I am able to capture your special day myself.
However if you particularly want groom prep capturing and they are getting ready in a different location, you are having a very large wedding, or you'd just like extra thorough coverage, I am able to organise a second photographer to assist me.
How do you work on the day? Do you pose people or take candid pictures?
I would have to say a bit of both. The way I work changes throughout the day. Certain parts of the day require a degree of control. So for formal group photos for example I will be taking a firm hand on the reins and organising people, in order to get this part of the day done in a timely manner. However for much of the rest of the day I prefer to wander round as another guest, quietly photographing all those special moments with a minimum of fuss. However with a background in portrait photography, I am happy to pose people, if they grab me for a picture and want me to do so.
When it comes to your couple session I like to use an easy going approach. As we wander off for this session, this gives you some much needed time together to connect during a hectic day. So for part of this session, I like to leave you both to be with each other, while I take quiet candid pictures. However, most of my couples aren't totally comfortable in front of a camera, and like to receive some guidance. So, for at least part of this session, I will generally be giving some posing advice.
Will you use our pictures on Facebook etc.?
I will never use your pictures without your permission. My booking form does however have a box to tick to give your consent to me using your pictures on my web-site, facebook etc. and I am always very grateful when you give your permission. I’m sure that you will have checked out my work (and that of other photographers) prior to booking. The only way we as photographers can have a range of up to date work for future prospective clients to see, is by our current clients consenting to us sharing their pictures.
How does the booking process work?
Well the first step is for you to get in touch.
Then we will arrange a meeting so that we can see how we get along and to discuss the details of your day.
If you decide that you wish to go ahead, then we'll go through the terms and conditions, and fill out your booking form / contract. It is at this point that a proportion of the cost is due as a booking fee. Once I have this booking form and booking fee, the booking is confirmed, I will reserve the date for you, and you can relax knowing that another thing is sorted. (Until I have received both the booking form and booking fee, I am unfortunately unable to reserve the date for you for longer than 10 days).
Between the time of booking and the wedding day, you are free to contact me with any queries or concerns, and I will keep in touch from time to time, with any ideas and tips that I come across.
Between 1 month and 2 weeks prior to your wedding day we'll have another meeting to finalise details for the day, discuss particular pictures you'd like etc. It is at this point that the remainder of the fee is due.
How much do you charge?
As I say every wedding is different and I tailor my services to each client, so it's difficult to give an exact price here. As a guide, people on average spend around £1300.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, cheque, bank transfer, PayPal, and all major credit and debit cards.