Wedding photography frequently asked questions. Everything you need to know about working with me as your wedding photographer
This post expands a little on the FAQ information that’s in my brochure and forms part of my Planning your Wedding Photography series. Do check out the rest of my posts if you haven’t already, as there’s loads of useful information in there.
So here are some commonly wedding photography frequently asked questions and their answers. If I’ve missed anything that you’d like to know, even if you’re not one of my clients, do post it in the comments and I’ll be happy to update the post!
How long have you been a wedding photographer/how experienced are you?
I’ve been photographing weddings full time for 10 years. In that time I have photographed around 300 weddings (I stopped counting around the 200 mark!) so it’s fair to say you’re in safe and experienced hands. During the last ten years I’ve photographed weddings in Birmingham, London, across the UK and even destination weddings in far-flung places like Italy, Spain, Dubai and Tobago.
Can we see some of your recent weddings?
Sure! Check out my gallery page to see my Portfolio. You’ll also find weddings I’ve shared recently over on my blog. If you’d like to see some full wedding galleries you can get in touch via my contact form. I am always happy to share full wedding photography galleries, as I think it’s important to get an overview of all of the shots you’ll receive if you work with me as your wedding photographer.
Where are you based?
I live in Stirchley, in Birmingham. I mainly cover weddings locally in the Midlands, all over the South West and in London. As for my availability, I’m happy to shoot anywhere in the UK, Europe.
Wedding photography is a big investment, isn’t it?
Yes, but as the only aspect of the day (aside from your marriage of course!) that will last. You’ll get to enjoy your photos over and over again. Because of this, I think it’s important to book a photographer whose work you love.
When you book me you’ll be commissioning an experienced, highly regarded and sought after award winning photographer with a unique creative style. You’ll receive a brilliant service, lots of support and on the day of the wedding itself you’ll hardly know I’m there.
Good wedding photography is an investment and one that becomes more important over time.
Check out this film starring some of my previous couples, who explain what it’s like working with me!
We’re getting married in the week/the winter can we have a discount?
I am a small business and all of my costs are carefully calculated to ensure that I can cover my business expenses and make a reasonable living. I can only take on a limited number of weddings per year and there are a limited number of days I can work, as most weddings take place during the summer. Because of this I need to price my work accordingly. If I offer discounts it would mean I’d need to take on additional work, and that would impact on the quality of service I am able to provide to every client.
I put the same amount of hard work and attention into weekday and winter weddings as I do for those in the summer/at the weekend and in fact they’re often more work, due to the expertise and additional equipment needed to photograph in low light.
In short I work hard to provide an awesome service to all of my couples and I love to work with people who value that service. It’s also unfair to couples who have paid my full prices to offer discounts.
We’ve seen some other wedding photographers that charge less than you
Pricing varies based on all kinds of factors. The experience of the photographer, the quality of their work, the level of service they provide and the end product are all factors that need to be taken into consideration.
A wedding photographer who provides no pre-wedding planning service and just turns up on the day, shoots and hands over a disk of unedited images provides a very different service to a photographer who individually edits each image.
By the same token, a wedding photographer who isn’t fully insured with high-quality professional equipment or one that doesn’t invest in their creative development will be able to provide a cheaper service than a photographer who has invested a significant amount of money in their equipment and business.
There may also be a price difference based on quality of work, creativity, experience and location-based cost of living expenses.
Are you a full time, professional wedding photographer?
I am! And on the side I also run events and training for other photographers.
Do we get to meet you before booking/the wedding?
I don’t take any bookings without first having a chat with the couple, to make sure we’re a good fit for each other. I usually do this via Skype initially and then we can get together in person or skype again for a pre-wedding planning meeting, around two months before the wedding. You can read more about my planning process and timeline here.
We love your work but we’ll need some traditional family group shots. Is that ok?
Of course! I wrote about group shots and why I think they’re one of the most important parts of the day here. My aim is always to do your wedding photography group shots in a relaxed and laid back way, taking up as little time as possible, so you can get back to enjoying your party.
I hate having my picture taken. How would you deal with this?
Seriously. 99% of my couples tell me they don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera. That’s fine. It’s my job to get you comfortable and it’s your job to relax and enjoy it. You can read a little bit about my approach to photographing couples here.
What I would say, though, is you do need to input into the process too. You need to trust me, you need to be open to my suggestions and you need to interact with each other in an authentic way. I can help this along but you do need to be up for it!
Can you recommend an awesome florist/band/make up artist that you’ve worked with?
Yes! I have lots of great contacts all over the country. When you book in with me I’ll send you a link to a list of my favourite recommended wedding suppliers.
Can you hold my date while I decide?
A signed booking form and booking fee is required if you want to secure your date. I take bookings on a first-come, first-served basis.
How far will you travel?
Anywhere. And back again. I cover weddings all over the UK and often further afield. I love working as a destination wedding photographer and will travel anywhere in Europe.
What happens if we cancel our wedding?
In most cases your booking fee will be non-refundable. In some cases, if it’s close to the date of the wedding, the balance may also be due. Because of this it’s worth making sure you are fully covered with wedding insurance.
What happens if you’re ill on the day?
No wedding photographer can give a 100% guarantee against illness, however I give you my full assurances that only a very serious illness or other exceptionally serious circumstances would prevent me from attending your wedding. I take my obligation to you, on your wedding day, very seriously.
If I am unable to attend for any reason I will d everything I can to find you a replacement photographer – I have a great network of photographers who I can contact in circumstances like this – and if I am unable to do so you would of receive a full refund.
How long will you stay on the wedding day?
However long you want me. My pricing is flexible to allow for everything from short coverage (7 hours upwards on a Saturday) to coverage over the whole day or even several days.
How many photographs will we get?
My average for 8 hours’ coverage is upwards of 400. This really depends on the format of the day and the length of coverage.
How soon after the wedding can we see them?
Waiting sucks, doesn’t it? I get as excited about your pictures as you do and because of this I always edit a few preview images in the week after the wedding. You’ll receive these via your personal gallery. The full set is ready around 10 weeks after the wedding.
If you need to send out thank you cards before you receive your full set of pictures, you can buy these in your store, using your preview images, or you can download one of your previews.
That all sounds great, how do we book?
Before I book you in I like to have a chat to make sure the way I work is a good fit for you. We can do this on the phone or Skype, if it’s easier. Once we’ve had a chat, and assuming you’ve had a good look through my site, I’ll send you a booking confirmation email, along with a booking form and invoice for your booking fee. Once I receive the fee and form back, you’re all booked in!
How much is the booking fee and when is the balance due?
My booking fee is £750 and the balance is due two months before the wedding. I kick off the planning process around three months before the wedding.
What happens then?
Check out my timeline post for more details about how it all works after you’ve booked.
I hope these wedding photography frequently asked questions were helpful. If there’s anything you’d like to know, let me know in the comments!
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