Frequently Asked Questions when Choosing a Wedding Photographer

I’m going to reiterate what I’ve said throughout my website here. When looking for a photographer, pick one that is within your budget and that you like the images of. Be aware that quality does not always increase along with price. The service you receive is almost as important as the photographs. A couple I know that got married last May only received their album in December, that’s a lack of service despite paying a lot more money than I charge. Meet with some photographers that you like the photos of, see if you hit it off. As I’ve said before, you’re going to be spending a lot of time with your photographer and your wedding day is a really bad time to find out you don’t like them! Look through their past weddings, have a read of their blog. If they’ve done it right their personality should drip off the page and you should feel like you know them before you’ve met them. If there’s one thing I can’t stress enough it is value your wedding photography. Don’t pick someone you know because they’re just starting out, don’t pick someone cheap and then spend a fortune on flowers. I promise you your photographer will put as much enthusiasm and energy into your photos as you express about them. Find someone that absolutely loves what they do. You’ll be able to tell, I promise.

What is an Engagement Shoot?

An Engagement Shoot is a great way for you to get to know me and build up some confidence in front of the camera. I know it’s quite daunting just being thrust into the limelight on your wedding day, so being relaxed about me being there is ideal.

How many photos will I receive?

I always try to deliver around 250 fully edited photographs to my couples. It is usually more, but I’d say that’s the minimum. Of course if you’ve got a shorter wedding or less people there may be a few less but we can discuss that closer to the time. These are delivered to you in a personally made bespoke DVD Package in both a high resolution format and a smaller web sized format so you can get them up on Facebook ASAP!

What can I do with the DVD of photos?

You’re free to do whatever you like with the photos bar selling them! You can print them, put them on Facebook, email them to everyone. Of course you will have your own online password protected gallery too that is much easier to email people a link to, but it’s entirely up to you. You really shouldn’t be held to ransom over your images which is why I include a disc with every one of my packages.

How soon can we see the photos?

Your images will usually be available in your online gallery within 2-4 weeks of the date of your wedding. Due to their bespoke nature if you’re receiving a DVD of your images this will be delivered to you within 4-6 weeks. This gives you time to go away and enjoy your honeymoon and have something exciting to look forward to on your return. I always get a sneak peak of one of my favourite images up on Facebook the day after your wedding that you can see before you go away!

How long will an album take?

As all my fine art wedding albums are bespoke designs by me, it usually takes a little longer. I always insist that the you pick the photographs that will go in your album (usually about 70/80) and then leave the designing to me. Once the disc of images has been delivered to you, you’ll be given an online link to go to and pick your favourite images from the day. Once you’ve chosen, your album will be hand delivered (where possible) within at most another 5 weeks, but it’s usually sooner that this! This gives me enough time to design the album with the utmost care and attention and deliver something to you that you’ll treasure for the rest of your life. Like I said above, I’ve heard so many horror stories of couple waiting up to a year for their album to be created, and I’ve vowed to never let that happen.

Do you do discounts?

No, as I’ve outlined many times across my website I want all my couples to value their photography so couples looking for something cheap can look elsewhere. I am running a business after all. If you’re just looking for someone to simply “hold a camera and click the button” there’s a billion photographers out there that will gladly take your money and help you with that.

Do you have backup equipment?

I rent backup equipment for every single wedding I do, it’s never had to even come out of it’s box yet. But for my own peace of mind it’s always there. Of course I carry multiple memory cards and do a backup of images onto my laptop during breaks in the day. That way every photograph I take is secure. The first thing I do when I get in after a wedding is to backup all my images onto both an on-site harddrive and an offsite backup centre. Rest assured, your images are always safe.

Are you insured?

I am insured with both Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance. I know there are numerous venues that require this to be proven before allowing a photographer in. This is definitely one of the things you should check when looking around for a photographer.

What if you are ill?

These questions have taken a turn for the worse! I haven’t been ill so far and I don’t intend to be. I don’t run 25 miles a week for the fun of it! But if worst comes to the worst and I truly can’t photograph your wedding day, I have numerous photographer contacts that I can call upon to fulfil my duty at the drop of a hat.

If you’ve got any other questions that I haven’t covered here then please get in touch and I’ll be more than happy to answer them.