If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding and have a barrage of questions about photography, fret not! This blog post is crafted to provide answers to some of the most common queries regarding wedding photography. From understanding your photographer’s style to navigating through the logistics of the day, consider this your comprehensive guide.
Wedding Photography FAQs
The slightly frustrating reality about this section? Many answers are likely to be ‘it depends.’ With numerous photographers in the UK, each operating uniquely, definitive answers may require direct inquiries. However, this article aims to kickstart your understanding and help you initiate those crucial conversations.
Specific Wedding Photography FAQs
- What is your photography style?
- My wedding photography style is a distinctive blend of documentary, candid shots, photojournalism, and fine art. The dynamic nature of weddings demands flexibility, allowing me to tailor my approach to capture the rich emotional tapestry of the day.
- Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you’ve photographed?
- Certainly! Explore galleries within my blog or message me and gain insights into how I operate and deliver the final gallery.
- How long do you keep the photos??
- I highly recommend downloading and storing your photographs somewhere safe like on cloud storage. However I do store all the delivered photographs to every wedding on my own system.
- Do you have a backup plan in case of illness or emergency?
- Absolutely. I have a reliable network of friends and colleagues ready to step in through an emergency Facebook group, ensuring your day remains captured seamlessly.
- Will you be the primary photographer at our wedding?
- Yes, without exception, I will be the primary photographer throughout your special day.
- Do you provide a second photographer or assistant?
- Certainly, if you require one (We will discuss this in our initial meetings) I have a close-knit group of trusted wedding photographers who can step in and deliver the same standard of photographs.
- What type of equipment do you use?
- Presently, I utilize the Nikon Z6ii mirrorless series of cameras along with a mix of Nikon prime and zoom lenses.
- Do you carry backup equipment?
- Yes, always. With two cameras and lenses on my person, and additional backup gear in my bag, I’m prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
- How many hours of coverage do you provide?
- I consider all-day coverage to be ten hours, but flexibility exists based on your needs and budget, ranging from as few as one hour to as long as sixteen.
- How long will it take to receive our edited wedding photos?
- Typically, expect your edited photos within 6-8 weeks after the wedding.
- Do you offer engagement photo sessions?
- Yes, it’s a great way to meet each other beforehand and get a feel for what it’s like to be in front of the camera.
- Can we provide a list of must-have shots?
- Certainly, with a caveat. While lists including group photographs are welcome, overly specific requests may set unrealistic expectations. Opt for a more flexible approach to ensure satisfaction.
- Do you offer albums or prints? If so, what are the available options and prices?
- Yes, explore the packages page on my website for details on albums and pricing.
- Are you insured?
- Yes, I am insured for up to 5 million pounds, ensuring a secure coverage for your event.
- Do you charge for travel expenses?
- Generally, no. Travel expenses are typically included in the package cost, unless specified otherwise. For weddings over two hours away, there might be an additional charge for an overnight stay.
- What are your payment terms and options?
- A 25% deposit is required to secure your date, with the final balance due six weeks before the wedding.
- Can you provide references from past clients?
- Certainly! Check out my Google page for testimonials, or feel free to reach out for direct references.
- Do you have any experience working at our wedding venue?
- The likelihood is high that I’ve either worked at your venue or a similar one. I always arrive early to unfamiliar venues to familiarise myself with the layout.
- Are there any additional services or products you offer?
- Yes, additional services such as wedding albums, prints, and framed photographs can be ordered.
- How do you handle challenging lighting situations, like dimly lit venues?
- Professional-grade equipment allows me to handle various lighting scenarios effectively, ensuring the creation of beautiful photographs in any setting.
- How do you ensure a smooth timeline on our wedding day?
- A pre-event catch-up call helps us plan the day meticulously. I excel in coordinating the post-ceremony to dinner period, ensuring timely and stress-free execution of key moments.
- Will you be sharing our photos on social media or your website?
- Yes, I love to shout about all the lovely couples and epic weddings I shoot, However if you don’t want it put on social media then let me know and I wont make it public.
- Can we request specific editing styles or retouching?
- While my editing style is unique, specific requests for retouching or editing can be accommodated at an additional cost.
- Do you provide a written contract?
- Yes, after filling in the booking form, a comprehensive contract will be provided for your records.
- What is your policy on rescheduling or cancellations?
- In summary, there’s a 14-day cooling-off period, and beyond that, rescheduling may be possible with ample notice. Cancellations within a year of the wedding incur a 100% contract value charge.
- How do you handle family dynamics and large group photos?
- Expert planning before the wedding, coupled with clear communication during our catch-up call, ensures smooth handling of group photographs, taking any family dynamics into account.
- Do you offer videography services or can you recommend a videographer?
- While my expertise lies in still photography, I can recommend talented videographers upon request.
- Are there any hidden fees we should be aware of?
- No, all travel and VAT are included in the listed packages. Any potential additional expenses for distant weddings will be communicated upfront.
- Do you only shoot weddings?
- No, I believe having a strong business that can offer wedding photography requires expertise in other fields so it can ride out unexpected eventualities like the recent Covid outbreak. I offer photography to businesses, families, couples and local schools as well.
Generic Wedding Photography FAQs
- How do I choose a wedding photographer?
- Top tips include understanding the photographers approach to capturing your wedding, meeting in person to establish trust, ensuring personal compatibility, and comprehending package inclusions.
- How long does it take to plan a wedding?
- I would recommend at least a year! I have written a blog for ideas on how to do just that.
- How many hours should I book a wedding photographer?
- The ideal duration depends on your needs and budget, with 10 hours as a common baseline, extending based on specific timelines.
- How long does a photographer stay at a wedding?
- Wedding photographers often finish after the first dance, but if the evenings entertainment turns out to be very lively they may stay for the entire celebration.
- What camera do most wedding photographers use?
- The 3 main brands still dominate the wedding scene, Nikon, Sony and Canon however a large majority have switched to the mirrorless system.
- Do you provide food for a wedding photographer?
- Yes, it’s customary to provide a meal for photographers who work diligently throughout the day.
- Do I need two photographers at my wedding?
- The advantages of two photographers include multiple angles, more candid shots, and comprehensive coverage.
- How many photos do you get in a wedding package?
- While quality should be prioritized over quantity, for a 10-hour wedding, expect around 500 images.
- Where do wedding photographers stand during the ceremony?
- Discuss with your photographer to decide on the preferred position, either behind the officiant or in the aisle.
- What do photographers wear to weddings?
- Attire varies, but professionalism is key. I personally try to blend in with the guests, but opt for comfortable smart shoes and clothes that I can manoeuvre in.
- Do wedding photographers deliver all photos?
- No, RAW photos remain with the photographer, who selects and delivers the best images.
- What do you do with your wedding photographs?
- Options include creating an album, gift cards, canvas prints, framed prints, and multi-frames.
- When should I book my wedding photographer?
- As soon as possible, as wedding photographers often book up two years in advance, especially on popular dates
- What does a second shooter do at a wedding?
- The second photographer captures alternative angles, the groom’s preparation, and candid shots.
- How many photos do wedding photographers take?
- Thousands of images can be taken on a wedding day, with around 5000 being standard for a 10-hour event.
- How long do wedding group photographs usually take?
- Duration depends on the list size, with an estimate based on approximately 3 minutes per group.
- How long do wedding couple portraits take?
- The time varies based on the photographer’s style, with fine art portraits potentially taking an hour and documentary portraits as little as ten minutes.
- How can I save money for my wedding photography?
- Tips include avoiding upfront album payments, skipping engagement shoots, seeking contributions instead of presents, booking well in advance, and exploring last-minute deals.
- What is usually included in a wedding photography package?
- Typically, a package includes the photographer’s services for a specified time, digital photographs, and optional extras like albums, prints, and a second shooter.
- What is the Golden Hour?
- The Golden Hour is the period half an hour before to half an hour after sunset, characterised by warm, golden light.
- Do you really need a wedding photographer?
- While biased, investing in a wedding photographer ensures proper documentation of a rare and significant event. Photographs hold timeless value in preserving memories.
As you embark on this exciting journey, armed with these FAQs, you’re better equipped to navigate the intricate world of wedding photography. Feel free to explore further on my blog or get in touch for in-depth insights and guidance. Happy planning!
