Your top ten questions, answered…
Ok, so you’ve got engaged, booked a wedding venue, and now you find yourselves exploring the vast abyss of the Internet, endlessly scrolling through countless photographers' portfolios. You want to figure out if their work resonates with your vision and if they are the perfect fit to capture the essence of your special day. Intrigued, you embark on a mission to untangle the enigmatic threads of their artistry. Curiosity grips you as you wonder, "Who are they really?" Are they the kind of people you want by your side, skillfully guiding you through every pose and capturing every fleeting moment? The quest begins - you start to stalk them meticulously on Instagram, diligently compiling a grueling list of questions that you yearn to ask. You crave reassurance, seeking certainty that they are indeed the right photographer for you, the one who will seamlessly weave your story into timeless images. It is in this juncture of your journey that I offer a helping hand. Drawing from my wealth of experience and the myriad of inquiries I regularly encounter, I present to you my top ten questions - an invaluable reservoir of insight, almost akin to a desert island album playlist. Be assured, these questions are but a mere sample, a glimpse into the vast canvas of knowledge I possess. Should your curiosity persist, I invite you to venture beyond, delving into the richness of my comprehensive FAQ page, albeit a page bereft of picturesque imagery, unlike the tantalizing photographs that feast your eyes at the very moment.
Do You have backup equipment?
I use two Fujifilm X-T5 cameras twinned with an 18mm and 33mm lens for the majority of the day, however I do also keep in my backup a selection of alternative lenses and a spare Fujiflm X-Pro 3 just in case anything does happen to one of the main cameras I am using. I am also a member of Fuji Professional Services where my kit goes to once a year for an annual checkup and also provides me with a faster repair service in the unfortunate event that anything needs repairing.
how late do you stay?
I absolutely love, love, love the energy and vibe of a great dance floor with the music pumping, drinks flowing and everyone just letting loose. I see it as the final chapter of a wedding day and enjoy capturing this final part of your day so much, as a rule of thumb I tend to stay for around an hour after your first dance, however should you want a longer coverage into the evening perhaps for a firework display or just for ultimate party vibes then I do offer a late night coverage option which guarantees me there until the last tequila is sunk.
DO YOU DO GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS?
I am a documentary wedding photographer, so my main focus is to capture images that narrate the beautiful story and essence of your special day. Typically, I aim to take around 3-5 group shots and it would be greatly helpful if you could provide me with a list of the desired group photos ahead of your wedding day.
HOW LONG AFTER THE WEDDING WILL THE PHOTOGRAPHS BE READY?
Your final edited photographs will be ready within 4 to 6 weeks following the wedding. I always aim to try and deliver them sooner than this if possible and you will receive a preview gallery within a week after your wedding date.
Do you require a meal?
Erm, yes please I tend to eat when you are eating as no one really wants pictures with their mouth open chewing down something yummy… I am not too fussy I just don’t like courgette or aubergine.
DOES IT MATTER IF YOU HAVEN’T WORKED AT MY VENUE BEFORE?
Absolutely not at all, every wedding venue is personal and individual to each couple and at different times of year and the weather can play a big part in the light on any given day. However I have had the pleasure of working at many of the popular wedding venues in London and the surrounding areas and if yours is not on my list already rest assured I will factor in time to visit the venue within the timeline of your wedding.
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH IN COLOUR AND BLACK AND WHITE, DO YOU EDIT ALL OF THE IMAGES?
All my photographs are captured originally in colour, it is only during the post production stages that they might be converted into black and white. On average usually around half of your final images will be in colour and half in black and white, I am happy to supply with a full colour set if required. I also offer a 35mm traditional film option to my digital packages, and can shoot film in either colour or black and white depending on your preference.
HOW MANY IMAGES DO WE GET?
There is no real set rule as this varies depending on which package you have booked and if you decided to have a second photographer. As a rough guide though you will receive between 300-500 images for a typical wedding day and you will of course be assigned unrestricted rights to print and distribute them as you wish. Im thinking hats, mugs and frisbee’s…
what happens if you are unwell?
In the unlikely event that I am unable to photograph your wedding due to unforeseen circumstances, rest assured that I have a network of proficient photographer friends whom I would contact promptly to ensure that your special day is captured with the same level of skill and dedication that I strive to provide.
what do you wear?
This question always confuses me because I usually opt for dark and discreet clothing choices. Typically, I wear dark black jeans with a shirt, along with trainers. On a warm summer day, I might switch to dark shorts paired with a short-sleeve shirt. If I happen to be at a destination wedding in a tropical location, I might even go for flip flops. Recently, I even participated in a themed wedding party where I needed to dress up to fit in seamlessly. Although it was a fun experience, the warmth of the evening made working a bit more challenging. It goes to show that sometimes practicality must also be considered in such situations.