FAQs – Wedding Photography Frequently Asked Questions

This page will give you more detailed information about how we operate as a business, but also how I approach my photography and what you can expect if you decided to commission me to photograph your wedding. Planning a wedding can be tricky. Choosing a wedding photographer even more so! You can check out my article about choosing your wedding photographer here.

We don’t really like posing, is that ok?

Sure! I don’t like posing either. Whilst I’ll shoot some portraits with you (if you want me to), the portraits are more about photographing the real connection between the two of you on your wedding day. I would say these are directed rather than posed. I’m not really the type of photographer who will ask you to smile at the camera. As your photographer, it’s my job to help you to look good in the photos, which can only be achieved if you relax and are able to be yourselves. I will help you to do this. Also, I don’t take hours for portraits as I prefer to create a few great images rather than a ton of average ones.

How long do we have you for?

Here’s the good news! Unlike most photographers, I don’t work to a set number of hours as I don’t want to have to leave before dancing or have to have an awkward conversation with you if things run over. Instead my coverage typically starts 3 hours prior to the ceremony time and finish around 1 hour after the first dance, ensuring that I have a good amount of dance floor photos before I finish.

Our venue is quite dark, is that a problem?

Nope. One of my specialties is winter weddings, so I’m used to dark days and dark venues. I have expertise in adding light to the scene and try to do so without spoiling the ambiance that you’ve created. I teach other wedding photographers about lighting through my workshops several times a year

Do we have to provide food for you?

Not at all, I bring my own 🙂 Wedding catering can be expensive, and I don’t see that it’s very fair for you to pay over the odds for a plate of food for me. I’m more than happy with my own food and like the flexibility of not having to eat at a certain time.

How would you describe your style of photography?

My style is modern and informal, quirky and creative, heartwarming, funny, and empathetic. I like to let things happen organically without interference from me. I think this is the best way to achieve photographs that go a little deeper than ‘normal’ wedding photography. It’s not good enough to just be there with a camera. Connecting with the wedding and the people involved on a personal level is hugely important in creating important images that will be part of your family legacy.

How many photographs will we get?

More than you’ll ever use! Typically you can expect around 500 photographs. For smaller weddings, there will be no less than 500 and for larger and longer weddings you could end up with way more. With a second shooter, you can expect around 800-1000 images.

Who is the best wedding photographer in the UK?

I don’t really think there is a best one. Each photographer has their own style and way of working, and choosing your wedding photographer is really a matter of personal taste. I have however been ranked as one of the top wedding photographers in the UK for the past few years by organisations such as Fearless Photographers and Masters of Wedding Photography.

How long before we can see the finished photos?

When it’s busy it can be 6-8 weeks. But for most of the year, it’s 4-5.

Do we have you for a set number of hours?

Unlike many wedding photographers, my package isn’t limited by the length of the wedding. I’ll shoot from 3 hours before the ceremony until 30 minutes after the first dance. There’s an option to add dancefloor coverage to your package.

Does it matter that you’ve not shot at our venue before?

Absolutely not. I can only shoot what’s in front of me on the day. However, I will make a point of doing a reconnaissance mission if I’m shooting somewhere new in order to work out where the sun will be at different times of the day, etc. I’ve been doing this a long time, and over the years, have had to deal with venues with difficult lighting, tricky weather and ‘interesting’ timings. I’ve come to realise that having shot at the venue before makes absolutely no difference to the way I shoot. What does make one wedding different to another isn’t the venue, but the vibe, the energy and the atmosphere. I may even go as far as saying that having not shot at a venue before is a bit of an advantage. Looking at a place with fresh eyes can stop lazy habits and open up unique opportunities.

What happens if you are unwell and can’t make our wedding?

Whilst I know photographers who have been in this situation (because I’ve stood in for them), I’ve never (touch wood) missed a wedding in my 17-year career as a wedding photographer. I have my jabs, keep fit and look after myself, that’s all I can do. I guess it may happen in the future, but rest assured that I have a good insurance policy and I’m part of a network of amazing photographers, many of whom would stand in for me if I couldn’t attend your wedding. The success of my business is based on my reputation, and as such, It would be hugely important to me to ensure that your wedding was photographed to the very best standards by someone with a similar style of photography.

Is it ok if we have a videographer too?

Sure, I’ve worked alongside many videographers over the years. But please note, that with the best will in the world and if you had the best videographer in the world, there will be some compromise with the photos and what I can achieve for you. For me, it’s hugely important that your videographer is experienced. Those who are easiest to work with are experienced videographers who don’t use a gimbal (handheld stabiliser) and who work on their own.

What is Artistic Freedom / Artistic License

The photos I take are a result of many, many factors which I need to balance and take into consideration during the wedding. As my approach is mostly documentary, there is no specific structure to the way I shoot. I photograph things that I feel will tell the story of the day, in my own unique style and within the parameters of the time, space and light that is available. So there’s no set formula, prescribed image list, or a set number of photos of any scene or particular people. However, there are many specific photos that we will discuss prior to the wedding and If there’s anything specific you would like, I’d be more than happy to add it to my notes so that I can shoot accordingly.