Frequently Asked Questions
North East Wedding Photographer, Photographing UK Wide
I love hearing about your individual wedding plans and often get asked for recommendations and advice.
Of course I am happy to let you know what I have seen work before or give my opinion, however it is your day and I would always suggest to do what you feel is right for your wedding day.
These FAQ’s answer a few questions I get asked day in and day out and will hopefully give you a few answers to understand how I work and what you get when you book me.
If you have any questions that are not answered below just GET IN TOUCH and ask me anything!
When will we receive our photos?
This is an easy one, 6 – 8 weeks after your wedding you will receive a link to your online gallery. I will even send the exact day and time one week before so you can make an evening of it (popcorn and gin anyone?!).
You are based in the North East, do you travel for weddings?
Of course! I love living in the countryside but often travel across the UK and even abroad for weddings. I even love paying the extra £££ for airport Burger King.
Can we share our photos and print them?
I hope you do. I upload your photos in hi resolution to your gallery and you can pick between web / print and original quality. No half measures here, just promise to send me a picture of your new prints on your wall ok?
Are you insured?
I know it’s a boring topic but still important. I have public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance and all my kit is insured. Both of our dogs are insured as well (nothing to do with your wedding, but you did ask).
What if you are ill on the day?
Touch wood this has never happened, but as much as I tell people I am like Bruce Willis in Unbreakable, I’m not! I do have an amazing network of other fantastic photographers though and if the worst should happen, I will work super hard to find someone to photograph your wedding. It would have to be level 10 plague though to keep me away.
We are so awkward in photos… help!
Join the club! Have you seen my About page?? I feel like Chandler from Friends when someone points a camera at me. As my style is relaxed and documentary most my photos are captured in the moment and you most likely won’t remember they were even taken. Anything posed is super relaxed and I make sure you look your natural amazing selves at all times, so don’t worry. relaxed and fun are my middle name (truth, my middle names are actually David and George).
Your a documentary wedding photographer, do you still do group and couple photos?
Although a lot of my work is documentary, I know when family come together it can be important to have a record of that and most weddings I will capture formal group photos. I don’t shout and panic and drag Uncle John out of the toilet, it is still relaxed and I am super organised before the day to make these as painless as possible for you. I also love to capture some relaxed and fun couples portraits, but again I keep these to short periods so you don’t miss any of the fun! I will scout out locations and nice light to ensure your portraits are epic!
Do we need to feed you on the day?
Nope, it’s always a battle with the venue and I don’t want you to worry about that. I will bring my favourite snacks and sort some food out so don’t worry. If you force me to eat a lovely meal from the venue I won’t fight you though. Pick and mix or ice cream is a different story though.
Can you photograph both the bride and groom getting ready?
I generally start with the bride in the morning, but as I photograph a diverse range of couples – timelines in one culture can vary drastically from another, I don’t have any strict rules. If everyone is getting ready close together I can absolutely capture both. If this is something you want then a second photographer can also be arranged.
How do we save our date with you and start the booking process?
Once you have decided I am the photographer for you, I will send you a contract and invoice via email. I require a £300 retainer to secure the date (+ any flight and hotel costs for destination weddings), once paid and signed I’m all yours. Unfortunately I had to stop taking payment in pick and mix (sorry!).
How many photos do we get?
I don’t work to strict timelines or numbers of photos. As a rough guide though around 400-600 minimum from a full day.
Do you photograph the details like the dress?
I think the details are important. How long did you spend picking the dress, colour scheme etc? This is all part of the day so I absolutely capture it. I just don’t spend 3 hours walking around with your dress and hanging it from a tree or the Empire State Building etc. I capture the details in relation to the day, you know, like maybe you actually wearing the dress! Crazy I know.
What are you like when you’re at work on a wedding day?
I’m me! I have spent hours and hours on my website in the attempt to show my personality. The day is not about me, it’s about and your guests, so I don’t make it about me or the photos. However I don’t hide in a cupboard or bush and I will talk to people like a normal human being. I want my photos to feel like they were taken by an insider after all. I focus on moments, interactions and capture the look and feel of the day. I use small cameras and dress nicely, no big lenses and jeans here!
How long will you be with us on the day?
For any full day package I don’t work to strict timelines. I will arrive early and finish late. Your wedding doesn’t end after the first dance, so neither do I. I love the evening craziness, it’s one of my favourite parts of the day. A rough average is around 12 hours.
What happens after we book and before the wedding?
I love to save you time and that starts before the wedding. I don’t send you endless forms to complete or worry about. I do think it’s important for me to get to know you though so I arrange a video call around one month before the wedding. This allows us to discuss the timeline and any details about the day. This is a relaxed chat to help me learn more about you, your relationship and get a feeling for your day. (Gin optional).
What preparations do you make before our wedding?
Lavender bath and early to bed. Ok maybe not that but I do ensure I have backup equipment and everything charged ready. I arrive in plenty of time, usually because I am excited! I genuinely love what I do and the wedding day is always the best bit (obviously)!
Do you photograph in both colour and black and white?
I generally photograph everything in colour and then decide to edit some of the images in black and white. I love colour but some images work really well in black and white. This is something I have learned over the years and does vary from wedding to wedding.
If you would like any black and white image in colour or vice versa though I can absolutely do that.