Wedding Photography FAQs and Useful Information in Bristol
03 Feb 2021
Hello! I’ve had a look through Here Comes The Guide’s list of questions to ask your photographer so I’ve come up with this wedding photography FAQ page. I hope they’re useful if you’re struggling to find someone to capture your wedding! Please do get in touch if you have any other questions.
How far in advance do I need to book with you?
It really depends on the time of the year and day of the week! If you’re looking for a Saturday wedding in the peak of summer then 12 months to a 18 months would be great, but if it’s a Thursday in winter then you’re probably OK only a few months in advance. However, it’s always worth getting in touch with us with your date anyway and we might be able to help!
How long have you been in business?
I’ve been working full time since 2012 – can’t believe how time flies!
How would you describe your photography style ?
I specialise in reportage/documentary photography which means I focus on those natural, candid moments and I try not to do anything too posed or staged (although you can request a list of group photos!). This means that throughout the day I really try to stick to the background and not take over or boss you around – I really think that it’s important that your day is yours to enjoy!
What do you think distinguishes your work from that of other photographers?
I think my photography really captures the essence of your day. I focus on documenting the small but special moments which might completely pass you by but that you’ll really cherish. I also try to keep my editing to a minimum and create clean, classic images which will still look modern when you look back on them in 50 years!
Do you have a portfolio I can review? Are all of the images yours, and is the work recent?
You can take a look at all my images here. All albums are uploaded in date order, so the first will be the most recent! You can also request to see one full wedding, all 500 images that a previous client has received. I will pick a wedding which is a similar style to yours so you can get a real idea of what I can offer you.
What type of equipment do you use?
I shoot with two Sony A7iiis with a Sigma 85mm, 135mm & 35mm. I’ve recently switched over to a mirrorless set up and I love it!
Do you shoot in colour and black & white?
I shoot in colour and then convert a few images to black and white during post-processing. You can also request if there are any particular images you would like to see in either black and white/colour.
Can I give you a list of specific shots we would like?
Absolutely! Especially when it comes to the group photos, I will always ask in advance for a list of who you want in each photo which means I can organise the photos efficiently on the day. I will also ask if there is anything else that you want captured and I will always do my best to provide what you’re looking for!
May I have a list of references?
Of course! You can take a look at all the reviews my lovely couples have left for me here or here.
What about a backup plan if you (or my scheduled photographer) are unable to shoot my wedding for some reason?
It would be a massive stress to have a supplier drop out on your wedding day and I do try to keep everything as stress-free for you as possible on my end! Rest assured I have a team of other fantastic photographers who I can call upon if there’s an emergency.
If my wedding site is out of your area, do you charge a travel fee and what does that cover?
All travel within 60 miles of Bristol is included in within the cost of my packages. Any further than that and I will agree a travel fee with you before you book.
Are you photographing other events on the same day as mine?
Once you book me and secure your date, that date is yours and yours alone! This means that I can be flexible if there are any last minute changes to timings or if things run over a little bit.
How will you (and your assistants) be dressed?
I generally wear black for a wedding so I’m not distracting. I will be on my feet for 10+ hours so do forgive me for wearing comfortable shoes!
Is it okay if other people to take photos while you’re taking photos?
I always prefer to take all the shots I need first before guests step in, but I will get out of the way to allow other people to get shots as well.
Have you ever worked at my wedding site before? If not, do you plan to check it out in advance?
I include a pre-wedding shoot in all of my full day packages which gives us a chance to take a look around the venue, scout out a few locations and practise a few poses. It can be as formal or informal as you like but it is always a good opportunity to get to know what we’ll be doing on your wedding day.
If my event lasts longer than expected, will you stay? Is there an additional charge?
If you book the full day package, I will stay until the first dance regardless of the length of the day. If you book an hourly package, you will have the opportunity on the day to request extra hours if it looks like things are running over.
What packages do you offer?
You can take a look at the packages I offer here. All of my packages include the digital images which will be high resolution and watermark free.
What type of album designs do you offer? Do you provide any assistance in creating an album?
Please take a look at my albums here. You will always get a chance to look through them in advance and you can order them at any time!
Do you provide retouching, colour adjustment or other corrective services?
I will do basic editing and retouching including black and white copies. Any Photoshop work such as body adjustments or object removal is charged at £5 per image.
How long after the wedding will I get the proofs? Will they be viewable online?
I will have your online gallery back to you within 6-8 weeks after the wedding. I will do a sneak peak of around 10 images a few days after the wedding as I know you’ll be excited to see and to get sharing.
When will I receive a written contract?
As soon as you decide to go ahead and book I will send you out the contract.
How much of a deposit do you require and when is it due? Do you offer a payment plan?
I take a £200-300 deposit to act as a retainer to secure your date. I’m very flexible with payment so I’m happy if you’d like to pay in segments leading up to the wedding.
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes! My insurance is with photoguard.co.uk