FAQs

What is a documentary wedding photographer?

A documentary wedding photographer tells the story of your wedding as it actually happens, rather than setting up and posing every moment. Most of the day is photographed naturally: the nerves, the laughs, the reactions you didn’t even see. They pay attention to the small details as well as the big moments, and they work quietly in the background so the day keeps its natural flow. You end up with photos that feel like your wedding, not a photoshoot. That’s exactly how I work, with a few relaxed portraits and family groups where you want them.

Should I have a photographer for my wedding?

Do you need a photographer for your wedding? This is a pretty common question. Your decision to hire a photographer for your wedding will depend on your individual preferences and priorities. Here are some factors to take into account:

• Capturing Memories: Your wedding only happens once, and a photographer means you’ll have the moments, people and details to look back on for years.

• Budget: Hiring a professional photographer can be expensive, so it’s important to consider if you’re willing and able to afford one. If budget is a concern, you might consider hiring a less expensive photographer.

• Time and Attention: Hiring a professional photographer allows you to focus on enjoying your wedding day while they focus on capturing the moments. Without a photographer, you or your guests might have to take pictures, which could detract from the experience.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to hire a photographer for your wedding is a personal one. You should take into account your budget, priorities, and what you want to remember from your wedding day before making a decision.

Do we need two wedding photographers?

Do we need two photographers? I get asked this a lot. Professional wedding photographers possess the required expertise, skills, and equipment to capture all the crucial moments and details of the wedding day. They’re well-trained to anticipate and photograph the key events during the ceremony, including the exchange of rings and the first kiss, as well as the important events at the reception, such as the cake cutting and the first dance. Hiring multiple photographers may not always result in better coverage of the event. Instead, it can lead to issues like duplicated shots, confusion, and coordination problems between the photographers, which could result in missed moments or low-quality pictures. Besides, choosing one photographer enables you to establish a relationship with them before the wedding day. This allows you to communicate your preferences and make sure they comprehend your vision for your wedding photos. It also creates a comfortable and relaxed environment on the day, resulting in natural and beautiful photos that feel like your wedding.

Why are photographers so expensive?

Wedding photographers can be expensive for various reasons, including:

• Time: Photographers typically spend many hours before and after the wedding day editing and processing photos, in addition to the time they spend capturing the images. The total time spent is factored into the cost.

• Equipment and Supplies: High-quality cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment can be expensive. Photographers invest in good equipment to capture the best images possible, and they may also need to purchase editing software, storage devices, and other supplies to do their job.

• Expertise and Experience: Wedding photography requires specialised skills that come with experience and expertise. Photographers often spend years perfecting their craft and building their portfolios, and their skill level and experience are reflected in their pricing.

• Business Expenses: Running a photography business incurs expenses like marketing, insurance, and taxes, which also affect the cost.

The price of a wedding photographer reflects the time, effort, and expertise involved in photographing your wedding properly. Although wedding photography can be costly, many couples consider it to be a worthwhile investment for the quality of the photos and the memories they’ll keep for the rest of their lives.

Do you provide food for wedding photographers?

If you’re providing food for your wedding guests, it’s a good idea to check with your venue if they offer a “supplier’s meal” at a discounted rate for the main course, and sometimes for dessert too.

If your wedding venue has a separate bar area, such as a hotel, you could consider leaving some money with your coordinator for the photographer to purchase their meal. This can be done by setting up a tab, which can save you the hassle of worrying about any specific dietary requirements that the photographer may have.

What do we do if it rains on our wedding day?

First things first, don’t let the rain ruin your wedding day. You can still have the best day of your life, come rain or shine. I’ve written a whole blog covering this very subject, so click here to give it a read. Embrace the rain.

How many photos should I expect from my photographer?

It varies from photographer to photographer, but a good rule of thumb is somewhere between 400 and 600 edited images for 10 hours of coverage. With me, 10 hours of coverage comes with 500+ edited photos. The final number also depends on things like the number of guests and how much is going on throughout the day.

Do wedding photographers stay for the whole wedding?

Some photographers provide shorter coverage for your wedding day, while others like myself also offer all-day photography services that begin by capturing moments of the bride and her bridal party getting ready in the morning and conclude by documenting the fun and dancing at the reception in the evening. In some cases, I’ve been asked to extend my coverage until 12am to capture it all. (I love it on the dance floor.)

How much can I expect to pay for a wedding photographer?

A general recommendation is to allocate around 10% of your overall wedding budget towards hiring a professional wedding photographer. However, this decision ultimately depends on your individual preferences and financial situation.

To determine how much you want to spend on wedding photography, assess your budget and prioritise how important your wedding photos are to you. Once you have a clear idea of what you can afford and what you want, start researching photographers in your area. Keep in mind that wedding photography prices can vary significantly based on factors such as the photographer’s skill level, experience, popularity, demand, and package offerings.

How far in advance should you book a wedding photographer?

There’s a lot to sort when you’re planning a wedding, and some things matter more than others. The venue usually comes first, then the suppliers. Knowing when to book your photographer can make a real difference to who’s still available. I’ve had couples book me two to three years in advance, and others get in touch just two weeks before their wedding.

The optimal timing for securing your wedding photographer is generally around 12 months before your wedding day. However, it’s worth saying there’s no definitive right or wrong answer to this question. Each engaged couple will have their preferences regarding the timeline for booking various suppliers.

You might be the type to get everything booked well in advance. Or you might be more relaxed about it and sort things closer to the time. Both are fine.

Consider the following factors when determining when to book your wedding photographer, and bear in mind that these considerations can apply to other wedding suppliers as well.

How much does a wedding cost?

The average wedding expenditure in the UK for 2023 stands at £20,700. This marks a 12.5% rise from the average cost in 2022, which was £18,400, and a nearly 20% increase from the 2021 average wedding spend of £17,300.

The average spending has surged by over £2,000, a development not unexpected given the period of heightened inflation and a cost of living crisis. Almost half of the couples who tied the knot in 2023 (nearly 1 in 2) reported that the economy had affected their wedding budget, reflecting an 18% increase compared to 2022.

What questions to ask your wedding photographer?

Before committing, it’s essential to have a discussion, whether in person, via video, or over the phone, with your potential wedding photographer. I emphasise the importance of having a good rapport with your photographer since you’ll be spending significant time together on your wedding day.

To streamline the process, I’ve compiled a list of 30 wedding questions that you should ask to help you work out whether they’re the right fit for you.

How do you manage difficult lighting conditions, such as venues with low light?

The high cost of professional-grade cameras and lenses is justified by their ability to capture images in challenging lighting conditions. Wedding photographers often encounter changing and complex lighting scenarios as part of their routine. While the technology facilitates capturing photos in such conditions, the key lies in leveraging skill and experience to craft beautiful photographs by working with the available elements. I also use my own lighting if needed, to give the space a little pop of extra light.

How do you guarantee a well-organised schedule for our wedding day?

A month or so before the wedding, we’ll have a catch-up call to go through the agenda from start to finish, either in person or over a Zoom call. While most of the day naturally unfolds, the period post-ceremony up to the dinner is where I take control, and it’s something I’m good at.

Ensuring the right flow and timing for confetti, group pictures, couple portraits, dining room shots before the sit-down, and candid moments during the drinks reception can be challenging. Fortunately, it’s something I’ve done many times. I’ll guide you through the best way to manage this timeframe, ensuring we capture the desired photos in a timely and stress-free manner.

Do you provide a wedding contract?

Certainly, after you complete the booking form (I’ll provide the link), I’ll organise all the details into a contract for your reference.

What is your policy on rescheduling or cancellations?

You have a legal right to a 14-day cooling-off period under UK law, during which you’re entitled to a full refund.

If you decide to reschedule after this period, but well in advance of the wedding (a year or more), I may consider transferring your deposit to the new date.

However, if you cancel within a year of the wedding, you’re still responsible for paying 100% of the contract value. This fee compensates for the opportunities I decline from other couples due to prior commitments made in accordance with our agreement.

What is a receiving line at a wedding?

The customary receiving line usually involves the newlyweds and both sets of parents, standing in a line to welcome each guest as they enter the reception. It’s important to note that having a receiving line is optional, and you can include as many people as you prefer in the line.

Do wedding photographers deliver all photos?

No, the RAW photos remain in the possession of the photographer. The rationale behind this is that photographers often capture multiple images in a sequence, selecting and giving couples the best one. Occasionally, accidental shots may occur, such as images of the floor when the camera bounces off the photographer’s waist. Therefore, it’s the responsibility of the artist, the creator, to present the best version of their work.

What do Wedding photographers do?

A wedding photographer’s job is to capture beautiful moments and create lasting memories through their photography. They document the wedding day, from the bride and groom getting ready to the ceremony and reception. They use their skills and creativity to capture candid moments, pose the wedding party, and work alongside other wedding suppliers to ensure everything runs smoothly. Click here to find out more!

What is the golden hour?

The Golden Hour refers to the timeframe half an hour before the sun sets until half an hour after it sets. During this period, the light takes on a golden hue, hence the term “golden hour.” This is one of my favourite times for wedding portraits!

What wedding confetti looks best in wedding photos?

There are many options to choose from when it comes to choosing wedding confetti. Please check out my blog which covers everything on wedding confetti!

What is the best time to get married?

The time of year you’re getting married affects the best ceremony time. For a full guide on what time to choose, check out my guide on what time is best to get married.

Can you recommend any wedding games?

Sure! Please click here, I’ve written a huge blog on this very subject.

How do you handle unexpected changes on a wedding day?

With years of experience as a professional wedding photographer, I’m well-prepared for the unexpected. Whether it’s a change in weather, timeline adjustments, or last-minute surprises, I stay calm, adaptable, and ready to pivot. I bring backup equipment and plan for contingencies so nothing important gets missed, whatever the day throws at us.

How do you help camera-shy couples feel comfortable in photos?

Many of my couples say they’re nervous about being in front of the camera, and that’s completely natural. I create a relaxed atmosphere, using prompts and gentle guidance to encourage authentic interactions. My goal is to make you feel at ease, so your photos reflect your personalities and look natural and relaxed.

Do you offer engagement shoots?

Yes, I do! Engagement shoots are a fantastic way to ease into being in front of the camera. It’s a relaxed and fun session that captures you both in a natural setting, and it’s a great way for us to work together before the wedding. Plus, you’ll have lovely photos to use for invitations or just to keep as memories.

What should we wear for our engagement shoot?

The key is to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and reflects your style. Neutral tones, soft colours, and simple patterns tend to photograph beautifully. Avoid logos or overly bold prints, as they can be distracting. Most importantly, be yourselves, these photos are about capturing your connection, not just your outfits!