FAQ
Do you shoot film or digital?
I learnt photography with black and white film and an Olympus SLR camera - now I shoot exclusively digitally, always in the RAW format which gives the best tonal range - don't book a photographer who isn't shooting in RAW.
How do you conduct yourself at weddings? What is your approach?
I try and be as unobtrusive as possible at weddings. I keep my interaction with the bride and groom to a minimum. The only time I am giving directions is for the group shots and couple portraits.
What is your style?
I would define it as a mix between reportage and fine art. I enjoy shooting candidly, documenting moments as they happen, but also love the fine art look of prime lenses and their shallow depth of field.
How long until we get the pictures?
2 Weeks, and I can send some sample images over within a few days if you like.
How much does it cost for additional hours of coverage?
With the basic package you receive 6 hours, additional hours are £100 per hour.
Do we get an album?
Not an album but a book, I believe this is a more modern and contemporary way of doing things, you will select the pictures and I will design it for you. We can also customise details such as page amount, size, finish. This is included in the Luxury package and available as an add-on for the other 3 packages.
How much extra is it to have you come to, say, New York?
Not much at all (particularly if we can book the flights in advance), I love travel, put me on a plane and cover my accommodation for 2 nights and I'm there.
Colour or Black & White?
I'll provide colour and black & white versions of all the final images - some images will suit one format and vice versa. If you have a strong preference for B + W then I can do my post production with that as the priority.
What qualifications do you have?
I graduated with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Photography in 2006 from Plymouth College of Art and Design, also passed the British Institute of Professional Photographers qualifying exam.
How much experience do you have?
Since shooting my first wedding at the age of 17 I've now shot over 100 weddings, in locations from Missouri, USA to Pamplona, Spain. Photography has allowed me to travel and world and shoot in over 50 countries, something I'm forever grateful for, to see the rest of my work click here.
Do you shoot group shots and how long do they take?
Yes I do! It helps if you can provide a list of the family / friends you would like included and I'll ensure there is time set aside for them. Usually formals take between 30-45 minutes. Doing them all before or after the ceremony speeds things up considerably. Otherwise time is wasted setting up the lights and rounding people up twice instead of once.
What if I don’t like my photograph being taken?
I often find that the couples who tell me, when we first meet, that they do not generally like their photos being taken, actually enjoy the wedding photography on the day. I have a fun and relaxed approach and am confident of capturing you at your best which helps to put you at ease and enjoy the photography.
We like the idea of an engagement shoot – where can we do this?
Anywhere! Preferably somewhere picturesque and quiet – woods, beach or around some interesting architecture. The most daring location I've shot had the couple in the midst of traffic in front of Tower Bridge.
Do you have relevant insurance?
Yes I've got £2m Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance.
How many pictures will you take at my wedding?
There is no limit to the number of photographs I take – I will take as many pictures as there are opportunities. The quantity might depend on the size of your wedding, the location or the weather. On a full day's shooting it will usually be between 1500 and 3000 images.
What if it rains?
A good photographer should be able to cope with all conditions - Where possible I will visit the venue in advance to ensure there are locations we can use for the group photos, couple shots and bridal portraits in the event of bad weather, and I'll be bringing lighting equipment with me in case we do have to shoot indoors.
Can we meet you before the wedding to discuss our requirements?
Absolutely - I believe it is mutually beneficial for both parties to meet up before the big day. However, if a meeting proves logistically impossible we can still discuss all your queries or concerns over the phone or Skype and I can provide you with examples of my work to ensure that you are choosing the right photographer for you. The meeting is free of charge and does not commit you to anything.
What equipment do you work with?
I work with Nikon D4 and D810 cameras accompanied by the best Nikon Lenses. My three favourite lenses for a wedding are the Sigma 35mm F/1.4, Nikon 85mm F/1.4 and the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 FL ED. I also use Profoto Lighting kit with 3 and 5 foot Octaboxes, which come in useful if the weather forces us indoors.