Wedding Photography South West: FAQ's

What is reportage photography?

Reportage or documentary photography captures the real events of your wedding, rather than staging. It allows people to behave naturally, and tells the story as it really happened.

Good documentary photography is about emotion, expression, character, laughter, joy, even a few tears. It’s the ideal choice for couples who want great wedding photographs, whilst having the freedom to fully appreciate the day.

How many photographs do you take?

Every wedding is different, and there are no fixed rules, but after a long wedding I’m might finish with 1200, or more. After careful editing this reduces to 200-300 favourites. My photographic style is most productive in places that have plenty of space, natural light, and happiness!

How long are you available for?

As long as you want. I often start early, photographing the preparations, and continue into the night. If you only want a portion of the day recorded I can tailor a package to suit.

Where are you based and how far will you travel?

I’m based in Bristol and work extensively in Bath, Devon, Somerset and South Wales, but travel worldwide. The furthest my work has taken me to date is Sri Lanka.

Do we meet beforehand?

Absolutely. Successful wedding photography depends on a good rapport between the photographer and the subject. By meeting you I can get a clear understanding of your needs. I encourage people to share their ideas and no request is too difficult to consider. Most of all, I want you to feel at ease with the experience of being photographed.

How to find your ideal wedding photographer!

When viewing a wedding portfolio, consider the way the photographer has captured the emotions of the day. Do those photographs make you smile, or feel that you can’t wait to get married? It’s a good idea to consider a few photographers before making your final choice, because styles differ. My wedding photography follows the firm belief that photographs don’t need to be constructed, they are there to be found. I hope that when you view the images in my portfolio and wedding albums, you will agree.

Will you visit the venue before the big day?

Where possible I will visit the venue before hand in order to get a feel for the photographic opportunities(if the venue is in Bristol there is a good chance I know it well already). This reduces the chance of unexpected surprises, and means I will have more time record your wedding in the best possible way.

Do you work with an assistant?

No, I work alone. My style of photography requires mobility and discretion.

What equipment do you use?

I use two Canon digital SLRs and fast lenses. I work rapidly, often in low light, and prefer to minimise the use of flash.

Film or digital?

Digital. Even though it’s still a young technology, great advances have been made in digital photography. The image quality can now equal or exceed the best results ever possible on 35mm film. I knew within 30 minutes of owning my first digital SLR that I was never going back. The cameras I own feel intuitive, they give me more control, and most importantly, produce wedding prints that are better than ever before.

Can you provide colour and black and white?

Yes. Because all my work is digital any photograph can be presented afterwards in colour or black and white, or both. Not all photographs suit monochrome, but when a picture does it often looks fantastic. I will choose some myself, but I’m available to give you advice on further selctions. This part of creating your wedding photographs can be lots of fun for everyone.

Do you also do formal shots?

Yes, but I try to keep these to a minimum. With a bit of planning, and the help of someone who knows those involved, I can minimize the time people have to stand around and return quickly to documentary photography.

Do you do midweek weddings?

Absolutely, and I offer a 10% discount for off season (Nov – March) weddings. I am available throughout the year, and as midweek weddings tend to be shorter I can tailor a package to suit.

Do you do more than one wedding in a day?

No. It’s your day and you have my undivided attention. If I was thinking about another appointment you wouldn’t get the best results.

How will I view the photos taken?

Firtsly, with your permission I will upload your finished wedding photographs onto this website for viewing. This is a popular way for friends and family to enjoy your wedding album.

Next, I will present you with a disc copy of your wedding photography. This will contain both high and low resolution copies of your chosen images.

Finally, at additional cost I can print a viewing book. Because of the high number of images involved this may be quite bulky, but why deny anyone the chance to enjoy your wonderful wedding photographs.

Can our friends and family buy copies of photographs from you?

Yes, I provide high quality prints at very reasonable prices but my minimum order is £50. Prices for your wedding prints are in the Wedding Pricing section.

What about copyright?

By law copyright is automatically with the photographer, and most wedding photographers like to retain full control of their work. I’m more flexible. By all means use my printing service, but you don’t have to. Providing it’s just for your own personal use and not business, you can use the images I present to you on disc.

I want you to enjoy your wedding photographs, and in this modern age when most households own a computer you can.

What am I paying for?

For many people their wedding is the most important day of their lives. By hiring my services as a talented and experienced wedding photographer you will receive a beautiful record of that day.
Your wedding is unique to you, and I feel your wedding photography should be tailored to your exact requirements. I will give you as much choice and flexibility as possible when designing your wedding photography package.
With me there are no hidden extras. I charge nothing for a consultation, advice or ideas are free, and that pre-wedding location visit is all part of the service. After your wedding, you will receive a digital copy on DVD at no extra cost. My wedding prints are very affordable and superb quality, so you, your friends and your family, can enjoy the memory of your wedding for years to come.

Whatever your photography requirements, I’m always happy to discuss.

Where do we go from here?

Just give me a Call or Email and I will get back to you asap. After an initial chat we can arrange to meet up, when we will go into detail and I will give you an exact cost.

• Details of my pricing and wedding photography packages can be found in Wedding Pricing.
• For examples of my work please see my Portfolio.
• Albums from some of my recent weddings can be veiwed in Wedding Albums.
• The handy ‘LINKS’ section will soon list various suppliers of other wedding services.

  In order to secure my services on the day of your wedding you will need to pay a deposit of £350. Please be aware, the wedding season is hectic and short, and my diary gets filled up months in advance. Do contact me as soon as you are interested.