Wedding Photography Cardiff : FAQ's

What is reportage photography?

Reportage or documentary photography captures the real events of your wedding, rather than staging. It allows people to be themselves, enjoying their wedding, and tells their story as it 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 photographs, or more. After careful editing this reduces to 200-300 favourites. My photographic style is most productive in places that have space, happiness and natural light.

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, 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 preferences. 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 can I find the 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? You may wish to consider a few photographers before making your final choice, because there are different approaches. My wedding photography follows the firm belief that photographs don’t need to be constructed, they are there to be found. I think a good reportage photographer is also a good story teller, conveying all the excitement and atmosphere, but also including details and moments to enrich your experience.

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 lighting, backgrounds and photographic opportunities. 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 a subtle approach, which is harder with an assistant.

What equipment do you use?

I use Canon digital SLR cameras and fast lenses, which respond better in low light helping me 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 over the last 3 years. 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’m available to give you advice and display some previews. This part of creating perfect wedding photographs is usually lots of fun for everyone.

Do you also do formal shots?

Yes, I often do 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 quicker to documentary photography.

Do you do midweek weddings?

Absolutely, and I offer a 20% discount for weekday or off season (Oct – 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 a pre-wedding engagement shoot?

Yes. I am available to do this at some time prior to the wedding. It allows us to get to know each other, and you can get used to being photographed in my particular style. This is an extra cost, but it is offered at a discounted rate.

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?

Firstly, with your permission, I will upload your wedding pictures onto this website for viewing. This is a popular way for friends and family to enjoy your wedding day photographs, and perhaps select prints.

Next, I will present you with a disc copy of your wedding pictures. This will contain both high and low resolution copies of your chosen photographs. This leaves you free to print at home, use an external image service, email to friends, or even have a go at some creative digital manipulation yourself.

Finally, seeing as not everyone has a computer, upon request I can print proofs or a viewing book. Because of the high number of images involved this will 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. My minimum order is £60, so people usually group together. 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 much more flexible. By all means use my printing service, but you don’t have to. Providing it’s for your own personal and not business use, you can freely 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 CD 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.