Frequently asked questions.
Where are you based?
I have lived in and around Cheltenham for pretty much the whole of my life. I currently live a few miles outside of Cheltenham in Hucclecote, surrounded by Crickley and Coopers Hill.
How would you describe your style of wedding photography?
My photography is a blend of documentary wedding photography and contemporary, elegant “hero” shots. I basically spend 90-95% of the day as an observer, documenting the day as it unfolds in front of my lens. All the moments of people laughing, crying and celebrating are all authentic images, captured as they happen. I normally take a walk with my couples for roughly half and hour to capture them together, creating beautiful and elegant pieces that are still very relaxed, and show their personality, not what I think they should look like. The main idea is to allow my clients to enjoy their day, knowing it is being captured beautifully while they get on with celebrating with their families and guests.
Are you Insured?
I certainly am. Any professional wedding photographer that you speak to should have current, valid insurance. Many venues these days will want to see a copy of the insurance schedule before the wedding day, which makes perfect sense. I would strongly advise that all of your vendors should have full insurance, and that they confirm so in writing.
Do you shoot in colour and Black and white?
As wedding photography is my career and not just a part time gig, I shoot high end professional, digital camera systems. This allows me to supply all images in the highest quality in both colour and black and white. The only caveat is that I reserve the right to supply certain images in black and white only should the lighting of a venue in any way be detrimental to the images colour balance. This would only be to make sure you receive images of the standard you would expect, and I am happy to supply to you, and put out into the world.
Do you take group shots?
Absolutely. As much as the vast majority of the day is very much documented as it happens, I appreciate that clients still require some group shots, covering the bridal party, as well as close family and friends. I suggest a maximum of 8 groupings, which covers all of the important bases, and then just always say to tap me on the shoulder at any point if you’re talking with someone and would like a quick shot taken. This allows for me to capture your special moments in an authentic, beautiful manner, while neither you or your guests get bored standing around for group after group.
How long until we receive our images?
I work, on average to a 4 week turnaround. After the wedding I personally edit the images to remove what I refer to as the “Blinkers and Stinkers”. Once this has been done I individually process each digital file to get the very best result from the file. There is not copy and paste formula applied. I treat each edit as an individual process, providing you with stunning images that beautifully tell your story.
Do you edit them all?
Yes. As mentioned above, I process and produce all of the images personally. There is no farming the task out, and no $15.00 preset packs being used. I only supply images that I am happy to put my name to.
Can we make copies and share them?
Most definitely. You are supplied with all of the images in both High resolution and web resolution. This allows for you to share them on social, email to friends and family, as well as having them printed out and hung on your wall. Your bespoke web gallery has an integrated shopping cart, as well as the ability to download individual images or your complete wedding with just a few clicks.
Are you a full time wedding photographer?
I am. I have been shooting weddings since 2007. In the beginning it was supplementary to the commercial photography I was shooting, but I soon realised that wedding photography was where my heart was at. I love the fact that shooting weddings combines many photographic disciplines, from documentary, to portrait, editorial and just about all facets of photography. The days are long, the editing is longer, and I wouldn’t want to change any of it…… Not even for shares in the best coffee in the world.
What is the process for booking?
Let’s have a chat. This can be done over email, phone or ideally in person or FaceTime, depending on logistics and timings. I always think it’s super important to get a feel for your vendors, after all, you have to spend one of the most important days of your life with them. Once we have established that we want to work together, I require a booking fee to secure the day, allowing me to turn other requests for the same date away. This blocks the day from the calendar, and your wedding photography is secured.
How much time do we have you for on the day?
On the day, I will arrive with you 2 hours prior to the ceremony. This allows for the preparation to be captured, as well as details, guests arriving and the venue in general. I will spend the whole day with you, through to your first dance, after which I tend to stay for another 45mins to capture some “blackmail” images for you of your guests busting moves they should know better than to attempt, shots being sunk and the party atmosphere as a whole.
What else?
I love coffee.
Gin is my favourite tipple.
My wife is the love of my life.
I play drums, guitar, bass and piano (only one of them well).
I have photographed Brian Blessed, Theo Paphitis, John Barnes, David Olusoga, The Earl and countess of Wessex, Daman Albarn and Alex james, to name drop a just a few.
Photography is the one thing I can say I’m good at.