Wedding photography FAQs
Over the years the same questions come up frequently, however this post is also to going to answer the questions you may not think to ask. I will go into more detail than the shortened version that currently exists on my site so this won’t be a dreary run through of your standard wedding photography FAQs. After you’ve decided on your venue, choosing your photographer is probably the next biggest decision you’ll make (correct me though if I’m wrong!) so asking the right questions is so important.
What’s your style of photography
When potential clients are asked what style of photography they like, the majority look blank. I get it, it’s not an easy question especially if you’re not in the wedding photography/photography world. But we definitely do all have our individual styles and you will obviously be drawn to some and not others. Usually people classify themselves as fine art, classic, documentary and editorial. And then there of course different editing styles, light and airy, bold and colourful, moody and dark. The list goes on!
I look for three things on your wedding day. Connections, light and real moments. So it’s safe to say I fall under the documentary or photojournalistic banner. I want to capture your story in a natural way as the day happens, without too much direction and posing. In fact the only time I really do offer gentle direction is during your couple portraits and group shots. The rest is all about what’s real, what has emotion and what tells the story of your day. A lot of my couples comment on this:
“Pippa blended into the day so well that we can barely remember her being there at all. It is not until you see the photos that you can see she had all the best angles and somehow managed to be in two places at once. We are just delighted with the story of our wedding that Pippa has managed to convey so naturally with her fantastic images.” Jo & Paul
I don ‘t like having my photograph taken and worry about looking awkward
I hear this all the time. And I get it. Even though I have my face behind the camera most of the time I keep reminding myself what it’s like to have my own photo taken and it’s not always easy. However, a big part of my job is make you feel relaxed. It won’t be stiff awkward poses just looking into the camera, it’s the interactions between the two of you that will happen naturally that I will capture. And often, out of awkwardness comes laughter and smiles so a few nerves will go a long way to creating some great images for you! I’ll let the photos speak for themselves from couples who were worried about having their photo taken.
Why should you book me?
Obviously you need to like my work, see yourselves in my work, and believe I can do the job well on the day. However I truly believe that the most important thing when choosing your wedding photographer is connection and if I feel right for you. Are you going to be happy to have me around you all day? So perhaps the sales pitch on why you should book me is largely out of my control. But what I can tell you is I get on easily with people, I love connecting with others from all walks of life and much of my travel over the years has given me that confidence. Without wishing to blow my own trumpet on this my reviews frequently refer to how couples feel comfortable and relaxed with me, and is a big reason why they they book me.
“Pippa is talented, elegant, and dynamic and this comes through in her photography. When we first met her we instantly relaxed and enjoyed ourselves in her company. She is very approachable and conscientious.” Erin & James
“When we were looking for a wedding photographer, we kept hearing advice to choose someone that we would be happy to be around throughout the day. If you hadn’t been taking photos, we’d have gladly invited you as a guest. We couldn’t recommend you highly enough.” Ryan & Sarah
Can you go and see the venue before hand?
In short yes, if the venue is fairly local to me in Sussex. It can be nice to meet you there and we can talk through the day and take a walk around the grounds. However, this isn’t essential. If I haven’t photographed the venue before it’s not a bad thing. Coming in fresh to a venue is actually a positive as the creative juices will be in full flow. I would also arrive early on your day and will familiarise myself with the venue and possibilities for the portrait and group shots (which is dependant on the light too). I promise I will do my due diligence before I turn up!
How long have you been doing this and how many do you do a year?
I went full time with my wedding photography business back in 2012 and have never looked back. Except to welcome in another full time job of becoming a mum to two boys! I aim to do up to 25 weddings a year. This way I won’t face the saturation point. I want to give my couples a complete service and not find myself on a conveyor belt of weddings where I would inevitability lose my creativity. I also value time with my family and young children very highly. As people keep telling me, it goes all too quickly…
What if something goes wrong on the day?
This question is often asked in relation to equipment and the back up process afterwards. I bring two camera bodies to your wedding. And both have double memory card slots. This gives me peace of mind. If one fails, the other will still have all the RAW images. I back up in three places after your wedding. On two hard drives and in the cloud. The fear of losing someone’s precious photos means I do all I can to back up back up back up!
Are engagements shots worth it?
I have written a whole blog post about this. And in short, yes. I believe we can get a better set of images on the day if we are familiar with each other. Your guard will be down as you will know what to expect from me and have got to know me a bit. It’s a no brainer for me but obviously this is your choice!
Do we need a second shooter?
This is entirely dependant on you. As a guide, a wedding of up to 100-120 people I’d say it’s not completely necessary. Anything bigger, perhaps. I’ve shot weddings of up to 800 before and that definitely required more hands on deck. You will get more coverage, and therefore more images, as well as additional angles. Often it comes down to people’s budget on this one.
How many images do we get and can i see them all?
On average I say about 400 images for a full day of wedding photography (approx 10 hours). If it’s a micro wedding for a few hours, I usually say to expect about 40 images per hour. I will never release the RAW files.
How do we book you?
Firstly fill out my contact form on my website. This will give me important information about your day and of course most crucially if I have availability. I will always reply within 24 hours with a copy of my brochure. We will set up an initial chat – ideally in person but otherwise on Zoom. If you’re happy to go ahead and book there is a 20% book fee. Once I have received this and the contract is signed, we’re good to go.
What if you’re ill on the day?
I have never missed a wedding. In the unlikely event that illness, an unforeseen incident, or any other reason prevents me from attending, every attempt will be made to supply you with an associate wedding photographer. I am part of a vast network of wedding photographers of whom I can call on if the need arises. I will try my utmost to find another photographer with a similar style. All monies would be refunded 100%.
