Question 1

What style of photography do you shoot?

Accepted Answer

Documentary — sometimes called reportage or candid. I photograph the day as it actually happens rather than staging it. You'll get a short couple session and any family groups we agree on, but the heart of your gallery is real moments, honestly told.

Question 2

How far will you travel?

Accepted Answer

I'm based in Darwen and cover the whole North West and Lake District as standard. Yorkshire, Wales, Scotland and further are all happily on the table — travel beyond the North West is costed simply and agreed up front.

Question 3

How long until we see our photographs?

Accepted Answer

Around ten edited preview photographs arrive within the first calendar week, and the full gallery within five working weeks. Every photograph is selected and edited individually — no batch presets, no outsourcing.

Question 4

How many photographs will we get?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the day, but most full weddings produce between 400 and 600 finished photographs — every one of them edited properly. I don't shoot to a quota; I deliver moments, not memory-card dumps.

Question 5

What happens if it rains?

Accepted Answer

We get slightly wet and the photographs get better. Genuinely — overcast light is beautiful, and I carry proper umbrellas and know every venue's sheltered corners. Rain has never ruined a wedding I've photographed.

Question 6

Do you bring backup equipment?

Accepted Answer

Always. Two professional camera bodies on me all day, every image written to two cards simultaneously, spare lenses, batteries, and flashes in the bag. Your photographs are backed up again before I go to bed.

Question 7

How long are you there, and do you stop for breaks?

Accepted Answer

Coverage is up to ten consecutive hours. The main break is approximately one hour while you're eating, when a hot meal is arranged for each photographer; that time remains part of the coverage. We also take reasonable short welfare and equipment breaks. If no suitable meal is provided we may need to leave briefly to obtain food, so the contract asks the venue to feed us while it feeds you.

Question 8

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Fully — public liability and professional indemnity. Your venue can have certificates the same day they ask.

Question 9

How do we book, and what deposit do you take?

Accepted Answer

Both clients sign the private agreement and a booking deposit of at least 25% clears by bank transfer. Until both are in place, the date is only held provisionally for seven days. The booking page shows every amount and due date before you sign.

Question 10

Can we spread the cost?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For weddings more than a year away the usual bank-transfer schedule is 25% on booking, 25% six months before and 50% eight weeks before. Shorter-notice weddings use a scaled schedule. You can pay more or settle everything upfront, with no interest or admin fee.

Question 11

How far ahead should we book?

Accepted Answer

Popular dates — summer Saturdays, especially — often go 12 to 18 months out. If your date is closer than that, still ask: cancellations and quiet pockets happen every season.

Question 12

Can we order albums and prints?

Accepted Answer

Yes — your private online gallery lets you and your guests order professional prints, and fine-art albums can be designed with any collection.

Question 13

Do you photograph destination weddings?

Accepted Answer

Happily. Tell me where and when, and I'll put a simple, honest cost together — travel and accommodation agreed openly up front, never a surprise on the invoice.

Question 14

We're awkward in front of cameras. Is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

You're my favourite kind of couple. Almost nobody I photograph is 'a photo person' — the whole approach is built so you never have to perform. Read 'Hate having your photo taken?' in the journal for the long answer.

The practical questions, answered honestly.

Something I haven't covered?