Peak wedding season might be well over for the year - but this time of year is prime time for wedding planning! Getting all your ducks in a row for your wedding day can feel like a huge undertaking, and it’s never too early to start making plans - so I thought now would be a great time to share a few of my most frequently asked wedding photography questions.
How far in advance do I need to book in my wedding photography?
Got your wedding date sorted? Perfect timing to lock in your photographer too! In terms of booking and confirming your vendors, I recommend prioritising your venue and photographer, as because they typically can only take one wedding per date, they’re in high demand and can quickly get booked up!
The ideal timeframe for booking me in varies, but I would aim to secure your photographer at least 9 to 12 months in advance if you can. If your wedding day is coming up quick and you still haven’t locked in a photographer, reach out ASAP!
What kind of wedding photography do you do?
I’d describe my style as documentary-focused - my priority is capturing the real moments, as they happen on the day.
I make sure we set aside time to capture some gorgeous creative shots of the two of you, as well as family photos and any other formalities - but I make sure we get tonnes of candid moments on camera too.
How long are you there for on the day?
This is up to you, and hugely depends on your priorities and the timeline of your wedding day events. From getting ready in the morning, exchanging vows at the ceremony, or dancing the night away at the reception, I can capture it all, or just the bits that are most important to you. Typically, I’ll spend anywhere between 3-9 hours with you and your guests on your wedding day.
Do you do engagement shoots?
Absolutely! I love an engagement shoot. They’re a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera, and also fantastic chance to get to know me and my style. Bonus - you end up with a bunch of stunning photos of you as a newly engaged couple, perfect for using for your wedding invitations or wedding website.
What if it rains?
Wellington's weather can be unpredictable (is that an understatement?!) but I always come prepared - with umbrellas, and backup shoot locations.
If rain is in the forecast for your wedding day, don't panic! We can head to alternative indoor locations for your creative shoot, or just embrace the rain and wind to create some dramatic and classic Wellington shots.
Top tip - chat with your venue about indoor spots for your ceremony in case the bad weather hits!
How long will it take to get our photos?
This depends a bit on time of year and how many weddings I have in the pipeline, but typically you can expect to have your final edited photos within 4-8 weeks after your wedding day. Remember, good things take time 😉
Do you edit the photos?
I do indeed! Your final images will be edited and high res. I don’t typically do major retouching or photoshopping though - we want you to look like the real you!
Do you offer album design services?
Certainly! Preserve your wedding day memories in a beautifully crafted wedding album. I offer album design services as part of my packages. Investing in a high-quality wedding album ensures that your memories are presented in a tangible and meaningful way, and they make for the perfect coffee table book for when friends and family come round! Check out my recent blog post about album and print options here.
How many photos will we get?
It’s hard to put a number on this! The number of photos you will receive will depend hugely on the day, the amount of coverage you opt for, the number of guests… the list goes on. I focus on quality, not quantity - because at the end of the day - a smaller selection of stunning images will always beat a bunch of out of focus, blinking, blurry images.
Do you sort the family photo list or do I?
Although I’ll probably know them quite well by the end of your wedding day - I won’t know the names of all your aunties and uncles before your wedding festivities kick off! Best for you to pop this together. However, I am happy to send you a template to help guide you in figuring out the group shots you need captured.
Do you travel?
I love a destination wedding! Travel is extra, but I always try and make it work for both of us, so if you’re planning a destination wedding, reach out.
I hate having my photos taken. Do I even need a photographer?
YES! I can’t stress this enough. So many people think they don’t need a photographer since their friends have their phones to take photos, or don’t like having their photo taken so decide not to book one.
But at the end of the day - in thirty years time, won’t you want to look back on beautiful memories of your day? Photographers are experts in capturing moments - and while sure, you can get your mates to snap a few quick photos, phone snaps are often unflattering or low quality.
I love working with people who say they hate having their photo taken - I love making people feel comfortable in front of the camera (prepare for my cheesy dad jokes!) and I love when people put their trust in me.
How much does it cost?
This depends on amount of coverage, travel, and a few other variables - but as a guide, most couples spend about $4-5k+ on wedding photography. Contact me for a bespoke quote.
Hopefully that’s answered all your wedding FAQs! If there’s anything I’ve missed, get in touch - and in the meantime, peruse some gorgeous snaps from a few recent weddings to get you inspired and excited for your own special day.
