What is your most memorable wedding?
Every wedding is memorable in it's own way, because every wedding is different and unique to the couple getting married.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Simple - Beautiful - Elegant - Relaxed - Luxurious
What about your business are you most proud of?
I'm proud to offer couples my own personal and unique service, tailored to each individual booking. No two weddings are ever the same and that's what I love.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Take time to research your wedding photography, and don't just look at the price - there are so many variations of packages out there, it will be worth taking the time to check that a photographer offers exactly what you want and there are no surprise hidden extras. Make sure you meet the photographer you're thinking of booking - don't just go by the images on their website, because you're going to spend a lot of time with that person, so you need to get on with them and be comfortable in their company.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
Once the formalities of booking are completed, we will have a meeting to discuss the couple's wedding photography plans, what they're expecting, what I'm going to provide, setting expectations right at the beginning of the process to avoid disappointment later. We'll also organise a venue visit, even if I've worked at the venue before. This gives us a chance to chat about the plans for the day, look at suitable locations for photos and create a 'Plan B' in case the weather misbehaves. The couple will be asked to complete a 'wedding planner' which asks a lot of questions, but it will then help me plan out the photography for the day. We'll then meet up to go through this nearer to the date, and make sure everyone is happy and we haven't missed anything. On the day I will work as unobtrusively as possible, but still keeping in touch with my couple to make sure they're happy. I will then spend a number of weeks going through all the images captured, culling the images down to the best selection and editing them. They will then go on to an online gallery, in a low-resolutation format with my watermark, which the couple get to see first and when they're happy I add the link to my website for friends and family to enjoy. I will prepare an initial draft layout for the photobook, the couple will receive a pdf version to approve and when they are happy the book is sent to print.
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
I don't think there is a #1... but I would always suggest a group shot with everyone in it and/or a shot of each table at the reception, to make sure you capture everyone who's there. And the details of the day, whether they're big or small, those touches you've spent months agonising over that may get overlooked, but are so important to the couple.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
I always keep large white photography umbrellas in the back of the car on a wedding day. When we have our venue visit, we'll discuss 'Plan B' for if it rains, because it will depend on the type of venue involved. But the main thing is to go with the flow and not be too upset if it rains - these things happen and hopefully we'll be fully prepared for all eventualities.
Describe how you got into photography.
I've loved photography since I was very young and was given my first camera. My dad and I spent many happy hours in our home dark room, developing and printing black & white images, which may explain why I love black & white so much. Growing up and attending family weddings, I grew to love taking my own photos at these weddings, and they always received positive comments. But it wasn't until later in life that I decided to take the leap and do what I truly love - be a wedding photographer.