Wedding Photography FAQ

General

What is your photography style?

Documentary. That means I’m not stopping people mid-laugh to ask them to pose. I’m there to capture what’s actually happening. The nervous grins before the ceremony, the aunties tearing up during the speeches, the best man’s questionable dance moves. I shoot in a relaxed way so that by the end of the day you’ve got a genuine record of how it actually felt, rather than a collection of photos where everyone is staring at the camera waiting to be told they can move.

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

This year marks my 15th year of photographing weddings, with around 350 celebrations under my belt. I’ve shot big, small, formal, chaotic, multicultural, micro, barn, city centre, and castle. That experience means very little surprises me on the day, which is good news for you.

How do we book you?

Nice and straightforward. Get in touch to check your date, I’ll send over the contract and pre-booking information, and your date is secured with a booking fee. No faff.

What is your approach on the day?

“I’ll be a fly on the wall” or “invisible”. You’ve probably read that a hundred times if you’re looking for a wedding photographer. In my honest opinion, trying to be invisible all day can feel a bit awkward. And I’d find weddings pretty boring if I didn’t speak to anyone.

My approach? Think of me as inviting a friend who happens to know a lot about weddings. During the day I’ll chat to your guests, tell my crappy jokes, and probably take the mick out of your best man. That way, people relax and stop caring when a big camera is pointed at them. That’s when the real moments happen.

Do you photograph LGBTQ+ weddings?

Absolutely. Every couple I work with gets the same relaxed, documentary approach regardless of who they are or how they celebrate. Love is love, and I’m here for all of it.

I’ve been exhibiting at the Manchester Gay Wedding Show for years and have been proud to work with some brilliant couples over that time.

Before the Day

Can we meet before the wedding?

Absolutely, and I’d encourage it. If you’d like to browse some full wedding albums and get a proper feel for the work, an in-person meeting works really well. If you’re busy or based further away, a video call is often more practical. Either way, it’s worth having a conversation before the day so we’re not strangers when I turn up with a camera.

Can we provide a shot list?

For family group photos, yes. A short list is helpful and I’d encourage it. For everything else, I’d ask you to trust the process. Pinterest boards are full of images that took hours to set up in perfect light with perfectly cooperative subjects. My job is to capture what’s actually happening at your wedding, and that’s almost always more interesting than a staged recreation of something you found online. I’m always happy to take the odd specific request, like a photo with your grandma or a shot with your dog, but the best photos of the day are usually the ones nobody planned.

How far in advance should I book?

If you’re planning a peak date, a summer weekend, a bank holiday, or any Saturday between May and October, one to two years in advance is realistic. The most popular dates go quickly and I can only take on one wedding per day. For midweek or off-season dates, there’s usually a bit more flexibility, but it’s always worth getting in touch sooner rather than later.

On the Day

Can you cover both preparations?

If you’re both getting ready at the same venue, absolutely. I’ll split my time between you throughout the morning. If you’re in different locations, it depends on the distance between them. Get in touch and we can work out what makes sense for your day.

Do you do group photos?

Of course! You just don’t see them here as often because I’m usually all about the natural, candid moments. But the truth is, those classic group photos are important. They’re the ones that end up framed on your wall (or proudly displayed on your parents’ mantelpiece).

My tip? Keep the list short and sweet. You’ll often see wedding blogs telling you to have a photo with everyone in the room, but trust me, that’s an hour you could spend sipping champagne instead. Around eight group shots is the magic number. I can usually fly through them in about 15 minutes, and the big group photo in under five. Everyone stays smiling, no one gets bored, and you still have time to top up your drink before sitting down for dinner.

Do you do posed couple portraits?

My couple portraits are, quite literally, a walk in the park. I’ll take you away from the main celebration for 15 to 20 minutes, usually during the drinks reception, and we’ll head somewhere with decent light. No stiff poses, forced smiles, or anything that makes you feel like you’re at a school photo day. I might occasionally ask you to face each other or walk together, but that’s about as directed as it gets. The rest is you two enjoying five minutes away from the crowd.

Do you work alone or with a second photographer?

Most weddings I photograph on my own. For larger celebrations of over 100 guests, or religious ceremonies where I can’t move freely, a second photographer can make a real difference, especially if you also want both preparations covered separately. I can arrange a trusted second shooter for you. I’ve written a full blog post on the subject if you’d like to read more: Read Blog Post

Do we need to feed you?

Not a requirement, but always appreciated. A hot meal during the wedding breakfast means I don’t have to disappear in search of a soggy sandwich. It also gives me a chance to sit down, back up the morning’s photos, and sometimes start putting together a preview.

After the Day

How long until we receive our photos?

Every photo is edited individually, no bulk filters and no automated processing, so it does take a little time. In the low season, expect your gallery within 6 to 8 weeks. During peak season (summer weekends and bank holidays) that stretches to 8 to 10 weeks. I’ll always keep you updated if anything changes.

How many photos do we get?

For a full day, a minimum of 400 carefully edited images. Roughly three quarters in colour and one quarter in black and white, though that varies depending on the light and mood of the day. There’s no upper limit. If the day gives me more, you get more.

Can we print the photos?

Yes, full printing rights for personal use. If you’re planning a Vogue cover, we may need to have a separate conversation. Your gallery comes connected to a professional photo lab, so you and your family can order prints, frames from there whenever you like.

What happens to my photos if your equipment fails?

In 15 years, I have never lost a single photo. Every image is written to two memory cards simultaneously in-camera, and by the time I sit down to edit, each photo exists in five separate copies across multiple locations. Equipment can and does fail, but your photos won’t be lost because of it.

The Practicalities

When is my balance due?

One month before your wedding date. I’ll send a reminder well in advance so there are no surprises.

What if you’re ill on the day?

In 15 years it hasn’t happened, but I have a network of professional photographers I trust who could step in if it ever did. You wouldn’t be left without a photographer on your wedding day.

What equipment do you use?

Professional Nikon cameras and lenses. I’ve been a Nikon man since the start and I’m not changing any time soon. I always carry full backup equipment, and by the time I start editing, every photo exists in five separate copies across multiple locations. In 15 years I have never lost a single image.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. Professional indemnity, public liability, and equipment insurance. All covered.

Do you offer albums?

Yes. I offer albums in both photo paper and fine art paper, with a range of cover materials and personalisation options. Get in touch and I’ll send you the full brochure.

Where I Work

Do you photograph weddings outside Manchester and Stockport?

Absolutely. I’m based in Stockport and cover weddings across the North West, including Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, North Wales, and Liverpool and Merseyside. Travel is included for most locations in the region. If you’re unsure whether your venue is covered, just ask.

Do you photograph weddings abroad?

Yes. Destination weddings are something I genuinely enjoy. A different setting, different light, and couples who’ve usually put a lot of thought into choosing somewhere special. Did I mention I speak French? It’s my first language, which makes France, Belgium, and Switzerland particularly straightforward. I also get by in Spanish, which comes in handy more often than you’d think.

From the Blog

A few posts worth reading if you’re still in the planning stages. No fluff, no filler — they cover some of the questions that come up most often.

Still have a question?

If something’s not covered above, get in touch. No pressure, no sales pitch — I’m happy to answer questions and give you an honest idea of whether I’d be the right fit for your day.

Get in touch