In short, it means photographing your wedding in a natural, and relaxed way. It's a term used a lot, but my stye of documentary wedding photography was shaped by years of experience as a news photojournalist. I bring these same skills to weddings by discreetly capturing natural moments in considered and thoughtful frames that really do tell a story. I love shooting weddings this way because people always look their best when they're not posing and instead enjoying the moment with the people they love. So apart from relaxed portraits and family groups, there's no posing or staging. This approach is perfect for camera shy or self conscious couples as clients usually forget I’m even there taking photos.
Yes absolutely, if you book me, you get me. I prefer to work alone and most of the weddings you see on my website were shot by me only. A second photographer is a valuable asset only if timings or locations make it impossible for me to capture everything myself. I will always advise you if I think that is the case and will only ever hire a second shooter with the same skills and experience as me for a cohesive result.
It's not always possible, especially if you're getting married abroad. It's likely that I've already shot at your wedding venue previously, but don't worry if not, I love shooting a new venue, it really gets the creative juices flowing.
Wherever you're getting married, I always arrive really early to get familiar with the setting, scope out the best locations and set up equipment.
As with any trade, you get what you pay for.
A ‘cheap’ wedding photographer is unlikely to be an experienced professional and this will be reflected in the service you receive ( and the pictures you'll have to look at for a very long time!)
There's no second chances with wedding photography so always chose wisely. My costing is based on the time I'll spend at your wedding and the time I'll spend editing hundreds of images to ensure they're perfect for you.
I can honestly say that in my 20 year career I have never ever missed a shoot anywhere in the world - and I've been sent on some pretty challenging assignments by national newspapers! However, should the worst happen ( and it really would have to be the worst...) I'm part of several networks of professional photographers who have each other's backs in situations like this so you can rest assured you would not be let down.
I like to think I dress smart / casual to blend in with your guests. This means I can easily move around the venue, discreetly capturing the day as it unfolds naturally without anybody feeling uncomfortable. When I’m shooting in a documentary style I want people to feel relaxed and natural so I do my best to blend in.
No, I’m a confident and quick worker and I find working alone I’m perfectly able to capture everything. This keeps costs down for you. But in some circumstaces a second photographer might be a wise idea and I will always advise if I think it's needed. I only use second photographer with the same skill and experience. It costs an additonal fee.
Yes of course. I shoot predominately in a documentary style, but love to include relaxed portraits and groups which when curated together will tell the story of your wedding day perfectly. We’ll discuss the balance that’s right for you at consultation. I like to keep portraits and groups natural and relaxed to compliment the documentary / reportage style.
With all day coverage it's always a minimum of 600, but could be many more - it really does depend on your day. I really don’t set a limit, I keep shooting to ' tell the story' of your day and will edit and send all of the best images curated into a cohesive story that will transport you back to your wedding day long after its over.