FAQ
How do you describe your style?
Emotion and story telling is the most important thing in an image to me. I work in both a documentary/ reportage way, capturing things as they happen, and a more artistic and styled manner at times. Combining both methods means I can create a unique set of images just for your wedding. To sum up my style in a few words, I guess I would have to say ever the romantic, dreamy, and heart-felt.
Where are you based and do you travel?
I'm based in Northern Tuscany, about an hour and quarter from Pisa. I love to travel, so if you are getting married somewhere other than Tuscany, please contact me with the details and let's see if we can make it happen!
When will we get our photos?
Generally it's a 8 week turn-around for the images to be edited and then put on-line for you to be able to view. Once they are loaded on to your password protected web gallery, I send you the link to be able to view them at you leisure (preferably snuggled up together with a glass of wine!) If you have ordered a USB, this will be delivered 3 to 4 weeks after your on-line gallery.
How many pictures will we receive?
You will receive a minimum of 500 edited images for a full day wedding, but giving a specific amount can be quite difficult as each wedding is unique. And I tend to think quality and not quantity are more important. Usually, though, a full day's wedding can produce around 600-700 edited images.
Can we meet before my wedding?
As much as I love being able to meet people in person, this isn't always possible with destination weddings. In most cases I arrange a video-call or we can chat on the telephone. In regards to visiting your venue, if it isn't possible to do earlier, I do my research of the location on-line as much as possible and then will most likely visit the day before. This way I can make sure I am prepared for the best locations and the way the light moves around your venue.
Do you work alone?
I cover most of the weddings I do on my own, as I find this helps with making a connection to the couples I'm working with. It also means I can be as unobtrusive as possible. One of the greatest compliments I receive from the couples I work with is they say how I seemed to be like one of the guests, casually blending in, but from the pictures I seem to be everywhere - like a photo ninja! If it appears you may need a second photographer to cover the day, however, it's not a problem. I can hire either an assistant or another professional, and have lots of contacts to be able to find the best match for your budget and requirements. A second photographer can always be arranged if more than one location needs to be covered or there are many guests and it would be of benefit to have another photographer there.
What qualifications do you have?
I studied photography at college and then went on to study it further at the University of Brighton where I gained a BA Hons (2:1) in Editorial Photography. I started assisting as a wedding photographer at 17, and after being a wedding photographer for other companies and partnerships for a few years, set up my own business in 2007. I continue to look for courses to improve my skills and keep the passion alive for creating memorable but timeless wedding photographs.
Do you require a booking fee, and when is the balance due?
A non-refundable booking fee of €450 is required to secure my services, along with a signed contract. I only take one wedding a day so by paying the retainer I turn away any other queries for your date. The final balance is due a month before the date of your wedding.
Do you take group pictures/ formal photos, and how many would you recommend?
It is completely up to you with regards to group and formal pictures. I have some couples who do not want any, and others who would like quite a few and to have a bit of fun playing around with poses. Everyone is different and we can discuss what works best for you when we chat before your wedding. I would say that having a list of group photos does mean that you are ensured to get at least one picture of important members of the wedding party. I would recommend keeping the list to 8 to 10 group pictures and just remember that each shot can take up to 5 mins, worth keeping in mind when working out how long you want to hold a big smile for.
I don't like having my photo taken, can you make it any easier?
Most people don't like having their photo taken, but trust me, on your wedding day you'll be far to busy to worry about it! I also always try my best to make sure you feel comfortable so the pictures look natural. And with any of the more staged photographs, I still want you to be yourself and actually prefer to see a couple looking at each other and interacting rather then staring at my camera. If you are really nervous we can also take a more documentary approach and the couple pictures can just be the two of you having a little walk around the grounds, for example. Meeting before can also help, as can a engagement session (see below).
Do you offer engagement or pre-wedding photo shoots?
Yes! I love getting to meet with and also photograph a couple before their wedding. It is useful for both of us as I can see how the two of you interact so I can get the best out of you on the wedding day. For you, it's a chance to get a feel for how I work, discuss any worries you have, or just chat wedding plans with someone who loves to hear about all things wedding! You also get some extra images of the two of you looking all loved up. And how often do you get a chance to have great looking pictures of the both of you? You don't have to dress up any differently, we can just go for a nice walk somewhere if you like. The engagement sessions are all about capturing the two of you together and showing you as a couple.
Do you require us to provide you with a meal on the wedding day?
Yes please! It is a long day and in order to be working my best until the first dance I really appreciate a meal being organised for me and any assistants. Sometimes couples sit me with their wedding guests and this is lovely as I can see if anything happens during the meal that would make a good photograph, but this isn't necessary. I don't need the same meal as guest either, just a good hot vegetarian meal is much appreciated as it's a long day and refuelling is always helpful.
Can family and friends view and potentially buy our pictures?
Yes. I upload all your edited pictures onto a password protected web gallery. I send you and only you the password first though, as I know I would want to be the first one to see my pictures before anyone else! Then it's up to you if you'd like to share the link and password with any friends and family. If you want to give me a list of e-mail addresses I'm more then happy to send out the links for you. Or think about ordering some thank you cards and you can include the log-on details in them. Individual images can then be purchased through the website by your family and friends and posted directly to them so you don't have to worry about organising any of it, it's all taken care of.
How does copyright work?
Copyright, by law, belongs to the photographer. I retain copyright of all my images and when I give you the digital files, I assign a licence of rights via your contract to you so that you may print (from the high res files) and share on-line (with credit given) until your heart's content. You can use the images for personal use, the only thing I ask is that you do not sell or use the images commercially without seeking my permission first.
Can we purchase an album at a later date?
Yes, of course. A year or two down the line if you'd like an album just let me know. Please contact me for current album prices.