Frequently Asked Questions
What is your style?
My style and approach is a timeless, unobtrusive, natural, documentary, reportage preserving those precious moments in a discreet way. Even your couple portraits are taken whilst you have a lovely quiet walk alone. Many couples say that I felt like one of the guests. (The guest with two large cameras!) The only time I am noticeable is if you choose to have some group photos taken.
How long do you stay on the day?
For full day wedding photography I will stay up to a maximum of 12 hours or the number of hours agreed with you when booking. I like to preserve the whole story and not leave just after the first dance- that's when the party is getting started! A natural finish time is often when your evening food is served around 9.30/10pm but if there are still unique moments happening, I will still be there.
What if we want less than the full day coverage?
You decide how long you would like me to be there on the day starting from tow hours. It is totally up to you. A bespoke quote can be tailormade to your exact requirements.
Why do photographers charge what they do?
Please bear in mind that you are not just paying for one day. Professional Photographers will spend a lot of time preparing for your wedding. I meet with you at your venue to hear your plans and may include a mini pre-wedding photoshoot, so that you get used to me and the camera. We also look at your favourite places at the venue and what works well in couple photos. This ensures that on your wedding day I can be as unobtrusive as possible. I also attend any rehearsals you may be having. I will spend sometime the day before preparing my equipment, travel plans, arrange parking, prepare my notes and group photo lists and so on. Then of course there is the photography on the day. However, most of the work is carried out after the wedding as there will be several days of editing. Every hour that I am taking photos, requires around three hours of editing. A full day wedding for me is about a week of work in total. If you have chosen an album, the design can often take days. Then there are the other expenses, The USB and presentation box, the printing of the album. Professional photographers will use the best album printers available, not online book printers. Then there is travel costs and possible overnight stay. Professional equipment is expensive to buy, update and maintain. Professional photographers will also use the latest editing software which require subscriptions along with professional body membership. Not forgetting Insurance for equipment, Public Liability and professional Indemnity Insurance, admin, business expenses and more.
We have a photography budget- can you work to this?
I am always happy for couples to let me know their photography budget and personal requirements and will provide a tailormade quote of what is included.
Where are you based and what area do you cover?
I am based near Watford in Hertfordshire but am very happy to travel. The majority of couples who book me have received recommendations from family and friends and may live anywhere in the UK. I love it when I attend a wedding where I know many of the guests from previous weddings. I photographed one wedding where there were six of my previous couples! I advertise in the Herts, Bucks, Beds and North London area for the rest of my weddings to offset the long distance travel.
I don't like having my photo taken and don't want to pose?
Absolutely fine. I don't like having my photo taken either. I preserve your day in a candid, documentary style taking photos discreetly in the back ground. If you would like some photos of the two of you alone, these are taken whilst you go for a quiet walk around your favourite places at the venue. I will stay some distance away capturing this special time with my big lens. We will have discussed everything at our pre-wedding meeting including what works well in photos. Your family may want a more traditional posed photo which I will take at the end of your walk. Other than that, I don't pose you at all at this time. The only time the photography will have an impact on the day is during any group photos you have requested which do require organization and standing in one spot looking at the camera for a while. Its up to you how much time you would like to be doing this.
Do you take group photos?
Yes of course. Weddings are often one of the rare occasions when all your nearest and dearest are with you at the same time. I will discuss everything with you beforehand. Find out about the family dynamic and the kind of photos you would like. I will ask you for a list so that everything runs smoothly on the day. So that you get lots of natural photos of your guests congratulating you and having fun during the drinks reception and so that you can spend some relaxed time with your guests, I do suggest between 6 to 10 group photos.
Do we have to have an Album?
No of course not. All collections include all edited images on either a wooden USB stick in beautiful wooden box, an acrylic USB stick in a linen or leather/vegan leather case or send via secure download. However, some couples still opt to include an album as that can be viewed for generations to come. Digital files, can be lost, corrupted and technology will change. I offer a range of albums to suit all budgets. These can be included at time of booking or added at a later date before or after your wedding day. It's totally up to you.
What experience do you have?
I have been a professional photographer for over 30 years. I formerly worked in commercial studios in London and at a University. Parkwin Photography was born in 2008 following a five year break being a full time Mum. (Not that I stopped taking photos!!)
I have covered hundreds of weddings (sorry lost count) from 6 guests to 400 guests. From farmers fields in the dark to grand manor houses. I have the experience, knowledge and equipment to cope with constant changing light, weather and restrictions of venues. I have photographed weddings of all faiths, cultures, blessings, Chinese tea ceremonies, LGBTQ+ weddings to name a few in hundreds of different wonderful venues. All you need to be is two people in love!
Will flashes be going off all day?
No! I have professional lenses that work beautifully in low light. The only time I use flash is during your party in the evening. Even then I bounce the flash off the ceiling. NO one even notices because of the disco lights.
Do you enjoy what you do?
Couldn't do it if I didn't. I love weddings! I am constantly looking and listening all day for those perfect moments to preserve. The time and energy that it takes to photograph a 12 hour wedding (sometimes two days) with artistry and feeling, capturing all the emotions, would be impossible if I didn't really love it. I don't see it as a job. Photography has always been my passion.
What type of wedding do you like to photograph?
I love all weddings but my particular favourites are those with a lot of personal creative touches such as decorations that have been made by family members, items that have meaning. I love colour, live music and weddings where all the guests are having a lot of fun. People often ask me which is my favourite venue. Doesn't matter if it's in a field or a grand mansion house, Weddings are about the people, they make them truly special.
Do you have any qualifications?
Yes. I studied photography full time for three years, I gained an HND and British Institute of Professional Photographers, Professional Qualifying Exam. (This is a degree course now!). I learnt everything from editorial, fashion, advertising, landscape, product and portrait photography, which is great as wedding photography incorporates all of these! I worked in London studios and at a University before I started Parkwin Photography in 2008.
Are you Insured?
Yes as a full time professional photographer I have Public Liability Insurance, Professional Indemnity Insurance and Equipment Insurance.
What happens if you are ill or can't make it on the day?
I have a network of photographers that I can call if under the extremely rare circumstances I could not be there. I've worked with tonsillitis and the onset of flu before!
What happens if your equipment fails?
I have spares of everything! Cameras, lenses, batteries, filters, flash units (for evening), portable light. I also have dozens of memory cards which I am constantly changing, so that large segments of the day are not just on one card. I also bring a tripod (just for group photos normally) and other items that help during the day. Including a white and a clear umbrella, fake grass for the couple to stand on during group photos if muddy, cloth to place on benches if wet and my emergency kit of things I am frequently asked for. Scissors, pen, plasters, crochet hook (if you know, you know), Rennie and more!
How many photos do we get?
The number is unlimited. If there are still unique moments happening, I will still be taking photos. For a full day there will certainly be 700+.
When will we receive our photos?
An online Highlights gallery will be ready to view two to three weeks after your wedding and all of your your photos will be ready two to three weeks after that depending on time of year. (May to September is the main wedding season). Details will be included on your booking contract.
Will there be a gallery that guests can view?
Yes, there will be a password protected online gallery. You can choose whether this is browse only or guests can purchase prints or downloads.
How far in advance do we need to book?
I have bookings up to two years in advance. Contact me as soon as you have your date to check my availability.
How do we book?
If you like my style and approach, please contact me to arrange to meet either in person or via video call. It is very important that you get along with your photographer so that you don't feel uncomfortable on your wedding day. We can have a chat about your wedding, your exact requirements and you can ask me lots of questions and view my work in more detail. I will hold your date for you until you have made this important decision. A completed booking form and a reservation fee of £250 (for full day wedding photography) is required to secure your date and price.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I'd love to hear all your plans for your big day. Please get in touch and we can have a chat about your wedding.
Many congratulations on your engagement. I look forward to hearing from you as I would be delighted if your chose me to photograph your wedding day.
Karen
