Frequently Asked Questions
What is your photographic style?
While I personally prefer to be more of a fly on the wall 'documentary' (though I hate that word) style photographer, I hope that I am professional enough to adapt to whatever style you ask of your photographer - whether completely hands off or more actively posing, placing and instructing. Let's face it, even with the most discrete intentions, walking around with a big slab of glass stuck to the face makes anybody stick out like a sort thumb. I will follow your direction and wishes as best as possible. If you would just prefer me to use my own professional judgement, then that's fine to.
Can we have posed photographs?
Spending just a short time with me away from your guests can often make for some very nice lit bride and groom portraits that all couples have appreciated. Also, with all your family members so rarely in one place and so finely dressed, it would seem a pity to not take advantage and have some family formals group shots. So yes, absolutely. I would recommend you keep them to a minimum as they often take longer than expected.
What do we receive?
Please see the the prices page for more detailed information, but essentially after your wedding you will receive your images on a usb memory key that you can use to share on social media (lo-res) or print yourself (hi-res). For a full day wedding, expect to receive approximately 3-400 edited images, usually within a few weeks of your wedding. You will also receive your own password protected online gallery from where you can share your wedding and securely order items.
What's the process beforehand?
Firstly, we have an informal chat (on the phone or in person) to see if I am free for your date, discuss your plans and what you want from a wedding photographer. If you think we are a good match, then an initial payment of 1/3rd of the total and a signed contract is needed to secure your date. You can then decide on an engagement photography session, or not. Three weeks prior to your wedding, we'll call to discuss a few details and the final 2/3rds balance becomes due. Of course, we are available throughout your pre wedding period if you wish to consult with us or to clarify anything.
What happens on the day?
On the day, relax and be yourself, wear your heart on your sleeve, never be self conscious, nonchalantly accept when things don't always go to plan and party like a rock star - because you're only doing it once. Your pictures will be all the better for it.
What happens afterwards?
After your wedding, the images are culled and edited as soon as possible, and placed in an online gallery for you to view and share widely with your guests and friends or order photographic products. You will also receive your digital images on a usb key at this point. You can then decide on an album, or if your package includes one, decide on which selection of images you prefer. Three weeks after a final approval, you will receive your album. One year after your wedding, your gallery expires so make sure you have ordered any photographic products (including an album) before this time - the best way to remember your wedding day is to look your favourite image every single day. An album can make a nice 'paper' anniversary gift. Also after one year, make sure you have backed up your images and keep them safe, as we only guarantee they will be available for one year.
Can we meet?
Definitely. Book a meeting and let's have a chat. It is important that we get along. No other wedding vendor offers such a personal service as your photographer, who will be with or near you throughout your day. It is important you make a positive choice in your wedding photographer, so recommend you shortlist a few and meet them all in person.
Where are you based and do you travel?
We are based near Blackwood in the South Wales valleys. The costs outlined on the prices page include all travel costs throughout South Wales. Some distant venues may incur a mileage and possible accommodation charge. Weddings in Italy would be particularly appreciated!
What if you are ill?
A question that is often asked, but I have never missed a wedding once. Should I be taken seriously ill (being on a gurney is what it would require), then I can call upon a few select wedding photographers who have all pledged to help each other out in such dire circumstances.
Can we have a photobooth?
krisPhoto also runs a wedding photobooth service that provides fun enclosed images to guests at various functions. We can also provide this service to wedding clients at a discount if you book the photobooth for your wedding at the same time. We can also decorate the booth with flowers or ribbons of your chosen wedding accent colour.
Can we share our images on facebook?
You are very welcome to share your gallery images (either directly or through a link) far and wide. You could also email them to others, place them as a background on your phone etc. We do ask that shared images include the discrete corner logo which comes on the gallery images. Social networks fall within the remit of permitted personal usage of your website images.
Are you insured?
We have full public liability insurance so can legally photograph at any venue (many now require it). Contact us for a copy of the certificate.
What type of equipment do you use?
Another FAQ, but the more experienced one gets, the more you realise how unimportant equipment is. Amateurs overestimate the cameras ability to take a good image. My style doesn't change if I use cheap or expensive equipment. I know photographers that are heavily loaded with £££s and lbs of equipment, but it doesn't overcome a lack of confidence or experience. Images don't lie. Furthermore, I've had top of the range equipment fail yet one lowly camera has well over half a million clicks on it. If it matters to you (and it shouldn't), I use DSLR and mirrorless Canons. Lighting is far more important - I do like to subtly light some images with off camera light for artistic or poor ambient purposes, but if you noticed it in the images I would be disappointed.
Do you have any tips?
I could write a book. Don't be nervous or always conscious of the camera. Don't panic when things go wrong. Don't wear too much shiny make-up - the camera doesn't see like the human eye. Don't wear a bra to bed the night before if wearing a strapless gown. Too many dont's? Just be yourselves and your pictures will show it. Wear your heart on your sleeve. It is (hopefully) the only day in your lives you will marry, so enjoy it because it is over in the blink of an eye.
Do you shoot in black and white?
Having spent too many hours of my youth hunched over an enlarger printing Ilford in the red darkness - I adore the pure light and shade bareness of monochrome images and its timeless intimations. If you feel the same way, I can convert to black and white in post processing some of the images that I feel are better suited to monochrome. Brave is the couple who have their entire album in b&w.
Please contact me if you have any questions not answered above.