Frequently Asked Questions
So, I'm guessing you don't have much experience booking a wedding photographer.? That's totally fine, and I'm here to help by answering as many of your burning questions so you can be sure of your decision and get all the answers you need before, during and after your wedding day.
A lot of my FAQ answers can be found in my terms and conditions / contract that is signed by all my clients.
Terms and conditions/ contract >>>
Why do I have to sign a contract?
My terms and conditions have been carefully constructed to benefit us both. It clearly lays out the expectations and services provided by Katy Brothers Wedding Photography and explains the steps she will take to ensure you will have photographic coverage of your wedding in as many circumstances that are within our control.
Before taking a booking you will be required to sign a copy of this document, that will serve as a contract.
How much is the deposit and why do we have to pay one? I ask for a 25% non refundable deposit to be paid to hold your date. I do not double book weddings and can only hold your date with this deposit in place. I do this to ensure I am not let down and to be fair to you and other engaged couples. The deposit amount would only change if the 25% does not cover travel expenses for location weddings. In this instance, the deposit amount would be outlined in your personalised quotation. This deposit also covers all the work that happens before your wedding, including (not not limited to) Your client onboarding, admin, engagement shoot, consultation and all travel and misc.costs involved with these tasks.
Are you insured? I am fully insured and happy to supply copies to venues if requested.
Have you photographed my venue before? As part of my free, pre-wedding consultation meeting we will discuss the venue, for the ceremony and reception and any local landmarks which you may wish to sneak off to for a quick photoshoot. This allows for me to tailor my approach and deliver a final product which truly reflects your vision. This meeting will be at least a month before your wedding, and I will always scout a location I am not familiar with to ensure I am fully prepared and inspired for you. If I have not visited your venue, or I have not been there for sometime it is my good practice to (re)introduce myself to the events team and familiarise myself with any changes in their process.
What will you wear? I am always smartly dressed wearing sensible shoes! If you have a specific dress code, theme or idea which you would like me to be a part of then I am more than happy to discuss this with you. Please let me know if you have any particular preferences to certain styles/colours due to cultural and/or religous traditions (e.g. no red clothing and arms covered).
Can I request certain images are taken at the Wedding? Of course! This is a question I will ask during your pre-wedding consultation. I am more than happy to discuss ideas and images sent to me during the lead up to your wedding as it gives me and love the opportunity to deliver something very special for you. I will however be very clear if your request is unlikely to be achieved or may have to layout certain guidelines to acheive it (e.g. confetti exits require permission to use confetti from your venue and enough time in your schedule to arrange your guests for the shot). I will, however, suggest an alternative which is obtainable or fits better within your day. Special images may require more planning, for example, sparklers and smoke bombs are pyrotechnics and require a lot of preparations with the venue which are needed in advance.
Do you work from a shot list? As a documentary style photographer, you may wrongly assume I will not take the more 'formal' guest shots. However, these staged photo's can be hugely important to my clients and/or their families. During your consultation, I can provide a template 'shot list' to help you plan those family portraits and I can then organise the session to be quick and effeicient. It is ESSENTIAL that this list is completed and for a designated wrangler be made available to me on the day who knows the bridal party and family (e.g. a helpful maid of honor, they will know Auntie Jean by sight, whereas I would not know who she is and that she cannot hear me shout her name as she's turned her hearing aid off!). I do not need a step by step shot list for your wedding. These general shot lists can be a double edged sword as the pressure of completing a list can stifle creativity and make it harder to capture the candid moments. Instead, during your pre-wedding consultation I will pick your brains about the important elements to your wedding day (e.g. I'm wearing mums bracelet or I'd like a first look with my grandad). I am also always happy to hear about other shots that you would like captured throughout the day and be sent Pinterest boards or inspiration photo's. Perhaps your venue is known for a particular shot, or you are in love with a particular pose you would like to recreate, this is all information I love to recieve. So please remember that while a wedding shot list can be helpful, it's important to trust that some of the best shots can come from being spontaneous and capturing unexpected moments.
How long do I have to wait for the finished images? The term 'Editing' covers a broad range of processes your digital wedding album to be completed. From downloading, back up, RAW processing, colour correction, airbrushing/blemish edit and item removal and then then back up, creation and upload of your final product into the online gallery. This process can take from between 4 days to 4 weeks depending on the task ahead and at busy times it could take up to 3 months for you to receive your finished images as you may have joined a growing que and I would not like to rush anyones photographic package. By giving myself ample time to be creative, methodical and complete product control checks - I can strive to produce exellent results for each and every client. Please reach out if you would like a photo edited ahead of time. Please follow my socials for updates on editing ques and timelines.
Do you have a second shooter? A second shooter can be arranged if requested and at additional cost or is included in the 'FULL DAY PLUS' package. I often work with some excellent photographers and videographers and I would recommend a second shooter to capture more of your special day. They are particulary useful for covering both partners mornings and ensure a good amount of candid photographs are captured while 'groups' or 'portraits' are happening with you.
What if it rains on my wedding day!? This is a question I get asked often and there are a few options for bad weather on the big day. If the weather is not terrible and the bride and groom still would like photographs outside then I carry see-through and/or rainbow umbrellas in the car at all times! The second option would be to take your photographs inside the venue to keep everyone dry, this may not produce the same aesthethic you were hoping for and limit your 'portrait' session to a smaller/darker location. And the final option, if the weather is atrocious and the venue lacks space for indoor photos, then I would suggest arranging a shoot after the wedding to make sure you have some beautiful photos. (This may incurr extra charges and would be at the decretion of the venue and their availability to access the space).
When is the balance due? I ask for the balance at least one calendar month before your wedding. This can be flexible in exceptional circumstances or paid in installments if agreed with myself in advance. For destination weddings, the final amount may be required earlier to make travel and accommodation bookings or a larger desposit will be secured to cover these costs.
How many images can I expect to see from the Wedding? Depending on the size, duration and events of your wedding you can expect to receive between 50-100 fully edited images per hour (not including breaks). This question very much depends on your wedding plans and a more tailored estimate can be given after your consultation. Limiting events such as first looks/touches, private vow readings, confetti exits, speeches, cake cutting and dances will drastically reduce the amount of photos taken if they are not replaced with other less traditional events.
How do I get my photos? When your images are ready, they will be available to view on the online gallery portal which will be emailed to you and your partner when they are ready. I will also post on socials when the album is ready to view and editing updates so you can keep up to date with your packages progress. The album can be accessed via the emailed link but is also available via my website on the 'Client Albums' tab in the menu. You may also receive a memory stick copy if this is part of your package or can be added for an additional charge.
Are albums included? Albums are not included in my packages, however the All Day Plus Package includes a print product voucher to be used on your online gallery shop. This allows you to create your own products from the comfort of your own sofa and get them delivered directly to you. Albums can be purchased after your wedding inside of your online gallery along with other print products. Please be aware that your online gallery is available for six months and you will be notified when the album is due to close. All print product will need to be designed and orders made before this event or you will have to re-open the gallery for a small fee.
What happens if we have to reschedule or cancel my wedding? If you cancel your photography package, I will retain your deposit and any payments which have been made. If your wedding is postponed I will do my best to reschedule your new date and in the event of my already being booked, I will help you to find a suitable alternative. Rebooking will incur fees and/or be subject to price changes. Your photographer should make you feel at ease and no question is silly. You will be spending the majority of this special day with them so it is important to feel a connection, not just with their photography but with them also. I aim to ensure that all my couples go away happy with the whole experience of wedding photography, from couples engagement shoots to help you relax and get used to being photographed, being an extra pair of helpful hands on the day, to the finished product, everything is bespoke and designed to give you and your partner the best memories of this wonderful day.
Is there a limit to the number of photographs I will have edited? There is no limit, all suitable images will be fully edited.