You’re getting hitched, how exciting

FAQS

Q:  What is your photographic style?

A:  It is mostly a relaxed style, making observations and people watching with no setting up shots (other than dress, shoes and the small details).   I do love to do a few bridal and couple portraits (if that is wanted) and if time permits, I like my couples and I to go off somewhere quiet for no longer than 20 minutes or so and to be honest it's the only moment of alone time you'll get after the wedding ceremony until the party finishes for the evening.  This time will be used to capture some beautiful images of you both in a relaxed, informal way.  All you need to be is just yourselves.

Q:  Do you pose and use fancy lighting? 

A:  I love working with natural light and try and use the available light to my advantage.  During ceremonies photographers (unless it's really dark) are not generally allowed to use flash.  I will use flash as fill light if needed during parts of the day, for photos and for the party shots later on in the evening.  I can of course use creative lighting for client's that want something different. 

Posing wise, I can't think of anything more awkward to be honest but it doesn’t have to be.  If you're feeling slightly anxious about being in front of the camera, you are not alone, I'm not a huge fan either but I do it. In fact I can tell you now that I'm not great in front of the camera with false smiles and what seem un-natural or cheesy poses. So, I don't do this kind of stuff either when I'm photographing weddings.  I want to see my couples interact naturally with each other with the teeniest direction from me, I see and guide you to the light but that's it, the emotion comes from you as a couple not on cue creating something that is false, that's not storytelling.  Don't get me wrong I love to have fun.. and fun shots are great with the bridesmaids and groomsmen, gone are the days of the traditional pose and say CHEESE.

Q:  Do you do family portraits at weddings with the family if we choose to have this?

A:  Yes I do, as I appreciate that family members will want to treasure these in years to come and many generations after.  All I ask is that you do try to keep your group shots to a minimal around 6-8, so that they can be quick and easy for all the guests and not to keep them waiting. They want to enjoy the day and relax too.  It's always good to enlist a member from each side to collect needed guests too as this quickens up the process too as they know who family is.  Plus it saves me shouting as I really hate shouting, it's not in my nature to shout, I like quiet and calm :). It takes around 3-5 minutes per photo to set up a family group so do bear that in mind when considering your formal portrait list. Remember, you’re hiring me because I’m none traditional so therefore the more time you are posing for your formal portraits, the less time I have to capture the fun and true essence of your wedding day. AND, do you really want to stand in the same spot for an hour?

NB. Consent of Guests - A very important note.  There maybe guests present that do not wish to be photographed and remain anonymous during the day's proceedings.  If possible those guests should make themselves known to Tracey M Photography as well as inform the couple at the earliest convenience.

Q:  Do we have to feed you (and your assistant photographer if we have two photographers on the day)?

A:  It is not an absolute requirement to feed myself and my assistant (when there is one) although it is very much appreciated even if it's simply a plate of fresh sandwiches to eat especially if we're with you until after the first dance.  Some venues will provide suppliers with either a bar meal or a main from the wedding breakfast either free of charge or for just a small fee.   If we are unable get food say it's a hired catering etc, then we would need to leave the site to go and get some food and I hate leaving site as I might miss something or someone may want me to photograph something and I'm not there.  We can provide our own food naturally, just in summer months it's not really practical as it gets warm and become inedible by the time it reaches tea time and there really isn't much time beforehand to eat. There’s also the small issue of not having any facilities to heat food up. Any meal offerings are gratefully appreciated during a long working day. Most of my couples do arrange something.

Q:  Do you have insurance? 

A:  I am fully insured with up to £5 million Public Liability Insurance and should you or your venue wish to see my Insurance Certificate then please just email at tracey@tmsphotography.co.uk and I can send a copy over.  I also have Professional Indemnity Cover as well.

Q:  Do you have back-up equipment should the camera you're using break?

A:  Yes I always carry back-up equipment. I shoot every wedding with more than one camera anyway. 

Q:  What will happen if you are ill for our wedding? 

A:  I would have to be very ill not to attend but I have a great network of photography friends that I could call upon who work to high standards, that could simply shoot for me and I in turn will edit the images.  I would do my utmost to find the most suitable replacement.

Q:  If we were to book you, could we pay in smaller instalments to help with our budgeting on the run up to the wedding? 

A:  Yes anything that makes life easier for your financial planning is fine with me.  All I ask is that your wedding photography is paid in full one month beforehand. 

Q:  How can we book you? 

A:  Three ways, either complete the Contact Me Form with all your details, email me direct at tracey @tmsphotography.co.uk or call me on 07974 646287 and we can arrange for a chat over a coffee/hot chocoloate/tea perhaps or online as I know life can be hectic plus you may live the other end of the UK?

I do love to meet all potential couples (be it in person or online) or at least a chat over the phone as I am a firm believer that we have to mutually enjoy each other's company (as it's a long day to spend with a photographer you don't gel with and vice versa for me),  it also gives you more opportunity to ensure my style of wedding photography is what you want. Sometimes life is busy and meeting up just isn’t possible - so we can of course chat via Zoom, phone or email. I often attend weddings where I haven’t met the couple personally but have chatted to them over the phone. I really am very easy going and extremely chatty.

Q. How long will we need to wait for our images after the wedding?

A.During peak wedding season turnaround times can be between 8-9 weeks and sometimes it can be a week longer. Non peak wedding season would usually be 4-6 weeks if not sooner. Any delays on those timings will of course be communicated. The last thing I want is for you to be waiting outside these timescales without letting you know.