Q: Are you the photographer?
A: Yes. I work alone because I like to be sure everything is done perfectly. However I have three trusted photographers that back me up. Should the unforeseen happen I guarantee that all will go according to plan.
Q: Do you have back-up equipment?
A: I work with two cameras all the time. To capture a moment you need to cover every angle, since I believe that if you've seen it with your eyes, then you've probably missed it with your camera! Times like that are even more important on your wedding day, so I also carry a third camera, flash, flash cards and lenses as a further back-up.
Q: Are your digital systems secure and safe?
A: I take every precaution. I use Lexar flash cards Pro Plus, which have an amazing backup system. I only use 2GB cards instead of 8 or 16GB since the more data that can be stored on a flash card, the more that can be lost if it crashes. Back at the studio we make a disc copy and two hard drive backups, so we have three copies to ensure 100 per cent security. Images are then stored; I still have rolls of film from 19 years ago.
Q: How would you define your style of photography?
A: I've been a professional photographer since the 90's and have been involved in thousands of magazine, editorial, fashion, lifestyle and property shoots. Weddings are a particular passion, since as a photographer it presents me with everything I want: personal detail, fashion, formal groupings, as well as atmospheric and candid shots. I love to capture the moment and a wedding day offers this possibility more than any other occasion, I use a long lens so I'm not seen until I need to be. This is the secret to creating a naturalistic style, which results in very relaxed shots. I offer both formal and artistic approaches, as a wedding will typically require both.
Q: What would you say is the most important thing for you on a wedding day?
A: I need people to be happy and in love so it's not too difficult to capture the vibe! I find that at weddings everybody's happy and well dressed and you have an invitation to the most important day of their lives. Wedding photography requires advanced people management skills; I try to make everyone feel relaxed and at ease with a bit of unobtrusive guidance. In this industry experience counts - and I've got a long history!
Q: Some photographers are bossy.
A: Oh yes, I know. However I'm not at all that way. I can stand in front of 200 people and get their attention while also being understanding in a gentle way. I prefer to let people be themselves and feel good. I like positive, happy images. I love to capture moments that the participants can still relate to in years to come.
Q: Do you use Photoshop?
A: Yes. We use a number of image manipulation programmes on an Apple Mac system. We can do whatever is needed to make you look your best in every way.
Q: How many photographs do you take?
A: "If you have seen it then you have missed it." How many times have you seen a great potential shot, reached for your camera - and it's gone? I am driven by a passion that is enabled by a natural skill and refined by years of experience, I can never take enough photos; usually in an eight to ten hour shoot I will take 900-1,200 pictures. It all depends on the wedding.
Q: How many images will you take of my wedding?
A: I won't show you all the images; we edit carefully and will offer you around 500-600 to give you plenty of choice. At every stage my main aim is to present you at your best.
Q: Do I get the hard copies of images?
A: Yes. Copies are kept for you and copies on DVD are supplied for family and friends to print.
Q: What sizes are the digital images?
A: There are no hidden charges for bigger sizes; images are plus 300 dpi at full frame, so you don't pay extra for full-size images.
Q: What's the quality of the photographs like?
A: Top quality. I shoot in a raw format so there are no compression issues; digital is tonally different and gives a cleaner look than film. We can also do more on a studio level in post-production.
