Firstly, congratulations on your engagement! If you have booked your special day, and are well on the way with wedding planning, this is the perfect blog for you. If you’ve yet to book your photographer, I know how difficult this choice can be. So, what should you expect from a wedding photographer?
If you do choose Fiona Moorey Photography, I want you to feel happy and confident. I know how much of a big decision this is, after all, it is your special day. So, I hope this blog answers any questions you may have when it comes to photographing your wedding day.
Where do we begin with a wedding photographer?
Once you’ve confirmed your date, please contact me with the date, time, and venue details. You can contact me through my contact page on the website, where I will then check my availability.
It’s always best to arrange to meet for an informal chat with a cuppa either in person or on zoom if you prefer. This gives us a chance to discuss any specific ideas and styles you might be after. Should you decide to book with me, this initial meeting will give you both time to get to know me. Ultimately, this allows you to feel more comfortable by the time of the wedding.
Once you confirm that you’d like to book me for your wedding, you will receive an email acknowledgement, a contract and a booking form with an invoice for your deposit. When this booking fee of £200 is paid, you will receive a receipt and I will pop your special day in my diary. The booking fee is a non-refundable deposit which is taken off the final balance for your wedding which is due a month before your big day.
What is included with our wedding photography booking?
I have different packages available for you both to choose from. Each wedding is unique and not every couple requires the same level of service.
It’s for this reason I have created different packages to suit your wishes and budget, with coverage from as little as 2 hours. If you can’t see what you are looking for, I would be happy to give you a bespoke quote for your requirements. I also offer a full range of beautiful handmade wedding albums to suit all budgets. There is something so special about having a wedding album for friends and loved ones to flick through.
How far are you prepared to travel?
I am happy to travel anywhere within Dorset and Hampshire. Is your wedding venue outside of these areas? Please use my contact page to contact me and discuss your venue details. I will try my hardest to find a solution to a wedding outside of these counties.
Will we speak to you before the wedding?
Of course! If you have any questions or want to talk to me before the wedding, then you can do so at any time.
If I am shooting at a new venue for the first time I will arrange to meet you there in the weeks before the wedding to make sure I am familiar with the layout and where things will be happening on the day. We will also fill in a who’s who form before the big day so I know who all the important people are and of course, we need to put together a list of all the important photos you want and a group shot list.
I will be in contact with you the week before the wedding to check on any updates on times and plans.
If you have any last-minute nerves and the smallest of questions, then I really do welcome you to give me a call.
What happens on the day?
On the day, you do not need to worry about me. You can both just go along with the flow of the day. I will be looking forward to seeing you both, but I will be working quickly, efficiently, and unobtrusively so as not to distract or get in the way.
Before the day, we would have already discussed your wishes for family and friend group photos after the ceremony. Based on your wishes as previously discussed, I will give directions for group shots to get the best photos.
I will keep an eye on the schedule, but I also appreciate that things don’t always run on time. Therefore, I’m happy to be flexible to accommodate this.
Do we have to pay for a meal for a wedding photographer?
A meal or refreshments are always very much appreciated when I’m there for a full day.
What happens with the photographs after our wedding day?
After your wedding day, I will make sure everything is backed up and safe then I will need time to edit and touch up photographs to ensure they are of high quality, this usually takes around 6-8 weeks. Once I have finished this process, I will be in contact to give you an online password to access a protected gallery where you can view all the images.
You are free to forward this password to your friends and family who can also view and order professionally printed images directly.
As well as the online gallery, you will also receive a USB from me which includes all your high-resolution images. These images will include all printing rights.
Are you eager to view some gorgeous photographs? Fear not, I usually do upload a couple on Facebook and Instagram within a couple of days, only with your blessing of course.
Worried about all the what-if scenarios for your wedding photographer?
Let me put some of your fears at ease, I know how scary wedding planning is!
Firstly, in the very unlikely event of me being taken ill, you will still have a wedding photographer. I have a network of local professional wedding photographers, who would not hesitate to stand in for me. If you have booked my second photographer (Which I highly recommend you do) then they will also be able to step into my shoes on the day should the need arise.
Secondly, I want you to squash any fears about how the photos will turn out. Part of the reason for booking a fully insured professional, means they have to worry about ensuring they have the right equipment in order to take precautions. This means whatever the weather, the photos will be stunning. I also always ensure I bring backup equipment should anything fail. Images will be regularly checked throughout the day too to ensure it’s all going smoothly. As soon as I am home, I back them up too (multiple times).
I know rain is a big deal, but did you know rain on your wedding day is meant to be a lucky charm? Firstly, it’s very rare that rain lasts throughout the whole day. But, if it does, we will move things around and take photos inside the venue. I also have some gorgeous white umbrellas. So, whatever the weather, you and your photos will remain beautiful!
I don’t do goodbyes
By this time, clients often become friends after going through a magical day together. Therefore, I don’t see this as the end, I see it as the beginning. I am often called on after weddings to photograph birthdays, anniversaries, and newborn photoshoots. I hope to see you again soon!
If you’d like to read more about what it’s like to hire me as your wedding photographer, head over to my wedding page here. It will give you more of an idea of what you should expect from your wedding photographer.
As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
