Frequently asked questions
So you’re thinking about booking a wedding photographer in Hampshire, West Sussex or Surrey and you’ve got approximately nine hundred questions pinging around your brain? Completely normal, breathe. I’ve bundled together everything couples ask me most, so you can get a proper feel for how I work before we’ve even said hello. Can’t spot yours below? Give me a shout, I love a good natter and I’m always happy to help.
About me and my style
What style of wedding photography do you offer?
I am a fun, relaxed, documentary-style wedding photographer based in Portsmouth, Hampshire. That means I am all about capturing the real, candid moments of your day, the belly laughs, the happy tears, the sneaky hugs and the full-on dance floor chaos, rather than stiff, posed shots. My goal is for your photos to actually feel like your wedding day, not a stranger’s.
Will it feel like an awkward photoshoot?
Honestly, no, and that is the whole point. Most of my couples tell me they forget I am even there. I blend into the day like a guest with a camera, so you can relax and enjoy yourselves while I do the noticing. The only bit where I will gently steer you is your couple portraits, and even then it is more of a wander and a giggle than a posing session.
Do you take family and group photos too?
Of course. A few formal group shots are part of almost every wedding and they mean the world to families, so I will happily organise these for you. I just keep them quick and painless so you can get back to the party. Pop together a shortlist beforehand and I will run the show.
Do you shoot in black and white as well as colour?
Yes! Your gallery will be mostly natural colour, but I love a moody black and white edit for the emotional and high-energy moments, think speeches, first dances and big reactions. You get a beautiful mix of both.
Locations and travel
Where are you based and what areas do you cover?
I am based in Portsmouth and I photograph weddings right across Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey. That includes Portsmouth, Havant, Emsworth, Petersfield, Winchester and Southampton in Hampshire, plus Chichester, Arundel, Worthing, Bognor Regis and the South Downs over in West Sussex, and weddings throughout Surrey too. Basically, if you are getting married in the South of England, I would love to hear from you.
Are you a Chichester and West Sussex wedding photographer?
Absolutely. West Sussex is one of my favourite areas to shoot, from elegant Chichester city weddings to outdoor celebrations with those gorgeous South Downs views. You can see more on my West Sussex wedding photography page.
Do you charge travel fees?
No travel fees at all for any wedding up to an hour and a half from Portsmouth, which comfortably covers Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey. If your venue is further afield, no problem at all, just get in touch and I will pop together a quote.
Do you travel for weddings further away or abroad?
Yes please! I love a wedding adventure. If you are planning a celebration outside my usual area or a destination wedding, drop me a message with the details and we will sort the travel out together.
Have you shot at my venue before?
Quite possibly, as I have photographed weddings at all sorts of venues across Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey, from barns and manor houses to outdoor and marquee weddings. But even if I have not been to yours, do not worry. I always research and plan ahead, and shooting somewhere new keeps things creative and exciting.
Packages and pricing
How much does wedding photography cost?
I have a few different packages to suit different days and budgets, from shorter micro-wedding coverage right through to full all-day storytelling. Rather than list everything here, I keep it all up to date on my prices and packages page, so do take a look and then get in touch for your exact date.
What is included in your wedding packages?
Every package includes my relaxed, candid coverage on the day, a beautifully edited gallery of high-resolution digital images, and the licence to print and share your photos however you like. Add-ons like a second shooter, albums, engagement shoots and extra hours are all available too. Have a peek at the prices and packages page for the full breakdown.
Do you offer albums?
Yes I do, and I really do recommend one. There is something so special about having your day printed in your hands rather than just sitting on a hard drive. I can talk you through the album options once your photos are ready.
Do you offer a second shooter?
Yes, a second shooter is available as an optional add-on. Having a second photographer is brilliant for bigger weddings or if you want both of you covered while getting ready, plus extra angles of the ceremony and all those guest reactions.
Coverage and your photos
How many photos will I receive?
It depends on the length of coverage and how busy your day is, but as a rough guide you can expect 100+ images for a micro wedding, 300+ for my essentials coverage and 500+ for a full all-day wedding. If you have lots of guests and plenty going on, you will likely get even more. I never limit your gallery for the sake of it, you get all the best moments.
How long until I get my wedding photos?
Your full gallery will be ready within up to a month of your wedding day. I will also usually sneak a few favourite previews over to you soon after the day, because waiting is hard and I get just as excited as you do!
Will my photos be high resolution and watermark-free?
Yes. You receive your final images as high-resolution digital files with no watermarks, plus the licence to print and share them. They are yours to enjoy forever.
How will I receive my images?
Your edited photos are delivered in a beautiful private online gallery that you can view, download and share with family and friends in just a few clicks.
Booking and logistics
How do I book you?
Lovely and simple. Get in touch via my contact page with your date and venue, we will have a chat to make sure we are a good fit, and then a booking deposit and signed contract will lock in your date.
How much is the deposit?
A 25% booking deposit secures your date, with the balance due before the wedding. The deposit is non-refundable as it reserves your date exclusively for you and means I turn down other enquiries for that day.
How far in advance should I book?
The sooner the better, especially for popular summer and weekend dates in Hampshire and West Sussex, which can go a year or more in advance. That said, never assume it is too late, always ask, as I do sometimes have shorter-notice dates available.
Do you offer engagement or pre-wedding shoots?
Yes! I offer engagement shoots, and they are honestly such a great idea. They are a fun, low-pressure way to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day, and you end up with gorgeous photos for your save the dates too.
Do you photograph proposals and post-wedding shoots?
I do both! I love capturing a surprise proposal, and post-wedding shoots are perfect if you fancy getting dressed up again for some relaxed couple portraits without the time pressure of the wedding day itself.
What happens if it rains on my wedding day?
We make the most of it! Some of the most atmospheric, romantic photos happen in moody weather, and a few brollies never hurt anyone. I always have a plan for indoor and covered options too, so rain will never ruin your photos.
Do you have backup equipment and insurance?
Yes, always. I shoot with professional backup cameras and lenses, back up your images in multiple places, and carry full public liability and professional indemnity insurance, which many venues now ask for. You are in safe hands.
How long have you been a wedding photographer?
I have been photographing weddings for three years now and I genuinely love it more with every single one. There is nothing quite like being trusted to capture one of the biggest days of someone’s life.
Still have questions?
If there’s something I haven’t covered, I would honestly love to hear from you. Whether you’re planning a wedding in Hampshire, West Sussex, Surrey or somewhere gloriously further afield, get in touch here and let’s have a proper chat.
Emma