Frequently Asked Questions
What is your style?
My style and approach is timeless, natural, documentary/reportage preserving all the details and those precious moments in a discreet way with an emphasis on emotion and atmosphere. All the love, laughter, hugs and tears (happy ones!). Even your couple portraits are taken whilst you have a lovely quiet walk alone. Many couples say that I felt like one of the guests. The only time I am noticeable is if you choose to have some group photos taken, but I take these in a professional yet relaxed way.
How long do you stay on the day?
For full day wedding photography I will stay up to a maximum of 12 hours or the number of hours agreed with you when booking. For a full day I like to preserve the whole story and I don't like to leave just after the first dance- that's when the party is getting started! A natural finish time is often when your evening food is served around 9.30/10pm. However, if unique moments are still happening such as fireworks, sparklers or guests just haven't danced much yet, I will still be there.
What if we want less than the full day coverage?
You can of course decide how long you would like me to be there on the day. Some couples do not want photos of them getting ready in the morning or some couples are happy for me to finish about half an hour after the first dance. It is totally up to you and a bespoke quote can be tailormade to your exact requirements.
Why do photographers charge what they do- We have a photography budget- can you work to this?
I am always happy for couples to let me know their photography budget and personal requirements and will always work to this if possible. However, please bear in mind that you are not just paying for one day. Photographers will spend sometime preparing for your wedding, usually meeting with you to hear your plans and may include a pre-wedding photoshoot. I also attend any rehearsal you may be having. Most of the work is carried out after your wedding as there will be several days of editing. A full day wedding for me is about a week of work. If you have chosen an album, the design can often take days. Then there are the other expenses, the USB and presentation box, the materials and printing of the album if you are having one. Professional photographers will use the best album printers available, not online book printers. Professional equipment is expensive to buy, update and maintain, the latest editing software which requires subscriptions. Then there is Insurance for equipment, Public Liability Insurance, professional indemnity insurance, professional body membership, travel costs, admin and general full time business running costs. When using a professional photographer you are also paying for experience, knowledge and peace of mind.
Where are you based and what area do you cover?
I am based near Watford in Hertfordshire but am very happy to travel nationwide. The majority of couples who book me have received recommendations from family and friends. They have often seen me working at a wedding and may live anywhere in the UK. I love it when I attend a wedding where I know many of the guests from previous weddings. I photographed one wedding where there were six of my previous couples!
I don't like having my photo taken and don't want to pose?
Absolutely fine. I don't like having my photo taken either. I'm not sure there are many people who do. I preserve your day in a candid, documentary style in the back ground. When it's time for some photos of the two of your alone, you can go for a lovely quiet walk. I will stay some distance away with my big lens capturing this special time. We will have discussed your favourite places at the venue at our meeting so that these can be incorporated into your walk. We will also have talked about things that work well in photos and those that don't. Your family may want a more traditional photo which I will take before you go back to you guests . Other than that, I don't pose you at all. The only time the photography will have an impact on the day is if you would like some group photos which do require organization and standing in one spot looking at the camera for a while. Its up to you how much time you would like to be doing this.
Do you take group photos?
Yes of course. Weddings are often one of the rare occasions when all your nearest and dearest are with you at the same time. I will discuss everything with you beforehand. Find out about the family dynamic and the kind of photos you would like. I will ask you for a list so that everything runs smoothly on the day. So that you get lots of natural photos of your guests congratulating you and having fun during the drinks reception and you get to spend as much relaxed time as possible with your family and friends, I do suggest between 6 to 10 group photos.
Do we have to have an Album?
No of course not. All collections include all edited images on a wooden USB stick in beautiful wooden box or glass usb a linen or leather case. However, many couples still opt to include an album as that can be viewed for generations. Digital files, can be lost, corrupted and viewing equipment changes. I offer a range of albums to suit all budgets. These can be included at time of booking or added at a later date before or after your wedding day.
What experience do you have?
I have been a professional photographer for many years. I formerly worked in commercial studios in London and at a University. Parkwin Photography was born in 2008 following a five year break being a full time Mum. (Not that I stopped taking photos!!)
I have covered hundreds of weddings (sorry lost count) from 6 guests to 400 guests. From farmers fields in the dark to grand manor houses. I have the experience, knowledge and equipment to cope with constant changing light, weather and restrictions of venues. I have photographed weddings of all faiths, cultures, blessings, Chinese tea ceremonies, LGBTQ+ weddings to name a few in hundreds of different wonderful venues. All you need to be is two people in love!
Do you have any qualifications?
Yes. I studied photography full time for three years, I gained an HND and British Institute of Professional Photographers, Professional Qualifying Exam. (This is a degree course now!). I learnt everything from editorial, fashion, documentary, advertising, landscape, product and portrait photography, which is great as wedding photography incorporates all of these! I worked in London commercial studios and at a University before I started Parkwin Photography in 2008.
Will flashes be going off all day?
No! I have professional lenses that work beautifully in low light. The only time I use flash is during your party in the evening. Even then I bounce the flash off the ceiling. NO one even notices because of the disco lights.
Do you enjoy what you do?
Couldn't do it if I didn't. I love weddings! I am constantly looking and listening all day for those perfect moments to preserve. The time and energy that it takes to photograph a 12 hour wedding (sometimes two days) with artistry and feeling, capturing all the emotions, would be impossible if I didn't really love it. I don't see it as a job. Photography has always been my passion.
What type of wedding do you like to photograph?
I love all weddings but my particular favourites are those with a lot of colour and personal creative touches such as decorations that have been made by family and items that have personal meaning. I love the vintage, country vibe, live music and weddings where all the guests are having a lot of fun. People often ask me which is my favourite venue. Doesn't matter if it's in a field or a grand mansion house, Weddings are about the people, they make them truly special.
Are you Insured?
Yes as a full time professional photographer I have Public Liability Insurance, Professional Indemnity Insurance and Equipment Insurance.
What happens if you are ill or can't make it on the day?
I have a network of photographers that I can call if under the extremely rare circumstances I could not be there. I've worked with tonsillitis and the onset of flu before. (Drank nearly a whole bottle of day nurse one day!!) No-one noticed!
What happens if your equipment fails?
I have spares of everything! Cameras, lenses, batteries, filters, flash units (for bouncing flash in the evening), portable light. I also have dozens of memory cards which I am constantly changing, so that large segments of the day are not just on one card. I also bring a tripod (just for group photos normally) and other items that help during the day. Including a white and a clear umbrella, fake grass for the bride and wedding party to stand on during group photos if the ground is a bit soggy, (I photoshop it later!) cloth to place on benches if wet and my emergency kit of things I am frequently asked for. Scissors, pen, plasters, safety pins, crochet hook (bride's will know why), Rennie!
How many photos do we get?
The number is unlimited. If there are still unique moments happening, I will still be taking photos. For a full day you will certainly receive over 800. I check every photo for composition, tone and colour. I remove duplicates and those where someone has walked in front of me or I think someone is going to laugh and they sneeze, so that you get the best ones.
When will we receive our photos?
Your photos will be ready for you on usb memory stick in unique personalised presentation box four to six weeks after your wedding day depending on what time of year your wedding takes place. This will be outlined on your booking contract. An online highlights gallery will be available to view two to three weeks after your wedding day.
Will there be a gallery that guests can view?
Yes, there will be a password protected online gallery of highlights from your day. You can choose whether this is browse only or guests can purchase prints or downloads.
How far in advance do we need to book?
I have bookings up to two years in advance. Contact me as soon as you have your date to check my availability for your special day.
How do we book?
If you like my style and approach, please contact me to arrange to meet. It is very important that you get along with your photographer other wise you will feel uncomfortable on your wedding day. We can have a chat about your wedding, your exact requirements and you can ask me lots of questions and view my work in more detail. I will hold your date for you until you have made this important decision. A completed booking form and reservation fee of £250 (for full day wedding photography) is required to secure your date and price.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I'd love to hear all your plans for your big day. Please get in touch and we can have a chat and you can view some albums.
Many congratulations on your engagement. I look forward to hearing from you as it would be a pleasure and privilege to preserve your wedding story for you.
Karen