Photography FAQs
Describe your style?
I love capturing the love between two people in a picture... Catching people in their natural form, that is the best "pose" of all, with no pretence, just feelings radiating out. In the end, I am there to document your special day, so that when you look back years from now, it awakes the same feelings again.
What equipment do you use?
I’m a Canon supporter all the way.
Do you work with an assistant?
I do. I have a lot of gear and if I’m constantly setting stuff up and carrying stuff around, I am missing moments. They have great value to me and ensure that I can keep up my standard of photography.
How much time do you need for photos?
Decor shots: 30 min (normally these are done beforehand while the bride’s hair is being done)
Bride before the ceremony: 1 hour
Ceremony: 30 min – 1 hour
Family photos: allocate 3 min per photo, and keep in mind that larger groups take longer to organise.
Couple photos: 1+ hour
Reception: all depends on you...
When adequate time is not provided as stated above, we cannot produce the same quality of photos as seen in our portfolio. Tip for the day, if possible, is to make sure the bride and groom gets ready at the same venue, as driving around wastes previous time.
When is the best time to take our photos?
The best time of the day for your photos after the ceremony, is the hour before sunset, when the light is beautiful and soft. Keep in mind that the sun sets earlier in the winter than the summer. Here's a basic guideline for best photo times:
January - April and November - December between 16h00-18h00
May - October between 15h00-17h00
Do you do table shots?
I prefer not to do them, I don’t like interrupting people while their eating (which is incidentally the only time that all the people are at the table). If you do want big group shots, you can always dedicate a space, get a nice couch or something and I will take a few group shots there. You need to allocate a specific time to have these photos taken and arrange for someone (preferably the MC) to organize this and make sure that all the guests are present for their photo.
Do you offer coffee table books?
Yes, all our books are laid out by a professional graphic designer to ensure quality and diversity. I will send an email proofs for you to check to ensure you’re happy with the layout and photographs used. When you approve the final design, the album is sent to print with an estimated 3 week turn-around time.
Do you use lighting equipment?
Natural light is my choice of lightning, however in low light I do make use of a flash.
How much will my wedding photography cost?
We have various packages available to suite every budget, so it’s up to you how much coverage etc you’d like. Please send an inquiry for our packages available.
How many photographs do you take?
There is no set limit, but I normally shoot no less than 600 images during an 8 hour wedding.
Do you provide black and white images?
During the editing process I will change some photos to black & white or sepia, depending what suites the look & feel of the photo.
What about negatives?
Since I shoot in digital the disk that you get with your package is your "negatives". This is the same disk that I will be using to make your prints.
Who chooses the pictures to be printed?
I select the pictures that will be used in the initial album layouts, where after you will receive a proof where you can swop out pictures as you please. As for the printed photographs, you select the pictures that you want printed.
When do we get wedding photographs?
The disc and printed photos take 3 weeks before they are available. The albums take about 3 weeks from approval. Weddings taking place in December have waiting period of 6 weeks due to the holiday season.
Can we upgrade our album or order additional albums after the wedding?
Yes, not a problem at all.
How will my photos and album be delivered?
I prefer couples to come and pick up their photos and/or album themselves. That way I can make sure that you receive your order in good condition. Albums can be couriered to you at an extra charge.
How does copyright work?
I have copyright on all images for commercial purposes. You are welcome to use them for competitions etc. When your aunt, who owns the venue where you got married, want to use some of the photos in a magazine for advertisements, she needs to contact me. I do retain the right to publish all wedding photos on my website, advertising mediums, magazines, etc. If this is a problem, let me know, and I will try to accommodate you where I can.
Is my wedding the only one you will be shooting that day?
Yes.
Can you remove change my nose / make me skinny / add some muscles?
No. I keep the photos as close to the actual day as possible. I don’t do major surgery. We don’t want your children to think that they were adopted when they look at your photos.
How do you get your couples to look so un-posed?
I love seeing couples in love, and most couples are just so in love on their wedding day, it truly is a beautiful thing to witness. I give a bit of direction, and let the love do the rest.
My friend / brother / mother is a budding photographer who probably will be shooting as well. Is this fine?
I don’t have a problem if they take photos during the reception, and of the guest etc, but during the allocated photo sessions I don't allow any other photographers. It never looks good when everybody is looking in different directions during your group shots because there are 4 different cameras… Please remember that in the end, you paid me to be your professional photographer, and I can only deliver when I have full control over the situation.
Do you include an engagement shoot?
The engagement shoot is included in the basic package, unless otherwise stipulated in custom packages. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know one another and for me to see what your personalities are like, in order to get the most out of the wedding day couple shoot.
My aunt overseas also wants to see the photos?
Verander antwoord na: I will place a few photographs on our blog within the first week after your wedding, as well as a link on our Facebook page to refer friends and family to go and view the blog post.
Can I look at a complete wedding album from start of wedding to end, that you’ve shot?
Absolutely, just send me a request and I’ll arrange a time to get together
I want photos with suitcases / a big frame and other props. Do you have that?
I’ve got nothing against photographer that includes all sorts of props, but that’s not my style. I do not believe in using props such as suitcases, frames, fishing rods, shotguns etc. during our photo sessions. However, we strongly encourage any little extras that forms part of your wedding and that adds that something special to the photos. Bold colour shoes, fans or parasols are great for photos. Keep it natural.
So we've also got a videographer, is that ok with you?
This is 100% with me, but we need to arrange to meet up with the videographer at the venue to discuss how we can work together to make your wedding great, as we are both paid to do a job, and do it well.
Finally, why should I book you?
Have a look at my portfolio, if my pictures speak to you, reminding you that there’s a beautiful wedding on the way that will fill your heart with laughter and love, then book me. In the end, I hope that my work is all the convincing you need.
Do you have any tips for us?
- Please look up when walking down the aisle. No looking down!
- When walking down the aisle, please make sure your arm is hooked into your dad's/mom's/brother's arm, not the other way around.
- Take your time when kissing!
- Make sure to face each other at some point in the ceremony.
- Keep in mind, everything takes longer than you think.
- If anything goes wrong – just forget about it and enjoy yourself.
- If you’re having a night time ceremony please think of ambient light so your photographer is able to focus! A lot of candles and fairy lights go a long way. This is a case of the more the merrier!
- Bring gumboots or flats for your couple photos. It will make your life much easier when walking around in fields, mud and beaches.
- Wait and listen to my count down when throwing the flowers and garter.