Frequently asked Questions & LINKS
Do you have the option of receiving the raw photos from a wedding or photo shoot?
Sorry but this is a hard no - please see the link below which explains why much better than I can put into words. Please also see below examples of photos that are SOOC (straight out of camera) and then professionally edited.
https://lindseyroman.com/why-photographers-wont-give-out-raw-files
I have my photos back and I don't like the way I look - can you Photoshop me?
I am a 'true to the day' photographer. I want to give you the most accurate and authentic memories captured. If your day was windy and wet then that will show true in your photos - I do have some control over how you look with posing techniques and having you sheltered from the wind so there isn't too much hair blowing around your face etc but for the most part I like to capture your day as it was. I can do the odd 'chin-tuck' for an unflattering angle but I do not go through every single photo and retouch. If there are any photos you particularly love and you just want some slight changes eg gentle air brushing, chin-tuck eg then just let me know. However this will be allowed for only up to 5 images and nothing too complicated eg one strand of hair across the face would be an easy fix but many hairs blowing in all directions is something that would need to be sent to a professional retoucher and paid for separately. If hair blowing around is a concern I always encourage people to have their hair done up or tied away from their face in plaits, ponytail, pigtails etc. The beach photography sessions can be particularly windy or having a windy wedding day may be a concern if you want 'picture perfect' photos without hair blowing everywhere.
Do you keep/edit every photo that you capture at a photo shoot or wedding?
No, I do not. I eliminate duplicate images, test shots, missed focused shots, shots with bad expressions, blinking and other images that may dilute the overall product delivery. For example, because I shoot with a low aperture, sometimes I take a few extra shots to make sure I have the perfect focus. I don’t expect you to have the expertise or the time to zoom into each image to select the one with the sharpest focus, so I spend hours doing that on my end. In another example, candid laughs and emotional tears are some of the best images from the day. Unfortunately, they can also yield some unflattering facial expressions. I might snap a few extras of any of these moments to make sure I have a great shot with the ideal expression for the moment. With my expertise of processing thousands of images each year, I may eliminate ones that I feel are duplicates and only deliver the best one. Bottom line though I do like to 'tell the story' of your photo shoot or wedding day, so anything that may seem insignificant but could trigger a happy but fleeting moment I will keep in your gallery.
What sort of things can affect photos on a wedding day that is out of the photographer's control?
There are sometimes things that may happen on the day of your wedding that are out of the photographer's control. The biggest one being the obvious is weather. On a very rainy day your photos may not appear as 'bright and happy' as some of the images displayed on the example galleries of other weddings I have shot because of a rainy day and there being minimal sunlight and blue skies. I also have to make sure I protect my very expensive camera equipment - in saying that I am always happy to head out in the rain for photos with an umbrella! A gentle reminder that if you are so desperately wanting to get married outside but it is raining - just think about what is more important; you and your guests comfort or the outdoor wedding alter. It can really dampen everyone's day if you are wet and uncomfortable - choose less stress and comfort for all. In saying this the rain and a moody day can still bring out some beautiful wedding photos - but just keep an open mind that it may not be what you had your heart set on because of the weather. Choosing colours for your wedding is also one that may affect how your photos look. For example if your bridesmaids are in bright colours they will stand out in photos where more neutral and subdued colours will blend more into the background. Where you have your ceremony and where you are getting ready may have very harsh light or not enough light. I have control over bridal portraits as I am experienced enough to know where the best place for the best light is depending on weather, time of day, back drop & location. If you want to know more information about this just let me know and I can explain in better detail.
What sort of things should I consider for great wedding day photos?
There are so many things to consider when planning your big day, from a photographer's point of view there are some things which can make the difference between great shots and amazing shots. Those stunning pre-ceremony photos of everyone getting ready need a really nice well lit space with minimal mess. I am a photographer - not a photoshop queen and while there are some things that can be fixed post production, I am all about getting them right in camera first. I don't have time to move items out of the way but if you can keep where you are getting ready nice and tidy it makes so much difference. I cannot be expected to photoshop items out of photos because there is mess that could have been kept to one area of a room etc. The light is a BIG factor with photos - is it uneven light where you are having your ceremony like under a tree at 2pm with beautiful sunshine? Dappled light coming through trees and hitting peoples faces will be captured as dappled light but if you are all in the shade or all in the light so it is all an even coverage does make a difference. What is the background of where you are walking down the aisle? Remember I will be shooting in front so the backdrop of where you walk down the aisle will be a large focus behind you. Speeches at the reception - where is a nice place for people to stand with a nice backdrop at the reception area and so everyone can see them speaking? Do you want your hair to be out of your face and do not want to run the risk of a windy day? Have it up not down - I cannot promise I can fix stray hairs flying about and if there are special moments during your ceremony and your hair is blowing across your face - I cannot promise I can fix this post production.
https://jesseandjessieweddings.com/blog/get-the-most-out-of-your-wedding-photos
What are some key ingredients to capturing a wedding day?
Taking into consideration things that are out of the photographer's control with weather, location and perhaps 'the unexpected' which could range from a very late ceremony start (so we are short of time for bridal party shots) or someone being sick; these are my personal guidelines and 'check list' for capturing a wedding.
Keeping to the couple's original timeline to the best of my ability
Capturing small but important details
A variety of posed shots and candid throughout the day
Capturing important key moments eg walking down the aisle, first look etc
A decent amount of photos of guests enjoying themselves
Photos are consistent in style and composition
Photos have been edited: colour, white balance and lighting correction, and cropped appropriately
Photos are in focus (exception for movement photos eg first dance)
Photos are consistent in style with previous wedding work on the website
Important colours chosen by the couple are 'true to colour' after being edited (eg bridesmaids dresses)
The entire gallery of photos tells a story of the wedding day
Over 95% of photos of people have a 'flattering' expression and aren't blinking
Please note I am a photographer - not a professional retoucher, I will be able to photoshop up to 5 images after you have received your photos but within my photoshop capabilities and experience. Common things that you may want: A little extra air brushing, chin-tucks for unflattering angles, make-up touch ups, drink spills on clothing. Please note that after the 5 images I will refer you to a professional retoucher at your own expense for extra editing/retouching.