Wedding Photography - What really goes on behind the scenes - How Much?!?!

What we actually do........

Its becoming more and more apparent that people expect more for less, this is true in some cases but for some time now I have wanted to block about what we actually do when it comes to Wedding Photography and why we/I do it this way.

I understand many people have tight budgets and can understand why some people think we are out of their price range, but behind the scenes there is a lot of work that goes into a "Norsworthy Wedding".

"The devil is in the detail" as they say. And this is very true of what service I offer. I first started Photographing Weddings a little over 20 years ago, and in that time peoples requirements have altered, as well as their expectations. But more so, so has the world. One thing I have always put first is quality of service and organisation. For me a Wedding is more than a Saturday stood about Photographing what happens in front of me, its all about service, getting to know the couples and their nearest and dearest and creating a photographic memory to treasure, as well as adding in some little touches and organisation to the day itself.

From the initial enquiry and consulation through to the delivery of the final album, can take upto 40 hours of work and planning. This doesnt all just happen, its the culmination of years of experience and training, not to mention investment in equipment and Studio.

For instance a consultation can be an hour or two, the venue visit, Pre Wedding shoot and associated editing can take upto 5 hours. and we havent even got started on planning, prep, sorting equipment etc and its still not the Wedding Day.

I have for years now attended the Church rehearsals in order to meet the Priest and the wedding party to clearly explain what I will be doing on the day and how the day will flow, this leads to a very relaxed and enjoyableWedding Day, no confused faces or awkward pauses! I have now even started meeting people for rehearsals at Hotels too as Venue's rarely think about such things.

So the day before is a day of sorting equipment and rehearsals so what else is left to do? Well travel to the wedding en mass, with Julie my assistant and Rosemary my Second Photographer, brief them on all details and requirements of the day and get to work. After the usual 8-12 Hours of full coverage its time to say our good byes and head back to start the next half of the job!

The next few days are all about selecting the Images to send to Marko for editing. Yes, thats right I don't even edit them myself. It takes a few hours to choose the images and get them in order. Marko is an expert Photo Editor, having worked for people such as Damien Lovegrove. Marko is now Freelance and has edited my work for almost 2 years now. He knows my style and we pick a good classical quality to the images so as not to date then with current trends and fashions. This style will never date! and always look great to show off. You see, I am a Photographer who creates Photos, where Marko is a Photo Editor, both specialising in our fields.

So the images have come back from Marko, been uploaded to the On-Line Album and are ready for viewing. The Proof Book has been ordered, the Thank You Cards designed and ordered, and arrange the Viewing. Can you see how much we do?

When it comes to choosing an Album and Viewing the Photos couples come in for anywhere between 1-3 hours, the Viewing Room is a cosy comfortable space and choosing the images can take a while. Designing the Album layout is also timly as why rush the final item that will showcase my work and their images for ever!

So in all its about 40 hours of dedicatio per Wedding. On going training to stay ahead and upto date, investing in equipment and of course Insurance, yes thats right, Insurance. This is one thing clients often forget to think about, we are fully insured Professional Photographers with Insurances in place to protect you incase of injury, loss of images etc. Somehting that many, aprt time Wedding Photographers dont realise they need, or simply dont have.

So when choosing your Wedding Photographer be aware of what we do, the dedication we give to you and the pride we take in our work. As this is what all our clients get and appreciate after the Wedding, even if not realising at the time of booking.

I LOVE photographing Weddings and LOVE people too, this is also why I do it!!

Holly and Dans Country Wedding click here to see a slide show