It’s not every day you get married so you’re probably going to have lots of questions for me. That’s great and I’m more than happy to answer them for you! Here are a few of the more common questions I get asked…
How do you work on the day?
On your wedding day I’m very hands off in my approach. I let the day flow naturally so you can enjoy your day and not feel like your wedding is one big photoshoot. My approach is very documentary, capturing real emotions and real moments as they happen. This doesn’t mean I’m hiding in the shadows, I might be far away, I might be closer up depending on what’s happening at the time. Either way, you’re unlikely to notice me as you’ll be having too much fun!
I love to create some awesome portraits of the two of you together as well, this could be using the natural light in the day, golden hour light just before sunset or using a few lights to create something more dramatic after dark. It doesn’t take long and couples often say it’s a nice break from the crowds for a few minutes.
How long do you stay for on the day?
I’m typically there from getting ready in the morning through to your first dance… and then usually around an hour or so longer to capture your guests on the dance floor too. For full day coverage I don’t limit the number of hours of you receive, so if you want me there for the party, I’ll stay for the party!
What time do you arrive on the day?
I usually arrive about 2 hours before you leave for your ceremony. This should give me plenty of time to capture the fun you are having with your bridesmaids, along with the nerves and all the emotions going on. It’s also a great time to take a few beautiful photos of you in your wedding dress before you head off to your ceremony.
Do you work with a second photographer?
Yes, for my full day packages I always have a second photographer working with me. There’s a lot going on during a wedding day and having a second photographer allows me time to patiently observe and capture the best moments. As I don’t have to rush around trying to capture everything myself you will receive a stronger set of images.
Having a second photographer also makes it possible to cover the getting ready stage of the day for both you, and your partner, even when you’re at completely separate locations.
Do you take family group photos?
I am more than happy to take family group photos and see these as an important part of your wedding photography. Have a good think about who you really want to include in the group shots though. I’d suggest keeping the number of groups to 10 or less as it can take time to gather people together for each photo – 10 shots can easily take half an hour. I’m sure you would prefer to spend more time with your guests rather than spending too long posing for my camera!
I don’t like my photo being taking – how do you deal with this?
When I first meet couples I am often told that they don’t like having their photos taken. This isn’t a problem. I like to keep your photos relaxed, fun, and with a natural feel to them without the need for you to be getting all magazine posey for me. I find that couples respond well to this and end up actually enjoying having their photos taken.
What happens if it rains?
Unfortunately, living in the UK, this does happen! I’m sure you won’t let it spoil your day and I won’t let it spoil your photos. I’ll keep shooting away and capturing the moments if it’s sunny, raining, or whatever the weather. For family and couple photos, I’ll always scout out indoor locations as a backup plan.
What areas do you cover?
I live in Leamington Spa in Warwickshire so I’m conveniently placed to travel around Warwickshire, Worcestershire, the West Midlands and the Cotswolds. However, I love to travel so I’m more than happy to shoot weddings throughout the whole of the UK or even abroad for destination weddings. It’s always exciting to go to new places!
How long should we allow for photos after the ceremony?
I usually recommend leaving at least 1.5 hours between the end of the ceremony and when you are called for your wedding breakfast (excluding travel time). Don’t worry, this isn’t just taken up with photos! It will allow time for any family group shots, a selection of awesome portraits of the two of you together, and some time to relax and enjoy some drinks with your friends and family without rushing around. Whilst you’re relaxing and chatting to your guests I’ll be capturing photos of everyone having fun, and also photographing the room details for your wedding breakfast too.
What if you fall ill on the day?
It would have to be something very serious for me not to come to your wedding. However, I have a large network of friends in the wedding photography business that I can call on should the worst happen. I’ll always do whatever I can to find a suitable replacement to produce work of the same high standard for you.
Do you keep backups of our photos?
Yes, all photos are securely backed up on as part of your online gallery. The gallery will remain online for one year from when I first send over the link and password. After this there is an option to pay a small yearly fee to keep your images backup up online.
Do you carry spare equipment?
Yes, always! I never want to be in a situation where I can’t take the photos I want because of broken equipment. I shoot with two cameras on me at all times and will always have a further backup camera with me just in case. I also have enough spare lenses so that, if the worst did happen, I can still produce the same quality of images from your wedding day.
How many photos will we receive?
For a full days coverage, you should receive 500+ high resolution edited images. I edit every single image I supply to you to make sure it’s of the highest quality and matching my signature style.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, I have both public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
Most of the images you show are of couples and their guests, do you photograph the details too?
Absolutely! Although I see people as being the most important part of a wedding day I think it’s also important to capture all those details you’ve spent so long thinking about… and maybe even making yourselves!
Do you offer pre-wedding shoots?
Yes, I do. A pre-wedding shoot is a great way for you to get used to being in front of the camera so you can feel more relaxed during the photos on your wedding day. Couples usually choose either a location that has particular meaning to them, or just somewhere they think would be fun for a shoot. You get up to 2 hours on location and will receive a private online gallery where you can download your high resolution images directly. For more details, please ask.
After the Wedding
How long will it take before we receive the photos?
Although usually less, it can take 8-10 weeks during busy periods before you see your finished images. Lots of behind the scenes work needs to be done to make sure your photos are finished to the highest standard in my signature style. As soon as your photos are ready, I will send you the link to your password protected online gallery where you can download your high resolution images.
How do we choose photos for our album?
I make this process nice and easy for you. You can choose your album images directly from your online gallery containing all your final images. I’ll of course help you out with any advice you need to help create the best album for you.
Can we print our photos?
Absolutely, they’re your wedding photos! I provide you with full printing and sharing rights. All images in your online gallery are high resolution with no watermarks. If sharing on social media, a credit to ‘Alex Bradbury Photography’ is always appreciated!
Do you offer albums?
Yes, I believe printing your photos is so important and albums are a great way to display them in the form of a visual story. Digital files can easily be forgotten about whilst there is something really special about having printed photos in front of you. I offer a range of stunning albums handmade here in the UK.
