SugarSnaps Photography - FAQ's
Wedding, Portrait, Nursery and family photography by SugarSnaps Photos - Welcome to our photography frequently asked questions page where we have put together the most often asked questions about our wedding and portrait photography business based in Surrey.
We have tried to cover as many questions as possible, but of course, if you do have any questions about our photography services that are not covered on this page, please ask us and we will answer your particular question if it has not already been covered here for you.
Wedding Day - FAQ's
When do you suggest one starts looking for a photographer?
The majority of photographers worth their salt will only cover one wedding per day – me included. Of course, this limits the number of weddings a wedding photographer can fit in. Everyone wants to get married on a Saturday – so it is advisable to make contact with your photographer as soon as you can find the time, as the more popular dates towards August are sometimes booked years in advance. Booking the wedding photographer should be right up your list with booking the wedding venue. Give yourself options.
So, I want a professional to photograph my wedding. What do I do next?
Visit wedding photography web sites, then choose photographers to call. Emailing is not personal enough for wedding photography. It is vital that you feel at ease with your wedding photographer so if you like the photographer on the phone, make arrangements to meet up to see their portfolio, and to gauge whether you can work with this person. Make absolutely sure that the photographer you meet and get along with is the photographer you will see on the day.
Make sure when you meet up you are not talking to a salesperson. When looking through sample albums pay attention to your emotional response to the photography and to the communication skills of the photographer. Make sure you see the photos from a whole wedding shoot, not just the best bits of many. Look for high technical quality too. Once you have decided on a photographer whose work has meaning to you, discuss dates, prices, deposits, packages, quantity of pictures and so on.
Who are SugarSnaps Photography?
SugarSnaps Photography is owned by Julia Milne, and I am the primary photographer for SugarSnaps Photography. I work with a number of assistants to give you the coverage you require. You can read more about me here.
How many photographers and assistants do you use at weddings?
Our mix & match wedding packages mean that you can choose how many photographers you require at your wedding.
What parts of the UK do you cover?
SugarSnaps provide mobile wedding photography from my base location in Sutton Surrey. This gives me easy access to all of London, Surrey and South East England.
Are you the wedding photographer who will actually take our pictures?
Yes - whomever you meet at your consultation will be your photographer.
How many other events will you also photograph that weekend?
None - we only cover one wedding in a week - you have our full attention.
What does SugarSnaps Photography charge for a Wedding?
SugarSnaps wedding packages are mix & match meaning you can tailor our services to meet your requirements and budget. Please click here to be redirected to the wedding pages.
What shooting style do you use for weddings?
We use a combination shooting style, mixing a candid photo approach (occasionally referred to as a photojournalistic style) with the more traditional posed formal photographs. Much of the style that we use is determined by the agreement that we reach with the bride and groom concerning the type of shots that they want us to use to tell the story of their wedding. We generally adjust our shooting style to some degree based on what the bride and groom want from us, and we are usually able to determine what the bride and groom want in our pre-wedding consultations with them.
Do you shoot in colour or black and white? Or both? Do you shoot in a digital format that can create both colour and b/w versions of the same picture?
We now shoot exclusively in colour onto digital media - that gives us the choice after the day itself. We are frequently asked if we can shoot in black and white but we've found from experience that when presented with both colour and black and white most brides end up including the colour pictures rather than the monochrome one in their album. The truth is we love black and white but we're really not sure if a wedding is the ideal subject - but that is a purely personal view!
We don't want any posed pictures at our wedding - ok?
What if your parents want a nice picture to send out? What if your favorite aunt is late, then sits in a dark corner during the reception? Do you want her excluded from your images? Most families want some posed images in their collection. At SugarSnaps we endeavor to get the balance right. Pictures are created by finding a suitable location (easy access, good lighting, good background) and then allowing the couple to be themselves - playful, loving, romantic, silly - while we capture a variety of angles and compositions. SugarSnaps Photography recommends you hire two photographers to be at your wedding. That way, whilst the formal shots are being taken the second photographer is capturing the natural laughter and playfulness in between.
How much time will the photographer spend at our wedding?
That is really up to you. The SugarSnaps photographer can be present whilst you getting ready, and keep taking pictures until late on into the evening or you may just want a few hours of photography, with a few formal photographs and some pictures of the ceremony. For more details click here.
How many photographs will you shoot at our wedding?
The amount of photography you receive depends on how long I am booked for. Our goal is to ensure a minimum of around 400 images for a whole days shoot – but this can be as high as 600.
What if it rains on our wedding day?
One can never be assured of safe British weather. Although it is very rare that if it is raining it will rain all day. As a professional wedding photographer I would scout out covered areas that would be discussed during the pre-wedding venue visit. For those of you brave enough to venture outdoors, I am equipped with giant brollies. Normally one of your Usher’s would help me out if you wish to brave the outdoors. We at SugarSnaps would always look to make the most of it rather than complain.
I have to say I’m quite nervous about having my wedding photography taken?
You shouldn’t let this spoil your day as most people see themselves to be un-photogenic. Most people in UK are not familiar enough with professional photography, and have bad memories of their professional school photos. Through meeting you before the wedding day I can explain the wedding photography process and make sure you look as beautiful as you feel on that special day.
At the reception, are the bride and groom expected to make arrangements to feed the photographer and assistant along with the other guests?
No, this is not an expectation. If we are invited to join the guests for a meal, we usually accept, but we do not expect for the bride and groom to be obligated to include us as part of the guest list for the meal.
Are you willing to shoot portraits of small family groups as a part of your wedding and reception photography?
Yes, we are happy to photograph small family groups as long as the bride and groom wish us to do this.
What happens at the consultations?
During the first meeting your photographer will show you a portfolio, a previous wedding DVD slideshow and album. You will also gauge whether this is the photographer for you as well as talking about your expectations and style. A second consultation is arranged at the ceremony and reception venues to go over a plan of action for the day and to discuss the backgrounds, style, and photographs you have in mind.
This dry run means that on the day you know exactly what to expect from your photographer, and on the day the photographer will seems less intrusive, as less direction is needed. In the last few days leading up to the big day, the photographer will attend the wedding rehearsal to introduce herself to you friends and family. The photographer will brief members of the bridal party on their part in the photos you have requested, so that again there is less intrusion on the day. After the big day is over a third meeting is arranged to view the DVD slideshow and to discuss any help needed on choosing images or advice on albums etc.
How far in advance should bridal or engagement portraits be arranged?
We recommend that boudoir or engagement sessions take place at least two months or more before the wedding. This allows time for image processing, posting of those images to our proofing site on the internet, decisions to be made concerning reprints and enlargements, processing of reprints or enlargements, delivery of the prints, and framing of any display prints. Additionally, if an outdoor bridal or engagement session is planned, scheduling these sessions well in advance of the wedding date allows for rescheduling if any weather-related delays occur. We don't experience many of these weather-related delays, but if it should happen to rain on the day of a scheduled outdoor session, it's safer to plan the session far enough in advance to have time to reschedule, if necessary.
How do we book SugarSnaps Photography for our wedding?
We require a signed contract to book our wedding services. Once the contract has been received and details of the chosen wedding package have been finalized on the contract sheet, your booking with us is finalized. Please contact us for booking forms.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
A 50% deposit is required 14 days prior to the event date. No refund of deposit is made upon cancellation unless another date is set and confirmed. The full balance to be paid to the photographer during image viewing consultation or on receipt of proof DVD slideshow.
How soon after the wedding can the bride and groom expect to see the initial images?
In most cases, the bride and groom can expect to see their initial images within 2 to 3 weeks following the wedding. At SugarSnaps Photography you initially view the images on a computer or television screen via a proof DVD slideshow. That is yours to keep. Your images will then be uploaded onto the SugarSnaps website for you friends and family to view in a private gallery. Any images you or your family and friends want to order can be done via the contact us page on the website.
What is a proof DVD slideshow?
Sixty years ago, photographers presented clients with proof pictures printed on special paper; images would last for a few weeks and then fade. Now proofs are usually in digital form - on a website, CD, DVD, or a projection in the photographer's studio. At SugarSnaps your DVD slideshow is an interactive, chaptered disc that is set to music. You can discuss the music you would like used at the consultation.
If I decide to order prints, how long does it take before my print order is ready?
It will take approximately 3-4 weeks from the date you place your order for your finished prints to be ready for dispatch.
Can I have all my images on disc to print myself?
Yes you can – click here to find out more about optional extras.
Is there a time limit for ordering prints after the wedding?
All images taken will be archived for a total of 12 months after the date of the wedding ceremony. Therefore all print and DVD orders must be made within this time.
Does my photographer really own the copyright of his/her pictures?
Yes. According to copyright law, images produced by a professional photographer are copyrighted the moment they are created. Copyrighting law prohibits copying or reproducing copyrighted material without permission from the owner of the copyright, i.e., the photographer. You can of course buy an image disc at SugarSnaps, but this does not mean the copyright changes hands.
Do you have the relevant insurances as a wedding photographer?
Yes. We have Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurances which cover me on the day of your event.
