FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Getting married is one of the biggest days of your life, and it is important for you to find a photographer who will capture your day in a way that reflects your attitude to life.
I am happy to answer your questions in person, but here are a few frequently asked questions which might help you to decide if we are a good match.
How would you describe your photographic style?
Your wedding day is not just a photoshoot, it is real and all about your love for each other. My hope is that your wedding photographs will be a true reflection of your day. You celebrating your marriage surrounded by those who are most important to you. My role is to capture the day in a way which reveals what is really happening in a visually pleasing way. All the love, the joy and possibly even the unexpected that is part of your amazing day.
We can also take pictures of the two of you, specific groups and key moments of the day. (We can decide beforehand about the shots you definitely want to have taken).
I may make a few suggestions about where to stand if the light looks amazing, or there is a beautiful background, but mostly I will be capturing what is happening in a discrete and relaxed documentary style.
Can we take pictures at a different location on the day?
Yes. Sometimes couples want to take a little time out from the wedding to take a few pictures of just the two of you, or a small group. We can go to a near location and take advantage of a scenic view, beautiful light or meaningful location.
Do we meet before the wedding day?
Before your wedding day we will talk either in person, on the phone or by video link to discuss what you would like your photographs to be like.During this meeting you can give me an idea about what kind of wedding you are hoping for, what pictures you definitely want taken, and also you can tell me about pictures you may not want taking.
Why can’t we have our photographs straight away?
After the wedding day all images go through post production, I’ll spend most of the following week processing your photographs, editing each one individually and making sure that every image is the best it can be. Within two days, I will send you an email with a few highlights of the day, the rest may take up to a week to be ready.
Can family and friends take pictures too?
Yes, it's your wedding day and I don't mind so long as you don't.
When we do group photographs, to ensure that everyone is looking at the camera, it would be preferable that I take the pictures first and then your guests can do their own pictures after. I don't mind them taking photographs from behind me.
If you choose to have photographs of just the two of you in a quiet setting it may work best for us to be on our own so as to be able to focus on the photographs without other distractions. These photographs often make a wonderful surprise for your guests when you reveal your photographs to them.
When should we book you for our wedding?
As soon as you can.
Once you are booked in, and your deposit is paid, that is your date and I will reserve it just for you.
Bear in mind that some weddings are booked years in advance, especially those that take place in June, so early booking helps to make sure that you can have the photographer of your choice.
Can you hold a date for me?
Once the deposit has been paid I will reserve that date for you and not accept any other bookings for that day.
I accept bookings on a first come first served basis.
Once I receive a deposit it is assumed that you agree to the contract as printed on the website. Your date will then be reserved.
What is your payment schedule?
A deposit of £200 is due to reserve your date. You then pay the remaining balance 6 weeks before the wedding day.
However extra copies of photographs, albums and memory sticks can be discussed any time after the day up to the first year anniversary of the wedding day.
What kind of equipment do you use?
I use a professional Nikon camera and bring back up cameras and lenses with me. I will also bring a tripod and light reflectors with me, but in order to avoid any accidents, I won’t set up lights at your venue. I prefer to work with natural light and the light available. I generally avoid using a flash, but will have one or a portable light in my camera case in case of very low light
How long have you been taking photographs?
I started working in photography after finishing an art foundation year in the 1980s working for a wedding photographer. After this I moved to London and worked in a portrait studio in Oxford Street. I left there to work in film and television before embarking on a degree in photography, film and television. I continued to work in stills photography as well as making films and videos throughout much of my adult life, but my new company (Alexandra Preston Photography) started in 2021.
Do we need to feed you at the reception?
You don’t have to feed me, but if a light snack is available, that would be lovely. Otherwise I can bring a sandwich with me.
I tend not to take pictures of you and your guests eating as it makes people feel uncomfortable, and stops some people from enjoying their meal. Please give me an idea of when your meal will take place and I will make myself scarce during this time.
What if things go wrong???
If I need to cancel my wedding is the deposit refundable?
It has been a very strange couple of years, and there have been a lot of plans which have had to change. If you are rescheduling your wedding and I am still free I will attend on your new date without extra charges.
If you are cancelling for other reasons please read the wedding contract for specifics, but the general answer is no, once the deposit is paid it is non refundable. The deposit guarantees that I'll hold the date exclusively for you and once you have paid the deposit I assume you agree to the contract details (as printed on the website) and I turn down all other commissions on that date.
Other monies paid will be refunded.
If the timing goes out of sync, will you leave at your previously scheduled time?
I understand how special this day is to you and I won’t leave if things don’t quite go to plan.
Are you insured?
Yes I have comprehensive photographers insurance.
What if you die?
I certainly hope this won’t happen. If it does, my sons will be in charge and they are both extremely competent. Your details will be written in my diary so I will leave instructions for them to contact you and help you to make other arrangements where possible.