WEDDINGS
Wedding prices are rising all the time. It seems that everyone involved in the modern wedding "industry" just makes the sums up as they go along. Photographers are as guilty as the rest. However, as I don't have a High Street shop, a receptionist or a BMW with a personalised number plate, my costs are considerably lower than most. These savings are passed on to the customer. Once you've recovered from the heart-stopping quotes of other photographers, give me a call. Whether you plan a traditional wedding or a civil partnership, in a church, registry office or at midnight in a stone circle, I can guarantee you a first rate service for far less than you might expect. Traditonal or informal, the style is down to you.
PREPARATION
Whenever possible, I like to meet the clients and survey the wedding venue at some point in the week prior to the wedding. This provides an opportunity to take some really special shots. Although any photographer always strives to do his very best, the very nature of the big day inevitably imposes certain restrictions. A couple of hours with the bride and groom, perhaps in a place special to them both, gives the photographer the opportunity to take time to achieve perfect lighting, setting, composition and pose, whereas on the wedding day he has only a matter of minutes for each shot as the bridal party and guests naturally have other things on their minds. It also gives me the opportunity to strike up a rapport with the couple, which I find is very important.
In order for the day to run as smoothly as possible I ask clients to provide as precise a shot list as possible with the names and groupings of those to be photographed. Other pictures can of course be taken on request on the day, but preparation for the photography is as important as every other aspect of the wedding. For large formal weddings it is desirable to have time set aside specifically for the photographs. The assistance of an usher is very helpful - it helps me be as unobtrusive as possible.
(Please be assured that I insure against technological malfunctions and accidents and always come equipped with three cameras and spare flash units.)
PRICING
I offer four basic packages. These are not set in stone and are intended as a rough guide, however, Option 1 is the lowest price available.
- Option 1 - Service only : This costs £300 and includes 10 prints plus CDs of all photographs taken.
- Option 2 - Service and reception : This costs £450 and includes 20 prints.
- Option 3 - Service, reception and evening dance : This costs £600 and includes 30 prints.
- Option 4 - Full day : With this package I will record everything from breakfast time until everybody has gone home and will take up to 200 shots or more. This costs £750 and includes 40 prints.
- A mileage charge of £0.30 per mile applies for all travel over 20 miles. Any weddings over 80 miles away will involve B&B which will be charged at cost.
- A deposit of one third of the total must be paid no less than 4 weeks prior to the date. It will be deducted from the final invoice. It will be returned in the event of cancellation only if I am notified more than 10 days in advance. The remainder must be paid in full on the day.
- A contract must be signed at the time of booking.
Depending on the package chosen, I would normally take between 50 and 200 shots. All packages include archival quality CDs of every photograph taken on the day. Two copies of each will be supplied, one of which should be stored carefully and left untouched in its box. I will retain copies of all pictures for extra insurance. Despite guarantees offered by manufacturers, I strongly advise that all CDs should be rewritten to a new CD every couple of years. All pictures will be supplied in both highest resolution J-peg and TIF format. J-pegs can be printed on any PC with basic imaging software. TIFs require more sophisticated software but produce better quality pictures. These can also be printed relatively cheaply in many high street stores, but the quality and longevity of these is inferior to that provided by professional printing labs.
Prints supplied with these packages are approximately 14cm x 21cm (A5).
All pictures are printed on semi-gloss archival quality paper with archival quality inks.
Extra prints cost
- up to 14cm x 21cm (A5) - £8.00
- up to 21cm x 29cm (A4) - £14.00
- up to 28cm x 42cm (A3) - £25.00
I do not supply albums. I do not supply cardboard mounts as I believe they look cheap and tacky. They also end up dog-eared and dusty very quickly. I recommend that all prints intended for permanent display should be mounted under glass. Otherwise they should be stored in an album with clear plastic sleeves. I accept no responsibility for print degradation through inadequate storage or if they are displayed unprotected.
Prints are supplied in individual envelopes. If the client supplies an album I will make the prints to fit and mount them. Prints smaller than A5 will be charged at A5 prices. I will also mount and frame prints in frames selected or provided by the client. I can also provide large frames up to 3 feet x 2 feet with anything up to 24 prints. Prices vary according to the size of frame and the number of prints.
HANDOVER OF PICTURES
If there is a computer with to hand, unretouched proofs will be available for viewing before I depart. This will give guests the opportunity to order any prints they may like. Otherwise, depending on the number of pictures, proofs will be provided within 2 to 4 days either as low-resolution water-marked j-pegs on CD or by e-mail. Alternatively, they can be supplied as contact sheets. Finished prints will be usually be delivered within 10 days - availability of materials can some times cause short delays. Payment by cheque or cash only. Cheques must clear before handover.) I am not V.A.T. registered, therefore no V.A.T. is charged.
All images © Martin Morrison / Assynt Photographics