My Wedding Photography Service

Listed below are the most common questions I'm asked. If however you have any other questions please get in touch

Introduction

I'm the original Salisbury-based photographer who gives you the choice of the ideal amount of coverage and presentation of your special day. I've photographed more than 150 weddings since my first back in 2009; from small intimate ceremonies to full-day celebrations at stately homes with guests ranging from 10 to over 150.

What is my photography style?

I create a story of your wedding day in a relaxed and informal documentary style. I will of course photograph your family groups, generations, stag & hen party groups but I'll also capture those fleeting, candid moments that are often missed. I capture the true essence of your day without being the centre of attention myself.

As part of my service I always include a pre-wedding shoot which allows us to get to know each other better. This all makes the photographs on your wedding day much more relaxed.

What packages do I offer?

Quite simply I don't offer packages. I believe you should be able to choose the photography coverage and presentation that fits your needs.

My photography service is based on two key decisions: firstly, the amount of coverage you'd like, for instance. pre-ceremony, during the ceremony, at the wedding breakfast and evening reception. Secondly, you decide how you’d like your images to be presented. This way you have your own bespoke wedding photography package and you only pay for the photography you want.

What do I mean by the amount of coverage?

Instead of charging for hours and minutes, I think of your wedding as four parts. Some couples know exactly how much coverage they want, others need some guidance. I give you all the information you need to make an informed decision and, ultimately, it the choice is yours.

Almost all couples who book me want at least coverage of their ceremony and wedding breakfast, some also want photos of the pre-ceremony (getting ready) and most want coverage of their first dance and cake cutting.

What do I mean by the presentation of the images?

There are so many ways to present the precious memories from your wedding day. When I got married in 2005, presentation was still very much 20th century! Nowadays wedding photobooks are the most popular way to present your wedding images but there are so many options available to you.

I love designing photobooks and it gives me a great deal of pleasure when I deliver a couple’s photobook, knowing that it has been made in the UK and individually designed by me with your chosen images. I can and do still supply wedding photo albums but, to be honest, it's been a while since the last album left the studio. Once most couples see my photobooks, they don't look back.

How much do I charge?

This is often the first question I'm asked. The short answer is... it depends on how much coverage you would like. Wedding photography shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all commodity. Until I know more about you and what you want (and don't want) it's difficult to give you an exact figure. But, like when we were planning our own wedding, a ball park figure to work out how much of your budget to allocate to photography is useful.

My wedding photography starts from £695.00 for a Ceremony-only service. The majority of my couples spend between £900 and £1,600 which includes the desired amount of coverage and presentation options. Videography with Bince Productions is a separate additional charge dealt directly with Bince Productions.

I believe it’s important that the price I quote is fixed, so if you book me and I subsequently raise my prices, you are safe in the knowledge that the cost of your wedding photography won't increase.

Do I offer second photographers?

Yes! However, for the vast majority of weddings I've photographed, I haven't had a second photographer either because of the additional cost or because two photographers can seem too many. A second photographer can add another perspective on your wedding day though and I'm happy to discuss this with you if you'd like to explore the possibility.

Do I offer videography?

Yes via Bince Productions. I have worked with a few different videographers and I'm happy to recommend Harvey Bince. I would be happy to put you in touch with Harvey of Bince Productions to discuss your wedding videography. Any subsequent booking with Bince Productions is separate to your booking with Simon Ward Photography and pricing and payment for videography is handled by Bince Productions.

What's included in the price?

Although my wedding photography is bespoke, there are certain aspects which I believe are vital to achieving my relaxed and informal documentary style, and to achieving the precious images that will tell the story of your special day. These include:

A Pre-Wedding Shoot: at the venue or a different location, but essential to build a rapport and dispel any myths you may have heard about wedding photographers.
Attendance at your rehearsal: for church ceremonies I offer to attend your rehearsal so that I may meet your vicar and show them that I'm not like the photographer who "laid on the floor in the centre of the aisle, getting in the way of the formalities".
My time on the day: my time isn't based on hours and minutes but on the elements of the day you want photographed (weddings can and often do over run so I don't clock watch, I'd prefer to photograph your wedding day as it unfolds).
A complimentary 10x8" print: I think it's important in this social media age that you have a photograph from your wedding photographer on the day of your wedding. If you’d like a signing frame included too you've got the perfect wedding keepsake.
Editing and presenting your images: each image I present to you at your viewing is edited for colour and contrast to ensure consistency throughout. As a matter of course I don't over edit images however there may be times where you'd like to discuss additional editing.
Studio viewing: Usually 3 to 4 weeks after your wedding day I invite you to the studio for your gallery viewing.
A password-protected online gallery: for you and your guests to view via computer, tablet or mobile and to make purchases if they wish.
My free iPhone and Android app: ideal for viewing your wedding gallery on the move.
A Personalised keepsake USB Folio: the perfect way to keep the images from your wedding day. All images are supplied in high resolution without watermarks for you to print at home or share with guests.

How much is my deposit?

The deposit is £300.00 This confirms your wedding date in my diary and is non-refundable. Some couples like to pay more than £300.00 which is fine but not compulsory.

What about the balance?

I like to think my whole wedding photography service is flexible and this is true with the payment of your balance. You can pay the balance at any time up to two calendar months before the big day. Some couples pay lump sums periodically and some set up a standing order to spread the balance over a number of months, it's up to you. I appreciate that I'm not the only supplier you have to pay so I try to be as flexible as possible.

Which payment methods do we accept?

Payment method accepted include all major debit & credit cards; online bank transfer; PayPal and old-fashioned cash.

Do I book more than one wedding per day?

The most bittersweet part of our wedding photography is when a couple really wants to book me but finds out we're already booked on their preferred date! I'm usually booked up one to two years in advance, so it's important to act quickly when choosing your preferred photographer.

Sometimes, when I've told couples that I'm already booked on a particular date, they have asked if I have another photographer who I can supply because they really like our service, reputation, bespoke offer and, ultimately, the price. I'm happy to discuss available options in these circumstances.

How far do I travel?

I'll travel more or less anywhere couples wish. So far, we've travelled as far afield as Yorkshire, Kent, Suffolk and Devon.

Am I insured?

Yes, I am insured for Public Liability and Professional Indemnity and will happily provide details on request. Some wedding venues insist on wedding suppliers having insurance before allowing them on site.

Anything else?

I'm a member of the Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers (SWPP). An industry-leading association of photographers who share best practice and agree to work to a high standard for the benefit of their customers, their business and the industry as a whole.