Wedding Photographer Sutherland Shire

Wedding Photographer Sutherland Shire, Cathy discusses some of the most frequently asked questions about wedding photography

Cathy has been a Sutherland Shire Wedding Photographer for over 25 years.

Here are some great hints and tips (and some of the most frequently asked questions questions) to ensure you get the most out of you wedding photography.

1. How much do you charge for wedding photography?

My wedding  photography packages start at $2290 and video at $2090. I have a number of different packages available. If you would like a copy of our prices, detailing all we offer, simply fill in the brochure request from to the right and we will have it to you ASAP. I’ m not just a Sutherland shire wedding photographer, I just happen to have a lot of experience with the local area. I do travel all over Australia to document weddings.

2. How many pictures will I get?

This is very tricky to answer, because in truth; there is no definite number. The amount of photos taken at a wedding can vary enormously depending on many factors. Anything for 400 to 900 which is vague right?
Well factors that can affect your wedding photo number include, how long we have for your formal photos, how many locations we have time for, number of guest at the wedding, number of members in the bridal party. Are you have a civil ceremony or a church wedding? There are some factors you cannot control, for instance,  delays in traffic (yes it happens), rain, church delays or longer than expected ceremonies etc.

However there are things that you can do to help ensure you get as many photos as possible. Most importantly have a plan. Make sure you are ready when the photographer arrives at your home. I plan for an hour photo shoot at the bride’s home, if I arrive and your makeup artist has just started on your makeup, then this will have an enormous impact o the amount of photos you will get. I work very closely with all my couples and set out a timeline for their wedding day to ensure I can get as much out of the day as possible

3. How long will you be at my wedding?

I don’t like working with set hours;  My coverage start at the bride’s preparation and I follow it through to the end of the formalities,. Sometime weddings may be seven hours, sometimes they may be twelve, it is what it is. It relieves the pressure of having to get things photographed by a certain time. The reality is, weddings hardly ever run to the exact plan. I just prefer to work this way. 

4. Do we get the files from the wedding?

Yes, I provide both a “social media files” ie they have my watermark and are low resolution for ease of posting to social media. I also provide a high resolution file for printing, no watermark on these files. All provided on a very cute USB

5. Do you offer video?

Absolutely, we have a very different approach to videography than other studios.
We want everyone to be able to afford a wedding day video. We start with just the raw footage coverage, and also provide a short highlights film, perfect for showing your family and friends. Normally videography can be around $4000 to $5000 dollars, which is just not attainable for a lot of couples. We’ve worked really hard to make things accessible to most couples getting married.

wedding photographer sutherland shire   7. What’s your wedding photography style?

I get asked this all the time, and I always say “my style is whatever YOU want it to be”
So let me explain. I love photography, I really love candid, happy, spontaneous moments, but I also love really romantic photos, so two extremes. To any creative photographer their style preference should not be important; accommodating the customer’s style preference is my aim. There are lots of different albums on display in the studio, all are documented quite differently, and couples will almost always gravitate towards one or another. Be sure to communicate what YOU want in terms of style to your photographer. Remember these are your memories not the photographers

8. How long will it take to get my wedding photos?

Wedding images are turned around by 2-3 weeks. Generally speaking  images and files all ready to view when a couple comes back from their honeymoon. Thereafter, once album designs are completed, the production of the book/album is approx 4-6 weeks

 9. Are you a professionally qualified wedding photographer?

Yes Yes and Yes. That’s actually a very good question. The photography industry in Australia is NOT regulated. What does that mean? It means ANYONE can call themselves a photographer, register a ABN and away they go. This has caused many issue for the wedding industry.

I am a member of the AIPP (Australian Institute of professional Photography) , that’s our national body.  We abide by a code of ethics, agree to keep upto date with photography advances, and have been accessed and our worked deemed of professional standard. If you want to check someones accreditation simple go to this site  http://www.aipp.com.au

10. What happens if it rains?

We have a Plan B and sometimes Plan C for wedding photography, after all you don’t get a second shot at this . All my couples are briefed at the pre wedding interview about plan B aka wet weather and also plan C. We make sure everyone knows about the plan, ie venue and car drivers as well. It is never something we wing on the day! And remember rain is not the only reason for things needing a plan B, wind and sun can also be your best friend and at time your biggest challenge.

wedding photographer sutherland shire

11 . Can I do an engagement session?

Engagement sessions are a tonne of fun  (also known as pre wedding photo session) They are the perfect way to get to know you better, and you get to know me too! I get to teach you all sorts of important aspects of being photographed, and most importantly you will feel a load more relaxed about your photography on the wedding day.

I have a great article on why I think engagement session are so good   Engagement Photo Sessions – Why I Like Them

12 . How far ahead do I need to book?

Anything from 6 months to as much as 2 years ahead, especially for peak wedding season! I always tell couples, when you know, you know. Confirm that date with a deposit, and then you are assured!

13. Can you hold a date for me?

Sadly no I can’t. I can get up to 4-5 enquiries for some dates, especially for date between September trough to March as this time is considered “wedding season”

bookings are made on a first come/first serve basis.

14. How much deposit do you need?

Our deposit for photography is $750. Video is also $750. If you book a package that includes both photography and videography the deposit is $1500

If you have any other question you would like me to answer give me a call on 0447 400 074, always happy to chat, Cathy xox