The Experience
Hello lovers!
How nice of you to be having a look around! I guess this means you're after a bit more info. Well, here it is! But if you still have questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch or drop me an email on hello@shutterandjoy.com
Have fun!
Hello lovers!
How It Works
the day
I'm a documentary-style photographer, so my main job is to lurk in the background, snapping away at all the loveliness unfolding in front of me! On a typical 'bridal prep to first dance' day with a bride and a groom, I'll arrive at the prep venue roughly one and a half hours before the bride is planning on leaving. I encourage my couples to aim to be ready half an hour before the leaving time so there's plenty of time for reveal photos and some portraits. I'll then leave ahead of the bride in order to snap guests arriving and the groom waiting patiently (and nervously!) Once you've said 'I do', had a couple of celebratory bevvies and said hello to your guests, I'll briefly steal you away for your couple shoot. If you're comfortable in front of the camera, good for you! But most people aren't. But do not fear! I will give you the direction you need to end up with beautiful photos. My direction is simple and natural, like 'Go for a walk over there' or 'Have a chat about what you did this morning' and we'll play a few silly games! I have no expectation of what you will do or say or what your reactions will be. That's what makes my photos such a true reflection of who you guys are: you are always just being yourselves, but just doing it in a spot that I've picked that looks cool! I'll snap a few party shots after the first dance and then be on my way (unless you've hired me to party all night with you! Can I get a whoop whoop?!)
the photos
By now, you've probably got an idea of my style. I love showing love and always gravitate towards shots that show true emotion. I want you to be able to look back and know that all the love and laughter was genuine and sincere.
When editing, the first step is to whittle the thousands (literally!) down to a much more respectable number! I don't guarantee a certain number of images to my couples as it depends on the length of the wedding, number of guests etc, but rest assured there'll be more than enough, usually around 800-1200! The ones that don't make the cut are usually duplicates (or the occasional one where I've leant against my camera and taken a photo of the floor!) Each photo gets the editing attention it deserves and I never say 'That will do'!
I upload your images to an online gallery where you, and anyone you share the link with, can download hi-res images until their heart's content with no additional fee.
I adore black and white photos so you'll find plenty of those in your gallery, usually with its colour counterpart. All you then have to decide is which one will make it into the album!
Speaking of albums, the company I use are fantastic and only print their professional line for professional photographers. Their books have the beautiful 'lay-flat' style, meaning that none of the photo is lost in the crease and you can have totally gorgeous double-page spreads! Perfect!
Prep-to-First-Dance Photography
This is the foundation on which to add all the lovely extras. Of course, we can adjust to shorter hours for micro-weddings
Additional Hours
Want me to stay and catch all the fun on the dance-floor?! No problem!
Second Photographer
Want snaps of both of you getting ready? A second photographer is for you then! They provide different angles so can get everyone's emotions and reactions during the ceremony and speeches, and will also capture guest arrival and candids of your guests when we sneak off for the couple photoshoot
Soundography
I record the audio of your vows and speeches, then select the best bits and use these in a slideshow of your best photos with some lovely music! Read more here or in the FAQ below!
Photobooks
Don't leave your photos locked up on your phone! Beautifully designed, printed and presented photobooks showcase your pics perfectly, and make awesome gifts too!
Fine Art Prints
A pack of ten 6x4 inch photos, printed on luxury photo paper designed to enhance and highlight every detail. Plus, your selection of photos will be meticulously edited until they are works of art
Engagement Shoot
A great way for us to get to know each other and get you used to being in front of the camera! Many couples also use their pics in their invites or display them at the wedding
FAQ
Here are the answers to some FAQs but if they don't answer your question or you'd like more info,
just get in touch via the contact page or email hello@shutterandjoy.com
What is Soundography?
As an ex-videographer, I met many couples who struggled to decide whether to pay for a photographer and a videographer. Often the decision was to only book a photographer but I would get many emails expressing regret after the big day that they didn't get a video. When I woke up on the day after my wedding, my first thought was, "I know the speeches were amazing but I can't remember what anyone said! Thank God I got it recorded!" So I decided to offer my couples a product that, as far as I've seen, is unique to shutter & joy: Soundography. I use high quality, discreet lapel mics to record your vows and speeches. I then select the best bits and create a slideshow of your favourite photos with the audio playing in the background with some gorgeous music. This means you can enjoy the benefit of a wedding film at a fraction of the cost! Find out more & watch a short demo!
Will we meet before the big day?
If we haven't already and that’s something you’d like to do, absolutely! Or if we have, let's meet again! We can meet in person, over a video call, or just chat on the phone. Getting to know each other will help you feel more comfortable on the day and allow me to understand who you are and how best to capture your day.
Can we have an engagement shoot?
Of course! Price depends on where and for how long but a rough guide is £200 an hour. Engagement shoots are a great way for us to get to know each other and provide you with lovely images that you may want to use on the big day.
Do you do formal group shots?
Yes! I do suggest keeping them to a minimum though as guests are keen to get to the bar or the loo! I'd recommend an 'everybody' shot, a 'family' shot, a 'friend' shot and a 'bridal party' shot. I do, however, recommend going off with the bridesmaids and ushers for a bit of photography fun! We will decide this before the big day and I will ensure I pick the right time so you don’t have to worry about the schedule of the day.
Do you use flash photography?
I avoid the flash wherever possible and use natural lighting. If it calls for it though, I will use it when lighting is too low which is usually in the evening. I also have some video lights (I pop them in the corner and they stay on) but I will only get these out during cake cutting and first dance if needs be. Don’t worry; I won’t blind you!
Can we have smoke bombs?
To this I say, “Hell yes!”… providing your venue allow them which it’s likely they will. They're a great extra to really make your photos look fun and special, and they're available in a variety of colours so you can match them to your colour scheme. Disclaimer: it has been known for bombs to stain clothing / accessories / flowers / walls etc. It hasn't happened for me, but if it’s a risk you’re willing to take, let's do it! You will be responsible for purchasing them, checking permissions, and any liability as wedding photographer insurers do not cover smoke bombs annoyingly! (Smoke bombs are little cylinders that emit large clouds of colourful smoke - they make fab photos!)
Do you charge for travel / accommodation?
There is no charge for travel in mainland UK. Travel elsewhere is something we can figure out together. The same goes for accommodation - I usually go for this if your celebrations are 2hrs+ from where I'm based in Kent (I wouldn't want to be rushing away just as the party starts!) I'm happy with a simple room or AirBnB – we’ll discuss this if it is necessary.
When will we receive our photos?
There is no set time as each wedding is unique and differs with the seasons. If the wait looks a like it will be a while, I will send you some sneak-peek pics after the wedding so you have something to keep you company! Then I'll get your online gallery to you ASAP. I promise not to keep you waiting too long!
How many photos will we receive?
I don't guarantee a certain amount of photos. There are many factors that determine how much I can shoot. For example, micro weddings will have fewer guests to photograph, and some of the more traditional events, such as cutting the cake and first dance, might not be taking place. But rest assured I will get all the details and you'll have a generous number of photos to enjoy!
How is our album designed?
Select the images you want to include and I will style your photobook for you. I'll then send you a preview file so you can give it the 'OK' or ask for any changes or additions. Once you are happy, I'll send it off to be printed: I use a company who specialise in high-end photobooks and prints especially for professional photographers. Their products are beautiful books with a lay-flat binding and come in a range of sizes and covers.
What if you’re ill on the day?
It’s never happened before, but I have good relationships with other professional photographers who could step in if worst comes to worst. This will not cost you any more money and I will still edit your photos.
What are the payment terms?
I'm fairly relaxed about this as I know how stressful the expense of weddings can be and I wouldn't want to add to that! I ask for a £200 non-refundable deposit to secure the booking and the rest just prior to the wedding. All monies, including the deposit, will be refunded in full if your wedding is cancelled due Covid-19, minus any expenses already incurred.
What are fine art prints?
They are a set of meticulously edited photos printed onto luxury paper designed to enhance the image and colours to their very best. Beautiful!
Featured on the cover of 'Your Kent Wedding' Magazine!
Found in the Unwedding Book of Love Directory
