FAQ

We all have questions!
I have put together this list of the questions I get most.
Hopefully it will answer a few,
but I am looking for new ones, so please ask!

Frequently Asked Questions

Packages

How much will my wedding photography cost?

The cost of our wedding photography is determined by the level of coverage you choose. My packages start at R20 000 for 8 hours (2016). If you have shorter weddings or weekday weddings please mention that in the email as different rates will apply. Email me with your details, include date, venue, time. The more info you can provide the better.

How many photographs do you take?

It depends on each wedding. Minimum of 500. Usually more.

Do you provide black and white images?

Yes. I shoot in colour, but during the editing process I will change some photos to black and white, depending on the look and feel of the photograph.

What about negatives?

Since I shoot in digital the disk that you get with your package is your 'negatives'. This is the same disk that I will be using to make your prints. This is in high resolution. This is NOT watermarked. You can make your own reprints for the whole family. You are welcome to copy the disk for friends and family. The images will be in JPG.

Can I negotiate for a better price?

Unfortunately not, but you can contact me with special requests.

The rates are worked out for me to be able to run a sustainable long-term business.

I am friends with most of the other top photographers and know exactly what the various photographers in the industry charge. My rates are very competitive for the product that I deliver – in the end one should always remember “you get what you pay for”. If you are getting married during the week I might be able to discount some of the packages for selected dates. I do understand that you have a specific budget and I can refer you to photographers which are in your budget range.

How will my photos and album be delivered?

I prefer couples to come and pick up their photos and/or album themselves. That way I can make sure that you receive your order in good condition. Albums can be couriered to you at an extra cost.

How does copyright work?

I have copyright on all images for commercial purposes. You are welcome to use them for competitions, etc. When your uncle, who owns the venue where you got married, want to use some of the photos in a magazine for advertisements he needs to contact me regarding rates. I do retain the right to publish all wedding photos on my website, advertising mediums, magazines, etc. If you are in a witness protection programme or something and this really will be a problem, please let me know and I will definitely accommodate you.

TRAVEL

What are your travel costs?

With weddings the first 200 km on the round-trip is included. Thereafter it’s R4 per km. Accommodation is normally required for weddings further than 100 km from Cape Town for me. I prefer to arrange this myself. Work on R600 pp for accommodation.

Do you do destination weddings?

For sure! I have done weddings in all nine provinces in South Africa. The travel cost outside the Western Cape (when I will need to fly) will be around R4 000, give or take.

"HE CAN PHOTOSHOP THAT"

How important is post-processing in your final images?

Also called 'editing' I believe this is a crucial part of what I have to offer. I believe in keeping the image as natural as possible. Just enhancing the colours and contrast a bit to create a mood.

Will all my photos be Photoshopped?

Only the images as per package will be edited. I use Lightroom to do basic correction. For bridal close-ups photos.

Can you remove my mole, make me skinny, add some muscle, put me on an iceberg?

No. I keep the photos as close to the actual day as possible. I don’t do major plastic surgery. Again this takes time which can add up to the costs.

Deposit, bookings and cancellations

Can you please hold our date?

After some 'lessons' learnt in the past, I don’t keep a date for anyone unless the deposit is paid. I don’t own pencils.

How much of a retainer is required to save our date?

The booking fee is R5 000.

How long in advance must we book you?

Depends on the date. I have been booked four days before a wedding. I have also been booked 18 months in advance.

How do we book you?

1. Please check the exact date first. I prefer email as I am not always at my computer to check my diary. 2. Upon confirmation of availability, pay the deposit into my account and please email me your proof of payment - that secures your date. 3. Arrange a date for a consultation ASAP. 4. You are also more then welcome to come and chat first before you book.

Our wedding has been cancelled/moved can we get our deposit back?

The concept of a deposit is to secure my service for that particular day. If your wedding is moved to another date for which I am available you can transfer the deposit to that booking. If I am already booked for your new date the deposit is waivered. If your wedding is cancelled the deposit is waivered.

Consultation and venue scouting

Do you offer a pre-wedding consultation? If so, is It included in the packages or does it require an additional fee?

Yes, I prefer to meet with the couple at least 3 months before the wedding, if possible. If not, then we need to do it on the phone/Skype. This process usually takes about an hour. I have a lot of tips and tricks to share with you to help you maximise my service on the day and smooth the process for all the service providers. I prefer to do it at my home in Pinehurst, Durbanville. This consultation will then be free. Should you wish that I come and see you the rate is R500 + travel costs (R3 per km). This is normally done on Monday nights. Email me for a slot.

Can you view a wedding venue before the wedding?

This can be arranged. I have probably been to your venue. If you would still want me to go there the cost is R500 + travel costs (R3 per km).

On the day

How MUCH time IS NEEDED for the couple shoot?

Without travel, I need about 60 minutes. This will ensure that you get the standard that you see on my website.

How do you get your couples to look so unposed AND NATURAL?

I love it when couples interact. I would give a bit of direction to them, though. Only about 3% of the photos will have you actually looking directly at me and the camera.

Will we notice you a lot on the day?

I try to stay in the background at all times, especially during the ceremony. I will definitely still get the important shots.

My friend/brother/mother is a budding photographer who probably will be shooting as well. Is this fine?

I don’t have a problem as long as they understand that I have a timeframe/plan to which I work. If they are constantly reposing people while I’m busy, then we are wasting everybody’s time. You also don’t want your photos spoiled by a paparazzi in the background. When doing group shots you don’t want everybody looking in different directions because of four cameras. On the red carpet this is fine, but it’s probably going to look silly in your album. If somebody becomes an irritation, I will ask them only once to get out of the way. If they don’t want to, then they can take over. Please remember that you have a professional there. It’s always so sad to see pictures of the happy couple walking out of the church, confetti flying, and both mothers of the couple taking pictures with a cell phone. Rather participate in your children’s special day! I'm there to capture all those special moments.

Do you take any formal wedding photographs?

Yes. A lot of people don’t like them, but afterwards they are usually very happy we took them. These are usually the ones that are also used for enlargements. It only takes a couple of minutes. Believe me, you will thank me afterwards.

Can you take table shots of all the guests?

No. I keep moving between people getting “in the moment” shots. I really dislike table shots. This is not practical at all. I rather suggest we do group shots together with the family shots. It’s always nice to do this while at the pre-drinks. It’s interactive and enjoyable for all. Hopefully everybody will still look decent. If you do want this at the reception please have a look at my photo corner as an add-on.

Do we need to make a List?

You will need to provide us with a list of the various groups that you want to be photographed, say, like different groups of friends. Please arrange for a “traffic officer” to get the relevant group together for each shot. I normally work on about 1 minute per photo. Twenty group shots will thus take 20 minutes.

After the wedding

When do we get our wedding photos?

This will depend on your package.

CD only package - 3 weeks

Album package - 8 weeks

When do we pay you?

In the week before the wedding. Please note that editing will only start once the final payment has been made.

Courier cost?

If you want me to courier the photos to you, you are looking at about: R120 in RSA + handling charge of R200 (time spent to make up the parcel and arrange courier). R500 overseas + handling charge of R200 (time spent to make up the parcel and arrange courier). Full payment needs to be made before I send the photos.

Do you work with an assistant?

It depends on the wedding and the chosen package. I do however request that the couple ask one of their friends or family to help us during the couple/group shots (1 hour), just to ease the traffic of getting everyone in a picture!

Do we have to provide you with seating and a meal?

Yes. Otherwise, I might have to pop out to KFC and miss your opening dance - and that includes my assistant as well. I also need a place to sit down and take a break and somewhere safe to leave my equipment.

And engagement shoots?

Yes, I do engagement shoots as an optional extra. Packages start at R4 500.

Final Questions

Do you offer coffee table books?

Yes, as an optional extra or as part of a package.

Do you shoot only digital?

Yes.

Do you shoot only weddings?

No, I do a range of photography. See the Lifestyle section on my website.

Do you back-up photos?

Yes, Yes and Yes again! I do suggest that once you received your disc that you make your own back-ups.

How long do you keep the photos for?

I keep three copies of every wedding at least 3 months after the photos have been handed over to the client. After that the onus is on the client to back-up their photos.

Can I come and assist/second shoot for you?

I get this question at least once a week. I have two people working on a permanent basis for me. They know what I need from them. I can’t expect a couple's wedding day to be a training school for somebody else. I don’t take in any additional assistants to weddings.

If you miss my wedding do you have a photographer who can take your place?

After 500 weddings I haven’t missed a single wedding. Not planning to do so soon, either. I would shoot with a drip in my arm if I have to. I am friends with A LOT of photographers. Although I can’t promise anything, I will do my utmost best to get an excellent photographer in my place if need be.

Finally, why should I book you?

Judge me on my work. If it touches you, contact me. If the price is within your budget come and meet me. You will quickly know if we gel, that's a promise.

FAQ