frequently asked questions
Got a question? It’s only natural that you have a ton of questions before/after you’ve booked me so here’s a list of the most common questions I get asked as a natural wedding photographer and family photography.
Just click the title to jump to the section you need to see or scroll through with a cuppa.
If you don’t see your question on this page, please do get in touch
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Wedding Photography FAQ
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Engagement Photography FAQ
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Family Photography FAQ
wedding photography questions
WE’RE HAVING A LAST MINUTE WEDDING, CAN YOU PHOTOGRAPH OUR WEDDING?
Absolutely, as long as we are allowed to and I am available. Get in touch to chat about what you are looking for in terms of photography and we can discuss the best way to get awesome photos of your small wedding. I have some mini packages available for intimate weddings and short coverage options.
Do check out my useful advice for you:
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HOW DO WE CHECK IF YOU’RE FREE FOR OUR WEDDING DATE?
The best way is to get in touch with your wedding date and as much information as you can share. I will then check my diary and get back to you. If I’m free I’ll send over my brochure and we can arrange to have a chat. If I’m not, I am happy to recommend some other photographers I know and trust.
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WE WOULD LIKE TO BOOK YOU. WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO?
That’s fabulous! I am very happy you would like me to be your photographer. First things first is to pay a retainer and sign an online contract. Sometime between now and your wedding we’ll sort out a date to meet up and run through the details of your wedding day, timings, family names etc. If you have an engagement session we will also get this booked in as soon as possible. Get in touch here and let’s get you booked in.
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HOW MUCH DO YOU COST AS A NATURAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
This very much depends on what you are looking for in terms of coverage and what is included. As a guide my main packages start at £1650 and you can see more details of what’s included in my pricing here. The best way to work out the right package for you is for us to have a chat. That way I can direct you towards the package that most suits what you are looking for.
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WHAT KIND OF WEDDING VENUES HAVE YOU PHOTOGRAPHED?
Over the years I have photographed weddings in all sorts of venues, from stately home weddings and country house weddings to tipi weddings and back garden weddings. I have photographed church ceremonies, civil ceremonies and humanist ceremonies. I love to work at new venues as much as its wonderful to revisit places I have worked at before. Wherever your wedding is taking place I will be there to capture the joy, fun and your amazing day.
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DO YOU TAKE FAMILY PHOTOS ON THE DAY?
Yes, of course. This is the one time you have all your loved ones together so I understand you might want some family photos. They can easily end up eating up the time, so I aim to keep this part of the day short and informal so you can spend lots of time with your family and friends. I recommend no more than 10 set ups, which will take about 20 minutes. I also wrote a handy blog post all about how to make group photos easy.
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HOW EXPERIENCED ARE YOU AS A NATURAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
It’s been my pleasure and privilege to have photographed over 350 weddings in my decade as a natural wedding photographer. I have extensive experience having worked in a wide variety of venues, in every season and in every type of weather (including during Storm Brian!)
My experience allows me to come to a day relaxed and confident that I can get the best photos for you as well as providing support and guidance if needed.
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WHAT’S YOUR STYLE AND APPROACH TO PHOTOGRAPHING A WEDDING?
My style is natural, beautiful, creative and authentic. The style of my work leads from my approach, which is primarily to document the day as it happens, capturing the natural and intimate moments. Even when photographing the couples portraits I will give a little direction, but in the main I want you to be you and to feel relaxed and have fun. Take a look through the wedding galleries to share some of the wedding day joy I love to capture.
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ANY TIPS ON HOW TO PLAN OUR WEDDING?
The most important thing is to be true to what you want. Make a list of what is really important for both of you and this is where every decision should come from.
I have written a few blog posts that share top tips on planning your wedding. Everything from working out budget, to what steps to take and when. I cant feel like a bit of a minefield but it’s a really fun thing to do if you take it a step at a time. How to stay organised and stress-free when planning your wedding is a good one, and the rest of my planning guide – do take a look through and I promise they will help.
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WHICH AREAS DO YOU COVER? DO YOU TRAVEL?
Yes, I shoot weddings all over the UK and abroad. I am based in London and for any weddings in England the travel costs are included in the packages. For the rest of the UK and further afield, the fee will include the price of the package you want plus any travel expenses such as trains, flights and accommodation.
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET?
There is no set number of images but you will get all the fabulous ones from the day. You can, on average, expect roughly 600-800 from a full day’s wedding coverage and about 100 or so from an engagement shoot. All of these come with a full personal print licence in both high and low resolution, ready for printing or sharing online. You can find out more details about the photography albums I offer here.
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WE AREN’T REALLY COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA AND DON’T WANT TO FEEL LIKE WE ARE BEING POSED!
This is completely fine, and more common than you might think! I don’t like fake reactions in photos and overly posed formal shots either. How I work is to just be there, to watch and to anticipate those moments that you actually want to see in your photographs. I have learned how to observe people and to capture the reactions that are really going to make you smile when you see the photos after! There will be times when you won’t even notice that I am taking your photo. This is often why engagement shoots are a good idea; it gives you a chance to get used to being in front of the camera. Take a look at my engagement shoot portfolio for some inspiration. It is all very relaxed, the aim being for you to react naturally, be comfortable and have fun! After all, it is your wedding day and you want to enjoy your time, not end up feeling stressed about the photos.
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HOW SOON AFTER THE WEDDING DO WE GET OUR IMAGES?
Your photos will be ready approximately 8-10 weeks after your wedding day (sometimes sooner). Your online gallery will be set up first and the link and password sent to you so you can start sharing the photos with your friends and family. The gallery is password-protected and has a secure shopping facility so you can purchase prints there. I will then post your USB to you about a week later. If you have an album or prints as part of your package we will have a chat about these once you have received all your images. As a general rule, I do all album designs in the winter months when things have quietened down and I can give them my full attention.
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HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO WE NEED TO BOOK YOU TO PHOTOGRAPH OUR WEDDING DAY?
The easy answer is don’t hang around if you like what you see! For peak dates (Fridays and Saturdays during the Summer months) I am normally booked 12-18 months ahead, sometimes more. September and October are also popular months, so can book quickly. For other times of the year I would recommend booking 9-12 months ahead.
If you are planning a wedding with less than 9 months to go, it’s still worth getting in touch.
Really, the sooner you get in touch the better. Not only does this mean that there is more chance I will be available, but confirming the booking early into your planning also means I can be there to help, pass on top tips, chat idea and share recommendations, should you need a hand with anything.
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HOW LONG DO WE NEED TO BOOK YOU FOR ON OUR WEDDING DAY?
I have a range of packages that cover different time amounts from 6 hours to 10 hours. I also offer hourly options if you are looking for just a few hours. How much time you need depends on your plans and what you would like covered. For example, if you want morning prep through to evening dancing it’s most likely you will be looking for 8-10 hours. If you want ceremony to evening, probably 6-8. If you aren’t sure then its best to book in a chat where we can talk through your plans and I will recommend the best package for you.
All the packages can be tweaked to add a little time here or there, so we can easily make them bespoke. It’s also worth knowing that you can add an extra hour or two at any point before the wedding so don’t worry if your plans change or you decide you want more coverage.
There are also options to add a second photographer, which is useful and recommended if you want prep for both couples captured, have a large number of guests, or have a lot going on during the day.
Do check out my blog on how to plan out your wedding day timeline.
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WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE HAVING YOU SHOOT OUR WEDDING?
Do check out my testimonials page for first hand messages from my couples. The easiest way to let you know what to expect from having me as your natural wedding photographer is to pass on the kind words of one of my brides, after all, she has been there first hand!
“Fiona’s ability to take natural shots that capture the moment separates her from the crowd. She has exceptional vision and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Fiona’s clearly a professional in her field, but she’s also so warm and kind that it makes us happy that she got to share our special day with us.”
read my latest real wedding blogs
Queens House wedding photography – Elegant Summer wedding at Queens House
An elegant summer wedding at Queens House with a bespoke wedding dress When Ellie and Fran first got in touch with me about their Queens House wedding photography I was so excited – they were planning an elegant and stylish wedding with their loved ones, many of whom...
Kew Gardens wedding photography – Pretty Autumn wedding at Cambridge Cottage
Pretty, flower filled Autumn wedding at Kew Gardens If you’re looking for Kew Gardens wedding photography, you’ll love this wedding! When Holly and David first got in touch with me about their wedding, I was so excited – they were planning a relaxed beautiful wedding...
London Wedding Photographer – Outdoor wedding at the Horniman Museum Bandstand
A Beautiful Rustic wedding at Horniman Museum Tracey and Nigel planned a stylish, elegant and laid back wedding with an outdoor wedding at the Horniman Museum bandstand and reception in the Horniman Conservatory. It was wonderful...
engagement photography questions
I WANT TO PROPOSE TO MY PARTNER. CAN I BOOK YOU AS MY PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THE PROPOSAL?
Absolutely and I LOVE a proposal shoot. It takes a little planning but is so exciting. I am there to capture the moment you pop the question and then after have a little time for photos of the two of you.
DO YOU OFFER ENGAGEMENT/PRE WEDDING SHOOTS?
Yes, I do. A pre-wedding or engagement shoot is a great way to get used to being in front of the camera, if you’re a little camera shy. It’s a chance to get some lovely, relaxed photos of the two of you, and if you have children you can include them in the shoot and make it a real family experience. There’s no pressure with this shoot, it’s a very relaxed and fun experience. We can do the photos at your favourite place or choose to do something that’s special to the two of you – you can see some great examples of my engagement photography work here. You will get the final edited images on USB as high-res files, so if you want to use them for a Save the Date card, wedding invitation or a guest book, you can. I wrote a useful blog post on how I approach engagement shoots which you may find useful.
WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND BOOKING AN ENGAGEMENT SHOOT?
Some couples choose to book one on as a way to remember the exciting time in the run-up to the wedding, or as a way to get over photo nerves before the big day!
Whatever your reason couples shoots are relaxed and fun and a great opportunity to spend a lovely day in each other’s company. It’s also a great way for us to get to know each other ahead of the wedding. Engagement shoots last about 2 hours. This gives us time for a chat, a wander and a bit of an adventure. After the session, there’s no need to choose which photos to keep and which ones you have to let go. All the final photos are included in the price, ready for you to print and share. You can book your engagement photography session here.
WHERE CAN WE GO FOR AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOSHOOT?
Pretty much wherever you would like! I suggest that it’s a location you love to visit or might have special meaning to the two of you. We can spend a morning wandering through central London seeing the sites, we can hang out in the countryside or a favourite park, or we can head to the coast to see the sea and spend some time on a beach. I am happy to help with suggestions if you aren’t sure or need to chat through some ideas. You can check my engagement photography blogs for inspiration.
London engagement photography – Kyoto Gardens & Holland Park Engagement Shoot
Kyoto Gardens & Holland Park engagement shoot Hattie & George booked an engagement shoot with me as part of their wedding photography package. They chose to have a Holland Park engagement shoot on a beautiful sunny Summers day. They wanted a location that...
London proposal photography – Kew Gardens marriage proposal
A Kew Gardens marriage proposal One of the most exciting, and slightly nerve-wracking, things to photograph is a marriage proposal. When Josh got in touch to chat about getting photos when he proposed to Lee I was really excited. He had already decided he wanted to...
West Sussex engagement photography – West Wittering beach engagement shoot
A loved up, laid back West Wittering beach engagement shoot I loved hanging out with Jac and Nick to get photos for their beach engagement shoot at West Wittering. Jac is a natural in front of the camera and was totally at ease. Nick was less of a fan of having his...
family photography questions
HOW DO WE BOOK YOU AS OUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER?
My style of photography makes the most of your home, the natural light and the great outdoors. The shoot is very easy going with your children being the ones who drive the session. To ensure it’s a relaxed and fun experience the sessions are in the main undirected, but I will guide where needed. My aim is to make you feel at ease from the start and simply enjoy spending time with your family while I capture photos of you. If this sounds like the kind of thing you would love for your family photos then get in touch. You can email me on fiona@fionakellyphotography.com or fill out the form on the family photo pricing page. I can then get in touch to find out more and sort out a time and location for the photo shoot.
WHY IS HAVING A FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT A GOOD IDEA?
Everyone says it but kids really do grow up so quickly. It seems only yesterday my son was a toddler and now he’s at school and is changing every day. The photos of him, and us as a family, are some of the most special photos I have. The natural and informal photos that capture the cuddles, the laughs, the silliness, the games and even the sulky faces! Your family photos only get more precious as time goes on.
You can start capturing photos even before your little one arrives by booking a maternity shoot. This is a wonderful way to capture that exciting time before you welcome the new arrival. I even have a bump & baby package, so you can capture the time before and the time after your baby has arrived. You can check out more details about the packages I offer for family photography here.
HOW MUCH DO YOU COST AS A FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER?
I have a small number of packages that covers the shoot and then either a selection of prints or the full collection of digital images. Prices start from £200. You can check out more details about the packages I offer for family photography here. Family photoshoots typically last 2 hours. This gives us time for a chat, a cuppa and then plenty of time for relaxed photos of you and your family. Don’t worry if things overrun a bit due to feeds or nappy changing. I still remember those days, so understand that flexibility is needed with little ones! After the session, if you have chosen one of the digital packages, there’s no need to choose which photos to keep and which ones you have to let go. All the final photos are included in the price, ready for you to print and share. If you have the Shoot & Print package you still get all images on the online gallery and can purchase the full collection after the shoot if you would like to.
HOW FAR WILL YOU TRAVEL FOR A FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT?
All my packages cover travel within the M25 or 20 miles from CR8. If you are further afield that’s not a problem, I am happy to travel. Shoots held outside of these areas, within the Home Counties and Sussex (Surrey, Kent, Hertfordshire, Essex, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, West Sussex, East Sussex) will have an extra £40 added to cover travel costs. For the rest of the UK I can work out travel costs once we have chatted about details for the shoot. Just get in touch to have a chat about the options.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR TO THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT?
This is often something many families worry about. The easy answer is to wear something you feel good in and feel comfy in. Let the choice of activity, season or location influence your outfits. There’s no need to be matchy matchy but it works well to coordinate in terms of colours or styles. I advise steering clear of large graphics, logos or words but don’t be worried about wearing colours or prints.
If you are still unsure, I am happy to do a zoom call to run through outfit options with you after you book. It can be fun to plan what you will wear!
WHERE CAN WE GO FOR A FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT?
Wherever you love to spend time! Whether that’s at home, a local park or somewhere you love to visit. The shoot is very relaxed so I am happy to do whatever you like to do. If you want some ideas we can chat to work out what will be best for your shoot. You can check out my family photography blog posts for inspiration here.
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET IN OUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT?
There is no set number of images for the shoot, you get all the best ones in the gallery with a minimum of 50 images but often more. You also get all images provided in both colour and black & white options, so plenty to choose from.
ARE YOU INSURED?
Yes, as a professional photographer I have public liability and professional indemnity insurance, as well as insurance for all my gear.
London Family Photography – What happens if my family hate having their photo taken?
What happens if my family hate having their photo taken? If you and your family don’t enjoy having your photograph taken, I hear you. As a photographer it’s not my favourite either. But the good news is, it’s not a major issue because in this blog post I’ll share what...
London family photography – 6 tips on what happens if it rains during my family photography session?
London family photography - 6 tips on what happens if it rains during my family photography session? When I'm working with families for my family photography sessions, I'll often get asked about the Great British weather. What happens if it rains on my family...
London family photography – What should I wear on a family photo shoot?
London family photography - What should I wear on a family photo shoot? I'm talking about my London family photography sessions today as the question I keep hearing at the moment is "What should I wear on a family photo shoot with you?" Writing this advice here means...
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