Questions, questions… with searching for a wedding photographer I bet you have loads!  Here are some answers to the most frequently asked ones:

Q: What is your background in photography, and how long have you been photographing weddings?

Long answer:  I studied a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts at QUT, graduating with Honours in 1997 at the sweet age of 21.  I caught the travel bug pretty bad and took off to explore the world, filled with dreams of becoming a travel photographer :-)  I started working full time at a photography studio in 2001, pretty much at the point when digital photography started taking over from film.  I photographed my first solo wedding in 2004.  After 10 years of working both full time and freelance for other studios photographing weddings, fashion, portraits, events, corporate and commercial work I decided it was time for me to take the plunge and work full time on my own business.  And so in 2011 “CWP Studios” was born, which I rebranded as “Possum Creek Studios” in 2013.

Short answer:  I studied at Uni, spent 10 years working for other photography studios then finally started my own!

Q: Are you a member of the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photographers)?

A: Yes I have been a member since 2007.  Being a member of the AIPP means that my work has been judged by industry peers to be of a professional standard.  It also means that I am operating as a legitimate registered business with appropriate liability insurance.  As a member I abide by the AIPP Code of Professional Practice when dealing with clients as well as other professional photographers.  Furthermore to keep my membership I am committed to attending seminars every year to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in photography.  Basically, being a member means good things for you!  You can find out more about the AIPP here.

Q: Why do you choose to specialise in weddings?

A: Job satisfaction.  Yep, that’s basically it!  As mentioned above I’ve had a great deal of experience with fashion, portraits, corporate & commercial photography and while they all have their appeal, I just feel that wedding photography satisfies me the most.  Weddings are such incredible days, filled with so much happiness and laughter.  I’ve photographed 100’s of weddings and while each one has been unique, they are always happy occasions.  I’m smiling all the time behind the camera!   Wedding photography pushes me to be better, the competition is intense and I’m always challenging myself with new ideas & techniques.  Most of all wedding photography allows me to document an incredibly personal and emotional event in people’s lives, and to be asked to be a part of that…. it’s just so special.

Q: Do you travel for weddings?

A: Absolutely, 100%!  In fact most of my weddings require me to travel.  I have photographed destination weddings in Lake Como, Tuscany, Uruguay, Bali and Hayman Island.   So whether your wedding is local, interstate or international I’m happy to discuss options with you to keep costs at a minimum.

Q: Do you provide a second photographer?  What is the advantage of this? 

A: Yes if you feel that one is not enough I can provide an experienced second photographer for you.  Depending on the flow of your day there could be times where having a second photographer is useful.  It’s also a great way to get more candid shots ‘from the side’ while the lead photographer (i.e. me) has your attention.   Having said this though I am very experienced with photographing weddings on my own and capture lots of candid moments throughout the day so it’s really your call ;-)

Q: Do you stay at the reception for the speeches, real cake cutting, bridal waltz and dancing?

A: Yes this is absolutely an option for you, I believe that the reception is a vital part of a wedding!  I love the speeches, and I especially love seeing people cutting loose on the dance floor!

Q: What is the advantage of having a wedding album designed by you rather than doing one myself?

A: Gosh, SOOO many advantages!!!  Yes wedding albums can initially seem to be just another wedding expense, and I don’t mean to squash your creative spirit and excitement at doing your own especially if you have experience with design.  However at the end of the day to have one designed professionally is SO worth it.  Here’s why:

• You’ve invested in a quality photographer who has produced 100’s of fantastic images for you, it’s such a shame to present them to your friends, family or even future children with a “DIY” style of album.  These albums don’t just look flimsy, they are not printed with archival materials and are not made to last.
• Designing an album takes a lot of time, especially if you are inexperienced with them.  Experienced album designers know how to sort through 100’s of images and combine them onto a page to maximum visual effect.   It’s much harder than you may think, and while at first the idea may seem like fun… the reality is that it soon becomes a chore.
• All of the images in the album have more artwork and attention paid to them to ensure that they look super-super perfect. You will receive these artworked files together with the completed album.

I really do fear that with the trend to “just have files on USB” that there are a growing number of people out there who’s wedding photos remain eternally on a USB!  My advice: save your pennies, or plan to put some aside from your Wishing Well.  You absolutely won’t regret having an album done.

Q: How far in advance do you take bookings, and when should I book?

A: As early as you know your date!  Especially if you are planning a wedding for April/May or September/October.  I take bookings as far as 18 months in advance.  1 year in advance is when most people book, 6 months or less is getting a little risky but still give it a shot ;-)

Q: How does the payment work for a wedding photography package? Do you require a deposit?

A: A $400 deposit is required to secure your date.  From there you can break your wedding package down into instalments, with the last instalment due 1 week prior to the wedding.

Q: When can I expect to see my wedding images?

A: You will receive your wedding images within 4 weeks from your wedding date.  Sometimes even less!  Along with your files on USB you will also receive an exclusive online slideshow and viewing gallery so that your guests can view the images too.

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If I haven’t answered a question here then please feel welcome to get in touch,  I’ll look forward to hearing from you!