Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few common questions that we get asked. If you want to ask anything else please use the "Contact us" page on the left or use the details at he bottom of the page:
Are you insured for Professional Indemnity and Public Liability?
Yes we have both Indemnity and Liability insurance up to £5 Million so you, your guests and your venue are fully protected should anything happen.
How many pictures do you take on average?
This varies massively between weddings and depends on two factors: how long we are there for and how many photographers you have decided to have. If we are there all day then it can be 700-1000+, if we are there for an hour or two it might be 300 but there are no hard and fast rules. We take several photos of each pose just in case somebody blinks, but it's best not to get hung up on the amount of pictures, as it’s the quality not the quantity that counts.
I've looked around and found someone cheaper - can you lower your prices?
Unfortunately not - at Pictures of Perfection we pride ourselves in not being the cheapest wedding photographers in the region. We have set our prices lower than the national & local average already so feel that we represent excellent value for money.
As a guide, you should look to spend at least 10-15% of the overall wedding budget on your photography as a minimum, and our packages are priced to reflect this. You will always find cheaper photographers or friends willing to give it a go, but you have to consider the reason for that price difference - what is the quality like, is work being subcontracted out to students or lesser skilled employees, is everything fully insured, are they not paying tax, are they using much lesser equipment, am I covered if something goes wrong etc.
We recommend all our customers shop around and compare like for like, rather than looking at what is necessarily cheapest as we have spoken to many couples in the past who have hired someone who was much cheaper, and they have been very upset with the end result.
How long do you stay at the wedding?
This depends on which package you book – see our Prices page for more details. We're usually flexible on the day if you decide last minute you want us to stay longer, however can't always guarantee this due to other commitments (Although we never book two weddings on the same day).
Are your prices fully inclusive of everything we agree?
Yes – we don’t have any hidden extras or taxes to apply. The price you see is the price you pay - we do have several additional options for you to choose from though, but these are exactly that - optional. Beware of companies trying to charge you VAT on top of the final price, unless they are a limited company – this is illegal!
Will it be you on the day or one of your employees?
The main photographer will be Ashley. If you have arranged for a second photographer then this will be one of the assistants, usually local photographer David Roberts.
How long afterwards is it before I see my pictures?
You will usually have your pictures no later than 3 weeks after your wedding date, although usually much sooner. Albums will depend on the manufacturer timescale's for production, which varies between manufacturers however as a general guideline 6-12 weeks.
How do relatives and guests order prints and how much are your reprints?
We have an advanced web-based ordering system and can also send out a CD with watermarked images with filenames on it to choose from. You can access our web-prints system here.
How long do you keep the digital files?
As long as possible. All our digital files are backed up onto a separate hard drive and DVD giving protection against fire, theft and computer viruses. We will usually keep your photos for up to 1 year to allow you time to get all of your orders in. After that time has elapsed we will contact you to advise that these are being archived and offer you the opportunity to buy a DVD with the source files on them at a reduced rate. Once photos are archived, they are not guaranteed so responsibility transfers to you to ensure they are backed up.
Can we have colour shots in black and white?
We shoot exclusively in colour but as we use top of the line digital equipment any shot can be toned to B&W, sepia and a variety of other effects with no difficulty. We will normally select some shots to do this with but you can request this too for other images. More advanced treatments are available for a small charge - airbrushing, selective colour etc.
We love your reportage pictures; do you do traditional group shots too?
We go through a list of 8 group formals capturing the parents, bridesmaids, best man and immediate family. We will also take some fun photos of the bride and bridesmaid, and best man and groom, as well as some pictures of just the bride and groom. This gets the photos sorted as quickly as possible with minimum fuss! If there are any additional photos you want adding we can go through this during the consultation, or we'll just run through it on the day.
Do we have to have group pictures?
Absolutely not, but we would recommend it even if it’s just for your parents! However if you are sure then this is no problem!
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
We bring 4 large golf umbrellas (3 white, 1 black) which, if you don't mind getting a little wet, we can use to make some creative photos. ! Otherwise we will take photos indoors using off-camera flash.
What about winter weddings?
No Problem – we are happy to book winter weddings. We ask you to bear in mind that your wedding will need to be early on if you want to have group photos outdoors due to earlier sunsets. You can find a sunset calculator on a Google.co.uk search.
Do we have to meet you to book you?
No, we are happy to book via post/e-mail if you live far away however we would recommend a meeting – it gives you a chance to meet us before your big day and discuss exactly what will be happening & when. This initial meeting is vital to building up some rapport prior to your wedding day, and we will normally schedule a follow up meeting a few weeks before your wedding date to finalise the details.
When do we pay you?
We take a 25% deposit to book the date. The remaining 75% is due 30 days before the wedding, or you can pay the full balance up front if you wish.
Can I view some of your previous wedding photography work?
Certainly – check the gallery on the left or alternatively use the Contact us link to arrange a time to meet up – we can either come to you or you can come to us, whichever is easier.
What other wedding photography products do you offer?
You name it, we can do it – albums, canvas wraps, key rings, glacier blocks – take a look on our products page - if something isn't listed, just ask and we can get it for you
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Do you travel?
Yes – we cover the Teesside region mostly however we will cover anywhere within a 20 mile radius. Anywhere beyond that and there will be a surcharge based on distance and if accommodation is required.
What do you wear to weddings?
We dress smart-casual with trousers and shirt during regular weather. If you have any specific requirements please let me know.
What kind of cameras do you use?
We use Canon professional digital equipment and lenses.
Ashley Penny
H: 01642 886016
M: 07984 441322
E: info@picturesofperfection.co.uk
11 Eleanor Place, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3JF