Ok, so I've seen your website and I want to know more. What happens next?

Simple enough - call me and I'll outline what I can do for you, then, if you like what you hear, I'll come to see you at your home - or your mum's or anywhere you like. I'll talk you through what will happen on a typical Wedding Day, show you sample albums and you can ask me all the questions you can think of. You can tell me what you like and what you don't like and generally see if we are suited.

Right, but I live a bit far from you, how will that affect this home visit?

It won't. I am based in the North-East of England, and work mostly in that area, but I'll travel anywhere in the British Isles. I make no charge for my initial visit and after that, outside my local area, I ask only that my basic transport costs are met - and my definition of 'local' is quite elastic.

I don't like fuss and I don't want a stuffy old Album of pictures that'll only end up on a shelf...

Neither do I. I never forget that it is YOUR day, so we work together to give you what YOU want, and make sure it doesn't gather dust.

Anyway, do I have to have an album?

Of course not. While most of my clients do ask me to supply one, by no means everyone does so. Someone may be buying you an album, you may have a different approach to displaying your pictures - a couple I am working with intend to frame theirs and hang them on a wall, so their house becomes their album - or, of course, it could be just plain old cash flow.

I was at a wedding recently where the photographer took over two hours to take his pictures and I don't want to be kept hanging around some park. How long do you usually take?

My natural style is to work quite quickly so, once we arrive where you want your pictures taken, and with everyone working together an average would be thirty to forty minutes. Of course if, for example, someone is missing or the transport is shuttling back and forth that could stretch the proceedings out a bit, but on average it's about right. It's at times like this that a Best Man and Ushers with good sheepdog qualities are worth their weight in gold.

Every other Wedding I've been to the photographer was miserable and bossy and didn't like the guests 'getting in his way'. I have to ask...

You have been a bit unfortunate because we're not all like that, so let me put your mind at rest.

I enjoy what I do and I'm nice to people. I invite everyone to take photographs and happily step aside so your guests get the pictures they want. I don't boss and I'm only grumpy at home. As I mentioned in answer to the previous question, it is also natural for me to work quickly - which is not the same as rushing things. And, for a final bit of self-promotion, I've been told on more than one occasion that apart from when I've been required to photograph organised groups 'you'd hardly know he was there'.

Do you do requests?

That sounds like the first line of a gag … but I know what you mean, and the answer is yes. If it’s at all possible, I will do it for you. The only thing – and this is important – because I can’t read minds - you need to tell me what you want me to do while I’m still taking pictures, and before I wish you luck and wave goodbye – afterwards just doesn’t work.

Er...I think I should mention that when it comes to having my picture taken I'm known as 'old blinky'...

Don't worry, you're not alone. Firstly, if I spot you blinking as I take your picture then I'll just take another. Secondly, if you slip one past me I can usually 'open' those eyes later, in a computer - no guarantees of course, but usually. Check the 'Digital Fix' page for this and solutions to similar problems.

Sounds expensive...?

No. I may charge for extra digital work, but basic stuff like this is no more than housekeeping and all part of the service.

We're working to a tight schedule but we'd still like to have some 'pretty' pictures taken. Is there any way...?

Of course. A few days before your Wedding we can all go to whatever local beauty spot you fancy. Dress smart casual and we'll go for a walk together. I'll take some hand-holding type pre Wedding Day shots of you - close up, walking together, misty-eyed and lovey-dovey or whatever you fancy. Wonderful...and there's no extra charge.

Please don't think I'm being fussy, and our reception venue is in a beautiful setting, but is there any way that you can take some of our pictures somewhere else as well, so we have a bit of variety - without taking forever?

'Fussy' - perish the thought, and the simple answer is yes. Just check the answer to the previous question.

I'd like you to take my Wedding Photographs but I'm working to a budget...

That's ok, I am used to working with people from a wide range of backgrounds and, while it is usual for us to discuss how I can fulfil your requirements and then tell you how much it will all cost, it's not the only way. I have a range of options and, if you wish, you can even tell me what you want to spend and I'll tell you what I can do for it.

That's reassuring, but will I have to pay for everything up front?

Well, you can if you like, and I'll be delighted if you do. In general, though, I try to make things as painless as possible. All I ask is that you let me have a deposit - at the time you engage me if you wish, but within a couple of weeks is fine, too - then, make that amount up to approximately half the total by the Wedding Day, and pay the remainder when I deliver your proofs so, at least, you can see what you're paying for.