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FAQ's

Here's some answers

Where are you based?

 

I'm based in Essex with easy access to London. I cover weddings in Essex, London, Surrey & Kent. All my packages include 50 miles travel in the price. There is a small extra fee for further travel based on mileage. 

Can you travel?

Yes, I do travel across the UK for weddings further afield. There maybe a little extra added to your package for travel costs and depending on distance, perhaps an overnight stay- this can all be negotiated. 

Do you do destination weddings?

 

Absolutely! I love an adventure. Just fill me in on your location and plans and I'll grab my passport. Costs for travel are listed in the destination wedding pricing here.

Do you require a booking fee?

 

To secure your wedding date with me, 25% of the cost of your chosen package is required up front as a non refundable security retainer with the remainder package amount due 30 days before the big day. 

Are we able to pay in instalments?

We'd like to tweak a package - possible?

 

Yes, we can discuss payment terms if this is required. Instalments can be agreed between us and clearly marked on your invoice.

How soon do we need to book you?

I have couples booked in for up to two years in advance so if you're interested in me photographing or filming your wedding please get in touch asap. If you've sorted your venue and date - send me a message, don't be shy. I do accept last minute bookings, depending on availability, so it's always best to check as it may well be possible to accommodate you.

Will there be a contract?

 

Yes - it's there to serve all parties and means everyone knows what to expect. I use the leading photographic mangagement software which allows you to read and sign your agreement, questionnaire and receive invoices for payments easily.

Do we meet you before the wedding?

 

My packages are there as a guide, but if you have something in mind - let me know. I quite often add on extras for couples and can tailor make a quote for you.

 

Yes, I can meet you on Zoom (or if you're local to me, in person) to discuss your wedding and what you can expect from me, before you book. Then, about a month before the big day, we'll meet on Zoom again to go through the schedule, details, work out your group shots and more. 

When will we receive our images / film?

 

For photographs, you'll get an edited set of downloadable images within 48 hours of your wedding with which to share with your family and friends and keep the excitement going. For your main set it's a maximum of 6 weeks from the date of your wedding to handing over your gorgeous edited photo gallery or highlights film.

 

Depending on my schedule it is often possible I can get them to you sooner. Once you've received your photo gallery you can select your favourites and compile an album or print set if it's not included in your package. 

Do you edit all the images / films?

 

Yes, I edit all the best images from your wedding day in my own creative style. The only images you won't receive are those with blinking eyes, duplicates and such. Depending on your package, I edit and deliver 400-500 images on a full day wedding.

I edit, colour grade and export your wedding films myself, giving a personal touch and theme to your movie. 

Can we print our own images?

 

Of course, all packages include a lifetime license to use on social media & print your images. If your package includes prints from me, they will be expertly created at my preferred art quality print studio in the UK. If you'd like some more prints or would like enlargements and would like me to handle that, I'm more than happy to do so. 

Do you offer albums & thank you cards?

 

I do - beautiful albums too. Information on the albums can be seen here. Your package may include an album - check the pricing here. If it doesn't, albums can be ordered separately and pricing starts from £400 for a stunning 15 inch x 10 inch 40 page flat lay fine art album, personalised and made bespoke for you. Parent copies can also be ordered as add ons. Thank you cards with your choice of wedding image can be ordered, details by request.

Do you have insurance?

 

Of course - I'm fully insured for public liability and professional indemnity with the industry leading insurer Hiscox.

 

I'm more than happy to provide my insurance certificates if you or your venue needs them. 

How secure are our images/video?

 

Both my camera's record images/video onto two separate cards for redundancy. I also back up during the day and then to the cloud upon return to my studio. By the end of the day there are four backups of your wedding. Your final edits are backed up on a gallery, the cloud and a separate studio drive. Your final edited images will also be stored for a period of one year on your online gallery and on my servers.

Do we provide you a hot meal on the day?

 

A full day of coverage can be a very long day and anything over 8 hours has this in my contract. But I don't need anything special from your wedding breakfast menu, it's up to you and your caterers! Feeding me means I stay close to the action and don't miss anything, I'm refuelled and ready for even more great moments. If your package features a second photographer or associate then we are grateful for you feeding us both.

Do you take family & group images?

 

Naturally! In fact I recommend my couples request a few. We'll arrange before the wedding who your essential groups are and what you'd like covered.

Plan for around 20-30 minutes for 12 - 15 different groups, after your ceremony.

Do you offer engagement shoots?

 

I always recommend couples consider an engagement shoot (or pre-wedding photo session) as it is a great way to get to know your photographer, get used to being natural in front of the camera - and practise for your big day! Engagement Shoot pricing is available here.

What equipment do you use?

 

I shoot on a pair of Sony A7IV full frame cameras with the very best GM lenses and flash/lighting equipment for later in the day. For video, I use the same cameras and also use top quality wireless microphones to ensure the best sound coverage of your day. I am also a qualified and CAA licensed Drone (UAV) pilot and where possible will shoot fabulous photography/film of your venue from the air using my registered drone. This is at NO extra cost to you and few photographers offer this without extra cost.

What if you've not photographed our venue?

 

There are thousands of wedding venues across the UK and I have shot at many of the popular venues in Essex but if I haven't shot your venue it's not a problem, as I always do a site visit before your wedding. On the morning, I always arrive early to scope out the venue, check the light and make a plan for your wedding day in conjunction with your schedule which we will have already discussed. I've got you covered!

Do we get the RAW images?

 

I do not provide RAW images no. The RAW images taken straight out of the camera are merely the beginning of the creative process and I spend a lot of time processing and editing your images and film. My couples book me because they love the final product I create. What is shot on the day is only 50% percent of the process. I promise you'll prefer the finished article when you see it. 

Have I persuaded you? 

Connect on instagram @johnpaytonphotography

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