What is Documentary Wedding Photography? 

 

Your day is about you! Chris aims to capture your day in a relaxed but informative fashion. In-fact Chris becomes one of the guests. He has had many comments that wedding guests didn't realise he was the official photographer. He is a silent observer. Documentary Wedding Photography is about capturing those special moments whilst you are caught up in the moment. You will hardly notice him there as he will look like one of the guests. Chris uses a Fujifilm X-Pro 1 Camera. It is not intimating and he does not boss you around or make you stand around forever. There is no flash as he does not need it. He will only pull you away for ten minutes here and there. He aims to capture the day as informative as possible but provide traditional wedding photographs such as family and group shots upon request. Chris works with you closely prior to the wedding date to ask if there is anything specific you would like him to capture.

 

Why Black & White Photography? 

 

Photographically black and white gives a timeless feel, Frozen in time. Light and Shadow. Photographing an event in black and white doesn't distract from the moment. It is elegant and beautiful and shows the emotion in its simplest state. Chris shoots in "RAW" (Digital negative) so is still able to provide a colour photographic service as well. 

 

What is in the welcome pack and what happens at a

pre-wedding meetup?

 

Every one of the couples that book me as their wedding photographer will have a pre-wedding meet up at a time and location to suit them (usually at your home or if local, the venue) and will receive a wedding welcome pack. If not local a facetime or skype call will be arranged. This will provide you with the agreed invoice, wedding contract which will be discussed at your initial pre-wedding meeting and a welcome card. We also have a few surprises in there to make it personal. It will also include a voucher towards your wedding album that has a year-long expire date. Pre-meets are great over a cup of tea and we discuss the day in more detail. I ask for a shoot list and anything you may wish to have covered.

 

Can you tell me more about the wedding album and do you provide one in the initial wedding package?

 

A wedding album is very personal. Not every couple wants a wedding album which is why we provide high-quality prints and photographs on your day instead (depending on package). However, most of our couples like to design their own albums a few months to a year after the wedding. They are completely unique to the couple. That is why we provide a voucher towards your wedding album which is included in the welcome pack. The voucher does not expire until 1 year after your wedding making it the ideal 1st Anniversary gift (paper being the 1st year gift). We have used and seen various album companies over the years but have to say 'Folio Albums' deliver the best high-quality album on the market today. We can honestly say they are stunning and the online system to design album between client and ourselves is easy to use! The quality of the printed image has an amazing clarity and sharpness we just have not seen on other albums on the market. (Albums start at around £300).

 

What is 'on your day' box?

 

This is something that Chris decided to do after he realised that many photographers take your wedding photographs and then disappear for 6 - 8 weeks with no sign of photographs. Chris will give you on the eve of your wedding day 20 photographs in a personalised 'Your Day' box with your wedding date on. It means you have something to treasure and look at the day after your wedding. It is a very personal and we are pleased we can offer it to our lovely couples to make their day extra special. Only offered on Deluxe Package.

 

What Equipment does Chris use? 

 

Chris switched to the professional Fujifilm X series a year ago after using Nikon for many many years. He was tired of carrying around heavy photographic equipment that could come across as intimidating. The Fujifilm X Pro 1 has a compact design and a small lens system that helps you blend in with the crowd. Chris currently uses three lenses and two cameras which have a variety of close portraiture to focus on detail and wide angle to capture the atmosphere. He loves using this equipment because it works for him, not against him and has stunning clarity and sharpness that, in his professional opinion, cannot beat.

 

Can Family & Friends See the Images?

 

In short, Yes. You will be able to view the photographs on the website which is only available with a unique password given to the Bride and Groom. From there you will be able to view photographs from the day. Chris offers a range of different products to treasure your son, daughter or friends wedding from digital USB stick of 50 images, mini albums or a wide range of prints. Please see our product brochure. Also, check out our shop where you can order prints, albums.

 

What Products Do You Offer?

 

Chris has a close relationship with Folio Albums that work only with professional photographers. We offer two beautiful styles of wedding album (contemporary and traditional), Mini albums, USB Key boxes, Print Boxes and Prints, Canvases. All bespoke and designed for you. They are a UK based company with strong recycling ethics. If you would like to know more information please look at our products brochure and our album price list. To order please go to our shop.

 

Do you do a pre-wedding shoot?

 

Chris offers two pre-wedding packages for an additional fee. We offer two packages to suit your requirements. The deluxe package or the Short & Sweet. A great time to get to know the camera and a trial run before the big day. More information please visit the couples package. 

 

The wedding package doesn't suit my wedding, do you do custom and tailored wedding packages?

 

Chris offers two wedding packages that would suit a full day or half day. From experience, these packages suit the documentary coverage Chris provides. If you have any requests or wish to chat regarding a tailored package please just get in touch.

 

Do you travel or do abroad weddings?

 

Yes, we have covered weddings all over the UK and abroad. If you are planning your wedding outside of our home area of West Sussex please get in touch. Mileage charges will be applied but we try and work with you to get it as cost-effective as possible.

 

Do you cover smaller weddings say 4 hours?

 

Chris can do smaller packages to suit your wedding requirements if he is available. This can be getting ready to ceremony or ceremony to speeches. This is a fixed price. Please selected the Short & Sweet Wedding Package. All smaller wedding packages do still include the personalised USB box and Photo film. 

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Do you do special events such as wedding anniversary parties?

 

Yes, we have covered many small gathers from Engagement parties to Ruby celebrations. This can be for a few hours. We would provide your images in a USB cotton box personalised with the occasion. Get in touch for a quote.

 

 

Do you require accommodation?

 

If your wedding is more than 2 hours away from our home in West Sussex and the wedding finishes late in the evening (later than 8 pm) accommodation will be added to your package.

 

Do you charge extra for travel?

 

If your wedding is within West Sussex there will be no additional charge but there will be a small charge for travelling costs and expenses if further than this.

 

Do you visit the venue beforehand?

 

If your wedding venue is within 30 minutes of Billingshurst we are happy to visit prior to the wedding with you for your pre-wedding meeting (not an additional meeting) but if your wedding venue is further than 30 minutes from Billingshurst I'm afraid we are unable to visit beforehand. If your wedding is all at the one same venue and it happens to be over 30 minutes away from us we try to arrive early on your wedding day to scout the venue and surrounding area for photographic opportunities before we start capturing your bridal prep at the agreed start time.

 

How many photographs will we receive?

 

Our deluxe wedding package, all day coverage, includes all the edited (digital files) photographs in both colour and B&W. A minimum of 300-400 (usually more) of B&W and then in colour, not every image works in colour and B&W so we like to say you will get 60% B&W and 40% in colour. You'll also get an online gallery (password protected of your choice) which will contain them all to view and 20 6X4 prints and 20 Photographs on your day as part of your collection. Prices of optional prints and the album choices are discussed at the after-wedding meeting. The short and sweet package contains fewer photographs and half the amount of prints, no frame and no on your day box.

 

Who owns the copyright?

 

The word ‘copyright’ is a confusing issue. As the photographer, Chris will hold the legal copyright to the photographs, as Chris is the original creator. This means that Chris can edit, sell to your guests, publish, and use them commercially as he wishes. We will provide all our couples with a print release so that you can print them till your heart desires but you cannot edit, sell or use them for profit in any way. All couples wi be given web resolution copies of their photographs for social media. All we ask is the watermark on the left is not cropped out, photoshopped or removed and Chirs Bird photographer is credited. In doing this it would breach the copyright act. Please also note the slideshow has music to it. We have no problem with your sharing it on social media but please be aware we urge you to add the songs name (we provide you with this) so you don't break social media rules and regulations.

 

What happens if it rains on our wedding day?

 

For all weddings in the United Kingdom, there is always the chance of rain and something we can't control. We follow the weather closely and if we need to move times or location for certain pictures we will discuss with you before making that call.

We are not one to let a bit of rain ruin your special day. 

 

Do we need to feed you?

 

If we are photographing your wedding for 4 hours or more we would love to be fed and have access to water, please. We don't need to sit with your guests as we are usually doing working on edits, so please don’t feel the need to include us in your seating plan. A meal or bar meal away from your dining area is absolutely perfect. 

 

How do we book you as our wedding photographer?

 

If you would like to secure your wedding date with Chris, we require a £250 booking fee and an online booking form filled in to secure your day. After the deposit is received, you will then receive a welcome pack in the post and your date is secure. From the issue of invoice up to one month is given to pay the deposit. Failure to receive the deposit you will risk losing the wedding photography date as we receive regular enquires. 

 

How far in advance do we need to book?

 

Chris is taking bookings up to 2 years in advance. He takes on a limited number of weddings per year to make sure each wedding gets his full attention and editing management is handled within the time limit. We suggest you book soon rather than later to avoid disappointment. The calendar is live 24/7 and can be booked at any point here. An alternative is to send him an email chrisbirdphoto@gmail.com and see if he has your date available.

 

How long before we get our photographs?

 

We will keep you up to date. You will receive your final edited photographs to view on a password protected gallery within up to 8-12 weeks after your wedding date. 

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Do you require a break during the day?

 

Yes, I take a 1-hour break when you are eating at your wedding. This lets me recharge batteries, sort out your on your day box and eat and drink to recharge for the rest of the day. All this will be discussed in your pre-meeting.

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What do we do with your data (GPDR)?

 

With recent changes to GPDR (General Data Protection Regulation), we wanted to update clients on how we store your information. We do NOT pass your information onto third parties and it is stored on a secure computer only accessible by Chris. In leaving your information with us via the contact form on the website or in person you are agreeing with Chris contacting you in the future via email or telephone.

 

 Are you fully insured as a photographer?

 

Yes, Chris Bird Photographer is fully insured with Hiscox Insurance. We are covered for Professional Indemnity, Public Liability and Equipment cover in the UK and abroad.