Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding. I specialise in high-end documentary wedding photography — capturing your day with elegance, authenticity, and artistry. I photograph weddings across Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Wiltshire, and below are answers to the questions couples most often ask.
What is documentary wedding photography?
Or, what is a documentary wedding photographer? Documentary wedding photography — also known as reportage or photojournalistic wedding photography — is about capturing the real story of your wedding day, without staging or posing. Instead of directing, I quietly observe and photograph genuine moments: laughter, tears, fleeting glances, and all the little details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The result is a timeless collection of wedding photographs that feel authentic, emotional, and deeply personal. My documentary style works beautifully for weddings across Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Wiltshire.
Why choose a documentary wedding photographer over a traditional one?
Traditional photographers often interrupt moments to pose or direct people. With my documentary style, you can relax and be fully present with your guests. Couples often tell me they hardly noticed I was there, yet their galleries are filled with meaningful, candid moments.
If you’re looking for a reportage wedding photographer in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Bath, or Bristol, this style ensures your photographs are both natural and artistic.
What makes your approach unique?
I blend the honesty of documentary wedding photography with the elegance of fine-art editorial. This means your photographs will include both raw, emotional moments and beautifully composed, artistic frames worthy of an heirloom album.
You can explore examples of my style in my wedding photography portfolio, showcasing weddings from Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Wiltshire and beyond.
Will you take formal family portraits?
Yes. While I specialise in candid storytelling, I understand how important a few formal photographs are. We’ll prepare a short list of essential group shots, and I’ll capture them efficiently and beautifully before returning to the natural flow of the day.
This approach works for both grand country house weddings in Somerset and Dorset as well as intimate venues in Bath, Bristol, Devon, and Wiltshire.
Do you travel for weddings?
Absolutely. I travel regionally to photograph weddings across Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Wiltshire and beyond. Whether you’re planning an intimate countryside celebration, a luxury manor house wedding, or a tee pee wedding, I bring the same discreet, calm presence and attention to detail.
How far in advance should we book you?
I take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure each couple receives my full attention. For popular summer weekends in Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Wiltshire, I recommend booking 12–18 months in advance but it’s always worth asking in case I have any last minute availability.
To check if your date is available, please get in touch.
How do we reserve our date?
Your date is secured with a signed contract and booking fee. Once booked, I’ll be available to guide you through the planning process, offering advice on timelines, lighting, and how to make the most of your photography.
How many photographs will we receive, and when?
For a full-day wedding, you can expect around 400–600 carefully edited images, depending on the length of coverage. A preview will be delivered within a week, and your full online gallery will be ready within approximately 8 weeks. You can find more about what is included in my wedding packages here.
You’ll also have the option to order fine art albums, professional prints and further creative products directly from your gallery.
Do you offer albums and prints?
Yes. I create luxury fine art wedding albums, hand-bound in beautiful materials, as well as museum-quality prints. These heirlooms ensure your story lives on for generations, not just on a screen.
These albums are particularly popular with couples marrying in Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Wiltshire, as a lasting record of their celebrations.
What if it rains on our wedding day?
Rain can create some of the most atmospheric, romantic photographs. I work creatively in all weather and always bring professional equipment suited for every condition. Your story will be beautifully captured, whether your wedding is in a countryside estate in Dorset or a historic venue in Bath or Bristol. And according to many countries rain on your wedding day is good luck!
We’re camera-shy — will this be a problem?
Not at all. The beauty of documentary photography is that you don’t need to perform. My unobtrusive style means you can relax and focus on each other and your guests, while I capture the natural moments as they happen.
Couples in Somerset, Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Bath, and Bristol have all found this approach incredibly relaxing.
Do you work with a second photographer?
For larger weddings, or when couples would like both sets of morning preparations captured when they are getting ready in different places, I recommend a second photographer. This ensures we cover all angles of your day — from your perspective and your partner’s — as well as plenty of candid guest moments.
Are you insured?
Yes. I am fully insured with professional indemnity and public liability cover, and I always carry backup equipment. You can enjoy complete peace of mind knowing every detail is taken care of.
Can we meet before the wedding?
Absolutely. I love to connect with my couples before the big day — over zoom, phone or in person if you can come to me. This gives us a chance to discuss your plans, your vision, and how you’d like your story to be told. Pre-wedding or engagement shoots are also available if you’d like a relaxed session before your wedding.
How do we find out more?
If you’re looking for a documentary wedding photographer in Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, or Wiltshire or beyond, I’d love to hear about your plans. Please get in touch to check availability and chat about your plans.
✨ Every wedding is unique. If you have a question not covered here, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly — I’d be delighted to help.
More FAQs
Is documentary wedding photography worth it?
Absolutely. Documentary wedding photography allows you to live fully in the moment while your story is captured naturally and artistically. The result is a set of timeless images filled with real emotion — the kind you’ll treasure for a lifetime. For couples who value authenticity and connection, it’s one of the most meaningful investments you can make.
What’s the difference between documentary and traditional wedding photography?
Traditional photographers often pose or direct scenes, while documentary photographers quietly observe and capture the day as it unfolds. The result is storytelling imagery that feels genuine and full of life — rather than staged or scripted.
Will documentary photography still capture all the important moments?
Yes. Every key moment — from your vows to the first kiss and confetti — is covered. The difference is in the way they’re photographed: naturally, beautifully, without interruption. You’ll relive your day exactly as it happened.
Do we still get couple portraits with documentary photography?
Definitely. While most of the day is unposed, I’ll invite you to step away for a few quiet moments together. These portraits are relaxed and natural — guided lightly to ensure beautiful light and composition, while keeping your connection at the heart of every image.
Is documentary wedding photography right for shy couples?
Yes — in fact, it’s ideal. Because I don’t ask you to pose or perform, you can simply enjoy the day while I capture genuine emotion and connection. Many camera-shy couples tell me they were amazed by how comfortable and natural it felt.
Can you still create editorial or artistic images in a documentary style?
Absolutely. My approach combines documentary storytelling with fine-art composition — so your gallery feels elegant and magazine-worthy, while staying true to your story. It’s the perfect balance of real and refined.
How many hours of wedding photography do we need?
Most couples book full-day coverage (8–10 hours) to ensure the story is told from morning preparations through to the evening celebrations. For intimate weddings or elopements, I offer shorter options — tailored to your plans.
Do documentary photographers edit their images?
Yes — every image is individually edited to reflect the mood, tone, and emotion of your day. My editing style is clean, natural, and timeless, ensuring your photographs remain beautiful for decades to come.
Can documentary wedding photography work for luxury weddings?
Definitely. Documentary photography is perfectly suited to luxury and high-end weddings because it captures the real atmosphere and emotion behind the elegance. Every detail — from design to décor — is documented with an artistic eye.
Do you photograph elopements or small weddings?
Yes. I love photographing intimate weddings and elopements. The smaller scale allows for even more emotional storytelling and connection. Each elopement package is tailored to your unique plans.
How can we make the most of our wedding photography?
Relax, trust the process, and focus on each other. The more present you are, the more authentic your images will be. I’ll take care of the rest — observing, anticipating, and documenting your story with care.