What’s the booking process?
It’s super simple! Once you’re happy and ready to proceed, just send me a booking enquiry form or email.
I’ll check my availability for your date and get back to you, usually within 24 hours. Once your date and venue are confirmed, I’ll send the payment details for the £200 deposit required to secure your booking.
After the deposit, I’ll send a digital contract for you to sign and return. About a month before your wedding, I’ll be in touch to arrange a pre-wedding chat to go over final details.
That’s it! It’s quick, easy, and stress-free!
What areas do you cover?
I’m based in Longridge, Ribble Valley, but I cover the whole of the North West, including the Lake District. I may require a travel fee for venues further away.
Whether you’ve done your research and have a couple of questions you need to clear up, or you’ve only just started looking into a wedding photographer, this page contains answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about wedding photography, including some questions people typically ask about how I work.
If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m always happy to discuss your wedding photography needs and how I can help.
About Me
How far in advance should we book?
As soon as you book your venue, book your wedding photographer! Wedding photographers tend to get booked quickly in the busy months, from April to September, especially on weekends. So, I always recommend getting in there quickly! Plus, it’s only a small deposit to get booked, too.
Why do you offer two photographers in the Full Day and the Works Package?
We provide two photographers for a straightforward reason: lots more candids!
When spending so much money on your wedding day, I think it’s essential to document as much as possible. Having more than one photographer also means we can capture both of your pre-ceremony preparations, allowing you and your partner to see more of your big day than you could possibly have seen on your own.
How long have you been a wedding photographer?
I’ve been a wedding photographer in North West England for over six years now. Believe it or not, I didn’t originally have ambitions to become a photographer, but I naturally discovered a passion for it. Our About page explains more about me and my love of capturing people on one of the most precious days of their lives.
How would you describe your photographic style and approach on a wedding day?
A lot is going on during your wedding day, and the last thing you want is someone who even gives the impression of being stressed out. That’s why, although I’m always professional, I’m a laid-back, natural documentary-style photographer. I’ll always be there to capture the moments you need me to, and I’ll be thinking about capturing the moments that you might not have even thought of yet, but I won’t ever cause stress during your special day.
Our About page provides more information about me and my approach to photography. The Galleries page features some examples of my photos.
Do you photograph all weddings?
I mainly cover the North West of England, but I can travel further if you believe I’m the right photographer for your wedding. We would just need to discuss a travel fee. Weddings are a celebration of love, and to date, I’ve been overjoyed to photograph every single one I’ve attended as a photographer.
Are you available on our wedding date?
Once you have your venue booked, I highly recommend getting in touch ASAP to see if I’m available to cover your wedding. I tend to get booked in advance of busier months from April to September, especially weekends, so if you want to secure me as your wedding photographer, don’t delay.
Technical and Practical Considerations
Can you provide a second photographer?
Yes! I offer several packages, from a half-day photography package to more comprehensive packages that include two photographers and are great for larger weddings. You can read more about our packages by visiting our Pricing page or contacting me.
Can you provide a second photographer?
Yes! I offer several packages, from a half-day photography package to more comprehensive packages that include two photographers and are great for larger weddings. You can read more about our packages by visiting our Pricing page or contacting me.
How do you handle low-light situations?
As an experienced photographer, I’m used to working in various lighting conditions. Whether I change my position to find as much light as possible, switch up my equipment settings to capture the most light, use external lighting, or simply make the most of low lighting to capture the atmosphere of the moment, I’m well-versed in working with low-light situations.
If you want a more technical answer, I sometimes use a fast lens with a wide maximum aperture (like f/1.4 or f/2.8) to let in more light, allowing me to use a lower ISO and faster shutter speed.
What equipment do you use?
I want the best opportunity to capture those special moments of your wedding day, so I select professional-grade cameras and lenses to get the best picture quality possible. My main cameras are Lumix s5ii’s. Using a selection of lenses such as a 24-70mm, 18mm, 35mm and an 85mm. These help produce wide shots (perfect for the evening reception and also tight artistic shots (great for those details shots).
Do you have backup equipment?
Yes. Because you can never be too careful, I always come prepared. In addition to my primary camera, I bring a backup camera to ensure that I cover the unlikely event of a technical mishap during your wedding day. I also bring backup batteries and memory cards to ensure I’m covered in (almost) every eventuality.
Technical and Practical Considerations
How long will it take to get our wedding photos?
It shouldn’t take long to get your wedding photos. Most wedding photographers will be willing to share a few previews with you. You won’t see your photos immediately because it takes time for your photographer to process every photo they’ve taken and compile them into an entire gallery.
I’ll send some previews of your wedding a day or two after your big day, and then I’ll send your full gallery within four weeks, so not long at all!
How do you handle unforeseen circumstances?
While I can’t plan for every eventuality and am quite laid-back in how I present myself, I’m always thinking about planning your wedding day. If something suddenly changes, I will react to ensure we can still make something special happen to capture some memorable moments. If the weather changes and we can’t get those outdoor photos you wanted, we’ll find another way to make them work.
I always make sure that I have backups for my equipment. In the unfortunate event that I cannot attend your wedding, I work within a network of highly trusted wedding photographers who share a style similar to mine and who I can call on to cover your wedding in my absence.
What will happen on my big day?
I’ll capture a wide range of photos throughout your wedding day, ensuring I document a mix of the key moments and details of your special day. I'll also take as many candid photos as possible while staying out of the way.
While your wedding day photos will be unique to you, they may include the following:
Getting Ready:
You’ll need multiple photographers to cover the bride and groom's preparations, but photos of your wedding day preparations usually include candid shots of the bride and her bridal party getting their hair and makeup done and the bride and groom and the rest of the wedding party getting ready.
In addition to a lot of candid shots that will give you a view of your wedding day you might not get to see, details I like to include in these types of photographs can consist of close-ups of the dress, shoes, jewellery, rings, invitations, flowers, and other items special to you.
The Ceremony:
During the ceremony, I will endeavour to capture key moments, including your exchange of vows and rings, your first kiss as a married couple and the signing of the register.
Of course, there’s more to your ceremony than the exchange of vows and the signing of the register. I’ll also make sure to capture shots of the inside and outside of the ceremony venue, your guests as they arrive and take their seats, capturing their anticipation, and the all-important wedding procession as you walk down the aisle.
Formal Photos:
While I believe that candid photos are one of the best ways to document your wedding, you should still get those all-important formal photos. These can include couple portraits, including romantic and posed shots of the newlyweds; group shots and individual portraits of the bridesmaids and groomsmen; and photos with parents, siblings, grandparents, and other close family members.
The Reception:
What wedding would be complete without a reception to celebrate the union of your love? I will photograph those all-important special moments during the reception, including the newlyweds' first appearance as a married couple and their first dance. The all-important traditions of cake-cutting, bouquet and garter toss, and speeches and toasts capture your emotions and those of your nearest and dearest.
I’ll also endeavour to capture all the essential details of your reception venue, including the decor, table settings, centrepieces, and wedding cake. I’ll take candid photos of your guests mingling and enjoying a few drinks, family members and friends dancing, and memorable moments with your parents. Ultimately, I’ll aim to capture the energy and joy of the party and any special moments that unfold throughout the day and into the evening, creating a few where I can (I’ve been known to bring sparklers).
Wedding Photographer Costs and Policies
What’s the cost of a wedding photographer?
The cost of a wedding photographer can vary a lot, but as with most things in life, you’ll typically get what you pay for. Ultimately, you need to consider your budget for your wedding and how important it is to have a documented memory of your wedding in the form of professional photos.
Professional wedding photography should be available to as many people as possible, so I keep our packages as affordable as possible. You can view our wedding package costs on our Pricing page, where packages start at £700.
What are your pricing and package options?
I will work with you to find a wedding photography package that fits your budget and needs. For example, I offer a Half Day package that starts at £700 and includes a single photographer, 300 high-resolution images, and more. I also provide a Works Package comprising a full day of coverage, multiple photographers, and 700 high-resolution images. I recommend visiting my wedding package costs on our Pricing page to find the package that best suits you.
Do you offer a payment schedule?
Once you’ve chosen your wedding package, we can discuss payment options, but at the very least, I will require a deposit from you to secure your booking.
What’s your deposit policy?
For all the packages I offer I require a £200 deposit to secure your Wedding Date.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you decide to cancel within the first 14 days of the deposit being sent the refund will be made using the same payment method as you used to pay the fees.
Termination outside of the Cancellation Period but more than 12 months before the Event – Client forfeits the Deposit only, all other Fees paid by the Client are refunded.
Termination outside of the Cancellation Period 12 or fewer months but more than three 3 months before the Event – Client forfeits the Deposit and 25% of the other Fees.
Termination outside of the Cancellation Period 3 or fewer months before the Event – Client forfeits 50% of the Fees.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you decide to cancel within the first 14 days of the deposit being sent the refund will be made using the same payment method as you used to pay the fees.
Termination outside of the Cancellation Period but more than 12 months before the Event – Client forfeits the Deposit only, all other Fees paid by the Client are refunded.
Termination outside of the Cancellation Period 12 or fewer months but more than three 3 months before the Event – Client forfeits the Deposit and 25% of the other Fees.
Termination outside of the Cancellation Period 3 or fewer months before the Event – Client forfeits 50% of the Fees.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, I have Business and Public Liability Insurance.
I also provide Insurance and PAT Testing for the photobooth that I provide.
What happens if you’re ill and cannot make our wedding?
Don’t worry! I have many wedding photographer contacts who have a very similar style to mine, so if the worst happens, I could quickly arrange a replacement to cover your big day.
@jdilworthphotography
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