IS THIS YOUR FULL TIME JOB?

Yes. And I love it. I shoot around 60 weddings each year, which I guess is quite a lot, but to be honest I get quite bored sitting around with nothing to do, so for me that’s a good number.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

I live in Bowral.  Most of my weddings are in the Southern Highlands and South Coast, but I’m available for weddings throughout Australia and internationally.

WHAT GEAR DO YOU USE? WHAT ABOUT BACKUP EQUIPMENT?

Sony a9ii cameras, with a selection of Sony prime lenses. I always have at least 3 cameras and around 6 lenses at every wedding. So even if, say, I were to fall in a fountain and get drenched (this actually happened to me at a wedding, super embarrassing), I could grab my backup gear and keep shooting.

WHAT’S YOUR VIBE AT A WEDDING? ARE YOU QUIET AND BROODING, EXCITED AND CHATTY…?

Good question. My goal is to fit in – so, to hang out with you guys and your friends and family as if I was a friend along for the ride. If your bridal party is quiet and nervous, I’ll probably be calm and joking around, but not anything too crazy that would scare them. If your bridal party are drinking whisky at 8am and absolutely insane, that’s fine too – game on, I can match their craziness. Whatever the scenario, I try to just be me – I love to meet people, have fun. I’m a pretty relaxed person and not much phases me, so I’m generally pretty calm and relaxed during the entire wedding day. I’ll direct you and help keep things on track in terms of timing, but I won’t be a d*ck about it – by the end of the day you’ll probably have had such a great time with me that you’ll give me a big hug and we’ll most probably make plans to have a beer together in the future (I’m not saying this to brag – just that this is what generally happens as i’m leaving a wedding).

WILL YOU TRAVEL FOR OUR WEDDING?

Absolutely! As far as you like; nationally, and internationally. I shoot around 8-10 overseas weddings per year.

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO GET MARRIED?

In my opinion, there are two periods of the year that are perfect for weddings: mid-late autumn, and mid-spring. Here’s why:

– It isn’t too hot or too cold

– The sun sets nice and early, so you can take advantage of that amazing late afternoon sunlight for photos (instead of watching the sun set from inside the reception)

Don’t stress if your wedding is in mid-summer or winter; all months are beautiful.

HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE?

I quit my job as a lawyer at the end of 2009, and I became a full time photographer in early 2010. My first wedding was in 2008.

DO YOU WORK WELL WITH VIDEOGRAPHERS?

Generally yes; I think it’s a lovely idea to have your wedding filmed – you’ll receive a wonderful keepsake that you’ll watch for many years. Before you book a videographer, PLEASE talk with me first: most videographers are wonderful, but there are a handful who have a very different style to me, and booking one of these guys can seriously disrupt how your day runs, and compromise our photo-time. I’m more than happy to explain this to you in more detail in person.

DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?

Yes; $20 million public liability, and all my gear is insured too.

HOW MANY SHOTS DO YOU USUALLY TAKE AT A WEDDING, AND WHAT WILL I RECEIVE AFTERWARDS?

Every wedding is different in this regard, but I generally deliver around 800 edited, high-resolution shots from their wedding. You’ll receive these digitally via a password-protected gallery, from where you can download the high and low res versions.

DO YOU ADD GRAIN TO IMAGES DURING POST PRODUCTION (WHILE EDITING)?

Yes, a little bit, to each and every image I give you. Digital cameras produce images that are technically excellent but I feel lack soul and warmth. They’re a little too, well, digital. I use film-emulation presets while editing my images to try and achieve a film-like quality in the final product. Part of this process is adding a little grain, or texture, to my images. If you feel this is going to be an issue, please get in contact with me before booking.

HOW LONG AFTER THE WEDDING WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS? HOW WILL YOU SEND THEM TO ME?

My turnaround time is pretty quick; currently you’ll receive your photos around 4 weeks after your wedding. I stopped sending photos via USB around 6 years ago; people kept on losing them (or their dog ate them). Now, I upload your images to a password-protected gallery, and I send you that link. You can view all the images on the gallery; you can download them (individual images or the whole lot), and you can even order prints from within the gallery.

CAN I PRINT MY PHOTOS? DO I HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO WHATEVER I WANT WITH THEM?

You can do whatever you like with the images I give you – you can print until your heart is content without consulting me first. I don’t watermark or otherwise alter my images either (I think it just looks ugly). The copyright to the images is yours.

WHEN WE BOOK YOU, WILL IT BE YOU SHOOTING OUR WEDDING, OR SOMEONE ELSE?

Me. I never delegate to other photographers. You’ll deal with me the whole time, from the first email all the way to when I deliver your images and album (if you’re ordered one) after the wedding.

I REALLY WANT YOU TO SHOOT MY WEDDING, BUT I’M WORRIED THAT YOU HAVEN’T SHOT AT MY VENUE BEFORE

I actually get asked this quite a lot, and to be honest it baffles me. My job – my passion – is to see a new place, a location I haven’t previously visited, and see the light, the lines and cool backdrops. I generally don’t even realise I’m doing it.  Often, the first time I get to shoot at a new venue, I get SUPER excited to arrive early, have a look around, plan my attack for the day – find some really great spots to shoot some amazing portraits. I get why  you might be nervous if I haven’t shot at your venue, but to be honest, this is the best scenario, as you can be sure that I’ll arrive nice and early, have a really good look around and get to know the location really well. In this scenario I’m also really stoked to have new locations to add to my instagram portfolio! So – if you’d like to work with me, but I haven’t shot at your venue, seriously, don’t worry – this is a good thing 🙂

DO YOU SHOOT WITH AN ASSISTANT / SECOND SHOOTER?

I don’t use an assistant. I don’t use any complex lighting setups (just a few off-camera strobes sometimes) and certainly nothing I can’t set up on my own. I don’t need anyone to carry my bags and to be honest I’m large enough as it is; I don’t need someone else trailing me, making me stand out more than I already do 🙂

I feel that second shooter aren’t necessary in 99% of weddings, and I much prefer to work alone.

CAN YOU MAKE US AN ALBUM?

Sure can. I can show you some albums when we meet. Here’s an example of what I can make.

WE’RE REALLY AWKWARD IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA… WE’RE CAMERA SHY! IS THAT OK?

Of course 🙂  My method of shooting is very relaxed and natural. Most of the time you either won’t know I’m taking photos, or you’ll be so engrossed in your new husband/wife that everything will seem natural. I won’t pose you; I’ll direct you

HOW MUCH COVERAGE DO WE NEED?

I think the sweet spot is around 8 hours; this way I can shoot you both getting ready right through to part-way through the reception. I don’t feel you need coverage until the end of the reception (things can get preeeeeetty messy).

DO WE NEED TO GIVE YOU A LIST OF THE PHOTOS WE WANT?

The only list that is helpful is a list of the family photo combinations you’d like (it isn’t necessary – we can wing it on the day – but it’s helpful). You don’t need to make a list of any other photos you want. In fact, being given a 2 page list of required photos like ‘shot of me walking down the aisle, shot of my partner as they see me for the first time’ is totally unnecessary 🙂

YOU’LL GET HUNGRY, TAKING ALL THOSE PHOTOS AT OUR WEDDING. WANT US TO ORGANISE DINNER FOR YOU?

How considerate of you! That would be lovely. I can camp out in another room to eat or you can put me on a table with your guests (I’m quite sociable and I love meeting new people). I’m also a vegetarian.

WE’D LIKE TO BOOK YOU! WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

You can make an enquiry via my contact form here – i’d love to hear from you!