Questions to Ask Mike Your Photographer at Fitlike Photography. | Aberdeen Wedding Photographer
What Is Your Style?
We all have different styles and ways of seeing things and how we edit. I'm 90% documentary, as I love nothing more than capturing those little looks or funny moments unique to you, your family, and your friends. On the flip side, I believe in capturing something special that I set up for you, which could be creative and a bit staged. But fear not; this won't take hours out of your day and will be something you are at ease with.
Can We Have Input Into Some Photos?
Of course, you can! It's your day, and when we have our pre-wedding meeting the month before your wedding, this can be one of the things we go over.
Can We See Some Complete Weddings?
Of course! It's something I actively encourage.
I can do this face-to-face or via Zoom and screen sharing. When booking your photographer, you want to be sure the photographer's style fits your vision of the day. Over the years, my style has evolved, and the most recent are the most representative, but I'd still be happy to let you look through any of my weddings.
Why? Well, it shows the consistency in my wedding photography, even if there has been an evolution.
How Long Have You Been A Wedding Photographer?
I had my first wedding in 2014 ( my brother tricked me into it). When my brother asked, I'd been doing landscape photography for four years as a hobby. Clearly, I said to get a professional as it's a specialist genre, but he assured me it was just a few group photos after the ceremony. About two weeks before, he came to me saying other photographers captured the bride getting ready through to the first dance. With no time to back out, I photographed my first wedding. I started marketing myself after a friend's wedding the following year, a booking in 2017, and changing circumstances in the day job.
Do You Have Qualifications?
A straight answer is yes!
I have been a member of The Societies of Photographers since 2014 and qualified in landscape photography in early 2015.
Once I started this wedding photography journey, I always thought I needed to gain training. Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events, and you must be ready for any circumstances. Light changes, and they are fast-moving events.
My training involved enrolling on workshops in England with established photographer Chris Chambers (which I still do every few years). In business, you have to invest in yourself.
I met with a local mentor from The Societies (Lenny Smith), who guided me through my first wedding qualification in Spring 2020.
The future!
The plan is to gain the following qualifications (Associate) in 2024. It is a step up, but hopefully, it is something to aim for.
Why do these qualifications when they are not necessary in this industry? I'm constantly challenging myself and ensuring I'm doing the best I can for my couples first and foremost.
Will We Get Along?
I hope so, but it's why I try to meet with most couples before you book. Chatting and being on the same wavelength would put us all at ease working together.
What Do You Include In Your Packages?
I have recently streamlined my wedding packages. I now have three main full-day packages. Hopefully, that covers what most would require.
From packages with just the digital files to the top package, which includes a pre-wedding photoshoot and two photographers on your wedding day, the video highlights a large wedding album with parent copies.
If you require something shorter, I offer hourly rates for Elopement weddings.
Do you do video and photography?
Yes, that would be the straight answer!
But not at the expense of a videographer who captures everything along with the audio. I offer a hybrid photography/video package (included in the Premium package), which you can add as an optional extra to my other packages.
What is hybrid video/photography?
It is where I swap between photos and videos throughout the day. It's a combination of pictures and video where I capture video footage, with the highlights set to music. I usually deliver a 5 - 10 minute film set to music.
Do You Bring A Second Photographer?
You can pay to book me with a second photographer (included with my top Premium package).
The second photographer will be with the groom and groomsmen in the morning. Adding a second photographer will get more candid photos and alternative angles.
What Happens If It Rains/Snows?
Well, this one is entirely up to you. I will get you some stunning photos no matter the weather.
And if I don't want to go outside?
It doesn't matter! I will work with you to take beautiful photos inside your wedding venue. I can be creative in any situation.
How Far Do You Travel?
I'm happy to cover from Caithness, Inverness and the Highlands to Aberdeen from my base in Elgin.
I'm happy to go anywhere in the UK, although more considerable distances require chargeable accommodation.
What Happens If You Are Ill?
As with all wedding photographers, I have a trusted circle through networking, and we can all call on each other in the event of something happening. It would have to be serious to stop me from attending your wedding.
Do You Have Backup Equipment?
The simple answer is yes. I work with two cameras at all times during the day, plus various lenses and a third is in the car. I also carry multiple batteries and cards for both cameras and lighting.
When Will I Get My Photos?
I quote 8- 10 weeks in my contract to cover the workload at busier times of the year, but generally less than that.
Family Group Photos and How Many Should I Have?
The family group photos can be tricky, as people prefer to stay away for only a short time to get different variations of photos.
I suggest getting around 10 - 15 different ones, with those closest to you. I let my couples lead on which photos they want as it's their day, and they know who will attend. At any point throughout the day, I'm happy to capture individual families or take any other photos as necessary.
How Far In Advance Should I Book?
You should book once you have secured your venue and date to ensure I can photograph your wedding. I book over a year in advance, especially for premium summer dates, as things can get busy quickly.
How Do I Book?
I will reply with availability once you inquire through my website contact form. We can arrange a chat, either in person or via Zoom, about your day.
If you wish to book, I can set you up on my online system, which handles everything you need to book, from contracts to booking forms and invoicing.
It's as simple as that.
Contact Me
Tel: 07889850804
Aberdeen Wedding Photographer