Wedding Photography Questions
SANDRA REDDIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Answered By
Q.
We're really camera shy. Will that be a problem?
Not at all, most of my couples say exactly the same thing before the wedding. It's probably the most common message I receive so you are in very good company.
My super power is making people feel comfortable when I photograph them, even the most camera shy. I have a way of working that gives people space to relax and be themselves.
For couples portraits, I can give some gentle guidance but there's no awkward standing and staring at the camera as I'm good at capturing things in the moment.
If you're particularly nervous, I'd really recommend a pre-wedding shoot. It's a very relaxed, no pressure shoot and by the end of it most couples say they've actually enjoyed it.
Q.
How do you work on the day?
My style is unobtrusive and relaxed. I capture the day as it unfolds, which is sometimes called documentary or storytelling but it's my natural way of recording a wedding. My focus is on genuine emotion and real moments with 70% of my photos being candid and the rest portraits.
I'll know your timeline inside out, so I can be in the right place at the right moment without needing to interrupt anything and I'll be moving about quietly, chatting to guests when I can. I aim to capture the essence of the day and how it reflects you both as a couple which means everything from morning nerves and preparations to fancy moves on the dance floor.
And for the formal group shots, I keep the list short and move through them quickly — I generally allow about four minutes per group. For couple portraits, I'll guide you gently but it's relaxed, not rigid.
I've been described as "ninja-like" more than once. I take that as a compliment.
Q.
How much does a wedding photographer cost in London?
In 2026, most London wedding photographers charge between £1,500 and £3,000 for full-day coverage, with the average at around £1,800–£2,100. Prices vary based on experience, hours of coverage, what's included in post-production, and whether extras like albums or second shooters are part of the package.
My own packages start from £1,100 for half-day coverage and go up to £2,600 for a full day with wedding album. Every package includes a pre-wedding consultation, professionally hand-edited images, 48-hour teaser photos, a private online gallery, and high-resolution digital files. You can find a full breakdown on my pricing page. Bespoke packages available for longer or shorter coverage. No hidden extras!
Q.
What's the difference between documentary and traditional wedding photography?
Traditional wedding photography focuses on posed, formal shots where a photographer directs the couple and guests into specific positions and compositions. It's very structured and the results are classic and predictable.
Documentary wedding photography, which is how I work, is the opposite. I capture what's actually happening, as it unfolds. My focus is on real emotions, candid moments, and the natural flow of the day, photographing the laughter, the tears, the chaos, and the quiet moments in between. I'll still do group shots and a few relaxed portraits, but the majority of your gallery will be unposed and natural.
Most couples who book me say they wanted photos that feel real rather than staged. If that sounds like you, we'll get on brilliantly.
Q.
How far in advance should I book a wedding photographer?
Most couples get in touch 9–15 months before their wedding date, and I'd recommend booking as early as you can. I only take a limited number of weddings each year to make sure every couple gets my full attention, and popular dates, especially Saturdays during the summer, fill up fast.
That said, if your wedding is sooner than that, it's always worth checking. I sometimes have availability for shorter-notice bookings, particularly for weekday or winter weddings.
Q.
Can you pencil us in or hold our date?
I can only hold a day with a deposit. I can certainly pencil you in and inform you if another couple is interested in your day but as a small business I can only guarantee a booking once a contract is signed and deposit paid.
Q.
What should I look for when choosing a wedding photographer?
You'll want a photographer whose work resonates with you. Take a good look at their portfolio and ask to see some full wedding galleries. Check their reviews and call them for a chat. If you click with them then book, it's as simple as that.
Q.
Have you worked at our venue before?
I'm always excited to work at a new venue and in practice it makes no difference if I've worked there before or not. Weddings generally have the same flow and I always look forward to shooting at a new location. In fact I don't generally check the venue until I arrive because things can change to much leading up to the day. I get there early, do a recce, talk to staff and find all the magic spots, check the flow around the building then get stuck in to shooting the day.
Q.
How long until we receive our photos?
You'll get a set of teaser images within 48 hours of your wedding, enough to relive the highlights and share with family while the full gallery is being prepared.
The complete edited gallery is typically ready within 4–6 weeks. Every image is individually hand-edited by me ;no AI, no outsourcing, no presets slapped on and shipped out. A full-day wedding takes me 40–60 hours of post-production, so the timeline reflects the care that goes into your photos.
I'll keep you updated on progress, and if there's a reason you need photos sooner, just let me know and I'll do my best.
Q.
Do I need a second photographer at my wedding?
It depends on your day. For weddings with 80+ guests, split getting-ready locations, or complex timelines, a second photographer gives you wider coverage and more candid angles.
My regular second shooter is Gigi — he's been with me for 8 years, he's Italian, incredibly warm, and he has an eye for the moments I might miss while I'm with you. We work as a proper team, not two strangers with cameras.
For intimate weddings or shorter coverage, you probably don't need a second shooter. I can advise based on your specific plans when we chat.
Q.
What happens if you're unwell on the day?
In over 13 years and 250+ weddings, I have never missed one, but I understand the worry and I do have a back up plan. I have a very close team of trusted experienced photographer friends who I can ask to step in at very short notice. They know my style, they are brilliant and I can trust them 100% with my brand.
Q.
Do you offer videography?
Yes, you can find details of my filming offers here:
Q.
We want lots of group photos. Can you do that?
Absolutely. I know some documentary photographers avoid formals entirely, but I think group photos are a lovely record of who was there and what everyone was wearing. I'll work through them quickly and efficiently so they don't eat into your time with your guests.
My advice: keep the list as short as you can. I allow about four minutes per group, so ten groups takes roughly 40 minutes. The shorter the list, the more time you have for the fun stuff.
Send me your list beforehand and I'll plan the logistics so it runs smoothly on the day.
Q.
Are pre-wedding engagement shoots worth it?
I'd say they're one of the best things you can do, especially if you're camera shy. It's a relaxed, no-pressure session which will give us time to get to know each other a bit and help you get any camera nerves out of the way. I'm very good at putting people at ease when I photograph them and I have a certain way of working that helps people come out of their shell.
Most couples tell me the pre-wedding shoot completely changed how they felt about being photographed. It's also a great opportunity to get some beautiful portraits you can use for save-the-dates, table plans, or just to have on the wall.
Q.
Do you travel outside London?
Absolutely! I'm London-based but I regularly photograph weddings across the UK and also destination weddings on occasion. Travel within England and Wales is typically included in the package price. For Scotland, Ireland, and international weddings, I'll provide a bespoke quote that covers travel and accommodation.
If you're planning a wedding somewhere beautiful, I'd love to hear about it.
Q.
Can we see full galleries from previous weddings?
Of course. When you get in touch, I'll send you a selection of full galleries that match your wedding style, size, and venue type. I think it's the best way to see what your own gallery might look like — much more useful than a curated highlight reel.
Q.
How do we receive the images?
You'll receive all your images in both high and low resolution on a wooden USB — yours to keep forever. While that's on its way, I'll also upload your full gallery to a private online platform where you can share with family and friends, and order prints if you'd like.
Q.
Will you visit our venue before the wedding?
These days I don't generally visit a venue before the day unless it's local and I'm feeling nosey. The main reason for that is because I'm confident after shooting more than 250 weddings to rock up on the day. I also prefer to see it on the day for the right weather, the light and decor. Having said that I'm always happy to have my couples meeting at the venue if they particularly want that.
Q.
What is your advice if it rains on the day?
Bring some beautiful umbrellas and carry on regardless! In all my years of shooting weddings, rain has never ruined a day, sometimes it even adds a bit of je ne sais quoi.
Q.
How do we pay?
Booking is simple and all done online. To secure the day I take a deposit which amounts to roughly one quarter of the total amount, then the remaining balance is due at least four weeks before the wedding. You'll also receive a photography contract at time of booking then later on a short questionnaire. Nearer the day we'll arrange to meet (either online or in person) to go through everything in detail so I can be hands off on the day.
Q.
What is your number one wedding planning tip?
Buy three times more confetti than you think you need, you can never have enough. The confetti photos are some of the most joyful images from a wedding.
Sometimes I even do two rounds of confetti!