Wedding photography by Artist Stephen Minett, Wedding albums by Graphi Studio Italy.

Based just outside London, an Ideal location for a wedding photographer, I have been lucky enough to work all over the U.K., and Europe.

I have put together a few insights to each of the counties directly around by local area via the links above Left, but no means a definitive list, just i hope, an entertaining insight in to my world.

Frequently asked questions...

A quick question and answer session with Stephen Minett

Twenty Questions you should ask a wedding photographer..

1. What’s your primary style? Posed and formal, relaxed, photo journalistic, creative, artistic, candid, traditional?

Answer: None of the above.. I hate to be pigeon holed in to any one type. Each part of wedding photography involves both a different style and photographic discipline, architectural, social, photo journalistic, traditional and candid, are all tools in my artistic tool kit. The end result is a combination of all the above, the essence of your wedding day.

I guess if pushed a photo journalistic wedding photographer with a traditional modern spin would be the closed i could get! The many candid, unrehearsed moments as well as the traditional a blend of styles, a unique wedding story teller through photographs, relaxed and fun.

2. Do you shoot in color or black and white? Or both? Do you shoot in a digital format that can create both color and b/w versions of the same picture?

Answer: Yes, I shoot all digital, colour photos, which means I can take a lot more photos quickly. In post production / editing I can choose to convert images to black & white, sepia and also utilize specialized filters for an artistic effects

3. What type of camera do you use?

Answer: It depends of the assignment, for wedding i wouldn't be without my three professional SLR's which i consider to be the work horse of the wedding world, each camera records each photograph to two separate cards (i like to be sure) in addition to these back up cameras, Flashes, lenses... nothing is left to chance.

4. What kind of input can we have on the direction of the shots? Can we give you a shot list to work from?

Answer: Your wedding is unique to you, i will work closely with you to get an understanding of what you final vision for your photography is. I recommend an event guide on the day to help me recognise important people and to act as a go between for us both so you can just relax and enjoy your day.

Lists, always, I supply you a standard shot list in advance and work with you to tailor this to your wedding, if you have one of your own all the better.

5a. Are you the wedding photographer who will actually take our pictures? If not, can we meet the person who will be?

Answer: Yes. My reputation is based on the wedding photography I create, I will be the photographer who will photograph your wedding.

5b. We would like 2 photographers for our wedding. Is this something you can provide?

Answer: Yes, I train photographer in the art of wedding photography and can provide any number of qualified professional photographers for your wedding. An additional fee for this service will be added to your wedding package price.

6. Is there a limit to how many photos you can take?

Answer: No, there is no limit, it does depend on the amount of "action" on the wedding day.

7. How many times have you worked specifically as a wedding photographer? How many were similar to the size and formality of our wedding?

Answer: I have shot weddings since 1999, and fashion since 1997, so around 13 years or so. with anything up to 70 weddings a year, from small intimate weddings to the most lavish of weddings, and loved and treated each as important as the last.

8. How many other events will you also photograph that weekend?

Answer: Always a favorite question, the answer is two, one on your day and one the next.. I can never see how it would be possible to do more.

9. What kind of equipment will you bring with you? How intrusive will lighting, tripods, other equipment or assistants be?

Answer: As standard carried with me for the majority of the day is a single camera so as un-intrusive as you can get. You will hardly notice I'm there for the majority of the day and am always conscious to avoid disrupting the views of others during the day.

As a professional wedding photographer the back up equipment list is quite extensive..

Two camera bodies, Memory cards aplenty, flashes, tripod, mobile studio lights fortunately this lives in the car and only ever comes out if needed.

10. Do you develop your own film? Do you offer albums?

Answer: I shoot all digital; there will be no film used. The edited image files are developed by quality, professional labs and shipped to your doorstep. Our albums are designed and printed by only the finest producers in the world

11. What type and how much assistance will you provide in planning my album?

Answer: Assisted album production is standard, you choose the images form the supplied proof book, or website, and we upload a draft out lay.

You can then make as many changes to this as necessary and only when you are completely happy with this draft would it go to print.

12. Will you give me the negatives or what is the charge?

Answer: My shooting fee includes providing you a DVD copy containing all of professionally edited images from your event, which allows you to conveniently print images at any outlet

13. How long after the event will the proofs be ready?

Answer: Average turnaround time from wedding day to delivery is usually less than 7 – 10 days – sometimes less. Your DVD will be mailed to your doorstep once editing is complete. The proofs will be viewable on your own private site normally with in 4 days

14. Will there be backup equipment available? And what happens if the photographer is ill?

Answer: I have invested in backup equipment for each camera and apparatus that I use. During your event, I will be shooting with at least 2 cameras. If for some reason I am no longer able to honor our agreement to be your photographer (hospitalization, for example), I would if you wished contact a reputable (qualified) photographer to act in my stead.

15. What attire will you and your assistants wear?

Answer: Normally dark suit and tie at the very least.

16. Can other people take photos while you are taking photos?

Answer: Yes, i actively encourage it, the more photographs you have of you day the better for you.

17. Have you worked at my event location before? How did it work out?

Answer: May be, May be not, regardless of this i always visit each location to check out the lighting and best locations for photography long in advance of the day

18. Should the event last longer than scheduled, will you stay? Extra charge?

Answer: Normally planning prevents the need for additional time, but if needed, I will stay longer. the standard contract is up till 8pm so should cover most weddings. I charge £50/hour for additional shooting time. Once your wedding schedule has been drafted we will be able to determine how much time will be required for your big day.

19. Can I get a discount? I don’t want everything you have to offer in a package price…

Answer: I price my service in line with my ability, and products i produce, If you wish to adjust the package discounts could be arranged.

20. Do you require a meal on the wedding day?

Answer: I would of cause graciously except, but it is by no means expected.

20. Are you insured?

Answer: Yes, both public liability and professional indemnity

20 again. Do you take sugar in your tea?

Answer: Yes, that would be lovely thank you, two and milk please..

Max storm