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Wedding Advice

Questions to Ask Your Lake District Wedding Photographer Before Booking

Bride and Groom on Gummers Howe

Booking a wedding photographer is a big decision, and it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. I’ve compiled a list of questions I’m often asked to help you think about what’s important for your day.

Lake District Bride & Groom Confetti shot

1. Please could you give us a short description of your photography style?

I’m a natural storyteller for good energy & happy people, creating photos full of fun and all the feels. I will capture eloquently posed photos when appropriate, but mostly I will be capturing candid photos of your day as it unfolds. Have a look at my gallery.

2. How would you describe your presence on the day

With a background in HR and project management, I bring organisation, calm under pressure, and a knack for making everyone feel comfortable. This means your day runs smoothly and stress-free—so you can relax and enjoy it. Relaxed couples always make the best photos!

(The best way to find out if your photographer fits the bill is to check out their reviews! )
“We had a large wedding, and I don’t know how Julie managed to capture everything as just one woman; she just knew exactly where to be and when. She also had a wonderful way with the guests—never bossy, but always in control when she needed to be. Everybody got to feature in her wonderful photographs! I cannot recommend Julie enough; her work is STUNNING, and she will make you feel so relaxed and comfortable that all your photos look that way too!”
— Lucy & Linton, July 2025

3. What does your standard package include, and are there any additional costs?

My standard coverage runs from about 2 hours before your ceremony to around half an hour after your first dance, if the party is really going for it I’ll keep snapping!

  • Additional coverage: Evening extensions are £170 per hour
  • Prints: Printed photos aren’t included in the standard package, but for full-day weddings, I gift 5 small prints of your choice from the sneak peek. Additional albums and prints can be purchased easily via your online gallery, and I’m happy to guide you through this.

If you’d like to read more about my pricing, check out my investment page.

4. Are you local, or would you require accommodation?

I’m based in Bowness, Cumbria, and am happy to travel up to 90 minutes for a wedding. For further distances, I may require accommodation the night before or on the day itself. Mileage beyond 60 miles is charged at 45p per mile. I will travel anywhere (I am lucky enough to own an Irish passport), so this makes logistics like working in Europe a lot easier, just check my availability!

5. Should we budget for logistical costs, e.g., petrol or food?

Other than mileage (if applicable), the only request is a meal on the day. Most venues provide a “supplier meal” at a lower cost than guest meals. If your wedding requires me to travel over 90 minutes, accomodation, meals and travel would be an additional cost.

Tip: Ensure speeches are scheduled either before or after the meal rather than between courses—it helps everything run smoothly!

6. Would you recommend an additional photographer? Do you offer this, and what does it cost?

It depends on your wedding size and priorities. A second photographer is especially useful for:

  • Capturing both partners getting ready simultaneously
  • More candid guest reactions
  • Greater coverage from different angles

I would say this is a must if you have over 100 guests.

Additional photographers costs start from £300, depending on the hours required. All the colleagues I work with complement my style, ensuring your gallery is cohesive. I’m happy to help you decide if this is worthwhile (or necessary) for your day.

7. Do you also offer videography, film photography, or content creation?

I have recently added 35mm film to my package but don’t currently offer videography. I will be adding a highlights package next year, for now I collaborate with trusted colleagues who do.

If you’d like, I can recommend videographers or content creators whose work I know well. I’m used to working alongside, so everything runs smoothly and unobtrusively.

8. Have you shot at our venue before?

I’ve photographed at most venues in Cumbria and can share images where available. If I haven’t worked at your venue yet, that’s absolutely fine!

I always:

  • Research new venues thoroughly
  • Review layouts, lighting, ceremony spaces, and key photo locations
  • Do a recce visit or arrive early to plan the best shots

I photograph in an adaptable, observational way, so your story is captured beautifully regardless of venue familiarity. You can trust me to have done my homework!

Check out my Lake District Wedding recommended venues.

9. What happens if you are ill or unable to work on the day?

I’m part of an emergency cover network of around 40 local professional photographers.

  • All members are insured and highly professional.
  • In the very unlikely event I can’t shoot, I’ll find a suitable photographer and share their portfolio with you.
  • I remain responsible for editing, ensuring your images match my style.

This plan ensures your day is still beautifully documented, providing peace of mind.

10. How long is your typical delivery time, and do you provide sneak peeks?

  • Delivery: Winter weddings take about 6 weeks; busy season (July–December) is 10–12 weeks.
  • Sneak peek: Around 60 images within 24 hours so you can share highlights with friends and family.

This also allows a quick check that editing feels perfect—a step I very rarely had issues with!

11. Can I purchase photos and albums afterwards?

Yes! Your gallery is hosted on Pic-Time, which is intuitive and easy to use. I always recommend professional printing, as high-street options don’t colour-match as well. I’m happy to guide you through the process.

12. Is it a good idea to have an engagement/ pre wedding shoot first?

Yes, absolutely. Alongside gaining a gallery of images you will cherish forever, this will also allow you both an insight into what it feels like to be in front of a camera, before your big day, as well as building your relationship with your photographer. I can provide this as a bolt-on offer to your package at a discounted rate.

Top tip from one of my wonderful couples:

“Take a bunch of cute pictures and listen to your photographer! It was fun, and we’re so happy with the results. My husband initially didn’t want a photographer – I told him he was crazy! He’s now so incredibly happy we have our photos.” Men! 
Laura & Rob September 2025.

If you’re ready to have a conversation, get in touch!

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I’m known for warm, timely communication and beautiful, natural imagery- because your experience matters just as much as your photos.

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