Frequently Asked Questions

What time will you be there on the day?

If you are taking the complete shoot, I will be with you, the bride. 2 hours before the start of your ceremony. If you are not getting ready at the same venue as the ceremony, then extra time will be taken into consideration for travelling time. I will plan a route to take around the venue for the photo shoot and discuss with you any special shots you want.

What deposit do you require?

To book your date there is a 50% deposit. This ensures that no one else can book your date, and I will have to turn them down. A further 25% can be paid up until the date of your wedding and the balance is payable 1 week after your wedding.

I am getting married next year, what will the price be?

If you book and pay your deposit this year, there will be no price increase for your wedding next year. Every January the prices are reviewed and adjusted accordingly.

When will my photos be ready?

Your photos will be edited and put onto disc for you to collect no longer than 2 weeks after your wedding day.

Do we need to feed you?

Ooo yes please! It's a very tiring job, so unless you want me to faint, I'd love a meal. You don't have to sit us (me and my assistant) on a guest's table, we are happy to eat in a corner somewhere.

Will you bring an assistant?

I will have an assistant carrying my equipment around, but he is not an extra photographer. If you require an extra photographer, it will be R2000.

What happens if it rains on the day?

I have only had 4 weddings where it has rained, but it has worked out well regardless. I'm the one that will get wet, and I will put you in dry places, lapas, doorways, inside, windows (and may even send you out with an umberella). If you are adventurous, when there is heavy rain, we could use that opportunity to get some creative shots. If it doesn't work out, we can reshoot another day free of charge.

How many hours will you be at the wedding?

For the Mini shoot, it's usually a 1 hour ceremony and another hour-1.5 hours to photograph the family and bridal party and couple (2-3 hours). For the Half shoot, there are an extra 2 hours of reception(4-5 hours). With the Complete shoot it is 2 hours before the ceremony, 1 hour ceremony, 1.5 for after photos, and I'm at the reception for approx 4 hours. I don't work according to time, but in reality a full day is 8 hours (cos you're not going to throw the bouquet at midnight).

Do you charge for overtime?

Because I shoot the order of events, and not by time, I will not run off after a certain amount of hours. As mentioned above, if you feel your wedding (perhaps it is a traditional African wedding/cultural wedding) will go on from sunrise to sunset, we'll have to discuss it.

Do you photograph only in Gauteng?

No, I have been asked to photograph in the UK and Durban. All you have to do is get me there (not by donkey or bus) and book me accommodation for the evening before the wedding and the evening of the wedding.

What equipment do you use?

Disposable cameras. ha ha not really. I shoot with Canon equipment only. I have 2 bodies, speedlite flashes and 4 pro lenses (100mm macro, 24-105mm, 70-200mm and a wideangle 10-20mm)

How far in advance should I book a photographer?

As soon as you have a date and venue confirmed, book your photographer! Book as far in advance as possible, approx a year to 8 months in advance. It is amazing how many couples leave booking their wedding photographer til a month or two before their wedding and struggle to find a great wedding photographer available.

Remember all you have to do is pay a deposit and your date is booked! You'll have plenty of time to pay it off.

Why do photographers charge a lot?

You may have heard this before, but your photographs are the one thing (apart from your spouse) that you are left with after your wedding day is over. You will be looking at these for years to come (the photos and your spouse) so choose carefully!. This important aspect of your day needs to be invested in, not a job for a friend or reletive.

Why do surgeons charge a lot? Well, their job is very skilled and they have the right equipment...would you let your uncle operate on you to save you money?

Professional camera equipment is also very expensive to buy and maintain. It's not a case of showing up a few hours on a weekend, the major work begins after the day of capturing. In the age of film photography (which is awesome and still used), the lab that developed the photographs did the editing. Now, in an age of digital photography, we have to do this ourselves. I wish there was an 'all in one button' that magically takes away your blemishes, fallen eyelashes and glitter off your face, or one that opens each photo to check if anyone's blinking and deletes them accordingly. Editing takes time and patience. Designing albums takes time and patience.

What's the price of a professional photographer in Gauteng?.

on average the price of a good photographer can range from R7000 (a good photographer's basic package) to R30,000 in Johannesburg and each wedding photographer offers something different, so be sure to check what is included in the price, their level of expertise and their work. Do you need prints? Do you need and album right away? Do you only want 100 photos or would you prefer to have everything your photographer has captured on your wedding day? Think about these things before rushing in.

There are a few amateurs that charge very little to shoot a wedding. If the prices are too good to be true, you are likely to have come across one. Rather cut back in another area of your wedding to put extra money towards a professional, experienced photographer.

Who is the best wedding photographer in Johannesburg?

Well that is down to each individual's taste! I have my favourites that inspire me! Firstly look at the clarity of photos, because no one wants blurry pictures. Secondly, look at the compositions. Do they look like anyone could have taken the photos? Do they 'move' you? What emotions do the photos conjure up? Do they make you feel anything at all?! When that photographer presents you with photographs that play with your emotions, then I think you have found 'the one', just like when you found the person you are about to marry.

Article by Danielle Pretorius