My packages as a Tauranga wedding photographer

FAQ about my service as a wedding photographer

Where do you provide your wedding photography service?

I mainly work as a wedding photographer in Tauranga. Plus, I’m available as a wedding photographer in Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Waihi, Waihi Beach, across the Western Bay of Plenty and Bay of Plenty. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there is a location you would like me to provide wedding photography at. For example, I’ve been an elopement photographer at Falls Retreat in the Karangahake Gorge. The Out of Area price is $250. This is for Whakatane, Rotorua, Whangamata. Please enquire about location options and the out of area price.

Do you do both colour and black and white wedding pictures?

Yes, not a problem. Most clients like a mix of both. Sometimes, I might get a rough guide, eg, 60 per cent colour, 40 per cent black and white. Ordinarily, I’m trusted to make the right judgement on what makes a strong colour photo, and what makes a strong black and white picture.

How would you describe your wedding photography style?

What’s essential for me is to ensure every couple gets the ‘must-have’ wedding pictures they have asked for. I’m always seeking too, candid moments that capture the genuine feeling and beauty of the day. Whilst some wedding photographers like to use presets and roll them out for an entire gallery, my style is to look at each picture as if it was a stand alone photograph. On the day, I can give lots of direction if it is needed, or as little as is required. It’s all about blending in with the day as if you were someone you had known for a long time.

Can you take pictures throughout the day?

Yes! I love to do this. I’m typically asked to take pictures of the preparation (eg, final touches to hair and make up, then the bridal party hanging out), then the ceremony, group photos, couple photos, reception arrival, speeches, and cake cutting.

Do you give direction during the couple pictures?

Of course, not a problem at all.

Can you take first look pictures before the ceremony?

I love to do this! Please let me know if there is a location you have your heart set on for a first look. If not, I’ll suggest a place that will be best for closest to your ceremony location.

Do you provide a wedding videography service too?

I’m afraid not. My sole focus is on providing still images that you can treasure forever, and one day possibly print and hang on your wall. However, you should check out wedding videographer CinCin Events if you would like video from a wedding in Tauranga.

What is your additional time on site charge?

It is an hourly rate of $95 (please bear in mind that one hour extra on site can be an extra hour of post processing for me. So one hour on site, is for me, two hours of work - though the client is charged for one).

What is the cost of ordering extra photos?

For the option to purchase further photos, the price is $150 for 50. These are also pictures selected by me and added to your digital gallery and download package.

Can you also take pictures of the other party getting ready?

Sometimes, a couple will love to have both groups getting ready (eg, the bride and the groom). If the groom is getting ready very close by (eg, a five minute drive at most), then I can take a few pictures of the groom and the groomsmen. Ordinarily, couples ask for just photos of the bridal party’s preparation.

I want pictures exactly like the ones I have as examples - do you do that?

Good question. Some photographers have no problem with this, and that’s all cool, but I’m afraid I don’t do copies of other people’s work. E.g, if you have a picture you like on Pinterest etc and you’d like an exact match, I can’t do it as I prefer to avoid copying work, and there are a host of variables out of my control, in particular time available, location, and lighting. Instead, I am really into capturing the essence of what you like. So, the kindness and friendship, and tenderness of the moment.

Do you take detail shots like the wedding rings and shoes?

Yes, if you would like them. I should point out that the way I do these shots are to have the items (eg, rings, shoes etc) in a natural setting. For example, shoes underneath a hanging dress, or the ring in a box close to where the bride is getting ready. I’m afraid I don’t provide styled product shots using a flat lay. Hope that’s ok.

What are the steps to booking you?

Please send me a message to enquire as to my availability and if there is a pricing option you have as a preference. If I’m available, the next step is to chat remotely, or meet in person if convenient for both parties, and I can send an example online gallery too. After that, if you would like to proceed, I send an invoice for a 20 per cent deposit, and a contract signed by myself and to be signed by you. An invoice for the balance is sent in advance of the wedding, with the balance to be paid before the wedding day. If any additional hour (s) are required on the day, an invoice for the balance will be sent after the ceremony. Please note, no pictures are released until the balance is paid.

How quickly do you turn around the wedding pictures?

I always aim to provide the digital pictures for the Essence and Classic packages within 7-9 days of the wedding. Plus, sneak peek pictures are provided within 24 hours of the ceremony ending.

Do you provide a physical album?

For the Essence and Classic packages I provide two A3 prints of your choice. I can also provide additional A3 prints for $115 a print. I’m afraid I don’t provide a physical album.

Do you sell the SD cards or sell the raw files?

The short answer is no, I don’t sell them, or provide them. The service provided is one of me curating the pictures taken, editing them, and providing those. Please don’t hesitate to ask me anything about this. Here to to help!

Do you provide every picture taken for a couple to look at?

Typically, no (yet to be asked). As it involves additional work, there would be an additional cost. It’s important to note that I don’t provide raw images. Thank you for your understanding.

How big are the large file equivalents available in some packages?

They’re big! Typically anywhere from 15mb to 35mb, at 240PPI. You will need to open them on a laptop or desktop. The smaller file equivalents are much more suited for sharing via a phone/social media. These are typically 72PPI.

Do you have a favourite wedding venue?

I have so many! The Elms in Tauranga is epic, and is in a great location, whilst a backyard wedding is really intimate. Near me is ŌmahanuiWedding Venue at Whakamarama near Tauranga. It is serene and ever so beautiful. I also adore The Run 15 at Matata, which is about 20 minutes from Whakatane.

Can you start the time on site from the moment of the bridal party arrival?

Good question. If you’ve booked, for example, the Essence package, my time needs to include being on site ahead of the bridal party arrival (typically 30 minutes before) This is a really important preparation time to make sure lighting checks are done, I’ve met the celebrant, and pre-ceremony shots are also taken.

When do I have to pay?

The balance, after a 20% deposit has been paid, is to be paid no later than 7 days before the wedding (with any additional hour costs sent after). The digital photo package, once completed, is delivered once the balance is paid.

Do you provide an engagement photo shoot service in Tauranga?

Yes, I am available for hire as an engagement photographer in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, and Katikati. Please send me a message and I’ll get right back to you. The price is $450, which involves an hour photoshoot, plus 50 edited and selected digital pictures by me, sent as small files and also as large files (more suitable for printing). An example of my engagement photography work is the picture above with the beach and the sunset (and the amazing couple smiling). Congratulations on your engagement!

What does ‘on site’ mean?

Good question. So, if the package is, for example, ‘three hours on site’ covering the ceremony, post ceremony, and other moments after, my time would not start when the ceremony starts. It would start when I arrive and undertake the critical prep work. One of the advantages of this is that you get pre-ceremony moments. For example, guests arriving and interacting, and those lovely moments of being seeing each for the first time in a long time. If I potential client said they only wanted to pay me from the ceremony started, I would politely decline the wedding. The parts before are really important, much like a sound check for a band. Hope that helps!