If you have looked around my site then I am sure that you may have some questions to ask. Hopefully I have thought of most of them, however, if you have a question that you can't find the answer to, then please CONTACT ME and I will come back to you promptly.
If you have a question then I really hope that I have pre-mpted it. Here are a few of the most popular questions. This is quite a comprehensive list however if you have a question and you can't find the answer then please ask, just click the contact me button and I'll get back to you promptly.
How do we secure the date?
To secure the date I need a signed contract and a non-refundable booking fee which is based on the hours coverage. As soon as I receive these two things the date goes in the calendar (which makes it official!) Final balance payment is due one month before the wedding day. There is more information on the legal stuff by clicking here.
How best to contact you?
Please get in touch with me using my contact form here or email me at info@michaelcaldwellphotography.co.uk
You can also keep up to date with me on Instagram or Facebook. Please click the social media icons below. Please do not share any personal information via the social media pages as they are open to all.
You can also keep up to date with me on Instagram or Facebook. Please click the social media icons below. Please do not share any personal information via the social media pages as they are open to all.
How much do you charge?
My professional service fees are competitive, however every life event is different and so fees are likely to be different to take into account your individual requirements. Please visit my specific areas for details common packages. By far the best way though is to contact me
Where are you based?
I live about 3 miles east of Lincoln Cathedral. I will cover weddings upto 2hours away without requiring any additional travel charges.
Do you photograph weddings outside of Lincolnshire?
I am happy to capture your wedding at locations which will involve travelling times beyond 2 hours. You will need to contact me to discuss your specific arrangements.
If you’re having a destination wedding (a wedding that would require a stay away) and you don’t want to take the risk with the local foreign photographer, let me know, I love to travel and capture destination weddings. Again this is a bespoke service so please contact me to discuss your dreams.
What type of images can we expect?
Along with the people that make your day so special, I love to photograph the little details as well as the big details, the flowers, the food, the scenery, the entertainment. The magical moments. Images that capture how it felt to be there and all the things that make your wedding unique to you and tells your story.
Are you flexible on hours?
Yes some couples may wish for photography coverage that's more than one day or isn't quite a full day (10-12 hours), but half day (6 hours) maybe too little and this is absolutely fine; I'm happy to tailor a wedding photography package that works for you.
Are you insured?
ABSOLUTELY. Wedding photography is an enormous responsibility and as a professional wedding photographer, it’s one I take very seriously. I have public liability insurance of 5M, professional indemnity insurance and carry a DBS certificate. Regardless whether you use me or not, please do not use any photographer who does not hold insurance. It's a bit like getting in a car with a driver who isn't insured.
How should we be in front of the camera?
The main rule is to ignore me, be yourselves and trust me to capture the best photos with the exception of course being your group photos!!!!; ) Everyone being themselves and natural provides all many magical moments. I think natural photos are the best. The pre-wedding engagement photography session that is included with all day bookings really help couples be themselves and relaxed in front of the camera. I aim to blend totally into the background. You will not have my lens constantly in your face. Because I use the latest mirrorless cameras, there is no moving parts which means that my images can be taken totally silently. Bit like Santa delivering presents!
How many photographs will I get and how will I get them?
It really depends on the wedding and hours coverage. For an all day wedding, I would expect around 500 images, although for larger weddings the number can often go up to 700. However each wedding and wedding day is different. Your photos are recorded in an exceptionally high resolution. All of your photos will then be professionally edited. You will receive your photos in two formats. Initially, you will have access to your private portfolio via my website. These images can be downloaded and shared via social media. You will also receive a USB stick that will have your images on and will be saved at a resolution that makes them ideal for printing. They are your photos and you may do with them as you wish.
You may choose to have a professional album added into your package as well as a professionally printed enlarged photos. Full details will be made available to you as part of your online portfolio.
How long do you stay for?
For all day wedding photography, I’m capturing around 10 to 12 hours.
Do you backup the photos?
I’m meticulous about backing up photos. At the first opportunity, your photos will have back up copies created that will be on two different devices. I recommend that once you receive your USB stick that you to also take a backup copy.
What if...... your camera fails on the day
I take every possible steps to ensure that this won't happen. This means that I have invested in the latest mirrorless cameras. Imagine using a mobile phone that is 5 years old, yes it will still function but it may not be as effective. On the day I will always have multiple cameras and reserve equipment. These are all primed and are in a duplicate bag to my main camera. The reserves are ready to be used.
What if...... it rains?
If there is one thing that can not be controlled it's the weather. Trust me, my own wedding day was a washout and that was in the middle of June, however our wedding did of course go ahead so If your wedding is happening then I will capture it come rain or shine. Although we have a range of umbrellas, we would tend to encourage you to stay dry. We will endeavor to capture as much as we can outdoors but it may be necessary to press the 'desperate times require desperate measures' button and that a few more photos may need to be captured indoors. At the time of booking we will formulate a wet weather plan so you don't need to worry!
Can we have a second photographer?
Yes I have a handful of second photographers available to join me at. I recommend a second photographer joins me if the distance between the two wedding parties getting ready is longer than a 20 minutes drive. I also recommended one if you have over 100 guests. This is subject to availability and an additional fee
Do you offer a pre-wedding shoot?
Yes I offer engagement photography. It is included with all day wedding bookings. Couples say that the 1 hour session really helps with the photos of just the two of you on your wedding day. The bonus other than hanging out with me is that you get to keep at least 10 edited images from the engagement session which can be used on your personalised wedding stationary if you wish.
How and when will we receive our wedding photos?
I know how exciting it is to await your wedding photos and I always aim to get a handful of teasers within 2 weeks of your wedding, this usually ties in with you returning from your honeymoon. These will normally be low resolution and watermarked until the complete final collection is ready. During peak summer season the full collection can take up to 12 weeks, the average time is 10 weeks.
Photos are uploaded to your online portfolio first. These images will be ideal for sharing via social media. You will also receive your photo collection on a USB stick that are delivered to your home. These images will be of a higher resolution and will be suitable for printing upto A2 size.
Do you take wedding group photographs?
Yes although couples don’t really hire my for this, but I understand most people want a few. I recommend keeping the number of photos to around 10. Each one takes 2-3 minutes so that’s 20-30 minutes. Having an usher help gather people really speeds this up. I will aim to capture these as soon as you come out of the ceremony, so please encourage people to stay as there will not be the time to stage these sort of photos later. They can be fun, formal or informal as you like. You supply a list of groups before the day and I’ll make sure they’re captured. Please note I will only work from your list as this avoids personal requests from your guests.
Do you offer a wedding album?
Yes. There are many different options. Some people will want an album others won't. You may decide that you want to use the photos to create your own album, the photos on the usb stick will be able to be used for this.
Should you want a professionally created album then please ask me and I will talk through a range of options and budget
Can friends and family order prints?
Yes absolutely, free digital downloads are available from your private website gallery.
Do we own copyright of the images?
You have a license to print and share your photographs. The full copyright is retained by me. All that means is that you can’t sell, modify or enter the photographs in competitions.
The Legal FAQ