FAqs
About Me
What are your qualifications?
I’ve got a degree in photography, as well as a Level 5 in teaching. I’ve also got a (woefully underused) Level 1 in British Sign Language.
How long have you been a wedding photographer?
Weirdly, I’m not exactly sure! About 12 years (I think my first proper wedding was in 2010) is my feeling.
What do you shoot on?
I’m a Canon girl. I’ve got an R6 mirrorless and a 5dMkiii as my main cameras. I shoot on 85mm and 50mm portrait lenses, as well as a 24-70mm mk2 wide/zoom.
What about backup kit?
I’ve got a Canon 60d in the car, it’s a perfect little back up camera and also what I use in the Photobooth. My lenses fit on it, and my batteries are compatible too.
I’ve got 8 spare camera batteries which are always charged, and loads of spare memory cards too. I also carry two flash guns and multiple spare batteries.
What will you wear?
This depends on the weather and your venue! I dress to be comfortable but smart. I’ll not wear casual jeans or hoodies as I know I’m in the background of your guests’ images too.
If you are worried, ask me and I’ll do you a fashion show of sorts ;) same goes for if you’ve got a dress code - let’s chat!
Do we have to feed you? Do you have any dietary requirements?
You don’t have to do anything, but a fed photographer is a happy one.
It’s a long day often over all three meals, so some hot food would be greatly appreciated. I’ll leave site in some instances to find a meal, and could end up missing bits - many venues have a supplier menu though and I’d be very grateful!
No dietary requirements either, I’m a woman/Labrador and will eat anything.
What’s your superpower?
My superpower? My patter!
I believe a little bit of stand up comedy and making people laugh always elevates the mood and you get awesome photos of people having the best time without saying “cheese!”
I use my teaching background and the wild self-belief I’m funny to make your group shots look like this…!
Are you inclusive/an ally?
Absolutely. Hello you!
I have a full inclusivity statement that you can read here and pride myself on being open-minded, curious and kind.
While I am in a hetero-presenting marriage, I identify as bisexual and believe that all humans deserve to be seen and celebrated.
I am open to learning, so if you think there’s something I could do better on I want to know. ✌🏼
How long have you had blue hair? Where did you get your glasses?
Bloody ages. Years! It’s become part of me and I love it. My friends describe me as “Hana-with-the-blue-hair”.
Glasses are Zeelool, snazzy eh? I’ve got them in different colours too…
Venues
You know things… have you got any venue ideas? We’re stuck.
I really do! Check out the places I’ve been on my blog, instagram and by asking. Let me know what you’re looking for and I’ll send you a list of little gems.
Have you been to our venue before?
Maybe, probably - but honestly, it doesn’t matter.
I don’t want to photograph the same places just with different people like you’re indistinguishable. Each time I go to a wedding I go with the flow, feed off you and your guests and the weather and the time of day and your outfits… everything that makes you *you* will change my response to your photographs. I’ll use my wealth of experience to find the right spots, and I’ll work with your venue to maximise our time too!
Beforehand I’ll probably look at it online, and then have a walk around on-site alone on the day to get a feel. You’re in safe hands!
Do you have insurance? Can you send it to our venue?
Absolutely I do. I’ve got insurance on my kit but also public liability insurance for myself too. I can send this and a PAT Certificate to your venue if they need it - ask them to email hello@hanalaurie.co.uk
Our venue has a coordinator/we’ve hired a planner, will you work with them?
What a dream! Of course I will. The amazing thing about working weddings is the power of team work. We are all experts and we will get together to make sure your wedding is reaaal smoooove and you get married and sit for food on time. It’s my job to capture the day as it happens, and I can help to coordinate things as they happen.
You plan it, we’ll do it.
A gorgeous venue I can heartily recommend is Hillfields Farm Estate near Reading where Mrs Durrell the Champagne Donkey will serve your guests refills!
Packages
We hate having our photo taken, what now?
Same, it’s weird isn’t it? Like, what do I do with my arms??
It’s maybe odd to say, but photography is the last bit of the job for me - firstly, I want to make you comfortable, I want to make you laugh and I want to help you to trust me - this is good for you because you’re having fun, but it’s also teaching me what you’re like, how you look when you’re relaxed and full of joy, and what I might look for in your photos.
If you’re extra anxious, I can recommend going for an engagement shoot!
Can we book an engagement shoot?
You can! It’s included in my “Give me all you’ve got” package, or it’s bookable at £350.
It’s so worth taking the time to do it. It’s great practise for your wedding day, a great opportunity to get to know me (woo!) and a wonderful excuse to have NORMAL photos of yourselves that aren’t just all weddingy.
How much is a deposit?
It’s £300 to secure a date with me. This is deductible from your balance, and payable at the time of booking alongside a completed contract.
The payment is non-refundable and covers the cost of work I do before your wedding, as well as ensuring I can turn down other requests for your date.
Can we add to our package or is it too late?
Absolutely! You can add hours, a second photographer or the photobooth up to 2 days before your shindig. Just ask.
How long do we have to pay for our package?
You’ve got until 3 weeks before the wedding. I’ll send a reminder email nearer the time along with the details forms etc, so don’t worry!
Do you travel? Is there any cost?
Certainly do, I’ve been from Scotland to Cornwall and Kent for my couples and everywhere in between.
Travel is included up to 80 miles from GU34, and after that it’s best to get in touch and plan with me. It’ll depend on whether I’m driving, training or flying and if there’s an overnight stay required.
How many photos do we get?
This is unlimited and completely individual, though usually 600+. I shoot freely across your wedding day capturing moments - if yours is full of silliness, tears, and laughter, entertainment, chill out moments or tomfoolery, I’ll capture it as it is. I don’t want to work to any limits, preferring to tell the story as it is.
How long will we wait for our finished gallery?
I aim to complete your gallery 4-6 weeks afterwards, and I’ll keep in touch if this changes. The pandemic in particular really affected turnaround times, and life is very adept at curveballs…!
Either way, I aim to send a Sneak Peek of images pretty soon afterwards to keep you going! You can always follow me on social media to find out how I’m getting on.
How do you send galleries?
I’ve got an awesome gallery site. The sneak peak will be available here and then your gallery will follow afterwards in the same place.
Do you capture the traditional group photos?
Yes yes yes! It’s about the only structured thing I’ll do all day, because I can see their importance.
One of my favourite images is from our 12 person wedding, as we lost a grandparent a little afterwards. It’s really nostalgic to look at us all stood together, and we didn’t take too long getting them done.
(It’s worth remembering that each group image takes 2-3 minutes to compose, so stick to a list of 10)
Will you photoshop us?
Naaahhhh… it’s just not my style, sorry! I believe in storytelling all good human things, and part of that is loving people just as they are. I don’t believe that you need improving.
I will listen to you, though, so if there’s something really specific - let’s have a chat to make sure you love your wedding photos as much as I do.
Do you have full galleries we can see?
Great question, and yes. It’s really important to ask to see full galleries as many photographers showcase the absolute best of their work on their website (why wouldn’t you!), I don’t have anything to hide though - so I’m happy to show you how damn consistent I am! Ask me!
