paul wicks, 

(wedding photographer day to day)

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Hi all. I’ve been asked to describe my usual day when shooting a wedding.Depending on what the client requests I could
Attend a location of where the bride and bridal party are getting ready.
I would then photograph from a candid perspective capturing moments.
I would also shoot small details such as close ups of the flowers, shoes and hats etc. The idea is to create a memory moment - perhaps a time that the couple could miss or easily forget.
Portraiture is normally next with a rough standard set of images:
Bride  having hair and make up done. Bride getting tied into dress, bride looking through a window (represents looking to her future).I then cover bridal party portraits, and them getting in to the car.I then jump in mine and head to the church on a preplanned route in order to get there before the bride.
I run in, take images of the groom waiting for the bride, run out again and take images of the bride getting out of the car.
I record her entering the church and the ceremony, ensuring I capture wedding rings being put on, first kiss and observing for any other moments; all whilst taking candid shots of the guests.

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After the ceremony we generally have a breather, many family members require a cigarette!
After we then take the group portraits as specified in meetings beforehand.
I often get asked to create adhoc images which is fine with me…

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I also try to capture the location and vicar too! These don’t get printed, but serve as reminders making up a whole story…
At the wedding reception I skim around the outskirts, shooting with a zoom, watching for people to be smiling or laughing.
I also take photos of the seating plans, cake and any other special details that have been set up.Food is generally served (I have a clause in my contract that I must also be fed as I am often in attendance longer than the bride!) and I have a break.
Normally straight after food i photograph the wedding speeches and also gift giving to those that have helped.

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I continue doing candid shots and also collections of each table of guests.
Next big images are the cake cutting and first dance. The latter I generally set up a small wireless flash in order to create a backlight.If requested I then set up the mobile studio and carry out portraiture etc for guests.I generally use TWO Nikon full frame cameras with wireless triggers and a large number of SD cards.
I have a large portable battery for the flash so that the recycle time (time it takes to be ready again) is reduced.On average I would expect to charge around £1400,00 for a days wedding shoot and a days editing. Any additional prints can bring in between £200 -£300, and album sales anywhere between £300-£500 each.I offer online access which comes at a cost to me, if you factor in wear and tear to equipment, travelling and other costs I generally make around £1200 profit per wedding