There are wedding photographers… and then there’s Melanie East Photography …
Weddings
Aren’t you just another wedding photographer?
You could say that. Or you could say that this is Melanie East Photography. Where exceptional images are captured to tell the story of your day. You could point out that once the perfect images have been captured our albums are meticulously designed and then hand crafted to produce a totally bespoke and timeless product which will last a lifetime and which you will love forever. And where we aim to exceed our client’s expectations every single time.
What kind of weddings do you photograph?
I attract clients who value the important part photography plays in remembering their wedding day, clients who love my style of photography and clients who appreciate exceptional service and exceptional products. The weddings I photograph differ between large formal and smaller more intimate weddings. I shoot approximately a 50.50 mix between Church and Civil Ceremonies.
Which areas do you cover?
I shoot weddings across Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. I am happy to travel further afield for special weddings. I also have a base in Southern Spain and can cover weddings throughout Andalucia.
How many weddings do you shoot in a year?
I deliberately limit the number of weddings I shoot to 20 per year so that I can give each wedding client the care and attention they would expect.
What’s your style?
My aim is to tell the story of your day. I therefore shoot a mixture of candid photography along with stylised photographs of the two of you together to capture those extra special images. I love detail and pay particular attention to all the little touches you’ve been planning for months on end.
Are you qualified?
Yes – I am a fully qualified Master Photographer with the MPA (Master Photographers Association). A huge amount of wedding photographers are not qualified – so if you are seeing others – be sure to check this with them. The MPA only accepts full time qualified professional photographers, and their standard is very very high. Using a qualified Master of Photography will bring you peace of mind and can mean the difference between stunning photographs and an expensive mistake.
We don’t want lots and lots of formal photographs, does that fit in with what you do?
I am a contemporary photographer and therefore I shoot a mixture of candid photography along with any group shots you would like (most clients choose around six different group shots). The exception to this are the stylised photographs of the two of you together for which I will need approximately 40 minutes of your time. My clients tend to enjoy the stylised photographs and have fun while being photographed.
Can you remove wrinkles or skin outbreaks?
Yes of course, if you wish! And our clients love this service. We are very careful not to go too far with airbrushing, to ensure the finished images retain their natural skin tone.
Are you insured?
Yes – I’d be mad not to be!
Who will shoot my wedding?
I will! Usually, but not always, accompanied by an assistant.
Where did I leave my keys?
Where you had them last..
Do you ever photograph more than one wedding in a day?
Never. If you book me for your wedding day, then I am yours for the contracted coverage. I never take more than one wedding commission per day.
If I choose a package which includes a CD, can I print from it, or are they too small to do anything with? Do I get every single image you have taken?
The images I provide on CD are full size, high resolution – you have non-commercial printing rights – but do use a great lab! You will receive all edited images on the CD. Blinks, flash misfires, etc are always deleted, as we never show anything less than perfect in order to maintain our strict quality control standards.
When does coverage start and finish?
Coverage will start at the bride’s house, or wherever she is getting ready. I love to capture detail shots at that stage of any jewellery, the dress, bridesmaids dresses … I then photograph the last touches to the make up and the lacing/buttoning of the dress. I capture the mounting excitement, as it’s all part of the story of the day and will form an important part of your album. I then shoot right through the day until you sit down for your wedding breakfast. I can include speeches and first dance if requested.
Do your products contain nuts?
Not as far as we are aware!
How many photographs do you take?
I shoot to tell the story of the day and the amount of images you will see depends on all sorts of things including the time available. Clearly you’ll see more images if you book me for the entire day, than if you just book me until you sit down for your wedding breakfast.
Do you carry backup equipment?
Of course – I always have three Pro SLR cameras with me and a variety of lenses. For those interested in photography, I mainly shoot with a Canon 1D Mark III
How long until we see our photographs?
Online proofs are available generally within two to three weeks of your wedding. During the busy wedding season, online proofs sometimes take a little longer but the short wait is always more than worth it.
How do we book you?
The signing of a contract, and payment of a £500 retainer will secure me to capture your day.
What should we do now?
Send me a note via the form at the top of this blog, or you can email me or call me to arrange an appointment for a wedding consultation. We can meet, you can view sample albums and wedding images, and we can chat about how I can capture your day in more detail.