About my photography services
Delivering your photos
When I deliver your photos, you’ll receive a link to a OneDrive folder for you to view and download all of your images. This includes two folders: one containing all images at the full resolution captured by my camera (24 megapixel). These are appropriate for printing at your retail photo and print service of choice, up to a size of 20 x 30 inches. The second folder is a copy, but resized for ease of online viewing and sharing. This makes it quick for you to view and share without noticeably compromising detail when viewed on phones, tablets and webpages.
People are sometimes curious about how many images they’ll receive. The best answer I can give for this is between 100-200 per hour. This is based on an actual average I track from all the weddings I’ve delivered. The quantity really depends on what’s going on around me. For example, if everyone is sat relaxing and talking, there’s likely to be a limited range of material to photograph. Conversely if there’s a lot going on, lots of things planned, then lots to photograph! I simply don’t target a set number of images.
My timeframes
When you book me, I do not book anything else on that date. This means I am completely present for your day. I will not be thinking about reaching a next destination on time, and I will not be rushing in from another gig. It also means that if you opt for me to stay a little longer, that’s nearly always an option for you, and never a stress.
Delivering your images depends on how many hours you had me for. If I’ve shot your elopement and it only took a couple of hours or less, there’s every chance I can get all those images over to you the very next day. If I’ve been with you for 8 hours, the next day I will provide you a link to a few of my favourite shots (to supersede those selfies your guests throw up on Insta without your permission!) and will deliver all the remaining images to you within 4 weeks.
Style decisions
My default style is candid and documentary. I favour a slightly higher contrast, have cinematic leanings, but most of all, I look to communicate the ‘intent’, the feel, of a scene. This doesn’t stray too far from what my camera captures. I really love Greg William’s work. Not only do I draw a lot of inspiration from his black and white work, his philosophy behind what he likes to capture closely reflects my own:
What candid means to me is: it’s honest, spontaneous, alive, unscripted and imperfect. They’re the pictures that make me believe, make me feel it’s authentic
Greg Williams, Photographer
Ultimately, I’m all about shooting what’s real! My favourite way to shoot is to blend in and let you and your guests enjoy yourselves. I’ll still be all over capturing those high stakes shots during the ceremony: the reaction when you first see eachother, the handoff from Dad/Mum/Brother/Sister/Important Person, the ring slipping on. But I’m not that photographer that will shout “hold on, we need that kiss again!” I’m not the guy that will intervene or interrupt anything just to get “the shot”. When things don’t go to plan, I’m the guy that shoots that and doesn’t ask for a do over. The goal is always for you to be able to look back at your photos and for them all to tell an authentic story.
We’ve snuck off to get some newlywed portraits. I’ll ask you to simply walk, hold hands, talk to each other, make each other laugh, but above all be yourselves. I’ll give very minimal directions. Client’s who’ve reviewed my work seem to instinctively know if I’m a match for them. I’ll know this when they say things like:
We’re really self-conscious about photos | We really want help taking organic pics | We just want photos of us being us | We just want to capture the essence of the day
Music to my ears, I am absolutely your guy. The stuff that is less fun for me (but I will still shoot because I’m a professional!) is going out of my way to photograph items on their own, like your dress, rings, shoes, flowers… I’m a lone photographer so when I’m not with you or people generally, I can start to feel I’m not doing what you got me there to do – to document you being you (it’s possible to include a second shooter but that’s $$$). If capturing photos of this structured/scripted type is as important as capturing every moment with people, please give this careful consideration. My ideal way to tackle this is to photograph you interacting with these items, using them, putting them on, swinging them around!
I’m open to continually learning and experimenting. Please chat with me about your requirements and expectations. I’ve invited clients into my post workflow to achieve certain looks for specific images. We’ve pre-planned specific shots ahead of time, one involved a hose and umbrellas, and another involved scouting for a road bend and timing a shot of a passing vehicle. I’ve photoshopped backgrounds of images to make it look like outer space for an in-joke, or simply remove an ouchie from the flower girl’s forehead which she got the day before the wedding. Kids will be kids!
Lastly, you’re able to me me know if there’s anything you want me to fix up; I’m happy to make one or two edits or provide a black and white version, etc. This is just part of my service.
I’m flexible, so if there’s something specific you have in mind let me know!
Spot the difference!
![](https://craigjlmacdonald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20190723_115804.jpg)
![](https://craigjlmacdonald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20190723_115804_1.jpg)
Make the Monaro look like the groom is speeding away from the scene!
![](https://craigjlmacdonald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20211002_1652_748_TricLeon-Monaro-Edit.jpg)
Add a little lens flare to the headlight and some smoke/mist for atmosphere
![](https://craigjlmacdonald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/20221120-Alex-MT-03.jpg)