Frequently Asked Qusetions
Below are the answers to our most frequently asked questions. If the question/answer does not appear below, please contact us.
Q. Do you have a printed brochure?
To keep our costs down, we do not have a printed brochure as all of the information is available via our website. We do have available for download a printed version of our website. To download our Wedding Booklet, please click here. Please do not hesitate to contact us though if you have any questions or require any additional information.
Q. Do you have any dates left for 2010?
We only have very limited availability for 2010. Please contact us to see if your date is still free. Dates are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Q. I am getting married in 2011 - can I book now?
Yes. As we are already 45% booked for 2011 (as of January 2010), we recommend that as soon as you have booked your wedding venue and received confirmation you then book all other services required for your wedding day as soon as possible to ensure you receive your preferred supplier. Due to the high quality of the work we produce and our affordable prices, we do get booked up to two years in advance.
Q. Do you contract out your wedding photography service?
No. Never. All weddings booked with Mark Pearson Photography are covered by photographers at Mark Pearson Photography and Mark personally oversees each wedding. We NEVER sub contract out work by bringing in external photographers to cover your big day.
Q. Is your wedding service insured?
Yes. We are covered by a Professional Indemnity Insurance policy with Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance PLC for your peace of mind. In addition we also carry full public liability insurance through Chubb Insurance Company Of Europe Limited.
Q. Do you provide a written contract?
Yes. Unlike many wedding photographers we feel that a written contract is vital. It lays down in writing our exact obligations, agreed prices etc and gives you peace of mind knowing you have a written document.
Q. What backup equipment do you bring to the wedding?
We always bring a full range of backup equipment to every wedding. For example, we bring backup digital cameras, extra storage cards, a laptop, blank discs, spare batteries and a portable studio if the weather is wet and we have to shoot indoors.
Q. Do you do a pre-wedding site visit?
Yes. We generally make two trips to your chosen wedding location. The first, approximately one month before is to take a walk around the location to look for suitable shooting areas and to introduce ourselves to the Minister, Vicar, Registrar, Wedding Planner etc. The second, generally done on the day itself, is to have a final check to make sure the location hasn't changed since our last visit.
Q. What albums do you supply?
We use all the main manufacturers of wedding albums. Our selection is extensive.
Q. Why do you supply two photographers at a wedding?
The answer to this is very simple. One photographer cannot be in two places at the same time, no matter how good he or she is. By using two photographers at weddings we capture more of your big day resulting in a wider range of images to choose from for your album. Sometimes the best moments are those which happen away from the main hub of things. A second photographer unobtrusively captures the tears, smiles, hugs and joy that a lone photographer will often miss.
Q. Do you allow our guests to take their own photographs?
Most definitely yes. We work together with your guests and always allow a little extra time for your guests to take their own photographs. We make a point of involving them and working with us.
Q. What is the pre-wedding meeting for?
The pre-wedding meeting is a critical part of our wedding service. We get together with the Bride and Groom, generally a month before the big day, and discuss what photographs are required. Too many photographers have a set list of shots that they take. We are different because we find out what shots YOU want taken. We know that each and every wedding is different and unique; you simply cannot have a standard list of shots that are taken on the day.
Q. What is the Online Viewing Service?
After the photographs have been taken, we upload them to an online password protected album. Once the Bride and Groom have viewed the photographs, we then open the album for all the guests to view. This is ideal for those who have travelled a long distance to attend the wedding or for those who couldn't make it at all. The Online Viewing service also allows Guests to make their own purchases of the photographs thus saving the Bride and Groom from a hefty reprint bill.
Q. Can I see some of your work / view the demo albums?
Yes. Simply telephone our studio on 0113 2295408 and make an appointment to pop in. The meeting is very informal and you are under no obligation.
Q. Why don't you do just one wedding package?
Each wedding is unique and different and by breaking our packages down into segments, we allow you to choose what you do, and more importantly, don't want. Paying for something that you do not want or need is a waste of your money. Our packages offer total flexibility and are very cost effective.
Q. Can I add something to the package - for example a canvas print?
Yes. If what you would like is not in our additions section, simply let us know and we will give you a quote.
Q. What is the Guests Order Of Photograph sheet?
Pop in for a chat and we will show you one. It is one of those "little things" that we do.
Q. How far in advance do we need to book you?
We are now accepting bookings for 2011 and 2012. We recommend that as soon as you have confirmed your wedding date, you then book all the other services needed on your day. Whilst two years, or more, in advance may seem like a long time, Mark Pearson Photography does get booked up very early. Booking early will give you more chance that we can cover your big day and you get your preferred choice of photographers. Leaving it to the last minute may result in you having to settle for a photographer who may not be your first choice. This in itself may have an impact on the quality of the work and service you receive. Whether photographer, wedding car, cake, wedding dress, flowers or wedding venue - book early to avoid disappointment.
Q. What about retainers and balances?
The Retainer fee required to secure a date is £200.00. This amount, which is non-refundable should you cancel your booking, is then deducted from your final price. Once your retainer fee is paid, that booking slot is allocated to you. The remaining balance is due 1 month before the wedding, usually when we hold the pre-wedding meeting.
Q. OK, so how do I book?
First it is important to give us a call on 0113 2295408 to ensure your date is still free. If your date has not been allocated you may then either make an appointment to pop in and see us and we'll have all the paperwork ready to go or complete the Wedding Contract, Terms & Conditions and Booking Form (found in the Wedding Booklet) and return to our Studio with your Retainer fee payment. Retainer Fees may be paid by cheque or cash (in person only).
