Liverpool Wedding Photographer Faqs
Planning a wedding comes with lots of questions—especially when it comes to photography. From how my booking process works, to what happens on the day, to when you’ll receive your photos, I’ve answered all the things couples ask me most.
To see the answers, simply click on each question below to reveal the details. This page is organised into sections covering general questions, booking and process, your wedding day, and what happens after the wedding, so you can quickly find the information you need and get a clear idea of how I work. I specialise in natural, unposed wedding photography in Liverpool, Cheshire, North Wales, and across the North West UK, capturing relaxed, real moments on your big day.
Search Faqs:
Will you back up our photos?
Yes. I create three separate backups immediately after your wedding, plus an additional backup via the gallery platform. Once your gallery is delivered, it’s important that you also create your own backups for long-term storage.
Do you provide a USB?
I no longer provide USB drives, as many modern computers no longer support them without adapters. Online galleries are more reliable and easier to access.
Can we order albums or prints?
Yes. Your gallery includes access to an online shop where you can order albums, prints, frames and other products. Check out my proces and packages page to see what is available:
Go to: Prices and packages
How do we access our photos?
You’ll receive a link to your online gallery where you can view and download all your high-resolution images. I strongly recommend backing them up in multiple places.
Will we get a sneak peek?
Yes. I aim to send a sneak peek of up to 10 photos within 72 hours of your wedding.
How many photos will we receive?
This varies depending on your package, timings, venue and overall flow of the day. For full-day coverage, couples typically receive around 400-600 edited images.
When will we receive our photos?
Your full gallery is usually delivered within 4–6 weeks via an online gallery.
How long will you stay?
Coverage depends on your chosen package. For full-day coverage, I usually stay until around 9pm or a few songs after your first dance, whichever comes first. Shorter packages are tailored around your timeline. Double check my proces and packages page for further information:
Go to: Prices and packages
What if it rains?
We embrace it. All my equipment is weather-sealed, and rainy photos can be beautiful. Clear umbrellas photograph brilliantly, and honestly, dresses and suits pick up dirt even on sunny days. Dry cleaners are very powerful people.
What about guests using phones and cameras?
Guests taking photos on their phones is completely normal, and I’m very used to working around it throughout the day. That said, during key moments like the ceremony, confetti, or group photos, lots of phones held up in front of faces can make things more challenging.
If you’d like a more relaxed, phone-down feel for certain parts of the day, you’re very welcome to ask your celebrant, registrar, or venue coordinator to gently mention this beforehand. I’m also happy to guide guests during group photos so everyone knows where to stand and where to look, keeping things quick and stress-free.
What time will you arrive?
This depends on the package you’ve chosen and what coverage you need. If bride prep and/or groom prep photos are included, I usually arrive up to two hours before the ceremony. Otherwise, I’ll typically arrive around 30 minutes beforehand. We’ll confirm everything during your pre-wedding Zoom call.
How do you work with neurodivergent couples or guests?
Before photography, I worked as a secondary school teacher and have lots of experience supporting neurodivergent people. I adapt my approach based on your needs, whether that’s minimising sensory overload, adjusting communication styles, or being flexible with timings.
Go to: Neurodivergent-friendly wedding photography blog post
Can we give you a shot list?
I don’t work from a full shot list on the day, as it can pull focus away from capturing genuine moments as they happen. However, I do ask you to select any must-have family group photos in advance, so we make sure those important combinations are covered efficiently after the ceremony. If there’s anything especially meaningful to you, you’re always welcome to tell me. I just don’t want you worrying about ticking boxes instead of enjoying your wedding.
We hate having our photo taken. Help.
You’re not alone. I hate having my photo taken too, so I completely get it. Most of your photos won’t involve looking at the camera at all. I’ll give gentle prompts when needed, but the focus is on natural interaction rather than posing. No pressure, no awkwardness, and no pretending to be someone you’re not.
Go to: Looking natural in wedding photos blog post
Go to: Instagram Reel - Do you hate getting your photo taken too?
Do you have a brochure?
Yes. My brochure includes practical information about booking, plus example photos from every part of a wedding day so you can see exactly what your gallery might look like.
Do you work with a second photographer?
I usually work on my own, which allows me to stay flexible and responsive throughout your wedding day. Working solo means I can move quickly, adapt to what’s happening in the moment, and communicate directly with you without anything getting lost in translation.
It also keeps the photography side of the day calm and unobtrusive, which suits my natural, documentary style. If you’re planning something particularly large or complex, we can always chat about coverage and what would work best for your day.
Take a look at a blog post I've written about having a second shooter at your wedding: Do You Really Need Two Wedding Photographers?
What types of wedding photos do you take?
Around 90% of my photos are candid and documentary-style. The remaining 10% is usually reserved for family group photos after the ceremony. I aim to keep even those as relaxed and efficient as possible.
What is your approach on the wedding day?
I keep things calm and unobtrusive so you can enjoy your day without feeling like you’re constantly being photographed. I’ll offer gentle guidance when needed, but mostly I blend into the background and capture moments as they naturally happen. The goal is for your photos to feel like you.
How would you describe your wedding photography style?
My style is natural, relaxed and mostly unposed, with a soft, warm colour palette inspired by autumn tones. The focus is always on real moments and genuine emotions rather than forced poses. You can see plenty of full wedding galleries in my portfolio.
What wedding photography packages do you offer?
I currently offer three wedding photography packages. Full details are available on my prices and packages page.
Go to: Prices and packages
What is the wedding photography portal?
Your portal keeps everything in one place. You can view our emails, access and complete forms, check invoices, set up payment plans and book your Zoom call. It saves a lot of back-and-forth emails and keeps everything nicely organised. I’m slightly obsessed with how tidy it keeps things
How do we access our wedding photography portal?
Once your date is secured, I’ll send you a link and login details for your online wedding photography portal.
Can we arrange a Zoom call?
Yes. A Zoom call is included with all wedding photography packages. I usually schedule this around four weeks before your wedding so we can chat through your plans, timings and any questions you have.
Can we arrange a phone call?
Yes. Once you’ve filled in my enquiry form and I’ve confirmed availability, you’ll receive a link to my calendar where you can book a phone call.
Go to: Enquiry Form
Are there lots of forms and paperwork?
No. I keep paperwork to a minimum. After booking, you’ll complete:
- A venues and locations form
- A timeline form closer to the wedding
- A group photo form where you can select the family and friends photos you want
That’s it.
Can we pay in monthly instalments?
Yes. You can set up a monthly payment plan through your online portal, or make ad-hoc payments whenever you like. The only requirement is that the full balance is paid two months before your wedding.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payments are handled through your online wedding portal. You can pay by card (via Stripe), PayPal, or bank transfer.
When do we need to pay the full balance?
Your remaining balance is due two months before your wedding day.
How much is the deposit to secure our date?
I ask for a 15% deposit, along with a signed contract, to secure your wedding date.
Do you carry backup equipment?
Absolutely. I shoot with two Nikon cameras throughout your wedding day, both in constant use. Each camera has dual card slots, so every photo is instantly backed up in-camera. I also carry additional camera bodies, lenses, flashes, batteries and memory cards. In short: if something breaks, your photos are still safe.
What does the wedding photography booking process look like?
I keep things as straightforward as possible, because wedding planning is already a lot. I’ve written a dedicated blog post that walks you through the full booking process step by step, including a helpful timeline you can download.
Are you insured?
Yes. I’m fully insured with both public liability and professional indemnity cover.
Do you capture video as well as photographs?
I don’t offer full wedding videography, but I do sometimes capture behind-the-scenes footage using small action cameras throughout your day. This is mainly for social media, so couples can get a real feel for what it’s like to have me there on their wedding day.
What areas of the UK do you cover?
I mainly cover the North West of England. All wedding photography packages include travel within 50 miles of Liverpool. If your wedding is further afield, I’m still very happy to travel. I just charge an additional travel fee of 50p per mile beyond that (calculated from my Liverpool address).
General Questions
I mainly cover the North West of England. All wedding photography packages include travel within 50 miles of Liverpool. If your wedding is further afield, I’m still very happy to travel. I just charge an additional travel fee of 50p per mile beyond that (calculated from my Liverpool address).
I don’t offer full wedding videography, but I do sometimes capture behind-the-scenes footage using small action cameras throughout your day. This is mainly for social media, so couples can get a real feel for what it’s like to have me there on their wedding day.
Yes. I’m fully insured with both public liability and professional indemnity cover.
Absolutely. I shoot with two Nikon cameras throughout your wedding day, both in constant use. Each camera has dual card slots, so every photo is instantly backed up in-camera. I also carry additional camera bodies, lenses, flashes, batteries and memory cards. In short: if something breaks, your photos are still safe.
e: gemmacullenphotography@gmail.com
© 2017 - 2024 All Photographs and Content Copyright of Gemma Cullen Photography
Booking Process
I keep things as straightforward as possible, because wedding planning is already a lot. I’ve written a dedicated blog post that walks you through the full booking process step by step, including a helpful timeline you can download.
Go to: Booking process blog post
I ask for a 15% deposit, along with a signed contract, to secure your wedding date.
Your remaining balance is due two months before your wedding day.
Payments are handled through your online wedding portal. You can pay by card (via Stripe), PayPal, or bank transfer.
Your remaining balance is due two months before your wedding day.
No. I keep paperwork to a minimum. After booking, you’ll complete:
- A venues and locations form
- A timeline form closer to the wedding
- A group photo form where you can select the family and friends photos you want
That’s it.
Yes. Once you’ve filled in my enquiry form and I’ve confirmed availability, you’ll receive a link to my calendar where you can book a phone call.
Go to: Enquiry form
Yes. A Zoom call is included with all wedding photography packages. I usually schedule this around four weeks before your wedding so we can chat through your plans, timings and any questions you have.
Once your date is secured, I’ll send you a link and login details for your online wedding photography portal.
Your portal keeps everything in one place. You can view our emails, access and complete forms, check invoices, set up payment plans and book your Zoom call. It saves a lot of back-and-forth emails and keeps everything nicely organised. I’m slightly obsessed with how tidy it keeps things.
I currently offer three wedding photography packages. Full details are available on my prices and packages page.
Go to: Prices and packages
My Wedding Photography Style
My style is natural, relaxed and mostly unposed, with a soft, warm colour palette inspired by autumn tones. The focus is always on real moments and genuine emotions rather than forced poses. You can see plenty of full wedding galleries in my portfolio.
Around 90% of my photos are candid and documentary-style. The remaining 10% is usually reserved for family group photos after the ceremony. I aim to keep even those as relaxed and efficient as possible.
I keep things calm and unobtrusive so you can enjoy your day without feeling like you’re constantly being photographed. I’ll offer gentle guidance when needed, but mostly I blend into the background and capture moments as they naturally happen. The goal is for your photos to feel like you.
I usually work on my own, which allows me to stay flexible and responsive throughout your wedding day. Working solo means I can move quickly, adapt to what’s happening in the moment, and communicate directly with you without anything getting lost in translation.
It also keeps the photography side of the day calm and unobtrusive, which suits my natural, documentary style. If you’re planning something particularly large or complex, we can always chat about coverage and what would work best for your day.
Take a look at a blog post I've written about having a second shooter at your wedding: Do You Really Need Two Wedding Photographers?
Yes. My brochure includes practical information about booking, plus example photos from every part of a wedding day so you can see exactly what your gallery might look like.
About you two
You’re not alone. I hate having my photo taken too, so I completely get it. Most of your photos won’t involve looking at the camera at all. I’ll give gentle prompts when needed, but the focus is on natural interaction rather than posing. No pressure, no awkwardness, and no pretending to be someone you’re not.
Go to: Looking natural in wedding photos
Go to: Instagram reel: Do you hate having your photo taken too?
I don’t work from a full shot list on the day, as it can pull focus away from capturing genuine moments as they happen. However, I do ask you to select any must-have family group photos in advance, so we make sure those important combinations are covered efficiently after the ceremony. If there’s anything especially meaningful to you, you’re always welcome to tell me. I just don’t want you worrying about ticking boxes instead of enjoying your wedding.
Before photography, I worked as a secondary school teacher and have lots of experience supporting neurodivergent people. I adapt my approach based on your needs, whether that’s minimising sensory overload, adjusting communication styles, or being flexible with timings.
On your wedding day
This depends on the package you’ve chosen and what coverage you need. If prep photos are included, I usually arrive up to two hours before the ceremony. Otherwise, I’ll typically arrive around 30 minutes beforehand. We’ll confirm everything during your pre-wedding Zoom call.
Guests taking photos on their phones is completely normal, and I’m very used to working around it throughout the day. That said, during key moments like the ceremony, confetti, or group photos, lots of phones held up in front of faces can make things more challenging.
If you’d like a more relaxed, phone-down feel for certain parts of the day, you’re very welcome to ask your celebrant, registrar, or venue coordinator to gently mention this beforehand. I’m also happy to guide guests during group photos so everyone knows where to stand and where to look, keeping things quick and stress-free.
We embrace it. All my equipment is weather-sealed, and rainy photos can be beautiful. Clear umbrellas photograph brilliantly, and honestly, dresses and suits pick up dirt even on sunny days. Dry cleaners are very powerful people.
Coverage depends on your chosen package. For full-day coverage, I usually stay until around 9pm or a few songs after your first dance, whichever comes first. Shorter packages are tailored around your timeline.
After your wedding
Your full gallery is usually delivered within 4–6 weeks via an online gallery.
This varies depending on your package, timings, venue and overall flow of the day. For full-day coverage, couples typically receive around 500 edited images.
Yes. I aim to send a sneak peek of up to 10 photos within 72 hours of your wedding.
You’ll receive a link to your online gallery where you can view and download all your high-resolution images. I strongly recommend backing them up in multiple places.
Yes. Your gallery includes access to an online shop where you can order albums, prints, frames and other products.
I no longer provide USB drives, as many modern computers no longer support them without adapters. Online galleries are more reliable and easier to access.
Yes. I create three separate backups immediately after your wedding, plus an additional backup via the gallery platform. Once your gallery is delivered, it’s important that you also create your own backups for long-term storage.