Bill Sykes Photography

How would you describe your wedding photography style and what makes you unique?

I describe my style as a blend of various approaches to provide a ‘storybook’ of my couple’s wedding day. I love capturing natural, relaxed shots of people, real moments, genuine love between the couple, small arty details. I have plenty of experience to bring out the best with whatever light conditions the day offers.

I also work with my associate photographer, Minah Wilson, to offer a flexible 2 photographer team. So you can have both of us for just part of your day or for the full duration. Two angles of view, two places at once and two people to chat to about anything beforehand. We also combine talents with editing & photo enhancement, after the wedding day. As well as being a good professional photographer, Minah is a natural people person, very easy going and fun, which reflects in her photos. We both share a similar approach for our wedding photography – natural, relaxed real moments.

How would you describe your working style?

Unobtrusive, quick, candid, fun, easy going, thorough on detail.

Do you shoot digitally or with film? Or both?

I used to shoot some film but now pure digital. I could offer film if required.

What type of equipment do you use?

Canon

Do you shoot in colour and black and white?

Yes I offer both – every image is captured is in RAW file which holds the maximum information for black & white conversions from colour as well as further colour enhancements in post production.

What can you offer couples? Can they customise the package with you?

I offer flexibility with pricing – both on coverage and work afterwards. Therefore, my couples can have some say in how they would like there photos to look style-wise. With a second shooter, we can offer flexible packages for your choices of coverage – see above. It is also possible to hire Minah to shoot on the day on her own and for myself to be ‘Art Director’ with the editing and photo finishing stages. This can be a more cost effective package. Feel free to ask for more details.

Do you include an engagement shoot?

An engagement shoot is optional for couples to choose if they wish.

How long after the wedding will the couple receive their proofs?

I aim to deliver the first disc within 4 weeks. However, it’s all about delivering quality not rushing to a deadline. If it takes a little longer, I will send samples.

How far in advance should couples book you?

This can vary according to dates. Popular summer dates 6 – 9 months in advance. But I do have gaps so always worth asking. Off season times have more availability generally, even short notice.

What information do you need from the couple before the wedding day?

With an initial enquiry for a quote – I need the date, venue, timings, size of wedding. I offer a meeting/phone chat. I show samples and hear what my couples prefer style wise, how their day will flow, album options etc. I talk again close to the date to run through and check final details.

What are you favourite trends?

I look at various trends and styles and then apply as my couples wish. I like the variety so I don’t have one favourite as such. I think the vintage trends have opened up more options colour wise which I like working with. I enjoy pleasing my clients with delivering what we discussed plus some surprises.

If you were getting married, how would you choose your wedding photographer?

I am married and our day was very relaxed with a reportage type photographer wandering about, taking lots of candid quirky moments. I’m not crazy about having my photo taken and he got lots of natural shots, which we loved (although he did mess up the film processing so they all look dark!). This inspired me to capture my weddings as the whole event as a ‘story book’.

I would think about how you would like to enjoy YOUR day. With everything going on, the time you actually have to hang out together can be limited. So think time wise, how much do you want to be spending with your photographer getting specific shots done….. balanced with…. how much you want to be celebrating with friends and family?