There are some modest expenses for locations which require more than an hour's travel each way. You can find more details about the travel expenses for several locations in WA on the wedding travel and accommodation expenses page.
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to make a commission booking. Bookings are not confirmed until both the deposit and a copy of the signed contract has been received. The remaining balance is due two weeks prior to the wedding date. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, EFT (direct deposit), Eftpos or credit card (subject to a small surcharge). If the deposit is not received within 7 days of the paperwork being sent out, the booking may no longer be available.
No, you can choose to order an album before or after the wedding.
No, I shoot solo. I've captured both partners getting ready at almost every wedding I have photographed. It is simply a matter of being organised and working out timings properly.
Of course not! It is your wedding and they are your memories.
Lots... but none of them have anything to do with photography. My photography is entirely self-taught. I didn't work as an assistant, nor train under another photographer, nor did I study photography formally. One day back in 2004 I went out and bought my first DSLR, the rest as they say is history.
I have now photographed more than 280 weddings over the last 15 years, I guess you could call that reasonably experienced.
Yes, however to be perfectly honest I have only ever entered them when there has been decent prize money on offer. I've had a 3rd place and a couple of honourable mentions at the at the IPAs (International Photography Awards). I've had a 10th place in the International Wedding Photography Awards, a 13th place at the International Loupe Awards, three silver awards from WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International), a silver at PX3 (Prix de la Photographie, Paris) and a nominee at FAPA (Fine Art Photography Awards).
The International Loupe Awards were quite an "eyeopening" experience as I ended up receiving an apology on behalf of the competition from the head judge because the judges didn't believe my eye reflection shots were real. It was a backhanded compliment really to know that I had taken shots that top international photography judges couldn't conceive as being possible.
1) Because you like what you have seen (if you don't like my work then hiring me would be daft).
2) You like having fun. Fun is compulsory, no if, buts or maybes.
Let's be honest though if you don't think you should commission me, then don't! It is important that you get the right person for your wedding so do just that. It may or may not be me, if not, there are no hard feelings here (it means I get to have a weekend off for a change).