Frequently asked questions about wedding photography

Who are you?

I'm Julie Broadfoot, a small Scottish photographer. My comfort zone is behind a camera, definitely not in front of a camera. I have superpowers. I'm obsessed with animals. Read all about me here.

What kind of wedding photography do you do?

Relaxed, natural images that you'll love to show off! I mix candid photography with relaxed, flattering portraits, and I'm great at making nervous people feel comfy in front of my camera. I shoot most of a wedding in stealth mode. I lurk in corners and sneak around, seeing stories unfold. I capture fleeting moments when you and your guests aren't worrying about what they look like. And when it comes to your couple portraits there's no cheesy posing or awkward grins. Read more about my style of wedding photography and there are plenty of examples in my online portfolio.

Will you photograph our secret elopement next week, plus our party next year?

Absolutely. I love a two day wedding. As long as I'm available on both dates, I'm very happy to do this for you. Just tell me what you want to do and I'll do my best to help.

Can you shoot my wedding in Pitlochry/London/Italy?

Yes! I am based in Glasgow but I love to drive so I work all over Scotland. If my schedule allows then I'm happy to travel for a destination wedding. Sometimes travel/accommodation costs will apply but we can discuss that when you get in touch. I also have a handy base in Perth for weddings in Perthshire and the Highlands.

I'm really nervous about being photographed. Can you help?

Absolutely. This is my superpower. Your nerves are perfectly normal and I'm great at making people comfortable in front of my camera. Communication skills are as important as the technical and creative sides of photography, and I've loads of experience working with different people over the years: newlyweds, business owners, celebrities, chief execs, bands, actors, kids etc. I get on with people and when we chat during the shoot it quickly becomes comfortable. I show you what I'm doing on the back of the camera (I have a geeky way of doing these while social distancing) whilst I'm working so you know you can trust me and relax. It works :)

I include wee practice shoots in most of my wedding packages for anyone who is particularly anxious.

How do we book you?

The first step is to check my availability. Fill in this form and I'll reply quickly. If I have your date free, I'll send you my price guide. Then let's have a chat on the phone or Zoom. We'll talk about your wedding plans, you can ask me questions, and we can make sure we're a good fit! No pressure, no hard sell, no rush to make a decision. 

After our call I'll send you a booking form so it's all ready if you choose me for your wedding photography. And if you do make that excellent decision, I'll send you a digital contract to sign and an invoice for your booking fee. Once they're signed/paid, your date in secure in my diary. Your photography balance is due 6 weeks before your wedding. Wedding albums and prints are ordered and paid for separately after you've received your wedding photos.

How far in advance do I have to book you?

My diary changes by the day and it gets busier by the year so it's really helpful to confirm your booking as early as possible. However, a lot of my clients plan their weddings at short notice so don't panic if your wedding is only a few months or weeks away. I may be able to help and I love last minute weddings. I once photographed a wedding at two days' notice but I wouldn't recommend leaving it quite that late! If I'm not available then I can help find you another great photographer through my mighty network of professionals.

What if we have to reschedule?

We'll talk through your options but the main thing is to keep me in the loop before you change your wedding date, to make sure I'm available on your rescheduled date.

Are you insured?

Absolutely. I have full insurance for my camera kit, along with public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and a 2023 basic disclosure from Disclosure Scotland. 

PS If you don't already have it, I do recommend getting your own wedding insurance. I've heard too many tales in which it would've saved the day.

Do you provide digital downloads or USB sticks?

I provide all images via digital downloads. USB sticks are no longer included as standard in my packages but they are available for an additional, small fee. Please, please make sure you save the images and back them up a couple of times (on an extra hard drive and in the cloud) to safeguard yourselves against the perils of ever-changing technology and all those 'trusty' computer updates.

Have you shot at my venue before?

Maybe! If I have, I can show you photos I've taken there but I like to check out new locations in advance. Usually I pop along a few days before to meet the staff and get to know all the wee nooks and crannies. I scout out the best places to do your portraits and groups, and I make a contingency plan for bad weather. 

I've also shot at plenty of venues without seeing it first - either the wedding has been booked at very short notice or I've stepped in to help another photographer - and it's always worked out perfectly. Sometimes turning up with a fresh pair of eyes is best. I'm happy to show you examples if you like.

What's the point of a pre-wedding/engagement shoot?

This is really handy if you're nervous about being photographed. It gets you used to my camera and we get to know each other a bit better. My photography values always apply: natural, creative, nothing awkward or posed. It helps me to know if there are any angles you hate or things you don't want to see in photos as I always aim to take flattering pictures! If you don't want to book a full engagement shoot, don't worry. I include a wee practice shoot with most of my packages.

I'm not ready to book my wedding photography yet. Can I book you for an engagement shoot anyway?

Yes, that's fine. I can do engagement shoots separate from wedding bookings. Contact me to find out more.

How far in advance are you booking weddings?

I'm currently taking bookings for 2024. If your wedding date is beyond that then please let me know. I can get in touch when it become available and give you first refusal to book.

Can you help me find a florist/band/stationer/dress-maker etc?

Yes! I love to work with suppliers I know and trust so I'm happy to offer recommendations.

Do you take family group photos?

Yes, if you want them! I can advise you how this works so it doesn't take over your day. We'll work out a list beforehand and schedule it so it's quick and nobody gets bored. Check out my 'style of photography' page for more chat about this.

We don't want anybody else to see our wedding photos. Can they be kept private?

Of course. I have photographed a lot of teachers, health professionals and well-known faces who prefer their photos to stay private. Obviously the photos I put online help others see my work but there are different levels of privacy and I'm happy to chat them through with you. I won't put any of your photos anywhere without your permission. If you want more reassurance about your data, read my privacy policy.

Do you photograph headshots/parties/events/pets ?

Yes! When we're not in the midst of a pandemic, I work all year round on all of these things, always focusing on my customary natural, relaxed style of photography. Visit my commercial site to see headshots and portraits for personal branding and online dating, pets and wildlife, events and performances.

Can I follow you on social media?

Oh yes. You'll find out so much more about the glamorous life of a Scottish photographer. At the moment I'm mostly using Insta Stories. Spoiler: I'm usually getting into ridiculous positions trying to get the perfect shot, or I'm editing, rescuing hamsters or procrastinating about running.

Instagram: @juliebeephoto

Twitter: @juliebee

Facebook: Photography by Julie Broadfoot

LinkedIn: Julie Broadfoot

Do I get a prize for reading all of this really long page?

Yes! You win my gratitude and respect. Prizes like that can’t be bought, you know.

Can I ask you something else?

Sure. Fill in my contact form and I will answer all your questions. Let me know how I can make your wedding planning easier.