Frequently Asked Questions
A little clarity before we work together. Wedding plans and business commissions have different booking arrangements, so you’ll find both below.
Your questions.
Honestly answered.
A little clarity before the big day. If there’s something else on your mind, just ask — I’ll answer personally.
Will we spend ages posing — and can we have group photographs?
I’d much rather you were enjoying the party than standing in a line while someone goes looking for Aunt Mabel. Your wedding day passes quickly enough without spending a big chunk of it waiting for photographs.
If you’d like a few group photographs, of course I’ll take them. My recommendation is to keep the list to five at most, decide which combinations matter to you beforehand, and ask someone who knows your guests to help gather them. We can make those photographs, then get you straight back to your people.
For the two of you, we can slip away for around 10–15 minutes for a few relaxed portraits. A little gentle direction when it helps, then back to the celebration. The rest is about real moments as they happen.
Should we have photographs of us getting ready?
Couples often ask me this. After documenting over a thousand weddings, my honest answer is that you don’t have to. Whatever the wedding checklists say, those quieter hours can be some of the most personal moments of your day — just you, your closest family and friends, and that lovely mixture of nerves, laughter and excitement.
Give yourselves room to relax, breathe it all in and enjoy being together. There’s something lovely about a morning that belongs to you, without a photographer in the room. A few phone photographs taken by the people you love can become wonderful little memories of their own.
If preparation photographs really matter to you, just ask. I can arrange them by special request for one of the couple, at the venue where your ceremony takes place. I can cover both of you only if you’re getting ready in the same building at that venue, with preparation spaces in the same immediate area and timings that allow. I don’t travel to private homes, rented accommodation or other getting-ready locations away from the ceremony venue.
My priority is to be at your ceremony location nice and early — at least two hours before the ceremony begins — to photograph the setting, the details and the anticipation as everyone arrives. Any preparation coverage needs to fit around that, so I’m ready for the part of the day that brings everyone together.
How much of our wedding day do you photograph?
I arrive at the ceremony location at least two hours before the ceremony, ready to photograph the setting, the little details and the anticipation as people arrive. The Wedding Story follows the ceremony, the celebrations, speeches, cake cutting and first dance, through to the beginning of your evening party.
We’ll agree the exact coverage and finish time before you book, so you know what’s included. If you choose Moving Moments too, I capture short filmed highlights alongside your photographs — a collection of memories, rather than a full-length wedding film.
How many photographs will we receive, and when?
You receive all the successful photographs from your day, beautifully edited, in a private online gallery. There’s no fixed number to hit and no good photographs held back just to fit a package. Every wedding has its own rhythm, people and moments.
Your gallery is delivered within two weeks, with no watermarks or download restrictions. You can share it with your family and friends and enjoy the story together.
How do we book, and when is the balance due?
Start by sending me your date, venue and a little about your plans. I’ll check availability and confirm the price and coverage with you personally. Once everything is agreed, I’ll send your private booking link to check your details, sign the agreement and pay the £280 booking fee.
The booking fee is part of your total, not an extra charge. Your date is confirmed once the agreement is signed and the fee is received. The remaining balance is due 28 days before the wedding. Nearer the day, I’ll send your private final-details page so you can check your timings and plans before paying the balance.
If you book within 28 days of the wedding, the balance is due when Michael requests it through your private final-details page.
Commercial photography & film
What do you photograph for businesses?
People, teams, workplaces, events, products, architecture, interiors and brand stories. Film can be commissioned too. Tell me what you need the material to do and we can agree the right scope.
How do we book a commercial session?
Choose a service or send a project brief. Once the details are agreed, you review and sign your private agreement before paying. For one-off commercial bookings, the deposit is 30% of the agreed total; the remaining 70% is due four weeks before the shoot. If booked within four weeks, the balance is due immediately after the deposit is received. Monthly plans have their own payment arrangements. Wedding bookings use the separate £280 booking fee described above.
When will our photographs or film be ready?
Commercial photographs are normally delivered within 14 working days, unless another timescale has been agreed. Film delivery depends on the agreed project scope. Wedding photographs have their own two-week delivery arrangement, as explained above.
Can we use the photographs for our business?
Once the agreed fees have been paid in full, the standard commercial licence covers your own business activities, including websites, social media, marketing, advertising and press. Copyright stays with Michael Gane unless a separate written copyright transfer is agreed. Resale, independent third-party licensing or a different usage arrangement needs separate written permission. Wedding photographs have a personal-use licence instead.
What happens if our plans change?
Please get in touch as soon as possible. Rescheduling depends on availability, the agreement and any costs already incurred. Read the terms for the type of booking you are making, and check your private agreement before signing.
Still have a question? Email mganestudio@icloud.com or tell me about your project. You can also read the full terms.