Wedding Photographer - Chris Perkins
- Business: Underatreehouse Photography
- Location: Central Coast, New South Wales
- Experience: 15 Years
- Photography Types: Fashion & Branding, Weddings
- Profile: Underatreehouse Photography
- Website: underatreehouse.com.au
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hi, I'm Chris, founder and photographer at Underatreehouse. I've been slowly building my craft behind the lens since I was a child, when I would try to find stories and interesting perspectives whilst on family holidays.
Combine this with the passion I developed for fashion and portraiture in my University years and Weddings would inevitably become the perfect creative outlet for me. Whilst I grew up in the UK, it was when I moved to Australia that everything really clicked into place.
While there are many venues that I love to return to, I really feel like I get most inspired when things are new, exciting and even a little bit chaotic! I truly believe your wedding photos should reflect who you are as a couple and the day you choose to have. Therefore, I spend plenty of time blending into the background and capturing unscripted moments before finding the right time to step up and create some unique and bold images, too.
I aim to combine an unobtrusive documentary approach with some editorial fashion pop!
2. How long have you been shooting weddings and how many weddings have you photographed?
I have been photographing weddings for over 15 years and have probably shot around 200, though I can't say I've ever really counted. The thing I love about being a part of one of the biggest days of your lives, aside from the huge honour that it is, is having the opportunity to bring the right energy and vibes that will actually ensure you have the best day. Don't forget that your photographer will be around you for more time than any other person on the day, so ensuring that you feel both comfortable and inspired by them will hugely affect your overall experience and memories of your wedding!
The compliment that I receive the most is about my calm, genuine and fun approach to the day, becoming like a friend that's been invited. If you feel relaxed and free to be yourself, confident that the pictures are taken care of, then this will radiate through the photos you receive.
3. How would you describe your photography style?
I would consider my style of photography to combine 'reportage photo-journalism', whereby I move around discreetly, capturing natural, unscripted moments, along with 'editorial fashion', meaning I am comfortable to step up and guide you into positions where we'll create beautiful imagery. However, what this won't mean is stiff-posing. We'll find some inspiring locations, look for gorgeous light and then keep moving to make you feel at ease and bring out your natural expressions.
4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?
In reality, there's no simple answer to this because if the date you want is available and I haven't reached capacity for the year, then you're likely to be good to go, so don't let these guide times put you off enquiring. However, most people tend to book larger weddings about a year out from their date, and elopements and micro-weddings 3-6 months out.
For sure, the busiest times of the year for weddings are Spring and Autumn, when the weather is not super hot but there is a good chance of it being sunny, so October & March tend to be the most popular. Having said that, Winter weddings really ought to be a lot more popular, the sun remain low so the light tends to be gorgeous throughout the day!
5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?
My packages just generally vary based on the duration of coverage. Naturally, the longer the coverage, the more images taken, the more editing to do, etc. I consider a full day of coverage to be 10 hours, as I have found this to be the ideal amount of time to cover both partner's preparations all the way through to the dancefloor. I currently charge just over $4000 for this package. This is the duration that most couples book if they are having a bigger wedding, with the minimum being a half-day, 5-hour coverage.
Elopements do tend to want less coverage, so I have packages starting at 2 hours for mid-week dates, but in truth, I believe you are doing the day a disservice not to consider covering a much more significant portion of the day, as there is so much to document to really tell the story of your wedding, whatever size it may be.
6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?
Absolutely. I do everything within my business and you can be assured that I will be the person to be photographing your day, editing your photos and communicating with you at all stages. For 90% of weddings I work on my own because I like to build a relationship with you and have many years experience in ensuring I get all the shots (I move around a lot). However, if you would like to ensure more coverage, different angles, being in two places at once, etc, I have extremely experienced photographers who I work with from time to time and can shoot with me on the day.
7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?
The region I work in the most is Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle/Hunter Valley, so anything within this area is covered in my standard packages.
I absolutely love to travel, though; it's what got me started in photography and what inspires me the most, meaning I create my best work!
Travel fees outside of my regular area really come down to the accommodation that will be necessary to be at your wedding fresh and ready to go. Whether that be travel within Australia or Overseas, please get in touch, and I will happily talk through the options.
8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?
Having an album made from your wedding photos is something that every couple should prioritise in my opinion. The experience of turning the pages of a beautiful artisan-made book and spending time over them with friends and family is a completely different experience from scrolling through digital images in your online gallery or on your phone.
I include a wedding album in my upper package, but prints and/or an album can be added to any of the packages or purchased separately later. I don't even have to have shot your wedding to create an album for you!
If this is something you are curious about I'd be happy to show you many examples of albums I've designed and made previously.
9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive their wedding photos? How will they be delivered?
Firstly, I'll make sure you have some sneak peeks to celebrate and share your news with within 24-48 hours. After that, turnaround time on your full gallery is dependent on how busy the time of year is but generally 2-3 weeks at quiet times and 4-6 weeks during busy periods. At this time I first create a slideshow of highlights to music as I believe this added emotional tie is the best way to get a feel for your photos and relive your day. Once you've had the chance to enjoy the slideshow a few times, I'll release your full gallery. You can expect 700-900 full resolution images from a full day package.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
In a nutshell, there is a 25% booking fee, which is non-refundable. The rest of your agreed package is refundable within the terms of our contract. Reach out if you would like to read the full contract.
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