Wedding Photographer - Alex Shore Newbould
- Business: Alexander Shore Photography
- Location: Geelong, Victoria
- Experience: 7 Years
- Photography Types: Weddings
- Profile: Alexander Shore Photography
- Website: ilikeweddings.com.au
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hi, I'm Alex Shore, a wedding photographer (& videographer) based along the Great Ocean Road. My photography started with a love for the ocean, surf, and travel. Later, weddings seemed to find me, which I was not expecting, but I love every minute of it.
I have now shot over 100 weddings, mostly along the Great Ocean Road, Otway National Park, and Geelong region, but also travel far and wide including Melbourne. When it comes to my business, I'm very organised and like to help couples as much as possible, but on your wedding day I like to think I bring a relaxed and fun vibe which I feel is reflected in my imagery.
It is simply amazing meeting new couples and documenting their big (or small) day. I'm open to weddings of all kinds and this includes the rainbow community.
I am so happy to tell couples that I also offer videography. The amazing Luke and Donna do video for me and they are awesome! You can see more on my website.
2. How long have you been shooting weddings and how many weddings have you photographed?
I have now undertaken well over 100 weddings, been in the scene since around 2018, and been a full time wedding photographer since 2022. I made the move to full time due to an increase in referrals, and to allow myself to give my all to each couple. Wedding photography is pretty specialist and I'd rather turn up at maximum capacity with the most to offer. It's your special day after all!
Although I love a city wedding, I seem to be drawn to those with beautiful natural settings. I spend a lot of my time along the Great Ocean Road, in The Otway National Park, or at wineries across Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.
Weddings offer something new every time, but I've seen it all. Which is also why I have every bit of gear I should ever need, no matter where your wedding, or what the lighting is like. I'm covered for sun, rain and hail, wind and sand, and even those super dark ceremony/reception spaces.
3. How would you describe your photography style?
My photography style/approach is a bit more relaxed. I want to be like a mate at your wedding, not some nagging photographer. I like to capture moments as they unfold naturally, as I think these photos can be the best. But I'm also super organised and know how to keep a wedding moving, and help generate those epic shots that you might not otherwise think of, or ultimately miss.
Typically, I like to let couples stroll hand in hand, watch the ocean, pop champagne with their bridal party etc. Wedding photography should be about having a good time and enjoying your day, as well as nailing those glory shots along the way.
From an image style/editing point of view, I like to enhance imagery but keep things pretty natural and colourful. I believe it is important to capture your day as it appears. If you get married in a dark environment, your pictures will be moody, if surrounded by colourful flowers, your shots will be colourful, etc. etc. But, I do have a style and this is best seen on my Instagram.
4. How well in advance should couples book their wedding photographer?
Generally I would always advise couples to book 12 months or more in advance. My busy wedding season is October-May, but this is also when couples book for the following wedding season, so say 10-16 months ahead. It only takes one couple to book your day and miss out, so if wedding photography is important to you, it's best to book your vendor in ASAP.
Saturdays book out the fastest, followed by Fridays.
That all said, I only take on 30 large weddings (I do small too) a year and their dates are sporadic, so definitely try your luck even last minute. I regularly book weddings with only a month or more to go, and have been known to creep over my limit for couples who connect strongly with my work.
5. What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?
I have a large range of packages to cover most wedding days. Elopement packages cover just you and your witnesses, which is a great entry point if you just want to tie the knot or duck off somewhere remote. I also offer short Elopement photography for larger groups.
Then I have affordable 'Kiss me Quick' packages which cover shorter wedding days of 4/6 hours from ceremony onwards. Getting ready is available as an add-on.
My larger packages stop focusing on time, to take the pressure of your planning. Instead, if you book me from the ceremony onward, it doesn't matter whether you start at 11am or 1pm, I'll still be with you till late. Same goes with packages that include Getting Ready. I think this really takes the worry out of your day, especially if you have delays and would otherwise need to pay extra later.
All my packages include a beautiful online gallery which has access to both web and high resolution imagery, as well as a great shop. I also include a meet and greet, and a final chat before your big day. Email wise, go nuts, I'll respond.
I do have add-ons such as Keep-Sake boxes, wedding albums, and videography.
Speaking of videography, I offer a great Combo deal for those who want photos and video, but you can also book separately
6. Are you the wedding photographer who will be shooting on the wedding day? Who else is there in your team?
I'm the lead photographer but can arrange a second photographer (I have a few trusted vendors) if you require. I rarely need a second shooter but this can be handy for very large weddings of over 120 guests, or those that require getting ready photos in locations far apart - when starting with one partner before going to the next is not feasible.
My videography team includes Luke and Donna. They usually come by themselves but do work together when need be (or just because they love it). And they are a lot of fun!
7. Do you charge a travel fee? For what distance? What does that cover?
My packages all include travel within 2 hours of Torquay, Victoria.
If your wedding is further afield, I may charge extra travel costs. Travel costs are reviewed independently for each wedding, but are always reasonable if required.
If you are an interstate wedding, feel free to chat. I like to travel and tag on holidays from time to time, so travel expenses can sometimes be reduced or omitted.
8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?
Albums or prints can be added as an extra at any time. If you opt for a timber Keep-Sake box, this will include a minimum 30 6x9" images. Wedding Albums are also available by my design. Finally, I also have a shop linked to my gallery, so you can browse and create your own product - there are loads of cool options including framed work and canvases.
I think it is really important to print some of your wedding day, so it's not lost on a phone. So I would certainly recommend using my shop if you want to see your favourite moments on your wall.
9. How long after the wedding will the couple receive their wedding photos? How will they be delivered?
I deliver your stunning gallery via a link on my website. You will have the option to share and download both web and high resolution imagery onto your phone or PC.
30 teaser images are provided the start of the week following your wedding. I love giving you something to drool over quickly, and I'm always so excited to share your moments (and my work).
Final imagery takes 4-6 weeks in the thick of wedding season. Well worth the wait I promise.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
Each case will be reviewed separately. I ask for a 25% deposit only, and typically this is refundable in majority unless Alex Shore Photography has been impacted financially by the cancellation, e.g. lost another wedding on the same day. Change of mind after booking is typically not refundable after a cooling off period of 2 weeks. Once again, I am human and review every situation to be as fair as possible.
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