Frequently Asked Questions
It’s normal to have questions when choosing your wedding photographer — especially if you’re getting married in another country. From how I work on the day to what happens afterwards, this should cover the big stuff. And if there’s something you’re still unsure about, just ask here.
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The sooner, the better — especially for summer weddings in Bordeaux and across Southwest France. Most couples book 6 to 12 months ahead. That said, I sometimes have last-minute availability, so it’s always worth asking.
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The process is simple. Once we’ve had a chat and you feel I’m the right fit, I’ll send over a contract and invoice. A signed agreement and booking fee secures the date, and from that point on you don’t need to stress about photography — it’s sorted.
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Yes — a €500 booking fee secures your date and means I turn down other work for that weekend. It’s the bit that locks me in for you and if you need to move the date and I’m still available, I’ll transfer it across, no problem.
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Yes, but they’re simple and agreed upfront. Travel within 200km of Bordeaux is included. If your wedding’s further out, I’ll quote travel and accommodation (if needed) when we chat. No hidden costs.
Availability & Booking
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I keep things simple with one full-day package. Coverage runs from morning preparations through to the evening party — usually around 10–12 hours — with a latest finish at 10 pm unless we’ve agreed otherwise. That way, you know the whole story’s covered: getting ready, the ceremony, portraits, groups, candids, and plenty of dance floor atmosphere.
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Absolutely. A shot list is really helpful for family groups or any must-have moments. If there are people you definitely want in photos, or traditions that matter to you, just send me a list at least two weeks before the wedding. I’ll build it into my prep and check in with you or your planner to keep it on track. On the day itself, I’ll do everything I can to capture every name on that list, but sometimes things move quickly or people disappear — if that happens, I’ll always prioritise the flow of your day over holding things up.
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Yes. Every full-day wedding booking includes a complimentary engagement session in or around Bordeaux (within 50km). It’s a relaxed way to get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding and a good chance for us to spend some time together. If you’d like one as a standalone session without a wedding booking, the price is €250.
Coverage & Packages
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I work in a documentary style, focusing on real moments as they unfold. My attention is on people, light, and timing. Just as important, I make sure you and your guests feel comfortable — calm when it’s needed, lighthearted when it helps, and never intrusive. Some images are quiet and intimate, others are full of energy, but together they tell the complete story of your day. The result is a gallery that feels natural and true to the moment, with photographs you’ll love now and in years to come.
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Yes. These photos are important, and I’ll make sure they’re done quickly and without fuss. We’ll prepare a list in advance, and on the day I’ll guide everyone through it so it feels organised rather than stressful. I’ll try to make it as fun as possible too — more “quick laughs with your family” than “school photo day.”
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Not at all. Most people feel that way, and it’s completely normal. I’ll keep things calm and easy — enough direction so you feel looked after, but never so much that it feels like a performance. By the time the wedding comes around, we’ll already have spent time together (often at the engagement session or during calls), so I won’t feel like a stranger pointing a camera at you. Couples often tell me afterwards they were surprised at how comfortable they felt. By the end of the day, it won’t feel like a chore at all — you might even enjoy it.
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I shoot on two cameras with dual card slots, rotate memory cards through the day, and back everything up to my laptop and a hard drive before I leave the venue. Within 48 hours, everything is also in secure cloud storage. I don’t wipe the SD cards until your final images have been delivered. If any gear fails, your photos are safe. I keep backups for at least five years.
Photography Style & Approach
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You’ll get a preview gallery within 48 hours — something to share, save, and scroll through while the day’s still fresh. The full gallery is ready within 4 to 6 weeks.
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Everything is delivered via a private online gallery. You can view, download, share, and order prints directly from there. It works on phones, laptops, and even for grandparents who double-click everything.
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I’m a documentary-style photographer, so I like my images to reflect the scene as it really was when I took the photo. To bring out the emotion and feeling of the day, I apply a style I’ve developed over years of shooting.
If there’s something distracting in the frame, I may remove it if possible — but I don’t retouch skin or change body shape unless we’ve agreed that in advance. If you’d like additional editing beyond my usual approach, I can do that, but it’s chargeable at €75 per hour.
After the Wedding
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We adapt. I always check the forecast, scout backup spots, and keep my gear ready for anything. Some of the best photos I’ve taken were in sideways rain — people laughing, coats flying, and someone holding an umbrella like they’ve trained for it. You’ll stay dry(ish), and the photos will still be solid.
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Yes. I carry full professional liability insurance that meets or exceeds all venue requirements in France. If your venue needs proof, I’ll email you a certificate right away.
Other FAQ’s
Contact me.
Gavin Chapman · Wedding Photographer in France
I’m based in Bordeaux and photograph weddings across the Dordogne, Charente, Lot-et-Garonne and throughout France.
I work mainly with English-speaking couples from the UK, US, Australia, Ireland and beyond — people who want beautifulful photographs of themselves and the people who matter most, on the day that matters most.
Available across France and Europe.
I’d love to hear what you’re planning.