Hello, I’m Sadie, a Yorkshire photographer, I flipping love weddings!

I get excited about light, sunsets, sunshine, party lights, twinkles in eyes, smiles and tears.

I love to see how the world is painted in light and shadow. I love the crazies, people who add colour to the world and to see the beauty that is all around us. Coffee makes me smile a lot (and stops me from being grumpy) as well as the kids (most of the time) and three fur babies. Red wine, cheese and Corona (other bottled beers are available). There’s a whole lot of awesome in this world.

Yorkshire born and educated

As a child I used to have dreams about photographing apples (and not allowed to touch my Dad’s camera and lenses). So I got a Polaroid 600 for my 11th birthday and used to take as many portraits as I could before I ran out of film. Art teachers were always my favourites, and I managed to use the very basic darkroom at school, shooting black and white film using stopwatches to develop photographs. At college in Leeds, we had state of the art facilities with a huge photography studio to play with, and my Dad finally let me loose on his camera kit! A few more years of studying got me to working as a picture editor in a small photography agency, which gave me a strong work ethic and made me realise quite how much work goes into image editing! Spending much of my career working as a Graphic Designer, which increasingly led me to become a Yorkshire photographer.

Photography journey

After purchasing a decent camera, I read lots of books, attended courses and workshops, bought a better camera, shot some events, family portraits, got a better camera (and another 5), invested in quality lenses and have been photographing weddings since 2011. It is not just a job; it’s the most exciting and lovely thing in the world to do – I’m a sucker for a bit of romance.

For those who are interested, I am a Sony shooter and currently use A7III cameras and shoot with two cameras to cover a range of focal lengths without having to change lenses and risk missing a moment. You can most often find me photographing weddings in Leeds and Yorkshire, although I’m happy to travel further within the UK and Europe.

As well as photographing weddings, I photograph families and events.

Family Photography

Me

I’m a foodie (although I am an awkward vegetarian and a terrible cook), Disney World is one of my favourite places, and I love happy Disney films. A lot of my spare time is spent walking or in the gym and am currently completing my yoga teacher training qualification. I enjoy travelling, visiting different landscapes and exploring different ways of life. Recent adventures include the Florida Keys, a beautiful place with the incredible wildlife and California adventure. Unfortunately, this pesky covid has put a bit of a dampener on things recently, fingers crossed the pause on planning life is over.

FAQs

I have put together a list of FAQs, a lot of websites suggest things to ask photographers, some are vast questionnaires that are not always relevant. As someone who has photographed hundreds of weddings, I have a pretty good idea of how a wedding day flows. I do need to know if there are any surprises to look out for, or if there’s anything out of the ordinary.

How far in advance do I need to book you?

Some dates are really popular, some are not. A year is pretty standard, two years is really organised and a month is much less organised!

How would you describe your working style?

My photography style is very natural and relaxed or reportage, I try to blend in most of the time, to catch real moments as they happen. The couple shots and group shots take a bit of direction, but I love to see people being themselves and being able to capture the essence of who they are.

Do you have a portfolio I can view?

There is a portfolio section of this website, which will be updated from time to time. The blog shows a fuller selection from each of the featured weddings and I have a handful of sample albums for meetings and wedding fayres.

Can I give you a specific list of shots I would like?

Please point out details and information, I find working to a shot list (other than for groups) on a wedding day can be restrictive. At bridal prep, I aim to photograph all the details, flowers, shoes, jewellery, dress etc. Followed by the actual getting ready. The rings are always pictured when I can get hold of them. Please discuss any ideas you have and things you would like incorporating into shots.

What about group shots?

After your ceremony, once you’ve had time to catch your breath, say hello to each other and some of your guests, I like to do a big group shot of all guests (venue/weather allowing), followed by smaller group shots. I try to keep these to immediate family and the bridal party as this is a time in your day in which we have to fit a lot in, with a small window of time before your couple shots and wedding breakfast. People are speedy to disappear to the bar and to the toilet at this point in time which can make it take even longer. These pictures are a fantastic family record and a hit with Grannies and parents but are not the most fun part of the day.

What information do you need before the day?

The venue is really helpful and time!

I need to know the timeline for the day, addresses, details of any surprises and any information that might be useful (such as parents separated or any mobility issues).

Are you the photographer we will have on the day?

Yes, I most definitely am! I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Do you have backup equipment/back up plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for any reason?

I shoot with two cameras most of the time and have at least one spare camera/flash and lenses that overlap each other because I would panic if I didn’t.

I am a member of several groups set up for emergency cover for photographers as well as having many close friends who are professional photographers, we’re strange creatures but look out for each other! I refuse to eat out or have take out before a wedding in case of food poisoning, take my vitamins and avoid being near sick people. My camera bag is well stocked with emergency items, containing medicines and plasters just in case!

Is it ok if other people take photos while you are?

As long as they are not preventing me from doing my job. I do ask that they leave during the couple shots as they can be really distracting to the couple.

Do you have insurance?

Yes, I do, public liability and indemnity. I’m a professional and could be asked at any time to show my public liability insurance certificate to any venue I am working at.

How much of a deposit do you take and when is it due?

I take £300 deposit, which along with a completed contract is due to confirm your booking and secure your date. The final balance is due one month before your wedding date.

How long after the wedding will I see my pictures?

Turnaround time is 4-8 weeks, quicker if at all possible. I like to ensure the full gallery is properly edited and during peak wedding season there’s a lot of editing to get through!

What about albums?

If your package comes with an album(s), I would ask that you select approximately 60 images for the design. Album turnaround times vary throughout the year, summer and before Christmas are busy times and the cut-off dates to order in time for Christmas are often late November.

How long will you be there for on the day?

I usually start photographing prep around 2.5 hours before the ceremony, depending on travel times to the ceremony venue and stay until the partying has started but before people are too drunk. It’s usually around 11-12 hours.

What do you do when we eat?

I sit down, grab a coffee and a bite to eat myself. I never photograph people eating, it’s not beautiful, and people feel uncomfortable.

If my wedding is out of your area, do you charge a travel fee?

If your wedding is 2+ hours drive away, I will charge for a cheap hotel/B&B.

Are you a member of any professional bodies?

I am also a member of The Guild of Photographers and adhere to their professional guidelines.

About | Yorkshire Photographer Sadie Ferriday