As a wedding photographer, my goal has always been to provide couples with the best possible experience and capture their special day in its entirety. Over time, I’ve realized that offering half-day wedding photography packages doesn’t align with this vision. In this post, I’ll explain why I’ve made the decision to discontinue these packages and how it benefits both you and your wedding memories.
Full-Day VS Half-Day
1) Client Experience
Obviously my #1 priority! My clients mean the world to me, and by the time their wedding day rolls around, we’ve built such a strong bond it feels like we’re old friends. My goal is for them to open their gallery and feel completely blown away by what they see.
The last thing I’d ever want is for them to feel any kind of regret—that moments felt rushed, that important things were missed, or that there’s no record of the epic party later on simply because I wasn’t there. I’d be absolutely heartbroken if you ever felt that way!
2) Missed opportunities
Weddings are dynamic and beautifully unpredictable, with countless precious moments happening spontaneously throughout the day. When you’re the one getting married, your focus naturally stays on the big picture – making sure everything is booked, organized, and running smoothly. But weddings have a way of throwing (hopefully lovely) surprises your way!
It could be your dad’s unexpected tearful reaction when he sees you in your dress for the first time, your dear Nan showing up with your late Grandad’s cufflinks, a bridesmaid delivering a surprise love letter from your future spouse, or even Uncle Jeff breaking into song during the reception.
Anything can happen, and these moments are often the ones you’ll treasure the most. But if I’m not there at that time, I can’t capture them for you—and unfortunately, no amount of Photoshop can bring those moments back.
3) Lighting
It’s no secret that lighting and photography go hand in hand—they’re inseparable bedfellows! Lighting makes all the difference in your images, and naturally, we want the absolute best. This becomes even trickier during the Autumn and Winter months when daylight hours are shorter and more limited.
Take Gabriella & Alex’s wedding last August (such a lovely couple!) as a perfect example. The first photo was taken at 12:30pm, just after their ceremony, while the second was taken at 6:30pm, following the wedding breakfast.
I personally love the calm, dreamy atmosphere of the evening light compared to the bright, sometimes harsh midday sun (which often has everyone squinting!). However, achieving that gorgeous golden-hour glow isn’t always possible with a shorter photography session. That’s why being present and having the flexibility to capture moments throughout the day is so important!
4) Time Constraints
Full-day coverage takes away the stress and pressure – not just for me, but for the two of you as well! The last thing I want is for your wedding day to feel rushed or dictated by the camera. My priority is that you’re able to fully enjoy every moment, take your time, connect with your loved ones, and soak it all in. Meanwhile, I’ll be capturing candid, authentic moments in the background, ready for when you need me.
With a full-day timeline, I also have the flexibility to work around the weather and lighting to ensure the best possible results.
Shorter sessions, on the other hand, leave no room for the unexpected. If it rains, we can’t simply reschedule family photos for later in the day. Newlywed portraits also run the risk of being rushed in less-than-ideal conditions—whether it’s pouring rain or harsh, blinding sunshine. Full-day coverage means we can wait for the perfect moment, ensuring your photos are everything you’ve dreamed of.
5) Wasted time
It’s completely normal – even inevitable – to have natural lulls in photo opportunities during a typical wedding day. These moments often happen just before the ceremony, during the wedding breakfast, or in the quiet time between your meal and the evening party kicking off. For photographers, it’s a chance to catch our breath, put down the heavy gear for a moment, or even pose for a fun photo with a Pepsi – like this dashing woman below!
The wedding breakfast, in particular, is a time when I typically wouldn’t be taking photos (because, let’s be honest, who wants photos of themselves eating? I know I wouldn’t!). I’ll always capture your rockstar entrance into the reception and then make myself scarce until the speeches, giving you the time and space to relax and enjoy your meal in peace.
Most couples want photos of the speeches, but here’s the thing: a wedding breakfast can last anywhere from 45 minutes (for a buffet) to two hours (for a three-course sit-down meal). That’s a significant amount of time without photos being taken, which feels much less noticeable with full-day coverage. However, if you’re paying by the hour or using a shorter package, those gaps can feel like wasted time.
Feeling inspired?
I post lots of helpful wedding-based tips and guidance that could help and inspire you on your way to “I do.” I also post Real Wedding Stories as often as I can!
6) Value for money
I completely understand that budget is a major consideration for many couples. However, after years of experience, I’ve found that half-day packages often fall short when it comes to providing the best coverage – and therefore the best value. While an hourly rate can work during off-peak seasons with shorter days and limited lighting, the reality is that you’re likely to miss out on what your photos could have been with a more comprehensive approach.
With full-day coverage, the ‘cost per image’ ratio is far more in your favour. I dedicate the entire day to your wedding, so like most businesses, I’m able to offer better value when the booking is longer. Not only does this maximize the number of moments I can capture, but it also ensures you get a complete, cohesive story of your special day – something you’ll treasure forever.
7) A more streamlined service
Offering a variety of packages may sound great in theory, but over time, it became confusing – for both myself and my clients. This was especially true after I introduced dual hybrid coverage back in 2022. Highlight videos, for example, simply don’t work without full-day coverage!
To simplify things, I now offer a fixed-rate package with à la carte options. This approach ensures everyone receives the same high-quality experience and service, no matter the ceremony time, location, or how many location changes are involved. It’s a streamlined way to ensure every couple gets comprehensive coverage without the stress of navigating multiple packages.
I really hope this helped!
While half-day packages may seem like a convenient option, they often fall short of capturing the full essence of your wedding day. By focusing exclusively on full-day coverage, I can ensure that every important moment is preserved and that your photography experience is stress-free and seamless. I believe your wedding memories deserve nothing less than a complete story, beautifully told.
If you’re looking for something specific that’s not in my blog, please let me know using one of my social links below. I’d love to know I’m producing content that’s helpful and people appreciate reading.
