Frequently Asked Questions
Hi, I'm Salih. I've been behind the camera for over 20 years, filming and photographing weddings, brands and events across London and well beyond. These are the questions couples and clients ask me most. If yours isn't here, just drop me a message. I'm always happy to chat.
How It Works
What's the process from start to finish?
It's pretty simple:
Get in touch – Tell me your date, your venue and a bit about what you have in mind.
Let's chat – We have a call or meet for a coffee and talk through your plans. No pressure, no hard sell, just a proper conversation.
Your quote – I put together a quote around what you actually need, not a one-size-fits-all package.
Lock it in – A 50% deposit secures your date.
Plan together – Closer to the day we go through timings, key moments and locations. For business work, this is where I write the script and shot list.
The shoot – The fun part. I'm there making sure everything gets captured.
Edit & delivery – I edit everything myself and send it over by private download link. The remaining 50% is due on completion.
Do you offer both photography and videography?
Yes, and plenty of couples book both. It means one team, one consistent style and one less supplier to organise.
Do you work alone or with a team?
You'll always get me. I shoot and edit everything myself, so the person you meet at the start is the person behind the camera on the day and the person cutting your film. For bigger weddings and events I bring in a second shooter I trust, so every angle is covered.
Booking & Deposits
How do I book you?
Just get in touch through the contact page or message me on Instagram (@salih_karakis). If I'm free on your date, I'll send you a quote. Once you're happy, I'll send a booking confirmation and deposit invoice, and that's it.
How far in advance should I book?
For weddings, the earlier the better. Popular dates, especially summer Saturdays, go quickly, so 9–18 months ahead is ideal. For business shoots, a couple of weeks' notice is usually fine. If it's urgent, ask anyway. I'll always try to make it work.
What deposit do you take for weddings?
I take a 50% deposit to secure your date. Once that's paid, the date is yours and I won't take any other booking for it. The other 50% is due once your film and photos are completed.
What deposit do you take for corporate, brand and event jobs?
Exactly the same: 50% upfront to book and 50% on completion. If you're after regular monthly content, we'll agree a payment schedule that works for you.
Is the deposit refundable?
The deposit isn't refundable, because once it's paid I turn away anyone else who asks for that date. That said, life happens. If you need to move your date, tell me as early as you can and I'll do everything I can to move your booking across.
How do I pay?
All the payment details are on your invoice.
Your Wedding Day
How do we plan the day together?
A few weeks before the wedding we sit down and go through everything: your timeline, the venue, the key family members and any traditions or moments you don't want missed. By the time the day comes I know the plan inside out, so you don't have to think about me at all.
How does a full wedding day usually run?
Every wedding is different, but a full day usually looks something like this:
Preparations – I arrive while you're getting ready and capture the details, the dress, the suits and the nerves.
Ceremony – Every angle covered, with extra cameras on tripods so nothing is missed (Diamond and Ruby collections).
Drinks reception – Natural moments with your guests and family while everyone relaxes.
Couple shots – Around 15–20 minutes of relaxed portraits of the two of you, usually during the drinks reception or at golden hour.
Entrance & speeches – Every word recorded with clear audio.
First dance & evening – I stay through the first dance and into the party, depending on your collection.
Do you direct the day or just film what happens?
I direct, 100%. I run the whole wedding as an experience from beginning to end, from preparations right through to the first dance. Direction is what makes sure nothing gets missed and every important shot is captured, so the two of you don't have to stress or think about what happens next. I'll guide you, your family and your bridal party at each moment, and you just get to enjoy your day.
Do you cover cultural and religious weddings?
Absolutely. I've filmed a lot of Turkish and Cypriot weddings, along with many other traditions, so I know the moments that matter to families. Just tell me about your customs when we plan and I'll make sure they're captured properly.
Do you travel for destination weddings?
Yes, and I love it. I've filmed weddings in Turkey, North and South Cyprus, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Wherever you're getting married, get in touch. Travel and accommodation are quoted separately.
Do I need to feed you?
It's always appreciated! On a full day, a meal for me and any second shooter means we're fuelled up and ready for the speeches and the party.
Brand, Business & Event Shoots
What kind of work do you do besides weddings?
Loads. Corporate films, brand and social media content, live events, music videos, food and hospitality, clinics and salons, and christenings and sünnet celebrations. I also teach Final Cut Pro to teams who want to edit in-house.
Do you help with ideas and scripts?
Yes, and it's one of the parts I enjoy most. Lots of businesses know they need video but aren't sure what it should say. I'll write the script, plan the shots and storyboard it with you, so by the time we film everyone knows exactly what we're making, whether that's a promo, a talking-head piece or a batch of Reels.
How does a brand or business shoot run?
Brief – We talk about your business, your audience and what the video needs to do for you.
Script & shot list – I write the script and plan every shot, and you sign it off before we film.
Shoot day – I set up the lighting and sound and guide you and your team through each scene. No experience in front of the camera needed.
Edit – I cut it together with music, captions and graphics, formatted for wherever it's going: your website, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.
Revisions – You watch it back and I make changes until you're happy.
Can I ask for changes to my edit?
Of course. Revisions are included, within reason. Tweaking the music, trimming cuts, changing captions or reordering shots is all part of it. If the brief changes completely after the script's been signed off, we'll just have a chat about it first.
I'm nervous on camera. Can you help?
Honestly, most people are, and it's completely normal. I'll talk you through it, break things into short takes and keep it relaxed. Nearly everyone ends up surprised at how natural they look.
How does event coverage work?
Before the event we agree the key moments, speakers and must-have shots. On the day I capture the atmosphere and the people, and afterwards you get a highlight film, full-length footage or edited photos, whatever you need.
Do you offer monthly content packages?
Yes. If you need regular content for social media, I offer monthly packages with a set number of shoots and edits. Message me and we'll work out what suits your business.
Delivery & Everything Else
How long until I get my wedding film and photos?
Usually one to three months, depending on how busy the season is. If you need it sooner, express delivery is available for an extra fee, subject to availability.
How long do business edits take?
It depends on how many videos there are and how long they are. I'll give you a delivery date at the brief, and if you're working to a tight deadline, just tell me.
How will I receive my files?
Everything comes via a private download link, so you can save it, share it and keep it forever. Just download it promptly and keep a backup, as links do expire.
Can I share and print my photos?
Yes. Every wedding photo package comes with a full licence to share and print every image.
Do you offer drone footage?
Yes. Aerial footage is available as an add-on for weddings, and for brand or event shoots where the location allows.
Where are you based and where do you cover?
I'm based in North London and cover all of London, the home counties and beyond, plus destination weddings abroad.
I have a question that isn't here.
No problem at all. Message me through the contact page or on Instagram and I'll get back to you.