Frequently Asked Questions

What is Free The Bird’? Is it a group of people or a soul trader?

Free The Bird is a partnership between a photographer – Jai and a graphic designer – Leelou. The business is primarily run by Jai (me), but Leelou helps with photo editing and wedding album design.

Where are you based?

I grew up in Northern NSW around Byron Bay. But I now call Melbourne, Australia home. I am constantly on the road, shooting weddings all over the country. So it is worth asking where I am around the time of your wedding. You never know, I might be in your area!

How much does it cost to travel to our wedding?

It actually is cheaper than you think. I have shot weddings internationally and nationally and the travel can be very affordable. If your wedding is further then 2 hours from Melbourne CBD, then just ask for a travel quote when you send your enquiry.

How do we book you?

Easy! Send me an email and see if your wedding date is still available. If it is and you are happy with my packages, then I will send you out a deposit invoice and a contract to sign. Thats it! Super easy. Oh, and I am more than happy to catch up for a coffee and a chat anytime!

Can we meet you before the big day?

We sure can. I love to meet all my clients before the wedding. If that is not possible because of distance, then Skype is always a great option.

When will I receive my photographs?

You will expect to receive your slideshow around 4 weeks after the wedding. I send out the photo package containing your images to your postal address usually 2 weeks after that. If you have ordered an album, it will take up to 3 weeks for printing after it is complete.

What do we receive?

You will receive the images that I have carefully selected, edited and finished (approximately 500-1000 images). The photos will be sized for print, so you can print your photos as many times as you like. They will also be resized for social media and email. So you can share your images as soon as you get them. All the images come on a custom wooden USB drive, with 10 fine art prints and a wooden box to wrap up the whole package!
If you have ordered an Album, I will work with you to make sure it is exactly how you want it. It can be ready just weeks after you receive your photos.

How do you shoot so many weddings in such beautiful locations around the world?

I book most of my weddings from word of mouth. I make sure I put in 110% into every wedding so I can continue to book amazing clients around the world!
Wedding blogs and magazines help me out a lot as well.
I don’t think a wedding is about the location though, its about the people and its about the love they share.

Wow, so many incredible weddings on your website.. Do you still shoot humble back yard weddings and local garden & church weddings?

Of course! I love all weddings, any shape and size!

How about same -sex marriage?

Australia has finally legalised same-sex weddings and we definitely had the champagne out.
I have shot same-sex weddings overseas and I am looking forward to shooting some in Australia as time comes.

We don’t really like wedding photos where the couple are posing and forcing the smiling in every photo, We like the natural candid photos a lot more!

I feel the same way. I wont be making you smile for every photo. In fact you won’t notice that I am there for most of the day. When it comes to the couples portraits, I can give enough direction so you feel comfortable and not to much so you are still looking very natural.

Do you prefer flash photography or natural light?

I love natural light! Natural light helps preserve the real mood and feeling at the wedding. I love using the light that I have to make the best of a situation. Of course I use flash when it gets too dark at night.

I’m really keen to book, but I live in Norway. Or Alaska. Or the middle of Australia. Will you travel this far?

Absolutely. I love travel and I have traveled all my life. My first trip when I was 11 years old, flying to Norway to visit my grandparents. Since then I have been all over India, Thailand, Lous, Vietnam, Cambodia, England, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, North America and the list goes on. I have also extensively explored Australia and every state. I love to travel around my home country as well.

I want some of my photographs to be exclusive and not used on the website. Is that a problem?

Not at all. I have a password protected area on my website. Everything can be private if that is what you wish.

How much is the deposit? Is it refundable and how quick will I have to pay it?

It is advisable to pay the deposit as soon as you make your final decision. This deposit secures the date for your booking. The deposit is $500 and is non refundable.

When do I have to pay the whole amount?

The outstanding amount is due at least 2 weeks before the wedding date. I can also help with a payment plan.

Do you shoot with a second photographer? Or do you ever have an assistant?

I sometimes use a second shooter. It depends on the size and complexity of the wedding. A second shooter is available for most weddings at a separate fee. I sometimes use an assistant, I will notify you before bringing anyone to your wedding.

Have you ever cancelled a booking or not shown up to a wedding?

Never ever ever! And I plan on keeping it that way. If for some reason I really could not shoot your wedding for what ever reason, I do have a backup plan for that situation.

Can I purchase an Album after the wedding day?

Yes of course! You can purchase an album at any time, that includes parent albums. A lot of my clients order their album for Christmas or on their first year anniversary.

I have questions for you but are not listed here?

Please get in touch!