FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A quiet page for the practical things.
From booking and payment to delivery timelines, colour grading, and what happens on the day itself, here are the questions couples and families often ask before working with House of Philemon.
If your situation is not listed here, send us your date and what you’re planning. We’ll guide you from there.
Booking & Availability
How far in advance should we book?
For weddings and ROM dates, we recommend enquiring as early as possible once your date and venue are confirmed. Weekend dates tend to fill faster, especially during popular wedding seasons.
For smaller sessions such as pre-wedding, family, maternity, or portraits, 4 to 8 weeks’ notice is usually helpful. If your date is sooner, still reach out. We’ll let you know what is possible.
How do we check if you are available?
Send us your date, session type, venue if confirmed, and the coverage you are considering. We’ll check our team’s availability and recommend the most suitable package from there.
How do we confirm a booking?
Your booking is confirmed once the required deposit or downpayment has been made. This secures the date, time, and team for your session.
Can we customise a package?
Yes. If your timeline does not fit neatly into one of our listed packages, let us know what you are planning. We can advise on the coverage hours, team size, and add-ons that make sense for your day.
Do you take last-minute bookings?
Sometimes, yes. It depends on team availability and the scope of the shoot. Send us your date and details, and we’ll advise honestly.
Packages & Team
What is included in your photography packages?
Most photography packages include coverage by our photographer, edited high-resolution images, colour grading, and online gallery delivery. The exact number of hours and minimum image count depends on the package selected.
What is the difference between Principal and Associate photographers?
Our Principal photographers lead with the fullest House of Philemon experience and visual direction. Our Associate photographers are trained in the same HOP approach, with the same editing standards and client experience.
The difference is mainly experience level, rate, and availability. The heart of the work remains the same.
Will the photos still look like House of Philemon if we book an Associate?
Yes. Associate work is edited and guided to stay consistent with the House of Philemon look and feel. You are not booking a separate style. You are booking the same house, with a different team tier.
Can we book photography and videography together?
Yes. Photo and video can be booked together for smoother coordination on the day. This is especially useful for actual day weddings, ROMs, and pre-wedding sessions where timing and movement matter.
Do you offer add-ons?
Yes, depending on the package and availability. Common add-ons may include extra coverage hours, additional photographers or videographers, express edits, reels, documentaries, albums, or other session-specific requests.
Photography
How would you describe your photography style?
Our style is warm, cinematic, and human. We care about the small moments: a hand held quietly, family gathering close, laughter between instructions, the pause before a vow.
We guide where needed, but we do not want the day to feel over-posed or over-produced.
Will you guide us during the shoot?
Yes. Most people are not naturally comfortable in front of a camera, and that is completely normal.
We’ll give gentle direction so you know where to stand, what to do with your hands, how to move, and when to simply be with each other. The aim is to help you feel natural, not staged.
Do you take candid photos?
Yes. Candid moments are a big part of how we document. But we also believe good candid work often comes from creating a safe, well-held environment.
Some moments are observed. Some are gently shaped. Both can still feel true.
Can we include family, friends, or pets in the shoot?
Usually, yes. Let us know in advance so we can plan the timing, location, and flow properly.
For pets, we recommend bringing someone who can help care for them when they are not in the frame.
Can we choose the location?
Yes. You may suggest a location, or we can advise based on the mood, light, accessibility, and kind of images you hope to create.
For outdoor sessions, we’ll also consider weather, crowd levels, and whether permits are needed.
Videography
What kind of wedding videos do you offer?
Depending on your package, we may offer highlight films, reels, documentary edits, or coverage of vows and speeches. The exact deliverables depend on the scope of your booking.
What is the difference between a highlight film and a documentary edit?
A highlight film is a shorter, edited piece that captures the emotional shape of the day. It is usually paced with music and selected audio moments.
A documentary edit is longer and more complete. It preserves fuller sections of the day, such as vows, speeches, ceremony moments, or key programme segments.
Can we request a vertical reel?
Yes, if this is included in your package or added on. Reels are useful if you want a shorter edit for Instagram, WhatsApp, or quick sharing with family and friends.
Can we choose the music?
You can share the mood or direction you prefer. Final music selection may depend on licensing and what works best with the edit.
If you have a specific song in mind, let us know early and we’ll advise what is possible.
SOLEMNISATION (ROM)
Do we need photography for a ROM?
A ROM may be short, but it is still a real milestone. The signing, vows, family reactions, and first few portraits after the ceremony often become some of the most meaningful images.
If your ROM is intimate, photography helps preserve the people who were present and the feeling of that day.
How many hours do we need for ROM coverage?
Most ROMs can be covered within 1 to 2 hours if the programme is simple. If you want family portraits, couple portraits, venue details, or lunch coverage after the ceremony, you may want to plan for more time.
Can we do couple portraits after the ROM?
Yes. We usually recommend setting aside time after the ceremony for relaxed couple and family portraits.
This works best when the schedule is not too rushed.
Can we combine ROM with pre-wedding or couple portraits?
Yes. Some couples choose to use the same day for ROM coverage and a short couple session. We can advise whether this makes sense based on your venue, outfit, timing, and energy level.
Pre-Wedding
What is included in a pre-wedding session?
A pre-wedding session usually includes photography coverage, guided direction, edited images, colour grading, and online delivery. Depending on the package, it may include one or more locations, outfit changes, or video add-ons.
What should we wear?
Wear something that feels like you, but still suits the location and mood of the shoot. Avoid outfits that make you feel overly self-conscious or difficult to move in.
If you are unsure, share your outfit options with us. We can help you choose what works best visually.
Can we do more than one location?
Yes, depending on your package duration. We’ll advise what is realistic so the session does not feel rushed.
A good shoot is not just about covering more locations. It is about giving each place enough breathing room.
What if we feel awkward in front of the camera?
That is very normal. You do not need to arrive knowing how to pose.
We’ll guide you with simple prompts and movements so the session feels less like performing and more like settling into each other.
Can we do a themed or concept shoot?
Yes, if it fits your story and can be planned well. We prefer concepts that still feel personal rather than overly staged.
If you have a moodboard, film reference, location idea, or visual direction, send it over and we’ll help shape it into something workable.
Actual Day Weddings
How many hours of coverage do we need?
It depends on your schedule. A shorter wedding may need 6 hours, while a full day with gatecrash, ceremony, tea ceremony, lunch or dinner banquet may need 8 to 10 hours or more.
Send us your draft timeline and we’ll recommend coverage that fits the day.
Do you cover both photography and videography for weddings?
Yes. You can book photography, videography, or both. Booking both together helps the team coordinate better on the day.
Do you cover church weddings, solemnisation, and banquet?
Yes. We can cover different parts of the wedding day, including morning preparations, church ceremonies, solemnisation, tea ceremony, lunch, dinner, and banquet moments.
Will you help us with the photo timeline?
Yes. We can advise on realistic buffers, family photo timing, couple portraits, and key moments to protect. A good timeline helps the day feel less rushed.
Do you take formal family photos?
Yes. Formal family photos are important, especially on wedding days. We recommend preparing a family photo list beforehand so we can move through the combinations clearly and respectfully.
Family & Maternity
Do you photograph families and maternity sessions?
Yes. We document family, maternity, newborn, and milestone sessions with the same care as weddings: warm, natural, and guided without forcing everyone into stiff poses.
What if our child does not cooperate?
That is okay. Children do not need to perform for the camera.
We usually work with their rhythm, allow time for play or pauses, and capture the real expressions that come through.
Can the session be done at home?
Yes. Home sessions can be especially meaningful if you want the images to feel personal and familiar.
We’ll usually look for good natural light and simple spaces where everyone can move comfortably.
Editing, Delivery & Colour Grading
How long does it take to receive our photos?
Delivery timelines depend on the package and season. As a general guide, smaller sessions may be delivered sooner, while weddings and larger shoots require more time.
We’ll confirm the expected timeline when you book.
How many photos will we receive?
Each package has a minimum number of edited images. In general, we return the meaningful images that meet our quality standard.
We do not hold back good moments just to meet a number, but we also do not deliver repeated or unusable frames.
Do you return RAW files?
No. We do not return RAW files.
The final edited images are the completed work, with colour, tone, and finishing applied as part of the House of Philemon process.
Can we choose the colour grading?
Yes, where applicable. HOP offers colour grading options so your final gallery can match the mood you prefer, from nostalgic warmth to cleaner cinematic tones.
Do note that colour grading is applied once based on the chosen style. Further changes may be chargeable.
Can we request further edits?
Basic corrections may be considered if something was missed. However, major re-edits, repeated colour changes, or extensive retouching may incur additional fees.
We’ll always let you know before proceeding with anything chargeable.
How will the final photos be delivered?
Final images are usually delivered through an online gallery or download link. You can download and share them from there.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. A deposit or downpayment is required to confirm your booking and secure the team for your date.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment methods may include PayNow or bank transfer. If other payment methods are available, we can advise during booking.
Payment, Terms & Admin
Are there extra charges for additional hours?
Yes, additional coverage is usually charged hourly and subject to team availability. If you think your timeline may run long, it is better to discuss this before the day itself.
What happens if our schedule changes?
Let us know as early as possible. We’ll advise whether the change affects coverage hours, team availability, or additional charges.
Do you have Terms of Service?
Yes. Booking with House of Philemon confirms acceptance of our Terms of Service. We’ll share the relevant link or document during the booking process.
CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS!