Hi, I'm Andy Friend-Smith, a Surrey-based photographer. I cover most types of photography including weddings, family portraits, commercial photography, theatre/music, and landscapes.
Photography is a real passion for me; there is nothing I like more than creating beautiful images for my clients.
I'm an active member of Guildford Photographic Society and frequently exhibit my work in locations such as Guildford House Gallery.
A selection of my landscape and still life images are licensed through a photo agency (Alamy) and have been used in newspapers, magazines, calendars, and websites. In 2015, one of my images was selected for the Surrey Life magazine calendar and was also exhibited at Denbies Vineyard near Dorking.
Please get in contact if you'd like to know more - I'm always happy to have a chat.
Below are some frequently asked questions.
How long will it take to get my images?
Every image that I take for you will be enhanced by me using professional editing software. I generally process images from a commission within 1-3 days. You will be given a login to my website where you can view and download your images.
Will I have rights to print and share the images you take for me?
Yes. You will be able to print, share, and distribute the images that I take for you - this is included in my fee. For some work (e.g. theatre photography) I offer the photography session for free and then sell images on an individual basis to members of the cast. The only thing I ask is that you do not re-sell any images that I take for you.
How much do you charge?
Please contact me for a quote for my work. I keep things simple, straightforward, good value, and up-front. There are no hidden extras.
As a guide, for weddings I charge £1,000 which includes a pre-wedding meeting and 30-minute engagement photoshoot, coverage of the entire day from wedding preparations through to the first dance, post-processing of all images, and delivery of images via my website and on a personalised USB memory stick.
For commercial photography, I charge £60 per hour.
For theatre photography, I can generally offer the photography for free and then sell individual images (either prints or digital images) to members of the cast, crew, or public.
Are you qualified?
Yes. I have an LRPS distinction from the Royal Photographic Society (RPS).
Are you insured?
Yes. I have Public Liability Insurance cover for £1 million.
What camera do you use? Do you have a backup?
I work using only Canon professional-grade cameras. I always carry at least one backup camera. On completion of a commission, your images are backed up several times and stored securely.
Do you have a studio?
Yes. I have a portable studio, including backdrops of varying colours and textures, and studio lights. My studio can be set up in a space approximately 4 metres square - ideal for everything from family portraits to theatrical headshots and corporate photography.
Can you photograph in any conditions?
Yes - within reason! My work as a professional photographer means that I have to be able to create beautiful images in any conditions, whether that be bright sunshine or torrential rain. Where necessary, I use studio lights to create the desired lighting effects. I always come prepared!
Will you boss my wedding guests around?
Absolutely not!
When photographing a wedding, I will work extremely hard, but I will aim to be as discreet as possible. During our initial meeting, we'll discuss how long you want to spend on 'formal' shots - typically this is 30-45 minutes, but can vary depending upon a couple's requirements.