Field notes from working photographers.

The quiet details that decide whether you love your photos.

Focalnook is an independent photography magazine for couples, families and businesses who are about to hire a photographer. No sponsored placements dressed as advice, just honest, source attributed guidance on planning, booking, styles and prints.

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Featured field notes

All sixteen notes
Candid documentary wedding photograph of a couple at golden hour
StylesWhat is wedding photojournalism, and how does it compare to the traditional style?
 A woman in a soft neutral sweater posing for an outdoor portrait in warm light
Portraits & headshotsWhat should you actually wear to a portrait session?
 A flatlay of camera lenses and roses on a dark wooden table
PricingWhy do wedding photography prices vary so much?
 A professional being photographed during a studio headshot session
PlanningHow should you prepare for a headshot session?
 A printed wedding album beside a tablet showing digital files
Albums & printsDigital files or printed albums, what is the difference?
 A couple meeting a photographer to discuss their wedding
Booking & contractsWhat questions should you ask before booking?

Browse by what you are deciding

Every note starts from a real question couples and clients ask, then answers it plainly.

Planning and timelinesBooking windows, timelines and getting ready for the day. Booking and contractsWhat to ask, what to sign and what to expect. Styles and documentaryDocumentary, traditional and everything between. Shot listsPrioritise moments, not an impossible checklist. PricingWhy photographers charge what they charge. Albums and printsKeeping your photos where you can hold them.
A to Z

The words your photographer uses, explained

Aperture, first look, golden hour, retouching. A plain language glossary of the terms you will hear when you plan a shoot, book a wedding or order prints.

Open the glossary