I love to document joy and emotion through natural photography. I’ve been to quite a few weddings over the years and one thing is true for all of them- It doesn’t matter whether you’re getting married in the most expensive hotel or at a registry office, every single wedding is completely unique to you and I love photographing them all.
This is the single most common thing I hear. Well, rest assured- I hate having my picture taken too so I know exactly how you feel. The last thing you need is a photographer bossing you around for hours on end, forcing you into cheesy poses. It’s just not me.
Most of the time, you hardly even know I’m there, I just blend in really. The only time I’ll need you is when we have a few couple portraits and this really doesn’t take long. We just have a walk, have a laugh and before you know it you’ve got tons of different shots which you’ll receive in your gallery. You can then get back to your guests and enjoy your day. If you want to bring your trainers I’ll always have room in my bag to carry your things if you need me to. It’s all part of being your photographer.
Well, being from Manchester, I’m used to it but it’s not about me. I always recommend bringing at least one umbrella for yourselves. You don’t need to bring a big golf umbrella. The best ones are the see through ones so you don’t get a dark shadow on your face. You can pick them up on amazon for a few pounds. I don’t force you out in the rain but if you have an umbrella we can at least get a few shots while we can.
Definitely be prepared though.
Yes, of course, it’s your wedding. I always have a group shot list with me that you will have prepared. It’s really important to have list ready. The last thing you want to be doing is wondering who to have on the next photo. Just get your list to me before the big day and I’ll do the rest.
When it comes to group shots, I’m really quick and don’t keep guests hanging around for hours on end shouting. However, I would keep the number of different shots to no more than 8 or so. I can promise you, your guests can get bored, especially if it’s raining and cold.
I always have a chat either by phone or video call. Better still, we can always meet in person if it’s possible. We don’t need long, we just run through the details such as timings group shots and any other information you need to discuss so I’m fully prepared. All weddings are so different and we all have different families. If you want a little engagement shoot at the same time as meeting, this is a perfect time for you to get used to being in front of the camera. It’s good fun too!
The last thing you want is a photographer getting in the way when you’re getting married. I always keep my distance.
The first thing I do is introduce myself to whoever is marrying you. If you’re getting married in a Church, the Vicar/ Priest will usually tell me where it’s convenient for me to stand, it’s usually discussed during your wedding rehearsal too. Similarly, when getting married in a register office, I always introduce myself to the registrar to agree where to stand. Most of the time, I’ve met them before anyway.
I pretty much keep a distance at all times during your ceremony. I tend to capture you walking down the aisle, exchanging of rings and of course the first kiss! Everything in between just slots into place. I definitely don’t shove a camera in your face and stand right next to you both.
This is actually my favourite part, the moment when you leave your ceremony as newly weds. It’s a wonderful moment and I’ll be there to capture it. Don’t worry about lining everyone up, I’ll do that. It doesn’t matter if you have a few guests or loads of guests, it still makes a great photograph which you can print off and frame for many years to come.
Confetti must be biodegradable and there are many choices. In my opinion, the best thing to do is go on amazon, get at least a litre bag of dried petals and just bring the bag with you. I’ll do the rest!
Depending on your venue/ Church there are usually designated places do the confetti shot. We can chat about these details before the big day.
Most of the time, you’ll hardly even know I’m there. As soon as I arrive on your day, I’m constantly shooting, finding interesting shots- the laughter the tears, documenting the emotion of the day. I tend to will in with your guests but with a camera or 2. I’m also constantly challenging myself to document your wedding in the most creative way.
We’ve all heard of that unbearable photographer making everyone pose all day. That’s just not me, I never boss you around or pull you away from your party or when you’re catching up with your friends and family. The only time I’ll need you is when I’m taking a few couple portraits of the both of you. I will make you laugh though.
