Question 1

Our wedding is near a beach, and we'd love to visit to get some wonderful photographs, but I'm worried about ruining my dress or it being too windy! Do you have any ideas of how we can achieve this?

Accepted Answer

If you're getting married on or near a beach, then lucky you! You must take full advantage and get those all-important beach shots. Don't worry about sand on your dress, it will brush off, and any wind or breeze will only add drama to the image. You don't have to touch the sand; you can do what you're comfortable with. You can position yourself on the sidewalk or pier or even balance on some rocks. My only advice would be for the bride not to do this in heels. A nice pair of flats on the beach will make it all the more comfortable and enjoyable. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun in your photos.

Question 2

What are your suggestions for capturing creative night-time shots?

Accepted Answer

Start by looking for a photographer with a varied portfolio of night-time images. They should be able to talk you through how each one was achieved, and what equipment they will bring with them to the wedding. It's worth checking if they can offer a pre-wedding shoot. If so, try and arrange it at night so you can get a taste of what your big-day portraits will look like. Think about whether your venue allows for creative night-time images and what time of shots you're looking for, such as sunsets, silhouettes etc.

Question 3

We've just got engaged and are planning to get married in 2024. When should we start looking for a photographer?

Accepted Answer

If you've booked your wedding venue, then it's never too early to start booking suppliers, especially your photographer. Be aware that the time of year that you're getting married will depend on the demand for your chosen supplier. May through to September will always be busiest, with lots of clients booking a year to 18 months in advance. As always, make sure you choose wisely. Get a good feel from your photographer and make sure their style suits you. When you do come to book, a holding fee or a deposit is all that is generally required to secure your date.

Question 4

A friend of ours had two photographers on their wedding day. What are the benefits of this, and should we do the same?

Accepted Answer

For my personal approach to photography, which is quite documentary, I tend to work alone and blend in with the guests. However, having two photographers really does depend on the number of guests and location. For a small intimate wedding with everything in one location, two photographers can be overwhelming, but they can be beneficial for larger weddings or those that take place across multiple locations. Having two photographers means one can be with the bride and one with the groom for the morning preparations. During the ceremony, you will have coverage from two angles, usually one from the back of the ceremony room and one at the front. This can give a great view of both the bride and groom's reaction when they first see each other at the aisle. It's also great for the ring exchange and first kiss. During the reception one photographer can focus on the family and group pictures, whilst the other can take relaxed guest photos. Similarly, during the speeches, the room can be split between the two photographers to try to capture all of the guests' reactions. Have a chat with your photographer, and they will be able to help guide you on what would work best for your big day.

Question 5

There are so many photographers out there – how do we choose the right one for us?

Accepted Answer

Choosing a photographer can seem like a dauting prospect, especially since there are so many to choose from. Start by thinking about the style of picture you want, such as candid, formal, or styled and then look at a photographer's portfolio of work. This will give you a good indication of what to expect. Next, contact them. Have a chat with them and talk about what you're after. You should get a good vibe from them, and you must feel comfortable. After all, they will be capturing one of your most special days, so you don't want a false smile or a strained pose. Price is obviously important too. Remember that the most expensive work is necessarily the best. Look at their reviews from previous clients before you decide. They will have used the service so will know first-hand hand if they're worth booking.

Question 6

We're clueless when it comes to photography. Is there a list of shots we should ask our photographer to capture?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most common questions I receive. I always recommend that my clients have a rough idea of the shots that they would like before the wedding, either as a list or a moodboard. Your photographer will want to ensure you enjoy your day as much as possible, so by creating a list of shots, you can relax knowing everything you've requested is being taken care of. Knowing what shots you want us to capture allows us to blend into the background, so we're not interrupting the flow of the day by asking too many questions. I always ask my clients to do some research on Pinterest or Instagram of images they like so that I'm confident they're receiving everything they want captured on the day. In my packages, I include a meet-up before the wedding to discuss any unanswered questions, see how your day is going to be structured and to get an idea of what you want to be captured on the day.

Question 7

I want to book a photographer and was wondering how I can keep the price down without compromising on quality?

Accepted Answer

This is a great question and a tricky one to answer. Good quality in any industry, generally comes with a price tag that reflects the level of experience, skill and equipment used. This will vary further depending on what's included in the service, as someone including physical products such as albums and prints will usually have a higher price than someone offering a digital service. To achieve quality photography and remain within a reasonable budget, look for a photographer whose work and style you like. Once you've narrowed this down, contact the company to see if they offer a shorter elopement service or a minimum number of hours. These services became popular during the pandemic and have remained in favour with couples preferring a more intimate or scaled-down wedding. If your big day is during the week or out wedding season, you may find photographers are more open to discussing a discount.

Question 8

I'm getting married soon, and am worried that I won't be able to look natural in the photographs. Do you have any advice?

Accepted Answer

Having your photo taken can be uncomfortable at the best of times, let alone when you want your pictures to be perfect. Building a relationship with your photographer is one of the best ways to overcome those nerves. Tell them what you like and don't like and, most importantly, the kind of pictures you want them to achieve. If you have a pose or idea in mind, then discuss this with them. This all leads to more achievable results. Natural style photography is best captured when you're being exactly that! Forget your photographer is there. They should encourage you to carry on as you are, walk and talk with your partner and let them capture that moment. Look at their portfolio. Their style will be able to reassure you that you've picked the right person.

Question 9

Most photographers offer an engagement shoot, but we're camera shy and don't know if it's for us. What are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

There are many advantages to having an engagement shoot. Photographers usually offer this as an optional extra, and it's a great way to get to know them and learn more about their style. You'll learn what to expect during the day. This will enable you and your partner to be yourselves whilst candid pictures are being created. Use the opportunity to ask any questions, and be sure to let your photographer know what you like and don't like. This will all contribute to a smooth and happy working relationship.

Question 10

My wife-to-be and I are having a December wedding and are worried the weather might ruin our photographs. How can we capture stunning pictures whatever the weather?

Accepted Answer

I can completely understand your concerns, but try not to worry too much. Winter weddings can be fabulous! Think of a dusting of snow, glistening frost on the trees, atmospheric fog and beautiful golden hours, which happen far earlier in the winter and look even more beautiful when you're tightly wrapped up in your partner's arms. Even rain, as long as it's not torrential, can be romantic when snuggled under umbrellas. The other plus point is most wedding venues have their Christmas decorations out by the end of November, so you'll have the twinkle of fairylights or candlelight glistening in the background. Lots of photographers also carry off-camera lighting that can be used to create magical outside evening scenes. If you're worried, chat through your concerns with your supplier, I'm sure they'll be able to share their experiences and some ideas from previous weddings.

Question 11

I'm worried about it being too dark at our wedding to take photographs. How can we capture creative night time shots?

Accepted Answer

Don't let the longer and darker nights deter you from booking an autumn or winter wedding. It's very popular for venues to host twilight nuptials during these months, which cater specifically for these types of celebrations. Your photographer should discuss the types of shots they will be able to capture during the darker months. Always check out their website or portfolio for evidence of their artistry before booking. I always try to make my shots different and creative. Night time shots make for fantastic shadows with an element of romance about them. I use extra lighting to create a glow effect and try and take advantage of any twinkly lights. Capturing worthy shots does come with experience, so make sure your photographer is up to the challenge.

Question 12

My wife-to-be and I are getting married next summer  and would like some shots that reflect the season. Do you have any suggestions?

Accepted Answer

Summer is always a popular season to get married and is a busy time for wedding photographers. A good supplier will always think about their surroundings when taking a shot and incorporate it into their image. Seasons bring so much colour change, and when thinking summer, you automatically think of green grass, blue skies and lots of beautiful flowers in bloom. When booking your venue, take this into account and think does it have an outdoor space where your photographer can take you around and incorporate Mother Nature into your images? You have the advantage of long evenings too, which make for some dusky night photos. Talk to your supplier about the types of shots you want and what you want to be captured. They will always tell you what will and won't work and will consider where the sun is in the sky and take certain types of pictures when the light is just right. Summer weddings will certainly make for gorgeous images, and whilst that sun is setting there are some striking silhouettes and reflection opportunities, and with lots of sunshine, the rays make the shots even more dynamic.

Question 13

There are so many photographers out there – how do we choose the right one for us?

Accepted Answer

There is a huge amount of choice available, and it can feel overwhelming. There are so many styles available from creative to storytelling, documentary and alternative, and with so many price options such as hourly, half-day or full-day – it's difficult to know where to begin. My best advice would be to ignore the buzzwords and look purely at a photographer's work. If it resonates with you and you like the style, look and feel, arrange to have a chat with them. Do you feel comfortable with them, do they fill you with confidence that if something unexpected happened they could work with it and can you see them being at your wedding day with you and your guests? I know this may sound obvious, but they will be with you for the majority of your day, so you want to make sure that you're comfortable with them, and having a good rapport will help when you're having your couples portraits taken. If you've ticked those boxes, price should be the last factor. Your photographs will be a permanent reminder of your wedding day, moments with your loved ones, the hours of planning and details which have gone into your day will all be documented. It's a cliché, I know, but once the cake is eaten and the dress packed away in the loft, your marriage and pictures will be what remain.

Question 14

My wife-to-be wants to book a pre-wedding shoot. Is it worth the money, and what should we expect?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it absolutely is! Pre-wedding shoots are a great idea, especially if you're not used to having your photograph taken or feel slightly awkward in front of the lens. It's your chance to work with your photographer in a relaxed environment and have fun with ideas. Every couple is different, so an approach that works for some may not be suitable for everyone. Some couples love PDA, or like to incorporate their hobbies, and others just want to feel like they're not on a photo shoot. This is a great time for you and your supplier to work out what best suits you and how to help you relax and enjoy having your picture taken. It's also a lovely opportunity to get to know your photographer. I've heard so many anecdotes during pre-shoots that by the time the wedding day arrives, I feel like an old friend. Plus, you'll get a beautiful set of pictures, which are great for save-the-date cards or a signing board on the wedding day.

Question 15

The wedding is getting closer, and we're feeling incredibly anxious about having our photo taken! Can you offer us some advice?

Accepted Answer

Many of my clients talk to me about being nervous when having their photo taken and feeling unphotogenic and uncomfortable when posing. Getting to know your photographer is key as it will help you relax while they work. You shouldn't feel rushed by them, and they should assist with how you should stand and where your hands should go. I love to capture natural shots that show raw emotion. I often say to my clients go for a walk, have a chat and forget I'm even there. This is a great way to warm up before the more formal shots are taken. I also suggest booking a pre-wedding shoot before the big day. It gives you the chance to get to know each other and to familiarise yourself with their style of photography.

FAQs and expert advice about photography