Question 1

There are so many photographers to choose from. How do I decide who's right for me?

Accepted Answer

Most couples are already familiar with the style of photography they want for their wedding, whether it be formal or natural. Make sure you research your chosen supplier by checking their websites and social media pages and that their style is what you want on your day. If you have friends or colleagues that have used a particular photographer before, speak to them and ask about their experience. A recommendation speaks volumes. A great photographer will be passionate about their work and will want to achieve exceptional photographs for their clients. They'll want their shots to be as unique as possible and won't be afraid to push the boundaries of creativity to achieve the wow factor. They'll also listen to their clients' specifications and talk in-depth about what can be achieved. You should always be offered a pre-consultation with them before the big day. Experience is key, but ensure your photographer is keeping up-to-date with new skills and techniques and this is reflected in their work. Choose someone you like. Getting a great vibe from your chosen supplier is key. If you're comfortable with them and trust their judgement, then this will only solidify your professional relationship, ensuring you feel relaxed and comfortable around them. They are, after all, capturing one of the most special days of your life.

Question 2

What questions should we ask our photographer before booking?

Accepted Answer

It's always really important that you get a great vibe from your photographer and love their work before committing to them. Any opening questions you ask a photographer should be met with a warm welcome and a clear indication, such as what's included within your package and what you'll pay in terms of deposit. You should talk to your supplier about their style and the type of shots you want for your wedding. They should also have public liability insurance, so if you're not sure, then ask. Find out what they cover in the event of a cancellation or emergency. Your photographer should agree to re-schedule at no extra cost. Ask to see examples of their work if you feel you haven't seen enough. They should be more than happy to provide you with this. It's always good to try and get to know as much as possible about your chosen supplier. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and relaxed. They are, after all, capturing one of your most special days.

Question 3

We'd love some outdoor shots of our winter wedding. Do you have any ideas of how we can get amazing pictures in any weather?

Accepted Answer

The most important thing to consider with winter weddings is light. As the afternoons grow darker faster there's a smaller window for light. Seasonal weddings can be a double-edged sword. It can be amazing and give a beautiful golden light, but it can also bring terrific rainstorms. Some tips that I like to tell couples is to have a 'first look' before your ceremony. This means that you get to have a special moment as you greet each other for the first time, but it also ensures that you can take advantage of the brighter light of the day, which will ultimately create lovely portraits together. Keep an eye on the weather forecast. If there's the possibility of rain or snow be prepared. Get some cute welly boots and clear umbrellas. Going out in the wet weather can be fun if you embrace it. Ultimately, the main stress comes from being underprepared, so if you're well-equipped, then you can weather any storm together.

Question 4

We're having to re-book our photographer due to COVID-19. How should we start the process?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, remember you're not alone! With peak wedding season well underway, wedding suppliers are working together to make this situation as stress-free as possible. The biggest challenge that we all face is availability. Get in touch with your photographer to check available dates and see if there are any which would also work with your wedding venue. It's good to get a couple of dates as this will give you more chance of finding something that works for everybody. If you find one you agree on, your chosen supplier might email you an amended version of your terms and conditions confirming your rescheduled date and payments.

Question 5

We're having a Christmas wedding and want to incorporate the season into our photographs. Do you have any ideas of how we can capture wintry images?

Accepted Answer

Winter is a great time of year to get married as most venues will be decorated already, not just with a tree but with beautiful candles and fairylights. Most have outside lighting too, which you can use to capture stunning images with a festive feel.

Question 6

My hubby-to-be and I are worried about having our pictures taken on our big day. We're not the best posers but would love a few snaps in the venue's wintry grounds. What would you suggest we do?

Accepted Answer

It's actually pretty easy to overcome your fear. To get the best results, simply concentrate on your hands and feet. Our natural response is to stand stiff and frozen because we're concentrating too much on getting the perfect picture. By shifting our weight from one foot to another, we create mobility in our hips and feet.Here is a little experiment for you: Next time you're standing, take note of how you stand. Better still, the next you go for a wedding dress fitting, stand in front of the mirror and look at how shifting your weight from one foot to the other affects the movement in your lower body. What does it do to your hips and how does it create a shape in your gown? Once you feel comfortable with your feet, you can start to think about your hands. These are generally awkward and need something to do, so by giving them a purpose, they can actually make us feel more relaxed. Just by resting your hands on your thighs, hips or groom's chest can make all the difference. It may seem like there are a lot of posing techniques to remember, but your photographer will know how to create beautiful portraits and everything will fall into place.

Question 7

We're planning our autumnal wedding and have decided we're going to have some outdoor shots whatever the weather, but what should we arrange for on the day to make sure we're prepared?

Accepted Answer

English weather can be somewhat unpredictable. Here are my top tips for making sure you capture amazing pictures: - Ensure your photographer can work in all conditions. - Be prepared for cold weather. You want to be comfortable in your photos, so make sure you're prepared. Needless to say, a frozen bride won't photograph well! - If the sun is shining, try and take pictures with a dark green, orange or yellow backdrop. - Location is key. Pick a spot that captures the season in all its vibrancy and variety. - It's always a good idea to have a few umbrellas handy.

Question 8

We want lovely photographs, but we're limited by our budget. Do you have any suggestions?

Accepted Answer

- Find a photographer whose work you love and make sure you feel comfortable around them. - Enquire and see whether your chosen company offer partial coverage. If so, decide what parts of the day you want to capture the most. Keep in mind that it's better to have a few incredible images than a full-day of mediocre pictures. - If your supplier has two photographers, enquire and see if it's cheaper to book just one.

Question 9

We're tying the knot in August and although this will be lovely for having the images outside we're worried about the look of the photos and guests in bright sunshine if they all have their sunglasses on! What do you advise?

Accepted Answer

I find that natural/documentary-style photographs of wedding guests wearing sunglasses can add to the story of your day, it just shows how lovely your wedding was and makes for better pictures than squinty eyes. This being said, it's essential that the sunglasses are removed for the formal group shots. To avoid the “sun in the eyes” look, I make sure the guests aren't facing the sun and fill the photo with the flash on my camera, this way all harsh shadows are removed and all the guests are comfortable without having to wear their sunglasses.

Expert advice about photography

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