EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT WEDDINGS & PHOTOGRAPHY.
EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT WEDDINGS & PHOTOGRAPHY.
BUT WERE TOO AFRAID TO ASK!
Hey! I’m guessing that you’re super excited about your wedding and I know you guys are going to have the best time of your lives. I’m going to capture those memories that allow you to relive each moment, remember your guests and enjoy the day over & over again.
Planning a wedding is no mean feat and you are probably going to have a lot of things to decide and arrange, but also potentially various people to keep happy along the way!
Having been to a few weddings over the last few years, I’ve put together this guide to not only make sure you’ve got all the information and advice you need regarding the photography (before, during and after). But also to give you some general advice on planning and things to consider etc.
TOP TIP – IT’S YOUR DAY!
Plan the best day of ‘your’ lives! Not the one your parents want you to have, or the wedding you think Pinterest or instagram would like to see. Plan the day that ‘you’ want to have: If you think a certain wedding tradition seems old, then don’t do it! Want to do something totally unconventional, fill your boots! You’ll only be getting one shot at it, so make it entirely your own!
But then, regardless of all the planning beforehand be prepared to let go of everything on the day and just enjoy each and every moment. The right people, the right day, in a place you love and having the best time ever celebrating you two with all those that matter to you, is what it’s all about. Be yourselves!
You having fun and loving each moment = the most awesome pictures, much more than everything being ‘perfect’
BEFORE THE BIG DAY
Around a month or so before your wedding day, I’ll send you an online form with more detailed questions about your wedding. This is also the time that your final balance will be due. Not only will it include schedules and locations, but it will also give you the opportunity to list what shots are important to you and allow you to highlight anything out of the ordinary that I might need to know. There’s no need to worry about sending over Pinterest boards or anything like that, but if you have specific examples of type shots you love from my website then please feel free to let me know. Other than that, I totally appreciate that you trust me to approach your day with an open mind, that way we will create photographs that are true, unique and yours.
And unless your plans make sense to do otherwise, I’ll usually arrange my own travel and accommodation dependant on your preparation and reception locations. For weddings outside of Cornwall, I will usually arrive the night before or stay close on the wedding night.
In the run-up to the wedding, you can add any extras to your wedding package at anytime. For example a Wedding Album, second photographer, or a pre-wedding portrait session. Just drop me a message if you like to do this.
TOP TIP:
I don’t usually visit venues in advance of the wedding as I genuinely think there isn’t a need. Although I might arrive the night before or check out a venue early on in the morning.
For me, the best photos are made by going with the flow on the day. Of course, I’m happy for you to mention certain locations that you really want to take pictures in the questionnaire.
YOUR WEDDING DAY
The Morning: For most of my weddings, I work alone if I am able to cover the bride & groom in the morning. As a rule, I aim to see the groom first thing before heading over to the bride and staying with them in the run up to the ceremony. This all depends on the logistics and timings of the day. Again, we’ll finalise any plans in the weeks before your wedding. For larger weddings, or if the logistics and locations are too difficult to cover alone, a second photographer is a great addition to your wedding package. They will usually cover the groom in the morning and we’ll meet up for the ceremony. If you didn’t initially book a second photographer and now think you’d like one, just let me know and I can sort this!
I always like to arrive as early as possible, not so much from a photography point of view, but because it’s a great chance to meet everyone and get to know who’s who and start to see all the relationships and characters that I can then look into documenting during the day. Plus it gives everyone time to get over the ‘Look there’s a photographer in the room’ syndrome’. It might initially feel a little odd that the stranger with the cameras is crashing your wedding, but just ignore me and get on with enjoying your day. You’ll soon get used to it!
As a photographer, I love to cover the things that matter and the moments as they happen. So I want you guys to do what you need to do and just let me document. I really want to capture your wedding as it was, so you can remember it that way. So if things are chaotic then don’t worry too much about tidying up for hiding the chaos for me. But if you do want things to be tidy and minimal then just be mindful of that.
TOP TIP! LIGHT
One of the things you may consider is the light in the place that you are getting ready. I love soft natural window light, it’s always super flattering and great to shoot in. So a nice room with big windows is always a good choice.
In the morning, if there are certain details shots or items you want photographs of them, then try to make sure these items are out and on display. (I don’t want to miss real awesome moments because I’m unboxing shoes!) This could include things like the rings, the shoes and hanging your dress up in a good position. If you are not too bothered about that, then no worries. Personally, I think the dress will look better on you than a hanger!
THE CEREMONY
If you are getting married in a church, it will be worth checking the Priest/Vicars rules and any photography restrictions in advance of the wedding day.
If there are restrictions on photography then perhaps see if they would at least be happy with me being at the front just to photograph your entrance and when you see each other for the first time. This is such a great moment to capture for you both. Then I can move out of the way when the ceremony starts.
However, some churches don’t allow the photographers to be anywhere except at the back. The important thing is for you to be aware of that in advance to avoid any upsets on the day. If Vicar has concerns, I’m happy to call them and have a discussion in advance!
TOP TIP: KNOWING WHEN TO LIVE THE MOMENTS
I’m totally happy for your guests to take as many photos during your day as they like, but for your parents encourage them to put down the camera for the important moments. They need to see you as you really are, not through a tiny screen.
GROUP AND FAMILY PHOTOS
I firmly believe it’s important to get some nice photos of you with those people who are genuinely close to you. Depending on your schedule and the weather, a good time to do this is usually between the end of the ceremony and before you sit down to eat.
We can finalise the groups you want in the questionnaire I’ll send out, but be aware that on average a larger group photo could take 4-5 minutes or more to arrange. So if you have 10 different group shots, then you’ll need to factor in around 30-40 minutes.
I usually advise 5 to 6 group shots, and on average I can get this done in 15-20 minutes.
TOP TIP: THE LESS STANDING AROUND THE BETTER
With that in mind, I’d advise doing as few group shots as possible as the less time stood round wondering why you can’t find auntie Sue and the more time celebrating the better.
Also, if I’m at your wedding until the end, so there will be plenty of time to grab more informal shots of you with friends/family when everyone is relaxed and having fun later on. You or any of your guests can just just tap me on the shoulder and ask for a picture! That’s what I’m there for.
All images from the day will be available for all guests to download or buy prints after the day.
THE RECEPTION
TOP TIP: LET’S EAT TOGETHER
The best time for me to eat is when you guys do, its really the only time I stop taking pictures – guests with mouthfuls of food don’t always make for the best photos! It also means that if I’m fed and watered then I’m ready to capture the speeches or the next part of the celebrations.
I’ll be working all day and night, and a hungry photographer is a sad photographer. So if you could sort out a meal for me that would be fantastic.
No worries if not, just let me know in advance so that I can bring food.
SPEECHES
A big trend that I’ve seen over the last couple of years with the speeches, is them being read from a mobile phone.
Whilst this is a great way to have them to hand, when it comes to your pictures it looks like the reader is just checking their socials.
As much as I love seeing traditions being thrown out of the window at weddings, having the speeches on paper can be a good look for your images.
AWESOME, EPIC PORTRAITS!
With portrait photos, I prefer to sneak a few quick, short sessions in through the day rather than a long single shoot where you are away from your guests. I usually like to play this by ear on the day – especially as weather, timings changing etc can all play havoc with any plans. I’ll usually aim to get a few with the two of you after any group shots and then as a rule, later in the day. This is better when you are relaxed and have socialised with guests, plus the light around sunset always makes for wonderful pictures. Most couples love this part of the day, as it’s time away with just you two, taking time out as a married couple and having 5 minutes to yourselves during the golden hour.
As I mentioned, working ‘around your day is very important to me. However, if taking more time out for portraits, or leaving the venue and traveling a short distance to make some epic pictures, is important to you and something you are interested in then let me know. I’m more than happy to do this, just get in touch and we can arrange the plans!
TOP TIP: IGNORE ME
The key to documentary photography is knowing I’m there but learning to ingore me. If you find yourself looking at me, look away. It may feel strange at first, but as the hours pass you’ll forget the clicks.
I take a different approach during the portraits sessions and may direct you a little. But even then its really about you being yourselves and capturing your personalities. The shots have to reflect who you are, that way they will be meaningful to you and those close to you.
YOUR PARTY:
The advice here is simple, have an amazing party and go crazy! I’ll be on the dance floor and at the bar, basically wherever the action is. Capturing you and your awesome guests having an awesome time together!
AFTER YOUR WEDDING
I always aim to get a few preview images emailed to you a couple of days following your wedding. And I usually post a few on my instagram and facebook page too. This means you’ll have a professional image to see and share on your social media if you should choose. And If you’ve not already, hit the follow button and I’ll be able to tag you when I share.
But if you prefer to keep your photographs from the wedding private, that is no problem, just let me know.
Around 4-6 weeks after your wedding I’ll aim to have your highlights slideshow ready!
Your online gallery should be within a week after that. I prefer not to rush the process as I want to make sure I spend the right amount of time editing your photo’s so they are the best they can be.
During the summer period, it occasionally takes longer, but I can promise you that the images will be worth the wait!
WEDDING ALBUMS
If you bought an album in your package, once you have your online gallery you can start to choose the images you want to be showcased by selecting them when you log in. I’ll send you an email that explains the design process, and once you are happy with the final layout I’ll order an album that you will love, and moments you can live again and again.
If you didn’t initially choose an album package no worries! You can add a Handmade Wedding Album anytime before or after your wedding. Ideally, I would love all my couples to have this perfect memento of their day in an album that is made to be passed around and loved.