Perceived Wedding Photography Problems & Solutions
It’s so lovely to see a groom feel emotional. I always try to be at the front, capturing moments like the bride kissing him.
Q. IS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY ANYTHING TO BE WORRIED ABOUT?
A: Surprisingly, I get asked this question a lot. The answer is no, not at all.
Your wedding is probably the first time you’ve had cause to hire a photographer. A good photographer should be relaxed, professional, and able to put you at ease.
I like to give advice and be on hand before, during and after the day to help answer any queries and reassure the couple wherever needed.
As his father signs the wedding register, the groom’s delight is obvious, whilst the bride’s dad looks on. I love to give lots of context to my wedding photographs.
Q. WE’RE GETTING MARRIED BUT DON’T LIKE HAVING OUR PHOTO TAKEN. IS THIS A PROBLEM?
A: Absolutely not… I hear this from couples all the time, often from couples having a small wedding ceremony.
Many of my weddings are informal and low-key, with only a few family and friends, and they are some of the loveliest events.
It’s half the battle if you feel comfortable with your chosen photographer. They should work relaxed and friendly and be happy to work around you and your needs. In addition, your photographer should offer help, advice and reassurance to help put you at ease.
Having a stranger turn up to photograph the most intimate and special day of your life can seem a little odd, but once you’re there with your family, you’ll soon forget about this.
So many times, brides tell me they almost forgot I was there and were amazed by the number of moments I captured.
In her wedding photography review after the day, Wendy commented, “[We] are not naturals in front of the camera…” So many couples say things like that, but caught up in a wedding day moment such as the first kiss, such thoughts are quickly forgotten and beautiful photographic memories captured.
Q. WE DON’T THINK WE PHOTOGRAPH WELL. DOES THE FACT THAT WE’RE NOT PHOTOGENIC MATTER?
A: This is another common worry for couples.
Your photographer will shoot often during the day, giving them options in the edit. They will capture many natural moments of you, and you will be pleasantly surprised by how good they look (hopefully!!!).
During any posed shots, it’s my job to get the best from you in as unobtrusive a way as possible, resulting in portraits you’ll be proud to show off to your family and friends.
Q: THERE ARE MANY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS OUT THERE. HOW DO WE FIND AND BOOK THE ONE THAT’S RIGHT FOR US?
Research, research, research…
Google wedding photographers who have worked in your chosen venue or your town. Look at their style and how they work with poor light.
Does it resonate with you?
Can you see yourselves in their images?
Read their reviews and note what other couples have valued about their service.
Make a shortlist and contact them. See how quickly and professionally they respond. Then arrange a phone call or meeting to discuss your options.
Please read my: ‘Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Using Your Wedding Photographer‘ (link below), which is full of advice on how your wedding day might run. It also contains tips and ideas you might not have thought of regarding the wedding photography booking process.
Read More in My>> Guide to Booking Your Wedding Photographer
I document every wedding moment, even when things go wrong, such as when a bridesmaid gets a faceful of confetti when the wind changes direction.
Making Contact With & Meeting Your Potential Wedding Photographer
The posed photos aren’t really what wedding photography should be about, but getting all the guests in a photograph with the couple is good.
Q. WE LIKE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY AND WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE… SO WHAT DO WE DO NOW?
A: Ring or text me at 07947 613070, email me, or fill out the form below.
Wedding photographers get booked early, especially on Saturdays over the summer, so the sooner you contact me, the more likely I am to be free.
A family photo such as this will be cherished for a lifetime. They grow up so fast: this is as he was on their wedding day.
Q. OUR WEDDING IS OUTSIDE THE CAERPHILLY/SOUTH WALES AREA. WHICH AREAS DO YOU COVER?
A: I live in Caerphilly and have excellent access to weddings based in Cardiff & South Wales, and Bristol.
I love to cover London (at least 50% of my weddings are located there) and the southeast, but I will consider any area, so get in touch to discuss.
I love photographic contrasts, and none more so than the opposite ends of the age spectrum. This is such a lovely moment between young and old.
Q. DO WE NEED TO MEET TO DISCUSS BOOKING YOU AS OUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
A: No, not at all. Face-to-face can be helpful for full-day weddings to get a feel for each other and discuss your requirements. But since Covid, Zoom is a popular option and equally as valuable.
This image is made more special by the eye contact between sisters at this wedding at Bristol City Hall.
Q. CAN WE SEE IMAGES OF A COMPLETE WEDDING?
A: There’s a good selection of wedding images throughout my website. My website features numerous photos from multiple weddings, so do have a good look around.
I don’t think there’s any value in seeing a complete wedding as each is different and personal to the couple.
This shot was taken at an outdoor summer wedding. It let me get the bride and her father with the picturesque Lainston House in Winchester as the backdrop.
Q. IF WE CHOOSE YOU AS OUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, CAN WE MEET IN THE RUN-UP TO THE WEDDING?
A: Yes, definitely, if you’d like to and our schedules allow. Often, it’s helpful to meet at the wedding ceremony or reception venue. This would enable us to have a walkthrough and assess how I’m going to work on the day and where to be to take the best images.
Two friends having a ‘moment’ outside Bristol Register Office.
The Wedding Photography Booking Process
The first dance is a fantastic time for some intimate and emotive photos.
Q. WHEN SHOULD WE BOOK OUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
A: As soon as you have your wedding date, find a photographer you are happy with. The best photographers are sometimes booked years in advance, so the sooner you book with them, the better to avoid disappointment.
However, the shortest notice wedding that I have photographed gave me 2 days notice. If you’re having an off-season or mid-week wedding, finding someone at late notice shouldn’t be too much trouble. Read my ‘Guide on Last-Minute Weddings‘.
Q. WHEN AND HOW IS OUR WEDDING BOOKING CONFIRMED?
A: There is no pressure after our meeting or phone call to book me as your wedding photographer. I understand you may be seeing other wedding photographers and need time to discuss your decision. I don’t put a time limit on this as far as I’m concerned, and I’ll keep the date pencilled in my diary until I hear back from you.
I’ll let you know if I have another inquiry for that day in the meantime.
I will prepare your paperwork if you want me to document your wedding day. Booking your wedding day photography is confirmed on return of the signed contract and receipt of a 20% deposit. Easy!
Q. WHY DO WE NEED TO SIGN A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRACT?
A: The photography contract (I prefer the word ‘agreement’) protects all parties. I provide an arrangement for all my full-day weddings but not for short weddings
It covers Copyright, Model Releases, Guest Photography, Final Delivery etc.
All professional wedding photographers should require you to sign a contract for all-day coverage.
Oops! – that wasn’t supposed to happen. But the oversized quill at Southwark Register Office, London, made this image much more memorable.
Q. HAVING PAID OUR DEPOSIT, WHEN IS THE REMAINDER OF YOUR FEE DUE?
A: I would expect to have the balance settled when you have viewed the slide show or approved the images as applicable.
This will be after your wedding. Some couples find this helpful, while others prefer to pay the total upfront. It’s entirely up to you, but I will not order photo books or supply the edited files until the account is settled.
Most photographers insist the balance being settled at least a month in advance. I like to be as flexible as possible; the small things help make your wedding day special!
Q. WE WANT TO BOOK YOU BUT ONLY NEED YOU FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. ARE YOU FLEXIBLE WITH THIS?
A: Yes! I can undoubtedly accommodate you if you want fewer hours, for instance, the ceremony and early reception only.
As well as providing full-day wedding photographer packages, I can cater to short-day weddings.
When you contact me, I will find out about your day and provide you with a quote based on your information and the required hours.
Read More>> Short Day Wedding Photography
Blue was the theme for Annabelle and James’ wedding, and we used it to good effect in this fun wedding portrait outside Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park.
On Your Wedding Day
Q. HOW MANY PHOTOS DO YOU TAKE & SUPPLY OF THE DAY?
A. I take many photographs during a wedding day, some of which are duplicates for safety. This is so I can discard any photos where someone has blinked or walked across the frame or I deem them sub-standard (even pro-photographers take some duds!).
I do not supply these files as they would add nothing to the overall enjoyment of your wedding photography.
As a rule of thumb, a rough estimate is that I supply around 100 photos for every hour that I’m present. But, of course, this can depend more or less on what you have going on.
I always look for photo opportunities, including shots like this: the groom’s mum giving him a last-minute hug before the ceremony.
Q. ARE YOU GENERALLY ABLE TO PHOTOGRAPH OUR WEDDING VOWS AND CEREMONY?
A: The short answer is YES!! It’s the key part of the day and must be documented.
But do check with the venue and/or registrars about their photography policy.
Read More in My>> Guide to Wedding Ceremony Photography
I’ve never managed to capture so much confetti in one shot before or since I took this on the iconic Chelsea Old Town Hall steps in London. Kensington and Chelsea Council are now using it on their wedding website.
Q. WE’D LIKE OUR PHOTOGRAPHER TO SHOOT SOME POSED GROUP SHOTS TOO. DO YOU DO THESE?
A: Yes, I do. I think most couples expect these – even if only to please the in-laws!
I prefer to keep these to about ten minutes or so not to disrupt the day’s natural flow – typically straight after the ceremony. It would be helpful if you provided a list of required posed shots before your wedding, and there is a section in my questionnaire for you to fill these in.
Read More in My>> Guide to Posed Wedding Photography
An example of a laid-back shoot with the couple after their ceremony. I make it as light-hearted and relaxed as I can to ensure some great shots of the couple as they are.
Q. WE WOULD LIKE SOME FORMAL PORTRAITS OF US. DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH THOSE?
A: Of course. The best time for these is either at the ceremony venue or travelling between wedding venues.
I often travel with the bride and groom from the ceremony to the reception venue to allow us to stop off somewhere and spend twenty minutes or so taking images of you both.
Most locations provide many opportunities for pleasing backdrops to your ‘posed’ photographs.
I do minimal posing as I want to capture your essence – talking, laughing, playing, dancing, kissing – whatever!
Read More in My>> Guide to Travel Between Wedding Venues
Bubbles have become a popular (and more environmentally friendly) alternative to confetti and are equally effective.
After Your Day: Photo Editing & Presentation
Q. HOW LONG AFTER THE WEDDING CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE OUR EDITED IMAGES?
A: Depending on my workload, I will start work on your photographs as soon as possible. I usually complete wedding edits within three weeks but often within a week.
This may be slightly longer in the busy summer months, but I will update you with progress.
As their daughter presents the rings, the couple are too immersed in the ceremony to worry about their photographer.
Q. AND HOW LONG WILL OUR PHOTO BOOK TAKE? DO WE HAVE ANY SAY IN ITS DESIGN?
A: After editing your images, I will start on your photo book if you’ve ordered one.
The book is 100 pages long and will contain an unlimited amount of images arranged in a way that I think suits. Sometimes, this may run over 100 pages, but additional pages may be bought, or we can pare it back to 100.
When I have finished, I will email you a preview for you to go through.
If there are changes, you can email me back with clear instructions on what to change.
Once you have cleared the book for printing, I will upload it to Loxley Colour for processing.
Following this, it should take less than a week to arrive. I will have Loxley dispatch the book(s) directly to your address to save time.
Occasionally, things don’t go to plan, but no one can be blamed for the weather. Umbrellas can be used to good effect if it does rain.
My Photographic Service & Style
Q. WHAT IS YOUR USP (UNIQUE SELLING POINT)?
A: My USP is… well, me!
If you like my photography and, equally important, me as a person and can see me complimenting your day, then we’re most of the way there.
I try to be as flexible as possible and will help as much as possible to give advice and help your day run smoothly.
I have attended many weddings, so if you need the benefit of my experience, I am always a phone call or email away.
Having said this, I actively encourage anyone to seek the advice of several wedding photographers to get a balanced view.
My style is primarily natural documentary – I photograph everything going on. During the posed shots at this Llechwen Hall Hotel wedding, this little one’s curiosity got the better of her, and she approached me. This made for a lovely natural portrait with context.
Q. ARE YOU A COLOUR OR A BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHER?
A: I love black and white photography. It seems more timeless than colour and doesn’t tend to date as much.
However, most couples like to see a mixture in their album, so I edit in a mix of vibrant colour images and atmospheric black and white.
Couples spend much time and money choosing wedding colour schemes and finishes, so I need to record this.
I think some scenes look better in colour, whilst for others colour is a distraction so suit black and white better.
But if you do have a preference, let me know beforehand, and I will bear this in mind in your photography post-production. Look at my wedding photo gallery for examples of my style.
Black and white works best for this photo. Colour would only have detracted from the grandfather ‘shushing’ his grandson.
Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC STYLE?
A: The photograph above is an excellent example of my documentary style.
I photograph unobtrusively from the sidelines, capturing natural moments that truly document events as they unfold. This is the reportage or photojournalistic style that has become popular since the rise of the digital camera.
So, my photographic style? Natural black and whites and bright and vibrant colour!
Have a good look through my site to see if my photographic style resonates with you…
Then get in touch…
She saw me taking this at a wedding in London, but it didn’t spoil a wonderful moment of childhood innocence. It’s the little moments that mean the most!
Q. WHAT PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
A: OK, so for the geeky part (well, it had to happen!):
I use some of the best photographic equipment on the market today, which is vital for a wedding photographer! My primary camera is a Nikon top model, the D5, which I chose mainly for its ability to focus fast and capture photographs in low-light situations without needing a flash or other lighting. This is great for photographers covering wedding receptions and other evening events.
I use three wide-angle lenses:
My newest lens is a 35mm f/1.4 prime for sharp, wide shots in low light.
Then there’s my wide-angle 16-35mm to capture the authentic atmosphere of your day. It allows me to get in the thick of the action and include more in the frame.
Finally, my Nikon 50mm f/1.4 prime lens is a must for any wedding photographer as it gives excellent bokeh (a professional term for a blurry background) and a narrow depth of field.
Looks can be deceptive. It looks as if there are few guests at Courtney and Martin’s wedding, but it is just the camera angle.
