WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
There is a lot to take in when planning a wedding. Whether it be flowers, dresses or buttonholes the information is vast. In an attempt to make it a little easier I’ve decided to write this so that you can understand my style and my approach when it comes to a wedding. Hopefully, it will help you guys get an idea of how the day goes. However, if you have any questions at all, no matter how small they seem, pop over to my contact page and drop me a line.
My approach (a typical wedding day):
I would describe my style as a mix of “storytelling”, “natural” and “artistic”. Don’t worry I’ll be breaking down what that actually means.
Keep in mind that this is just meant to give you an idea of my approach towards the day. Each wedding is different and I tailor this to work best with each individual couple. I love when people think outside the box and want to do something completely different and am always happy to go off-script.
I like to take a more hands-off approach during most of the wedding day, I aim to be more of a fly on the wall, allowing the day to unfold as it happens. For the morning, while you guys are getting ready, I try to blend in. I find what I love most about the whole getting ready process is the natural interactions between you guys and your friends and family. Other than occasionally placing you where the light is best in the room, you won’t hear many directions from me at all at this point.
I like to take “storytelling” shots throughout the day. These tend to be location and scene-setting images, shots of the scenery or buildings, rooms before guests arrive, what the weather is like, etc. These images create a picture of what the day was like and help document the atmosphere.
Before you leave for your respective morning locations to go to the ceremony, I take some time to get some group wedding party photos. This includes group shots, shots with your parents, and some portraits of you. These are similar to the family formals that get taken later. They are simple and classic with some looking at the camera, and some more natural and candid.
Later during the ceremony, I take a non-intrusive approach, using a documentary style at this time and do not direct a thing unless required. I try to capture the reactions of your family and friends as well as the ceremony itself.
After the ceremony, I get the family formals done. These photos are the most traditional that I deliver. I feel that they are timeless, and as important as the more artistic shots of the day, as these are the ones that get printed and placed in the family households. I will have a list made of who is needed in each group with a predetermined person to help corral, so as to make it as pain-free as I can. This allows everyone to get back to the party as quick as possible. Though we do have fun at this part of the day too.
For the creative, I take you away for about an hour. This includes 15 minutes with your bridal party. We will have one or two shots that are camera aware, and the rest will be more interactive. Quite often this is the only time you guys get alone for the whole wedding day, so I encourage my couples to take a little time to themselves. Each couple is different so I tailor this time to them individually depending on what they are comfortable with – sometimes couples are less touchy-feely, while others want more direction. The more relaxed you guys are the better.
During the drinks reception, I go back to the more documentary style, where I move around looking for genuine interactions between your guests. Also at this time if there are any more group photos that anyone would like taken. I am happy to oblige, such as; the old school or college friends or the aunts and uncles for example.
During dinner when you eat, I eat (as I doubt you would want photos of yourselves eating!) If you have speeches during dinner, I quietly move around to get shots of the speaker and your reactions, as well as friends and family reactions.
Finally… its time to party! I photograph the first dance and when everyone joins in I tend to get right in there so I can get the action shots. I typically stay for about 30mins.
My “style”
In terms of my style, I keep it as natural and candid as possible. The results will directly mirror the energy of the day, whether it’s a wild party or more quiet and intimate gathering, the images will reflect that. It’s the same for the creative part of the day. I like to get to know my couples as much as possible before the day, so as to make sure I can capture them as they are, rather than imposing something upon them.
So now what?
Want to see more? If so check out Gemma & Joe’s Lakeside wedding.
If all this is right up your street, give me a bell and let’s get chatting about what you have planned! So pop over to my contact page and tell me a little about you guys.
Excited to hear from you
xoxo
