How I approach photographing your wedding day.
The first point of contact is usually through email when I’m asked about availability and prices. Obviously budget is a big factor on your choice of photographer but there’s also so much more to consider.
Meeting face to face or via Zoom is a good next step. Even if you feel they cost more than you want to pay, go and see them and have a chat, that’s always free! You’ll find it much easier to whittle down your choices afterwards.
When I meet with you, I’ll ask a few questions to find out what you are looking for on the day from your photographer. Often couples will say they don’t like having their photo taken and feel awkward etc. This is part of the reason I like to offer a pre wedding photoshoot as part of my wedding packages. It’s the perfect opportunity to show you how I like to conduct a portrait photoshoot and also just become more familiar with each other.
Hopefully you will have had a few questions for me and I’ve been able to make you feel a little more relaxed about being in front of the camera. Before the day I write down a timeline of what’s happening and when, plus any group photos you may have decided on and email it to you to check. This way you know everything’s being taken care of in terms of photos and you can just enjoy yourselves.
On the actual day of your wedding I make sure I’m at the venue with time to get my bags and equipment out, ready to start at the time you’ve booked me from. From then on I’m working on capturing the day for you until it’s time to eat. If I’m there for longer than 5 hours I do ask for a hot meal, nobody’s said no so far!
The majority of the day I will be concentrating on photographing in a photojournalistic way, looking for little moments that show what the day was like for you and your family and friends. I don’t like to set things up but just let the day play out so it is a genuine reminder of how it was for you. One of the main comments I get on my reviews is that I’m very unobtrusive on the day. I’m happy to mingle among your guests and have a brief chat and share a laugh with them but I’m constantly moving observing and photographing the happenings of the day. you can read some of the reviews left for me here:- Google Reviews
Usually after the ceremony you’ll be enjoying drinks and canapes, and this period where everyone’s congratulating you makes for some great photos. After about 15 or 20 mins we get any group photos done. Everyone’s still looking their best at this stage, make ups fresh and the children (and ladies) haven’t yet ditched their shoes somewhere! This is really the only part of the day where I instruct people where to stand etc, but even this is kept as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.
Before you go in to sit down for your wedding breakfast, we do a short portrait session in and around the venue. It gives you a chance to have some time together and again is very relaxed, nothing to ‘posy’. I’ll give you some pointers of where and how to stand and that’s pretty much it.
Just before your guests and you go in for your wedding breakfast I’ll go and get photos of the room and details like wedding favours etc. You’ve taken time to choose these things so I feel it’s important to have some photos.
If you’ve asked for a group photo of everyone, the best time to do this is just before everyone is called in to eat. Once the food is served I tend to stay out of the way for a little while so everyone can enjoy their meal and also have a chance to refuel!. Then it’s usually time for speeches which I’ll be back in for, followed by cake cutting and first dance.
I hope this information has enlightened you a little into how I approach photographing your wedding day. Please do get in touch if you’re looking for your photographer!
You can view some more galleries from these weddings in the links below.
Rachel & Tony – The Secret Garden