Wedding photography – what to expect
It can be an overwhelming process planning a wedding. With so much to organise it’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of it all. Over the years I’ve realised that many couples don’t really know what to expect when it comes to their photographer. Sure you want great photos and you don’t want to feel awkward. But have you thought about what to expect on the day? Every photographer works in different ways and every wedding is unique. So here is a blog post about how I work. The bottom line is I hope to be a calm and trusting presence to have around. This will enable you to feel yourself and not feel you have to ‘perform’. In other words, for it to feel like a friend with a camera.
The wedding morning
This can be a fun part of your day – even though the nerves might be at their highest. Typically I will arrive 2-3 hours before your ceremony. This gives plenty of time to capture all the excitement of getting ready – be it on your own or with your partner and your closest friends and family. I won’t just arrive and stick a camera in your face either. Hopefully we have built up a rapport by this point so it’s nice to have a bit of a chat and get the lowdown on how you’re feeling etc. I then make myself busy by taking some detail shots of the dress, flowers, suits, jewellery – anything special and relevant to your day.
What I don’t tend to do is choreograph particular shots but I might move a bag or two just to make the room a bit less cluttered. Ultimately however I want to tell the story of your day authentically.
KEY SHOTS
High on my mental list is also to document any ‘first looks’ ie when you see your family/friends for the first time. Nothing too staged or seemingly ‘for the camera’ but those natural moments where a bride sees her special people for the first time. Ideally I will also have got some shots of the empty ceremony room and of the guests arriving. Hopefully timings during the morning stay to plan as there is nothing worse than rushing at the end. Believe me, the time does fly!
Finally, I love to get a few bridal /groom portraits and some with your bridal / groom gang before leaving you alone for a bit. However comfortable you (hopefully!) feel with me, it is still lovely to get a bit of time with your people before heading off for the main event.
top tip:
Don’t underestimate towards the end of your morning how long it might take to put your dress on. Lots of buttons on the back? This can take time! So even if your hair and make up was finished hours before, time can still run away with you towards the end of the morning. Also, really try and take a few breathers. If you have a few minutes to have a drink, to sit with your friends, it can really make a difference to your mood as you approach your ‘I do’ moment. Stress we do not want!
the wedding ceremony
The best bit! A wonderful mixture of emotions with both nerves, anticipation, happiness and excitement all in one. I like to position myself at the front with the registrar. Obviously this varies depending on where you’re getting married but I will always have a chat with the person officiating your ceremony. Ultimately it is up to them where I can stand. Beware, there have been a few church weddings where the couple have been surprised I’ve only been allowed to stand at the back. This is up to the vicar/priest and not me. It can create some lovely shots from the back however please check if you are getting married in a church so expectations are managed.
Most of time though I am at the front so I can capture all those wonderful glances between you both, the exchange of rings, hand fasting or whatever it might be during your ceremony. And of course I can capture some wonderful guest reactions too. After taking a photo of you signing the register I will head to the back of the venue to capture that wonderful moment of you both walking down the aisle.
This is often when the confetti shot takes place and it does take a bit of direction from me. I will want to get two close lines of people either side of you and also be in the right spot. I don’t want you to have to walk into bright sunlight while also trying avoid swallowing confetti at the same time!
top tip:
You can’t have too much confetti so make sure you have enough and it’s given out to all the guests. This company is great. Secondly, it can be hard when handfuls of confetti are thrown towards your face. Really try to keep looking up, eyes open and smile!
reception drinks and group shots
This usually happens over a time frame of an hour and a half. For the large part I want to be doing my documentary style approach and capture lots of shots of your guests and you having fun. I won’t be in your face and I won’t be a total wall flower either. Expect to see a lot of photos afterwards and wonder how I managed to capture so many!
Once you’ve had a drink and had a chance to say hello and chat to your guests we will go and do the group shots. I’ll have had a scout around to see where’s best for these photos, taking into consideration backdrop and light. As we will have discussed before, I will have a list of group shots to take and recommend around 5-7. We will try and get through these as quickly as possible. It’s not one to stretch out and eat into your reception drinks time.
top tip:
Appoint one or two friends to gather all those needed in the group shots. It makes a HUGE difference to have people ready and waiting for their group photo. And it saves me – or worse you – running around or shouting out for people.
portrait shots
This 10-20 minute part of the day brings a very different tempo. It’s a time when you get to have some stunning couple portraits. And it’s also a chance to take a breather, have a bit of time together and reflect on the day so far. Couples are often surprised how much they actually enjoy this brief ‘time out’ from their day. In terms of the actual photos, if you’ve had a pre wedding shoot you will know exactly what to expect. And if you haven’t, it will normally starting with you both holding hands and walking away / towards me. I like to focus the shots on natural interactions between the two of you so with a little gentle direction together we can get some great photos.
dinner and speeches
The only part of the day I put the camera down is during your meal. There’s nothing appealing about taking photos of people with their mouths full of food! This a good chance for me to replenish and back up the images I’ve taken so far. The speeches are actually are actually a favourite of mine! One big reason I love my job is getting to know people and learning about their story. And of course speeches bring some of this back story to life. It’s a great chance to capture some natural reactions from you and your guests. I will normally seek out two or three different positions to capture this.
first dance and evening partying
This is when the mood really starts to change as people get their party hats on and drink is in full flow. I will capture your first dance if you’re having one. Usually I stand close to the band/DJ so you have your guests in the background of the shots. I will then stay around for a while until I feel I’ve captured some great evening photos that sum up the end of your day.
top tip:
I know the first dance can be nerve wracking for some couples. If it’s a part of the day you’re not looking forward to but still feel you have to do it, make sure you let me or the band/DJ know. They can then give the nod for guests to join you on the dance floor and you will soon feel less exposed with all your friends and family around you!
golden hour
The only reason I will grab you away from the dance floor or bar is if we are lucky enough to have golden hour. This will give you a few extra photos of the both of you bathed in glorious light. Not to be missed!
I hope this gives you a good idea of what to expect from me on the day. I will also be on hand for the unexpected. As well as taking photos I can help with buttonholes, nerves, timeline advice, awkward last minute dress issues and most of all a friendly smile.
This is YOUR day and I will do my absolute best to play my part to the best of my ability. For more information about the way I work visit me here x