Offering my couples advice for their photography and providing tips, helps ease nerves and even supports the planning. One of the many reasons I have a meet up with all my couples before their big day. So I decided to put together a small blog with a few tips on how to look and feel your best in your wedding photos.
1. Try to forget about your photographer on the big day:
Lots of my previous couples have told me they barely notice me of the day, which is exactly what I love. It means I'm able to capture your day as naturally as possible - the moments of laughter, fun and happy tears. Its also ideal for anyone feeling self-conscious about being photographed, its likely you'll be so immersed in the day, you won't even notice the cameras presence. Your big day will go so quickly too, with so many emotions and lots going on, chances are you will forget about your photographer anyway!
2. Don't worry about the weather:
The weather is out of our control, so there is no reason to worry yourself over it. It could be sunshine or rain, but your photographer will know how to work with the weather and create beautiful photographs. Moody skies and rainfall can create just as much atmosphere as the sunshine, the weather is part of your big day, if rain happens just try to embrace it and enjoy your day.
Rain can always open up opportunities for photographs too, umbrellas and wellies can make brilliant relaxed, fun photographs. They give character and colour to any dull day! If the weather really is torrential, the opportunity to take photographs inside is always an option. I always plan ahead and have indoor locations in mind for if the weather turns exceptionally bad, stair cases and bay windows both provide wonderful indoor backdrops for group portraits.
3. Trust your photographer:
Lots of Brides, Grooms and even the guests feel worried and nervous about being photographed on the big day. Please do not worry! I have lots of useful methods to help couples relax, I can also help with directing you both to avoid any awkward poses or expressions. My style is natural and I do my best to help guild to create this, without force! On your day just remember that your photographer has done this many times and will know what does and doesn't work. If at any point you do feel uncomfortable or unhappy, then let them know. Your photographer should be somebody your comfortable with, you can normally tell this after meeting them. If your comfortable around them, it will show in your photographs. You'll be looking and feeling amazing!
Ask questions & share ideas:
Photographers attend lots of weddings and get a good idea of what works well. If you have any uncertainty's, from timings on your day, to the location arrangements, then just ask! I love to help my couples with advice, ideas and support. Having experienced so many weddings, you begin to build knowledge on common mistakes or miscommunication. I'm more than happy to help support your day so it runs smoothly, making your lives a little bit easier. Equally, if you have any ideas for photographs then do share them with me. I encourage brides to send across any images they like, as it gives me more inspiration and an idea of what you'd like to create together.
Research and hire a professional:
This is really important for couples - please make sure you research into your photographer and check they are a professional. Most professional photographers will have their own website, with reviews and a large gallery, so you can see their previous work and photographic style. This is super important! The gallery will reflect what your own wedding photographs will look like, each wedding is different for their own reasons but the photographers style will remain the same. If you do not like the poses, editing style or final outcome a photographer produces then you will not like your own photographs! Most importantly, make sure they are a professional. There are questions you can ask to check this - Do they have a qualification or have they studied photography? How many weddings have they photographed? Have they been featured in a a high-end wedding magazine? This will help you understand whether your photographer has the skill, experience, knowledge and talent to produce beautiful photographs of your special day.
