Question 1

We're getting married soon, and I'm worried that I won't be able to look natural in the photographs. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

It's important to look around and choose a photographer whose style you love. There are so many different photographers with various approaches and editing styles. Think about what is essential for you and your day, and go from there. For example, I class myself as a documentary style with a hint of editorial; this means that I try to capture your day authentically as it unfolds, occasionally giving light direction to offer the best locations or angles for certain shots while mainly focusing on the genuine moments to tell the story of your day. Getting to know your photographer a little before your day is important to ensure you get along well and are a good fit. After all, you spend most of your day with the supplier right by your side, so you want to make sure that they're someone you'll feel comfortable with, maybe even someone who feels like they could be a part of your bridal party. For my clients, I always recommend having a video call before booking to ensure we get along well and to talk through your plans so that I can best serve them on their special day. Additionally, it's a good idea to book an engagement shoot with your photographer before the wedding; this allows you to meet in person and start making those vital connections with each other before one of the most special and important days of your lives. Picking the perfect photographer will help you feel comfortable and, therefore, look natural in the photographs.

Question 2

We're both a bit camera-shy and anxious about photos on our wedding day, but we also want a lovely album to look back on. Can you offer us some advice?

Accepted Answer

For many couples, their only experience with a professional photographer is their school photos; in many cases, this isn't a great one! Choosing the right wedding photographer is the key to feeling relaxed and confident about your wedding photos. Before booking a supplier, research their work and choose three to four companies that appeal to you. Read testimonials and see if these resonate with you. Ask for a full wedding gallery to see all the photographs taken at a wedding. If possible, meet with your short list of photographers, ideally in person or over a Zoom call, to see if your personalities fit. Fear of the unknown raises anxiety. This can be greatly reduced by having a pre-wedding photo shoot with your wedding photographer to build your relationship and give you a small taste of what having professional photographs feels like. When it comes to your wedding day, relax and enjoy it! Laugh, cry, live and breathe the rollercoaster of emotions and have the best day. Your professional wedding photographer will capture all the magical moments you can relive and retell. Your wedding album is a complete wedding day story and will become an heirloom for generations.

Question 3

We're getting married in a marquee. How do we prepare for this and ensure we still get gorgeous images?

Accepted Answer

There's no need to worry about a bit of rain on your wedding day; it's considered good luck and forces your guests to mingle together. Come the evening, the dancefloor would be filled, creating an authentic party atmosphere. That said, I would suggest a few things if the forecast was looking a little soggy. •Umbrellas and wellies: Inject fun into your bridal party shots with colourful wellies to match your wedding theme and clear brollies to keep all important hair and make-up perfect all day. You can even dress your umbrella dome with flowers and foliage to match your bridal bouquets. •Golden hour couple shots: After the rain comes a beautiful sunset! Plan time in your day to capture a couple of shots with your photographer during golden hour – I promise you won't regret it! • Embrace and enjoy: You can't control the weather, so embrace and enjoy every minute of your special day. If you're feeling brave, dance in the rain together. It will make for some truly romantic images, and you'll feel so high on life after!

Question 4

What questions should we ask our photographer before booking?

Accepted Answer

I've always believed there are two questions to ask before booking a photographer. Firstly, does the photographer's style fit what we're looking for? This speaks for itself, as photography as an art is subjective, and ultimately, the first thing a couple will be attracted to is what they see. Check what packages they offer, if any, to fit your budget. Money is always a taboo subject, but it's an important one to have in the world we live in today. As long as you strike a great balance between getting what you want and paying for quality, this should be an essential part of the decision-making process.

Question 5

We're on the hunt for our dream photographer; what should we keep in mind?

Accepted Answer

If you have a few photographers in mind, don't make a decision purely on the shots you see on their website. Ask to see a full wedding gallery from start to finish. You'll want to see images of all the special moments throughout the day, like the couple getting ready, the ceremony, the first dance, the reception and detail shots. Photographers cover several events throughout the day in different lighting, so decide how well they cover all of these key moments, not just the couples' photos. A good photographer will always be happy to show you this and answer any other questions; you only have to ask.

Question 6

We want our wedding photos to be memorable and beautiful. What advice can you share for the perfect confetti shot?

Accepted Answer

We've all seen the picture of a couple basking in the pure joy of just being married while their loved ones shower them with confetti. But how do you get those perfect confetti shots? Location is key! A beautiful backdrop will ensure the image has a big impact. Be sure to check with your venue in advance, as many have restrictions on where confetti can be used. Bright-coloured confetti always stands out and looks fabulous in photos. My favourite is bio-degradable tissue paper as it's environmentally friendly, comes in various colours and floats beautifully. Avoid anything too large like rose petals as they tend to be heavy, drop quickly and block faces. More is better when it comes to confetti! One or even two handfuls per guest is preferable. I always recommend that loved ones form a tunnel for the couple to walk down; this gives everyone a chance to throw their confetti and multiple opportunities to get different shots. Enjoy the moment! Try not to look down; walk slowly, look at each other and have fun! For more intimate weddings, have guests gather around and throw confetti while you stand still.

Question 7

So many photographers are out there – how do we choose the right one for us?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, shortlist photographers whose style grabs your attention. Look at their website and social media pages to get an idea of their work before asking to see a couple of wedding galleries too. Typically, you only see a few highlights from each wedding on social media or their website. So, seeing the full range of what they can offer is ideal. Consider if you prefer a more natural style or lots of posed and dramatic images. Hiring someone you get along famously with is no good if their editing style doesn't match what you're after. A light and airy photographer will not want to edit your photos in a dark and moody style or vice versa. Ensure you're happy with what they typically offer and you have a shared vision for the day. Always read reviews from couples who have used the company to give you an idea of how they work and might fit into your day. Try to meet the prospective photographer in person before booking them, as it could ruin your wedding if you don't get along well with them.

Question 8

There are so many photographers out there, how do we choose the right one for us?

Accepted Answer

Your wedding photos are a reminder and a keepsake of your wedding, so you must find the perfect photographer. Just because a friend or family member has a decent camera doesn't mean they'll capture memorable shots of your day. Wedding photography is a saturated market that can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right supplier, but it's essential to find your desired style. Whether that's a candid, classic, contemporary or creative style, try to see what look stands out to you. Once you've narrowed this down, the next step is setting a budget. There's absolutely no point in finding a photographer you love, only to realise that they're way out of your budget. The average wedding photographer costs between £1,500 to £2,000. Although this seems like a huge chunk of your wedding costs, don't forget that this is an investment. Bear in mind that you get what you pay for. Recommendations and reviews go a long way, so ask friends and family if they have any suggestions. If you were at a wedding and fell in love with the images, find out who took them. Search social media and have a look at online reviews. Is there perhaps a wedding chat group for your area or where you're getting married? Once you have a few photographers in mind, check their availability on your desired date. Your photographer will be with you on one of the most important days of your lives and you'll need to make sure you click – that's why I love a pre-wedding shoot. Spending time with your photographer before the wedding will make you feel more relaxed about those photos on the day. Plus, you'll get experience when posing for couple shots and won't feel awkward on the day. Zoom calls or FaceTime is another great way to meet your wedding photographer. Even better, face-to-face over coffee and cake. Don't be shy asking lots of questions. I love a good chat, plus you'll feel confident in choosing someone open to being questioned about their work.

Question 9

My wife-to-be and I are getting married next spring and we'd like some shots to reflect the season. Do you have any suggestions?

Accepted Answer

Spring is a fantastic time to get married as everything begins to bloom. Make sure to take outdoor shots if your venue has spring flowers and blossom trees. The weather can still be a little unpredictable, but you can have this issue any month in the UK. The days are longer in spring with it getting dark from around 6pm, this means your photographer will be able to capture golden hour, dusk and night shots before they leave. You don't often get the opportunity for night shots in the summer months, as you'd be waiting till around 10pm to take them.

FAQs and expert advice about photography