perfect PICTURE

Fearof the unknown can become overwhelming when planning a wedding. After all, it’s not something you do every day! So, we’ve decided to remove that for you when it comes to one of the most important elements of your day – the photography. Here, some of the region’s finest wedding photographers, tell us what to expect from the moment you set out on your planning journey to the time you spend putting your album together.

Before The Big Day Finding The One

“Back in the early 90s, there were several wedding photographers in most towns, now there can be hundreds in a local area,” says Kevin from Kevin Brown Photography. Indeed, the sheer range of choice is a daunting prospect – where do you start with such an important decision? Kevin suggests, “Try recommendations first, check out Google reviews and find a style you like.”

Photographer Jaine-Briscoe Price says, “Recommendations from your chosen venue will help, as they’ll know who’s worked there before, however fresh eyes produce imagery that’s different too.”

So, what’s vital to look out for when searching for a wedding photographer? Jessica Lang from Jessica Lang Photography tells us, “Being photographed when you aren’t used to it can make you feel super-vulnerable, so it’s vital that you feel comfortable and safe with your photographer. Before booking, be sure to have a meeting with the person behind the camera, even if it’s just a chat over the phone. Professionalism, portfolio and skill-set are important aspects of choosing the one, but so is getting along with them. Having a good rapport with each other will not only make being photographed a lot more easy and fun, those vibes will come across in your final images too.”

Style It Out

From documentary to traditional, relaxed to formal, there’s a wide range of photographic styles to look out for, so you’ll need to settle on your vibe as a couple to narrow down your search. Jaine has some advice: “I don’t think you have to be exact in the style you like. You might appreciate a more relaxed, candid approach, but still want some family shots and a few more fashion-led, dramatic images. Delve deeper into the photographer’s website and look at whole weddings, not just their chosen images on Instagram. Look at weddings at venues similar to your own that were captured at the same time of year as your big day to get the clearest idea of style.”

Still confused? Jessica gives us some clues on identifying your perfect match: “If photos not just of you both but of those celebrating with you are important, consider a photographer with a laid back, fun, documentary approach; or if you want to feel like movie stars for the day, consider a photographer with a romantic, posed, stylish, editorial portfolio. Alternatively, if you’re super-traditional, then perhaps look for a photographer who’ll capture your day very formally. Editing style will vary too, so think about what you like. You will come across very colourful, fun portfolios, bright and beautiful, cinematic and urban, romantic and rustic, even a few combined.”

Similarly, Jessica says, “If your photographer is prepared and aware of who you’d like in your formals, it makes everything so much less stressful on the day. For any moments unique to your wedding or of significant importance to you, keep your photographer in the loop and communicate this to them. A little heads up can make everyone’s life easier.”

Planned To Perfection

In preparation for the big day, you’ll need to discuss with your photographer detailed timings of how your day will unfold. Jaine explains, “We run through a timetable together and agree a plan two months prior, before sending it on to the necessary suppliers: venue, make-up artist, hair stylist etc. This ensures that on the day, everything runs smoothly and you can relax and enjoy it.”

Jessica is of the same mind: “Your venue will likely discuss an allocated time slot that your photographer will be given to get their key images, typically during the drinks reception before you all sit down to eat. Be sure to check this works with your photographer as you don’t want to feel rushed and clash with your caterers.”

On The Big Day Seeing Double

Just The Two Of Us

If you’re not a fan of being in front of the camera, the idea of an engagement shoot, if offered it by your wedding photographer, may be something you’d rather run away from. But we’d highly recommend taking them up on their offer, and here’s why.

Jessica explains, “I love engagement or pre-wedding shoots, they truly take away any awkwardness that you may feel about being photographed. It also gives you some quality time with your photographer allowing you to experience first hand how they work and they can get an idea of how the two of you are in front of the camera. And as a bonus, you get some fabulous images to cherish.”

Jaine shares: “Some make an additional charge, while others (like myself) include engagement shoots as part of the service. Bear in mind that if you book a photographer from miles away it’s going to be difficult to arrange this confidence building shoot.” We agree, keep it local!

In The Picture

While any photographer worth their salt will be more than adept at capturing your big day to perfection, they’re not mind readers. So, providing them with short list of must-have subjects is advisable. Kevin says, “We always ask our couples for their must-have shots, as there are usually relatives or friends who’ve travelled a long way to be there.”

Some photographers will offer you the opportunity of booking a second shooter, and now you’ve arrived at the big day, you’ll see just how invaluable they can be. Kevin, who nearly always works together with his wife Carole, explains, “It’s great to have certain aspects of the day shot from different angles at the same time. Carole is not only a great photographer in her own right, but very in tune with our couples.”

Jaine too is an advocate for this approach: “I feel a second photographer is vital. They cover such different angles and at different times. Plus, if the day is running late, they can shoot detail imagery or candid socialising while the main photographer is capturing the key elements of the day.”

Jessica says, “Two photographers can bounce off each other and have more space covered, meaning they’re less likely to miss anything, and are particularly good if you want your prep covered. If you decided to book a second, your photographer will thank you and you’ll receive more wonderful pictures in your final gallery!”

Say Cheese

Believe it or not the post-ceremony drinks reception can be a make or break situation depending on what you’ve decided to do with your group shots. The key is balance. On one hand, as Kevin says, “Wedding photographs are part of your family history, one day they’ll be seen by loved ones who haven’t even been born yet! We do around 85 per cent documentary and 15 per cent posed group shots, all done unobtrusively and without keeping guests hanging around endlessly.”

Jessica agrees that being selective and concise is the secret: “Group shots are lovely, but the truth is, having too many can have a negative impact on your day. Your cheeks will hurt, all you’ll be thinking about is that prosecco waiting for you at the bar and you’ll curse your family members when they don’t listen or run off to the toilet when they’re needed for a photo! A good rule of thumb when considering who to have an arranged group shot with is to ask yourself whether you’d hang that photo on the wall. If the answer is ‘no,’ take it off your list. I advise my couples to have no more than 10 formal photos, I don’t want to spend any longer than 15 minutes on these, and trust me, you don’t either. Documentary shots from your day will tell much more of a story and you’ll treasure them more as they’re so natural.”

Whatever The Weather

“There’s a great saying about the conditions here in the UK,” says Kevin. “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.” He continues, “No one can do anything about it and can just as likely have blue skies in December as we might endless rain in July. We always check the weather a few days before the wedding and devise the best back up plan. If it clears later in the day, there can be some fabulous, dramatic skies and puddles for reflection shots.” Make the most of it and look on the bright side!

Jaine has some reassuring words, “Don’t worry. A good photographer will always have a plan B for wet weather, including knowledge of their kit to transfer certain shots inside. It’s all down to experience, planning and understanding how to get the best from any situation.”

“Going outside in the rain might not be so bad, fun even! Get creative and embrace the uniqueness of your day, take a big brolly with you and kiss in the rain. If you wake up the next morning with a pristine wedding dress or suit, you haven’t had a good enough time!” – Jessica Lang

Photography

After The Big Day

When the last of the confetti has been swept away and you’re headed off on honeymoon, your photographer will set to work on your images. You’ll find that each professional will work slightly differently, so your expectations should be based on exactly what you’ve discussed with them at time of booking. Here, Jaine, Jessica and Kevin tell us how they prefer to work to give you an idea of the range available.

JAINE BRISCOE-PRICE PHOTOGRAPHY

“Many photographers shoot and hand over a gallery of imagery for their couples and guests to download. This can be an agreed set of 400 images, or the whole gallery shot (I’ve heard of some giving up to 3,000). Personally, I feel that a finished album to last through future generations is the best option. Each of my couples select their chosen images from 25 to 200, these are then colour-balanced and prepared for album design. I view these as storybooks: they’re designed to live on the coffee table and be enjoyed week on week, year after year. I actually shoot with the album in mind, using layout and balance to create certain shots, which are then crafted together with the more candid images to tell the story of the day.

“I’ve always felt that handing over a disc or gallery simply gives the newlyweds another task. So, I spend a dedicated few hours with each of my couples immediately after their honeymoon to ensure their memories will be beautifully immortalised in their final album, which they receive from Italy three months later. Plus, they’ll still have access to the online gallery for friends and family to view and purchase prints in the meantime.”

JESSICA LANG PHOTOGRAPHY

“When I come to edit images, I’ll choose the final selection as I can be objective. I know how to get the balance right between variety and over-compensating. Can you imagine looking through your final set and being bored because there’s too many?

“Copyright of the images remains with the creator – me. However, I give written permission to my couples for them to be reproduced for personal use. Basically, anything goes as long as you aren’t using them for financial gain. I love to share the photographs I take as much as I can, building my portfolio helps me carry on doing what I love. However, if you have reason or preference for your images to be kept completely private, then I’m more than happy to cover that in our initial agreement at time of booking.

“The delivery of final sets to my couples usually comes in various formats including online galleries, USBs and prints. After this, I’ll leave options open for albums or further prints to be ordered should couples or their loved ones wish.”

KEVIN BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

“After the wedding our turnaround time for images to be ready for the couple is two to three weeks, even during the summer. Our couples then receive either a bespoke USB or a digital download of their images, although we retain copyright of the images they’re free to make copies.

“An album can be added to our all-day package at any time, occasionally couples order for their first anniversary, which happens to be paper.”