11 minute read
SNAP HAPPY
Local photographers reveal their top tips for large and small weddings
STONE PHOTOS
LET’S CONNECT: 07956 393 844, www.stonephotos.co.uk www.facebook.com/StonePhotos www.instagram.com/stonephotosphotography
Loren Stone is a wedding, portrait, event and commercial photographer based in Maidenhead, Berkshire.
“What was lovely about shooting smaller weddings that took place during the pandemic was the extra time that couples had on the day to enjoy to themselves and also venture off with me as their photographer to have portraits taken of just the two of them. Now that larger weddings have resumed, the pressure can be on to fit as much as possible into the day. Allow a bit of time, just the two of you, for relaxed couple photographs to be taken at different points during the day. There’s nothing better than a stunning sunset shot or a backlit photo taken at night.” - Loren
“Having so many guests to chat to on your wedding day now that numbers are no longer limited on larger weddings, you’ll be forgiven for wondering if you’ll have time to see everyone! Make sure you allow plenty of time during your day to chat with all your guests, don’t make your schedule too tight. Relaxed, reportage photos of you and your loved ones make wonderful keepsakes.” - Loren
“Think carefully who you choose to give a speech - you don’t always have to go with tradition. Pick somebody who can captivate your guests and make them laugh because some of the best photos of people laughing at weddings are taken during the speeches so you want someone who can command the room and induce much merriment.” - Loren
“Think outside the box when it comes to entertaining your guests. Why not arrange a fun activity for everyone to take part in - you’ll be surprised how much your guests will love it and the photos will be awesome!” - Loren
“Make the most of being able to get ready with your mum and bridesmaids and have your chosen photographer present during this. It’s such a perfect start to your day and the photos will help to remind you of the fun that you had. Just try to keep the room as tidy as possible because the photos will show up any mess in the background! - Loren
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Scan to view video WHAT ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF BOOKING A QUALITY WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER?
HC VISUALS
LET’S CONNECT: 07791 631 876, www.hc-visuals.com www.facebook.com/hcvisualsfilm www.instagram.com/hcvisualsfilm
Scott Haslett is the owner of HC Visuals Videography based in Buckinghamshire producing bespoke wedding and commercial films capturing priceless moments and memories.
“Not hiring a videographer is the number one regret that I hear from most couples after their wedding.” - Scott “A film can tell the story of the day in a way that photos can’t.” - Scott
“Wedding videography captures the sights, sounds and emotions of the day.” - Scott
“It allows you to relive all the special moments, and the ones you may have missed, over again.” - Scott
“You can re-watch your day for decades to come and share your memories with your children and grandchildren.” - Scott
VICKY LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY
LET’S CONNECT: 07748 520 838, www.vickyphotography.co.uk www.facebook.com/VickyLewisPhotography www.instagram.com/vickylewisphotography
Vicky Lewis is an Oxfordshire-based wedding photographer capturing real and beautiful moments as they unfold.
“It’s great to connect with your photographer before the big day to be sure that you feel comfortable in their company. A pre-wedding session is a great way to get to know each other, take practice shots and share any insecurities about having your photograph taken. Trust your photographer because they know all the flattering angles and will have you smiling, laughing and feeling relaxed in no time.” - Vicky
“The most important thing to remember on your wedding day is that you’re marrying your best friend - the love of your life. You’ll be so happy and look glowing - your entire face will smile. When you feel this great, you always look wonderful! So don’t worry about feeling awkward or posing, just relax, be yourself and enjoy your day. Your photos will capture the true emotions and happiness as you celebrate with all your favourite people all around you.” - Vicky
“Here’s the simplest secret to achieving amazing wedding photos - all you need to do is be in love, smile, grab your drink, have fun and hey presto, the magic happens!” - Vicky
PAIGE MARY PHOTOGRAPHY AND MAKEUP
LET’S CONNECT: 07568 513 072, www.paigemaryphotography.co.uk www.facebook.com/paigemary.photographyandmu www.instagram.com/paigemary.photography.mua
Paige Mary is a talented photographer and make-up artist based in Berkshire.
“Invest in some confetti cannons so that you can have a confetti photograph without people touching the same confetti.” - Paige Mary Consider an al fresco spot for your first dance so that your guests can watch you both. It creates a gorgeous landscape for those all-important pictures.” - Paige Mary
“Having live music playing during your wedding, for example, a guitarist or harpist creates a wonderful atmosphere which in turn forms lovely wedding photographs.” - Paige Mary
“I would recommend having a second photographer so that you can get plenty of photographs of your loved ones, some of who you might not have seen in ages due to the pandemic, celebrating your day and enjoying themselves. Whilst the main photographer captures the event, the second shooter can get plenty of candid shots, capturing your guests offguard and glowing with happiness!” - Paige Mary
WALLINGFORD PORTRAITS & WEDDINGS
LET’S CONNECT: 07876 293 377, www.wallingfordportraits.co.uk www.facebook.com/Wallingfordportraits
Photographer and proprietor of Wallingford Portraits & Weddings, Tonja Fritz-Johnson, is a wedding, portrait, commercial and pet photographer based in Oxfordshire.
“Does size matter? The pandemic has no doubt brought about a change of thinking for many couples who have had to scale back their day and opt for either smaller weddings or accept multiple, long postponements.” - Tonja
“I have had the chance, and privilege, to photograph large and small weddings both pre-pandemic and during the restrictions and people enjoy themselves whatever the size of the guest list.” - Tonja
“Often I hear that with larger weddings, the couple did not have the chance to speak to everyone and that the day is over so quickly, but it mattered to them to have everybody there.”- Tonja
“From couples who recently opted for a smaller wedding, I hear that they appreciated the intimate and relaxed day that they were able to have, with the decision made for them about how many guests to invite.” - Tonja
“Despite the restrictions, many couples still thought creatively about how to celebrate and what they wanted to do, rather than sticking to traditions. As a photographer, it’s always great to see everyone’s ideas come to life!” - Tonja
“I believe there are only three important things that need to be in place to achieve the best wedding photographs. Most importantly, you’re marrying the person you love. Secondly, that you have fun on the day and also that I, as the photographer, get to spend time with you both creating amazing wedding photographs that will remind you of a fantastic day for many years to come.” - Tonja
LET’S CONNECT: 01296 641 641, www.yellowdoorphotography.co.uk www.facebook.com/yellowdoorweddingphotography www.instagram.com/yellowdoorphotography
Graham Lee is the talent behind the lens at Yellow Door Photography based in Buckinghamshire.
“Along with a house purchase, your wedding will no doubt rank as one of the biggest expenditures you’ll have. At such an expensive time when everyone seems to want a slice of the cake, many couples will try and look at ways to ensure their budget goes as far as possible. Your wedding photos are your memories for life and something you’ll treasure and show generations to come so it isn’t worth cutting back on these.” - Graham
“Now that larger weddings are back with a longer guest list, relying on a friend, or somebody who is a ‘weekend photographer’ to take your big-day photographs can be a false economy. Whilst they may be great at shooting landscape images, do they have the experience of photographing a wedding under pressure to capture those one-time shots? - Graham
“Getting friends involved in contributing, for example by posting pictures on social media or your wedding website, can be invaluable. This means that you can hire the professional photographer at his basic rate or for less time.” - Graham
“Don’t opt for an album package upfront. An album can always be added at a later date if the budget allows. It’s more important to spend that hard-earned cash on quality photography, to begin with.” - Graham
“Is there something unusual or noteworthy about your wedding that the photographer can use to promote themselves? For example, having your wedding featured in a magazine is a great way to showcase your day and impress family and friends.” - Graham
“Do find a couple of photographers whose work you like and that offer quality images. Sometimes value is not just about getting the cheapest price, but the energy and enthusiasm, coupled with what’s included in the package and who wants to work with you.” - Graham
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