LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Up to 40% of engagements take place between Christmas and Valentine’s Day meaning now is a key time for researching wedding photography

Planning a wedding is a wonderful and exciting time for both partners and booking your photographer should be the first thing you do after securing your date and your venue. Consider what you’d like from your photographer as there are many different styles, from natural, candid images to more posed ones. Look through websites and social media feeds to get a feel for what you like and ask them about their experience. Ask to see albums of full weddings that they have photographed instead of just a handful of images.

www.gettyimages.co.uk

Consider having a proposal shoot which can be memorable way of capturing that special moment of surprise when you pop the question. It’s also a great way of getting to know your wedding photographer so that you feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera on the big day itself, which will enable them to photograph you authentically. Another opportunity to practise posing for pictures is by booking an engagement shoot and asking for any tips that you can then try out at home. If you have a pet, you may want them to be a guest of honour at your wedding and have some photographs taken with them. Check that your venue is welcoming of pets and choose some accessories for them to wear that matches your colour theme, for example, a dog collar or a cute bow tie.

www.gettyimages.co.uk

Want to guarantee that perfect confetti picture? It’s one of the most fun, colourful shots of the day when everyone is in the moment enjoying themselves. The key is having plenty of confetti and handing it to guests as they walk out of the church or ceremony room. It helps if it’s loose, making it quicker to throw. Want to achieve the best sparkler shots? Ask your bridesmaids to hand sparklers to all of your guests, preferably early in the evening. Make sure they’ve got something to light them with and ask the venue to have some sand or water buckets ready for putting them out.

Take the time to go through the details of your day with your wedding photographer, it’s so important that they know what’s happening when whether it’s a small or big celebration. Give as many details about your day to the photographer including timings and suppliers.

Always have someone from the bridal party call out names for the group shots. The photographer won’t know who is who, so to help, make sure you nominate someone that will know who is needed and when.

www.gettyimages.co.uk

Your photographer should offer you the opportunity to have a second shooter attend on the day to capture the details, preparation and special moments that the main photographer might miss while taking the couple portraits and group photos.

www.gettyimages.co.uk

On the day itself, remember to keep your hands in their pockets if you aren’t holding anything like the bouquets or each other. Connect during the couple portraits by hugging, kissing and touching and don’t look at the camera - natural images, whether silly or romantic, are important.

Light is really important in photography, it can make the difference between a dynamic image and a flat one, so consider the time of day that you’re getting hitched.

During those all-important getting ready shots in the bridal suite, remove carrier bags or ironing boards left in the background. A good photographer will keep an eye on these spoilers but they will also want to capture candid shots.

www.gettyimages.co.uk

Don’t worry if your photographer hasn’t worked at your chosen venue before. Suggest that they meet you both there ahead of your wedding to have a look around and go through everything.

www.gettyimages.co.uk

Remember to smile up the aisle and to look up, not down at your feet. Your photographer will love you for it! At the end of the ceremony, turn to face your guests and smile again – a high-five or a cheer always makes for a wonderful photograph as you walk out!

“Look at how the photographer captures the moments of the day, you want someone who is going to document the tears, laughter, hugs, kisses, excitement and nerves. There’ll be elements of the day that happen without you even realising and all good photographers will thrive on capturing these moments. You want to look back on your special day and feel every single emotion all over again.” - Jade Book Jade: www.jadehollyphotography.com; www.facebook.com/JadeHollyPhotography; www.instagram.com/jadehollyphotography

DANIELLA MARINOS PHOTOGRAPHY

“Find a photographer you connect with because they are with you for the entire day and if you don’t have a rapport, you won’t feel comfortable when it comes to posing for the couple portrait images.

Remember - don’t look down during the confetti throw and don’t forget to smile! It’s a natural instinct to look down but the best shots are the ones where you’re smiling and looking up or at each other. Finally, when it comes to scheduling the timings of the day, it’s important to remember to leave enough time in between events ensuring that your photographer has enough time to capture everything.” - Daniella Book Daniella: 07720 230 977, www.daniellamarinosphotography.com, www.facebook.com/DaniellaMarinosPhotography www.instagram.com/daniellamarinosphotography

“Be aware of the skills needed for photography at your chosen venue. If there isn’t much natural light available, you’ll want to see a portfolio from the photographer showing their experience of using flash in dark venues. Go with your photographer’s instincts about the best places to have the photos taken around your venue and feel free to make suggestions too. Embrace the weather, even if it’s raining - some of the best shots are those taken in the rain.” - Libby

“Set a realistic budget and if money is tight, ask your photographer about booking a smaller package, mid-week prices or research one who is building up their portfolio in addition to having a full-time job. Don’t be scared to limit your formal group shot list to 10 or less. Trust me, your photographer and guests will thank you for this, so will your cheeks when they ache! Tell your photographer if there are people you are particularly keen on having photos of, for example, an elderly member of the family because it’s not always possible to get a photograph of everyone there.” - Libby Book Libby: 07835 936 885; www.libbyclarkphotography.co.uk; www.facebook.com/libbyclarkphotography; www.instagram.com/libbyclarkphotography

CAPTURE THIS MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY

“Backup equipment is crucial so ask your photographer if they have this. You don’t want them turning up on the day with only one camera body. What happens if a strap breaks and the camera falls to the ground before the ceremony has started? Do they have multiple lenses incase they are needed? It’s also worth enquiring how they back up your images and finally, what happens if they are ill?” - Kathryn Book Kathryn: 07816 477 243; https://capturethismoment.co.uk; www.facebook.com/Capturethismomentphotography; www.instagram.com/capturethismomentphotography

CARISSA AT CAPTURE EVERY MOMENT

“Lighting is key when it comes to taking stunning photographs. If the Great British weather isn’t on your side and it rains heavily during the portrait photographs, ask family members to be on hand to shield you from the downpour! Despite any rain, fog and cold, it’s still possible to venture outside for a photograph. Trust your photographer’s judgement which will guarantee some fantastic shots.” - Carissa

Carissa and Paul were the talented snappers behind our real wedding of Daisy and Alex shown here – turn to page 24 to read all about it and to see the real wedding of Ben and Alun, also shown in these images, download our previous issue at: www.yourgloswilts.wedding/previous-issue/2139 Book Carissa and Paul: 07521 611 678, www.captureeverymoment.co.uk, www.facebook.com/CaptureEveryMomentPhotographer, www.instagram.com/cem_photographer

Joshua Tucker Photography