7 minute read
Photography
Recording the day Picking the photographer for your wedding is one of the picture perfect most important decisions you’ll make. They’re responsible for capturing all of those special moments and during the lockdown weddings, the photos was the only way of sharing the day with everyone who couldn’t be there on the day...
RECORDING THE DAY
164 PHOTOGRAPHY
www.byrhea.co.uk
Finding the one
Your wedding photographer is one person you’ll be willing to make space for on your limited guest list. The photos will capture this unique point in wedding history and hold special memories from your wedding for years to come. There are lots of incredibly talented photographers in the northeast - just look at the stunning images featured in GWD! They each have their own style and approach to shooting weddings, so do your homework to find out who's perfect for you. The GWD website is the perfect starting point to find local photographers. Follow the handy links to their sites where you’ll find examples of their snaps. Remember, they'll probably only have space to show their very best work. It's worth asking to see a full album so ask what else they can show you. Also, read testimonials, talk to friends and family who’ve been in your position, and ask your venue who they’ve worked with before. What do you want your photographer to capture on the day? Are you after traditional posed shots or something more candid? Maybe a mixture of both. .
Photo editing will also influence your decision. Some will include black and white shots or fun filters. Others keep them as natural as possible, with only slight corrections to polish them off. Perhaps wanting to know more, you could set up a video chat so you can get to know each other better. Be honest and talk openly so you all know what to expect – communication is key! Many photographers offer a complimentary pre-wedding shoot which is a great opportunity to get some practice in. It’ll help you to feel more comfortable at the main event.
Photo packages
Photographers offer different packages, and each will provide a unique service – make sure you know all the details. • Price: Consider your budget and find out what you’ll get within that price.
Is it an hourly charge or day rate?
Most will need a deposit or booking fee and then the rest of the payment before the wedding. • Extra costs: If your venue is a bit further away, your photographer may request expenses. Also, any photo books or albums usually cost extra. • No. of photos: Depending on your photographer and the package you pick you can expect between 400 and 900 photographs. • Getting the pics: You’ll normally be sent a USB or a personal login to see all your photos on their website - which you can then share! • How long: Each photographer will have specifics on their website, but you’ll tend to wait four to eight weeks.
www.deesidephoto.co.uk
www.deesidephoto.co.uk
On the day
Prep a list of what you’d like captured and anything you don’t want to be pictured too. You might be limited on time so knowing what you want is vital. There’s a good chance your photographer has shot a wedding at your venue before.
www.andreawisemanphotography.co.uk
www.susanrenee.co.uk
www.byrhea.co.uk
They’ll know all the best photo spots but share your ideas too. Potential social distancing shouldn’t affect your photos too much – they don’t need to be close to capture amazing shots. If you have space for an extra body, adding a second photographer means you could capture different angles. A lot of northeast photography companies include two shooters as standard but do double-check. Number two could shoot guest’s reactions while you’re lead photographer focuses on the happy couple. If possible, you could book a second day with your photographer without the time pressure. Return to your venue or pick a new location. Either way, it’s a great excuse to wear your wedding attire again! Remember it’s a long day for your photographer(s) – treat them to a hot meal!
Wedding video
Although it would involve an extra person, filming your day is definitely worth considering. Ask your photographer for recommendations as they’ll have collaborated with some great videographers in the past. Just like your photos, you’ll have to decide what style of recording you’d like. Would you prefer a traditional wedding video or a more relaxed documentary style? Spend some time getting lost in local supplier’s portfolios – and then contact your faves. If you’re planning a sequel wedding celebration in the future, why not host a screening of your wedding video? It’d be lovely to relive those special memories with your nearest and dearest.
www.andreawisemanphotography.co.uk
www.deesidephoto.co.uk
Thinking of streaming your wedding?
Amazing idea – here’s a couple who did it earlier. Virtual ceremonies are on the rise as they’re a great way to include more of your friends and family. How good a surprise would it be for them to open their inbox and find a link to you saying: ‘I do’? You can stream the ceremony yourself – via Zoom, YouTube or Facebook – but prep everything in advance and do a test. And pick a volunteer guest to press the buttons! There are also trusted local suppliers you can hire to stream your big day. Hiring a pro takes the pressure off you and your guests – but will be included in your guest limit.
Lots of different wedding packages are available so do some research and ask for all the details.
• Sound: Microphones may be needed to pick up all sounds – don’t want everyone to miss the vows.
• Internet: A good connection is a must! Does the company have its own internet source? Or will you need to rely on the venue’s WiFi signal? • Cameras: More than one camera might be needed to capture all of the action. Find the best spots to set them up so everyone can see your smiling faces.
www.iskabirniephotography.co.uk
www.byrhea.co.uk
www.deesidephoto.co.uk
www.jonathanaddie.com
Unplugged?
Sharing your wedding pics on social media is another great way to include those would-be guests. Ask one of your guests to update via Instagram stories with wedding snippets. Or create a unique hashtag so everyone there can share pics too – just make sure it hasn’t been used before! You might prefer no phones out at all so everyone can be more present. Let your photographer capture everything and share it all at a later date. It’s up to you what you’d like – just let your guests know. Pop a note on the invitations or a welcome sign so they know exactly what’s going on with photos. ♥
