Photography & Film Making

Photography Oh, snap! Your wedding day may not last forever, but the memories are guaranteed to last more than a lifetime… Just bring in some of the northeast’s amazing photographers and videographers to make it happen! These experts will make sure your wedding is captured in the best way possible so you can look back and smile at the day you said: “I do”.

Recording the day

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Your guide to ‘tog jargon

Recording a whole wedding day may seem daunting if you’re not already into snapping photos or shooting reels like a pro but don’t worry, if you’re not an avid paparazzo, we got you! Here are some of the key terms to familiarise yourself with as you begin the hunt for the perfect photographer and videographer…

Digital or film?

Pretty soon you’ll realise photographers talk about shooting in digital or with film. While digital is usually crisper in quality and quicker to get back for your viewing, photos on film will be softer and warmer in colour. Want the best of both worlds? See if your photographer can shoot in both formats – but remember film can be a little more costly than digital.

First look shot

A new-ish staple in the wedding photography world is capturing the momentous moment when the couple (or dad, or maids) see each other the first time on the big day, all dressed up.

If you’re superstitious and want to wait for the ceremony, a second shooter (see further down) might be good but if not, meeting pre-aisle would be a lovely way to get this sincere moment captured for eternity.

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Formal vs. candid

Start talking styles and these words will be some of the first you hear – look out for reportage and documentary, too. In a nutshell, a more formal style will involve your photographer directing you to create posed shots, almost like something out of a glossy magazine. It’s a tried and tested method (favoured by the Royals when it comes to marriage time) and works well for capturing large groups of family or friends together. On the other hand, you may barely notice your ‘tog if they’re shooting candid style! Here, the goal is to capture the day as it happens, almost like a fly on the wall documentary, with a firm focus on the authenticity, emotion and naturalness of the celebration. Think spontaneous shots of you and your guests laughing, crying and everything in between. Afterwards, it’s a great opportunity to see special moments you may have missed out on when otherwise occupied on the big day!

Photography and videography packages

So, you’ve found someone you think will snap you and your partner in the best light? Amazing! Now, they’ll talk about packages (if they offer them – some suppliers prefer to work on an hourly rate).

Packages are offered on a sliding scale to give you all you need for your perfect day and can range from a full day of shooting (from getting ready to the first dance and more) to just the ‘essentials’ – ceremony, speeches and first dance, for example.

Your package will also include how you want your glorious images edited and delivered to you – USB, digital or a glossy album? Every snapper has their own deals so make sure you get exactly what you want and need by doing plenty research before signing on the dotted line.

www.aboynephotographics.com

Second shooter

Now an option with many photography and videography packages, a talented second shooter will ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action – they’re there to capture the heart-warming reactions to all the events happening on ‘main stage’. Whether it’s mummy dearest wiping a happy tear away while you say your vows or getting the fun-filled groomsmen’s prep on film, a second lens will take care of any angles the main ‘tog can’t – and provide lots of fun extra shots you might not be able to get otherwise!

Shot list

This is the list of your musthave photographs – and something your photographer/ filmmaker will thank you for! As the big day approaches, think of what you really want captured – maybe it’s the fundamentals like the groom waiting at the altar or cutting the cake the cake together, or something a bit more specific like a shot of two long-lost relatives together. Either way, this list is a good way to make sure you know you’ll get the photos you’ve always wanted. Make sure your list isn’t too long, though, otherwise your supplier won’t have the creative freedom that’s essential for snapping candid moments. Often these are the ones you’ll love the most!

www.daniellelesliephotography.com

Why you need a videographer

A picture is worth a thousand words… But what if your photos could move and talk? Although we know this can happen (it’s the 21st century after all) videography is often sadly overlooked when couples are deciding on how to document their big day. Taking a cue from Hollywood, here are three reasons why you should get your wedding captured for the silver screen…

1. Splendid speeches and more

Lots of thought will have been put into the speeches on your big day – how special would it be to be able to watch them time and time again, and share them with generations to come?

Whilst candid photos are great here (the best man’s pride as he reels off the funniest story, as well as catching the guests’ reactions), only video will really let you relive the performances in all their glory. This could be particularly handy, too, if you find your attention isn’t 100% on the words during the day – there’ll be so much else buzzing through your brain, after all!

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Consider your ceremony and first dance as well. On the day you’ll be immersed but obviously won’t actually see them – imagine getting to watch these once-in-a-lifetime moments as an outsider after its all over?

Evidently, using more than just one of your senses when looking back on your happy day will truly put you back in the picture, over and over again.

2. Missed in action

Regardless of how much we can wish and hope, being everywhere at once is impossible. But that doesn’t have to mean you miss out on all the fun or beautiful parts of your wedding. Getting a videographer to film your guests being welcomed, for example, will give you a glimpse of the excitement and love that mounted ahead of the nuptials.

Other moments you might miss, especially if your guestlist is long, is hearing all the well-wishes. How about asking your filmmaker to put together a video guest book – the perfect positivity boost for the future and an opportunity for your guests to record some kind words or marriage advice they might not get round to sharing on the big day. Happy tears pending…!

3. Creatively cinematic

Depending on your videographer, there could be some great options for turning your wedding video into a full-blown blockbuster! Ask about cinematic editing styles, options for soundtracks and anything else you can do to really personalise the film.

Check what’s included in different packages (will your videographer offer a drone shot of your spectacular venue to really set the scene?) and choose your favourite. Get ready for your very own movie star moment… And the happily ever after, of course! ♥

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www.aboynephotographics.com