Big Picture: Photographer Emma

My favourite shot

North Yorkshire photographer Emma Appleyard talks us through the shots she took for a wedding where everything was so colourful

How did this picture come about?

I’d had this shot in mind all day, and knew it was one I had to get before we left. It was a long summer’s day and by the end of the shoot the sun had moved round, backlighting the greenery and creating gorgeous dappled light on the ground. I am mostly a natural light photographer, so instead of a flash I used a gold reflector to bounce the sunlight back onto the models and bring them out of the shadows. This method worked really well, and even lit up the sequins on Leigh’s dress.

What mood were you trying to convey?

I wanted my photos to capture the relaxed and whimsical days of summer. Everyone was feeling so cheerful from the sunshine, so the moments I captured feel really fun and light-hearted. The venue (At The Mill, Stillington) was surrounded by trees and felt separate to the rest of the world, like our own little haven. We could party like no one was watching... because they weren’t.

How did you make everything so colourful?

For this, I have to thank all the amazing suppliers. Ellen (LND Events) hung streamers and lanterns from the apple trees, and Lindsey (Little Bear and Bird Flower Co.) brought flowers of every colour imaginable, adorned with pompoms and feathers. From the vintage furniture to the biodegradable glitter on our models faces – everything was full of colour. It really was a day to remember.

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How long have you been a photographer and what kind of subjects do you normally photograph?

I officially launched my business in 2017 (but really I have been taking photos since I first picked up a Kodak dispos

able). I studied A-Level photography, and decided to throw myself into business with the money I would have spent on university. I took an enterprise course

with the Prince’s Trust when I was 18 and went from there. I normally photograph weddings, families, babies and products, but I do headshots too, and even pet portraits.

People say never work with animals. How did you get the dog to stay still?

The dog is actually my Golden Retriever, Honey. She was so excited to join me on this shoot – she was zooming around saying hello to everyone. I had the models do high fives with her and they gave her some treats so she understood that she could take commands from them. For this shot, we asked her to sit and the models told her to stay. I then had a group of people behind me calling her name so she looked up, but the models had their hands placed lightly on her back which kept her from running over..

What advice do you have for anyone thinking of starting to take pictures?

Find your passion. Everyone loves to photograph different subjects, and there

Wedding photographer top tip:

If you’re shooting a wedding in winter, stick an adhesive heat pack to your top under a jumper to keep you warm. Trust me, it’ll change your life.

are so many kinds of photography to choose from: wildlife, travel, fashion – even astrophotography. My cousin photographs motorsport, my brother prefers landscapes.. go for whatever interests you most.

And when you have chosen your subject, learn how to use light, whether it be natural or artificial.

When you understand how to use light for photography, you will be unstoppable. Credits:

15 https://emma-appleyard.pixelrights.com/albums Venue: At The Mill https://atthemill.org/ Planning and Styling: LND Events https://lnd-events. co.uk/ Flowers: Little Bear and Bird https://www.facebook. com/littlebearandbirdflowerco/ Dresses: Glory Days Bridal and Rolling in Roses bride collection https://glorydaysyork.co.uk/ https://www.rollinginroses.co.uk/ Accessories: Crown and Glory https://crownandglory.co.uk/ Hair and Make-up: Nicola Whitfield https://www. mua-nicky.com/ Stationery: Zobra Letters https://www.etsy.com/uk/ shop/ZobraLetters Cake: The Sugar Florist https://thesugarflorist.com/ Furniture: The French House York https://york. thefrenchhouse.co.uk/ Props: Upside Down Design https://www.upsidedowndesign.co.uk/ Models: Abena and Leigh https://www.instagram. com/aabenaaa/ https://www.instagram.com/lilrockitdj/ PR: Caitlin Hazell https://caitlinhazell.co.uk/