Question 1

Lots of photographers offer an engagement shoot, but we're camera shy and don't know if it's for us. What are  the benefits?

Accepted Answer

Engagement shoots are the best! It means you can get to know your photographer before your wedding day, meaning they are a familiar face and someone you're totally comfortable with on your big day. Every single one of my clients says that they aren't comfortable in front of a camera, and they all say, 'That was so much fun' after the shoot! It's a great opportunity to head to your wedding venue together and for you to show your photographer your favourite spots that you want to capture on the day. At the engagement shoot, I give my couple tips on how to stand, how to look natural and what to expect from the 'formal' photos on the day. I can answer any questions and you get to see how I roll. Don't forget, you will get some banging photos too! Often your last as an unmarried couple. Some people use them on their invitations and table décor, or even print a giant photo that everyone signs around instead of a guest book.

Question 2

There are so many photographers out there. How do we choose the right one for us?

Accepted Answer

This is a question that pops up all the time when I'm attending wedding fairs. There are so many photographers these days and as a wedding couple, you have a wider choice. Choosing a photographer is such an important decision to make because your wedding images will be the memories that will last. The experience and knowledge of your photographer should be second to none. They have to know what's happening throughout the day and have the ability to make guests feel at ease while having fun. It's easier for you to narrow down your favourite photographers while sitting at home on your phone or desktop and scrolling through websites. Go to wedding fairs and contact your favourites to get a feel for what they are about and their experience and knowledge. The biggest thing is whether they will fit in with you and your family and friends. Your photographer will spend about eight to nine hours with you, so you really want them to be a part of the day and for them to be totally involved and capture the images that you really want. Before making a decision, think about what style you're looking for – traditional, editorial, documentary, or fine art? Look at the photographer's style, talk to them and see if they are a good fit for you both. Don't go too cheap, as you will not get the results that you want!

Question 3

Lots of photographers offer an engagement shoot, but we're camera shy and don't know if it's for us. What are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

Let's face it, most of us stay clear of the camera, myself included, and I completely understand why you would feel unsure or nervous. But I can honestly tell you that having a pre-wedding shoot will have a positive impact on your wedding photos. So much so that I quite frequently provide a pre-shoot when booking free of charge. A pre-shoot will help you get to know your photographer and how they work. Most importantly, they will get to know you. What you feel comfortable with, how you interact with one another and the story of your life so far. It also provides a great opportunity to gain confidence in front of the camera and embrace some fun, romantic moments. The bonus is that you get a set of gorgeous images to keep.

Question 4

We’ve booked a summer wedding and hoping for great weather, but we’re really worried about the glare from the sun and having too many people squinting in pictures − what can we do?

Accepted Answer

A photographer with the experience and knowledge of where to shoot will make sure your group photographs are the best they can be. We would always look to photograph the groups in the shade, with the lovely light coming through the trees behind, so no one is squinting and having lots of fun! If this really is not possible, then the groups can be facing away from the sun and a little ‘fill in light’ is what your photographer should do. I have been in situations where there really is no shade or not possible to get the right image so I have decided to take the group photos inside the venue because it was the best option. It then comes down to the photographer creating the correct lighting for these shots.

Question 5

What is your advice on planning for an outdoor wedding?

Accepted Answer

I love the outdoors for a ceremony and reception, however come rain or shine the elements can prove a challenge in both scenarios and there are some things to consider to make your photos all the more beautiful. Shade is definitely recommended for the ceremony, whether it be a tree, garden gazebo structure or arch. People are often mislead into thinking that beautiful sunshine and perfect weather is just what we photographers want. However, full sun in the middle of a hot afternoon is just too much, it can blow out the white balance, makes people squint and creates harsh shadows and highlights. Shade is perfect for a balance of colour and lighting. Also, in the event of a light shower there's a little cover for you and your guests too. Think too about the timing of your "I dos." In the warmer months with long, light days a later ceremony time works very well. Around 5pm is ideal to get that golden glow but the temperature drops ever so slightly and reduces the squinting. Space: not such an obvious one, but I particularly like to move around subtly and from a little distance. To do this, I often head around the back of where the ceremony is taking place. This way I can get the best view with your guests in the images too, and I'm not in the way of their view of you getting married.

Question 6

Tell us how to plan a wedding sustainably.

Accepted Answer

My brand and its ethos are based on my personal passions for sustainability and an overall respect for the natural world. You may not think there's too much a wedding photographer can do to help you achieve a sustainable wedding, but there's actually quite a bit. In 2022, I was accepted as a member of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance. Here are some of the ways in which I strive to work in an eco-friendly way. It's about making small changes that mount up to make a big difference. • We use a green energy supplier, but all energy used is generated from solar panels. To be certain, all charging and electronic use is traced using smart plugs. • All batteries are rechargeable and any office waste is recycled or repurposed. • We have invested in an electric vehicle, with the intention of retiring my petrol car entirely. • To combat any unavoidable carbon emissions and mileage, I'm partnered with TreeSisters, who plant trees in areas of deforestation. I donate a non-negotiable amount monthly, equating to the planting of 800 trees per year. • All contracts are sent electronically. • All newlyweds are given a plantable card, embedded with wildflower seeds, as a thank you for booking and a donation is made to TreeSisters on their behalf following every marriage I photograph. • I offer a range of sustainable products, enabling my clients to showcase and treasure their memories without harming the environment. • Wedding albums and prints are crafted using only sustainablysourced/ recycled materials, and all USBs have been replaced with handcrafted wooden print boxes made in Cheshire. • My website is running on green energy and I track the amount of carbon that is produced when visitors click on the site via www.websitecarbon.com

Question 7

This issue we asked the experts how to inject your wedding days with the spirit of spring.

Accepted Answer

Spring is such a beautiful time of the year to have your wedding day. Such a lovely mild temperature, along with fresh leaves and flowers starting to bloom. To capture the season in your images I love to include those beautiful, natural surroundings and the low, early evening sunlight, which lends them a warm glow. Blossom is a delight to shoot and feature in photos in the spring and at different stages provides various hues throughout the early months of the year. It offers such variety and beautiful soft colours and tones. This can be complemented by your bouquet and colours of your wedding attire.

Question 8

What are your top 2023 trend predictions?

Accepted Answer

Candid photos have always been a fabulous way to document the realness of weddings, which in turn provide couples with actual memories of the joy and excitement experienced on their special day. This type of photography can be achieved as long as couples are out there enjoying their wedding party with their guests. In the past two years since weddings have been back in full swing, I'd noticed a massive emphasis on group photos with couples having endless lists of shots they wanted, as they valued every member of their wedding party and so wanted to make sure they have a photo of each and every one. This in turn meant they'd have less time to enjoy their pre-breakfast drinks and also meant that there were very few candid shots with their friends and family. Towards the end of 2022, I noticed a change in photo requests, couples are still wanting some group shots, however, what they really want is to enjoy their wedding and to get on with being in those natural candid moments. I predict this will continue into 2023.

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