Having photos on your greatest of days

If you’re a relatively normal human being, chances are you’re at least a little scared of having your photo taken at your wedding. To be honest, you’re probably papping it. but also I am pretty sure that you’re mega excited about what your wedding images will look like, hence why you’ve hired a damn fine wedding photographer. But how do we reconcile the two - The fear of the photo taking and the anticipation of the awesomeness to come?

I’ll say it now, right at the start, that you’ll feel like a bit of a wally when we first start shooting. Uncomfortable even. But I promise as we go on it gets easier. Of course some of you will simply own it and you’ll love every minute, but for those of you who dread it, here’s some tips.

Movement is everything

So often the trigger for discomfort is when you are finally in position. I’ve found a cool little spot with some amazing light and I pop you both there and then the fear hits. You immediately stiffen up, you start to wonder what to do with your arms, and you stare at me looking for help. Here’s a few ways to get past this initial “deer in the headlights” moment.

• Keep moving. Movement is your best friend. And movement doesn’t need to be grand, sweeping movements, it can be as simple as lifting the bottom of your dress to readjust the train, or turning your head to face your partner, or buttoning your jacket, or shifting your weight from one leg to the other. This keeps you light on your feet and far less rigid, so hopefully a little more relaxed.

• Don’t look at the camera. Unless I ask you to, I’m really not that into couples looking right down the lens - except when I really ask you to for a specific shot. So look at each other. Look around. Look down at your flowers. This again feeds into the movement thing too.

• Embrace the awkward. It’s not often that we will simply gaze into our partners eyes, and for some it can feel awkward. Sometimes though the simple act of looking at each other can give an image real feeling. Embrace that awkwardness and go with it. That’s what I want for your images - not how they look, but how they feel.

• I will let you play. I want you to be you. Of course I can lead you, but if there’s something that you guys just do, then do it! It could be anything, from a certain way you sit together, or how you like to hug, or you even like to just have a little dance together with no music, just do it! My absolute fave shoots are when couples just show me their true selves, letting me into their little world and dropping their guard. It makes for the best images hands down!

The boring ones

The other time when you’ll feel a little on show is during the group shots. I am sure you will at least want some group shots, the boring ones where we line up and grab the ones for granny’s mantlepiece. Now these aren’t the most fun but they are mega important so I do try to keep these as relaxed and fun as possible. I don’t want to over style these at all - I will not worry about your train being perfect, or everyone stood the same. I want these images to feel real! I want them show off the real you, and the real side of your friends and family. So please, put your arms round each other, have a drink in hand if you want, giggle, make fun of your pals, and just be yourselves.

Your group shots will take around 20 minutes if there’s 8 groups, so hopefully that’s not too long :)

When will we fit all this stuff in?

There are no rules set in stone for this and I will obviously work around your plans, but here’s what I find works when it comes to the timings of the photos during the day.

• Group Photos with church ceremony - If you’re having a church ceremony, I like to do these right after the ceremony and confetti somewhere in the church grounds. This way all the guests are there and we grab who we need. Those not in the formal group photos can head off to the reception venue while we are busy with photos (tell them there’s booze and food there, they’ll be more than happy to run).

• Group Photos everywhere else - I like to do these around half hour to 40 mins after the ceremony. This way you’ll have had time to chat to the guests and have a drink and some nibbles.

• Couple portraits first shoot - Ideally about 20 mins before you go for your meal I’ll steal you for some couple’s portraits. These will usually be around the ceremony/reception location interior and exterior. During this time the guests will be called to sit, and usually that takes an age, so it’s a good idea to use that time to grab some cool snaps of the two of you.

• Couple portraits second shoot - Sunset! Obviously this will change depending on the time of year you’re getting married, weather conditions, and your location, but I like to get another 20 mins in as the sun starts to dip and the sky gets all warm, usually between 30-40 mins before sunset.

Again, the above points aren’t rules, but they’re a good starting point for when you’re planning out the running order of your day. When you speak to your venue this is always a good guide to have to hand to help with the planning. Your venue should know what’s what too, but in case they don’t hopefully this makes you feel prepared.

If you’ve any questions at all about this, do give me a shout.

Nope, still bricking it. I need some practice.

If the thought of having your photo taken is giving you serious chills, or you’re just so psyched to be able flaunt it in front of the camera, or even if you’re somewhere in between, have you thought about a pre-wedding shoot? They are such a great way to get you over any nerves, and also a cool little addition to your wedding collection.

Pre-wedding shoots are £300 and we can go literally anywhere you fancy for the shoot. They rock.