 All
brides experience some degree of nervousness about the way
they look on their wedding day. It can be intimidating to
be the centre of attention, but as any photographer will tell
you, a relaxed, happy bride that is clearly caught up in the
day is always going to be photogenic. Images
courtesy of DigiQUICK
STAND
AND DELIVER
Over time, new styles of wedding photography have emerged.
Traditional, rather staid, formal
wedding poses can add extra pressure to the proceedings and,
while there is still a place for such shots, a much more fluid,
immediate and intimate style of wedding photography now prevails.
Many people believe that there are just two types of photography,
but really there are now three:
- Photo-journalistic, also referred to as reportage or documentary.
This is the choice for couples who want a no-fuss, real
photographic record of the day. Nothing is set-up or contrived,
allowing everything to happen at the natural pace of the
day.
- Traditional. This is a set up number of poses and, while
there is still a place for this, it’s nowhere near
as popular as it once was.
- Designer. This is an off-shoot of photojournalism, with
certain traditional elements. Shots are made to look natural,
and the finished product is heavily dependent on Photoshop
and similar software programs.
 If
you are still unsure about the differences in styles, head
to one of the county’s many wedding fayres and chat
to some of the exhibiting photographers. All will have extensive
portfolios of work, and you’ll be able to see exactly
the kind of look you’d hope to achieve in your wedding
photos. Alternatively, contact photographers direct to arrange
a visit. All should be able to answer any questions that you
may have.
FILM OR DIGITAL
Many photographers have now switched to digital as duplicate
images can be taken quickly, it’s relatively easy to
‘touch up’ shots and, because their costs are
reduced, it is possible to offer extremely competitive photography
packages.
TROUBLESHOOTING
When booking the time of your wedding, it is worth considering
how this will affect the look of your photographs. “If
you are having a winter wedding, bear in mind that by 3pm
it can be dark, so please make sure your photographer is competent
with using flash and lighting,” advises Christine Soper
of CeeBee Photography. “Winter weddings are very different
to summer weddings, but that is no excuse why good photographs
can’t be produced.” Jonathan Ryan, wedding photographer
at My Wedding Story agrees: “The best light for portraits
is usually in the late afternoon, or early evening, and it’s
great if you can plan your day around this. However, I don’t
believe that there should be a set time for taking pictures
– capturing all the thrills and emotions of the day
takes hours!”
PHOTO
FINISH
Viewing your wedding photos for the first time can bring back
all the emotion and joy of your big day. That’s why
it’s often worth investing in a beautifully bound wedding
album. Most photographers will choose the best photos and
compile an album for you – the price of which will depend
on the quantity of photos involved. Another option is to order
a custom made, hand-bound wedding book. Over 650 photographers
across the UK offer this service, so access www.graphistudio.co.uk
for details.
TOP
TIPS
Find out how to get the most out of your photographer
with our insider advice
JONATHAN RYAN, MY WEDDING STORY
Find a photographer you feel comfortable with, one who
puts you at your ease and you feel you will be happy to
have at your wedding. Don’t
be afraid of asking for exactly what you want, but also
be prepared to listen to your photographer’s advice.
Jean and Tony Fuller, Image Takers Photography
Discuss
your needs with your photographer and make sure they listen
to you, rather than telling you all about themselves!
John Marsh, Studio Marsh Photography
Think
carefully what you require from the photographs that will
capture your wedding day. Be frank with your photographer
and bounce ideas off him at that pre-wedding/venue meeting
prior to the big day.
Christine Soper, CeeBee Photography
Ensure
that your photographer is professional and that they have
adequate insurance. Also make sure that you see complete
albums,
rather than a compilation of individual shots from different
weddings. If possible, have a pre-wedding shoot with your
photographer so that you both know each other before the
day. On the day, relax, enjoy and have fun!
Jelly Bean Photography
We
believe it is extremely important to ‘get on’
with your photographer(s) and be totally relaxed in each
other’s presence. We feel honoured to be part of
the proceedings and ensure we work with the couple and
their guests to capture the day. |
LIGHTS,
CAMERA, ACTION
Too
many people rely on a family friend to record a film
of their wedding, that is, if they decide to video the
big day at all. But hiring a professional videographer
has numerous benefits…
-
You can choose from a fly-on-the wall or documentary
style video.
-
You’ll be able to remember the embarrassing
best man’s speech and touching words from the
father-of-the-bride forever.
-
Catch amusing and emotional moments on camera that
print photography won’t pick up.
-
You can record the vows, one of the most special and
meaningful moments of the ceremony.
-
A professional videographer will be able to edit footage
to produce a fully polished film of your wedding,
much better than Uncle Bob’s shaky camera angles
with fuzzy sound!
-
You and your family and friends can look back on your
big day and relive the special occasion time and time
again.
-
A video can capture the day as it really was; the
people who were at the wedding, how they looked, how
they dressed and wore their hair (all of which becomes
increasingly funny as years pass and fashions change.)
-
It’s easy to create copies of the film for any
friends and family who wanted to share your big day
but weren’t able to attend.
-
Post production! Add in music, sound bytes and all
manner of special effects.
- You
could even save money – trawl the film afterwards
for all kinds of mishaps, from guests falling over
while doing the conga, to chaos-causing pageboys,
and send in the film to You’ve been Framed for
an easy £250 a time!
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