How I like to shoot wedding days

“To put it simply, a collection of little details and fleeting moments that tell a big story when seen together.

Photography allows us to consider frozen time and to focus in on what is really important to us. In real time we often miss it!

I love being that fly on the wall documentary wedding photographer, recording the story of your big day as it unfolds in front of my camera. Not just the first kiss or the first dance, but the flow of your dress in the wind or the look on your families face as you enter.

Every wedding day is different and every wedding story plays out in its own unique way. It’s my job, and what an ace job that is, to capture and re-tell that story.” : )

Some notes on my approach

My style is very relaxed, informal and friendly. I will capture the narrative of your day, at a distance.  No pushy, cheesy, posey shots.  This allows me to achieve natural images, inspired by light and true moments.

I draw on many influences but I’m mostly inspired by the couple themselves and what is important to you, as well as the setting of your wedding day.  At an urban location in London say, I’m inspired by the local architecture, the vibrancy of the people around, and those details that make a place special. The brickwork, street art or a canal, perhaps.  Further afield, at a Scottish barn wedding, I’m inspired by the rolling landscape, fields of wildflowers as far as the eye can see, the weathered stone of the buildings, sunlit trees, and shafts of light hitting a tiled floor.  A sense of place helps to frame the whole experience of the day.

 An obsession with little details, and an understanding of how natural light can lift a subject from something ordinary to something beautiful….for a good look at my eclectic reportage style see the images below and my slideshow of fave wedding images from the past 15 years

Pre-Wedding- why I love engagement shoots...

These are a great opportunity to get some practice in front of the camera and feel at ease on your wedding day. No daunting photography nerves at all! An engagement shoot also provides you with some gorgeous images as a record of this special time to look back on. Think a summery stroll down the canal, a wander through your local bustly market or a wintry walk in the park with a coffee.

The important components of the 'Story' of your day

Preparations…

Perhaps my favourite part of the day.  The atmosphere in the room swings between intense emotion and nerves to fun and laughter.  It’s such an intimate time.  Watching the bride or groom surrounded by their closest friends and family provides inspiration for some really poignant images.  We love how both bride and groom preparations can contribute to the narrative of your day.

The Ceremony…

Church, Town Hall, Orchard or Field, saying your vows to each other with your loved ones to witness, and leaving married. This is the time for your photographer to fade into the background and allow you guys to take centre stage. Tears, laughs and promises of forever. We never take for granted the privilege of recording these first crucial moments.

Group Shots…

Groups are something that I get asked about a lot.  They are a little bit 'marmite' for some photographers.  Some hardcore reportage photographers refuse to do them at all, while other more traditional types spend an age setting up the shots, backdrops and yelling at your guests.  We sit firmly on the fence, believing that group shots, especially family ones are actually a crucial record of those important people, a moment in time.  Who knows when you will all get together again and lets be honest, your Granny will definitely want one of you and your cousins on her mantle!  Having said that, we also very firmly believe that these should not take long.  Your wedding is for you to enjoy, you do not want to be standing for an hour waiting for the photographer to get set up, yawn.  They also shouldn't be too formal and stuffy.  Group shots can be quick, relaxed and informal without a side of cheese!  We advise 10 combinations maximum, and get them over and done with pain free.

Bride and Groom/Bride and Bride/Groom and Groom Portraits…

Again, not everyone is into having a marathon portrait session when you could be enjoying your canapes and catching up with guests but you probably would like some images of you and your love on this special day.  Nothing too posey or awkward but something that captures the two of you taking some time out and celebrating the fact that you have done it.  You are married!  Our dream is to grab you guys for 15 minutes after your ceremony and then do a second quick session later in the evening to capture the sunset or beautiful golden hour light.  By the evening you are normally super relaxed and happy to grab 10 minutes away from the crowd.  We love our couple portraits to reflect the informal atmosphere of our photography yet capture the poignancy of your day.  It's all about the balance.    

Party time…

The final chapter in the narrative of your day- when the band starts, the lights twinkle, the drinks flow and everyone relaxes into the evening. Let the celebrations begin!

Movement and Light…

I aim to capture the movement of your day throughout using natural light and an eye for the detail.  Does a flower girl twirl?  How does the train of your dress fall when you walk?  Exactly how does your best friend squeeze you when she hugs you?  Where does your love plant a kiss?  What about the flame of your bbq and the wind through your veil?  Small moments that make a story.