Reception Highlights

There is always a lot of relief after the ceremony finishes! The bride and groom can relax, enjoy a glass of fizz and mingle with guests. For some, the hardest part is done and they have the rest of the day to enjoy and celebrate.

The reception always provides endless photo opportunities. There is much merriment and as the afternoon goes on and the drinks flow, everyone is relaxed. I use this time to photograph from the background, preferring to capture natural moments of guests and their bride and groom enjoying themselves.

I have a very discreet manner and can blend in seamlessly. People are often very unaware that they are having their photo taken. I frequently get complimented on this aspect of my work, and I take it as a lovely compliment. At the end of the day, everyone is there to have a good tine and it’s my job to capture that.

There are always lots of silly moments during the afternoon and evening of a wedding. It’s super fun. If it’s a full day, I leave after the first dance, and there are many occasions where I feel that I’m leaving just as the party is getting started!

Venue Highlights

I have photographed many different wedding venues over the last 10 years, ranging from tiny chapels to grand estates. One of my favourites was in a Welsh folly at the top of a reservoir!

All the venues I have worked at have had real character and charm. I like to familiarise myself with the venue and it’s grounds prior to the wedding so that I know the best place for group and couple photos.

I have various different lenses that are suitable for different styles of photography. Venues tend to lend themselves well to a wide angle lens, which can provide sweeping interior shots and exaggerated skies.

Speech Snippets

It would be fair to say that in the 10 years I’ve been photographing weddings, I have heard some hilarious speeches and met some very nervous speakers!! It’s always a great part of the day, with normally a few surprises thrown in too!

My approach to photographing the speeches is the same as my approach to the rest of the day. I try and blend into the background and capture the candid moments as they happen. I’ll move around the room, focusing on both the speaker and the guest's reaction. I try to get a balance.

Between the hysterical laughter, there can be some very tender moments as loved ones who have been lost are remembered or a story is told that brings a tear to someone’s eye. Letters are read from those who couldn’t make the journey and it warms the hearts of those in the room. It’s my job to capture all the reaction.

It’s always the best man’s speech that is the most eagerly awaited! I have met some very nervous chaps whose speeches have been super short, and also some very confident ones who enjoy standing up and speaking in public. They all go down well though, with plenty of banter!

Couples Clips

Making time to capture photos of the bride and groom is a really important part of the day. Couples can often get to the wedding breakfast and find they’ve barely spoken to each other, so busy are they meeting and greeting with their guests. Taking them aside for 20 minutes or so gives them a little bit of quiet time together, which many couples appreciate.

If I’ve been booked to cover a full day, I will spend a little bit of time during the morning to familiarise myself with the venue and it’s grounds. I like to find areas that will make nice spots for photos with the bride and groom. This preparation means I know exactly where I’ll be taking them later, saving time and ensuring the couple get back to their wedding party quicker.

When taking photos of the bride and groom alone, I like to keep my distance and let them be. Natural moments come across much better than poses that have been contrived. Many couples also aren’t used to being in front of the camera, and they generally prefer this approach.

I take a mixture of portrait and landscape photos. I always try and find the best light and the best angles that flatter both the bride and groom. It’s often just a case of watching how they interact with each other and asking them to pause when I see a nice moment. There is little direction.

Group Clips

If I’m being totally honest, group photos are not my favourite part of a wedding. I understand why people want them, but I personally don’t feel they capture the true essence of the occasion. I’m always thrilled when a couple say they don’t want any group photos at all. It means I’ve got more time to concentrate on capturing those more candid moments.

I have photographed weddings where there has been three A4 pages of specific group photos. It really can interrupt the flow of the day, leaving some brides quite stressed. When group photos are requested, I like to keep the business fairly short. I ask for a list of photos in advance of the day and also request that a copy be given to the best man or chief bridesmaid or someone who is good at rallying people together. It means I can get on with the task of taking the photos while someone else rounds up the next group so that they are ready when it’s their turn. It really does help to speed things up.

When it comes to group photos, I always like to know where we’ll be doing them before we start. This normally involves me walking round the venue and it’s grounds in the morning to find a suitable spot.

Group photos can be as serious or as silly as you like. Personally, I like to keep things quite informal, but I’m always led by the couple and what they prefer.