G O L D E N H O U R
Try to not have your outdoor ceremony or portraits session in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead, as the light is very unflattering. The most flattering natural light occurs when the sun is at a low angle, so the absolute best time to have your portraits taken outside is in the Golden Hour, the last hour before sunset. (If you absolutely have to have portraits at lunchtime, it is ok – we’ll just have to work in shady spots!).
G U E S T S
Consider having an ‘Unplugged Ceremony ‘; ask your guests not to take photos throughout the ceremony. I can’t tell you how many shots of a bride coming down the aisle have been ruined by dozens of guests holding the iPhones out in front of her. More importantly, many couples find to their dismay that they stand at the altar looking onto a sea of iPhone backs and cameras. Ask your guests to be present while you say your vows; put the gadgets down and really be part of it. That’s why you have me! I’ll be there to capture everything anyway (and *ahem*… I’ll do a better job)
B A C K G R O U N D S
Think carefully about where you will both be getting ready. Often some of the best shots of the day are taken at this time, and a gorgeous background helps take them to the next level. Choose somewhere that suits your style; whether it’s your home, a friend’s place, a hotel room or a cottage in the country, make sure you love the way it looks. If there are any pieces of furniture, art or decorations that you don’t like, hide them away in a spare room on the big day.
T R A V E L
Consider how far apart your venues are. You don’t want too much of your time taken up by driving from place to place, after all – you’re paying for every minute. Less travel time = more time for great photo opportunities. Don’t Rush Try not to underestimate how much time is needed for a good portrait session. Nobody wants their guests to wait around for too long, but if you’re really after creative and innovative shots capturing you both at your best, you’ll need at least an hour – more if there are multiple destinations – for your bridal portraits (this is on top of family portrait time). If you are worried about making people wait while this happens, perhaps consider the ‘first look’ option – a photo shoot for just the bridal party before the ceremony.
R A I N
Everyone hopes for sunshine for their day, but things don’t always go to plan… So if there’s a chance of showers, no big deal we will bring our cute umbrellas and shoot anyway.
F A M I L Y
To help keep family photos fast & easy, we suggest writing a list of all the people you definitely want photos of on the day, and in what combination. Have someone in charge to call out names and round people up (a bridesmaid or groomsmen is perfect for this job) makes it much easier on the day.
R E L A X
Most importantly, don’t be worried about posing. We’ll try different poses for your portraits –some may work, and others won’t. The best shots are almost always taken in between the poses
