my approach
It's no secret that most people don't like having their photograph taken, let alone being kept outside for hours, away from all the fun whilst the photographer takes a thousand different pictures. Don't worry, that's not my idea of fun either!
I like to capture the natural emotions of your wedding day with an emphasis on candid photos. I think of myself as a documentary photographer which means that I focus on all those fleeting in-between moments that you would otherwise forget. These small intimate moments carry a lot of real emotion and I do my best to capture that for my couples. I'm always moving, observing, and going with the flow of the day. I try not to force or stage anything, I follow my gut and I'm able to find more genuine, unplanned moments this way.
So, you've probably figured out by now that I'm not a fan of cheesy, posed, and awkward-looking photos! I prefer to shoot in a more relaxed way with minimal posing, using natural light as much as possible. This style of photography, I believe, creates better images and is great for anyone who may be nervous in front of the camera.
CHECK OUT A RECENT ENGAGEMENT SHOOT
THE COUPLE'S SHOOT
All I need is about 20 minutes with you both to capture some great images. I might throw a few basic prompts your way but I'll more than likely ask you guys to hold hands, go for a walk and just spend some time together. I'll try to keep it fun and relaxed and I promise I'll never ask you to do anything you don't feel comfortable with.
If there's some nice light later in the evening then I may come and grab you for a quick sunset session but apart from that, I want to leave you to enjoy spending time with your guests.
A TYPICAL TIMELINE
Here’s an example of a typical timeline for a 2:00 pm Ceremony.
11:00 am - I arrive at bridal prep. I usually start with some detail shots (dress, shoes, jewelry, flowers, etc) this lets people warm up to the fact that there's a photographer there before having a camera stuck in their face.
1:30 pm - I’ll leave for the ceremony venue shortly before you to make sure I’m there and set up, ready for your arrival. I'll usually try and get some detailed shots of the ceremony set up here before guests start taking their seats.
2:00 pm - Once the Ceremony begins I float around and do my thing. Hopefully, you won't even notice I'm there!
2:45pm - Congratulations! You’re now married! I’m there to capture all the emotions that follow. The hugs, kisses, smiles, and (happy) tears.
3:00 pm - This is usually the best time to get through the family formal photographs. In my experience, this is the trickiest part of the day to organise as all your guests will disappear into the venue to grab a drink. It's best to have a list of group photos prepared beforehand (I can help with this) and also have the celebrant inform your guests that family photos will take place immediately after the ceremony.
Pro tip! Consider including the list of family photos with your order of service!
You probably don't want to be hanging around whilst the best man tries to locate your granny and herd her back outside for a photo she didn't know was happening. I would suggest no more than 10 group pictures to keep things as streamlined and relaxed as possible. I can usually get through these in about 30 minutes and have everyone back to the party with minimal fuss.
3:30 pm - Once the majority of family members have gone back to the reception we can get a few bridal party shots done. The bride with the bridesmaids, groom with the groomsmen that kind of thing. Super casual and relaxed.
3:40 pm - Now we can go and get some photos of you guys as a newly married couple! We’ll go for a walk, scout a few nice areas, and chill out for 20 mins. Nothing forced or awkward, just simple, natural, and relaxed.
4:00 pm - You can go and spend time with your guests before the meal starts. I’ll float around capturing some candid shots of everyone mingling and also grab some detail shots of the reception set up too.
5:00 pm - Guests take their seats for dinner and the speeches commence. I'll be there to capture everything.
5:45 pm - Dinner is served. I’ll take a break here too and grab something to eat myself.
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm - If the light outside is looking good I’ll come and grab you guys for a quick sunset photoshoot. Depending on the time of year this may occur during the meal but as long as you are okay with nipping out between your main course and dessert, it's totally worth it for some awesome photos.
After dinner, I’ll take more candid shots of your guests enjoying themselves and also get myself ready for the first dance and evening reception.
8:00 pm - The first dance. I’ll be there to capture it and everyone else as they flood the dancefloor. I'll usually stick around for an hour or so to capture your guests dancing the night away.
9:00 pm - Photography ends and the party continues!