Question 1

Lots of photographers offer an engagement shoot, but we're camera shy and don't know if it's for us. What are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

I would recommend an engagement shoot to you, especially if you are camera shy! Practicing in front of the camera before your big day can help relieve any of those nerves, take away those worries and help you to just relax and enjoy your wedding day. It is also really beneficial to practice certain poses before the wedding day. This will make it feel like second nature on the day, giving you more relaxed and natural wedding photographs as a result. An added bonus is you will receive some beautiful photographs as a couple to remember this special time of wedding planning. There really are no downsides to booking an engagement shoot!

Question 2

We're feeling anxious about photos on our wedding day but also want a lovely album to look back on. Can you offer us some advice?

Accepted Answer

If any of my couples state that they are a little awkward in front of the camera, I always recommend a pre-wedding shoot. As a photographer, it's good to get to know your couple and how comfortable they are with posing. However shy the couple is, I always get the image I am looking for and knowing that the couple feels relaxed and at ease will help create a good image. One of the most important things is that the couple feel comfortable with the photographer and create a rapport before the big day. This will benefit everyone and the end result will be a wonderful wedding day experience with the most amazing memories and a beautiful wedding album.

Question 3

Lots of photographers offer an engagement shoot, but we're camera shy and don't know if it's for us. What are  the benefits?

Accepted Answer

Engagement shoots are the best! It means you can get to know your photographer before your wedding day, meaning they are a familiar face and someone you're totally comfortable with on your big day. Every single one of my clients says that they aren't comfortable in front of a camera, and they all say, 'That was so much fun' after the shoot! It's a great opportunity to head to your wedding venue together and for you to show your photographer your favourite spots that you want to capture on the day. At the engagement shoot, I give my couple tips on how to stand, how to look natural and what to expect from the 'formal' photos on the day. I can answer any questions and you get to see how I roll. Don't forget, you will get some banging photos too! Often your last as an unmarried couple. Some people use them on their invitations and table décor, or even print a giant photo that everyone signs around instead of a guest book.

Question 4

There are so many photographers out there. How do we choose the right one for us?

Accepted Answer

This is a question that pops up all the time when I'm attending wedding fairs. There are so many photographers these days and as a wedding couple, you have a wider choice. Choosing a photographer is such an important decision to make because your wedding images will be the memories that will last. The experience and knowledge of your photographer should be second to none. They have to know what's happening throughout the day and have the ability to make guests feel at ease while having fun. It's easier for you to narrow down your favourite photographers while sitting at home on your phone or desktop and scrolling through websites. Go to wedding fairs and contact your favourites to get a feel for what they are about and their experience and knowledge. The biggest thing is whether they will fit in with you and your family and friends. Your photographer will spend about eight to nine hours with you, so you really want them to be a part of the day and for them to be totally involved and capture the images that you really want. Before making a decision, think about what style you're looking for – traditional, editorial, documentary, or fine art? Look at the photographer's style, talk to them and see if they are a good fit for you both. Don't go too cheap, as you will not get the results that you want!

Question 5

Lots of photographers offer an engagement shoot, but we're camera shy and don't know if it's for us. What are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

Let's face it, most of us stay clear of the camera, myself included, and I completely understand why you would feel unsure or nervous. But I can honestly tell you that having a pre-wedding shoot will have a positive impact on your wedding photos. So much so that I quite frequently provide a pre-shoot when booking free of charge. A pre-shoot will help you get to know your photographer and how they work. Most importantly, they will get to know you. What you feel comfortable with, how you interact with one another and the story of your life so far. It also provides a great opportunity to gain confidence in front of the camera and embrace some fun, romantic moments. The bonus is that you get a set of gorgeous images to keep.

Question 6

We’ve booked a summer wedding and hoping for great weather, but we’re really worried about the glare from the sun and having too many people squinting in pictures − what can we do?

Accepted Answer

A photographer with the experience and knowledge of where to shoot will make sure your group photographs are the best they can be. We would always look to photograph the groups in the shade, with the lovely light coming through the trees behind, so no one is squinting and having lots of fun! If this really is not possible, then the groups can be facing away from the sun and a little ‘fill in light’ is what your photographer should do. I have been in situations where there really is no shade or not possible to get the right image so I have decided to take the group photos inside the venue because it was the best option. It then comes down to the photographer creating the correct lighting for these shots.

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