Question 1

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.

Question 2

What is your advice on planning for an outdoor wedding?

Accepted Answer

I love the outdoors for a ceremony and reception, however come rain or shine the elements can prove a challenge in both scenarios and there are some things to consider to make your photos all the more beautiful. Shade is definitely recommended for the ceremony, whether it be a tree, garden gazebo structure or arch. People are often mislead into thinking that beautiful sunshine and perfect weather is just what we photographers want. However, full sun in the middle of a hot afternoon is just too much, it can blow out the white balance, makes people squint and creates harsh shadows and highlights. Shade is perfect for a balance of colour and lighting. Also, in the event of a light shower there's a little cover for you and your guests too. Think too about the timing of your "I dos." In the warmer months with long, light days a later ceremony time works very well. Around 5pm is ideal to get that golden glow but the temperature drops ever so slightly and reduces the squinting. Space: not such an obvious one, but I particularly like to move around subtly and from a little distance. To do this, I often head around the back of where the ceremony is taking place. This way I can get the best view with your guests in the images too, and I'm not in the way of their view of you getting married.

Question 3

Tell us how to plan a wedding sustainably.

Accepted Answer

My brand and its ethos are based on my personal passions for sustainability and an overall respect for the natural world. You may not think there's too much a wedding photographer can do to help you achieve a sustainable wedding, but there's actually quite a bit. In 2022, I was accepted as a member of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance. Here are some of the ways in which I strive to work in an eco-friendly way. It's about making small changes that mount up to make a big difference. • We use a green energy supplier, but all energy used is generated from solar panels. To be certain, all charging and electronic use is traced using smart plugs. • All batteries are rechargeable and any office waste is recycled or repurposed. • We have invested in an electric vehicle, with the intention of retiring my petrol car entirely. • To combat any unavoidable carbon emissions and mileage, I'm partnered with TreeSisters, who plant trees in areas of deforestation. I donate a non-negotiable amount monthly, equating to the planting of 800 trees per year. • All contracts are sent electronically. • All newlyweds are given a plantable card, embedded with wildflower seeds, as a thank you for booking and a donation is made to TreeSisters on their behalf following every marriage I photograph. • I offer a range of sustainable products, enabling my clients to showcase and treasure their memories without harming the environment. • Wedding albums and prints are crafted using only sustainablysourced/ recycled materials, and all USBs have been replaced with handcrafted wooden print boxes made in Cheshire. • My website is running on green energy and I track the amount of carbon that is produced when visitors click on the site via www.websitecarbon.com

Question 4

This issue we asked the experts how to inject your wedding days with the spirit of spring.

Accepted Answer

Spring is such a beautiful time of the year to have your wedding day. Such a lovely mild temperature, along with fresh leaves and flowers starting to bloom. To capture the season in your images I love to include those beautiful, natural surroundings and the low, early evening sunlight, which lends them a warm glow. Blossom is a delight to shoot and feature in photos in the spring and at different stages provides various hues throughout the early months of the year. It offers such variety and beautiful soft colours and tones. This can be complemented by your bouquet and colours of your wedding attire.

Question 5

What are your top 2023 trend predictions?

Accepted Answer

Candid photos have always been a fabulous way to document the realness of weddings, which in turn provide couples with actual memories of the joy and excitement experienced on their special day. This type of photography can be achieved as long as couples are out there enjoying their wedding party with their guests. In the past two years since weddings have been back in full swing, I'd noticed a massive emphasis on group photos with couples having endless lists of shots they wanted, as they valued every member of their wedding party and so wanted to make sure they have a photo of each and every one. This in turn meant they'd have less time to enjoy their pre-breakfast drinks and also meant that there were very few candid shots with their friends and family. Towards the end of 2022, I noticed a change in photo requests, couples are still wanting some group shots, however, what they really want is to enjoy their wedding and to get on with being in those natural candid moments. I predict this will continue into 2023.

Question 6

Are black and white images still popular and should we opt to have them?

Accepted Answer

In my experience, the love of a black and white image is still as strong as ever. When editing wedding photos for my couples, I give them a selection of black and white as well as colour. The monochrome image gives a photo a timeless quality like no other filter or effect and people do love these today as much as ever. These days it's possible to edit with a high or low contrast, giving two completely different looks to the classic black and white image. People tend to like them as it can smooth out skin tone and texture! These photos can also achieve beautiful results in any weather condition, so it doesn't matter whether the sun is too bright, or not bright enough, the results are always stunning. I have many in my home of my own family, which I love and they create a real feature in any room. A large canvas or print from your wedding day, will stand the test of time in this classic combination.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

I love to offer pre-wedding shoots to couples that are shy about having their photographs taken. It makes the wedding flow so much better once you've experienced how your photographer will shoot on the day. It really is a great way of making you feel at ease by showing you a few natural poses and having plenty of fun along the way. You'll feel reassured that even the shyest and most introverted of people can have the most amazing photographs of their big day to treasure.

Question 8

We're searching for a wedding photographer and don't know where to start. What do we need to know when looking and booking?

Accepted Answer

I've been in the industry for more than 20 years and the way to find your photographer has changed so much over the years. You have a lot of options, but the easiest way is to use a search engine and look for "wedding photographer Kent." You'll then have several decisions to make from there. Recommendations from your chosen venue are always useful as they'll be the ones who know the best places to shoot on the day, but it's not always necessary and you may find a photographer whose personality just suits yours. This is an important part of your decision-making as you don't want a grumpy photographer with you for nine hours of this most wonderful day! Social media and websites have to be the most utilised methods of deciding on a photographer, and again it's a reflection of style and personality. You should ask prospective photographers about their experience, style, awards, knowledge of the venue and view the wealth of images on their website. You'll get a sense from this of whether they've shot at a lot of different venues and how experienced they are. Finally, you'll get a feel for your photographer and know they're going to capture those images that make you say "wow," and sum up your day perfectly.

FAQs and expert advice about photography