What sort of a photographer are you? How do you work?

Apart from visually liking a photographer’s work, one of the biggest questions and concerns many people have before hiring a photographer is what sort of photographer they are and how do they work? Some people will feel very conscious of being in front of a camera whilst others prefer to be directed. Perhaps weddings are the best example of how the two different styles of documentary and formal styles are most obvious and clear cut. However, I’m personally very flexible and sometimes a hybrid approach using both styles can often be the best of both worlds.

​A formal style will mean the photographer will direct and aim to get a set of shots that represent the day, for example, pre-wedding shots that include Wedding dress portrait, Boudoir photoshoot, zipping up/buttoning up wedding dress, Fun shots of bride and bridesmaids, etc, followed by ceremony shots, post ceremony and reception. All of which will have a large element of direction from the photographer and may at times feel slightly intrusive. Some couples may even feel slightly irritated by the formal approach at times as this style will take up valuable time that many clients would prefer to be spent being in the moment on their special day. Therefore, it’s not just about feeling conscious of being in front of a camera as to why some clients prefer the documentary style.

Capturing people who are unaware of their picture being taken often produces the most amazing and natural results so even with the formal approach, there will still be an element of both styles used. The documentary style takes away the pressure of being posed, directed, interrupted throughout the day, and the photographer will aim to melt into the background. Although this sounds ideal, there may be opportunities missed. For example, setting up for a shot where the father of the bride sees their daughter in her wedding dress for the first time. To guarantee capturing this moment will require some direction from your photographer.

Once you have established a loose idea of what style and approach you would like, the next step would be to have a conversation with your potential photographer to see how well you get on. Feeling comfortable and able to convey what you feel with your photographer is essential.

I always aim to have a consultation covering all aspects of the shoot before the day and I'm also very happy to meet and discuss your requirements with absolutely no obligation or commitment to booking.

Pre-wedding

• Wedding dress portrait
• Boudoir photo shoot
• Zipping up/buttoning up wedding dress
• Detail shots (shoes, jewellery, garter)
• Fun shots of Bride and Bridesmaids
• Bride in mirror getting ready
• Bride leaving for ceremony
• Groom getting ready
• Pinning of Corsage
• Groom and friends together

Ceremony

• Outside shots of wedding venue
• Guests walking in
• Grandparents being seated
• Ring bearer/flower girl down aisle
• Groom waiting for Bride
• Father and Bride walking down the aisle
• Vows and alter
• The rings
• The kiss
• Leaving the ceremony 

Post Ceremony

• Bride and Groom
• Bride and Groom with parents
• Groom and parents
• Bride and Bridesmaids
• Groom and Grooms-men
• Flower girl and /or Ring bearer
• Group photo 

Reception

• The venue
• Tables and decorations
• Bride and Groom arriving
• Bouquet throwing
• Bride and Grooms place cards
• Toast and wedding cake
• First dance
• 'Just married' car