How to have a picture-perfect wedding day
Guest blog by Robbie Simpson, Isla Brig Images
Times change, and so have the desires of couples seeking photography for their wedding day.
A generation ago, wedding photography was a very structured affair. Leaf through wedding albums from that time and you’ll find things were rather formal.
Nowadays couples are generally seeking a blend of posed and documentary style shots, to catch different highlights from the big day.
It’s a mix that allows a glimpse of the behind the scenes build-up and of the off-the-cuff moments from the ceremony and reception, as well as being sure to capturing those all-important couple, bridal party and guest images.
There’s only one chance to get your wedding photography right, so here’s my top four points to take into consideration when seeking the right photographer to capture your big day.
Look before you leap
If you’ve seen and loved a photographer’s work and they come recommended that’s a great start.
Be sure to do your own research though, checking out their website and social media pages, to see their imagery and read other people’s reviews.
It’s also important to meet up, and to see that you ‘click’ as your photographer should help you and your guests feel relaxed in front of the lens.
Discuss what’s important to you as a couple. While your photographer is likely to have a huge amount of experience at his or her fingertips and will be able to offer lots of advice and inspiration, no two weddings are the same.
No request is likely to be considered odd these days. I’ve been asked to include pet dogs in bridal party shots and to show the bride and groom wearing wellies – and I'm always happy to oblige!
Documentary photography
While the special couple are naturally the focus of any wedding complementary images taken during the day will tell the story of your wedding in pictures.
The proud father seeing his daughter in her wedding gown for the first time. A tearful mother of the bride drying her eye as the vows are exchanged. An apprehensive flower girl a little anxious about performing her duties properly. The best man taking a sneaky drink from a hipflask. These are the kind of snapshots of the special occasion that capture the mood.
It’s great to get this type of candid shots as seeing everyone having fun...and sometimes a little bit of mischief too!
Colour mixing
In these technicolour times don’t lose sight of different visual effects, like use of black and white, sepia...or adding a simple splash of colour.
Black and white imagery offers a classic timeless appeal – ideal for brides who choose a stylish Tricker Bridal gown - while a pop of colour will draw attention to a distinctive feature in the image. The good news is that you don’t have to simply opt for one colour technique, and your photographer will be able to advise.
A new chapter for the wedding album
We live in a digital age, so it might come as a surprise that demand for wedding albums is on the rise again. There’s no better way to relive the memory than with a selection of your favourite prints bound in a book for posterity.
Unplugged
It’s not just celebrities who put a ban on sharing photos of their big day – nowadays more couples want their guests to concentrate on enjoying their special day and wait until afterwards to share any snaps and selfies taken during the wedding. It’s your day, and your guests will want to make it the happiest day of your lives, so don’t be afraid to ask.
To find out more about Isla Brig Images, visit Robbie’s website.
