My Photography Style
My reportage style is all about capturing your day as it naturally unfolds, with the goal of making you and your guests feel comfortable and relaxed. I photograph unobtrusively, discreetly and quickly taking shots without drawing attention. By photographing like this I've found that even the most camera-shy people are at ease with me moving around and taking photos throughout the day. By the end of your wedding, I will have created a story from start to finish that includes all the major events as well as many small moments you might not have realised happened. When it comes to editing, I love giving the images a natural and vintage 'filmic' look while keeping skin tones true to life. Below is a glimpse into how I typically shoot a wedding day.
THE BRIDAL & GROOM PREPS
Depending on the package you choose, I'll typically spend between 45 minutes and 2 hours with the bridal party at the start of the day. With the 10-hour package, I'll be there earlier to photograph the entire preparation process—including hair and makeup, opening presents and cards, and all the laughs (and tears) in between. For the 8-hour package, I usually begin after your hair and makeup are done, just as you're getting into your dress. If you opt for the 6-hour package or if you prefer me to capture more of the evening events, we can arrange for me to start at the ceremony or venue instead. I can also cover the groom's preparations if it's logistically feasible.
THE DAD/MUM FIRST LOOK
Capturing this moment is one of my favourite parts of the day. It's a quick shot that happens in just a few seconds but will mean the world to you once it's taken. Typically, this photo is taken at the end of the bridal preparations, right after you're in your dress and ready for the day. Once I've captured this, I'll head off to the ceremony.
THE CEREMONY BUILD UP
This is the most exciting part of the day for me! It's a quick moment when I'm up front at the ceremony, perfectly positioned to catch the groom's or bride's reactions as they wait for another. I take these shots as discreetly as I can, so everyone, the groom, groomsmen, and guests—feels comfortable and not overwhelmed during this special moment.
THE CEREMONY
This is the most eagerly anticipated and emotional part of the day, a 30 to 45-minute period filled with nearly every emotion imaginable, and it's my absolute favourite part to capture. From the groom's nerves, the anticipation of the walk down the aisle, the first look, the relief and excitement upon seeing each other, the guests' smiles, and the big moment—the first kiss! During this time, I'm fully engaged and continuously focused on capturing every little detail happening in the room. I use two cameras so I can capture not only the bride and groom but also the guests as they look towards you.
THE CONFETTI SHOT
The confetti shot is one of the most fun and exciting moments of the day, usually taking place as you walk down the aisle during an outdoor ceremony or just outside the main doors if you're getting married in a church. To capture those great smiling confetti photos, here's a quick tip: try not to look down too much and walk at a slow pace. If your venue doesn't allow confetti, bubbles are a really nice alternative.
CANOPIES & CONGRATULATIONS
The time after the ceremony & confetti where everyone gets their chance to congratulate you and give you a big hug and kiss. As you can imagine this is a great time for me to photograph as I move around capturing all the little moments of excitement. Many venues bring out canopies and drinks during this time so its a nice time to relax and let chill with your guests.
THE GROUP SHOTS
Some couples like to have them whilst some just like to keep the full day natural but if you want them then I can most certainly take them for you. The group shots are often best to take 30-40 minutes before your sit down meal. All I need is a list beforehand sent to me on email and then we can take these all together in one place before everyone heads indoors for the meal and speeches.
THE WEDDING BREAKFAST & SPEECHES
During the wedding breakfast, while everyone is eating, I take the opportunity to grab some food and enjoy a coffee break. I also use this time to explore the venue for ideal spots for the couple's portrait shoot later in the day. I pick up my camera again when it's time for the speeches. I love capturing not only the person delivering the speech but also the reactions of the guests and the bride and groom. As you can see from the photo here, the best man's speech often provides some golden moments to photograph.
THE PORTRAIT SHOOT
About an hour before sunset, when the light is soft and golden, I like to take the newlyweds out for a 20- to 30-minute photo session. As with all my photography, this is a really relaxed experience, and I like to keep things as natural as possible. I provide a bit of guidance on where to stand and when to look at the camera, but I encourage couples to simply enjoy themselves—laughing and kissing—while I capture those spontaneous moments. We'll visit around four to five different spots around the venue to offer a good variety of backgrounds for your photos.
THE FIRST DANCE
Usually around 7:30 or 8:00 PM, once the evening guests have arrived, it's time for the cake cutting and the first dance. I'll be there to capture some intimate shots of you both during the dance, but I won't be too in-your-face. I'll also photograph your guests as they cheer you on and join the dance floor afterward. Sometimes, shortly after the first dance, I get to capture the father-daughter dance too, which can be a really emotional moment to photograph.
THE PARTY
With my longer packages, I'll be on the dance floor with you and your guests as you party into the night. Whether you've hired a DJ, a saxophonist, a band, or all of them together, I'll be right in the middle of the action to capture all the vibes.
Like the look of how I photograph a wedding?
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