Ian and Wendy will do everything to make your wedding photography and your wedding day be perfect. Here are some useful hints and tips to make your day better, easier and more enjoyable.
If you have a suggestion to help future Brides, please tell us and we will share your ideas.
Best wishes
Ian and Wendy
Light is EVERYTHING when it comes to photography. Don’t get ready in a room with no natural light. Choose a spacious well lit room or better yet, an airy hotel room. It will make such a difference to your photos.
Natural light coming from open windows or doorways creates pretty soft FLATTERING light. Think lots and lots of soft pretty natural light. Your skin will look better, your details will look better, 'everything' looks better in soft pretty natural light.
Don’t hang your dress in a dark spare room with mess, boxes and tissue paper everywhere. Before Wendy arrives, hang it somewhere dramatic with lots of natural light. Maybe hang it from a ceiling hook, picture rail, light fitting or a pretty doorway.
Have all your details — like perfume, earrings, garter, shoes, brooches etc somewhere so Wendy can find them easily without disturbing you each time for a new item. Most likely, Wendy will start by shooting details. make it easy for her to find everything.
Brides should watch their eye makeup. Too dark may look stylish but less tends to open the eyes better. Find a good makeup artist who works with models.
If you are having photos done before the wedding in a dressing room, free it from clutter. The things you need to get ready with are fine. I'm talking about the excess 'junk' that you don't necessarily want in your photos. Such as food, wrappers, dirty clothes etc
The Bride should remember to hold her bouquet down at waist height to show off that dress she spent a fortune on!
When kissing your bride or groom, do so slowly and hold it for a few seconds. Some of the most romantic photos are the inch right before the kiss
Some couples don't like showing affection in public. Let this one day be an exception. The photos will tell you for years to come why you fell in love and married this special person
Try to do a Hair and Makeup test before the wedding day comes, to make sure that the colours are right for your type of skin and hair, because digital cameras make those differences obvious.
Makeup Tip: Iridescent or pearlised lipsticks and glosses tend to make lips look thinner. Matte or low gloss lipsticks in shades that match your flowers create that polished look for your wedding day photographs.
Stay hydrated throughout your day to maintain that "glow" all day long! Keep powder and lip gloss close by for quick makeup touches. And FORGET about the camera and have fun! We'll take care of the rest!"
Avoid posing pictures when it isn't necessary. It always makes for a better picture to capture a genuine moment rather than faking one.
Get your eyebrows done a week before the wedding, it will make a world of difference
Brides: Don't be afraid to laugh when the cameras are around. Memories will be enchanting when our cameras can capture your genuine joy and emotions.
How to pose for the camera
- Turn your body to a 45 degree angle from the camera
- Lift your chin slightly up and out
- Put all of your weight on your back leg
- Lean in a little with your chest
Your parents may be paying for your wedding which is a wonderful gift. However, it is still YOUR day and you should have the final say on important decisions.
Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, don't let the weather get you down. Bright sunny skies are not always a good thing, but a cloudy day or after a storm the sky will provide a very dramatic look. Dramatic skies and the use of umbrellas can make for wonderful photographs
Brides, use one of your pre-wedding portrait photos as place settings.
What to do AFTER the Wedding! Rather than have your dress cleaned and boxed up, wear it one more time for a portrait photo shoot after your honeymoon.
Groom: Be sure to check your suits before you leave the hire shop to make sure they are the right size, fit well, don't have any tears, stains or loose buttons and that you have all the pieces for your outfits.
Order an extra single rose, boutonniere, ribbon or other inexpensive items that we can use in your photos. Don't forget to have a copy of your wedding invitation that can incorporated into the detail shots of your big day. Photos of wedding rings with flowers, invitation, maybe even your shoes and garter can really add to your album.
Don’t waste your money on single shot cameras. Most photos from these will be dark, and out of focus compared to your album photos.
Have a spare pair of comfortable shoes for the evening.
Invite guests to give photography vouchers.
Groom, have a good shave the day before, so on your wedding day a light shave will leave no rashes and reduce chances of cuts.
Groom, be a man and carry clean, ironed hankerchiefs, two of them. Keep them handy for your Bride, your mum, for your yourself! Tell your ushers to do the same for parents and bridesmaids.
Brides, ask your man to get a manicure! For the one day when there will be close up photographs of hands make sure they are clean, tidy and manicured!
Get your DJ to really get everyone in the party mood before you enter your reception. I have seen brilliant entrances and super quiet ones. The great ones are usually where the DJ has pumped up the audience.
If you have chosen a big dress or one with a long train, consider making having a detatcheable train so you can enjoy the wedding breakfast and evening in comfort.
If you are OUTSIDE your hair might be windblown. Not a bad thing, just be aware of it.
Reconsider having a fake tan. Orange, orange, orange.
Veils are wonderful props. Consider having a more daring veil for the photo session. Even if you don’t wear one during the ceremony, have one for some great portraits.
