getting THE MOST from
your wedding photos.
Wedding photography is an investment and a big part of your day. Looking back at your photos will be key to your memories of your wedding day for years to come.
I want to make sure you get the best possible images while having the most fun you can. Here are a few of my top tips for getting the most out of your wedding photography.
Getting ready…
Wedding prep is a lovely part of the day and makes for some beautiful images of you with your nearest and dearest on the morning of your wedding.
Booking a second shooter will guarantee great coverage of both partners’ preparations. It can be very special to look back and see what the other was doing during that time.
Have a clear, well lit space. Both your makeup artist and photographer will thank you for choosing to get ready in a spacious room with lots of natural light! Try to tidy away all the bags for life that end up stuffed with last minute bits (we all do it) and have beds made and towels out of the way to get clean and uncluttered pictures.
Have plenty of time, particularly if you’ve got a big bridal party. It always takes longer to get into dresses/kilts/outfits than on a normal day. I recommend you aim to be ready at least 15mins before you have to leave, that way we can get a few beautiful portraits of you in the moments before you get married. And if you’re ready too early? That’s just more time for champagne!
I want to capture all the details of your wedding, so it’s helpful if you have a think about what these might be. Jewellery, flowers, your favourite lipstick and fragrance. If you have a set of your wedding stationary (invitations etc) I can also take some beautiful pictures of that at this time too.
The ceremony.
Deep breath. Shoulders back. Enjoy yourself!
I’m respectful of any restrictions.
It’s helpful if you can find out if there are any restrictions from your celebrant, particularly for church weddings. I will always be respectful of any restrictions you agree on.
Enjoy the moment
Ask guests to put away their phones and enjoy the moment. Some couples also ask their guests not to post anything on social media before they do.
The bridal party
Think about where you’d like your bridal party to stand, or sit – with you up front? Or will you let them off lightly and let them sit in the front row?
The first kiss
Take your time with the first kiss, and go back in for a second if you like!
Take it all in
Look around at your guests and when you’re walking back up the aisle, it’s a brilliant moment so make sure you take it all in.
“So many amazing moments captured that I didn’t even notice at the time.”
– JEni
Confetti
01. Do it!
Some of my favourite shots over the years (and also from my own wedding) are the confetti walk and the aftermath of it!
02. And…
Most venues are happy for you to use any biodegradable confetti. I highly recommend slipping a few confetti cannons amongst your guests for a really amazing effect. Always have more than you think you need…
the images are perfect!
“We keep re-living the day again & again.
all about
group shots
As part of your pre-wedding questionnaire, I’ll ask you for a list of group shots and the names of a couple of people to help me. Bridesmaids or groomsmen who will know most of the people on the list are ideal.
I’ll admit, it’s not the most fun part of the day, but I believe the group shots are really important to look back on in years to come. In fact, when my son was tiny, he used to love name checking all his loved ones in our wedding group photos.
Try to limit it to 10 set ups and allow around 30mins for this part of the day.
Let me know if you want to try something a bit more fun with a particular group… they don’t need to be boring!
the weather
It doesn’t matter if it rains! If you want, you could have umbrellas ready just in case, or check with your venue – they might have plenty.
It’s worth bringing shoes/wellies in case we find a spot which requires some traipsing over mud. It happens more often than you’d think.
I love to shoot couple’s portraits during golden hour, the time just as the sun is setting, but sometimes the clouds spoil my plans, or the schedule for the day doesn’t allow it. We’ll have a chat about that well in advance.
Bottom line – we’ll get great images and memories of your day, whatever the Scottish weather may throw at us.
Portraits.
Don’t stress about it!
Don’t stress about it!
It’s 20mins for you and your new husband/wife to spend some time together. It might be one of the only times during the celebrations that you’re on your own together.
We’ll keep it casual
We just go for a walk, a wander and a blether. I love movement in pictures, so no awkward posing!
Bring a glass of something
Bring your sunglasses on a sunny day, or an umbrella on a rainy day. Or a bottle of champagne on any day – we can get lots of fun shots and it’ll distract and relax you.
I’ll have a plan
Let me know if there’s anywhere specific you want to go around your venue, but equally, don’t worry if you don’t have anywhere in mind, I’ll scope it out.
Dancing
01. Tunes
As well as your first dance, have a few tunes up your sleeve that you can request to get your girls/guys on the dance floor. Dancefloor pictures with friends are some of my absolute favourites.
02. The second thing
Slow dances are cute too, it’s a great opportunity for candid shots of other couples.
ASK ME ANYTHING
I dare you!
If you can’t tell already, I love weddings!
And my couples mean the world to me. Ask me all the silly questions, even if they’re not specific to photography, and I’ll do my best to help. Main takeaway – you enjoy your day, I’ll worry about the pictures.
