Question 1

I'm getting married next January and would love some couple portraits to treasure, but I'm worried about losing the natural light so early. Are there ways around this?

Accepted Answer

There is no doubt light can be tricky with winter weddings as the days are shorter, but it can also be the recipe for gorgeous soft winter light like Charlotte and Niall's pictured here in December at The Wild Boar in Windermere. We took these at about 1pm and we caught the low winter sun through the trees, which was just beautiful. The natural winter haze gave a romantic, magical atmosphere and it really showed in the photos. If possible, have the ceremony early on in the day. A dusk ceremony will not give you enough natural light for portraits afterwards. If an early service is not an option, you could arrange with your photographer to do the photos before the ceremony. Another tip would be to check the forecast to get an idea of when the sun will set that day, plan your photos and keep an eye on the time. Your photographer will help with this!

Question 2

We're having a carnival-themed wedding with lots of fun rides – how can we get creative with our wedding photographs?

Accepted Answer

A carnival-themed wedding sounds exciting! To capture all the fun, I would relax and let your photographer go around photographing everyone playing the games and going on the rides. Set time aside for your photographer to follow you to your favourite rides so they can focus on you both playing and having a good laugh. If the rides carry on into the evening, you can always do fun shots with flashes and lights. For example, your photographer could go in the carriage in front of you to catch a photo where all the lights are moving around you, but you are static in the photo. A Wurlitzer would be good for something like this and can create some amazing photos.

Question 3

How can we ensure our photographer is the right fit for our big day?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right photographer can be difficult as there are lots of things you need to consider. The first thing you should do is look at websites and social media pages or go to a wedding fair for some inspiration. Find a supplier whose work you like whether that's documentary, posed or someone who specialises in dramatic portraits. Once you have a shortlist, contact your favourite and see if they are free on your wedding date. After this, meet with them and see how you get along and how you feel in their company. You will be spending one of the most important days of your life with them, so it's essential that you feel comfortable and happy around them. Don't book at the first meeting. Take a few hours and chat with your fiancé to see how you both felt. If you both feel positive, then get booking. If not, don't worry! Contact another from your shortlist and go through the process again. Just make sure you let the photographer know whether you want to book or not, as it means your date can be secured or released for someone else.

Question 4

My wife-to-be and I are clueless when it comes to photography. Is there a list of shots we should ask our photographer to capture?

Accepted Answer

Lots of experienced photographer will capture candid moments throughout your day, and many won't need a list. However, if you'd like to create one, there are lots of examples on Pinterest, or your photographer will be able to draw one up for you. Choose up to five group shots. This can include granny and grandad, parents and children. Keep in mind that group photos can take a long time to organise, especially if the venue is large and someone has just popped to the bar! I ask my clients to send me photos of any images they have like from Pinterest or Instagram, so I get a feel for what they want. Keep in mind that the day is very hectic, and some idealistic images don't always happen and can be missed. That's why I would recommend a second photographer if budget allows.

Question 5

Our big day is in September, and I'm worried the weather is going to be awful. How can we capture stunning pictures even if it rains?

Accepted Answer

Weather can be tricky, especially if you're getting married in the UK. As a photographer, I always encourage my couples to embrace the elements. Rain can add so much drama, romance and beauty to an image. I love the saying 'life's not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain' as it explains the importance of finding beauty in every situation. You can use umbrellas and create some really fun, playful shots. However, if you don't feel comfortable braving the elements, then this is where your venue's interior becomes important. When looking for the perfect wedding venue, make sure you choose somewhere with lots of natural light and an interior that matches your style. If the inside of your venue has dark walls and small windows, you're going to get darker, grainier photos. Whereas if the interior is light and airy with lots of large windows to let in natural light, then you'll be able to capture much clearer, crisper shots.

Question 6

My wife-to-be and I are getting married next summer and would like some shots that reflect the season. Do you have any ideas?

Accepted Answer

Next year will be the first season for some time where weddings will be fully open. The summer season gives you the opportunity to create some fabulous outdoor portrait shots and natural images indoors. Try and plan with your photographer when to get the very best light. Warm colours of the late afternoon or the cooler shades of the morning can create beautiful images compared to the harsh midday light of the UK. Indoors is ideal for prep-images in the morning, the shade will create contrast, and sunlight shining through will help capture the infamous window shot. Summer creates areas of shadows for romantic portraits with lots of colour and flowers. Think about having a first look in an outdoor scene. It's not for all couples but it will create a private moment for you both and help get rid of a lot of nerves. If you're wearing a suit, think about the colour. Does it complement your partner's outfit and colours you will be surrounded by on the day? Talk to your partner about posing, are you nervous, comfortable or a natural model and secretly love posing? I give couples a guide to think about images they may want to have in their album. To get the very best summer shots talk to your photographer, ask for advice, be natural, and most importantly relax and enjoy your day.

Question 7

How can we ensure our photographer is the right fit for our big day?

Accepted Answer

It's hard to know who is the right photographer for you, so start by looking through websites and social media pages to see if you love the photos they create and their overall style. Once you have found a photographer you love, then the next thing I would do is look at their reviews. See if they are part of a trade association, have the necessary insurance and how long they have been working as a photographer (this is the biggest thing to check) as knowledge and experience of weddings will help them in any situation that might occur on your special day. Thirdly if you are happy with all that you have seen, arrange to meet with them for a brew to chat through your plans and see if you feel comfortable with them and if they are available to photograph your day. If you feel relaxed around them, then you should feel comfortable spending all day with them. Come away from that meeting and chat about how you feel before booking.

Question 8

We're having a December wedding and are worried the weather might ruin our photographs. How can we capture stunning pictures, whatever the weather?

Accepted Answer

Wet weather doesn't have to ruin your day. There are usually breaks in the rain, so you can go outside to take some photographs. The lighting can make for some spectacular imagery since everything is glistening and saturated with colour. Grey skies and a break in the clouds can create dynamic natural backdrops, and where there's rain, there are often rainbows too! Sheltered areas such as doorways, arches, and trees are good places if you want to remain drier and avoid harsh winds. If you're feeling brave, it's worth grabbing an umbrella and some wellies and embracing the elements! Wear a warm winter cape and other seasonal accessories. Large group photos might need a backup plan if the weather is particularly harsh, these can be taken in a marquee, a different building or in an indoor area. Be creative with the available space. Whatever the weather, it will be a wonderful part of your wedding story, so keep smiling and enjoy your special day!

Question 9

How can we get creative  night-time shots?

Accepted Answer

When photographing at night, flash photography is often used to illuminate the subject. There is, of course, more than one way to do this. One option can be to use an off-camera flash to backlight the bride and groom to create a silhouette shot. Flash can also be used in darker conditions to create stunning high contrast photographs. Remember to look at what ambient lighting your venue has. Signs and outside lighting can make for some striking and memorable images. Other light sources can be used to make interesting and dynamic pictures, such as string lights, lanterns, sparklers and candles.

Question 10

Is a pre-wedding shoot worth the money, and what should  we expect?

Accepted Answer

The quick answer is yes! Lots of photographers will say that they are a fantastic way for you to get to know your supplier before the big day. Pre-wedding shoots can be a great introduction to working together as the last thing you want is someone you've barely met popping a camera in your face on your wedding day. The majority of people find having their picture taken a less-than-natural experience, and one of my aims with a pre-shoot is for you to be at ease and to see me as a friend with a camera rather than paparazzi.That aside, what I feel pre-wedding shoots are really all about is the anticipation of the wedding day and celebrating that journey. Like couple shots on the actual day, these are often quiet, romantic moments in the midst of the beautiful craziness of it all. With so many aspects to plan and consider, a pre-shoot can be an excuse to spend some time together building new memories. Choose somewhere special for the location. It could be where you proposed, a view that you both love or a place you've been meaning to visit. Treat it like a date and enjoy your time together and most importantly, make it yours! Bring your dog, climb a mountain or toast with your favourite drinks. At de la Mare Creative, pre-shoots are included in all of our wedding options, and so there is no extra investment. If, however, you aren't quite ready to book your wedding photography – then you can always book a shoot and expect to have fun, spend time as a couple and take some beautiful photographs.

Question 11

We're having a summer wedding and want to capture some seasonal photographs. Do you have any suggestions on how we can do this?

Accepted Answer

During the summer months, the hours of daylight are longer, so make good use of it, especially the lighting around sunset, also known as the golden hour, which will create some beautiful warm tones and soft-lit imagery. - Wearing light, airy and flowy fabrics will work well for a summer theme, as well as keeping everyone cool. - Include seasonal items such as parasols, sunglasses and seasonal flowers that will not wilt in the heat, like orchids, sunflowers or roses. - Capture shots of your guests enjoying refreshing cocktails or grabbing a beer from an ice bucket. - If the British weather is on your side, then your big day might be an outdoor celebration. Garden games like croquet, Jenga or even an egg and spoon race will provide a fun and playful backdrop.- Create a dessert station or hire an ice cream van. - As the night sets in, why not provide some sparklers?

Question 12

We want fun and quirky wedding pictures. Do you have any ideas of how we can achieve this?

Accepted Answer

When looking for images full of character, it's a great idea to consider the things that make you and your partner special, such as your apparel, body mods, interests or fandoms. Referencing something you both love in your images is one way to make your pictures stand out. Look for a photographer that can shoot editorial or fashion images. Why not take a leaf from your favourite movie posters, music videos or the pages of a journal? You could even incorporate props or book a venue with quirky elements such as a gallery or museum. Either way, it's always a good idea to start by talking over your requirements with your prospective photographer. Make sure they're able to work with your requests and generate ideas in line with your vision.

FAQs and expert advice about photography