On the 14th of April the very memorable wedding of Anna and Scotty (Russell) was held in St Peters Church in Hurstbourne Tarrant, near Andover, with a lovely reception in the Threshing Barn on Ibthorpe Manor Farm. The slight twist was the skydive into the wedding reception by the couple with friends, and I was invited along to record the event. The guests really enjoyed the private skydiving demo, which weather almost stopped, but really completed the day for the couple as this was how they originally met. They wanted a candid wedding photography style to record their very special day.

So you have spent the time choosing the dress, beautiful venue, colours and of course sorted the flowers, what about the photographer ?

Firstly you need to decide what is right for you and the internet is a great place to search through the talented wedding photographers around, but wedding fairs do allow you to meet different wedding photographers seeing their style of photography and discussing their prices in person. In my opinion its best to try and settle for a timeless style, as some of the gimmicks used in modern photography will date quickly, and any digital software should only be used to enhance their photography, but shouldn't be relied upon.

It's a good idea to meet with the photographer before the big day so both of you can be comfortable with them, plus it gives you an opportunity to discuss the photographs you would like giving the photographer and you a plan for the shots required during the day, including the groups.

The photographs should be sharp and properly exposed, which can be challenging with a combination of a white dress and a dark suit. The equipment used should be top of the range, as this is one of the reasons for paying for a professional wedding photographer.

Then you need to decide how you would like the photographs supplied, and there is a trend now for a disc to be delivered and the couple can design their own wedding album. Otherwise an album can be produced by the photographer, who will use their creative skills to produce an album for you, as they have done before for other couples. Normally proofs of the photographs will be supplied allowing you to select the content for the album and any prints required, which can either be online or a physical book.

Now you are at the stage to discuss the actual price for your wedding photography, making sure there are no extra costs. Most photographers have standard packages that may suit you, but should also be able to tailor their product to your specific requirements.

Keep in mind that this is a one off occasion, these events can never be captured again, which makes it both challenging and satisfying for the photographer.

One of the first questions a bride and groom have to think about in regards to wedding photography, is the style they would prefer. There are three main styles today traditional, candid and photojournalism.

Traditional

This style should include full-length photos of the bride and groom, posing, families and various groups decided upon prior to the wedding. Normally camera supports are used so slower shutter speeds can be used, multiple flash units or even professional studio lighting along with umbrella reflectors or soft boxes to control the shadows. Therefore this style does require more equipment and experience which is why it is generally more expensive.

Candid

The wedding photos can have a classical and have a very elegant style, which is distinguished by the photographer directing and arranging the people in the photos. Professional lighting and backgrounds can be used, and became very trendy in the late 80's due to some trend setting professional photographers at that time. Black and white or sepia is often used within candid photography which is usually of a high quality.

Photojournalism

This is a way of capturing the real moments by documenting the wedding through the photography, but with no formal posing. It is as if the wedding photographer is not there, so that there is no reaction to the camera, and is often in black and white but this is not necessary to the photojournalist style. Also just because the photos are black and white does not necessarily mean that it is “photojournalistic.”