Chirpee Flowers were recently kind enough to interview me about my time as a wedding photographer, where I share thoughts and advice. So, I thought I’d be a bit cheeky and post it here!
Maybe this should be on my ‘About Me’ page? Who knows!
What’s your photographic style for weddings?
On the day, I have a calm, reassuring personality and like to put people at ease. I also combine this with some fun to relax anyone I’m photographing.
I love to capture a series of images that really capture the story and emotions of your day. I love flattering skin tones, and a warm, welcoming look to my images.
Above everything else, I’m always looking for those candid emotional moments of tears of joy, laughter, and the excitement and adrenaline of the day.
What can you bring to the planning of a wedding?
Most couples don’t realise how important it is to get me involved in planning the timeline of their wedding, and if they have a wedding planner, to get me to liaise with them too.
Remember that things will always take longer than you think so make sure to allow cushioning time throughout the whole day! This isn’t the most exciting aspect of a couples wedding day, but the timeline can literally make or break your wedding photography.
Make sure to take your guests into consideration when planning your timeline. If you have a lot of elderly guests that won’t be staying until the very end, make sure to schedule the cake cutting at a relatively early time so that they can be a part of it. They’d be really sad to miss it.
What would be the most important piece of advice you would give a couple?
Choose someone you like!!
I can’t stress this enough.
Your photographer is going to be with you all… day… long… (more than almost anyone else) on one of the most important days of both of your lives, so it’s vital that you feel comfortable with them.
The more comfortable you feel with your photographer, the more relaxed and happy you’ll be at your wedding, and the better you’ll look in your photos.
What are the most popular requests and current trends for next year?
This is for right now, and next year…
Whilst all couples love to have candid moments and memories captured during their wedding day, I’m seeing a trend towards making sure that the formal group photos are included too.
It’s common these days for family and friends to be living all over the country, or even in different countries, and it’s a rare opportunity to get photos that include all of the couples families and favourite people together.
Do you have a favourite review?
I don’t have a particular favourite. It’s just lovely to hear that my couples love the photos and had a great time being photographed! When I receive comments such as “Oh my goodness, Andy. They’re absolutely amazing!!” it does fill me with a sense of pride in what I do.
What do you love about the wedding business?
I love the relationship and friendship that develops between me and my couples. It’s also such an honour to be part of an amazing celebration and to have the opportunity to capture images for them.
I love editing of photos after the wedding as I get to sit in front of my computer and relive the day with a big smile on my face! It doesn’t matter how many weddings I’ve photographed - it happens every time!
What is your personal favourite touch you have seen at a wedding?
It’s the small things that are personal to the couple that I like the most. I loved the gift of the grandfather’s watch to the groom on the morning of their wedding. It Was really touching (I’m a bit of a softy, so something like this always gets me).
Memories of a favourite wedding?
A relaxed wedding on a balmy day last summer. A beautiful ceremony in Arundel followed by the reception at a lovely venue near Goodwood. Amazing heartfelt speeches and lots of emotional tears from the bride and groom.
What is your favourite celebrity wedding and why?
The wedding of George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin. Such a stunning location (Venice) with beautiful light and a mix of candid and formal photos.
I also like the way that they kept the press guessing as to their exact plans to ensure that their wedding was as private as possible with their family and closest friends present!
Tell us about your favourite wedding traditions that you’ve come across
One of my favourite traditions is the shouting of “Mazel tov!” at Jewish weddings once the ceremony is over. It’s roughly translated as “good luck” or “congratulations”.
As a wedding photographer, I’m also a big fan of a ‘first look’ between the couple. It’s a tradition that’s becoming more popular in the UK.
It’s packed full of emotion for the couple, gives them some quiet time together before the ceremony and, of course, results in beautiful photos - usually some of the couple’s favourites.
A huge thank you to the amazing Chirpee Flowers! I’ve worked with them many times. Steph is a Chelsea Gold Medal Award Winner and designs stunning wedding flowers.