The FAQs of wedding photography

PHOTO ABOVE | Good Luck Wolf Photography

We all know securing the professional you want for your wedding photography is one of the first things you should do when planning.

But no one expects you to be a photography expert the moment you get engaged or know your golden hour from your reportage!

We’ve put some burning wedding photography questions to the pros and picked their brains on how to negotiate awkward social situations.

Here’s what you need to know.

Q. We’re quite a shy couple and usually hate photos of us. How can we get great photos for our wedding album where we don’t look super-nervous or awkward?

A. Please don’t worry, you’re not alone, it is very common to feel nervous or awkward, every couple will feel these emotions at some point.

Before your big day we will have lots of communication, we can meet up in person, chat on the phone or on Zoom.

The more we get to know each other, the more relaxed and comfortable you will feel.

Then, on the big day we can just have lots of fun whilst having a chat and taking amazing photos.

We can maybe play a few word games to get the laughter going and enjoy the experience together. You will both be awesome! 

Luke, Luke Bennett Photography

Q. Do I need to give you a list of all the different shots I’d like from our day?

A. Nope, only a list of family photos.

Not who you want but who you really don’t want to miss or forget.

On the day I know exactly what I am doing and there is no need to give me a list of rings, cake, flowers, dress, shoes and so on that need to be photographed.

Karol, Karol Makula Photography

Q. We’re on a tight budget and don’t think we can afford the price of an all-day photography package. Are there any cheaper alternatives?

A. Every wedding is unique, that is why I love my job!

I completely understand everyone has different budgets for their day.

I will support you in whatever you want from your photography.

Whether you want me there for an hour or for ten hours, I will be thrilled to be part of your big day.

In a short space of time we can still create beautiful photographs, full of emotions, fun and wonderful memories to remember your incredible day.

Let’s have a chat to discuss your needs and I can quote and go from there. 

Luke, Luke Bennett Photography

Q. We have some awkward family situations with divorced parents and people who don’t speak to each other. How do we get round that for group photos?

A. When we speak to our couples before the day we make sure we know the family dynamics. We tell our couples that they don’t NEED to have a photo with just mum and dad if it’s going to cause issues.

If it’s easier and makes sense, for example, to have mum and partner and then dad and partner then we do that instead.

If that’s the way they’ve been brought up then why try and force something no one wants?

We’re there to make the couple’s day as enjoyable and easy as possible. We don’t need to tick traditional boxes.

Gary and Corinne, Good Luck Wolf Photography

Q. We’ve heard about the golden hour and how it’s a really good shot to get but what exactly is it?

A. Golden hour (magic hour) is the time of the day, best in April and October when the sun is descending but still visible over the horizon.

It can be softened by the layer of clouds, it can be just direct strong light.

It lasts about 10/15 minutes (not an hour as per its name) and if you know what you are doing it’s just magical.

I know all photographic studies tell you that you should never take a photo against the sun but this one is an exception.

Balancing “highlights” and “shadows” with a hint of the right “white balance” will do the job.

Karol, Karol Makula Photography

Q. We keep reading about different styles of wedding photography but we’re not experts. How do we choose what style to go for for our big day?

A. We think the most important thing to consider when looking for a photographer is could you see yourself in their photos?

Whether that’s a documentary style you’d like to see in an album or high-end couple shoot you want framed on your wall the end product is probably the most important thing!

(And make sure you’ve seen some of their full galleries too.)

We would always recommend meeting your photographers, even if it’s just over Zoom, to get a feel for them and see if you get on.

That’s probably the second most important thing.

Gary and Corinne, Good Luck Wolf Photography

Are you still trying to decide on your wedding photographer?

Read why you need to hire a professional here