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Smoke cannon wedding photography: all you need to know

As a wedding photographer, I’m finding that a lot of the couples I speak to now are keen to try more creative ideas for their wedding photos. This is always music to my ears as I love coming up with new ideas for unique wedding photography. In fact, I recently won an award for Creative Wedding Photographer of the Year!

For quite a while now, I’ve loved incorporating fun elements such as smoke cannons and flares into wedding photography. In fact, this technique is becoming something of a tradition for me and this type of shot features a lot in my work. I absolutely love the fun and drama of smoke cannon wedding photography.

If you’re thinking of incorporating some smoke cannon images into your own wedding album, you’ve come to the right place! Here are all my hints, tips, and everything you need to know about smoke cannon wedding photography…

Top Tips for Using Smoke Cannons in Wedding Photos

Speak to your wedding photographer first

My top tip when it comes to smoke cannon wedding photography is to speak to your wedding photographer first. If smoke cannons are something that you really want to incorporate, then you need to find a wedding photographer who is experienced in this technique. Your wedding photographer may need to bring different equipment if they’re going to be photographing smoke cannons, so it’s best to give them a heads up.

It’s also worth noting that even if your wedding photographer is experienced in smoke cannon photography, they probably won’t provide the smoke cannons for you: it’s likely that you’ll need to buy your own. Personally, for insurance reasons I advise my couples to buy their own smoke cannons, and I always advise brides and grooms to read the instructions fully and be aware of any incidents that could potentially happen.

Check with your wedding venue

You’ll need to ask permission from your venue to use them on the grounds. Your venue might have restrictions on where you can use them, or be able to give you some suggestions for spaces that would suit. If your wedding photographer has worked at your venue before, they should also be able to advise. If smoke cannons are not permitted at your venue, your photographer might be able to suggest a location nearby where it’s safe to use them.

Use smoke cannons to bring some fun to your wedding photography

All brides and grooms like to get some beautiful portraits of them together as a couple on their wedding day. Whilst I love capturing more ‘traditional’ couples portraits, it’s worth remembering that you can also bring something fun and unexpected to these shots by incorporating smoke cannons. Wedding photos of you and your partner capture a special moment of your day, but they don’t always have to be serious. Smoke cannons and flares are an ideal way to inject some fun into a couple’s portrait and can really enhance the moment.

Consider the time of day

If you’re thinking of going for smoke cannon wedding photography, choosing the right time of day can play an important part in capturing the best possible images. That’ golden hour’ just before night falls is a perfect time to shoot smoke cannon portraits as the colour of the smoke really pops in the natural light and the results are striking and romantic.

With the right lighting, smoke cannons can look incredibly dramatic for nighttime wedding photographs. This is something to discuss with your wedding photographer and venue to figure out if it’s a possibility for your big day.

Smoke cannons in wedding photography: FAQs

Are smoke cannons safe?

Although generally considered safe to use, as with any flammable object, it’s always best to err on the side of caution, and there’s a few things to note if you’re using smoke cannons in your wedding photography:

The smoke from smoke cannons shouldn’t be inhaled, so it’s important that they’re used in a well-ventilated area.
Smoke cannons shouldn’t be ignited near crowds, animals, or busy roads.
Smoke cannons give off sparks when ignited, so must be kept away from flammable objects, and very dry areas.

I always advise brides and grooms to read the instructions on their smoke cannons fully as I can’t take responsibility in the unlikely event that any incidents that could potentially happen, so it’s always best to be aware of all eventualities before you decide to opt for this type of photography.

Will smoke cannons stain clothing?

Your wedding dress is likely to be the most important (and expensive!) dress you’ll ever buy, and on top of that it’s highly likely to be white! So it’s no surprise that a frequently asked question is “do smoke cannons stain?” !

The truth is that yes, smoke cannons can stain clothing. However, if kept at a distance and the smoke is blowing away from you, you should get away without any staining. The trick is to not have them too close to your clothes when the pictures are being taken.

If you’re considering using smoke cannons in your wedding photography, I would love to help! I’m a professional wedding photographer based in Cheshire, Chester and North Wales, and I have lots of experience of creating dramatic, unique images with props such as smoke cannons, and I’d love to get creative at your wedding!

March 8, 2023

Blog, Photography

Drone Wedding Photography: All You Need to Know

I bought a drone during lockdown last year as something to learn whilst I was stuck at home. It’s by far my new favourite purchase: it’s the best thing ever! I love using it and it’s brought a whole new dimension to my wedding photography.

Since then, I’ve used the drone to capture some outstanding aerial images for some of my couples, including weddings at venues such as Iscoyd Park, Cheshire, and Abbeywood Estate, Cheshire.

Drone wedding photography is getting more and more popular- it’s something I’m getting a lot of enquiries about. So I thought I’d put together a handy guide to drone wedding photography to answer any questions you might have…

What exactly is a drone?

A drone is simply an unmanned, image-capturing aircraft which can film and photograph from an aerial perspective, which is perfect for truly unique wedding photography!

Why are drones ideal for wedding photography?

Drones are perfect for wedding photography as they capture beautiful aerial images that show off elements such as the venue, or the bride’s dress, in a totally different way to standard wedding photography. They’re also brilliant for photographing a big group shot from above. Drone photos can look so spectacular as the aerial nature of the shots can truly capture the grandeur of a wedding venue and its surroundings.

What are the top moments to capture with drone photography?

I love to capture shots of the couple together in the grounds of the venue. I’ve been lucky to work in some beautiful venues around Cheshire and North Wales who’s grounds really lend themselves to drone wedding photography.

There are also other key moments that would be fabulous captured by drone, and your wedding photographer can help you plan for these and make sure you don’t miss the moment. For example, we could photograph the time between the ceremony and the reception whilst the guests are socialising outdoors. We could also capture some stand-out group shots with the whole wedding party outside the venue.

You can also see a real difference in some photos captured via drone vs a regular camera: the drone can capture more of the surroundings which just lends a little something ‘extra’ to a shot:

Is the weather a factor in drone wedding photography?

Yes. It’s worth noting that drones can’t fly in rain or high winds unfortunately. I will be able to advise you on the day whether the weather conditions are suitable.

Are drones noisy?

Drones do make a noise, so I wouldn’t recommend incorporating any drone photography during your vows or speeches! The noise comes from the fact that drones have high powered motors which turn the propellers to produce the uplift. We can ensure that your drone is grounded for any bits of your day where quiet is required.

Are drone photographs good quality?

As with regular cameras, there is a range of quality when it comes to drones. However, many drones (such as the one I use) can capture high-quality photos. I would be happy to show you a selection of examples of my drone wedding photography so you can see the high quality of the shots.

Will I need to get permission from my venue to have a drone at my wedding?

You will need permission from your venue before we can fly the drone. If drone wedding photography is something you’re interested in, give yourself enough time to discuss this with the venue so they can put any necessary measures in place. If you need any support with this, I am always happy to help.

Do drones work at every wedding venue?

Drones don’t work at every wedding- it really depends on the venue. Wedding venues with lots of outdoor space make the best venues for drones. If you would like some advice on whether your wedding venue is suitable for drone photography, I would be more than happy to help. If your venue is in Cheshire, Chester, or North Wales, there is a good chance I will have worked there before and will know it well and can advise! However even if your venue is further afield, I will happily do some research for you into whether drone wedding photography is an option for you.

If you’d like to discuss drone wedding photography more, or have any other questions, please just get in touch. I’m a wedding photographer based in Cheshire, Chester and North Wales, but I also work further afield.

December 15, 2022

Blog, Photography

Why wedding photography is worth it

Couples who are getting married often ask “is wedding photography worth it?” It’s understandable that when it comes to wedding planning you start totting up the costs involved, you start to look at what to prioritise in terms of where to spend your budget.

However when it comes to capturing your wedding day, there are some very good reasons why wedding photography isn’t the place to skimp. Whilst a friend or relative might have offered to take some photos with their fancy new camera, there are numerous reasons why hiring a professional wedding photographer is really important. And in the end, might save you time and a lot of disappointment.

The benefits of hiring a wedding photographer

1. There is more to wedding photography than an expensive camera

A well-meaning friend might have offered to cover your wedding photography for you. They’ve recently bought an expensive new camera and can’t wait to try it out, while saving you some money into the bargain! However, this is one of those scenarios where if something sounds too good to be true, it generally is.

Remember that In the same way an artist uses a brush, the camera is just the tool: the important thing is how the person uses it, and that is what makes all the difference. You probably wouldn’t allow your friend who enjoys a bit of DIY to build your house: instead you’d look for someone with years of experience and a lot of good reviews. The same applies to wedding photography: whilst your friend might mean well, the biggest day of your life isn’t the time to start leaving things in the hands of amateurs. You want someone who not only knows how to use a camera, but who also understands lighting conditions, shooting in different weather, how to get the best out of their subjects, how to help you pose, and how to execute and compose different shots. This is
where the knowledge and experience of a professional wedding photographer really comes into its own.

Also, remember that the photography on the day is only one part of a wedding photographer’s job: afterwards comes the selecting, editing, and creating your album. Again, the best person to do this for you (with stunning results) is a professional wedding photographer.

2. Wedding photographers make people feel at ease

Professional wedding photographers have years of experience when it comes to making people feel at ease, and this is such an important part in capturing the best possible photos of people. We take time to get to know the couple and make sure we’re all on the same page in terms of photography style, the important people you want to capture, and the moments of the day that mean the most to you. A wedding photographer will also take time to understand your personality- if you’re shy in front of the camera or have any concerns, we will always do our best to put you at ease.

A professional wedding photographer is also an expert when it comes to dealing with your guests. We know how to get the best out of people and are logistical organisers as well as photo takers! We’ll help ensure that all those special people are captured enjoying your day, and we’ll make you all feel comfortable and natural: no stiff and awkward photos here!

When you and your guests feel at ease with your wedding photographer, you will relax and enjoy your day more. And this will come across in your photos too.

3. A professional wedding photographer takes the hard work away from you

From getting to know your venue to understanding the running order of your day, a wedding photographer’s skills extend far beyond just pointing a camera.

We do our homework when it comes to your venue: we may already know it well from having worked there in the past, but even if we don’t we will take the time to find the best settings, backdrops, and angles, all of which is so important when it comes to capturing stunning photos.

We’ll also take time to understand the running order of your day to make sure we capture all the key moments so you don’t miss a thing.

Having confidence in your photographer is so important: you won’t want to be having to find them every time a key moment is happening- you need someone who understands your day and how to get the very best images possible of everything that is happening. If you opt to use an amateur photographer instead, the chances are you’ll end up running around trying to organise everything yourself, which is the last thing you want on your wedding day!

4. Your wedding photography is the lasting memory of your day

Once the wedding is over there is then the excitement about seeing your wedding photos, a chance to relive it all again while seeing moments of the day you may have missed. You don’t want to risk being disappointed when you see your photos for the first time.

When the big day is over, your wedding photography is the lasting memory of your day- the photos you’ll show to your friends, children, and grandchildren. It’s important that you’re happy with these memories, and they make you smile every time you look at them. This is why choosing the right wedding photographer is so important: you don’t want to look back and wish you spent a bit more on a professional photographer whose work you really loved.

Think of your wedding photographer as more of an investment. Whilst your cake will be eaten and your flowers will die, your wedding photography will last forever. When you see your beautiful wedding photos for the first time and relive your special day, you’ll know it was worth hiring a professional wedding photographer.

5. You only have one chance to capture your special day

Probably the most important point of all: you only have one chance to capture your wedding day. If the person doing your wedding photography misses important moments, makes a mistake, or even worse doesn’t turn up at all, then you don’t have a second chance to capture those all important photos.

If you reduced the budget on your cake or your favours, it’s unlikely that anyone would notice. But your wedding photos are the memories that will last a lifetime, and you’ll never have a chance to recreate those special moments again. With this in mind, make sure you hire a professional wedding photographer who you can rely on to create the stunning images you deserve.

If you have any questions about hiring a professional wedding photographer, I would be more than happy to have a chat and help in any way I can. I’m a wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales, and my aim is always to make your day as perfect as I can.

November 15, 2022