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Why black and white wedding photography is a key trend for 2023

I’ve been a wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales for around 24 years now (!), and in that time I’ve seen lots of new wedding trends emerge. As a wedding photographer it’s really important to me to keep up to date with the most recent trends, while also specialising in classic photography techniques too.

One particular trend I’ve seen emerging for 2023 is an emphasis on black and white wedding photography. While monochrome images are nothing new in themselves, in wedding photography they’ve always taken a bit of a back seat to colour images. However, for 2023 they’re set to take more of a centre stage.

Bride and groom by the lake at Alderford

The rise of black and white wedding photography

Black and white wedding photos are always beautiful: they can be atmospheric, stylish, and artistic. It seems that recently, more couples are realising this, and I suspect it could be down to the fact that all of us are using our own filters more on social media platforms and we’re seeing how great black and white photos can look.

Here are some more of the reasons why black and white wedding photography is a key trend for 2023…

1. They stand out amongst colour photos

Even if you choose to have the majority of your wedding photos in colour, I would suggest choosing to include one or two black and white images in your album, as they really do stand out amongst the riot of colour that is your other images. There is something about a black and white wedding photo that really stands out, and I’ve found that these are often the images that my couples choose as their main ‘hero’ photo to have framed on their wall.

On that note- black and white images always look beautiful and stylish in a frame, and there will never be any colour clashes, which makes them ideal to display in your home.

2. They capture the raw emotion of your wedding day

There’s often something very moving about black and white photography, and it can perfectly capture raw emotion. Without the distraction of colour you can often see details more clearly- a tear in the eye, or a proud smile. Black and white photography can often feel more ‘real’ and as if you are there in the moment. In fact, famous Canadian photographer Ted Grant once said, “When you photograph people in colour, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls.”

3. Black and white wedding photography is timeless

Of course, when photography began all photos were monochrome, but black and white is far from outdated. Instead, it is totally timeless. As a wedding photographer I’ve seen trends in dresses, hairstyles, and venue dressing change over time, but a black and white shot of a couple will always look classic. It will always be a stunning portrait to look back on and it will never age.

4. Black and white photos are flattering!

This ties in with what I mentioned initially about how we’re all starting to realise how good photos look with a monochrome filter! Black and white photos really are flattering: everyone looks good in monochrome.

If your venue or church doesn’t have the best natural light, a black and white photo can be the perfect solution.

Tyn Dwr Hall North Wales
I’m a professional wedding photographer based in Cheshire, Chester, and North Wales. If you need advice about your wedding photography, I would be more than happy to help. Please feel free to get in touch for a chat.

March 22, 2023

Blog

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