A category full of blog posts and articles to do with wedding 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

Blog, Photography

What are the must have wedding photos?

When you book your wedding photographer, you’ll probably want to chat to them about the kind of shots you want them to capture on your wedding day. Some couples have a list in mind of ‘must have’ moments that they know they want to be photographed. But if you don’t, then don’t worry- a professional wedding photographer will already know all those key moments that you’ll want to capture forever.

There are so many special moments throughout a wedding day that it’s very hard to narrow it down and say what the absolute must-have wedding photos are. Stand-out moments like cutting the cake, the speeches, the first dance, and the confetti throw all spring to mind. But for me personally, there are some other ‘must have’ photos that I think are essential when it comes to capturing the emotions of your wedding day. Here are my top 5 must have wedding photos…

Must have wedding photo #1: Bridal Prep

This one might not be immediately obvious as it’s officially before the wedding itself, but bridal prep is such a special part of the day. In fact, as a wedding photographer, it’s one of my favourite parts of the day, as there is nothing like the excitement of getting ready for a wedding ceremony.

Bridal prep is a great opportunity to capture some fantastic wedding photography: from fun group shots of friends getting ready together, to emotional moments with the bride’s parents. As a bride, this part of your day is about you and your closest family and friends, and it’s a great time for your wedding photographer to take some photos of you being yourself with your closest friends.

The bride looking in the mirror while her flower girl gets dressed

But as well as all that, bridal prep can be a really poignant time for the bride and her parents. As a wedding photographer, one of my ‘must have’ moments to capture is a father’s reaction when he sees his daughter for the first time in her wedding dress. I’ve also captured some beautiful shots of mothers and friends of the bride having equally wonderful reactions to seeing the bride for the first time.

Must have wedding photo #2: Walking down the aisle

Nothing says “wedding” more than a photo of a bride walking down the aisle. There is so much emotion to capture in this moment- nerves, hope, excitement, and a whole lot of love.

Some of my favourite images are of brides walking down the aisle, often with their father, looking towards the groom waiting for them. Often, the groom will be looking back at their partner and you can see how proud and happy they are. I’ve also captured more humorous images of the groom facing the altar before he sees the bride come in, and you can always see the nerves and anticipation written all over their face!

Must have wedding photo #3: Time for just the two of you

It’s a cliche but your wedding day really will go by in a blur. The day is so packed full of activity and excitement that it passes in the blink of an eye. And of course, as the stars of the show, you and your partner will also want to spend time chatting to all your guests. But don’t forget in the middle of it all to make some time for just the two of you: it’s your day, and it’s all about your relationship together. For that reason, a really special shot of you two together, as a couple, is a must have wedding photo.

As the wedding photographer, I always try to make time during the day for couples to have a bit of alone time so we can capture some beautiful wedding photography of just the two of you. These images might be very romantic, or they may be a little more fun and quirky. Whatever your personality, capturing a photo that really sums you up as a couple is a must. You can pretty much guarantee that it will be the one that you frame and look back on for years to come.

Must have wedding photo #4: Outside shots

When you choose your wedding venue, it’s likely that as a first port of call you’ll check out the interior of the venue- do the rooms have the capacity you need for your guests? Is the ceremony room romantic and beautiful? Is the style and decor to your taste? However, don’t forget that most wedding venues also have stunning gardens and grounds, and often beautiful views too.

As a wedding photographer based in North Wales, Cheshire, and Chester, I’m lucky enough to be absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to wedding venues with gorgeous grounds and gardens. I’ve captured so many lovely images amongst hidden gardens and manicured flower beds, or with the backdrop of the rolling Cheshire hills or the North Wales coast.

For this reason, one of my must have wedding photos is a stunning outside shot (or ideally, lots of them!)

Must have wedding photo #5: Group shots

For many couples, group shots can be a bit of a ‘love or hate’ thing. Couples often don’t like the idea of their guests standing around for a long time waiting to take part in group shots, or perhaps the style of their wedding is relaxed and informal so they don’t want the group shots to feel too ‘static’.

However, I think getting some great group shots really is a must have: this is your opportunity to capture all those faces of your closest friends and family who shared your special day, and they can be wonderful memories to look back on in years to come.

The good news is that you can create some natural, fun group shots in a way that doesn’t mean that everyone is standing around for ages waiting for a formal photo. I love to get creative with group shots by incorporating interesting backdrops, angles, poses, or props to make the shot just a little different. I can also create more casual, candid group shots which help avoid that ‘static, posed’ look: maybe it’s a beautiful shot of you and your bridesmaids getting ready together and laughing over a glass of champagne, or the groomsmen walking to the ceremony together. When it comes to must-have wedding photography, group shots are up there as a great way to remember your day.

If you’re looking for some advice on must have wedding photos, I am more than happy to help. I’m a professional wedding photographer based in North Wales, Chester and Cheshire and I’d love to chat about your wedding plans- please get in touch.

September 19, 2022