EXPERT ADVICE

FAQs and expert advice about photography

Here is a selection of Q&As from Your West Midlands Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourwestmidlands.wedding

Hold Me Close

Hold Me Close

Q What are the latest photography trends?
A Priya Walia says: One of the biggest photography trends I've seen throughout 2023 and going strong into 2024 is the intentional blur of photos. Sometimes this can be misunderstood as a photographer missing the focus, but when done correctly at the right moments, it can really set the imagination off when couples relive their wedding day by viewing their images.

Whether it's a flutter of the bride's dress as she scurries to the wedding venue in the morning, garden games in action during cocktail hour, or guests having a blast dancing at the wedding reception, intentional blur can really capture the mood of the moment.

Don't be afraid if your photographer supplies you with a handful of photos that have some obvious motion blur within them. They were probably trying some artful intentional blur to capture the movement, the fun, and the liveliness of a moment and really add some mood to the memories being preserved.

It's always best to research the photographer's approach, the style of images they produce and have a consultation with them so they can answer all of your questions before booking them for your wedding day.

Priya Walia, Curated by Priya

Seasonal Romance

Seasonal Romance

Q We're getting married next July and want pictures to reflect the season. What do you suggest?
A Karolina and Mario says: July is a beautiful time of year to tie the knot, with plenty of sunshine, lush greenery, and colourful flowers to enhance your photos. When planning your wedding, consider incorporating elements such as wildflowers, green foliage, edible flower-garnished cocktails, ice creams and outdoor games. Soft, pastel colours create a romantic and airy feel while staying true to the summer theme. White, in combination with green and gold, also looks very chic!

You could take advantage of the bright and sunny weather and plan an outdoor ceremony. Your photos will be filled with a summer glow, blue skies, and nature. A skilled photographer will know how to work with natural light and other seasonal elements to create beautiful images that capture the joy and beauty of your summer wedding.

Karolina and Mario, Bluebell Photo Studio

Love Is In The Air

Love Is In The Air

Q Lots of photographers offer an engagement shoot, but we're camera shy and don't know if it's for us. What are the benefits?
A Meg Quick says: Engagement shoots are wonderful for both the couple and photographer. Most of my clients hate having their photo taken, and I appreciate how uncomfortable it can be. An engagement shoot allows you to see what angles, poses and styles of photography you like and gives your photographer a chance to see how the two of you stand and interact with one another.

If you can, have your engagement shoot at your wedding venue, as this is a good way to find the spots you want photographed on your special day.

When it comes to being camera shy, try not to worry too much and trust your photographer to help you feel at ease. I personally find meeting up with my clients a few times beforehand helps them feel comfortable.

Meg Quick, Meg Quick Photography

Behind The Lens

Behind The Lens

Q There are so many photographers out there – how do we choose the one that's right for us?
A Georgina Ford says: Choosing your photographer is one of the most personal decisions you will make. Your photographer will be by your side more than anyone else on the day; they will be with you through the last-minute nerves, at the altar and on the dancefloor.

Whilst price tends to influence most couples' decisions, if you choose the right person who puts the time and effort into getting to know you, your family and what's important to you, it will take away stress, allowing you to relax and enjoy your day.

As a wedding photographer, I spend time with my couples before the day so we can get to know each other and they can tell me all about their world. I also pride myself on being a second pair of hands on the day to help, i.e., if you need someone to look after your lippy, pin on a buttonhole or keep a time check to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Georgina Ford, Georgina Mai Photography

Hold me close

Hold me close

Q My wife-to-be and I are both camera shy and are feeling anxious about having our photos taken on our wedding day, but also want a lovely album to look back on. Can you offer us some advice?
A Paul Mc Ardle says: Allow me to let you in on a little secret, 95 per cent of couples that I have enjoyed photographing over the years also, initially, were just like you, so take comfort in the knowledge that you're not alone with this concern. So, where do you start?

Choosing the right person to be your photographer is the first step towards overcoming your anxiety. Research reviews, how did the photographer you are considering make other couples feel?

Now that you've chosen the right person as your photographer, why not arrange a pre-wedding shoot? Get all those feelings out of the way so that you don't have to deal with them on the most important day of your life. With the right person behind the camera, they will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and the experience fun.

Whether or not you have had a pre-shoot, remember that you chose the right person to begin with, and they're going to give you the personal space to enjoy your day and make you feel comfortable throughout. The most anxious part for couples on their wedding day isn't the morning preparations, the ceremony or even the formal family photos, it's the dreaded, both of you on your own with your photographer. If you're naturally touchy-feely, then hug and feel or if you're naturally full of kisses and sweet words, then kiss and whisper. After that, let your photographer take you both for a little walk to some lovely spots and just see what happens along the way. The point is to forget about the camera and your photos, that's your photographer's job and don't forget, you chose this person because you liked them and not just their photos.

Paul Mc Ardle, P & S Photography

The look of love

The look of love

Q How can we ensure our photographer is the right fit for our nuptials?
A Amy Perkins says: Choosing your wedding photographer is a big deal, and making sure you have the right person is a must. They will be there with you right from prep through to the first dance and beyond, so it's essential you feel relaxed and comfortable around them. Get to know your photographer and see if you click. Take them up on any meetings or virtual calls that they offer and book a pre-wedding shoot if possible. This is a great way to see how they work and prepare yourself for your big day, and feel more at ease in front of the camera.

Your photographer shoud be your extra bridesmaid, your wingman, and your timekeeper, they will be there to support you and advise you on anything you're not sure of.

Have a clear idea of the style you want for your day. Most wedding photographers have their own look, so making sure they're the right person for you is key. Some have a documentary look, and others are more traditional offering posed pictures.

Don't be afraid to ask to see a full gallery. Most photographers have example galleries that they can send to you so that you can get an idea of how your gallery may look.

Most photographers have their own editing style, some are light and airy, and others are darker and warmer. So bare this in mind when looking at their portfolio. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask questions!

Amy Perkins, Humblebee Photography

Ready, steady, pose!

Ready, steady, pose!

Q My wife-to-be and I want to find the perfect photographer. How do you suggest we go about this?
A Heather Rees says: Finding the perfect photographer can be tricky as there are so many to choose from. Look online for examples and see what sort of style you gravitate towards. For example, is it light and airy or documentary? Once you've decided on this, begin searching for photographers with that style.

Listen to any recommendations from your venue or loved ones. It's reassuring to know someone has worked with them before and that they deliver a high-quality product.

Lastly, meet any photographers you have short listed face-to-face or call them for a chat. You will spend a large amount of your wedding day with them, so it's important you gel. Do they put you at ease? Does the conversation flow? The more relaxed you are with your photographer, the more natural your photos will be.

Heather Rees, Heather Rees Photography

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