Wedding Photography Styles

Traditional Style - Although slightly outdated there are still lots of photographers that offer this kind of photography and indeed many couples whom seek this style out. Traditional wedding photographers generally shoot staged. The older generation will be used to this kind of photography and may even expect it. This style of photography is fast being replaced by more fluid forms of photography like reportage and contemporary.

Contemporary Style - the contemporary style uses lots of the posing techniques associated with traditional photography but throws in a dramatic background or unusual angle or both. The bride and groom shots will generally be posed but with your attention focused on each other rather than looking at the photographer. The finished results can look like pages from a glossy bridal magazine.

Reportage Style - Also known as documentary photography, this style takes a 'fly on the wall' approach, documenting things as they happen rather than setting up staged moments through the day. Many reportage photographers will still arrange group shots and a few couple shot but the main emphasis will be on candid, informal photography. The results from a good documentary photographer are natural expressions and real emotions and each tell a story in their own right. Done right reportage photography can be a fantastic and natural reflection of your special day.

Our Style - A combination of all! We generally shoot you getting ready and your ceremony in a reportage style, then move on to a more traditional style for your group and family shots. When it comes to the bridal party we will use a slightly contemporary style and have fun in the process, alowing all those involved to relax and let your true personaliities shine through. With every wedding we will take a few posed and romantic shots that you will treasure for many years to come. Being a his and hers team through out the day at least one camera we will be catching those all important candids.

You only have one chance!

So you've got an uncle, lets call him Dave. He has just got a great new digital camera and you thought you might ask him to do your wedding photography. You have seen some of the photos he has posted on flikr and they look pretty good. He seems keen and there's a lot of money to be saved.

Well, in a few cases you might get lucky and get some great images, there are a few uncle Daves out there that would do a great job. In most cases though the likely outcome is out of focus blurred and incorrectly exposed images, ultimately resulting in disappointment and regret.

Wedding photography is one of the most technically challenging forms of photography. The photographer has to be constantly alert to the unfolding day's events and must be in position even before things happen.

They must be good with people, blending in to the background when appropriate and taking control when required. As well as empathy, creativity and passion; photographers must have a supreme technical knowledge of not only cameras but lighting (both natural and artificial), composition, design and post production. Professional photographers offer a package that includes so much more than just taking fantastic pictures.

Most photographers offer storybook type wedding albums that require a keen eye for design and creative flare if they are going t o look good. Many photographers study for upward of 5 years, we for example never stop studying, constantly attending seminars and workshops, reading photography books and staying abreast of hardware and software developments. When photographing your wedding, we have one aim. To produce amazing photographs that capture the emotion and key events of you special day.

So back to uncle Dave and his new camera, if you still trust him and believe he has the technical knowledge and creativity to produce the only lasting and tangible reminder of your wedding day.......I hope you get lucky.
 

Most Frequent Questions

•Do you provide back up equipment on the day?
Yes - there are two photographers meaning two of everything on the day.

•Do you use the latest in digital technology for shooting and processing photography?
Absolutely - We have researched and tested all the best of equipment to ensure we deliver the best possible quality.

•Do you subcontract the work out.
No - Being a his and her team, we always work together, on the rare occasion that perhaps one photographer has taken ill there is always the other available.

•Do you offer a range of wedding packages and at what cost, including VAT?
Check online - we display all our prices online, with no hidden charges.

•Can you do an engagement shoot?
Great idea - We can arrange an engagement shoot before your big, the cost is £80 and includes one 10"x8" print. We actually strongly recommend this as it is a great ice breaker and will allow you to get a feel for what is to come when it is the real thing. This will also allow us to find your best profile, saving some time on your already jam packed day!

•Do you do reprints and extra albums, and at what cost?
As before - all prices are available online, so that family and friends can decide before ordering.

•How long will it take to have the proof photos ready to view?
Your viewing photographs will be ready approx. 4-6 weeks from you wedding day.

•Are you qualified members of a Professional Photography society.
Yes - We are members of .

Top Tips

When walking down the aisle, ensure that you leave a large gap between each of your bridesmaid's and an especially large gap between you and your last bridesmaid. Take your time and walk slowly, he has waited this long a few more seconds will not hurt.

When you arrive at the top of the aisle have your bridesmaid instructed to fix the back of your dress.

We know that to take that first marital kiss in front of all your guests can be a bit daunting but if you want it to be captured, please prolong it for just a couple of seconds.

Save time during the group shots by selecting one or two (bossy) people who know most of the family and friends on both sides, they gather everyone for the photographs.

Winter Weddings
If you are to marry between October and March please take into account the fact that there is limited daylight and it can hinder your wedding photography. The best time to have your ceremony is between 12.00 noon and 1.00pm as by 4.00pm - 4.30pm we will start to loose natural light.
It is a good idea for the girls to have a warm coat at hand for between shots.

We speak from experience.

You have to allow for any little hiccups and time to mingle with your guests. For this reason we would recommend that you have a gap of at least four hours between the start of your ceremony to the time you have arranged with you hotel to sit down for dinner.

Let us know any shots that you would like taken and the order of service for your ceremony well in advance.

To have the freedom and best use of all the surroundings at your venues you should consider your choice of shoes carefully, comfort is essential, perhaps bring a comfy pair for walking.

Children can make a wedding, but don't be disappointed should they do not perform on the day, they very rarely do. We will get shots of them through the day which will tell the story, just as well.

Just enjoy the day, it will all be over before you know it!

www.swpp.co.uk