GG's Yard
How to perfect your wedding photography
How long should I allow for photography? What wedding photographer should I pick? Can I pick from a wedding photography package?
From the type of photography style to how many photos you should have, there are many things to consider when planning your wedding photography.
Many of our GG’s Yard wedding couples pick Cameron Pagan from Hemera Visuals as their chosen photographer and we completely understand why; he is one of our favourite wedding photographers in Dumfries & Galloway. Our website, brochures and social media are flooded with his photography as we absolutely love the way he captures couples in the moment on their special day.
Located just up the road from us in Dumfries, Cameron has answered some of your most frequently asked questions about wedding photography.
How long should couples allow for photography?
Cameron: I would say as a rule of thumb to leave at least two hours between the end of ceremony and when the speeches will start. All of this time will not just be for wedding photos but this is also when you get to mingle and get to see your guests.
How many hours should couples book a wedding photographer?
Most couples book full day packages which are typically from bridal prep all the way through to the 3rd dance in the evening. This covers the whole day as it unfolds.
GG’s Yard: We find that your wedding day itinerary and number of guests will often dictate how long you should allow for wedding photography. We recommend leaving around an hour and a half to two hours. Our rural location means you are able to capture the most stunning photos in the Galloway Hills or down at the beach but it is easy to lose track of time when you’re away from the wedding venue.
How many people should be included in group shots?
I personally do up to 10 different formal group shots. Some wedding photographers and couples do things different. This doesn’t include the beautiful candid shots that everyone loves.
Should a member of the wedding party be put in charge of the wedding photography on the day?
It’s very handy to have someone to help organise group shots, sometimes a bridesmaid or groomsmen or siblings. They know who should be in the photos and can spot them if they aren’t in them yet.
Should the couple meet the wedding photographer before for a practice run or to talk through the day?
Couples should definitely have a chat with their prospective photographer before even booking their wedding photography. Your photographer is the one person who you will see more than nearly any one on the day. As much as liking their style of work you’ve both got to get on and know that when it comes to the wedding day it’s going to be an amazing experience.
Engagement shoots are a great way of getting comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding happens. I do however recommend to not do them at the wedding venue so that they look different.
Do you have any advice on picking a wedding photographer?
Cameron: When looking for your photographer it’s important to consider the following. Is their style what we want for our wedding? Is it within our budget? If we have any special requests are the able to facilitate them? Is this the kind of photography we will treasure forever?
Look through as many images as you can from photographers you like and make sure it’s the kind of style you are after.
GG’s Yard: We know a lot of couples look at our Instagram page for wedding photography inspiration. We’ve also put together a blog post on some of our favourite wedding photographers in Dumfries & Galloway.
What should couples do if rain is forecasted on their wedding day?
Cameron: Rain can be managed in most situations on a wedding day. It effects group shots, if you want to do a shot with everyone there on the day, that needs to be done outside where there is space. Shooting for many years I have got many creative ways of going out when it’s raining and keeping the couple as dry and clean as we possibly can.
GG’s Yard: We are on hand to help however we can on your wedding day. At previous weddings when the weather has not behaved, we’ve cleared the ceremony wing to allow guests to use the beautiful stone wall as a backdrop.
Any more on the day wedding photography tips?
Unplugged Wedding Ceremonies
I know you’ll hear everyone banging the drum for unplugged wedding ceremonies with no phones allowed. It looks so much better seeing everyone walk down the aisle without phones and not having guests leaning into the aisle in the way. Phones away and really absorb the ceremony and the coming together of the beautiful couple in front of you.
Soak in the day
Take the time to get 5 or 10 minutes away, just you two to really soak in the wedding day.
Changing seasons
Winter weddings – I highly advise ceremonies to start no later than 1pm, it’s pitch black here in South West Scotland by 3.45pm in December.
Finally, do you have any tips on how to act natural in front of the camera?
Engagement shoots really to help relax you when your in front of the Camera. So that when it comes round to the wedding day you’ve built up your report with your photographer and your relaxed and enjoying your couples shoot.
Thank you to Cameron for helping us write this blog post!
For further wedding photographers in Dumfries & Galloway, have a read of our D&G based photographers’ blog.
