Wedding Photography
Twenty Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Firstly we must say these are not questions we advocate asking your wedding photographer.
But so many of us have come across prospective brides who have read THAT Blog by the wedding magazine … Questions to ask your wedding photographer.
Many of these questions are already in our contract and our wedding leaflets, but here are our answers for anyone who may also come across the same blog.
Your Wedding Photography is going to be a major investment and you probably want to ensure you are asking the right things for it to be invested in the right place. Some of these questions will help on your quest to finding the right photographer for you.
#1 What Does Your Package Include
If you met us at a wedding show and have one of our leaflets, this is on the leaflet.
A number of digital images (depending on which package you have), 2 photographers, albums are priced separately. We do not compete on price, but not the quality of our work. If price is a main factor in your consideration there will definitely be cheaper wedding photographers you can commission. If your choice is based on style, someone you can gel with, quality and professionalism, you are in the right place!
#2 How much does it cost?
A basic package starts from £2200, all the various options are shown on our wedding leaflets. These include pre wedding shoots, albums of different sizes, Wedding Magazines, extra photographers, monograms, programme designs and a whole host of things.
#3 When will we receive the images
This is a useful question in the twenty questions to ask your wedding photographer.
All of this is listed in your contract with us. We have a turn around of 3 months which also depends on you the clients okaying albums and changes as quickly as possible, or this may delay the timeline.
We also deliver 10 – 15 of our favourite moments from your day within 24 hours (48 if we are shooting the next day). This way, the first images you upload to social media or share with friends via WhatsApp, will be professional ones, not phone ones.
#4 How will we receive the images
On a USB pen OR digital download
#5 Are there videographers you prefer to work with
In some cases yes. The main thing is that everyone is respectful of each other, giving each other the space needed to do the best for the couple.
#6 How would you consider your photography style
We would say amazing! But that is for you to judge, your wedding will be a mixture of natural documentary moments, styled shots, groups shots, details. We used natural light, flash and constant light. A full recipe of what is needed to get the job done and we feel makes an amazing set of wedding day images.
Another way we would describe our style is ‘clean’, no matter what chaos is going on around the images, your day (through your images) will look calm, serene and full of joy.
We are the photographers that will move that bag from beside the chair, tell you that your necklace is not straight or a curl is out of place. We will also produce probably your favourite portrait of yourself … ever!
#7 How many photographers shoot the wedding
All our weddings are shot by two photographers. This was both the bride and groom get full cover from their preparations to ceremony.
As a wedding is generally something people have planned for years , in the event of a photographer say … spraining an ankle on the day, which is unlikely, but not impossible … the wedding will still be covered. It works like an insurance policy.
#8 Would you need a place to keep your equipment
The most expensive equipment will be on me (my cameras) there is usually somewhere safe or within eyesight that it can be kept during the wedding.
#9 Who will be shooting my wedding?
We do not give jobs out to other photography companies or farm them out to other photographers.
If you hire us your wedding will be shot by us. The only reason the main photographer would not be at your wedding would be the same reason you would have to miss a wedding.
A burst appendix, an accident, a serious illness etc. If this were to happen, just like with any other vendor, we would give you the option of allowing us to find a replacement, or give a full refund.
This has not happened to date, it is very rare. Just like the bride we know who had to leave her own wedding immediately after the vows due to illness. Its rare, but not impossible.
#10 When will I receive a written contract? What is the cancellation policy
Once you confirm that you would like us to shoot your wedding a contract will be drawn up and sent out. Once the contract is signed and returned along with the deposit, your wedding is booked!
The cancellation policy is outlined in the contract, the initial deposit is non refundable.
#11 Have you ever been to our venue?
Do not worry. A lot of brides ask this, but it is not necessary for us to shoot your wedding.
Think about this, does the DJ need to be familiar with that venue before to play well? Does the make up artist need to be familiar with all the faces they make up to make up a good face? The image below was our first wedding at this venue, to a creative photographer it is clear that this area would mae a beautiful photo.
As photographers we have shot all over the world. Venue visits can be arranged if you feel really strongly about this, there is a fee for doing this as it is another day out from shooting.
#12 What camera do you use?
Unless you understand DSLR cameras this is not such a useful question in the twenty questions to ask your wedding photographer.
Most photographers change their cameras at different times, as they do lenses. The cameras have no bearing on how good or not your photos will be. Some photographers have the best equipment but are still learning, and some do not have the latest equipment but are masters of their art.
Examples of the work are a much better way to judge the professionalism of your photographer. That said we do use digital cameras and not film.
#13 Will you work to a list of photos we want
If there is one MUST HAVE photo of the day for you. Such as a photo or your nan, mom and you together, a best friend from your childhood, your new numberplate, let us know.
Other than that, as seasoned wedding photographers we know what we are doing. Look at our previous cover, it is enough o show you that with two photographers, we do not miss anything. As a recent bride, I understand the importance of wanted to see EVERYTHING afterwards, the food, the guests mingling while you were not around , the emotions from family and friends that you were not privy to while you were at the alter … trust us we know what we are doing.
#14 Timetable
There is no specific timetable as such we work to. It will depend on what package you have booked, along with what time your wedding day/ start and end. When we are close to your wedding date we will go through your timetable with you to ensure enough time has been allowed for your photos and that we start at the right time.
#15 If the Wedding Breakfast goes over time, will we pay extra?
This depends on the package you have. With an unlimited package no, with a 10 hour package yes, this is all outlined in your contract.
#16 Are images retouched?
Most images you see online are retouched in some way. All of our images are edited, which usually includes conversion from RAW to JPEG and may include minor whinges in exposure or white balances, cropping etc. Extensive retouching may be charged as an extra.
For example the bride who wanted the scaffolding taking out of the church because they were having rennovations on the outside. This is specialist work and will be sent to an editor at a cost of £50 per hour. We also will not take out something that you have permanently, so for example if you have a tattoo that you would prefer not to be in the photos, it cannot be taken out of all 500 images for example. We will also not change the shape of your face or body for example. You are beautiful as you are!
#17 What are your payment terms
This is a useful question in the twenty questions to ask your wedding photographer, as everyone knows where they stand. We accept 50% deposit secures your booking, once we have this, we then take that date out of our diaries and we belong to you! (for that day).
The other 50% is due 4 weeks before your date. Similar to most wedding services, the venue, caterer, florists, venue dressers etc all payments are completed before the wedding, this is one less thing for you for worry about.
#18 Do we pay travel costs
This is all outlined in our contract. For weddings within a 50 mile radius no.
For weddings outside of this area, travel and accommodation may apply. We do not take risks of working for possibly 16 hours then having a 2 hour drive home, or even getting stuck in traffic on our way to you in the morning, this is why in some circumstances accommodation will apply.
Again do not worry, although the Ritz is amazing, Premier Inn will do!
#19 Are engagement / pre wedding shoots included in the package?
These are extra. Some couples have them, others do not. Some couples have a whole day shoot abroad, others have a half day shoot, for this reason they are not included as standard.
Our couples can have as much or as little as they would like.
#20 Could you recommend any new trends?
Our style is not to shoot the latest trends. We do not shoot you being chased by a dinosaur, or your husband holding you in the palm of his hand.
You will get a mixture of emotions, natural documentary photography, styled photography, posed group shots and detail shots.
Now that you have had all of these twenty questions to ask your wedding photographer answered … go ahead and give us a call or email to book us. It will be one the the best decisions you make for your wedding!
Ten Things not to spend on for your Wedding
Ten Things You Do Not Need to Spend Money on for your Wedding
Save Money on Your Wedding
Firstly this advice is not for those who can afford to have everything they want at their wedding. If money is not a worry have a huge cake, designer shoes, ballet dancers while you are walking down the aisle.
You can have your names personalised on everything in sight, a whole room of fresh flowers, everything that weddings now have to offer as the event of a lifetime.
But that IF this is not you; if you do need to save money on your wedding, if you have a budget that cannot stretch to the most lavish of everything, these are a few things we have come across from our experience of covering weddings. Five things you do not need to spend money on for your wedding.
- Wedding Favours
- Weekend Weddings
- Specialist Wedding Shops
- Paper Invites
- Designer shoes
- Fresh Flowers
- Stuff that is only used one for an hour or so
- Gimmicks
- Wedding Cars
- Cake
Save Money on Your Wedding #1
1# Leave the Wedding Favours
As much as you may love the idea of the crystal heart with your names and wedding date etched on that your guests can treasure forever. The honest truth is … very few will.
Your wedding date is the most important date to you naturally. Your wedding date however is not the most important date to your guests, no matter how much they love you. The truth is as much as your toil and stress over your favours, in many weddings we shoot; they end up as children’s play things within minutes of your guests sitting at the table.
Save Money on Your Wedding #2
2# Getting Married on a weekday
Saturday is the most expensive day to get married. Yes, the same venues cost different amounts on different days! Sundays and week days cost a lot less. So you may be thinking “but will my guests turn up?”.
No matter what day you hold your wedding on their will be some people who are not able to attend.
Saturdays and Sundays are now working days for many people, so weekends are no longer the free days they used to be.
Lots of couple also get married abroad who do not seem to have problems with their friends and families taking off 2,3 or more days to attend their wedding. Try not to over think it. The people who need to and want to be there will be.
Save Money on Your Wedding #3
3# Shop in Non Specialist Wedding Shops
Wedding Hair Jewellery
Is a wedding tiara massively different to any other tiara? Compare the difference for yourselves. Buy one from a high street shop and compare them to others in bridal shops. The most expensive ones are no doubt of a a superior quality. It is up to you if the difference is enough to warrant the price difference. The average priced bridal ones however are not hugely different.
Everyones favourite High street accessories shop Claire’s has some amazing finds in their ‘Hair Swag’ range. These range from £5 to £20. You would expect to pay £100 – 200 for a tiara or similar accessory in a bridal shop.
Another option is to use other accessories such as necklaces and pendants.
This bride did exactly that with Claire’s Accessories Jewellery. The head piece came to a total of just under £20. If you are a savvy online shopper, stores such as Etsy also have a great range.
Save Money on Your Wedding #4
4# Cut the Paper and Save The World!
Think of the last wedding you attended when if you invite and Save the Date You were given? If you still have this, that is fabulous! If it is in a treasured box of similar items from various years, even better!
However, if you cannot remember when it was left a month after putting the date in your phone diary. Then you have just discovered how quickly your hard earns money that was spent on invites or save the dates, so quickly ends up in the bin.
Consider a digital invite / save the dates instead. Create a private FB group and send out an event, make a video that you WhatsApp to everyone, create a design that to WhatsApp to everyone.
Many people do most things on their phones now, so this is not unusual.
You will also be helping to save the planet as the rate of deforestation is alarming!
Save Money on Your Wedding #5
5# Ditch the designer shoes
Sometimes we are socialised into thinking you have to spend more on everything for your wedding. After all it is a special once in a lifetime day!
Bridal groups and blogs are awash with brides blogging about their dream wedding shoes. You will no doubt have seen quite a few Laboutins in these groups. These designer shoes start from £700. But bridal shoes are often hidden under a long dress … where no one will ever see them.
Brides often ending changing into comfy shoes or flip flops as soon as they get to their reception, if not for their walk around the wedding venue for their couples photos.
Shops like TK Maxx stock a great range of FC UK and Blue By Betsey Johnson Shoes from January of each year leading up to the wedding season. ASOS also stocks Blue by Betsey Johnson at different times of the year. The great thing about these shoes is that if you are superstitious, the bottoms are painted blue, so it covers your “Something Blue”.
These beauties were £29.99.
Save Money on Your Wedding #6
6# Fresh Flowers
Fake it.
There is no doubt real flowers are amazing.
But if you are looking to cut on your budget fake ones will be a fraction of the price, and will have a very similar look. Greenery table runners for these two tables were prices at £1700 for this wedding. These ones came in at £300 for these the head table flowers, top table and aisle / pew end flowers.
The amazing Home Bargains and The Range have a great range of flowers that look a lot more expensive that they are. If you are having a red / autumn theme look to buy their valentines range at Home Bargains at the start of each year.
Save Money on Your Wedding #7
7# Recycle
What happens to the flowers used in your ceremony, as aisle ends or to decorate the alter etc?
After the ceremony they are not needed again. But you still need flowers for the reception tables, top table etc. Why not just reuse the same flowers? Yes you will need a trusted friend or coordinator to move these for you, but it makes complete sense.
This top table arrangement started the day as aisle / pew ends for the wedding ceremony, and ended the day here. They too were fake / faux from Home Bargains. Approximately £55 for the top table and pew / aisle ends. Rather than watch them wilt away a few days later after spending thousands, they can be re- gifted or sold on.
Save Money on Your Wedding #8
8 #Gimmicks
We can all get influenced by social media, things that look great, sound like a great idea, seem to make sense but are actually quite costly, possibly gimmicky and not have any real value.
Disposable cameras is one of these.
The idea of disposable cameras on each table for guests to capture what is happening on their table.
Amazon sells packs of 5 cameras for around £50.
Say you have 100 people at your wedding thats already a cost of £100. Then their is the cost of developing them approximately £5 each. The quality of these is not great.
Many people struggle with getting great digital images even when they can see the outcome immediately. Imagine images from from a camera where your guests can not see the final photo!
You may end up paying to develop a lot of unusable images.
In actual fact most people carry around a much more powerful and sophicated camera in their hands, that you can get table pictures from for free!
Ask your guests to take photos on their phones and send them you after or sign up to to a wedding sharing app.
Save Money on Your Wedding #9
9# Cars
A wedding car may cost £3 – 500 for 2- 3 hours hire.
A prestige car from your average car hire company can cost you this much for 3 or 4 days hire. This may not work if you want a vintage car; but if you are happy to travel to your wedding in a prestige Jaguar, Mercedes or Range Rover, this could be a huge saving.
It would also mean not having to worry about car is going back before you finish doing your couples photos or if anything runs late.
For example Europa Car is showing a Mercedes C Class at £400 for three days hire. Granted, of course you will not get a driver with that. You may have to rope in that friend or uncle who owes you a favour, but you will also have a prestige car to get home in the next day or drive around in a a couple days after your big day.
Save Money on Your Wedding #10
10# Cake
If you can afford a cake, of course there are some amazing designs. We have shot so many beautiful cakes. But if you are looking at cutting another corner, the famous wedding cake is another way you can save.
The thing most couple want from this is a photo of them cutting the cake, after all its tradition.
We have however shot many a wedding where after this shot was taken, the cake was not cut. The worst cased scenario was a couple who took a 2k cake to the kitchen to be cut, it was never cut and shared out because of running late, it was forgotten about in the venue kitchen, then thrown away the next day.
Some couples are opting to save on their cake with alterntives such as Jelly Towers, Cake Pyramids and Pizza Towers!
In contrast to all these savings. There are also many things we would say are important to spend money on or that you definitely need for a wedding.
See our blog post on Ten Things You DO need to spend money on for your wedding.
Lensi have been full time photographers for 10 years. This blog was written from that experience and also from a personal point of view as a recent bride.
If you want to preserve your quest for bargain hunting during your wedding planning. Consider your very own personalised Wedding Magazine. More than an album, it will document the stories behind the beautiful images, on your wedding planning journey.
This is how a page in your own personalised wedding magazine that documents your bargain hunt may look.
Ten Things TO spend on for your Wedding
COMING SOON
The New Wedding Trend – The Wedding Magazine
The Bespoke personalised wedding magazine …Let us introduce you to the new wedding trend.
Why a Personalised Wedding Magazine?
Brides (and grooms) are always looking for something different for their wedding.
With quarter of a million weddings taking place in the United Kingdom every year, that may take some going …
But let us help you along the way by introducing your to …The Wedding Magazine.
The Wedding Magazine is a personalised bespoke wedding magazine … all about you!
Similar to the magazines most couples will have no doubt read leading up to their wedding, such as Brides or You and Your Wedding. This is a magazine produced all about your wedding story! To reiterate … a bespoke personalised wedding magazine.
It can be used as a keepsake for guests, or as a precious gift for friends and family that could not attend. It will be a lifelong momento everyone will cherish.
Have you ever attended weddings and the keepsakes are playthings for the children within minutes of everyone entering the reception? Have you ever thought “poor couple, these things have gone to waste” … this will not happen with the wedding magazine. Your bespoke personalised wedding magazine will take pride of place on grandmas coffee table or your best friends work desk.
What would you include in your personalised wedding magazine?
Imagine being the cover of your very own personalised bespoke magazine that will record your whole journey leading up to the wedding – the dress trials, the hen or stag do, the possible venues, the wedding day, the people that attended, the behind the scene moments… and even afterwards if you wish!
Before you ask … it is not a wedding album. It can be an addition or an alternative. Watch the video to learn some more. The Wedding Magazine animated video.
It is also a way of ensuring your loved ones all have some images from your day, without having to purchase a whole album for them, and lets face it, we are getting sick of having everything digitally. Computers break, phones break, people do not back them up, and before you know it, images are lost forever. With a physical magazine, just like a physical photo, you can have this for years and it still be in tack.
How to get in contact
If you wish to add something different to your wedding day, contact The Wedding Magazine to discuss your personalised bespoke wedding magazine TODAY!
To Have and to Hold, To Post or Not To Post …
You are making plans to get married
So you are finally getting married! Yayyyy and all that great stuff!
Your plans are underway, venue check, invites – check, dress – check, seating plans – check, wedding photographer -check, car -check … there are so many things you will need to think about, but here is one you may not have… a policy on social media for your wedding.
At this point you may be a little puzzled, wondering exactly what this is, well let me share a few scenarios to fill in the gaps.
We post everything on social media
So many people share EVERYTHING on social media now, we share photos of our food, new purchases, nights out, nights in, birthdays, funerals, parties, and weddings. Literally there is nothing that is immune for a snap, instagram, tweet or Facebook nowadays.
But …what if you don’t want your private wedding put all over the net for everyone to see? If you are fine with this happening, then thats get not a problem, don’t say anything to your guests and you can be sure there will be photos and videos of your wedding before the day is done online somewhere.
However, if you fall into the category of people who do not want this, then you need to explicitly state this somewhere before the wedding and on the day. Leaving it to “my guests would have more respect than that” is a huge chance, because for many people its not a disrespectful thing to do!
For some of you who are fine with everything being on social media and no limits placed on your guests, you may be thinking, why would any wedding couple do this? What is wrong with sharing photos and videos of someones big day? Here are a few reasons why people may not want their wedding day on social media.
Some people are private. For some people you won’t see photos of their food online, you won’t see photos of all their family members, every holiday, their daily walks abouts, what they watch on tv and so on. For some people you may see a post every few months, they may even post every day, but it will be nothing about their personal lives of family. For some people like this, they won’t want their most intimate day online for the world to see. And before someone thinks, “but my profile is private”; yours may be, but what about all of your guests? And even if their’s are too, that is say 70-200 profiles with your intimate moments on, shared with the 500-2000 friends on their profiles too, so potentially your private moments are shared with how many people (head to your phone to do some quick calculations).
If you have had a small private wedding of say 50 people, and purposefully kept it that way because you did not want random family and acquaintances present on your day, some people would say that posting it all over social media defeats that object. What do you think?
A Few Examples
For those people unconvinced, here are a few examples of guests posting on social media where the couple were not best pleased.
1 – A bridesmaid snap chatting the bride in the background before she got to the church on the day of the wedding.
2 – Guests Facebook living at a wedding
3 – Guests face timing a wedding to someone who was not invited, to show how much of a good time THEY were having!
4 – Guests posting unflattering photos where one of the couple had their eyes closed, or strange facial expressions
5 – Guests posting albums of 100’s of photos from every aspect of the wedding, as though they were the wedding photographer
6 – Guests posting videos on paid platforms such as YouTube
7 – Guests posting something to ridicule the couple, such as posting something that went wrong, someone tripping etc.
8 – Guests posting unflattering angles, such as a hall that looked empty, a dancefloor that looked dead, people looking bored etc
Ask yourself if you would be happy for any of these to be posted at your wedding? And keep in mind, that not everyone is aware of this when they are posting, so its not always purposeful! I have seen people post some terrible photos of themselves on social media and be completely unaware, so there is no reason why they would have more awareness when posting photos of others.
What Photographers think
From a photography point of view too, guests can make your job really difficult! I advise couples that IF they are allowing photos to ask guests to stay in seats, because you can never underestimate how much a guest will be unaware of getting in the official photos, in order to get their iPhone (other brands are available too) photo.
There is also now the emergence of iPads and super sized iPads i call them, which are basically like guests holding up tv screens in the way of the photographer and in your pictures on the day. It quite frankly looks stupid.
I have even had a guest ask me to move out of their way, in my capacity as the official photographer, in order to get the photos THEY need!
What Other Brides and Brides to be Think
We asked for some further views from other brides, these were some of the mixed responses we received.
To Post
Emma Cumiskey said “I have said to guests you can post pics after the night guests arrive as otherwise they have seen the happy couple before they get there”.
Alexandra Daisy said “I would hate if the live streamed our ceremony and speeches. I’m happy for our guests to take pictures throughout the day but ask them not to post them until after the wedding was over. I would hate to see my guests constantly on their phones during my wedding. Id want them to actually experience and enjoy the day”.
Becci Faulkner said “I had no phones at church rule and asked people not to post anything until the day after the wedding. After that anything was game”
Molly Freeman said “We’re hoping for an unplugged ceremony (we want to see people’s faces in pictures not iPads and phones). But other than that pretty ok with pictures and videos after that and at the reception as long as I don’t look too bad in them”
Faye Rose Charrington said “We have a sign that says no social media until we have posted! And we probs won’t post for a few days! Just wanna keep it private for a bit! Everything is online now. Doesn’t hurt to keep things to yourself for a wee bit ?”
Arelene Wheeler was not concerned by any posts “I didn’t mention anything before hand but we had people do both; Snapchat our ceremony and put me on Facebook before the evening guests had even arrived. I was too busy to care st the time but I wouldn’t do it personally. Speeches were also recorded”.
Not to Post
Ellis Willis had a bad experience with social media wedding posts saying “Someone put about 100 photos and the speeches on Facebook the day after my wedding without asking and I was devastated we didn’t want loads on Facebook and we didn’t get to see them before they were put up either. Gutting really… some of them were terrible and edited so badly by a guest, broke my heart”
Sarah Tugwell works in the industry as a wedding planner “I am a wedding planner and no matter how many times a celebrant or registrar say unplugged ceremony there are always people doing it and I have even had a venue and a venue dresser post pictures of the ceremony room Before the ceremony (so basically as they had finished setting up) which I don’t agree with. Alot of my couples say no to social media until the evening. Now, our own personal wedding next year is a tricky one as my fiance doesn’t do social media and hates it so he doesn’t want any pics going to without our approval… how do I manage that one? Personally we happy for some to go up but only when we have seen them and not to be plastered all over social media. We want to keep it private really. Happy for guests to take pics though.xx”
Naomi Lunn said “We aren’t your average young couple. We didn’t post when we got engaged. I haven’t ever posted a picture of my ring, even though it’s spectacular lol. And I’m certainly not doing countdowns or announcing that I’ve bought a house. We are inviting 20 of our closest to see us tie the knot in the most beautiful place in Cumbria. Luckily for us there is no WiFi or signal there so people will have to wait until 2 days after the wedding to post. I’d rather there weren’t any photos on Facebook to be honest but I guess it’s a bit extreme to say no posts at all… I don’t think people will respect that, so I guess there is no point saying it”
Josie Shereston said “I banned social media at my wedding and to be fair my guests respected my wishes…. it was our day… not everyman and his dogs lol”
Laura Kane said “We don’t want anything putting up, we are a very private couple, we don’t put anything up, for example… we didn’t put a post up when we got engaged, we changed our relationship status that’s it. If we don’t tell them personally or are invited then why should they know?
So we are going to ask that guests don’t put anything up, pics of themselves yes but not of the bridal party or any part of the day”.
This is obviously something that couples now have to think about it, whether you agree with it or not. Here is another recent article from news site I Am Birmingham on the same issue
So, as advice from someone in the industry, if you are fine with guests posting everything, or a limited bits, that is fine, or if you prefer them not to post anything, or put on time limit of when they can post, that is fine too … but whatever you choose, please make your guests clearly aware of your wishes. Please add it as another “to do” on your wedding lists!
This post was also recently included in The Wedding Magazine. A personalised luxury magazine all about YOUR wedding. It is an amazing new concept, couples can have their wedding in glorious print from a magazine created about your wedding story. It is going to be a huge hit!
Warwick House Wedding
Warwick House Wedding
We photographed this lovely couple who had a Warwick House Wedding recently.
We met the bride during a video shoot we were doing for a beauty salon, and we clicked straight away. She asked about our wedding photography and we talked about our Birmingham Wedding Photography, as they were looking for at local photographers in Birmingham we had a wedding photography consultation at our offices and were booked!
A lovely intimate wedding. Although the weather was not kind to us, we still managed to create magic at this Warwickshire Wedding Venue, a lovely Warwickshire venue, tucked away on an unexpected street in Warwickshire.
Our Birmingham Wedding Photography includes a range of styles including both bridal and groom preparations, roaming photography of natural shots of the the emotions as they happen, a couples photoshoot of portraits of just the two of them, and family shots of all of the guests and family.
We created so many beautiful images on this day, here are a selection of a few.
Book Your Pre Wedding Photoshoot in London, Paris or Vegas
Pre Wedding Photoshoot in London
Many couples now choose to do pre wedding photoshoot in London and other major cities across the world. Paris, Las Vegas, Venice and so on.
The demand for a particular type of scenic backdrop that is recognised by all drives couples to travel across the world for this.
Some couples do their couples photoshoots in London by getting up very early in the morning to be part of an eerily quiet London backdrop before the work commuters kick in.
Others climb up mountains after driving hours to again get a particular type of backdrop.
Others brave the stares from crowds bemused at wedding photography taking place away from the wedding on Tower Bridge or in front of Big Ben or St Paul’s Cathedral which are all favourites for pre and post wedding couples photo shoots with Chinese or Asian Couples.
In some cultures, such as with Asian (if you are reading this from the US or other countries around the world) or Chinese (if you are reading this from the UK) couples, the traditions is to have pre wedding photos before the wedding, often wearing the wedding dress and suit, with many couples having pre wedding photoshoots in multiple cities across the world; or even to have a couples photoshoot in your wedding attires months after your wedding has taken place.
Other couples do this as a post wedding shoot after the wedding.
Whether you call it a pre wedding photoshoot in London or post wedding photoshoot? You may ask what is a pre wedding shoot? It has been described as a couples photoshoot but on steroids! It shows the couple looking their best, their most loving, it shows a fairytale, scenic backdrops, hollywood lifestyles, suits and cocktail dresses, fun laughter ….all with a professional editorial photoshoot edge. It shows the couple as people they have seeing celeb lifestyle magazines; and creates that memory of them that they can preserve forever.
Brides also often have Rock The Frock Shoots alone with a chance to get to wear their dress once more, without all the stress and time restraints of the big day!
With excellent knowledge of these cities Lensi Photography regularly shoot pre wedding photoshoots in London and post wedding shoots, creating a very personal piece of art for the couples. We are booked by Bride and Grooms from the UK, as well as by Bride and Grooms abroad. We also travel and shoot all over the world.
We also have a fashion background and are one of the photographers for London Fashion Week which influences our Pre Wedding Photoshoot Photography.
Contact us via the website or our Facebook Page for more information about creating art for your pre wedding photoshoot.
Or see more of our work featured in this blog here :
Your Perfect Wedding Photographer
Jago / Jaago Ceremony Photography – Sikh Punjabi Wedding Tradition
As a Female Wedding Photographer in Birmingham, who also covers Asian Weddings, even though I am not Asian, I often have anxious photographer colleagues who are covering their first Asian Wedding approach me for advice and information; knowing that as I too shoot Weddings from Culture’s and Religion’s different to my own, I would have at some point been in the same position.
After having to have done this a few times, it made sense to write a few blog posts on aspects of Asian Wedding and Asian Wedding Photography.
Jago / Jaago Ceremony Photography – Sikh Punjabi Wedding Tradition
This is a ceremony that happens before the main wedding, often part of a pre wedding party. Often held in a hall, but lower key than the main wedding.
Jaago means “wake up”. Before the days of Wedding Invites and Interactive Wedding Invites relative of the Bride and Groom used to go around their village the night before the wedding days carrying candle lit pots – before the days of electricity on their heads singing songs as a way of telling everyone that a wedding would be taking place the following day and as an open invitation to attend.
The traditional folk song is “jaago”, so they would encourage people to wake-up and join in the festivities.
The modern day conversation of this will see the family gather at a venue before the wedding, for a pre wedding party. At some point during the evening the main family members will disappear to another room and re enter the main room carrying Jaagos (pots with decorated lights) and Jaago sticks (decorated sticks) , which will be passed from person to person, who will carry them for a little while.
Traditional songs will be sung …and then …its time to PARTY! During the Jago / Jaago – Sikh Punjabi Wedding Tradition people will also share a meal, but then hit the dance floor (and also bar) hard. It is a reason to celebrate and people will do. As a Wedding Photographer, photographing a pre-wedding party, you will be expected to capture
- Guest entering and being greeted by the family
- Group shots of as many people at the event as possible
- Roaming shots of what is going on
- Venue Shots
- The procession coming into the main room for the Jago, close ups of the pots and sticks
- Shots of each person that has the Jago on their head
- Shots of all the close family members (siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents)
- Then Party Shots, stopping people on the dance floor periodically to get a shot of them posing for the camera.
Photographing a Wedding or Pre Wedding Party or event such as a Jago / Jaago from Cultures and Religions different to what you are familiar with does not need to be daunting, its simply about the familiarity. There are no restrictions on photography, after having done a few you will look back and wonder what al the anxiety was about!
If you are looking for a Wedding Photographer in Birmingham to cover your Wedding or Pre Wedding Party such as your Mendhi, Maiyan or Jago, contact us for a quote
No Photos in Church Please – Wedding Photography
“No Photos in Church Please” – Wedding Photography
As a wedding photographer this may seem like a crazy statement to see or hear, Wedding Photography is all about taking photos in Church or a Gudwara or any other religious place, but this has literally been what we have ben told in some churches when covering some weddings “No Photos in Church Please”.
You may be reading this with a puzzled look on your face, I certainly thought that the first time I was told this by a Minister.
Some churches (and I find this is common in churches of a certain denomination – naming no names, we have never had this in any other religious ceremony) and we cover all kinds of Weddings in Birmingham and beyond, from Muslim Weddings to Sikh Weddings to Christian Weddings to Hindu Weddings and secular weddings.
This seems to have been a topic in many forums, with wedding photographers firm on each side.
CAMP A
There are photographers who believe that the Minister’s wishes for his / her church are paramount, and will happily sit at the back of a church for the whole ceremony, and only get shots when he bride is walking in, walking out and signing the register, which is what is allowed by that Minister.
CAMP B
There are other photographers who believe that their clients (the Bride and Groom) wishes are paramount, and if they want images of their ceremony, even if that means going against the Minsters wishes, so be it
I genuinely find that many couples do not know that some churches do not allow Wedding Photography or are not friendly to Wedding Photography at their venue. I photograph a lot of Asian Weddings where it is common for at least 4 photographers and cinematographers to be at one wedding, but not uncommon for there to be as many as 8 staff capturing the day.
So what are the reasons for this, these have been reasons we have been given:
1. Over zealous previous photographers, rolling on the floor etc to take photos.
I have never personally seen over excited photographer rolling on the floor etc during a service . I do not know any photographers that have personally seen this at a wedding, and I have a lot of photographers in my circles.
2. The couple need to concentrate on the vows they are making before God.
You have to question if having pictures taken make them think any less about what they are undertaking.
3. It distracts the guests / couple.
Wedding Photography and Cinematography are now such a normal part of a Wedding Day, again I would question who it distracts. I know that when I photograph weddings, I wear soft loafer shoes (as do my other staff), and dress in all black, a ninja would be hard pressed to be more slight than me.
On the guests side, I find guests phones pinging, children crying in church, and guest photographers with iPhones and iPads that need to go right up to the Bride and Groom or couple to get a shot, much more distractive.
Churches have people in them, as such there will be children playing, people crying, people laughing all kinds of things that people COULD get distracted by.
4. The couple will remember it better if they concentrate on what is happening.
I find that for many brides especially, the day goes by in whirlwind, they have been planning their wedding day for years, and before they know it, their wedding day is over. So what do they have to remember their wedding day by? Their Wedding Photography and Wedding Cinematography.
5. It is Gods House and it is disrespectful for anyone to be snapping away or moving about the place.
Some churches stream church services to millions across the world. Images taken in churches are so common now.
Some churches have no problem with wedding photography, so it makes you question what is it about particular churches that do not see it in this way?
We live in a world documented by images, and sharing so many parts of our lives.
Imagine if on one of …if not the biggest day of your life, and whole chunks of it are missing, because the minister was not happy with it? In fact if you have a minister like this, and you follow their wishes instead of stating yours, you may end up having more photos from your works trip to Nandos than you do of your wedding ceremony? This somehow just does not seem right.
6. Data Protection (especially when signing the register)
When this reason is given you may question, if the data that is being protected, the data of the same Bride and Groom whose wedding you are photographing for them? It’s their data, their signatures, their names?
This data later becomes a publicly available document that can be looked up in any library or obtained online for a few pounds? So if you are given this reason, does it add up.
Previously we have photographed weddings where Ministers have suggested a shot where the Bride and Groom hold up their register towards the camera. So not every minster feels this way, which points towards the idea the idea that this is the personal choice of each minister.
7. We simply do not allow it! No Photography in Church please!
If you are given this reason, you have paid for a photographer to deliver a service. You have also paid to have your wedding at a church and a Minster deliver a service. If one vendor (the photographer or Minster) obstructs the other and stops them delivering that service, are they doing the best for their customer? The Bride and Groom or wedding couple?
The guests on the other hand, can snap away at any point, and more than a few with have DSLR cameras …. for all of us at Lensi, the Wedding is always about the Bride and Groom, we will advise so that they get the best from their day, and always do our best for them.
Now this is not meant to sound like a moan about churches or other religious or wedding establishments, we have worked with some fantastic Ministers, Churches and places of worship and celebration, in fact most of them have been, but just a short post for you to consider when choosing a church for your Wedding Day.
If you have read this and thought … oh that wont apply to us, we are getting married in a …country house, register office etc. Think again, we have also seen this at non religious establishments.
If you have already chosen and booked your church, this is something worth explicitly stating to your minister or person leading your service.
It is something most couples do not know, so we share it to make your planning journey a little bit more informed. This has genuinely only happened at weddings we have photographed a few times, but when it has happened the Bride and Groom were not made aware of this rule about wedding photography, and therefore did not have the chance to question it.
Their photographer has either had to ignore the Minsters wishes, much to their disdain. Debate with the Minster, again also much to their disdain, or not get any pictures during their ceremony, only images of them coming into church, walking back up the aisle, and signing the register! And thats it!
So when you are looking at a venue for your Wedding Photography, consider all the things you normally would for your wedding day. The sentimental links that church may have to your family, its location, how beautiful it looks, if it can hold all of your weddings guests, how far it is for you to travel….and also if they have issues with photography!
If you are happy with limited images during your ceremony, none of the guests or mom and dad smiling or crying during the service. If you are content with no close ups of the special exchange or rings moment, none of the bride looking into the yes of the groom or vice versa, this is fine.
If not think about asking the question on their approach to photographers in the ceremony! And decide if you want photography or not, it may be such an issue where you have to consider changing your venue (if you want Wedding Photography!).
Female Photographer in Birmingham – The Bride
Female Wedding Photographer in Birmingham
If you are looking for a female photographer in Birmingham, for coverage of your bridal preps were you may feel more comfortable with a female in the room, or for an Asian Wedding, Lensi Photography can offer this.
As a female photographer in Birmingham, I often get asked to cover the bride getting ready for weddings where two photographers are booked. On the day of the wedding it often happens that the bride and bridesmaids are running around in states of half dress, so having a female photographer makes everything so much easier. We are able to still move around and capture candid images, not be consigned to being outside the room until everything is ready!
It works particularly well if the bride is a little conscious or for some weddings (such as Muslim Weddings) where there is a religious aspect to no men being present during particular ceremonies.
This beautiful Wedding of Arfan and Ibti took place in the surroundings of The Belfry Hotel and Resort world-class luxury with iconic greens and sumptuous bedrooms, surrounded by over 500 acres of countryside.
As a local female photographer in Birmingham I can therefore fulfil requirements to make the ceremony halal (covered by females only) if this is important to you.
If you are looking for a female wedding photographer in Birmingham Wedding Photography by Lensi contact s for quote