Follow these simple steps to make sure you don’t miss a thing
Words by Rosalind Erskine
ALBUMS
Most photographers offer a variety of different albums to display your chosen shots of the big day (Gail Photography (gailphotography.co.uk), for example, has three options – a preview book, a coffee-table book and a storybook). These will usually be included in the price of your package. Most photographers will also have an online, password-protected digital version of the pictures so you can share the images with friends and family.
BOOTHS
www.snapshotbooth.co.uk
A photobooth will inject a dose of fun into your reception. The price normally includes installation of the booth, props, instant printed snaps and the services of a representative to oversee it all. Snapshot Booth (snapshotbooth.co.uk) has a vintage-inspired booth with props and unlimited printed and social media-sharing from £300. “We offer a fantastic experience with chic props that help to create images that your guests will love,” says the company’s Colin Stebbing. “The booth is enclosed, giving guests the privacy to cut loose, dress up and have fun with the props. With everyone in the pictures receiving a print, you effectively have another wedding favour for your guests.”
COPYRIGHT AND REPRODUCTION
www.aboynephotographics.com
The photographer ultimately owns the copyright to the images taken on the day. This means it’s not within your rights to copy, scan or reproduce a photo without the creator’s permission. In this instance, digital images that you can look at online (to make a selection for your album, say) will usually have the company logo or watermark over the picture to prevent unauthorised printing or distribution online. However, there are now plenty of photographers who are happy to offer you a set of images on disc to do with whatever you like. Ask your photographer if they can do this at the outset if this is important to you. Bear in mind that you’ll always get the best quality of reprint ordering from your photographer – not those insta-print machines in the supermarket!
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Decide what sort of photographs you want, whether a traditional posed shoot or something more relaxed, and then see which photographers in your area do that sort of work. Start with the internet, ask for personal recommendations or visit wedding fairs. Look at the albums on display and see if they come close to the style you want. Liking a photographer’s work is only half of the decision, though: once you have a shortlist of two or three possibilities, meet each one – it’s essential that you have a rapport with them. Do they put you at ease, especially if you hate having your picture taken?
ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS
A pre-wedding shoot is a great way to get to know your photographer – and the results can be sent out as a ‘save the date’ card. Alan Hutchison of Alan Hutchison Photography (alanhutchison.co.uk) says, “These shoots help to make you relaxed about having your picture taken on the big day itself. Not only that, but you end up with some lovely natural photographs of the two of you. We recommend these extra shoots to all our couples.”
FACEBOOK AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Most photographers now have Facebook and Twitter pages where you can keep up to date with their latest work, and social networks are also a great way to see recommendations or get inspiration – Pinterest, for example, is perfect for making up moodboards of ideas and images to show your photographer. Be aware of social media rules too: if you don’t want pictures plastered all over Facebook and Twitter, be sure to notify guests in advance. Similarly, to prevent the sharing of your official wedding snaps, make sure you let only close family and friends view the digital files.
GROUP SHOTS
www.alanhutchison.co.uk
Group shots are a great way of providing a focal point or showpiece photograph for your wedding album. “These shots can be of everyone assembled on the ramparts of your castle, or in a courtyard looking up at the camera, or even just out on a nearby lawn at the venue with a drink in hand,” suggests photographer Scott Louden (scottlouden.com).
Groups are fun because they are a way of getting everyone involved in the day. To do it right, though, it’s crucial to be organised, as time will inevitably be at a premium. “I try to go round the whole group first and chat with them, outlining what I’m asking of everyone,” says Scott. “If they all know what they’ll be doing, it helps make the shoot go smoothly – which is what everybody wants. Ushers can be put to good use here – I send them out to seek out the next people on my list ahead of those currently being photographed. If you organise it this way, there is less interruption to the guests enjoying their day.”
**This is a sample of the A-Z Photography guide from Issue 35 of The Best Scottish Weddings. To create a subscription or order single copies please click here.