Welcome Lucy to our Paperless Wedding Photography focus series of blogs. I love the advice Lucy gives us and I hope it helps you plan and think about your big day. To contact Lucy see the end of the post for all her details!
What is your advice when a couple is looking for a photographer? Do make sure you connect with the photographer and actually like them and their personality. There would be nothing worse than having someone you don’t get on with or that is abrupt when taking your photos all day. Ask them lots of questions and make sure they are the right ‘fit’ for you and your wedding. Don’t just pick them because they have nice photos, it’s much better for both the photographer and the client to have a friendly business relationship and be some one you’d get along with in every day life as the better the relationship, the better the photos in my opinion. You want the couple to feel like they can be themselves around you.
Your top tip for styling your day? Do something that is completely you in all aspects. Don’t just go for the vintage/rustic theme because it’s in fashion. If you are a quirky couple, prefer elegance or even simple then be true to yourselves and incorporate this into your styling. There’s nothing worse than trying to be something you’re not and you’ll know because you’ll probably feel uncomfortable with it.
Do you think you should “Trash your Dress”? No, not personally as they cost an awful lot of money!!! I know it’s very unlikely that it will ever be worn again but I would want to either keep it as a momento (Although it would probably just sit in a cupboard) or sell it, that way some of the cost can be recouped and it’s not hanging in a cupboard taking up space. Having said that, I’m all for a bride that wants to trash their dress as it’s a bit of fun and if they want to do it then why not!?
Engagement shoots seem to be very fashionable at the moment. What are the advantages of having one? Couples get to meet and interact with their photograph as well as get a feel for what it will be like on the big day. The photographer can gauge the couple and what they are like together and work out what types of shots work best for the couple. It’s just a great way for both parties to get to know each other a little more as a lot of trust goes into a photographer on a wedding day and the couple end up with some lovely portraits afterwards which they can also display at their wedding if they wish.
What has surprised you the most about wedding photography? How tiring it is!…Really, you’d think taking photos wouldn’t tire you out but wedding days are very long, the equipment is heavy and it requires physical and mental ability. There is a lot of talking, guiding and thinking/being creative as well as generally moving around a lot whilst seeing moments and capturing them through the lens. Don’t get me wrong though, I love my job and the reward of happy couples that recommend you to their friends is amazing and I love my clients. I’m a real people person so like to get to know my clients and make a real effort with each couple and their family and friends. Creating pretty photos as a result is an added bonus!
How you describe your style of photography? I would describe my style as soft and romantic, natural with a hint of photojournalism. There is a slight vintage tone to my images as I aim to emulate film photography when editing and couples can expect me to get into some very awkward positions for creative shots.
What can a couple do for you on the big day? Be happy as they’ve just got married! Also be cooperative when gathering guests for family and group shots etc. Feeding the photographer is always very nice too as it’s a very long day and we need to stay fuelled.
Indoor or outdoor wedding? I’m having mine outside as I’ve always wanted an outdoor wedding near a beach or water and I’m hoping it will be dry and the castle venue just looks beautiful on the terrace. However I would not frown upon an indoor wedding at all, indoors can be just as beautiful if decorated appropriately. Barns are beautiful from the inside and so are many other venues so do what feels right for you.
Themed or none theme? Themed…I love the rustic theme with hessian and lace, tea lights in jam jars, gypsophila, vintage suitcases, bunting, anything shabby chic, vintage or rustic is right up my street. I think it’s best to have a theme for your wedding so that everything is flowing and I’m definitely one for consistency, although I have photographed weddings with lots of different colours and no particular theme which has also worked really well.
Local or Destination? For me, destination. I am personally getting married in Italy as we want to have a small wedding with a beautiful Italian backdrop and hopefully great weather. I do love the English heritage though and I photograph some stunning wedding venues in this country, if I was to get married in England it would be in a barn.
Big or small? I’m personally having a fairly small wedding with about 45 guests but then we’re going to come back and have a bit party with everyone. I think couples should only invite people they actually want there and have seen within the last 5 years otherwise it just gets silly and expensive. You shouldn’t feel obliged to invite people just because they might get upset if they’re not invited…Remember it is YOUR big day and no one elses and it costs a lot of money per person so really think through your guest list before sending out your invites and don’t feel bad for not inviting people.
To find out more contact Lucy here:
www.lucylouphotography.com
email – info@lucylouphotography.com
www.facebook.com/lucylouweddingphotography
Twitter – @lucylouphoto
Mobile – 07543165272
Many thanks Lucy and we can’t wait to see photos of your big day.
x
