A brilliant guest blog by Essex wedding photographer Ross Willsher Photography
Are you drowning in wedding overwhelm? In a spin from social media inspiration? Overloaded with wedding terminology? Fear not! Help is at hand. In this article we’re going to look at some wedding photography jargon and break down what photographers actually mean when they use certain words and phrases.
So, take a deep breath, get comfy and for the next 10 minutes, take some time to untangle that busy mind.
Whilst us professionals enjoy the wonderful world of weddings day in, day out, it is probably your first time planning such a milestone event and for that reason please remember one thing – it’s OK to not know everything, or indeed anything!
As a wedding photographer, I always tell my couples that no question is too silly or stupid and to always feel comfortable seeking clarity or double checking a piece of information. So here is my first tip – book suppliers who make you feel comfortable asking questions and sharing your insecurities and concerns.
Right. On to wedding photography jargon.
NATURAL VS. REPORTAGE PHOTOGRAPHY
So many people compliment me on how natural my images look. It’s lovely thing to receive praise for and I always seek to capture genuine smiles and dynamics in my couples. However, natural looking images do not mean that the photographer has not taken time to set up the photograph in one or more ways; whether that’s lighting, posing, directing etc.
Pure reportage photography (also referred to as documentary or photojournalism) involves no intervention from the photographer whatsoever. This approach simply documents events as they naturally occur. I do a lot of this photography throughout the day, but I do direct and curate certain shots when necessary; group photos and couple portraits in particular.
Many couples who do not like being photographed, tend to lean towards reportage photography for their day which is understandable as they feel awkward ‘performing’ in front of a camera. My only advice to you if you do not love how you look on camera, is to remember that with reportage photography, there will be no input to flatter curvier figures, hide double chins and emphasise your best bits. So, if you gurn when you laugh, or your posture is poor when you stand and chat with guests, this is what will be seen is all your photos. It is possible (and advisable) to incorporate some shots where the photographer can help you look your absolute best and direct you a little, in addition all those candid captures.
TYPES OF LIGHT
When we talk about ambient light, we are referring to any light in the shot that has not been added by the photographer or their team. Along with sunlight, ambient light can include light that comes from lightbulbs, streetlamps, and other artificial light sources.
If a photographer advertises themselves as a ‘natural light’ photographer, it means they do not use additional lighting in their work. There are some incredible natural light photographers but if your venue is quite dark or has tricky lighting, do check how they plan to work with this to ensure high quality images under these conditions.
There are many additional pieces of equipment photographers use to add light, but the most common one is known as a speedlite or flash. We often talk about whether the flash is on camera or off camera, and there will be many reasons a photographer will use their flash on their camera or on a stand away from their camera. Using a flash is a fantastic way of getting creative, and if you love those atmospheric night shots of couples, the chances are one or more flashes were used off camera to create these.
EDITING, FILTERS AND ‘PHOTOSHOPPING’
All professional photographers edit their images following a shoot. How much editing is done varies greatly from one photographer to the next. Always check what’s included in editing – sometimes it’s simply colour correction and enhancing what’s been shot, other times it’s removing blemishes and objects in the background.
Whilst not every photographer uses Photoshop to edit their images, the term ‘photoshopping’ has become synonymous with heavy editing and manipulating. You will how your own opinions on how much you want to be photoshopped in your wedding images.
You have probably used a filter on your phone and / or when uploading to social media. It’s a way of creating a certain look or feel with the click of a button. Many photographers use filters to give their images a consistent and distinctive look. Like many things in the wedding industry, some filters become particularly fashionable for a period before losing their appeal. Do think hard about hiring a photographer who utilises very distinctive filters as you want to make sure you still like the look of the images in a few years’ time when that style is less in vogue.
I hope that helps you understand some of the terms bounced around by us photographers, but before I go, here are some wedding photographer clichés that you may hear over and over and what they actually allude to.
‘TELLING THE STORY OF YOUR DAY’ – all wedding photographers worth their salt should be telling the story of your day (i.e. capturing all of the moments and details that matter), but many still market themselves as if this cliché puts them head and shoulders above everyone else. Focus instead on finding photographers that get to know you as individuals and create photos that resonate with you.
‘CREATIVE’ – you will also see lots of wedding photographers needlessly describing themselves as creative, when their portfolio will do the talking with regards to showcasing their creativity levels. If you think someone’s work is dull or boring, you’re not going to change your mind just because they’ve described themselves as ‘creative’ are you? You don’t need to be an expert in photography and / or art to identify what you do and do not like and whose portfolio impresses you. Trust your judgement.
‘DOG / CAT / COFFEE LOVER’ – This caused a little controversy when I posted about this on my social media, but if a wedding photographer’s social media bio or ‘About Me’ page is simply them describing how they are a coffee-lover or pet-owner, they perhaps aren’t looking to connect or get to know you on a deeper level. If that’s absolutely fine by you, and your main requisite is having a favourite animal or drink in common – fantastic. If you need a little more insight, look for wedding photographers whose bio says more about how they can help you feel good.
So there you have it! I hope you feel a little more clued up and ready to find your dream wedding photographer. There are lots of fab photographers out there so take your time and trust that the perfect fit is sat waiting for your email to pop into their inbox.
Happy wedding planning.
Back in December I was lucky to be given a preview copy of Celebrated, by a wedding photographer I’ve been following on instagram for a couple of years. Ross Willsher is a thoughtful, empathetic and talented author and wedding photographer based in Essex. He’s also a bloody lovely human being and a brilliant writer.
Celebrated is the wedding book I wish every couple could read. It’s not a checklist, it doesn’t give overwhelming lists of things to do and buy. It’s the opposite.
Beautifully written and filled with empathy, Celebrated was an absolute joy to read – more than just a book, it’s a heartfelt welcome into wedding planning for every reader which gives warmth and reassurance and inspires a gentle strength and confidence to create a glorious celebration that will be wonderful, proud and authentic – just like you.
I have been wondering if Ross will love what I’m about to write next, or be horrified… but as I read Celebrated for the first time, I turned over the corners of my favourite pages. (Sorry Ross! Your beautiful book has little folded bits… but it’s done with love!) By the time I got to the end, there were quite a lot of little corner folds – a sign of how much I loved it!
And Celebrated is a book you will go back to again and again, not just during your wedding planning but for life.
The first page that really stopped me in my tracks was “Shine” – an insightful piece of writing about self-judgement and seeing yourself through the eyes of the people who love you.
“Validity” had me fist pumping the air.
“Choice” brings perspective to wedding planning in a way no other book, website or wedding media ever will. Yet, they all should.
“They looked so happy” made me cry real tears.
Other standout chapters include Celebrated, Bring all of You (more tears), It’s OK, and Cheers. But really, this is an unforgettable piece of writing which strikes right to the heart – and I will carry it with me always.
You can buy your copy of Celebrated on Amazon – it’s a wonderful companion to anyone planning a wedding and a fabulous gift for anyone with a wedding in their future.
Real brides’ bouquets from our archives to inspire your day! There’s loads more wedding flower ideas on our Pinterest…
The loveliest spring wedding flowers
Peonies flower from late April / early May into June in the UK. The fact that our peony season is so short makes these blooms all the more special!
Paul Santos Photography / Elegante by Michelle J / floral styling by Flowers by Miri / more from Bianca & Jordan’s Windsor wedding here
Buying wedding flowers in season is really important. Many flowers are imported (supermarkets are a major culprit here) and carry a huge carbon footprint. We love to hear about couples choosing flowers which are home grown, pesticide and peat-free and all the more beautiful for it!
Peonies are a big favourite, but if your wedding isn’t in May or June, ask your florist’s advice on other big statement blooms. You might fall in love with a café au last dahlia or a statement rose instead!
Foliage is absolutely key to bringing a natural look to your wedding bouquet. These eucalytus leaves set off the pale ivory and peach blooms beautifully for an early spring bouquet.
Ross Willsher Photography / flowers by Evelyn Rose Floristry
Late spring / early summer wedding flowers
Foxgloves and calla lilies flower in late spring and early summer time. In this gorgeous coral and peach bouquet they’re teamed with fragrant eucalyptus sprigs and roses.
Constance Doyle Photography flowers by Stems & Gems / styling by Jessica Ghansah Weddings
The best way to get amazing wedding flowers is to find a florist whose style and approach you love. Check them out on social media – read what they say, how approachable and experienced they sound, and browse their bouquets and arrangements by season.
Then ask all your questions! Book an appointment, chat through your ideas and listen, listen, listen to their advice.
Stunning blooms for summer wedding bouquets
Delphiniums are in flower in June and July. These pale blues and peach tones are glorious for a pastel toned summer wedding. Every English country garden wedding will have a delphinium or two!
Ampersand Memories Photography Bouquet by Fabulous Functions
Whatever your wedding colour palette, there’ll be flowers to match in every season. Rich reds and orange tones are often associated with autumn, but they can add a stunning colour pop in spring time (anemones). White and green bouquets can look wintry with a hint of gold, or fresh and summery with a dash of pastel pink or peach. This delicate bouquet in shades of purple has lovely early summer vibes, but with different blooms (hellebores, ranunculus and roses) could be just as effective for a winter wedding.
Neli Prahova Photography / Styling by The Country Blush / Flowers by Bailey and Blossom
In the height of summer, the world is your oyster for wedding blooms! This white wedding bouquet pairs astilbe with sweet pea, ranunculus, foxglove stems and lilac for a delicate and feminine look.
Jennifer Jane Photography flowers by Corky & Prince
Bold summer wedding bouquets
Lilies flower from mid summer depending on the variety. They can be intensely fragrant – a little goes a very long way! Having a spray of lilies as a statement flower looks stunning. Here the buds are used to keep the bouquet looking modern, alongside gypsophila (baby’s breath) and eucalyptus sprigs.
Jonathan Borba via Unsplash
Two of my favourite summer bouquet styles are country garden and wildflower meadow.
Country (or cottage) garden wedding flowers tend to include more formal blooms like roses, delphiniums, cosmos and hydrangeas.
Wildflower bouquets include more vibrant colours and tendrils of foliage, with flowers including poppies and cornflowers, daisies and foxgloves.
There’s something wonderful about trusting your florist to gather a colourful mix of summer blooms. Sunflowers and daisies, cornflowers and verbena all have a little role in this stunner of a late summer bouquet.
Cosmos and cow parsley featured in so many stunning wedding bouquets last summer. We adore the combination of country garden and hedgerow vibes!
Dahlias for late summer bouquets
Dahlias appear in late summer and autumn and have been super popular for weddings in recent years. There are loads of varieties in all kinds of colours – they’re fabulous here teamed with autumn leaves for a stunning bridal bouquet.
Wedding bouquet ideas for autumn
Dried flowers are available all year round, and you can mix them with fresh blooms or use them as standalone statement flowers for your bouquet. This vibrant colour palette is perfect for a late summer wedding.
As the evenings turn golden, autumn flowers in shades of coral, copper, and rust are at their best. This incredible bouquet has poppies and roses with plenty of foliage to catch the sunlight.
Andy Sidders Photography / flowers by Boho Flowers
The structure of your bouquet is just as important as the flowers themselves. A loose bouquet can make a real statement. A chic, tidy bouquet might be more in keeping with a city wedding venue – and will be lighter to hold!
Winter wedding flower inspiration
Dark pinks are a lovely alternative for flowers in the cooler months of the year. We love this bouquet which teams textures of eucalyptus and willow, delicate fern fronds and carnations.
White and green is a classic winter wedding colour palette. You may have to import some of your blooms, and this of course has an effect on price and the carbon footprint of your wedding.
Opt for plenty of foliage and a handful of statement blooms – and always get the advice of a friendly wedding florist!
It’s very easy to be swept away by all the wonderful pictures of wedding flowers online – but the more blooms you have, the higher the cost will be. And those weddings and floral arrangements you see online might cost thousands. So think of what you can reasonably afford for your flowers, and consider your colour palette first of all.
Anything else: table arrangements, bridesmaid bouquets, buttonholes and other floral arrangements around your venue will depend on your budget.
Our top tip – choose sustainable flowers (and never with floral foam) – and opt for a little of what you love, rather than huge quantities.
More wedding bouquet inspiration and advice
Where to start with styling your wedding flowers – 9 amazing ideas to suit your outfits and venue
4 reasons to choose artificial flowers instead of fresh for your wedding decorations
How Using Locally Grown Flowers Can Help Reduce The Environmental Footprint Of Your Wedding Day
So many of the words in this blog struck home for me. The concept of feeling safe with your wedding photographer; of being self-aware and comfortable in your skin – it’s just not something the mainstream wedding media really talk about.
But it’s mega important. There’s a sense that people change when they’re planning a wedding – that life’s all about excitement and trends and suddenly, Pinterest is everything. That really doesn’t have to be true! Today’s blog is all about being YOU – and our wonderful friend Ross Willsher Photography is with some tips to help you navigate the wedding world, just as you are.
It is so amazing to see how much choice there now is for couples when planning their wedding day. It has become so much easier to find a venue and suppliers that fit your vision and align with your values.
However, whilst the move away from a ‘traditional’ wedding is a welcome one, you can be forgiven for believing that alternative weddings are exclusively for extroverted and confident couples who know exactly what they want, are unashamedly themselves and 100% comfortable in their skin.
A whole sector of the wedding industry is now catering to these ‘boss brides’ (and grooms) who stick a literal and metaphorical two fingers up to tradition, and who are never afraid to let their voice be heard.
However, you might be one of the couples who fall somewhere between these two extremes. You might feel that not all wedding traditions are right for you, but you are not naturally rebellious or extroverted in nature.
If you’re not sure where you ‘fit’ with regards to the wedding industry and are worried about being the centre of attention on your day, here are some tips to help you get on track with planning a day filled with magic and meaning, but without the glare of the spotlight.
It’s OK to not fit in (so don’t even try)
Fitting in is so overrated. There might not be a blog or resource that speaks exclusively to you and that’s brilliant because it means you’re wonderfully unique. You don’t have to change anything about who you are in order to fit someone’s else’s idea of how nearlyweds should be.
When choosing suppliers, look for those who don’t make you feel pressured to be something you are not. It’s OK not to be rebellious, outrageous, sassy or fashion-forward. Be self-aware enough to recognise when you don’t really relate with any of the couples and weddings showcased on a supplier’s website and social media, however cool and aspirational they may look.
Buy ‘Celebrated’ by Ross Willsher on Amazon – it’s beautifully written and filled with empathy, empowering and inclusive: highly recommended by English Wedding!
Use traditions to your advantage
Take each tradition one at a time and decide whether it fits with your values and personality. If it does, embrace and incorporate it, if not you can either discard it or tweak it to your advantage.
For example, introverted couples who shun attention might choose to cut the cake in private with just their photographer present or design a seating plan without having a top table. First dances can take place with other guests on the dance floor so all eyes aren’t on you, and if the thought of everyone turning and staring as you enter the ceremony makes you anxious, you can enter before your guests.
Prioritise your feelings
How you feel on your day is the most important aspect of your wedding. Feeling loved and full of joy is of course what every couple wants, but you may also have a need for comfort and peace of mind. Nothing about your day should cause you dread or anxiety.
Wear what makes you feel more confident, cap guests numbers if too many eyes on you feels unsettling, and plan times in the day for you to step away and have some quiet moments alone to centre yourselves and take it all in.
Choose a photographer who listens
There are so many incredible photographers out there, which means you do not need to compromise between incredible imagery and supportive personality. Talk to several photographers whose work you love, and really take note of how they make you feel. Do you feel like they are allowing you to simply be yourself? Do you feel safe opening up about your anxieties and concerns? Do they ask questions to get to know you rather than continually talk about themselves?
Not many suppliers will spend so much of your wedding with you, but you will be in constant contact with your photographer. Make sure they enhance your experience and feelings of comfort.
Put distractions in place
Remember that you are not there to perform for your guests. In fact, your guests are there to support and celebrate you. Never feel pressure to do things just because you feel you have to please those in attendance.
If you want to divert attention away from you, hire entertainers and suppliers who can entertain everyone and shift the focus away from you. Book comedians, singers, and bands who love performing for a crowd (but let them know you don’t want to be involved in any audience participation).
Finally, remember that there is something truly beautiful about the quieter moments of a wedding day. The periods of reflection, intimacy and contemplation are just as memorable and wonderful as the cheering toasts, chucking of confetti and demonstrations of crazy dance moves.
Have a wonderful wedding.
I’m proud to say Ross Willsher Photography is a member of English Wedding.
I recommend reading Ross’s blog for heartfelt wedding advice
Web: https://rosswillsherphotography.co.uk
There’s something wonderfully free-spirited about the coast, and I’ve always been a sucker for a coastal inspired wedding or photoshoot. This is my new favourite. A lovely collaboration between one of my favourite wedding photographers Ross Willsher, and Emma at Pretty Faces Makeup.
We feel it’s important to say that weddings are for everyone, and the media should reflect far, far more diversity in its representation of weddings!
Here’s a small step – I would love for it to be the first of many – with Karen as our beautiful bride and a super team of Essex / Suffolk wedding creatives!
“Emma Quinn (Pretty Faces Makeup) and I (Ross Willsher Photography) wanted to capture the beauty of the North Essex and Suffolk coast and produce a shoot that incorporated lots of rugged textures and natural tones – a world away from some of the stereotypical East Anglian wedding looks.
We are also passionate about celebrating brides of all ages and deliberately worked with a more mature model to showcase how beauty and love is ageless.
Debbie did a wonderful job with the hair; giving it structure and texture but also allowing it a lot of movement; the windy conditions actually worked in our favour for this.
Mel’s flowers complimented the natural tones of the beach and the ribbon floating in the wind created a beautiful feeling of movement and energy.”
Photographer – https://rosswillsherphotography.co.uk
Make up – http://prettyfacesmakeup.co.uk
Flowers – https://www.evelynrosefloristry.com
Hair by – https://www.debbieroastweddinghair.co.uk
Jewellery – https://www.etsy.com/shop/sageandseasalt
Buy ‘Celebrated’ by Ross Willsher on Amazon – it’s beautifully written and filled with empathy, empowering and inclusive: highly recommended by English Wedding!
