Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Bristol and Somerset Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourbristolsomerset.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Oh the drama!
Q. What are your 2023 trend predictions?
A. Em says: "Certainly 2022, was an interesting one for us as wedding photographers. A number of our couples were given the opportunity to celebrate big time, let their hair down and finally have their wedding day after several postponements due to the pandemic. "We've found that many of our couples chose very natural tones with perhaps a hint of green or blue, which gave our images a cool and subtle tonal palette. For 2023, we'll be expecting to see more dramatic imagery with the use of beautiful bold warm colours such as magenta and plum in particular.
"Reportage, or documentary photography, has been growing in popularity over the past few years and we'll see that trend continue as many people are a bit camera shy and the candid style puts way less pressure on them. There's also a trend towards a more analogue feel to photographs, with direct flash lending them a bit of paparazzi glamour and even a bit of, gasp, grain and blur! This really works well in the evening as the party starts to get going and people start to let loose a bit. Next year it's all about the dramatic look."
Em, Em & Woz
emwoz.co
Camera ready
Q. We're both a bit camera shy and are feeling anxious about photos on our wedding day, but also want a lovely album to look back on. Can you offer us some advice?
A. Flynn Guard says: Simply be yourselves. Our job as wedding photographers is to capture your day as it happens, as well as doing our best to look after our couples. I personally like to tell a story when shooting as your day unfolds and simply want you to be you. There is really no need to feel awkward in front of the camera, as with my documentary-style shooting, you'll barely know I'm there most of the time! It's important to get to know your wedding photographer before the big day. An engagement shoot is the best way to do this, as is meeting up or exchanging phone calls. This will all help to put you at ease in front of the camera. On the day itself I may prompt my couples with simple tasks such as, “Hold hands and walk towards me.” All nice natural actions to get the best out of you and your photos. You're not expected to be super models for the day, so the best thing you can do is to relax and enjoy. It's part of our job to make sure this happens (we don't just take photos). Try to soak in as much as possible, then you can enjoy your album for years to come.
Flynn Guard, Flynn Guard Photography
www.flynnguardphotography.co.uk
Snap happy
Q. I've never had professional photos taken before. How can I feel relaxed and happy in front of the camera on my big day?
A. Leah Webber says: I get asked this question a lot – so you're not alone! I spend time getting to know my couples, and use a little trick to help them to relax: talking about how they met. This is when the magic happens, as they start reminiscing about their first date and how they fell in love and soon there are real emotions, cheeky grins and private jokes.
On the day, just be yourself and enjoy the moment with your partner – embrace each other, share a kiss or simply take in the scenery. If you feel awkward, communicate this to your photographer as it's their job to make you feel at ease. I take my couples for a walk and let them wander off without me while I capture them holding hands, giving piggybacks and giggling together. If your relationship is full of love, laughter, dark humour or bad jokes, then I want to see those things – this is the real you.
As a documentary photographer, I'm here to capture you. Not the person you think you should be or the person who feels they need to hide their teeth when they smile or suck their tummy in when I take a photo. I just want to see you. After all, isn't that how you feel in love with each other in the first place?
Leah Webber, Wildflower Photography
wildflowerwildflowerphotogra4.shootproof.com
Caught on camera
Q. What are the key photo opportunities during the day that we should schedule time for?
A. Tracey Horton & Jodie Barron says: One of the best things about booking an experienced photography company is that they will take on these responsibilities for you. Your venue will help you plan your timings and your photographer will get the most out of your day without it feeling like a photoshoot.
As well as key moments such as walking down the aisle, signing the register, throwing confetti, making speeches, family portraits and the first dance, it's all the bits in between that make your day unique. We love to capture the unexpected moments too: the excitement of getting ready, tears of joy and times of laughter. These are the images that weave your story together.
Our favourite time for some bonus pictures around your venue is after the wedding breakfast. The sky and light is different at this time of day, and you can catch a beautiful sunset or use sparklers to dramatic effect. Our packages also include a make-up touch up for the bride, so this is an ideal time to have a refresh before the party too!
Tracey Horton & Jodie Barron, Powder and Pearls Photography
www.powderandpearls.co.uk
Through the lens
Q. My partner and I don't like having our photo taken. How can we relax on the day?
A. Jo Hansford says: We hear this so often – it's pretty much the norm! A big part of our job is to keep things as relaxed and fun as possible, so we can capture authentic moments. Here are our top tips for camera-shy couples:
- Choose a photographer whose style and personality you like. Ring them and have a good chat, or even better, meet for a coffee before booking. How do you feel when you spend time with them? Did you have fun and did they understand you?
- Have an engagement shoot. We definitely recommend this to nervous couples – it's a great way to get to know your photographer, learn about how they work and create some gorgeous non-wedding images.
- Remember to be yourself! We love to see you in the moment, having fun and just being together. There will only be a few times during the day that we will ask you to look at the camera.
- Plan well, but then relax and let go! We love having a detailed plan and shoot list to work from. This means that on the day we can worry about organising groups and managing timings – not you!
- Trust your suppliers. You booked them for a reason, so just relax and enjoy the moment.
Jo Hansford, Jo Hansford Photography
www.johansfordphotography.com
