Your wedding day is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of your love with your family and friends. Imagine looking back on your photos and feeling every moment as vividly as the day it happened. At Matt Green Photography, I believe the 6 secrets to capturing the essence of your wedding lies in capturing the essence of your relationship for fun and adventurous couples at their unique venues. Here’s how we can work together to create images that truly reflect your love and personality.
Embrace the Candid Moments
When I first started photographing weddings, I was given the freedom to do whatever I wanted and to have fun. Before that, I had been directing most of my shoots as a portrait photographer, using studio lighting and working exclusively in a controlled studio environment. My goal was to document the day as it naturally unfolded.
When I compiled my portfolio and clients saw my approach to candid photography, I became highly sought after. At that time, most photographers were directing and posing their subjects. I realized that the most cherished photos are often the ones that happen naturally. From a shared laugh during the vows to a quiet moment before the ceremony, I focus on capturing the spontaneous, genuine moments that tell the true story of your day.
How to Let Go and Be Present in the Moment
Feeling relaxed and present is key to capturing those beautiful, natural moments. Here are a few tips to help you let go and enjoy your special day:
Trust Your Photographer: Remember that I’m here to capture your true essence. Trust in my experience and ability to guide you through the process.
Focus on Each Other: Instead of worrying about the camera, concentrate on your partner. Share a private joke, hold hands, or whisper sweet nothings. These genuine interactions will shine through in your photos.
Take Deep Breaths: If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths to centre yourself. This can help calm any nerves and keep you grounded in the moment.
Enjoy the Moment: This is your day. Enjoy every second of it. Whether you’re laughing, crying, or simply soaking in the love around you, these emotions will create beautiful, heartfelt images.
How to Find the Perfect Setting for Your Wedding Photos
Every couple has a unique story, and the location of your photos should reflect that. Here’s how you can find the perfect setting and make it truly special:
Reflect on your journey together and consider places that have significance to your relationship. Maybe it’s the quaint coffee shop where you had your first date, or the breathtaking cliffside where you proposed. These locations are not just backdrops; they are part of your story.
Think about your style as a couple. Are you drawn to the tranquility of nature, or do you thrive in the hustle and bustle of the city? Perhaps a serene lakeside at sunset or the vibrant energy of an urban street art scene perfectly encapsulates your vibe.
Remember to consider the season and how it complements your chosen setting. A lush garden in full bloom during spring, the golden hues of a forest in autumn, or a magical snow-covered landscape in winter can each add a unique touch to your photos.
As you explore potential locations, take a day to drive around and discover hidden gems. Bring a camera and capture test shots to see how the light and angles work. These scouting trips can be an adventure in themselves, creating fun memories even before the wedding day.
Don’t forget to check for any necessary permissions or permits, especially for public or historic sites. It’s better to plan ahead and ensure everything goes smoothly on the day of your shoot.
Incorporating Personal Touches into Your Wedding Photos
Personal touches can make your wedding photos more meaningful and unique. Let’s dive into some creative ideas to inspire you:
Imagine incorporating a cherished family heirloom into your photos. Picture the delicate lace of your grandmother’s veil gently draped over your bouquet, or a vintage pocket watch belonging to your grandfather peeking out from your partner’s suit pocket. These heirlooms carry stories of their own, adding depth and nostalgia to your images.
Visualize a quiet moment where you and your partner exchange handwritten letters on the morning of your wedding. The emotions captured as you read each other’s words will be raw and genuine, creating a powerful narrative of love and anticipation.
Consider celebrating quirky family traditions or cultural elements that are unique to you. Perhaps you have a family tartan that can be subtly incorporated into your attire, or a traditional dance that brings everyone together in joyous celebration. These elements not only honour your heritage but also create dynamic and vibrant photos.
Personalized details can also add a unique flair. Imagine a rustic wooden sign with your names and wedding date, handmade by a close friend, or a series of Polaroid snapshots documenting your journey together, displayed as part of your reception decor. These thoughtful touches tell your story in a way that’s distinctly yours.
Think about your favourite activities and how they can be woven into your photos. If you both love hiking, imagine photos taken on a scenic trail with your hiking boots on, surrounded by nature. If cooking is your passion, a playful shot of you both in the kitchen, covered in flour and laughter, can be delightful and intimate.
Pets are family too, and including them in your wedding photos can add a fun and personal touch. Imagine your dog, adorned with a floral collar, joyfully joining in the celebration, or your cat curiously inspecting the bouquet. These moments are bound to bring smiles and warmth to your photos.
Feeling Comfortable and Confident
One of the most crucial aspects of capturing beautiful wedding photos is ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Here’s how I help you enjoy the experience and be yourself:
From our very first meeting, my goal is to build a rapport with you. I want to understand your story, your dynamics as a couple, and what makes you both unique. This understanding helps me tailor my approach to fit your personalities and preferences.
Before the big day, I offer an engagement photoshoot. This not only gives you beautiful photos to cherish but also helps you get used to being in front of the camera. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to practice and get comfortable with the process. During this session, I’ll offer gentle guidance on posing and interacting naturally, so you know what to expect on your wedding day.
On the wedding day itself, I blend into the background as much as possible, capturing moments as they unfold. My style is unobtrusive, allowing you to focus on each other and your guests rather than the camera. I’ll give you prompts rather than poses, encouraging natural interactions and genuine expressions.
Throughout the day, I’ll check in with you, ensuring you feel relaxed and confident. If you’re feeling nervous, I’ll remind you to take a deep breath, focus on your partner, and enjoy the moment. Your comfort and happiness are my top priorities.
I also provide a comfortable and supportive environment during formal portraits. We’ll take breaks as needed, share some laughs, and I’ll offer tips to help you look and feel your best. Whether it’s adjusting your posture, finding your best angles, or simply reminding you to smile, I’m here to make sure you feel fantastic.
Finally, I make sure to capture candid moments when you’re not even aware of the camera. These are often the most treasured photos, as they reflect the true emotions and spontaneity of your special day.
The Magic of Light
Lighting is a key element in photography that can dramatically influence the look and feel of your wedding photos. Here’s how I use light to create stunning images:
Seeing the Light
– My approach to lighting begins with an acute awareness of how light interacts with the environment. I pay attention to the direction, quality, and colour of light, whether it’s natural sunlight streaming through a window or the soft glow of candles at your reception.
– During our initial consultation and location scouting, I observe how the light changes throughout the day at your chosen venue. This helps me plan the best times and spots for capturing beautiful, naturally lit photos.
Using Natural Light
– Natural light is my favourite tool because it adds a soft, flattering, and genuine quality to photos. For instance, during the golden hour (the hour just after sunrise or before sunset), the light is warm and diffused, creating a romantic and ethereal atmosphere.
– I also look for opportunities to use backlighting, where the sun is behind you, creating a beautiful halo effect and adding depth to the image. Reflective surfaces, like water or glass, can be used to bounce light and illuminate your faces evenly.
Creating Light When Needed
– While natural light is ideal, there are times when additional lighting is necessary. For indoor or evening events, I use professional lighting equipment to enhance the existing light without overwhelming it.
– Softboxes and diffusers help create a gentle, even light that mimics natural light, ensuring that your photos look beautiful and consistent regardless of the time of day or lighting conditions.
– I also use creative lighting techniques like off-camera flash to add drama and highlight specific moments, such as your first dance or a romantic portrait under the stars.
Adapting to Changing Conditions
– Wedding days can be unpredictable, and lighting conditions can change rapidly. I’m always prepared to adapt, whether it’s a sudden shift from a sunny ceremony to a candlelit reception or an unexpected overcast day.
– My experience and equipment allow me to seamlessly adjust to different lighting scenarios, ensuring that your photos are stunning no matter what.
Your wedding photos should be a true reflection of your love story, capturing the essence of who you are as a couple. At Matt Green Photography, my passion is to create images that are not just beautiful but also meaningful and genuine. Ready to create memories that will last a lifetime? Contact me today to start planning your perfect wedding photoshoot.
