PHOTOGRAPHY
ASK THE EXPERT : WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
HELEN ENGLAND ANSWERS ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ON WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU ASK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER ABOUT WET WEATHER PHOTOGRAPHS ? As a wedding photographer , it ’ s so important to be prepared for every eventuality since there are no second chances . It ’ s always a good idea to know if your photographer has worked at your venue before . If they have , they ’ ll be really familiar with the space – inside and out – and will be able to know in an instant how to adapt their plan should they be faced with wet weather . If they don ’ t know the venue , ask them if they ’ ll visit ahead of time to scope it out and get a feel for it – and crucially , to build a backup plan in case the weather misbehaves ! When you know that your photographer is fully prepared for all weathers , you ’ ll be able to relax and fully enjoy your day – safe in the knowledge that whatever happens with the weather , they ’ ve got it covered .
HOW CAN YOU STILL ACHIEVE SPECTACULAR PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE RAIN ? A great photographer won ’ t be in the slightest bit bothered by a bit of rain , and will be able to create a gorgeous set of photographs for you . Us photographers are well versed in checking weather forecasts , and even keeping a close eye on the weather during the day to spot any gaps in the rain . But if it does rain , it won ’ t spook a seasoned photographer ! Creative use of doorways , windows , tree cover and even umbrellas will ensure beautiful , naturally lit photographs – so you ’ ll both look drop dead gorgeous , come rain , wind or shine .
WHAT IF THE INSIDE LIGHTING ISN ’ T VERY GOOD AT A VENUE ? Photographers have an instinctive knack of sniffing out natural light . Standing you by a window or doorway will paint you beautifully in soft light , even if the venue itself isn ’ t lit well . Failing that , we can always create something extra special with some additional lighting . I once had a ceremony at 6pm in winter , so being a lover of natural light , this was definitely pushing me out of my comfort zone ! I used some off camera flash to create a romantic and atmospheric look which was both grand and cosy all at once , and beautiful to capture .
IF IT ’ S RAINING , WHAT ARE SOME ALTERNATIVES TO THE GOLDEN HOUR SHOT ? That golden light image is high up on most couples ’ wishlist ! And it can be disheartening if the weather doesn ’ t play ball . However , over the years I have found that I have taken some really beautiful and creative shots at wet weddings , where the lack of golden hour has forced me to think outside the box ! The couple and I will almost always look back and feel glad for the iffy weather as we ’ d never have got those shots in the sunshine . I recently did an anniversary shoot for a couple who had their heart set on some golden hour photos on their wedding day , which hadn ’ t been possible due to bad weather . They still got some stunning images on their wedding day , but decided to book a session with me on their first anniversary for a golden hour shoot which was such a lovely idea !
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