TOPIC Our experts solve your problems WEDDING WORRIES WHATEVER THE WEATHER How can we capture amazing outdoor pictures at our December wedding if the weather turns bad? There’s no such thing as bad weather when it comes to wedding photos. It’s just a matter of turning the bad into good. For example, on a windy day, make use of the wind; it’s a great chance to get lovely shots of the bride’s veil floating instead of getting someone to throw it up in the air. Rain can be a couple’s worst nightmare, but rain also means puddles that can be used to create reflection photos. The use of umbrellas with a flash behind the couple also looks great in photos. I’ve yet to do a wedding where it snowed, but that would make for amazing photos, provided the couple is dressed for it with the bride in a lovely fur wrap. If it doesn’t snow but is cold enough, then the beautiful, crisp frost will make everything pop and look gorgeous. Don’t worry too much about the weather; it’s simply a chance to get different photos. Allen Blasdell www.creativepixelphotos.com www.creativepixelphotos.com HOT A MOMENT IN TIME What questions should we ask a photographer before booking them for our wedding? Firstly, I would advise checking that they are insured with public liability insurance. This is a legal requirement and helps protect all parties involved. No photographer should be photographing a wedding without insurance. Many venues will ask for a photographer’s documents a month or so before your wedding, and if your supplier does not have the correct legal requirements, they will not be allowed on-site to photograph your wedding, leaving you with the headache of finding a new photographer with only weeks to go! Secondly, do they own all of their equipment, including at least two cameras? Why two cameras? We need a backup camera in case something goes wrong. I actually take three cameras to every wedding. I work with two all day, and the third is my backup. In addition to the cameras, your photographer should have a selection of backup lenses, flash guns, battery packs, and memory cards ready just in case they’re needed. Neil Baxter www.neilbaxterphotography.com www.neilbaxterphotography.com FESTIVE CHEER We’re having a Christmas-themed wedding and want to incorporate the season into our photographs. Do you have any ideas of how we can create wintry images? The daylight can be really special in the winter. Take advantage of the beautiful low sunshine at this time of year and incorporate sculptural foliage and warm hues. Even without the sunshine, you can get some great moody, atmospheric shots, so make use of the daylight hours. I love twinkly lights; the more, the better! The ambient light from candles, lamps, and fires makes for the most beautiful backdrops and really brings your photos to life. With a little creative lighting from your photographer, you can create some truly magical images. One of my favourite winter weddings had it all: sparklers, ice sculptures, a fire breather, and beautiful chandeliers. But when it comes down to it, nothing says Christmas more than twinkly lights, garlands, and, of course, a crackling open fire. Liz Bishop www.lizbishopphotography.co.uk www.lizbishopphotography.co.uk 53 EXPERT ADVICE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=