Your Glos and Wilts Wedding - October/November 2019 (Issue 17)

VIEW FROM AFAR Meet the expert: Whirlybird Imaging is a fully insured Civil Aviation Authority-approved professional organisation specialising in aerial photography and videography. It captures unique photographs at weddings and also offers videos that couples can upload to social media. We are interested in booking some aerial photography for our special day. Can you tell us a little bit more about it and any practical advice that we should be made aware of? John says: Aerial or drone photography can offer a different perspective on your wedding day. Video footage can also be included to help to tell the story and provide a more immersive experience to the viewer, with wide angles showing off the features of the venue and location. Most wedding locations are suitable for flying drones – only those within the confines of towns where special permission may be required are problematic. It’s important to use an operator with a Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) from the Civil Aviation Authority. Without this, it’s unlikely that any flying would be covered by the necessary public liability insurance, which every venue will need. Whirlybird imaging | 07919 353 348 | whirlybirdimaging.co.uk Meet the expert: Daniella Marinos is an experienced wedding photographer based in the Cotswolds. She offers a natural, documentary style of photography designed to capture those special moments between couples and their guests. How do we select the right wedding photographer for us? Daniella says : The part that a photographer plays in your wedding is huge, often being one of coordinator, children’s entertainer and stylist – as well as a photographer. So not being experienced and flexible will result in those precious moments going unseen. Here’s what to consider when choosing the right one: Do you like what you see? The quality of a photographer’s work should be the first thing that grabs your eye. If you’re drawn to the style of one in particular, then make sure that you request to see more of their images. Ideally you want to see a full wedding to give you an idea of consistency. Most couples have a photography style they prefer in mind, whether that’s a relaxed, natural feel or a flamboyant, creative look. You need to decide what you want the images to portray. They should say something about you both as a couple and how you want to remember your special day in years to come. Personality is important You will be with your photographer for most of the day, so if your personalities clash, you will not get the best out of the images because you won’t feel relaxed – and neither will your photographer. As the happy couple, you put all your trust and faith in your wedding photographer to allow them to get the best pictures and document the most important day of your life, so it’s very important that you all feel comfortable and relaxed in one another’s company. They usually organise the shots, whether they are natural, formal or orchestrated group pictures, and remember, in most cases, they don’t know your family and friends, so it’s a challenge if they don’t have the ability to create a rapport with your guests. They will need to blend in and capture the day as it naturally unfolds, so meeting your photographer in person wherever possible (or over FaceTime) is a must. Consider your budget Money is, and always will be, a deciding factor for many couples, but it should not be the basis for your final decision. Usually, the best photographers charge a higher price. This is typically based on experience but doesn’t always offer flexibility. Paying more doesn’t necessarily get you what you want, but choosing the cheapest photographer might result in a quick turnaround with less focus on the day’s events. Ask the photographer to explain what you get for your money and whether there are any hidden extras. Usually they will have a selection of packages to suit all and would be flexible with pricing and what’s included within each package. They are providing a service, and each couple will have different expectations and requirements, so make sure that your chosen photographer can tailor a package to suit your needs. Daniella Marinos Photography daniellamarinosphotography.com daniellamarinosphotography CAUGHT ON CAMERA EXPERT ADVICE 59