1 - "IT'S ONLY A DAYS WORK"

I can't even count the number of times people say to me.... "You get paid how much for one day!"

The reality could not be further from the truth, the "taking photographs" element of wedding photography is just a teeny tiny part of the overall process.

Awesome weddings take a huge amount of planning, this responsibility doesn't just lay with the couple. All the suppliers will be working away behind the scenes to ensure your day runs as smoothly as possible. From a photographer perspective this often includes:

Calls / Emails / Face to face meetings / Pre-Wedding photo shoots / Timeline advice / Group photo plan / Must have shot list

On the big day itself most full day packages include between 10 - 12 hours of photography (not including travel) then as we bid the couple farewell you may imagine we go home to put our feet up and relax..... Nope! This is when we ensure everything is backed up safe and sound to multiple hard drives (we're an anxious bunch us photographers and guard your wedding images as if they are our own prize possessions)

After the day itself I pour my heart and soul into choosing which images make the cut and hand editing each one to make sure I do your day justice and tell your love story in all its beauty. The time this takes depends on the wedding itself, the lighting conditions etc but this for me is where the bulk of the work takes place.

I haven't even touched on marketing, admin etc but I'm guessing you've all got the idea by now!

2 - DECENT CAMERA = DECENT PHOTOS

Okay okay so there is a small amount of truth in this one, over the years I have upgraded my cameras/lenses drastically and I can't lie it does help.

Obviously if I was photographing your wedding on an Iphone rather than a professional level mirrorless/dslr camera you would see the difference. However... In the same vein if I handed my camera to a random guest at the wedding who has no photography experience you would probably end up wishing they had an Iphone to hand!! I'm sure you have all heard the phrase "all the gear, no idea"

It's not as simple as buying a decent camera and becoming a wedding photographer, I've invested a lot (and I mean A LOT) of time and money on honing my photography skills, building my experience and really truly understanding my cameras and what it takes to make a photograph, not just take one!

Just as a side note: I do often get asked what equipment I use, so for those of you interested I use Sony Mirrorless camera bodies and lenses.

3 - "WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ALL THE SAME"

Without meaning to sound pretentious photography is art, different photographers can use the exact same camera, lens, angle, lighting etc but we all have a different style/take on how we like our final images to look.

I sent the image below to some photographer friends to edit in order to highlight different editing styles.

This shows how important to find a photographer who's editing style you love!

From left to right: Abi Vincent Photography, Misha Jayne Photography, Charley Haywood Photography, Sophie Fewtrell Photography, By Emma Olivia

4 - GROUP SHOTS WON'T TAKE THAT LONG

A few weeks before the wedding day I ask my couples for a list of group shot list.

Each wedding is different both in style and size, generally around 6-10 group shots seem to be the golden number.

I always try to emphasise to couples that it's important to focus on the images they want, think about the images you want in your album or framed.... when you're imagining that picture wall does an image of you with all your work colleagues or cousins take priority?

MY TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING GROUP PHOTOS SHORT AND SWEET:

• Always assign a helper or two from the wedding party to assist your photographer in gathering people together. Stick to these helpers or before you know it one family member will head off to find another who is missing and then you have half your group gone!
• Try making an announcement 5 minutes before that group shots will be taking place. This will help avoid people skulking off to the bar/toilets.
• Be realistic about children in group photos, a wedding can be hugely overwhelming for children, when the moment comes, they may not want to join in the photographs. Luckily for you I am super experienced in photographing children and know how to encourage them and make the process more fun. If they are really not feeling it, I will never force them but I will make a note of any images missed and do my best to come back to these later in the day when they are more settled.
• Lastly - Have your group shots reflect your day, traditionally group photos were very formal, everyone standing in a line looking at the camera. If that's not your thing and you would rather have a few frames of your pals striking a pose or running through the fields next to your venue then you do you!!

5 - "YOU CAN JUST PHOTOSHOP IT OUT"

Ok so technically this is true in some cases, although it is no way near as easy as people imagine and can be painfully time consuming.

I always aim to get my image correct in camera and enhance it in editing, rather than relying on Photoshop to fix any flaws. Doing so saves me so much time, which means you get your wedding images back much sooner!

And no I will not be photoshopping anyone to look slimmer or smooth your skin to look ten years younger. Thats not me, I want my images to show real moments and the real you. My images are more than just how you look, I want to capture how you feel too!

Things you can do to save your photographer fiddling around in photoshop:

• Empty your pockets - keys/wallets/phones can make your pockets bulge and look very strange
• Keep your prep area clear of clutter
• Don't leave a bobble on your wrist!
• If you're wearing a new suit remember to cut the tacking stitch (the little X stitch on the back)