The reception.
The reception is the best time to shoot lots (and lots and lots) of candid images of you and your guests. I prefer natural shots with people looking animated and having lots of fun, but I’ll also photograph all the carefully curated details of the day so that it builds into a nice, complete story. Objects – and not just the expected ones – can also tell very powerful stories.
When it comes to the speeches, venues often have an area they recommend for putting top table. But consider the space, and let’s try not to have speech-makers stood in front of fire extinguishers etc. It doesn’t make for great pictures. If it’s dark, I’ll either use a flash, or set up a light stand near where the speeches are taking place. Your venue might have spot lighting, which works like a dream.
Nobody wants to be photographed while they’re eating, so when the food comes out, that’s my cue to take a breather and have something to eat myself.
Speaking of which, weddings are long and physically demanding. It’d be great if you could set some food aside for me. If you could ask the venue to feed me at the same time as they do you, that way I’ll be done and ready to capture everything that happens afterwards.
