Calper Photography

It sounds like such a cliche but I have been lucky enough that all of my weddings have been memorable in their own way all for good reasons. For this reason it was such a hard question to answer which is why I left it until last. I won't dodge the question though and if I had to choose one it would be one this year where the Brides father was not very well at all and in hospital. The family did not know if he would be able to come until the very morning. He was allowed out of the hospital for only a couple of hours-enough to walk his daughter down the aisle in a wheelchair and mix with the guests for a bit. I kept catching him look at his daughter in such a sweet way and you could just see the love in his eyes. I managed to capture an intimate moment between the two and to this day it is still my favourite photograph I have ever taken because of the sentimental value it holds for the bride and her family.

Vibrant, Relaxed, Fun, Creative and Subtle

I would have to say my relationship with my couples and the guests. I am lucky enough to call a lot of my couples friends and have stayed in touch with them after the big day. I try to be as relaxed and laid back on the day and I often gets comments about how well I fit in with everyone.

Book Calper Photography to photograph your day ;) haha. No I would say my number one tip is quite a common one, it is to make sure you get to enjoy everything about the wedding right from the planning stage up until the whole day. It really does go by so fast and unfortunately a lot of couples spend too much time and emotion on getting everything perfect that they forget to enjoy all of their hard work and take in everything on the happiest day of their lives.

I have seen this at two different weddings now in slightly different forms. A custom made feature that has photographs and other personal memories of family and close friends who are no longer with us or unable to attend the day through poor health. It was a lovely subtle touch. It initiated different conversations which brought up these guests and happy memories related to them.

I like to start with a very informal chat and like to give the opportunity to meet in person. I find this really beneficial as it gives as chance for us to get to know each other but also I can see how you are as a couple and it will only make the day more natural and comfortable.

I am available whenever for any questions, panics, advice or information the couple need leading up to the wedding.

Around a week before the big day I like to have a catch up over the phone to go over the final details and make sure everything is set for the day so the couple are not worrying and I am organised.

With regards to the actual day, I like to be as laid back and fun as possible and just try to fit in with the whole day. This enables me to get the best and most natural shots. I am the opposite of the stereotypical pushy photographer who bosses around the couple and the guests. This is your day and I just want to capture it in as true a way as possible.

I love photographing the whole wedding day but there are a few moments which are my favourite and in particular I would one of the photos that has the most emotional meaning is the moment the mother/father of the bride first see their daughter in the dress. The reactions here are just priceless. Other than that the moment with both the bride and groom is the first kiss.

I had a couple recently who had seen a photo on Pinterest- it involved a reflection but in a very arty way. It was most definitely challenging but I love it when couples come to me with ideas of their own. In this case we were able to produce something similar and they loved it.

The first and most important thing I recommend is not to panic or stress if the weather isn't great. The day is far too special for it to be ruined by something as small as rain. From a photography perspective there are so many ways around the wet weather, The main thing is to stay positive and just enjoy the day. I will have to be a little more creative but can totally still get some spectacular portraits as well as the group shots and candid natural shots. In ways it makes my job a little easier as everyone is together so I will get a lot more natural reaction shots. So the number one tip is to embrace it.

My love for photography started with a Polaroid camera my parents bought me for my 10th Birthday. I must have cost them so much money with all of the spare films I needed - i used to love taking photos of anything-especially our pet dog.

Right from being a teenager and up to this day I have been a bit of a gadget geek and wanted the most up to date thing and constantly research new things or methods. This made my hobby of photography a very expensive one and my friends and family were constantly telling me I do it professionally.

So I eventually took the leap and I have never looked back. This really is the best job and i wouldn't want to do anything else. I get to do my hobby every day but to go alongside that I get to be a part of a day that is usually the most special and happy day of a persons life. Moments I capture will hopefully be treasured forever.