What is your most memorable wedding?
For the stunning backdrop and glorious Scottish weather was Rory & Freya at Duntrune Castle, located on the north side of Loch Crinan and across from the village of Crinan in Argyll, Scotland. The couple wanted a relaxed day using only reportage photography covering their picnic breakfast, the bride arriving by tractor to the loch side ceremony on hay bales. An overall wonderful day for guests and the couple that produced some stunning photographs made more unique as the castle is a family home.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Lifestyle, documentary, contemporary, modern, relaxed
What about your business are you most proud of?
Happy Clients of course! I treat every wedding with the care and the trust that it deserves and this is reflected in customer feedback where couples aren't just happy with the images but often comment on my relaxed style and how much they were happy they chose me.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
No two photographers are alike with style, character and personality shining through their work. When booking a photographer couples should follow their instinct and if they "click" then the resulting images will reflect this.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
One bride produced her own centre pieces using old books and turning then into hearts. She also made the bouquets out of book pages and the button holes too. A truly unique touch.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I reply to every enquiry, usually the same day unless it’s a weekend in the summer when I will more than likely be out photographing a wedding. If after viewing my website and social media pages you like my approach and you’re interested in booking me for your wedding then get in touch to check my availability for your date and to receive full pricing information via email. You can tell me as much or as little about your day as you wish! If you’re having a tiny wedding on a weekday or you’re heading off abroad to get married then I can provide a bespoke package. I believe it's important to meet and offer a free no obligation consultation that usually takes place at your home or vie Skype / Facetime if you're based abroad. I also attend lots of wedding shows each year giving couples an opportunity to view the USB print box and albums as well as meet me and if looking for a Video Combo package meet Simon the Videographer too. There is no pressure to book however dates are booked generally 2 years in advance therefore I do recommend you secure your date as quickly as possible. To secure your date I will require you to complete a contract where you will select a digital or album package and provide your wedding and personal details. The fee to secure your date is £200 with the balance being due 30 days before your wedding date, the contract provides you with my Terms and Conditions as well providing you with the peace of mind that your wedding day photography is in safe hands. Before your wedding day I will visit for your final consultation where we discuss the finer details of your wedding including bridal party names and any specific images you want me to capture. If I am unfamiliar with the venue then I will recky it prior to your wedding to familiarise myself with relevant photo opportunities and ensure I know where the ceremony, reception and bridal suite are as well as meet the wedding planner if appropriate. On your day I will arrive at the allocated time to document your day in an unobtrusive way ensuring I capture every moment. I use a calming approach when taking your pictures combining a creative touch with my technical skills, telling your story in the most compelling way possible. Working with couples to provide a balance of candid and formal photographs using a Nikon DSLR camera and equipment all the way... Your images are processed on the professionals only choice - Apple iMac and will be available to view on your gallery and your USB box and fine art print box sent to you within 8 weeks. If I have time I often provide couples with a sneaky peak of images as well in between as I know 8 weeks seem a long time for couples that are keen to see their images. There is no limit to the number of images I take on the day and often have to roll about on the floor or jump onto walls to get the shoot I am looking for so be prepared for some ninja style photography!! With so many images being taken the selection and editing process does take time so I ask couples to be patient but I usually deliver them within 4 weeks unless I am particularly busy. After receiving the USB box I will be in touch to arrange your album viewing session if you have selected an album package, taking place in the studio in Laurieston. Images are selected online for the Folio Plus and Video Combo packages, your album is then designed and emailed to you for approval and finally, printed and delivered. I really appreciate feedback from couples so the final part of your journey with Casey Stewart Photography will hopefully be providing a favourable review and maybe event a recommendation to friends/family. A lot of my work is through recommendation and can happily say I have documented five weddings out of one set of friends. This must be some sort of record!!
What is the No. 1 photo that you think every couple should take?
Each wedding provides an opportunity to produce a unique / original image and sometimes couples have ideas but I also ask couples to stay open minded to my ideas as they are often the most interesting images documented on the day. Stunning and different images taken in fields or on beaches, on city streets, with graffiti or phone boxes or finding that abandoned building or ruined castle in the grounds of your wedding venue or maybe visiting a local landmark. Each couples is different but I find the original images from your wedding can't be repeated by anyone else and often they turn into good adventures as well.
What is the most original photo you’ve been asked to take at a wedding?
I enjoy urban photography as well Scottish landscapes as ultimately they village, town or city can provide a fantastic memorable and interesting backdrop. One of my favourites has to be in the middle of Princess Street, Edinburgh on a busy day trying to cross roads and capture the vibe of the city. Another couple had an ice cream van at their wedding which produced some original photos unique to their wedding day.
What do you recommend for a rainy day wedding?
Embrace it if it's not too heavy! I always bring my umbrellas with me and have produced some stunning images on rainy days so don't stress leave documenting your day to me and I will ensure I provide you with images to be proud of.
Describe how you got into photography.
I have always had a passion for photography although when I trained originally I used film and spent many hours in the dark room developing my images. When I started many years ago I worked as a portrait photographer in Stirling moving into weddings in 2012 and my passion for Scotland, with all its beauty being reflected in my photography and the stunning scenery inspires me constantly. I enjoy my work so much and I will continue to do so for many more years to come.