Richard Chalmers Photography

My first wedding will always be the one I remember the most. As a photographer there's a lot of pressure on you to 'get it right' (even if my first wedding was free and for a friend!). I remember they promised me there would be no group shots, which turned out to be about an hour of group shots!

Candid, memorable, story-telling, modern, collaborative

My work :)

Take pictures of your planning or start an Instagram for the planning. It's great to look back at the whole story! I look back at my wedding and there's things I forgot already!

I always thing personalised gifts to guests are great. They show the couple have thought about their invitees. Receiving something with your name on it is uch more meaningful than generic gifts, even if it's just a thank you note.

I like to have an open and clear dialogue with the couple. It's important they aren't stressed or worried about their photography. Once booked, I setup their private area and give them a way to communicate or share ideas and visuals. Having a Client Area means I'm not bombarding them with emails and they can go at their own pace. Nearer the time I'll be in touch more, just to firm up plans and arrangements.

The prep. Although it's optional in most of my packages, I really think it's a great way to show the couple focussing on the day ahead, or nervous laughter and tears with their bridesmaids and groomsmen.

I once got asked to take photos of some drapery. They were very proud of the work and that it was a special material. I'm not sure it if was an original photo, but certainly one of the more unusual requests!

I don't think it's anything to be too worried about as long as you're prepared. I used to live in Singapore where it could rain even on a sunny say with no notice! People just carried on or limited how much time was spent outside. But umbrellas can be a great prop addition for couple shots, or even make the the group shots unique and fun!

I studied Lighting Design at university, and part of the degree was photographing your work. We had a visiting lecturer talk about capturing light and telling stories with the images. After that, I was hooked on photographs, although I didn't take my first wedding photos until 3 or 4 years later.