A Guide to Wedding Photography – Tom Lee Style
Its often difficult for Clients to communicate what they actually want from their photographer, after all it’s probably the first time you’ve had wedding photography taken. Various phrases are often quoted – Traditional, Candid, Natural, Posed, Magazine, Fashion etc; these crop up time and again without really knowing what is being asked for because they mean different things to different people. It’s important to have full discussions with your photographer face to face – not just on the phone as this can often lead to misunderstandings on both sides.
Tom approaches all his weddings in the same way, offering a mix of all styles to cater not just for the Bride and Groom but also friends and family. Basically, if you like what you see in Tom’s display albums, you will like your wedding coverage in the Tom Lee Style. No further prompting or discussion should be necessary, however, whilst we consider ourselves to be professional in every sense of the word, some photography may not be undertaken due to inclement weather, limitations imposed by the venue (including churches), uncooperative guests and very occasionally misdirection by the Client due to misunderstanding.
We have provided some guidance below to demystify what we understand when Clients describe their requirements to us:
Contemporary, Magazine, Avante Garde or Fashion.
This type of coverage is usually reserved solely for the Bride and Groom and is highly stylised. Photographs can be similar to those found in ‘Vogue’ or high end bridal magazines. These photographs can take a little more time to set up than normal coverage but are always well worth it in the end.
Traditional or Posed
Brides who think that a contemporary style is too fussy for them will require a more traditional or directed (not posed) approach. These photos are not necessarily going to look like what your mum and dad had, although there is expected to be a degree of direction from the photographer. Cooperation will be required from guests and family in order to achieve the desired results. These tend to be limited to group photos involving family and friends, signing of the register etc.
Informal, Candid, Natural or Photojournalistic.
Some Clients require a less structured approach to wedding coverage – but be careful! The photographs in magazines that often prompt this request are much more orchestrated by the photographer than you think and are seldom left to chance. Informal or candid photography means just that – there is no interaction by the photographer with the guests and a high degree of skill is required to obtain good photographs. You would be surprised how many backs of heads we get! Tom always incorporates this type of coverage throughout the day to make the album appear less ‘static’, and whilst the results are quite often appealing, it may not result in the complete coverage you want, and key photographs can be missed.
Final Thoughts.
If in doubt – leave it to Tom. You will have booked him because you liked what you saw in his display albums and is a general mix of everything above. We want you to enjoy your wedding day because it’s all about you – not a photo shoot. We stay out of your way as much as possible and only get involved when necessary.
Remember that we are your employees and take direction from the boss – you. We only ask that if there are key photos of special places, family or friends, pets, special events on the day that you must have, make a short list (usually no more than half a dozen) and give them to the best man to pass on. This way we won’t miss them.