The first post in this series on what to expect from me as your wedding photographer looked at coverage of the wedding preparations and how I as your wedding photographer could help you to remember that important time. Not all couples choose to have their preparations form part of the photographic story of their day. The subject of today’s post, on the other hand, is pretty essential.

My approach to photography of the wedding ceremony is in many ways not dissimilar from my broader approach to wedding photography. The key thing for me during the ceremony is to ensure that the focus of all of your friends and family is on you – the last thing I want is for people to be distracted and looking towards me. That is why I don’t use flash at all during the ceremony. I’ve invested in top quality photographic equipment and have yet to photograph a wedding ceremony in a venue too dark for me to produce beautiful photos of what is the defining part of your wedding day.

As well as avoiding flash, you can be sure that I won’t be imposing on your space. I’ve heard horror stories of wedding photographers crouching down next to the minister or registrar. I’m sure they produce wonderful images but to my mind they are putting their photography ahead of the experience of the day and that isn’t something I would want to be known for. As your wedding photographer I aim to, and believe I can, enhance your day and give you wonderful photos to remember it.

When I’m photographing the wedding ceremony there are two types of photos that I’m looking for. There are the key traditional moments: the bride walking down the aisle, the exchanging of rings, the first kiss and such. These are essential elements of the story of your day and as your wedding photographer you can be sure I’ll be ready to record them. Alongside these ‘standard’ moments I’ll also be looking to capture some of the more natural and personal moments: the groom’s nerves those last five minutes before his bride arrives and the burst of smile when he sees her for the first time. The proud father looking on. The inevitable nervous giggle that breaks the silence when the minister asks if anyone objects. It is these photos that I think make wedding photography more than a mere record of the day.

It is worth me adding on a final note a comment about what might be termed ‘difficult’ ministers and registrars, who might set strict rules about photography during the service. Whilst ultimately I have to work within their constraints, I have usually found that friendly chat in advance of the wedding can go a long way. By explaining my approach and emphasis on discretion and professionalism I can often persuade them to have a little more trust in me than they would with a less experienced wedding photographer.

Newcastle Wedding photographer Mark Richardson provides a friendly and professional wedding photography service. By combining the best elements of traditional wedding photography and contemporary wedding photography, he is able to tell the whole story of your wedding day.Get in touch to discuss your wedding photography.

Thanks for reading - if you have any questions about your wedding photography get in touch via Mark Richardson Wedding Photography

There was a newspaper article today which told the story of one couple’s disastrous wedding day, with all manner of calamities with the registrar, the wrong music and the bride being called the wrong name. Alongside the strange mix of sympathy and amusement I felt reading the story, I was taken aback when I  read its conclusion. According to some reports, the couple’s wedding photographer told them that because of the delays it had gotten too dark to be able to do their wedding photos, and in any case he had another booking to get to.

I wouldn’t want to presume that the newspaper report was entirely accurate, but if that is what happened then it is astoundingly poor customer service. I would never book additional work on the same day as a wedding. Weddings so frequently run behind schedule that it is a surprise when they run on time! More than that, I want to make sure that couples get my best work and that’s not going to happen if I’m watching the clock and thinking about my next booking. At your wedding I’ll be thinking about you and how to ensure you get the best wedding photography possible.

It also seems strange to me any professional photographer would suggest they were unable to take photos because it was too dark. Many weddings take place with less than ideal lighting and that is part of the reason for booking a professional wedding photographer: they are capable of delivering wedding photography to treasure in difficult circumstances. If there is not enough natural light then a photographer with the right skills and tools will be able to create their own light.

Just by way of example there are two photos I had to hand included in this article which were taken when it was “too dark” for wedding photography, both of which were taken outdoors at or after sunset. These relaxed and natural wedding photos show that well lit and engaging wedding photography is possible in pretty much any situation. A wedding photographer worth booking will always deliver.

Newcastle Wedding photographer Mark Richardson provides a friendly and professional wedding photography service. By combining the best elements of traditional wedding photography and contemporary wedding photography, he is able to tell the whole story of your wedding day.Get in touch to discuss your wedding photography.

Thanks for reading - if you have any questions about your wedding photography get in touch via Mark Richardson Wedding Photography

In the first of a new series of posts, I’m going to look at what you can expect from me as your wedding photographer. Once a week for the next four or five weeks I’m going to talk about how I like to photograph different segments of the wedding day. Whilst of course I always take into account the preferences of a couple, I’m also conscious that couples book me because they like my style of wedding photography.

I’m going to start the series by looking at the first set of photos that I take at most weddings – the preparations. Obviously this makes sense chronologically – but it’s also one of the aspects of wedding photography that couples understand least, which makes it a good place to start.

There are two very good reasons why your wedding photography should start with the preparations. The first is that it is part of your wedding day – a unique day – and to tell the whole story of the day it’s the most appropriate place to start. Brides especially tend to value this part of the day, shared with their family or closest friends – and a part of the day that truly is all about them and getting them ready for a perfect day.

The other very good reason to have the bridal preparations as part of your wedding photography is that it provides a very valuable opportunity to get used to me being around. Having me around while you are getting ready means that by the time the day gets into full swing you’ll barely notice I’m there – ideal for the natural style of wedding photography that many couples want. I’ve also been known to lend a helping hand with everything from tying the groom’s tie to opening champagne to explaining how to fasten the wedding dress! (It’s amazing what you pick up when you are around for so many weddings!)

During the preparation time there a few types of photos I am looking for. The most obvious are the candid shots of the bride getting ready – the finishing touches to her hair and make up, the classic shot of the dress being done up, the moment she first sees how beautiful she looks in the mirror. I’m also looking to spot the reactions of the others in the room, from the laughter of the bridesmaids to the proud father looking on. It’s also an ideal time to get some photos of some of the details of the day: the wedding dress, shoes, flowers and jewellery.

Some brides can be concerned about having a photographer around during their preparations so let me be very clear: I am always very discrete and respectful of your boundaries. As many brides will testify, having me around during your preparations is fun and in many ways reassuring – you’ll be able to see how beautiful you look in your wedding photos before you even step outside your room. It also guarantees that there will be at least one calm and cool-headed person with you!

Photography of the bridal preparations can be an important part of the overall story of your day and will help you to remember those special last few moments before you begin married life. Whilst it’s by no means compulsory, as your wedding photographer I would highly recommend it.

Newcastle Wedding photographer Mark Richardson provides a friendly and professional wedding photography service. By combining the best elements of traditional wedding photography and contemporary wedding photography, he is able to tell the whole story of your wedding day.Get in touch to discuss your wedding photography.

Thanks for reading - if you have any questions about your wedding photography get in touch via Mark Richardson Wedding Photography

My new wedding photography price structure splits the cost into two stages. The first stage – the only part that needs to be paid before the wedding -  is the photography fee. For this, as well as getting me as you wedding photographer, you get a personalised and private website to share all of your wedding photos with your family and friends.

The second stage is to pick and mix any items you may want: from top quality hand made albums and canvasses to discs containing all of your photos ready to print. All of these options can be paid for in the weeks and months after your wedding, allowing you to spread the cost – and save up post honeymoon if necessary!

Allowing you to pick and mix all of these options also allows you to get exactly what you want in your wedding photography. Your wedding and your tastes are unique so you shouldn’t be stuck with the sort of fixed packages offered for the convenience of photographers rather than for your benefit.

You can see full details about the new pricing structure here, but if you have any questions you can post a comment, get in touch by email or give me a call.

Newcastle Wedding photographer Mark Richardson provides a friendly and professional wedding photography service. By combining the best elements of traditional wedding photography and contemporary wedding photography, he is able to tell the whole story of your wedding day.Get in touch to discuss your wedding photography.

Thanks for reading - if you have any questions about your wedding photography get in touch via Mark Richardson Wedding Photography

It wouldn’t take the most eagle-eyed reader to spot that it’s been a while since the last post on the blog. I’d love to say it’s because I’ve been doing lots of exciting things.

Sadly the reason is far more mundane – a technical issue with the website.

Now that’s resolved I’ll be launching my new pricing structure for 2012 – and as a spoiler I’m not putting the prices up!

I’ll also be continuing my series on the top wedding venues near Newcastle and starting a series of posts about what couples can expect from me as their wedding photographer.

Newcastle Wedding photographer Mark Richardson provides a friendly and professional wedding photography service. By combining the best elements of traditional wedding photography and contemporary wedding photography, he is able to tell the whole story of your wedding day.Get in touch to discuss your wedding photography.

Thanks for reading - if you have any questions about your wedding photography get in touch via Mark Richardson Wedding Photography

The first venue, Beamish Hall, is one of the top venues for wedding photography in Newcastle, thanks to its combination of stunning architecture and scenic setting.

Shafto Hall, the usual room for wedding ceremonies at Beamish Hall, has a very traditional feel and looks particularly good once the candles are lit. As nice as the interior of Beamish Hall is, it is the exterior of the building that really makes it special for wedding photography.

I’m going to betray my lack of architectural knowledge by guessing at neo-classical to describe the pillars at the side of Beamish Hall. Wedding photographers love the opportunity to use the features of buildings as components of the wedding photos and Beamish Hall is perfect for that.

There are also very spacious grounds which extend into the distance and make a beautiful backdrop for both more formal and reportage wedding photography. Newcastle doesn’t have many venues that offer a better a combination of architecture and sheer open space.

Although it isn’t essential for me as a wedding photographer, Beamish Hall has incredibly friendly and efficient staff which makes a massive difference to the perceptions of the couple. Like a duck above water the wedding day will be cruising along perfectly, while the staff work hard behind the scenes to keep things smooth.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Beamish Hall as one of the top wedding venues in Newcastle for wedding photography – and one of the very best at making sure your wedding is everything you wanted it to be.

Newcastle Wedding photographer Mark Richardson provides a friendly and professional wedding photography service. By combining the best elements of traditional wedding photography and contemporary wedding photography, he is able to tell the whole story of your wedding day.Get in touch to discuss your wedding photography.

Thanks for reading - if you have any questions about your wedding photography get in touch via Mark Richardson Wedding Photography

Probably the biggest difference on the new site is this blog, which I hope will become both a showcase of my wedding photography and an opportunity for me to share some information with couples as they are planning their weddings.

Over the coming weeks and months I look forward to sharing with you some of my favourite wedding venues in Newcastle and the surrounding areas and recommending wedding suppliers that I’ve experienced first hand.

I’ll also be discussing some of the questions about weddings and wedding photography that often come up when I speak to couples about their weddings – and hopefully demonstrating why it is worth investing in a wedding photographer like me.

I’m also keen to make sure that this blog answers the questions that couples getting married are asking, so please do feel free to join in the discussion below or by getting in touch with me directly.

Newcastle Wedding photographer Mark Richardson provides a friendly and professional wedding photography service. By combining the best elements of traditional wedding photography and contemporary wedding photography, he is able to tell the whole story of your wedding day.Get in touch to discuss your wedding photography.

Thanks for reading - if you have any questions about your wedding photography get in touch via Mark Richardson Wedding Photography