The Portraits
A short window away from guests and the schedule, rarely longer than twenty minutes, where you actually look at each other instead of a camera.
Every wedding has one stretch where it's just the two of you, away from the schedule and away from anyone watching. That's what this is. Not a styled shoot, not a list of poses, just twenty minutes to walk somewhere quiet together while I follow along and photograph what's actually happening between you.
I give light direction rather than heavy posing, where to stand, where to look, and then I get out of the way. Most couples find this is the part of the day they were most nervous about beforehand and end up enjoying the most, because there's no audience and nothing to perform for.
This window is built into both coverage styles as standard, and it works best somewhere with a bit of space and good light, which is exactly why venue choice matters so much, my Top Five Cambridgeshire venues guide covers the ones I go back to for this reason. It pairs naturally with a first look if you're having one, straight after the reaction settles.
About the portraits
How long do portraits usually take?
Fifteen to twenty minutes is usually enough. Any longer and you start losing time with your guests, which nobody wants on the day.
We feel awkward in front of a camera, what then?
That's genuinely the most common thing I hear, and it almost always settles within the first few minutes. I give you something to do rather than somewhere to stand and stare, which helps enormously.
When during the day do portraits happen?
Most often straight after the ceremony or group shots, while the light's still good and before the formalities of the reception take over. Sometimes we'll also do a shorter second set at golden hour.
What if it's raining?
We adapt. A doorway, a covered walkway, even an umbrella can work in your favour rather than against it, some of the nicest portraits I've taken happened because of bad weather, not despite it.
Do you direct poses or keep it natural?
A mix. I'll suggest where to stand and give you something to do together, then let the moment happen rather than calling out a rigid pose.
Can we request a specific location or backdrop?
Yes, if there's a spot at your venue, or somewhere nearby, that means something to you, tell me in advance and I'll build it into the timeline.
Let's talk about your day
Tell me your date and how you want your wedding photographed, and I'll tell you honestly whether we're the right fit.
Get in touch