Lockdown socialising is all park walks and takeaway coffees. Exercise and human contact in one, and a break from the kitchen table office to boot. The Wedding Arrangers’ head planner Chris took a morning out for a meet up with one of our favourite wedding photographers, Heather from Eclection Photography

In amongst the usual chit chat, gossip and lamenting over cancelled trips to Granada, the pair got chatting about wedding clients and the common mistakes they make when choosing a photographer.

Heather was kind enough to offer the following pointers to couples as well as choosing her 6 favourite shots from the weddings we have worked on together.

Invest time and do your research

Wedding photography is essentially about memory; capturing and preserving the story of your day in a collection of beautiful photographs. You want to spend the rest of your lives looking (and loving) your photographs. Securing a great photographer is not a tick box – it is an investment of your time.

Start with at least 3 photographers. What is it about each photographer's work that you connect with? How does it make you feel? Can you imagine yourself in the images?

Before making any decisions - go beyond their portfolio/Instagram.

There’s definitely a skill to curating a perfect Instagram feed. However, significantly more skills and experience are required in documenting the biggest day of your life and curating over 400 + quality images! 

Ask to see at least 2 full wedding galleries of 400 + images.

Viewing completed albums allows you to see the full story; moments throughout the day each beautifully captured in its own right. You want to see consistency and amazing photos throughout. You want to feel like you are reliving the wedding.

Also, ask to see relevant galleries. No light, low light and even harsh summer light can all be challenging. You need to be confident your photographer can still create for you whatever the conditions. If you wedding is mid winter with a 4pm ceremony – make sure you see a wedding shot after dark. Also, think about the balance of content you want to see – for example images of friends and family and less about the details? Although every wedding is unique – speak to your shortlisted photographers to ensure they understand what’s important to you.

Finally meet/zoom with your shortlisted photographers

Making great work is collaboration with your photographer and it is essential that everyone clicks. Ensure you feel comfortable, as you are inviting the photographer into one of the most intimate events of your life. So it super important that everyone feels at ease.

Finally leave no stone unturned. If you come away with any worries then get back in touch or get in touch with another photographer and see how you feel. Go with your gut, if you love their work, feel confident with them and feel you can trust them, then get them booked!

Cheers Heather! All useful advice we’re sure.

Food, music, booze

It’s all about meal kits right now when it comes to supporting restaurants. Lots of our favourites are available through Dishpatch and Restokit - they’re fun and easy to prepare and a real treat whilst we remain in lockdown. Wash them down with wine from your local independent wine shop. We’re lucky to have this beauty on our doorstep,

We were surprised to hear the amazing Valerie June playlisted by 6 Music this week raising hopes for a UK tour when we get through this!

Stay safe x