I’m a Wedding Photographer AMA

[RandomNameUser54321]

Been a wedding photographer for 12 years, 5 years full time. Hit me with it!

Ever photographed the bride and groom sniping at each other?

How many times have you photographed the same individual getting married again?

Do you have gut feelings on which couples will remain together?

Yes, once. The bride suddenly erupted mid couple photos. It was the most awkward thing ever. I think her expectations were fairytale and he just wanted to get pissed.

I never rephotograph a bride or groom. I’d say the wrong name for sure!

Yes, never been wrong on one’s I thought weren’t going to make it. But there was something so obviously off on those - only two weddings, one I was so relieved for the bride.

Otherwise to be honest I don’t tend to hear from couples after the first year, so I probably wouldn’t know.

We played a game of rounders at our wedding and our photographer said he had never had to photograph anything like that before. He loved it for a change though!

What’s the most unique or strange aspect of a wedding you have photographed?

What are the posed photos that get requested that just make your heart sink, that you think are so clichéd?

when bride requests the weird fake perspective bride shoe stamping on the groomsmen. Urgh. very outdated and thankfully that trend seems to be finally dead.

I also hate the request for sparkler exits. Let’s give 100 drunk people fireworks and make the bride walk through it and make the photographer walk backwards through it. So so so so stressful. Hopefully this trend will die a death soon too.

I’ve done lots of awesome unique ideas - some probably too outing to say! I love it when couples say screw the traditions and do what they want. Haybales for seats, brides in wellies, games of inflatable horse racing, fishing rod exits, bulking broncho (bride nailed that one!). Red wedding dress, full black lace wedding dress - I love unique and quirky!

How many family punch ups have you photographed?

Have you caught people snogging people they shouldn't on camera?

What's the biggest bridezillia request you've ever had?

How shit is it, giving up every Saturday in summer?

Do you ever think 'bloody hell you picked the wrong dress there?'

How many times has a guest tried to pull you?

What's the best story you have of the wedding not going to plan?

Do you get food as part of your package?

Who is more difficult to deal with - the bride or her parents?

Have you ever caught the groom hitting on a bridesmaid?

Have you ever photographed a wedding where the event has been a big let down? Guest not showing up or too drunk to make it past noon?

What's the award for the most inappropriate Mother of the Bride / Groom act go to?

0 punch ups. I try to vet my clients before I book them!

Yes, seen some dodgy goings on, but not that often.

Worst request was to start at 5am in the morning and stay till fireworks at midnight, with a two hour drive every way. I’m a lot stricter now about times!

I don’t mind working Saturdays in the summer. Wee book out a week for family holiday. Working Saturdays during term time is pretty shit though. I charge more now so I can work less.

Yes, there’s been a couple of dress near disasters. Large bosoms need careful dress selection!

not going to plan - one couple had a (non British culture) friend turn up with the entire family for the meal.

I don’t demand food, vast majority of couples provide it though. I just like to know in advance so I don’t go starving hungry or waste good sandwiches.

Neither - usually it’s the groomsmen who are the biggest problems!

No never seen anything so dramatic, I must do boring weddings!

Ive seen a groom so drunk he pee’d in the bushes then fell asleep before the first dance!

Where can we go to make those gorgeous photo books photographers produce? The quality of the pictures printed onto the thick card/pages is something I cannot find anywhere.

Genuinely the only companies I know are trade only and require a professional website for you to register. I will admit it’s an awesome perk of the job printing my kids photos in massive stunning frames with my multi buy discount!

AhhhI thought it might be something like that. There is nothing on the market to match that quality!

Thanks OP. Your job sounds very interesting.

Have you looked at Blurb?

They do a variety of paper options and weights.

They are the only company that I've come across which deal direct to the mass market that offer that option.

Their in-house design tools are a lot less general public friendly, but equally as someone whose previously worked in print, I find that liberating as there's an option to also upload from content made from my choice of software.

If I want something super special that's where I go - but price matches.

Does it piss you off when other guests take advantage of your carefully posed shots? (My dad is an amateur photographer and I think he annoyed the official photographer at my sisters wedding...)

Thanks @RedToothBrush

Have you ever had any couple be really unhappy with the photos?!

Honestly I love my job so much. It’s hard work, but so much fun!

I don’t mind guests taking photos. I had a guest take a photo over my shoulder of perfectly posed couple, run off to Tesco’s and print it, frame it and present it to the couple mid speeches. That was just rude.

It winds me up if guests with cameras get in the way during the ceremony. Also winds me up if guests sit on their phones all through the ceremony. Switch off and be present!

How did you get started, did you train or just throw yourself in? And what camera and lenses do you use for dark lighting?