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Author Archives: Aaron Parsons

  1. 7 Wedding Day Tips – A Wedding Photographer’s Perspective

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    Considering I have been a wedding photographer for over 10 years, I feel I have a certain degree of expertise and can offer some tips to help the day run as smoothly as possible. When I meet with a couple, I’m often stumped when they ask, “what’s the worst thing that’s happened on a wedding day?” Luckily things tend to work out but that’s not to say things haven’t gone wrong! Of course there’s the odd wardrobe malfunction or missing button holes but here are some aspects you may not have considered. 

    Getting Ready On Your Wedding Day – What’s the Best Time to Get in the Dress?

    Wedding Makeup Artist Cornwall

    This one springs to mind instantly. The most common issue I encounter at weddings is a mad rush before leaving for the ceremony. I have photographed lots of weddings and I would say 80% of them involve a hectic spell as the finishing touches are made. I am aware that this is part of the fun and somewhat expected, but you don’t want the stress to take over. Everyone involved should be as relaxed as possible. First and foremost this is a celebration that should be enjoyable, not stressful and it’s good to have a timescale in place even if it’s just a rough guide. 

    My Advice:

    Allow more time than you think you will need. Sounds obvious but no one does it! If it’s a hot summer’s day I know you won’t want to be in your dresses and suits long before the ceremony, but try your best to allocate additional time for getting in the dress, final makeup touches, hair, ties, shoes, jewellery. It always takes longer than you think. Granted, the gents get it a bit easier here!

    Wedding Photographers In Cornwall

    Wedding Dresses In Cornwall

    The getting ready part is not my only reason for putting time aside. I think it’s important the bridal party, parents, groomsmen etc. make the most of these moments. It’s such a lovely time for photos, whether it’s ties being tied, dresses being buttoned, the big reveal, a parent seeing the bride in the dress for the first time and of course a sip of champers! I love to photograph the bride on her own too. A chance to really appreciate the dress and all the attention to detail made. It’s a shame if these moments get lost in a chaotic rush for the door. 

    Weddings In Truro

    Wedding Group Photos – How Many and Do I Even Need Them? 

    This is another good one. I am often faced with a list of 20 – 30, sometimes 50 group photo variations! This part of the day tends to be everyone’s least favourite. Most people don’t like their photo being taken, they want to catch up, celebrate and have a drink or two. Guests soon get bored of hanging around waiting to be called for a photo and the couple soon gets tired of smiling at the camera every 2 minutes! 95% of couples who have persevered with a long list have seemingly regretted it half way through.

    Wedding Photographers In Devon

    However, it’s important to capitalise on having everyone in one place at the same time which can be rare and often many travel from afar to be there. It’s understandable that couples want as many group photos as possible so no one is missed. 

    Devon Wedding Photography

    Beach Weddings Cornwall

    My advice:

    Group photos are great! I have become accustomed to this part of the day and always get a list from the couple before the wedding with the photos they want, making sure they know they can grab me at any point for more informal versions. I also make sure they know I will be snapping candid moments of all guests throughout the day too. I normally recommend 45 minutes is put aside after the ceremony or at a convenient time and I suggest the list is kept to roughly around 10 variations with an added “whole” group photo too. I usually print out a few lists and ask groomsmen to help round people up. This part of the day normally takes around 30 minutes and therefore leaves more time for couple photos and those lovely natural ones as well. If you don’t want any formal looking group photos, this is fine too.

    P.S. This is just my advice. If you want 30 variations of group photos, I won’t say no! I just make sure you realise it will take some time.

    P.S.S. It’s always good to give me a list of “important” people attending the wedding so I can keep an eye open for the likes of Great Granny Sally and Uncle Bob from Jamaica. 

    Cornish Wedding Photographer

    Here are a few more bits of advice that spring to mind…

    Wedding Day Drinks

    No, not just the champagne! Try to have access to water throughout the day. Seems obvious but one that easily gets forgotten. For example if we decide to drive to a location for photos, many couples have loved having water in the car as they become quite parched due to nerves and lots of talking right after the ceremony. 

    Cornish Wedding Photography

    Stay Minty Fresh 

    A pack of mints go a long way. There’s nothing worse than posing for a few kisses straight after the garlic mushroom canapé! 

    Weddings In Cornwall

    Wedding Day Snacks 

    With that said, it’s good to keep those energy levels up and of course enjoy some of the food you have “forked” out on! Ask the catering staff to put one of each snack/canapé on a plate for your return after photos in case you don’t have time to try everything. Or even take some with you! I know I might sound like a broken record, but photos shouldn’t get in the way of you celebrating your day. I see all too often photos/video take precedent and it should be the other way round. And the last thing I need is a ‘hangry’ bride or groom. 

    Wedding Cakes In Cornwall

    Wedding Photographer In London

    Feeling Awkward About Your Wedding Photo Poses?

    Ironically I am not the biggest fan of having my photo taken so I know how you feel. I am sensitive to what style of photography each couple wants, everyone is different. I will hopefully meet you before the big day so we aren’t strangers at the wedding but either way, I always make sure I know what you require. I photograph as naturally as possible but direct where needed. Some couples want lots of direction, some don’t want any and some in between. I never become that bossy annoying photographer though! Warm, natural and affectionate poses are lovely. Try to enjoy this part of the day, it’s usually fun, romantic and chilled out. Act lovingly with one another which hopefully isn’t too hard! Affection and smiles and all the things that come naturally make for beautiful photos. 

    Wedding Photography In Devon

    Wedding Photography In Cornwall

    Take Your Time & Breathe It In! 

    This one is a little more subjective but the day really does fly by. Make the most of each element of the day, including the photos. Leaving your guests for the “couple photos” provides a chance for things to sink in and celebrate with one another. I’ve worked with couples in the past who have used this time to discuss things that have gone wrong or what needs to happen later. At this stage there is little point in worrying, trust all your hard work – what will be will be.

    Wedding Photography Cornwall

    Cornish Wedding Photographer

    Most Importantly

    Don’t let the little things get you stressed. Photography is quite a big thing, but let me worry about that.  

    Weddings Cornwall

  2. Wedding Photography Cornwall Vs London – Pros & Cons

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    Wedding Photography In Cornwall vs Wedding Photography in London

    I am lucky enough to travel all over the country capturing weddings, with most taking place in two of the most sought after locations: Cornwall and London. Wedding photographers in Cornwall are blessed with jaw dropping backdrops and incredible locations but are sometimes cursed with wild and unpredictable weather. Whilst wedding photographers in London get to photograph in some of the most luxurious  and quirkiest venues in the country but can sometimes be frustrated with a lack of outdoor space for photography.

    Wedding photographers in London Cornwall & London Wedding Photography Pros & Cons

    There are of course pros and cons in photographing weddings in Cornwall and London, but I genuinely love doing both. I think London is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its parks, architectural detail and opulent venues.

    Weddings in London

    And of course Cornwall is naturally a wonderful place to photograph in general with its laid back culture and dazzling views. One major difference is travelling on the day. In Cornwall, it can be stressful getting stuck behind a tractor on the way to the church, but beneficial to have a boot full of kit and access to more locations. In London, the transport system is fantastic and you don’t need to worry about country lanes but lugging kit around can be stressful and tricky in itself.

    Cornish wedding photographers

    I tend to prefer photographing in natural light which more often than not, Cornwall bathes in. Photographing indoors and in low light can be difficult with extra kit and further technical settings to consider. That’s not to say an extremely sunny day is easy to navigate technically!
    I’ve photographed weddings in London basement venues which rely entirely on artificial light and this can be challenging, but I enjoy experimenting with new techniques and styles in these situations.

    Wedding Photographer London

    How Photographing Weddings in Cornwall and London Has Benefitted My Work

    Ultimately, photographing weddings in London has been incredibly beneficial for the development of my work. Technically there is a big difference in photographing a predominately indoor wedding to an outdoor wedding and this has aided my technical knowledge massively. It’s amazing to know if a stormy wedding day in Cornwall is on the cards, I have the ability to change tact and still capture beautiful images indoors. Whilst on the flip side, years of photographing weddings outside in the varying light and conditions that Cornwall offers has me well prepared for the outdoor weddings taking place in the capital.

    London Wedding Photography

    Cultural Differences with Cornish & London Weddings

    Wedding Photography In Cornwall

    There’s a significant difference between Cornish weddings and those in London in relation to culture. When I say culture, it’s probably more accurately described as a vibe. No doubt a wedding on a beach in Cornwall is “usually” more laid back than a wedding at The Ned in Bank, for example. That’s not to say one is better than the other, but certainly has a different feel and look, which is wonderful for keeping me on my toes photographically! I love having diversity in my work and it’s great how different a wedding can look on the coast and in the city.

    Wedding photography London

    London Wedding Photography or Cornwall Wedding Photography – Who Wins?

    Wedding photographer in London

    It would be wrong not to say Cornwall, it’s where I’m from and therefore I have a strong affinity with the place. However, I am currently based in London and it certainly feels like a second home. My Dad is a Londoner and there is something that feels quite natural about working here. The spirit and culture in London is really quite something too. Of course if ever you visit for a weekend or short trip, you can be bombarded with the hustle and bustle, but there really is something special about London and its people. It takes living and working here for a while to notice it but there is a vibrancy and energy I love. Visually both locations give me such a buzz and in very different ways.

    Weddings in Cornwall

    Ultimately both Cornwall and London offer incredible opportunities for photography and it has broadened my work, opened my eyes and invited new challenges along the way.

    Wedding photographer in London

     

     

     

  3. Top Four Reasons for Being a Wedding Photographer in Cornwall

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    Cornwall Wedding Photography – Always Beautiful!

    I am incredibly lucky to work in this pretty little shire. During the last ten years photographing weddings in Cornwall I have become all too accustomed to experiencing a wide variety of weather conditions. I have been met with blazing sunshine, torrential rain, crisp frost and sea mist, all of which offer unique opportunities in getting a great shot. Cornwall full of its natural beauty often benefits from seeing it in a different light, quite literally.  Beaming sun is not the only way you get good photographs here and sometimes it can be quite the opposite.

    Wedding Photographer Cornwall

    Rainy wedding Cornwall

    Rain Cornwall Weddings

    Cornish Photographer – Born and Bred

    It helps to know this county like the back of your hand. There’s nothing worse than driving from ceremony to reception using SatNav! Growing up in Cornwall and exploring it’s ‘nooks and crannies’ as a child has not only inspired me to capture it on a regular basis with a camera but also has helped when it comes to wedding day shoots as well. It is a relatively small county to cover and the fact I can easily jump in my car and check out a venue in no time really helps me get prepared. I do love a change of scenery from time to time when a wedding takes me out of the South West but you can’t beat having work on your beautiful and picturesque doorstep.

    Best beaches in Cornwall

    Wedding Photographer – Location Location Location!

    It is all too easy to take for granted the glorious landscapes that make for such fantastic backdrops in wedding photos. Even though Cornwall is small,  there is such a diverse range when it comes to venues and landscapes.  I can be photographing one weekend on the beach and the next at a manor house on the moor!  I am spoilt for choice at every Cornish wedding I photograph. I’m never stood twiddling my thumbs trying to create a great scene but instead have to choose which one is best out of the 5 spots I love.

    Wedding locations Cornwall

    Wedding Venues in Cornwall

    Cornwall Weddings – Relaxed Atmosphere

    Is it me or are Cornish Weddings a relatively laid back affair? Don’t get me wrong every wedding has its stressful moments and Cornwall’s unpredictable nature can sometimes add to this but overall I find that they seem more chilled out. I think this helps my style of photography blossom, as I tend to capture a more natural essence of the day avoiding the staged or forced approach and finding those special moments and little details that normally make for a better photo. I mean you can’t get more relaxed than bride and groom, shoes off strolling down the beach sipping champagne as the sunset dips beneath the horizon!

    Top ten beaches Cornwall

    Wedding locations CornwallWedding locations in Cornwall