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Ollie Gyte Photography Just a little guide about weddings and photography

Hiya!

I am super excited to be photographing your wedding! I know you guys are going to have the best time of your lives and I am going to capture some amazing memories. Planning a wedding is by no means easy, and you are probably going to have not only a lot of things to decide and arrange, but also potentially various people to keep happy on the way.

Well, it turns out I have been to a fair few weddings over the years so I have put together this guide to not only make sure you’ve got all the information and advice regarding photography but also to give you some general advice on planning things.

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Top tips, its YOUR DAY!

Plan the best day of “your” lives. If you think a certain wedding tradition seems odd, then don’t do it. Want something completely unconventional, fill your boots! You only get one shot so make it entirely your own!

But then regardless of all the planning beforehand be prepared to let go of everything on the day and just enjoy each and every moment! The right people, the right day, in a place you love and having the best time celebrating your amazing wedding, so just have fun and be yourselves!

You having fun and loving each moment = the best awesome pictures are much more important than everything being perfect!

Before the big day!

Around a month or so before your wedding I'll send you an online form with more detailed questions about your wedding (final balance will be due around this time). Not only will it ask about schedules and locations, it will also give you the opportunity to list what shots are important to you and allow you to highlight anything out of the ordinary that I may need to know.

The rest of it you can chill and just trust me with your photography and approach it with an open mind - That way I will create photographs that are truly and uniquely yours.

Top Tip!

I don’t usually visit the venue in advance of the wedding as I genuinely feel there isn’t a need. Although I will arrive the night before or early morning before your big day. I will have a goosy gander around to see where the best shots for portraits and groups are. I am of course happy for you guys to suggest any ideas on locations for photos that you may have. This will be in the form I send over.

The Morning

For the Bride - I will aim to be there around 3 hours before your ceremony unless you tell me otherwise. Don't worry, no posed stuff, just documentary!

For the Groom - I like to meet you around 45 mins before the service. I'll take some photos of you and your ushers / best man so please make sure they arrive with you or at the same time as you!

Timings will be slightly different if you have two photographers at your day.

Top Tip!

In the morning, if there are certain detailed shots you want photographing then try to make sure these items are out on display. ( I want to try not to miss real moments while unboxing shoes). This could include things like ring, shoes and hanging up your dress. I can always advise or move things on the day if I find a more preferred/artistic shot.

Top Tip!

I always aim to arrive as early as possible, not so much from a photography point of view, but because it's a great chance to meet everyone and get to know who is who. I also like to build relationships and judge characters that I can then look into photographing during the day. Plus it gives everyone more time to get over “look there is a photographer in the room” syndrome! It will feel a little odd but just ignore me and just enjoy your day, you will soon get used to it.

As a photographer I want to capture the things that matter and the moments as they happen. I want you guys to do what you need to do and let me document it. I want to capture your wedding as it is, so you can remember it that way. If things get chaotic then don’t worry too much about tidying up, or hiding the chaos from me. Just go with the flow!

Top Tip!

One thing you might consider is the light in the location you are getting ready. I love soft natural window light, its always super flattering and great to shoot in. SO a nice room with a big window is an awesome choice (if you have one).

Ceremony

If you are getting married in a church, it would be worth checking with the Vicar/Priests on any restrictions for me and photographing your ceremony. If there are restrictions on photography then perhaps see if they would at least be happy with me being at the front just to photograph your entrance and capture reactions of both of you and family. I can then move aside or to the back once you have walked down the aisle. However some churches don’t allow the photographer to be anywhere except at the back, please be aware of this on the day so there are no disappointments during or after the big day with your images. I am happy to call them to have a discussion in advance.

Group and family photos!

I firmly believe its important to get some nice photos of those you love and are close to you. Depending on your schedule and weather, a good time to do this is usually between the end of the ceremony and before you sit down to eat.

We can finalise the groups you want in the questionnaire that I send out, but just note that on average a larger group photo can take 4-5 minutes or more. SO if you have 10 different group shots then you need to factor in around 45mins.

Top Tip! The less standing around the better!

With this in mind, I would advise keeping your group photos down if you can and less standing around wondering where Auntie Doris is and more time celebrating. I am around all day so plenty of time to grab me for more informal shots of you with friends/family when everyone is relaxed and having fun later on. Just ask! All images from the day will be available for guests to download or buy prints after.

The Reception

I'll be working all day and night and a hungry photographer is a sad photographer so if you can sort out a meal for myself and the second photographer (if you have one) that would be fantastic! Nothing special, happy with sandwiches! No worries if not, just let me know in advance so I can bring some food. The best time for me to eat is when you guys do. Its really the only time I stop taking pictures all day. Guests with mouthfuls of food don't always make for the best photos.

Top Tip! Ignore me

The key to documentary photography is knowing I am there but learning to ignore me. If you find yourself looking at me, look away! As the day unfolds you will find this easier and forget about my clicks. During a portrait session this will be slightly different as I will direct you a little more. Even then it is really about you being yourselves and capturing your personalities. The shots have to reflect who you are, that way they will be meaningful to you and those close to you.

Top Tip!

I am totally happy for your guests to take as many photos during your day as they like, but please encourage family and friends to put down the camera for the important moments, - they need to see you and be in the moment that I will be capturing.

Top Tip!

Make time for you! Its crazy how fast the day goes and how easy it is to say hello to all your guests - before you know it you won't have seen each other until the first dance. If we can, let's head out for some evening photos, that way once I am done I can leave you guys to it. You can then slope back in your own time to your friends and family.

The Party!

The best advice is simple, have an amazing party and go crazy!! I will be on the dance floor, at the bar and wherever the action is! Capturing you and your amazing guests partying is amazing fun! So relax, let your hair down.

And make sure you keep turning on your first dance to make sure everyone and me can see both of your faces.

After your wedding

I always aim to get a sneak preview image on Facebook and Instagram around a day or two after your wedding. This means you have a professional image to share on social media if you choose to. If I haven’t already please tag yourselves and share, share, share! But if you would rather keep things private let me know and I will happily send over a preview by email.

Please like my pages and tag Ollie Gyte Photography into any images you decide to share.

Facebook and Instagram

Around 4-8 weeks after your wedding I will aim to have your highlights slideshow ready!

Your full online gallery should be with you a week after that. I prefer not to rush the process as I want to make sure I spend the right amount of time editing your photos so they are the best they can be.

I will send out an email with all your login details so keep your eyes peeled!

Word of Mouth

Word of Mouth is key to my business so please help by sharing your gallery with friends, family and anyone you know getting married.

Once your day is over and you have taken it all in I would really appreciate a review.

Google Reviews

Eeeeeeek! Excited!

I am so so excited to photograph your big day. This is the face I pull the day of your wedding. If you have any questions or any worries about anything wedding related let me know.

Thanks, Ollie

www.olliegytephotography.co.uk

Info@olliegytephotography.co.uk