Some of my favourite photos are captured during bridal prep. The nerves, the excitement and the intimacy with family and friends. It is an honour to be with a bride in the lead up to her wedding. This image was captured at one of my favourite wedding venues in Scotland, Glencorse House just outside Endinburgh
This photo was taken in the cottage on the grounds of the venue, which boasts its own beautiful little church. Using only natural light I caught this moment of the bride being helped into her dress by her bridesmaids.
It is a good time to capture the little details that the bride has worked so hard on like her jewellery, shoes, personalised dressing gowns and hangers, flowers, but also those precious moments of exchanging gifts with the bridal party or the first cheeky glass of champagne and the moment parents see their daughter in her dress for the first time, which is my favourite.
Bridal prep is also the best time to build a rapport with the bride and bridal party. To be there as a support and to help where needed, to be a voice of calm among the nerves and most importantly to have fun with them. In my opinion the more relaxed you can make your couples feel the better your photos will be. I would say the large majority of my couples are not overly excited about having a camera shoved in their faces, so the more relaxed they feel they less they will notice you hovering around. I always make sure I talk chat with everyone at the wedding.
If you’re planning a confetti shot there are a couple of things to consider… Make sure to ask the venue if they have a preference as to where they would like this to happen. Also most venues will require you use biogdegradible or sustainable confetti now, so best to go with these options if you’re unsure.
You can make your own real flower confetti or there are tons of places online like FlowerConfettiUK. The one thing with using real confetti is that because its much heavier it doesn’t float as well when thrown for a confetti shot.
For biodegradable confetti there are lots of companies online, but my personal favourite is Proper Confetti because of their large selection of colours to match any wedding theme.
Confetti cannons are a great way to get way fill a shot after the ceremony or during the first dance weddingandpartystore.com.
Your photographer should know this, but another tip is to get your guests to throw it up in the air rather than in the face haha
Such a great wedding in the beautiful back streets of York with Hannah and Huw on a very rainy day. The bad weather made no difference to this cool couple, who took it all in their stride. A fun day had by all!
If you have a headshot session coming up be good to yourself. Don’t go out drinking the week before, drink plenty of water and get those early nights. That all sounds very boring I know, but your headshot is your calling card so if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Be good to yourself.
2 – BOOK A LATER SESSION
As soon as you have to get up early and be well rested for your session you will of course not sleep a wink. If you don’t have to work that day ask for a later appointment as it means that if that happens you’ll at least get a nap in or maybe get a chance to chill out before. It is all psychological so it might be enough not keep you up late.
3 – WHAT TO WEAR
Colour headshots are much more fashionable now, so we are able to experiment more. It’s always good to bring something white and something black, but I always encourage my clients to bring colours. Pattern’s are also not a problem and as long as logos are not too complicated, as they can be edited out after, then bring those too. Select items that have interesting and differing necklines and layering items is also a good bet.
Think about your casting… this doesn’t mean you need to come dressed as a police officer, but we want to capture a range of possible castings. If you are not sure bring it all with you… better to bring more rather than less.
4 – CONSIDER HAIR & MAKE UP CAREFULLY
Some make up is very useful, but some it can also be a photographers nightmare to edit, especially if it’s not done well. Natural make up is what we want in a professional actors headshot.
EYES – My focus is always the eyes so some mascara and matte eye shadow is great.
EYEBROWS – this is a big bugbear for me… the trend is to have block eyebrows and although it may look nice it is far too modern and is too much of a statement and will leave you out of any period castings. Please keep your eyebrows natural.
LIPS – A lip stain is better than a lipstick, but if you are going to use lipstick a matte one is preferred and make sure it is of a nude or natural tone.
SKIN – It’s good to keep you skin hydrated, but be aware that your skin should not look too shiny. I know it is horrible if you feel your skin is not being great, but part of our skill set is we can edit spots and blemishes so please don’t worry. If you really find it hard to be completely natural then just keep it light… it’s always a good idea to take your makeup with you anyway and that way you and the photographer can discuss it.
HAIR – if you have long hair bring whatever you will need to change your hairstyles.
MEN – it’s well worth bringing your shaving equipment along so that you can get with and without facial hair should you want to.
5 – BRING IT!
Although being relaxed is important it is also true that a headshot session is part of your job, so treat it like work and bring it! It can also help if you hate having your photo taken, as it gives you the kind of focus you have in an audition. It is completely normal for actors to feel vulnerable in a session as they are not used to performing as themselves… So don’t think of it as you being you. Switch on. Not all nerves are bad, so don’t worry if you feel anxious, just embrace it and focus. Part of our job is to help you relax… I absolutely hate having my photo taken, but a good photographer will make it relaxed and fun for you.
6 – EMBRACE THE THINGS YOU HATE
In an industry where there are a growing number of actors every year, it is more important than ever to stand out. The things you hate about yourself maybe the very things that make you different. We all want to be seen as beautiful, that’s natural, but confidence is the most attractive quality.
If you have a scar don’t let them Photoshop it. I hear so often ‘I don’t like that side of my face’ or ‘my nose is too big’… We are our own worst critics and the things you hate about yourself might be exactly what others love about you.
Here are a few helpful tips on choosing your new headshot photographer
1 – Do a bit of research online
If your agent or friends haven’t already recommended someone you can do a simple search online in your area. Ask others actors for the photographers information if you like their headshot and once you have a shortlist go to the photographers website’s and just make sure the rest of their portfolio is of the same standard. Headshot Hunters is a great way to compare and search in your area.
2 – Talk to the photographer beforehand
You should feel comfortable with the photographer you will be working with, so take the time to give them a call. It’s a complete myth that actors love having their photos taken and in my experience it’s uncomfortable for most, me included, and you need to feel relaxed. You should be able to work out pretty quickly if you’ll get on and all good photographers will be happy to answer any questions you have beforehand.
3 – How much should it cost?
Headshot prices vary, but just remember this is an IMPORTANT INVESTMENT in your career. I know money can be tight sometimes, but a headshot is the tool to get you noticed, they are a necessity, so it’s more than worth the money. You don’t need to pay £400, but neither should you be paying £50. If you scrimp on your photographer you’ll end up paying more later when you need a new set of photos.
4 – Natural verses Studio light
All photographers have different ways of working with different equipment that suits them. I prefer to use natural light source because natural light is more flattering and even. I do however have and use studio lighting when needed and I would recommend finding someone that uses both as it shows flexibility and knowledge.
Now this is only my opinion, but I have heard it echoed by casting directors… I believe headshots should focus on you, the actor, and not a trendy backdrop/setting… If we are looking at the fancy background we are not looking at you.
5 – How long should a session be?
When you call your potential photographer ask them how long the session is… Part of my job is getting to know a bit about you and what you are looking for. My sessions have no time limit, but they naturally take approximately 2 hours. Make sure you choose a photographer that won’t rush you so you are going to be provided with a relaxed environment in which to work.
Happy headshot hunting!
Spotlight the professional actors catalogue for casting directors and industry also has a lot of information on guidelines.
Choosing the right wedding photographer for your special day is a completely personal choice that is based on the style of the photographers work, cost, location, or a combination of all three. This blog will hopefully contain some helpful tips on how to choose, give you some ideas about what to ask them and also the best places to search for your photographer.
COST
Cost can be a major factor for people when choosing a wedding photographer which is completely understandable… everyone has a different budget and each photographer has a different price range. You might hear people say ‘you should stay away from the cheaper end of the scale, because it means that the photographer is bad’ In my opinion this is not neccessarily true. Lots of photographers have other jobs so they charge less as they have another main income…. so make sure you look at their full body of work and if it adds up and you love their style, then you’ve found a bargain.
Photographers may need to travel and stay over if they live outside the desired location so ask if both of these things are included in the package.
On a smaller note… some photographers require that you put lunch or dinner on for them during the wedding so its worth checking as this may add to your cost depending on the day and your choice of dining.
STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is like any form of art in that the style will vary hugely depending on the artist and it is all about personal taste. Some photographers will use a mixture so as to maximise coverage and variety for the couples album, but generally there are three main styles.
TRADITIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY – This is mainly focused is on set-up or posed shots. There are benefits here in terms of making sure you have group photographs of family and friends that you wouldn’t otherwise get. The downside is that it is very time-consuming and can eat into the day and you will get very little in the way of natural, candid shots.
DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY – Also known as reportage, candid or journalistic, this is the most natural form of photography and often suits couples who don’t enjoy having their photos taken and prefer a more relaxed approach to their day. The negatives are that you may miss out on the group shots so it is important to ask your photographer if that is also possible.
EDITORIAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY – This is quite like traditional or classic wedding photography in that it is posed and can be time-consuming, but it is more modern. The photographer will concentrate on surroundings, backdrop and lighting and your photos will have an editorial, fashion shoot look.
Think about how you would like your day to flow and which style reflects you best as a couple.
LOCATION
Most photographers will travel, but there are of course benefits to hiring a photographer that is local to the ceremony and reception locations. Local photographers will have knowledge of the area and all the hidden gems and will also probably already have a working relationship with many of the vendors and venues. If your photographer is coming from outside the area or has never been to your venue check that they will be going there prior to your date, or at least getting there early so that they can get a feel for the place beforehand.
If you live outside the area where the wedding is taking place why not set up meetings with potential photographers whilst you are booking venues.
MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
It is one of the most special days in your life so make sure that you meet your photographer beforehand. A photographer is one of the few people to follow you throughout the most intimate parts of the day so you want to feel relaxed around them. I always think the photographer should be like an extra guest and not some strange person on the outside. Taking amazing photos is obviously the most important part, but they also need to communicate clearly, calmly and should be good with people. The better they get on with everyone the better and more personal the photos will be. If it isn’t possible to meet because of location or clash of work at least do a Skype call so that you can get a proper idea about the energy of your photographer and to make sure you are on the same page.
I always post a few photos on social media and on online, but I have chosen not to put my couples entire day on my website, for privacy reasons, so this is one of the things I am able to do with my potential clients in person. It’s also an opportunity to see samples of anything contained within your package and the quality of them, such as albums, USB’s, boxes and prints.
BOOK OR MISS OUT
We are definitely an industry that is all about future bookings, but there is a fear that’s been instilled in couples that if they don’t book now, then they will miss out and not find anyone. Of course if you have a particular photographer in mind it’s probably wise to book them sooner rather than later, but not everyone plans a wedding that far in advance. Don’t feel pushed into booking, and dont panic if you’re arranging a last minute wedding because there is not a shortage of great wedding photographers.
WHERE TO FIND YOUR Wedding PHOTOGRAPHER
Search Engine – Type in ‘Wedding photographer ( and location)’ and you’ll find tons of photographers. You will also see their reviews within google which is a great way to see what other couples experinces have been. Their website should also have plenty testimonials for you to read over.
Social Media – you can almost always find wedding groups local to your area that you can join. Local brides sharing experinces and vendors posting for your attention.
Word of Mouth – Obviously having friends and family personal recommendations is very handy so ask about
Venue and vendors – The venue and other vendors you use may have their favourite photographers and the same can be said for the photographer… ask them if they have a preferred vendors list too
Online Wedding Planner – Hitched is a great exampe of where to find local photographers and other vendors in your area.
