Tell us a little bit about your story and how you got into wedding photography?
I have had a camera in my hands for pretty much as long as I can remember, but my first proper recollection of taking photographs was when I was around 10 years old, after being given a camera by my dad (who also happens to me my second shooter now, 20 years later!) I got the bug straight away, and when we lost our family dogs a few years later, I really realised the importance of all of the photographs I had taken. This core value is something I feel very strongly about today, as our jobs have such an impact on the people we get to work with, both in the moment but arguably more-so as time passes.
How would you describe your photography style & your ethos?
Most importantly, I pride myself on creating photographs that make you feel something. For me, this is a huge part of my style and my ethos. We live in a world where we seem to be greatly influenced by trends and having an online presence, and as humans we seem to worry about what others think of us more than ever – so I always try and strip it back to remember why I am creating images. I am not creating for an online audience, or to fill up an Instagram feed of picture-perfect images, I am creating for the people who book me, for their families and their friends.
Photographs have a great power, and this should not be underestimated. They have the ability to help recount memories, moments and emotions – whether for the people within them or as an outsider looking in. I always endeavour for my work to look and feel like the people within the images.
My work is often described as relaxed, romantic and candid, with a strong focus on my use of light. I constantly love to chase the sun and make the most of it where I can, editing with a golden hue. I love to document a range of images, from fleeting moments, to formal family portraits and beautiful golden hour photographs. My goal is always to make people feel comfortable around me. People are at the heart of what we do as wedding photographers and I think it is a great privilege to work with so many people from so many different backgrounds.
What would you recommend to a couple planning their wedding think about when contemplating booking their photographer? Plus any tips you would give for choosing the best photographer to suit them?
The most important thing without a doubt is to ensure that you really connect with your potential photographer – it’s important you choose a photographer who really aligns with you.
You spend a great amount of time with your wedding photographer. Not just on the day itself, but in the lead up to and after the wedding. Your photographer should be someone you genuinely like and whose values you also believe in. I often describe ‘the perfect fit’ as someone you could see chatting with your family, fitting in with your wedding party, and being an asset to your day, rather than just a supplier hired to do a job. Many of my couples have gone on to become friends, and that’s the nature of the beast when you are fortunate enough to end up working with people very similar to yourselves!
In terms of the usual things to consider, I would definitely encourage any potential couple to ensure you look at their portfolio (see full galleries if you can, in different weathers, venues and times of year), ask about their experience, read their reviews and have a chat with them to get a real feel for them! I have a blog post here called ‘40+ Questions to ask your potential wedding photographer before you book’ which may be of interest!
Describe the typical day of a wedding photographer on a wedding day so that our new couples who haven’t experienced it know what they can expect from the logistics of the day?
For myself personally, my full day wedding package is eight hours of coverage, although you can book more hours if you need to (most couples book ten hours at most). I typically encourage couples to begin their coverage with me two hours before their ceremony to get some beautiful prep moments and the day then flows from here, usually taking the coverage up to around the first dance.
Immediately post ceremony I advise doing your confetti shot followed by your formal group photos. If you mentally set aside five minutes per photo, you can see how quickly time adds up doing these photos, so keep this in mind when you are preparing your list of family photos! I really encourage couples to have at most 10 combinations of formal family photographs, as otherwise you can spend a long time standing and smiling. I suggest giving a copy of the list to someone in your wedding party so that they can collect people and I can focus on photographing – this really helps!
I also usually recommend two sections of couple photographs, of only around 20 minutes each, to prevent taking you away from your guests for too long. Of course, some couples prefer to go away for longer, but I try to limit my impact on your day as much as possible – no one wants to be away for an hour taking photos and not seeing their loved ones! 20 minutes post group photo is a great time to recollect your thoughts and allow the gravity of the day to set in, whilst 20 minutes or more at sunset is a lovely way to spend some time together whilst the evening reception begins to kick in! My dad is my second shooter, so he often takes candid shots during this time to ensure nothing is missed.
Finally, I also suggest doing your speeches before or after the meal, and never ever during each course. Doing them before is often most people’s choice as it gets rid of the nerves, compared to doing them post-meal and being too nervous to eat! It also helps give us suppliers a much needed time to reset, back up photos and get ourselves ready for the next part of the day – party time!!
Where do you find the inspiration for your work?
I am forever inspired by the beautiful world we live in and I love to make the most of the landscape we have. I have had couples get on the beach barefoot with a bottle of bubbly, couples who get covered in mud stroking piglets on farms, couples who prefer more refined, luxe vibes, and everything in between. I always find myself tapping into the people I work with more-so than looking at the work others have created.
What do you love most about being a wedding photographer?
The ability to connect with people you wouldn’t have otherwise met, to learn from them, and to be a part of something very personal and intimate. Wedding photographs really do grow in value in time, and sometimes it is really incredible to sit and think about all of the people I have met, worked with, and had some kind of impact on, whether directly or indirectly. All of my photographs will one day outlive me, and I think that’s pretty cool!
What are your favourite features at Upton Barn from a photographer’s perspective?
Absolutely the Paddock – I mean what a dreamy space! Flooded with gorgeous sunlight and every aspect considered… it’s perfection! I also really love the Stable Barn, the giant window at the end is beautiful and the room is so cosy, rustic and easy to put your stamp on! Oh and of course the surrounding fields, when the sunlight hits during golden hour it is just sublime!
But also… the way this place is run!! The staff work tirelessly and it is so evident how much they care about everyone, whether couple or supplier. They are always on the ball, friendly, organised – the dream!! Every time I work at Upton Barn I feel like I am seeing my work family again and it’s such a special feeling!
What services do you offer?
I am predominantly a wedding photographer, where I offer both full day and micro wedding / elopement packages, but I am also a property photographer for an independent estate agent, I also offer branding sessions (working with small businesses to help shout about the amazing work they do!), and I photograph lots of lifestyle work (such as with couples, families, newborn etc.) I pretty much do a mix of everything, and it is the variety in my job which I adore so much!
Anything else you think would be useful for our couples…
Just a small note to say thank you if you got this far for reading all of my ramblings, and if you’re looking for a wedding photographer I would truly love to be considered in your search! Upton Barn is beautiful and I’ve had the privilege to photograph here a few times now. You can find out all about my work at www.grace-elizabeth.co.uk/prices where you can access pricing, download my brochure or get in touch! I’m a tattooed, dungaree-wearing, dog obsessed wedding photographer, and I’d love to chat with you!
A huge thank you to Grace Elizabeth Photography for sharing her thoughts, tips and an insight into the world of wedding photography!
