Alisa Roberts is a self-confessed hyper girl with a camera. As a wedding photographer, she keeps it real, mucks in with the bride squad, and gets the party going. She can make even the shyest of guests and couples comfortable enough to pose naturally. Alisa is adaptable and, as an accomplished family and newborn photographer, she also leans into her sensitive side to create a sense of calm in her clients’ homes.

This might come across as a paradoxical mix on paper, but it all comes down to Alisa’s ability to read a room, understand people, and create the right environment to put her subjects at ease. I recently witnessed Alisa’s approach in action at a wedding, and it was full of energy, excitement, and fun. Within 10 minutes we were in an intense conversation about our Canon kit – which Alisa has relied on for over a decade – and before the night was out, we’d shared more than one boogie on the dance floor.

Recent trends suggest that people hire wedding photographers as much for their personality as their technical skills with a camera – perhaps even more so. If you’re trusting someone to capture the most important day of your life or your newborn’s first moments, it’s quite a bonus if they mesh with your partner, friends and family too. 

Alisa is unusual among professional photographers, in that she relies on word of mouth and social media for her bookings. But it’s a business move that’s working – she’s having her busiest wedding season yet. I caught up with her at the beginning to find out how it’s all going, and how she keeps up the amazing energy levels…

A longer version of this interview originally appeared in Issue 220 of Photo Plus magazine.

We've all heard of photographers working for free to build up their portfolios, especially when trying to break into the competitive world of wedding photography. But actually offering to pay a bride and groom serious money for the opportunity of shooting their nuptials is something entirely different - and perhaps best avoided.

A would-be wedding photographer in Scotland has upset professional wedding photographers by offering couples £250 (US$330) to photograph their nuptials for his portfolio.

Posting on the public Facebook group The Scottish Wedding Group, the user, named Ja Vier, wrote: "Special Offer. Full Day Wedding Photography – I'll pay you £250 if you let me shoot your wedding for my portfolio."

He posted an AI-generated image of a thrilled bride and groom (wearing a kilt for extra Scottish authenticity) being covered in confetti by their guests, adding the dubious disclaimer: "This image is AI but I'm sure I can do something similar."

At the time of writing, the post had almost exclusively received 'laugh emoji' reactions – but not everyone reading it was amused.

"Is this a joke post?!!!!" asked wedding photographer David Knowles of Black Dog Wedding Photography.

Snapper Derek Wells of Sunshine Photography & Video replied, "I could do a full wedding from my bed. It won't look like the couple or venue, but with a little imagination, well, you know what I mean." He added, "I have been a wedding photographer for 30 years and this could be the maddest thing I have seen!"

While one particularly irate user called Danny McLaren failed to adhere to the group's first rule, Be Kind: "JESUS Christ. I beg you to leave. Like genuinely get the f**k outta here. You ain't welcome here and I swear to God if I get one whiff of you going near a couple I will make sure they know what sorta scum they've 'hired'."

However, Anonymous user RubyLychee1925 may have summed up potential couples' attitude to Ja Vier's proposal best: "Ah yes, my wedding day - the most likely day I'll be 'sure' you can do something similar!"

It looks very much as though the hapless amateur photographer will be remaining portfolio-free, with £250 still in pocket.

If you do end up shooting someone's special ceremony, be sure to check out our essential wedding photography tips, and study our guide to the best cameras for wedding photography

A study has shown that six of the ten highest-rated women-owned small businesses (SMBs) across the US are wedding photographers.

The study, carried out by fintech company OnDeck, analyzed the Yelp reviews of 12,789 SMBs owned by women in 431 of the largest American cities, highlighting that wedding photography companies lead the way in customer satisfaction.

A Tale Ahead, a Pacifica-based wedding photography business owned by couple Annie and David Zou, topped the survey with a stellar 100% five-star rating from 391 Yelp reviews.

Speaking to OnDeck, Annie said: “As a young woman, I had to learn to lead with clarity. I reminded myself to project an image of a confident, experienced photographer so that I could earn that level of trust in my clients.”

The hard work paid off for Annie and nowadays she’s “a lot more relaxed and casual” as word-of-mouth and reviews do a lot of the heavy lifting.

Other wedding photographers securing a top ten spot in OnDeck’s survey included Virginia-based Genevieve Elaine (second) and New Jersey-based Vitalia Kotik (third).

It wasn’t a clean sweep for wedding photography, though, as four of the top ten positions were snatched up by alternative women-owned SMBs.

Fourth place went to a florist in Austin, TX, a gym equipment installation company in Oakland, CA got seventh, a notarial practice in Belmont, CA came in eighth and a Springfield, OR wedding venue squeezed in at tenth – with all of the top ten boasting five-star ratings.

OnDeck scoured Yelp for all women-owned SMBs in 431 US cities with at least a 4-star rating from 50 reviews.

The fintech company then manually researched each SMB website to confirm that only small businesses had been included.

OnDeck didn’t define what it considers to be an SMB. However, the Small Business Administration, a US federal agency, defines them as companies with 500 employees or less.

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Read our take on the best cameras for wedding photography and the best lenses for wedding photography, and my colleague Wendy’s wedding photography crash course.

It’s no secret that wedding photography is not for the faint-hearted - there’s an incredible amount of pressure on you, and expectations are high, too. You’ll need to capture all of the key beats throughout the day and nail them in-camera – asking everyone to come back again for a reshoot because you messed up is not an option.

After going freelance earlier this year I’ve been looking to take on more weddings to make a living - you’ll find all of the details on my website if you'd like to take a peek. Luckily, modern mirrorless cameras have some secret settings you may wish to take full advantage of to make the big day go as smoothly as possible.

For starters, I'll mention that I shoot on two cameras, both recording to dual memory card slots for redundancy. This way, should a camera break, or a memory card fail I have a backup and this is good common practice – I even have a third camera stashed in my car in case things really go wrong!

My other strong advice is to format your cards before the shoot and synchronize the time and date in both cameras to make them sync up neatly when you’re editing all of the files from various cards and cameras back home.

One of my favorite secret settings is making full use of the extremely quiet (near silent in many cases) electronic shutter on modern mirrorless cameras. But, I exclusively use this setting for the wedding ceremony when I don’t want a loud shutter clack to disrupt or draw attention away from the happy couple.

Electronic shutters have drawbacks, one of which is a defect called rolling shutter, which can cause unsightly distortions. It’s worth noting this has become less of an issue in some modern cameras that have very fast, or even instant readout speeds like with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, or even Sony A9 III with its global shutter.

So after shooting the ceremony quietly with the silent shutter to keep a low profile I like to change my settings straight back to the mechanical shutter to keep rolling shutter distortion to a minimum. Call me old fashioned but I also like to hear the shutter clack which reassures me that I’ve taken the photo.

It’s worth noting that some older DSLRs have a quiet mode, though as they have a mirror to move up and out of the way, this didn’t tend to reduce the sound notably, it would just extend the shutter clack sound, if anything making it more pronounced.

So if you've got a mirrorless camera and a wedding or event coming up, be sure to try out the electronic shutter but save it for those moments where you want to keep a low profile and not draw attention with the sound of your camera's shutter firing.

During my first year as a professional portrait photographer, I got engaged to this wonderful photography expert, who proposed extremely memorably. With our wedding date less than a year away, I started planning the big day – and not only did I book a wedding photographer, I decided to move into wedding photography myself.

Naturally, no brides or grooms would hire me without an impressive portfolio of wedding photos – so I decided (in this area) to work for free to get experience.

With wedding photographers costing upwards of £2,000 (about $2,700) on average in London, England, I was ready for engaged couples to bite my arm off for the chance to get a free day of work out of me. It's not that I usually work for free; I promised them 1,000+ edited photos delivered within a week of the event.

I only had four quite reasonable requests in return: that they pay my travel expenses (and accommodation if I couldn't get back to London the same night); that they leave a positive review for my photography business if happy (I'd really rather they didn't if unhappy); that they credit me for the photos when posting them on social media; and that they allow me to use their photos for my portfolio.

The last two requests are often standard for wedding photographers; the photographer for our wedding had a clause in her contract stating that she would be allowed to use any photos she took of us in her promotional materials.

I posted an ad offering free wedding photography services in six places online here in the UK: two journalists' groups on Facebook, Reddit, Hot UK Deals, Mumsnet (the leading parenting website) and Freecycle (where people give away free things – though admittedly these tend to be physical things they've bought, not services).

Hot UK Deals said I wasn't allowed to post that kind of 'self-promotional' offer; worse, Mumsnet and Freecycle instantly deactivated my account! Sometimes you can't do right for doing wrong. But that still left the two Facebook groups and Reddit, where my post was viewed an estimated 5,000 times in total.

Were brides and grooms enthusiastic at the prospect of being snapped by me for free? No. No, they weren't. Despite viewing an array of beautiful headshots I'd taken, the betrothed didn't want to take a chance on a wedding newbie. Perhaps they thought they'd rather pay top dollar for a seasoned pro than have me make errors due to inexperience; after all, why take a gamble with the biggest day of their lives?

Or maybe they felt that there was some other catch, such as the photos being used in my portfolio? Maybe they didn't realize that wedding photographers hold the copyright to their own work and routinely use clients' pictures as examples of their talent? Frankly, it was baffling.

The only offers I got were to photograph a legal wedding for a beautiful couple –  they had already got married abroad, so had probably splashed out on a photographer overseas – and also an offer of snapping an elopement wedding reception.

I happily accepted both, but am hoping to photograph a minimum of ten events before I set myself up as a wedding photographer (and yes, engaged readers, my contact details are in my bio at the end of this story!)

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If you're entering the world of weddings, take a look at the best cameras for wedding photography along with the best lenses for wedding photography. If you also find that starting out in photography with a limited portfolio is challenging, here’s how to jump-start your career as a photographer.

Professional photographer John Branch says that wedding photography is about to change radically, due to Gen Z couples starting to get married.

Branch, who has 264,000 followers on YouTube, says he's been doing weddings for 11 years, mainly for millennial couples. But in the next five years, the oldest Gen Z couples will begin getting married – leading to huge changes to the photography styles required.

Branch claims that Gen Z will favour candid photos rather than posed, so no more 'everybody say cheese!' group photos. "They want it to be documented and look real," Branch says. "No more fakeness, no more staging things too heavily. They want real feels."

He also says there will be a return to old formats. "A lot of people are going back to film, to vinyl, to VHS cassette tapes, which is why you see videographers shooting with [Super 8], the old old video cameras, or even just camcorders and point-and-shoot cameras. Anything that feels vintage and feels real is going to sit well with Gen Z."

ABOVE: Watch Branch explain the changes he predicts

Branch says that wedding photographers should be learning to use film cameras – and that mastering and offering old formats should be easy for millennials, as they lived through them. "Gen Z has been so steeped in [digital] technology that they want something a little more real."

He says the quicker a photographer can get photos back to Gen Z couples, the better. He himself prints photos off on the day from an Instax Mini printer.

Branch claims that the parents of Gen Z will be less involved in weddings, as they're less likely to have paid for them. He thinks we'll see more elopement weddings, and smaller and less traditional weddings with shorter ceremonies, so parents will be less heavy-handed.

He says there will be more 'dry weddings' – weddings that are alcohol-free – and fewer weddings that are going to impact the environment, so no more sparklers.

In addition, Branch thinks traditions like the bouquet toss, the garter toss and even the cake-cutting may fall by the wayside. He says the garter toss in particular is "super-cringe!"

You might also like…

Check out our guides to the best cameras for wedding photography and the best lenses for wedding photography.

When the artist with the most Grammy albums and the highest-grossing concert tour gets engaged to a three-time Super Bowl champ, the internet basically implodes. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement on Instagram on August 26 with a series of five photos. The post has become so popular that it has broken Instagram engagement records (pun intended) and even temporarily crashed the social platform for some users.

While the news undoubtedly had both Swifties and Kansas City Chiefs fans talking, photographers are taking to the news in an entirely different way: Pinpointing what‘s going to trend next in photography styles.

Fans look to Swift for more than music – the dress that she wore during the proposal has already sold out in every size. Similarly, the photos that the celebrity couple posted on Instagram (and the eventual wedding photos) will likely end up on many couples’ Pinterest boards as inspiration. The post isn’t (yet) the most-liked photo on Instagram, but it broke records with 14 million likes in an hour.

Shortly after the announcement, photographers took to Instagram to analyze the images, question the artistic choices, and pinpoint what’s going to trend next in photography styles. (The artist who took the photographs has not yet been identified.)

Here’s what photographers are saying – and what I think as a wedding photographer – about the photos that are so popular, they crashed Instagram.

A simple, documentary style

“The photography is so simple, this could be one of Taylor’s friends doing this,” photographer Alex Wood said in a reaction video.

I agree that the engagement photos are kept fairly simple. It’s unclear from the photos and one-line caption whether or not the proposal was a surprise and how much of the planning was Kelce rather than the photographer (such as who arranged for the florals). Swifties are guessing from Swift’s unpainted nails that the proposal was a surprise for the singer.

One photo in particular, though, has a blurred green edge that looks as if the photographer may have been hiding in the bushes to take that photo. The images overall have a documentary feel to them – although whether that was intentional on the photographer's part or because the surprise element is anyone's guess.

The use of harsh, direct flash

One feature from the set of images appears to have photographers divided the most: the use of what appears to be direct flash. In some of the images, there’s a clear, harsh shadow around the couple. It is particularly obvious in the image of the couple in the arbor posted last in the carousel.

Direct flash has already risen in photography trends recently. The direct flash look brings to mind two different looks. The first is that of a disposable film camera, as these simple cameras often had a built-in flash that couldn’t be controlled or turned off. I also tend to think of paparazzi photos when I see direct flash images.

But the use of direct flash has the internet up in arms because it can sometimes be a sign of a photographer who doesn’t know how to use flash. I won’t venture a guess as to whether that’s the case here, but the retro-looking colors make the flash feel more intentional to get that retro candid look popularized by the resurgence of disposable film cameras.

Desaturated greens

One of the first things I noticed about that first engagement photo is that the greens are very desaturated. The garden and florals where Kelce proposed look stunning, but the vivid green of summer can also be overwhelming in such locations. Toning down the greens a bit is something many photographers seem to do – and I predict this style of edit may see a resurgence now.

While I like to tone down the greens a bit, a lot of editing styles go a bit too far when the greens start to appear more gray and brown than green. In this set of photos, though, with the pink and white florals, it’s giving off romantic garden vibes.

Coupled with the use of direct flash and the candid-like appearance of most of the images, the muted greens also contribute to that more retro look. Some film types tended to tone down the greens as well (although the opposite is also true, as there are many different varieties of film emulsions).

Interestingly, fans have noticed that the engagement photos look similar to Swift’s photo shoot for the album Lover, which was also in a garden and also had more desaturated greens.

Centered compositions

The collection of photographs all seems to have a similar composition in that the couple is centered in the frame, rather than using a mix of different compositions. There’s no rule of thirds here. That, again, does make the photos feel more like candids.

The desaturated greens, direct flash, candid style, and center compositions give the photos a classic yet retro feel. And we already know from Swift’s 1989 album cover using a Polaroid and her choice of a camera (the retro-looking E-M10) that Swift likes that retro camera vibe. Retro photo styles are trending in part because they feel far more authentic in an increasingly digital world, and if Swift’s engagement photos are any indication, that trend won’t be going away soon.

I suspect that the couple’s wedding photographs will play a role in shaping wedding photography trends for quite some time, as Swiftie fandom transcends generations and could influence the wedding dreams of today’s pre-teens. It will also be interesting to see if the style of the wedding photos differs.

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Take a look at the camera Taylor Swift uses – or the lens filter the singer uses.

I'm a portrait photographer keen to transition into wedding photography, so when my fiancé and I were looking for a wedding photographer, I was intrigued to see who was out there. Because it's a big investment of $2,000 or so, we set up three 40-minute Zoom interviews with wedding photographers from the sites Bark and Wedissimo, aiming to find our perfect match. The results were interesting and showed me what to do and what not to do when I eventually enter the world of wedding photography.

First off, we interviewed a youngish woman. She had a very professional manner, but said she had 15 years' experience. In actual fact, little more than a year of that was in wedding photography, though we all have to start somewhere. She had never shot a wedding at the venue where we're getting married either – but that wasn't the dealbreaker.

She originally said that the copyright in the photos would be ours, and that we wouldn't need to credit her – "They're your photos".

But when I asked if, as photographers ourselves, we could edit them in post to smooth my acne scars, she clearly felt uncomfortable. "I'd prefer that you ask me, she said, which made no sense. What photographer wants to spend even more time editing when someone else will do it for them?

Surely if they're our photos and she doesn't require a credit, it wouldn't matter to her reputation what we did to them? Perhaps she was trying to upsell photo editing services, but her evident discomfort and unwillingness to allow us free rein over the results felt like the wrong fit for us.

It was especially strange to seem to sell the photos as 'yours' before moving further and further back from that position – would you want someone else deciding they own your wedding day?

Next we interviewed an older man. He was pleasant, very experienced and said proudly that he had shot a wedding every weekend for the past year because the site he used loved him and promoted his listing.

He was also very punctual for our interview. But he hadn't shot a wedding at our venue either. He lived two hours' drive away. We asked whether he'd visit the venue before the big day, and he shrugged and said he might rock up a bit early on the day and wing it! Also, when we asked what would happen if he fell ill on the day (a sensible question to ask any freelancer), he first replied he'd never been ill.

After some thought, he said he'd ask an online photography forum for a replacement. We weren't keen on being assigned a random photographer who would just happen to be available in this instance.

However, the last photographer we trialled, Lottie Anderson, was the ideal fit for us. Her photos were great, she had shot a wedding at the venue before, and even offered to meet us there before the day and compile a shot list with us. She also had a roster of photographers who had a similar style to her who would be able to step in at the last moment if she fell ill.

Her price was competitive and she offered a 'confetti reel' video into the bargain. Better still, she had no problem with me editing her photos to retouch my acne scars – she just didn't want us to alter the adjustment settings.

We paid 10% upfront and will pay the remaining 90% a few weeks before the wedding. You can view Lottie's website here.

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Check our guide to the best wedding cameras and the best lenses for wedding and event photography.

You can also read the story of how some Germans invaded the moment my fiancé proposed to me!

Whether you fancy yourself as a wedding photographer, or have been roped in by friends to do the job because of ‘you’re a photographer, aren’t you’ reasoning, I have found there are few events as stressful, challenging and fun as photographing a wedding. The key to making a good job of it is preparation and a few key wedding photography tips.

Visit the locations you will be shooting at a week before so you can see how wide an angle lens you will need, how light or dark it is. Go meet the officiant beforehand to find out where you can shoot from, whether flash is allowed in the venue. Work out where you will be doing the group shots, where there’s the opportunity for creative shots with just the bride and groom.

Next, always have two cameras and two flashguns, in case something fails on the day. Also, two cameras means two different lenses fitted, so cutting down on the time needed to swap anything over. You’ll need a wide-angle zoom, a portrait and a telephoto lens to cover all bases.

And lastly, weddings are joyful times, but there will be nerves, so be your most enthusiastic, comforting, encouraging and patient self. It makes people less wary about being photographed and easier for you to organize the group shots.

1. Get creative

Look for interesting or creative setups, like here, shooting from outside the wedding reception. Work out what the light will be like when the reception is taking place to see what opportunities present themselves. For this shot, I metered for the interior to make sure the bright lighting wasn't blown out.

2. Behind the scenes

Here’s your chance to make everyone comfortable with you as the photographer. Use your portrait lens with a wide aperture (around f/1.8) and capture the preparations, the dress being tightened up and the bride looking thoughtful.

3. The ceremony

Inside venues are tough because of low light and restricted access. Use your telephoto lens and ramp up the ISO to get a fast enough shutter speed. Pick out notable moments, like I did here, when the speeches were being made.

4. The key moment

Weddings are all about moments, and the exchanging of the rings is a key one. I like to zoom in and capture the rings going on the couple's fingers, and will then pull out a little to capture the expressions on their faces. I use single-point focus to lock onto the hands.

5. The group shots

I like to use a tripod for the big group shots as it focuses the attention of everyone. Put the bride and groom, and their immediate families in the middle, kids to the front, adults at the back. Use a wide-angle lens (17mm) to get them all in, and an f/11 aperture for enough depth of field.

6. The reception

There’s usually a brief respite as everyone heads over to the reception venue, but get ready to go again. Shoot close-ups of interesting table settings and the cake, use slow-sync flash to capture the first dance, and shoot wide-angle shots of the dance floor.

You may also be interested in...

To shoot a wedding you need lots of gear, starting with a portrait lens, a wide angle lens and a telephoto lens. Don't forget your flashgun as well.

Last week I cajoled my – spoiler – fiancée onto the balcony of one of London’s tallest buildings, got down on one knee, and presented her with a ring and an ad-libbed speech on her many wonderful qualities and why I’d like to make her my wife.

My declaration of love didn’t run as perfectly as I’d planned in my head. For one thing we live in uncertain times, and no one is allowed up to the top of a skyscraper without having first submitted to a trip through airport-style security. This is an inconvenience at the best of times, but if you’ve carefully placed a special ring in just the right pocket for a certain moment and then are forced to discreetly stuff it into your bag without revealing yourself, well, trust me, you’ll be storing up trouble for later.

For another, well, some of you might know that people are expected to arrange the photography of their special moments in advance. I didn’t. I know, decades of publishing photography publications, yet somehow all the various ways wedding photographers increase their fees had still not quite reached my attention.

I’d argue that it takes a certain bravery – or, to use the proper word, arrogance – to pay for, and secrete, a photographer on location in advance. I am not that brave, and certainly wasn’t that confident. Nor, to be honest, do I see placing photographers around any area – let alone one I have little control over the timings of – as being especially romantic.

Anyway, since I gave away the outcome already, I’ll move straight on. My new fiancée, Ariane, and I, were both in a state of some bliss overlooking London but – honestly – absorbed entirely with ourselves when we were interrupted immediately after the timeless classic knee/ring/finger exchange. (Well, save for the delay in getting to the ring because of the security...)

“I do not want to intrude on your private moment” interrupted a distinctly German accent “but I have filmed your proposal and wondered if you wanted the video before I deleted it.”

Of course we did, and Ariane gave the German, Mattes, her number (yes, she was already giving other men her phone number two minutes into our engagement). Soon after, the video file arrived on her phone via WhatsApp, but not before another of his countryfolk had made a similar introduction:

“I think I did the same thing” said a German called Yazmin, in a no less Teutonic tone. Once again, my fiancée swapped numbers, and this time we got photos along with two videos.

It transpired we were especially lucky to have these relatively youthful Germans taking unsolicited images of us, as the only other pictures we were able to capture were my own efforts to extend my arms for a selfie, and a pic snapped for us by a couple on the balcony celebrating their 50th anniversary. Sadly, we didn't quite arrange ourselves just right for these in all the excitement (okay, maybe a professional would have made us try again...).

Moments later, we were forced to retreat from the balcony, luckily coinciding with the meal I’d booked in the restaurant on the 37th floor (I admit it, I was a little optimistic about the outcome…). Joking aside, I’d like to say a heartfelt thanks to the two strangers who captured such an unforgettable moment in a way I otherwise would have entirely failed to.

The Sky Garden, however, is a tourist location in central London. If you get down on one knee, you do naturally become a bit of street theatre, but it is nice that some people are prepared to understand how their photos can matter and share them.

Not everyone would have introduced themselves, but I'm glad they did, and it's great that phones give us the means to share images so easily.

So if you're planning on proposing, my advice – as well as finding someone as amazing as Ariane – is to consider the advantages of being street theatre. Your rom-com can go international!

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Check our guide to the best cameras for wedding photography, and why not check out the best instant cameras? They're fun at a wedding!

A wedding photographer was taking post-ceremony photographs on a dock in Tempe Town Lake in Tempe, Arizona, when he tripped and fell into the lake, losing his camera in the process. But, thanks to a local fire department’s dive team, the couple was able to retrieve those lost images despite the camera spending several days underwater.

Photographer Anil Kanwar of Akphotographers (@akphotographers) was photographing groom Gunrinder Singh and bride Valeria Perez at the lake after the couple’s traditional Indian wedding ceremony. The groom said he just blinked, and the photographer had fallen off the dock, losing his camera in the water in the process.

“I was not worried about the camera, but I was worried about the images,” Kanwar said. The groom said that the photographer wanted to jump back in after the camera, but the couple didn’t want him to take that risk.

To get those photos back, the photographer reached out to the local Tempe Fire Department. The fire department’s dive team is usually tasked with finding things in the lake for the police department, from cars to evidence, but explained that while they don’t usually recover lost personal items from the lake, the team already had a training dive scheduled. The fire department then decided to move the training to the location where the camera had fallen.

Visibility underwater is poor in Tempe Town Lake, the fire department explained. Three divers – all of whom are married and knew the importance of those images – spent 20 minutes feeling around on the bottom of the lake. The third and final diver finally felt the camera near the end of his 20-minute dive, resurfacing with a water-logged Sony camera and lens.

The camera and lens, valued at around $5,000, did not survive its dip into the lake, where it sat at the bottom for several days. But, the photographer notes that insurance replaced his camera and, most importantly, all the images on the memory card were intact.

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Browse the best cameras for wedding photography or the best waterproof cameras.

I have huge respect for wedding photographers. They have to be highly organized, able to cajole crowds of half-inebriated strangers, cope with immense pressure, problem solve on the spot, mitigate unrealistic expectations, occasionally diffuse conflict, flatter the odd ego, the list goes on. And at the end of it all, they have to back everything up in a bajillion different ways and then start the laborious task of organizing thousands of files and packaging together the happy couple’s portfolio.

All this can be mighty daunting for would-be wedding photographers. After all, you’re providing a service for what is a once-in-a-lifetime event for a couple and their friends and families. It’s a unique moment in time that can never be repeated. And that’s why I believe, wholeheartedly, that wedding photographers should be held in the highest regard and deserve to be paid well for their services.

So, you've got the best camera for wedding photography, but how do you actually become a wedding photographer? Well, you might think: “I’ll just jump right in!” But I’d strongly advise against that. The hustle and bustle – and oftentimes chaos – of a wedding is no environment for a photographer to be finding their feet.

So, here’s how to become a wedding photographer the right way, so you can build your career for longevity.

How to become a wedding photographer

1. Practice, practice, practice!

This should come as no surprise, but practice is essential if you want to become a wedding photographer. That means heading out with your camera at each and every opportunity and shooting a wide range of situations. Part of a wedding photographer’s skillset is being able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, so the more you put yourself (and your camera) out there, the more versatile you’ll become as a photographer. That doesn’t mean doing the same 1km loop around your neighbourhood, either. It means putting yourself in new and exciting places and photographing a variety of subjects.

2. Become a student of photography

If you want your photography practice to mean something, you’re going to have to become a student of photography. And that means ensuring that you master all of the basic theory required to become a competent photographer. Composition, the exposure triangle, on- and off-camera flash, how to capture portraits, the list goes on.

3. Start your own documentary project

Wedding and event photography is essentially documentary photography. So the best way to simulate a couple’s big day in your own time is to come up with and shoot a documentary project. This might be something as simple as documenting your local conservation group’s tree-planting efforts or finding an interesting subject like a wood artisan who’s happy for you to document their work.

4. Get inspired by the work of others

All through your journey you’ll want to digest plenty of professional wedding photography so you can begin to build up an idea of what styles and aesthetics you like so you have something to aim for when building your own style. Looking at the work of professional wedding photographers will also allow you to build up a mental library of images that you may find yourself recalling upon come the big day. This is also a great way to find out what compositions work and if you have access to any EXIF data, what camera settings and focal lengths are being used.

5. Go to a wedding workshop

Plenty of reputable wedding photographers offer workshops, where they’ll hire out a space and stage various wedding scenarios using props and with the help of a few models. This is not only a great chance to learn practical tips from a jobbing pro, but allows you to dip your toe into the world of wedding photography in a controlled environment and without any expectations. Depending on the pro’s preferences for image usage, you may even be able to come away with a few images for your portfolio.

6. Shadow a professional wedding photographer

There’s really no substitute for on-the-job training. If you ask a few local professionals nicely, they might be happy for you to come and shadow them for the day while you provide light assistance in return, such as rounding up wedding guests and manoeuvring equipment. This will provide you with a wedding-photographer’s-eye view of the proceedings, so you can really work out if wedding photography is or isn’t for you. And it’s a great way of helping you decide whether you’re ready to take things to the next level.

7. Invest in the right kit

While it’s true that a great photographer can take a great photo on any camera, there’s no substitute for reliable camera equipment when shooting professionally. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend a fortune, you just need to make sure you have the necessary equipment to do the job. I’m not going to write out a definitive list of every single thing a wedding photographer needs right here, but top of the list will be the best lenses for wedding photography and ideally, three bodies (with dual card slots so you can instantly back up images). Two bodies will be kept on your person so you can instantly switch between two lenses, with the third body kept in reserve, should a fault occur.

8. Work some lighter events

If you’re ready to up the stakes but don’t want to commit to becoming a second shooter (next step) just yet, then doing some light event work is a great way to flex your wedding-photography muscles. This might be documenting a party, a corporate event, or a local fundraiser. Just make sure the event is relatively short, so you’re not overwhelmed.

9. Become a second shooter

Being a second shooter is different to shadowing a professional wedding photographer, because you’ll be supporting them by also providing photography. This takes some of the pressure off of shooting a wedding on your own because the main wedding photographer will likely assign you tasks, meaning you don’t have to worry about structuring the entire day yourself, and they will also be around to help solve any big problems. That’s not to say a second shooter’s job is easy. It’s still a very serious role and you’ll still likely be operating on your own at times, with plenty of responsibilities. You just won’t have the same level of responsibility as the main photographer.

10. Create a back-up workflow

Before you shoot your own wedding, you need to make sure you come up with a fool-proof back-up workflow. This means ensuring that no matter what happens, images are not lost. A camera with a dual card slot is a good start, external hard drives are essential, and you may also wish to invest in the best cloud storage to cover loss, theft or damage on your way home.

11. Book your first wedding

You’re now ready to shoot your first wedding! However, this is in no way a definitive list, but it should provide you with plenty of ideas and scenarios to help ensure you get the experience you need to become a wedding photographer the right way.

Good luck!

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My daughter recently got married. During the celebration, I was so impressed with how the wedding photographer interacted with the happy couple, the wedding party, the parents of the bride (which included me) and groom, and everyone else. And I believe her rapport helped produce truly fantastic images. 

Of course, it’s not to say that technical portrait photography skill isn’t important, too. In fact, my daughter and her fiancé were obviously looking for a very capable photographer to hire. But she was also looking for a particular style of photography that meant the photographer wasn’t just giving orders on how to pose for group portraits. My daughter said, “I was looking for a style that was less posed and more candid, but with an artful quality to it too, somewhere between portrait photographer and documentary photographer. I wanted my photographer to capture the feeling of the guests and events in addition to the ceremony and portraits of us and the bridal party.” 

So, by choosing this slightly hybrid style of wedding photographer, which has become very popular these days with young couples getting married, meant that how she interacted was as important as what she photographed and how she posed her subjects. 

One of the essential qualities this photographer had was that she was able to interact very nicely and respectfully with everyone, but also with humor, and that she made all the subjects feel at ease. It’s something my daughter was very impressed with. “One of the things we loved about our photographer,” my daughter says, “is that she was very calm, very casual, but very fun to work with; she engaged the group as well as individuals, joking with us, pausing to adjust someone’s positioning, resuming joking around, and snapping the perfect picture while everyone is still laughing.” And that easy-going quality resulted in images depicting the wedding party and all the guests having a great time!

It's a quality that definitely meant a lot to the bride and groom, particularly since they were often the main subjects. “There’s a lot of anxiety on a wedding day,” my daughter said, “and her calm manner made it easy for us to feel comfortable. I think part of that is confidence: She’s an experienced photographer. But her not stressing the little things helped us stay cool, too. We also had quite a large wedding party (8 bridesmaids, 7 groomsmen, plus parents, grandparents, and siblings) so corralling all of us was quite the task. But she managed everyone really well, capturing small group moments in the shuffle between larger group shots.”

It was obvious to my daughter that her easy-going manner didn’t mean she wasn’t serious about the business of taking photos. But her behavior really helped make it a great experience: Her relaxed manner really had a very positive impact on everyone else. “I really appreciated that while, of course, she took the business of taking our pictures seriously, she was still having fun with it, demonstrating how she wanted groomsmen to pose or walk (‘like you’re cool guys, you know?’), or dancing through the crowd on the dance floor to get great party shots. It’s obvious she’s really enthusiastic about her work, and it shows through in all the pictures she took of our big day.” 

My daughter’s wedding planner noticed her friendly manner, as well, pointing out that she was impressed by how she was quite skilled at being very inconspicuous, even during the important events that day, like the first dance or the wedding toasts. “Some photographers think they’re the stars of the show,” my daughter’s wedding planned noted.

In the end, the photographer’s combination of easy-going rapport and her skill as an event photographer resulted in lots of fantastic photos of the wedding. “I think she was really able to capture the lively, busy, and slightly dreamlike feeling of our wedding,” my daughter said.

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A wedding videographer in Kent, UK, has been arrested over allegations of fraud and theft after couples complained the videographer failed to show up while others have waited more than two years for footage. Last week, the 34-year-old videographer was arrested and has since been released on bail.

According to the BBC, the videographer was arrested on January 23 and later released on bail as the investigation continues. Some couples claim the vendor didn’t show up to the wedding day, while other couples say they are still waiting for their videos more than a year later.

The investigation isn’t likely to make delivery of those wedding videos any faster. According to a local news station, the videographer said her hard drives were seized as part of the investigation. “Due to a situation beyond our control,” the photographer said, “we regret to inform our clients that certain recent accusations have resulted in the seizure of all business assets, including external hard drives containing critical video files that many of you are waiting for.”

In some reports, as many as 100 complaints have been filed against the unnamed videographer. Those claims include both failing to show up on the wedding day as well as allegations from couples who have not yet received their video, some of them who have celebrated multiple anniversaries since.

An earlier report on complaints filed over a UK wedding videographer noted that one of those complaints includes footage of a friend and family member who later passed away after the wedding; the missing footage is believed to be the last of those family members. The videographer told the BBC that “family issues” were the cause of the delay. However, it's unclear if that report is referring to the same vendor, as a name wasn’t given in the arrest.

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A hobbyist photographer in Rhode Island, USA, was out photographing birds on the beach when she saw a stranger get down on one knee. The photographer turned her lens towards the unknown couple and wound up capturing the entire proposal on camera. The problem? Finding a way to get those photos to the unknown couple. But, thanks to social media, the photographer was able to connect with the couple.

According to the local news station for the area, photographer Beth Fitzpatrick didn’t want to intrude on the couple’s celebration after snapping the photos. But, when she got home and looked through her photos from Narragansett Beach, she knew the couple needed to have them.

ABOVE: Social media can bring people together!

After asking for help identifying the couple on social media, Fitzpatrick was able to connect with the groom-to-be less than 24 hours later. Ryan Chadwick and Samantha Zambarano were excited to have the photos. Chadwick explained that he had actually hired a photographer for the proposal, though the pro ended up sick on the planned day – but he wanted to proceed with the plans anyway.

“I was impressed that Rhode Island being Rhode Island, within an hour we were connected and the people were found,” the photographer told a local news station.

Chadwick described getting the photos – despite the original photographer calling in sick – as a good omen; the couple noted they had family members calling them all day after the surprise photos were featured on the local news.

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A wedding photographer in Texas has pled guilty to felony theft after being charged in a case involving $11,000 (approximately £8,600 / AU$17,200) and 12 people. The photographer allegedly made false claims of illnesses and family emergencies, and failed to show for the engagement and wedding photos.

The case originated in 2022 with a Better Business Bureau complaint and a local news investigation involving as many as 14 couples. When the news organization investigated and aired an original report, a Collins County, Texas, police officer who had also hired the same photographer saw the report; the police department began an investigation the following day.

Court documents call the photographer’s actions “an intentional act to deceive.” According to CBS News, three clients were told on different days that the photographer was on the way to the emergency room with a sick child. In another instance, the photographer was allegedly booked for two weddings on the same day and canceled them both but gave different reasons to each couple.

Another client said the photographer canceled only hours before the ceremony, yet the replacement photographer she sent said she was hired a week before. According to the report, at least four photographers hired as a replacement say they were not paid.

Three steps to help avoid scams when booking a wedding photographer

The case could serve as a warning for couples in the middle of the wedding planning process – but are there any warning signs to look out for when choosing a wedding photographer?

I’ve been photographing weddings for nearly ten years and reading the report left a sour taste in my mouth. Yes photographers are people, too, and some emergencies are unavoidable, but there are a few things couples can do to avoid a no-show photographer.

1. Meet the photographer before booking

Online booking and website portfolios make it easier than before to book a photographer without actually meeting them in person. While that does make the planning process easier, skipping out on meeting your photographer is one step that shouldn’t be cut for convenience.

Your wedding photographer is the vendor that you’ll be seeing throughout your entire wedding day – you should like them, and you won’t know that until you’ve met them in person or at least had a phone conversation. I’ve photographed a surprising number of weddings where I had never met the couple until the morning of the wedding.

2. Consider the engagement photos a trial run

I include engagement photos in most of my wedding packages because they serve as a practice run for the wedding. But besides helping couples feel more comfortable in front of the camera, this is also the best chance to meet your photographer ahead of time. If you’re booking a photographer that hasn’t been recommended by any friends or family, you could even book an engagement shoot first; then only book the wedding if you love the engagement photos.

In the Texas case, one client that had the photographer repeatedly cancel the engagement photos hired another photographer for the wedding – a good move since the original photographer ended up canceling the morning of the wedding.

3. Ask what the backup plan is

Wedding photographers are people, too – and emergencies do happen. Before booking a photographer, ask what the backup plan is in case they are ill or some other emergency comes up. If the photographer doesn’t have another photographer they can call as a replacement, that’s a big red flag. Couples could also ask who the emergency replacement is, to avoid ending up with a replacement that has little experience.

John Dolan is not your typical wedding photographer. He has developed a distinct style that places him among the most sought-after wedding photographers in the world, shooting for many A-list celebrities.

Starting his wedding photography career in the mid-90s, Dolan was instrumental in changing the course of wedding photography, pushing the boundaries of the standard formal photographer and setting the stage for a more creative expression in the genre.

Not defined by one style, Dolan's photography captures more than just the standard wedding portraits and instead captures the experience in a fresh dynamic way, producing works of art that stand the test of time. A showcase of this work can now be seen in a newly expanded edition of his monumental book.

The Perfect Imperfect: The Wedding Photographs of John Dolan by John Dolan, published by Damiani, has shown me a side of wedding photography that I was previously unaware of.

Eager to find out more, I sat down to talk with John Dolan about his career, and the new edition of the book.

John Dolan is certainly a photographer's wedding photographer and The Perfect Imperfect is an exceptionally beautiful and emotionally charged book showcasing the highlights of an outstanding career.

The expanded edition of The Perfect Imperfect: The Wedding Photographs of John Dolan  is published by Damiani and is now on sale for £75 in UK, and goes on sale in the USA on November 5 for $95..

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Watch video: Props, Pose, Party!

Photo booths have become hugely popular and you’ll often see professional setups at big events. But with a few simple skills, a DIY booth can yield results that are just as good. If you want to set one up – perhaps for a wedding or family party – you’ll find all you need to know to get started over the following article.

A photo booth could be as simple as placing a phone in selfie mode on a tripod. But there are ways to make the booth more polished and dynamic. First there’s the lighting, a couple of studio strobes allows for professional, flattering light that can illuminate groups large and small. Then there’s the user experience. A Live View monitor can make it easier for guests to get into the right position, and a large display for viewing the photos afterwards can give them instant gratification.

If you want to give guests access to the photos then, for a simple solution, you could do as we have here and set up a cloud-based image folder and a QR code so they can instantly see photos on their phones (this gives access to all the photos, so it’s best suited to an event where everyone knows one another).

Unless you want to be standing there supervising all night, you also need the booth to be simple for people to use – and robust enough to withstand users who might have had a few drinks. It can be a challenge to set up, but it’s worth it for the fun, laughter and selection of priceless photos you’ll help to create. 

1. Use an HDMI monitor

An external camera monitor that shows the Live View feed will allow people to see themselves and get into position (it also saves on camera battery). We used a Viltrox 550 Pro monitor, connected via HDMI. Of course, if your camera has a flip screen you could simply turn this to face people instead.

2. Change the image quality

Compose the frame and set your camera to shoot in JPEG at medium quality. This will mean smaller file sizes, so it will be quicker for images to upload to the cloud and easier for guests to view and download. If your camera allows you to reduce the resolution with a DX crop factor, consider setting this too.

3. Tether to the cloud

We can tether the camera to the laptop and direct to Lightroom to save images to the cloud-based folder. We used Google Drive to create an online folder. This folder also appears as a regular folder on our laptop hard drive (install Google Drive for desktop). This way, they appear online moments after shooting.

4. Instant phone access

We can generate a QR code that links to the Google Drive folder so that people can instantly access the photos on their phones. Set permissions for the folder so everyone can view, then copy the share link. Search for ‘Adobe free QR’ in Google and paste the link into the generator to create a QR code.

5. Set eye-detect autofocus

If your camera has it, enable facial detection and turn on continuous AF. This way the camera will continually track, looking for eyes as they enter the frame. If your camera doesn’t have this, make a mark on the floor where people should stand, pre-focus on someone on this spot and switch to manual focus to lock it.

6. Keep things running

In order to keep the booth going until the early hours and the guests coming back for more, be sure to disable sleep mode on the camera and laptop. Always turn off exposure simulation when using flash. Keep a few spare batteries on hand for the camera and check and change them every hour or so.

7. Make a balloon arch

Create a backdrop for your photo booth. We found that balloon arch is a great way to make a frame for people to pose in. We bought a set from Amazon for only $12, which we attached to a couple of light stands (equally it could simply be fixed to a wall).

8. Provide props

Props and dress-up items can add an extra dose of fun to a photo booth. Here we arranged a table next to the booth with an array of wigs, funny glasses, toys, blow-up guitars, microphones, boxing gloves and other fun items. Some may appear on the dance floor later on!

9. Signs and instructions

Leave simple instructions so that people will know where to stand, what to press and where to look. If you’ve created a cloud folder then add the QR code too. Make it clear in the booth instructions that the folder will allow access to all the photos from all guests taken on the night.

10. Lighting setup

Here’s a summary of our photo booth set-up.
[1] First we set the camera up on a tripod  
[2] Next we attach a Speedlite to fire our studio strobes .
[3] We set up an HDMI monitor displaying the Live view feed to help guests get into position .
[4] We attach a wireless remote shutter release and transmitter that people can press to take the shot
[5] Next we set up two studio strobes with white umbrellas set to optical trigger so that they fire on detecting the Speedlite
[6]. We attach the camera to a laptop and tether using Lightroom, then tuck it away under a table
[7] A large display is set up on the table and connected to the laptop as a dual monitor, with Lightroom set to display images full screen as they are taken
[8] The images are uploaded to a Google Drive folder so people can instantly access them on their phones using a QR code
[9] Finally, we place a box over the camera to stop people touching it, with openings for the Live View monitor, lens and Speedlite on top of the camera.

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Former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams (head of the Anglican Church) has admitted that vicars can be a 'complete pain' and 'over controlling' of photographers during weddings following the publication of a petition started by wedding photographer Rachel Roberts.

This follows a growing spate of TikTok videos discussing priests and vicars banning photographers from shooting during the ceremony, apparently regardless of the wishes from the couple. One such posting seems to have been the last straw for Roberts, the widely shared clip of a photographer being told off by an officiant on TikTok.

The photographer, Julieanne Whyte, notes that she debated whether she should post it, but was tipped over the edge by what she saw as a clear attempt to intimidate her from doing a job she had been paid for. This struck a chord with the (dare we say it) clearly media-savy Rachel Roberts who started a petition and who has now had her petition mentioned in numerous global media, and appeared on them.

On the flip side, you can't exactly credit the former Archbishop of Canterbury with the same savvy, pouring oil onto the fire by commenting. Sure, his remarks – in full – were sympathetic to both sides, also pointing out "The event isn't staged just as a spectacle to be filmed, but as a personal encounter of a couple with God." 

Nevertheless, they have of course been clipped enthusiastically by tabloids stoking fire and in support of photographers rather than vicars. At least those media outlets forced by charter to see both sides of a story like the BBC have done so, making it a talking point... (click see more to play) 

If you've already seen the battle online and in the media and been trying to find Rachel Roberts it might help to know she operates Rachel London Photography, based in Lincoln, UK. She also has marketing and communications experience from her job which might have helped gain global attention for this issue.

It doesn't stop it being an issue faced by a lot of photographers, though. As she herself points out when interviewed, the petition also provided a lot of photographers the opportunity to share their experiences and they've not all been good.

Check our guide to the best camera for wedding photographers.

Kim Grant is one of the featured speakers at The Photography & Video Show, taking place March 16-19 at the NEC in Birmingham England.

For Kim Grant, there’s no place like home. The nurse turned landscape photographer lives in a seaside village on the scenic Moray coast in northeast Scotland. There is a calming assurance in her voice that is both clear and rhythmical, a reflection, I think, of life’s gentle pace in her home surroundings: she looks and sounds relaxed. 

“Have you been out this morning?” I ask when we both get our video link up and running. “For a walk, yes, but not with the camera,” she replies. Except for five years in Aberdeenshire, Kim has lived all her life in Moray and recently returned to her home village of Burghead. 

Her affection for the place runs deep: “It’s a wonderful place to live and to do photography because you’ve got it all here, the seaside and woodlands, farmland and rivers. You’ve got everything really, apart from mountains, but I’m not really into mountain photography.”

And yet, this summer Kim surprised thousands of followers on her YouTube channel by announcing that she had fallen out of love with traditional landscape photography. More than that, she added: “If I’m completely honest, I find it boring now.” 

However, she continues to see herself as a landscape photographer; the difference is that Kim’s new work is more intricate, less obvious, and triggered by an emotional connection to her subject rather than a snap response to a spectacular view. But to fall out of love with traditional landscape photography means she must have been in love to begin with, so I start by asking her the obvious question…  

This interview first appeared in N-Photo magazine. Scarlet is a headline speaker at The Photography & Video Show. You can find out about his talks at the Show website, and you can get 20% off tickets with our exclusive discount code.

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Gurvir Johal is one of the featured speakers at The Photography & Video Show next month, taking place March 16-19 at the NEC in Birmingham England.

It’s the start of another week at the height of summer, and I’m expecting acclaimed Asian wedding photographer Gurvir Johal to be run off his feet when we speak. As it turns out, that’s putting it mildly. Gurvir’s schedule leaves me reeling: 

“I’m in France tomorrow for a wedding on Wednesday and Thursday. I’m home Friday; it’s my son’s birthday on Saturday, he’s going to be two, so as soon as I land in Gatwick on Friday I’ve got to get back to Birmingham and cover a wedding – a good friend snapped his Achilles heel, so I’m covering as many of his jobs as possible. I’m hoping by August he’ll be back to normal, so I’m covering Friday’s gig for him, son’s birthday on Saturday, wedding again on Sunday.” 

Very early on in my career, I used to jump in the car in the driver’s seat or the front seat, and photograph everybody saying goodbye from that perspective. I remember early in my career there were very few weddings where the family dynamics weren’t similar to mine. It got emotional for me when you’re hearing the dad, the mum and the brother and siblings saying goodbye to their sister, and the words exchanged between them. It’s difficult for you to be cold as stone all the way through. It really does pull on your emotions.

This interview first appeared in N-Photo magazine. Gurvir is a headline speaker at The Photography & Video Show. You can find out about his talks at the Show website, and you can get 20% off tickets with our exclusive discount code.

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In celebration of love and art, Canadian Tara Lilly has emerged victorious as the 2023 International Wedding Photographer of the Year. Outranking over 1,700 submissions across 11 categories from more than 300 wedding photographers worldwide, Tara's enchanting photograph captured the hearts of both judges and viewers.

The winning photograph, entered into the Single Capture category, encapsulated a joy-filled lucky encounter with a whisky jack (aka the grey jay, Canada's national bird) who chose to use the bride's head as a temporary perch. 

As a rule, the International Wedding Photographer of the Year Awards prohibits extensive manipulation using Photoshop (or other photo editing software) beyond standard color and exposure adjustments so that judges can be sure moments like this are genuine. Tara's image perfectly embodies the essence of unfiltered emotion, surprise, and the unexpected, offering a snapshot of the narrative that unfolds throughout an entire wedding day.

Italian wedding photographer Carmelo Ucchino was named the runner-up with a striking composition in the Dance Floor category, depicting a newlywed couple embracing during their first dance as water cascades around them. Other notable mentions include Amy Schaefer's Epic Location winner, showing two daredevil climbers kissing on a rockface, and Fabio Mirulla's Pink Floyd-inspired capture. 

Dee Kampe, last year's Grand Winner and one of the six judges for the 2023 Awards, expressed her delight in judging a diverse range of entries. She praised Tara's winning entry, stating, "It's joyous, uplifting, and makes me grin from ear to ear just looking at it."

As the 2023 International Wedding Photographer of the Year, Tara Lilly will receive a prize pool that includes a share in over $3,000 (approximately £2,370 / AU$4,510) and products from esteemed award sponsors such as Prograde Digital, Holdfast Gear, Pic-Time, Narrative Select, Godox, Koi Knives, and ImagenAi.

The 2023 awards, curated by Luke Simon, experienced a significant increase of 200 entries compared to the previous year, reflecting a rebound in the wedding photography industry as it returns to a semblance of pre-COVID "business as usual" bookings. Luke expressed excitement about the industry's resurgence and emphasized the Awards' role in providing exposure and recognition to photographers. 

In addition to the Awards program, a new wedding photographer search directory has been introduced to help couples find their ideal professional to capture their special day.

As the International Wedding Photographer of the Year Awards continues to provide a platform for both seasoned and emerging photographers to showcase their work, it simultaneously creates a community that appreciates the artistry, passion and love behind every moment captured. 

Wedding photography is one of the most high-pressure genres to work in, but this stunning set of captures shows what can be achieved with a lot of thought and a bit of luck. To view the 2023 winners gallery, head to the official website.

You'll want to invest in the best cameras for wedding photography and the best lenses for wedding photography – along with one of the best flashguns if you're getting into wedding photography so you can capture even the poorly lit moments!

While wedding trends seem to be a never-ending structure of doing this and doing that to make sure your perfect day is captured without a hitch, and that your guest also captures the atmosphere, gone are the days of suggesting that every table has a disposable camera or having an individual area for everyone to take pictures.

These new camera trends take that creatively a little bit further but are perfect for any photographer getting married or for any photographer looking to upgrade their wedding packages.

Stuart Deavall from TonerGiant shares three photo trends that engaged couples can implement into their wedding, and what wedding-goers can expect to see at weddings as we head towards 2024.

1. Polaroid picture stations 

“A fun alternative to a standard wedding guest book is a Polaroid picture station, which has grown in popularity over the last few years. To ensure that the guest book is everything you’ve hoped for on your big day, be sure to leave clear instructions for your attendees.” 

2. 'Wall of Fame’ collages 

“Wall of fame collages are a beautiful way to showcase a bride and groom’s best moments throughout the years, and an easy way to add a personal touch to your wedding reception’s decor. Spend an evening with your partner to select your favorite photographs together and think about how you would best like to arrange your photos for a show-stopping display.”

“I would recommend using matte or glossy photo paper, with a quality inkjet printer, for printing at home. The glossy paper provides a nice, shiny appearance. However, the larger the print, the more we would recommend opting for matte photo paper. This is because the contrasts can look too strong on glossy paper for large pieces of wall art. Matte paper also has the ability to reduce light reflections- which is perfect for if you’re creating your wedding wall collage near a window, where sunlight will be beaming through!” 

3. Photo wedding place cards  

"Add a personalized touch to your special occasion by creating your own table cards. A great way to move away from the standard table card is by incorporating a photograph of each attendee, alongside their name, on their respective table card. This will add a fun appeal to your table cards and allow your guests to incorporate their favorite memories into your big day. Table cards are simple to print at home; for the best results, I would recommend using quality cards in a matte finish.”

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Capturing the vibrant energy of a dancefloor after a wedding is a real technical challenge. There’s little light to work with, and focusing on moving subjects in the near-dark isn’t an easy task, even for a capable camera like the Z 6II.

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While a fast prime lens and a high ISO setting will allow you to preserve the ambient light and produce atmospheric pictures, one surefire way to shoot truly dynamic dancefloor photos is to use the shutter drag technique. This combines a slow shutter speed with a burst of flash to freeze the action, and also injects colourful swirls and streaks of light to the frame.

So whether it’s the bride and groom busting a move to their favourite tune, or a drunk uncle air-guitaring to Livin’ on a Prayer, this technique will always serve up a bounty of frolicsome photos.

How to shoot a low-light wedding reception 

1. Take it slow

To turn the lighting in the room into colourful swirls and playful streaks, you need a slow shutter speed: probably 1/10 sec or slower. This should give you just enough time to inject some intentional camera movement into the frame and let the light show create a sense of the buzz of the party.

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2. Limit the light

An aperture value of f/9 or higher will help limit the ambient light, while providing a forgiving depth of field for any marginal focusing mishaps. Combine this with an ISO of 320 and most of the ambient light will be underexposed; only the brighter bare bulb lights in the background will be rendered as colourful streaks in your image.

3. Fire up your flash

Attach a flashgun to your camera’s hotshoe, set it to Manual mode and select 1/8 power. Zoom your flash head to its maximum setting to narrow the beam of light and avoid unwanted light spill around the scene. Keep your Nikon’s Flash mode on its default ‘Fill flash’ setting so the flash fires at the beginning of the exposure.

4. Set manual focus 

Focusing can be challenging in dark scenes, especially when there are roving disco lights and moving subjects to contend with. Avoid focusing frustration by setting it manually to a distance of around 2m. Use Focus Peaking, if your Nikon has this, which highlights the areas of sharpest detail to confirm that you’re focusing as intended.

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5. Shoot and drag

With your camera ready to go, get involved in the dance floor action and frame up on the people around you. The instant you have pressed the shutter and your flash has fired, give your camera an intentional jolt or twist: this will ‘drag’ the background lights into colourful bursts.

EXPERT TIP!

To get the best results, you need to be part of the scene you are photographing. So take this chance to dust off your dancing shoes and bust out your own best moves. That way, people around you will feel more relaxed and playful, and will be less likely to shy away from the camera.

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A despondent bride who spent $3,000 on a wedding photographer has been blown away by the kindness of TikTok viewers, who have offered her a free photography session. Brooke was left in total shock after receiving her wedding photos, which she has described as “all the way around bad”, so took to TikTok to share her experience.

Your wedding day is meant to be one of the most memorable days of your life, and when it comes to photography people spend big bucks to make sure it’s done right. Anyone who has ever shot a wedding knows it’s a high-pressure environment where you have just one chance to get the shots.

While the best cameras for wedding photography are helpful tools, having a good eye for composition, the ability to tell a story and a connection to the couple is the recipe for taking photos that make people cry happy tears.

Unfortunately for Brooke (@anotherbabblingbrooke), the wedding photos she was handed made her cry for all the wrong reasons. Not only were some shots missed, but the photos she received were also badly cropped, out of focus, poorly composed and taken from unflattering angles. 

The job of a wedding photographer (and any portrait photographer, for that matter) is to make their subject feel calm, confident and beautiful so that when they look back at the photos they are filled with self-confidence – not self-loathing.

In the TikTok (above), Brooke describes her first dance photos as some of the “worst she’s ever seen” – and I’m inclined to agree with her. They’ve been taken at unflattering moments, with poor lighting and absolutely no thought when it comes to composition. Not only are the photos awful, but the photographer is also refusing to respond to emails, offer a refund or provide a solution. 

Since Brooke posted the video to TikTok she has received over 140K likes, 6,500 comments and more than 3,200 shares. Viewers wholeheartedly agreed that Brooke had been ripped off, while others offers words of condolence. However, multiple wedding photographers went above and beyond, offering Brooke and her husband a wedding photo shoot completely free of charge. 

Nothing will be able to make up for the photos missed on the actual day, but Brooke will at least have the opportunity to feel like a beautiful bride and have a set of photos to be proud of. She is currently in the middle of a lawsuit with the unnamed photographer in the hope that she will receive compensation. But the moral of the story is, an expensive wedding photographer doesn’t necessarily mean stunning wedding photos.

It seems many of the videos Brooke originally posted have now been taken down from TikTok, which could be to do with the ongoing lawsuit and not wanting to risk a defamation case. No matter how you look at it, though, when you're spending $3K you expect to receive photos that capture the essence of the day. 

These are the best lenses for wedding and photography, from prime lenses to telephotos. And the best flashgun and strobes are perfect for capturing stunning wedding shots in low-light environments

If you’ve ever shot a wedding, you’ll understand just how stressful they can be. More often than not you start early and finish late, and there are no second chances when it comes to certain shots. 

As well as making sure that you’ve ticked everything off your shot list you’ll also have to organize people, make sure your kit is working, and deal with any issues that arise.

• These are the best cameras for wedding photography

Rebecca Kerr and Laura Adams have more than ten years of experience shooting weddings, and during that time they’ve learned a lot when it comes to the do's and don’ts. 

Although the pair have different photography styles, the way in which they go about the day has some similarities – and they shared the three more important rules with Hiscox, who provide insurance for photography businesses. 

1) Effective communication

Before the big day arrives, there needs to be an in-depth conversation about what is expected of you. As Laura notes, "Many couples say 'I trust you' and 'We're leaving the pictures in your hands' but this means you really need to understand exactly what photos the couple is expecting to sell. If you miss some key moments, you could have an unhappy couple on your hands."

By asking the right questions, Laura is able to ascertain what shots are most important and which to include in the final gallery. Rebecca also adds how important it is to get to know the couple. 

"When my couple is comfortable with me, I'm able to be far more creative and create better images… Ask all the logistical questions beforehand so that you don’t have to constantly be asking what's coming up next, when's the cake being cut, who needs to be in the group photos, etc.

"By making note of the timetable for the day, you can keep referring back to it ensuring you don't miss anything and the bride and groom can fully enjoy the day without worrying about the photography."

2) Navigate expectations

One of the issues with social media is it gives people unrealistic expectations of how life looks – and that extends to weddings. The hashtag #perfectwedding has gained more than 250,000 images so, when they start hunting for a wedding photographer, people often already have an idea of how they want the final images to look.

Rebecca points out that more and more people are expecting their weddings to look like the ones you see on Instagram or Pinterest. "They want the aesthetic to be just right for the ceremony and reception, but also put a lot of pressure on themselves too."

Since so many people take photos of themselves using filters that make their skin appear airbrushed or their face shape more 'defined', Rebecca points out that sometimes people aren't used to seeing what they look like when edited by a professional photographer. 

Unlike filters, which can completely change how you look, Rebecca prefers to keep retouching to a minimum so the photos look natural – but she will of course remove rogue hairs and spots.

Over the last three years, the wedding photography landscape has changed significantly. "Since COVID, couples are really embracing the kinds of weddings they want within the budget they want to spend," Laura points out. 

This means traditional wedding photography is making room for more creative shots that are unique to the couple and tell a story. "It’s no longer a staged arena – wedding days are full of life, connection and possibility for the future ahead!"

3) Expect the unexpected

Even the best-laid plans can go wrong, whether it unexpectedly rains, a battery charger stops working or a memory card corrupts. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to have spares! The best professional cameras have dual card slots, so you can save all your photos to two cards just in case the worst does happen.

Early on in Rebecca's career, she was working at a wedding as a second shooter. When the day was over she handed one of the memory cards to the main photographer to edit, but unfortunately it was misplaced. While Rebecca thought disaster had been avoided, as she had a backup of the photos on her second memory card, when she plugged it in she discovered it was blank. 

"I [learned] that you need to set up dual recording specifically. It didn't just automatically happen when you inserted a second memory card." You can configure the dual slots to shoot in several different ways, either by saving to both cards or you could save RAW images to one and JPEGs to another – so it’s good to check how you have it set up!

Laura offers another really good bit of advice, which is to shoot with two cameras. Most wedding photographers do this not only so they can quickly change between lens setups, but just in case one malfunctions. The same goes for flashes – there's nothing worse than having to run around trying to find replacement kit if yours isn't playing ball.

Wedding photography can be stressful, but it can also be really fun and sociable. So long as you plan well, prepare for the worst-case scenario and follow these wise tips, there is little margin for error. 

The best lenses for wedding photography will help you get the shots you need, and the best flashguns and strobes are perfect for catching moments in low light conditions. Check out more wedding photography tips. 

Imagine this; you’ve just had your dream wedding, you hired a photographer who took your photos in a stunning location, you’ve already paid thousands of pounds to them – and then you find out they’ve been landed with extra fees, for shooting on National Trust land. It’s enough to wind anyone up the wrong way, especially when the National Trust is a multi-million-pound business and much of its land was once publicly owned. 

Beth Faulder is a 27-year-old wedding photographer from Cockermouth, England, with 11 years of experience in the industry, but last week she found out that you have to pay to shoot on National Trust land. By that I don’t mean, you have to pay to access National Trust houses or gardens, but if you wanted to shoot at Kynance Cove in Cornwall or Ennerdale Water in the Lake District, you would have to pre-book and pay a licensing fee. 

• These are the best cameras for wedding photography  – from more affordable entry-level APS-C cameras to top-spec full-frame systems

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, I think it’s fair to say photographers have been struggling. People are cutting costs left, right and center. Perhaps where they once upon a time would have invested in a professional wedding photographer, they are getting friends or family to shoot instead, which means fewer jobs and less income. Meanwhile, the National Trust’s income increased by roughly 25% between 2021 and 2022, to a staggering £643 million ($843 million / AU$1.2 billion). 

I can understand charging a fee to shoot inside a National Trust property, or one of the gardens which is maintained by National Trust staff.  But it seems absolutely ridiculous that you would have to pay to shoot in an area you can walk to for free, that has no facilities (other than perhaps a car park) and requires no staff to be on hand.

According to the National Trust, these fees have been in place for over 20 years and any money raised is used to support conservation work and ensure a location's natural beauty for years to come. Individuals are able to take photos for private use, free of charge, but it states anyone making money from their images will be subject to a licensing fee. 

Beth found out about the fees via the couple, who had been contacted by a member of staff at the National Trust. Fees include a £50 photography fee plus photographers must pay an additional fee if they then wish to use the images for marketing purposes. With so many couples already struggling with price increases, the last thing Beth wants is to have to charge more – but with added fees, it's inevitable. 

Many National Trust properties were gifted to it by family members who would’ve struggled to pay the steep inheritance tax. It is the largest private landowner in the United Kingdom, with more than 250,000 hectares of countryside including 780 miles of coastline. While there are still plenty of other areas to explore and shoot, it seems an unreasonable and unnecessary fee to enforce. 

Times are tough for everyone, but the National Trust doesn't seem to be struggling – at least not in the same way that freelance independent photographers are – so why make it harder? Scrap the fees and let people shoot freely. 

If that hasn't put you off, check out the best lenses for wedding photography along with these essential wedding photography tips. 

Taking on a wedding is a big responsibility. After all, if you mess it up, you can't ask all the guests to come back for a reshoot! As photographers we're commonly asked by friends and family members to shoot their weddings, but there's a few things you should know before agreeing to shoot the big day!

We recently caught up with award-winning photographer, Vanessa Joy, who has been a pro wedding photographer for over 20 years. She focuses her business in the Austin, Texas and New Jersey / New York City areas, alongside her partnerships as a Canon Explorer of Light and Profoto Legend of Light. For over a decade she’s been helping photographers take their craft to the next level.

• Elevate your wedding game with the best cameras for wedding photography

Vanessa tells us her story, her top tips for wedding photography, as well as the camera set-up she uses, including her favorite cameras and lenses. To see more of her lovely images and check out her workshops, be sure to visit her website.

"My mother was a photographer so I grew up with a camera in my hand, but it was only when I started developing my own film in high school that I fell in love it. I became a wedding and portrait photographer right out of high school and loved the high intensity and challenge. 

"I first worked for another photographer for about five years before going solo. I thought I needed to have a ‘real job’ instead of just being a photographer, so I became a Spanish teacher. This was short-lived and I followed my passion for photography just a few years later.

"When I first started, the challenge was the craft itself. Striving to learn more, correct my mistakes, and create images that my clients were happy with. Then it was about marketing, and keeping up with social media, and now it’s about standing out from the crowd. Even smartphones produce quality images, so it’s hard for clients to sometimes know the difference between good and great photos. So, now my goal is to also weave in an experience that they’ll love and remember.

"I’ve recently gone back to my film roots and picked up the Canon A-1 camera that was once my mom’s, and the Canon SLR on which I first learned and my journey in photography began. It might not be the same as working under red lights and getting my hands wet, but it’s a great way to slow down the creative process and remember why I fell in love with it to begin with."

1. Canon EOS R3

"The EOS R3 may only have a top resolution of 24MP, but its super-fast top burst rate of 30fps makes it a favourite among sports and news photographers. My old Canon DSLR was a Canon EOS-1D X series which I always loved, so the EOS R3 is a natural upgrade. I love the mirrorless format of this camera, the durability, and its speed. I usually use the R3 to shoot the second half of wedding receptions as I love how it performs in low light."

2. Canon EOS R5

"Canon’s EOS R5 is one of my all-time favorite cameras. The autofocus system is unparalleled and its eye detection is brilliant. The full-frame 45MP imaging sensor delivers incredible prints that can be blown up and printed large, while still maintaining loads of detail. With megapixels aplenty I have the option to crop in a little, too. It also features sensor-based image stabilization, so camera shake is a thing of the past, and it performs great in low light and at high ISOs, too."

3. Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

"My Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is one lens to rule them all! It’s perhaps no surprise that this lens is glued to my camera for the majority of the wedding, unless I need a different lens for something specific. With a versatile zoom range of 28-70mm and a super-wide maximum aperture of f/2 throughout, it does the job of three prime lenses and has replaced my 24mm, 35mm and 50mm lenses."

4. Canon EF 135mm f/2L 

"This is one of the most understated lenses in the EF lineup; it has a telephoto focal length, ideal for taking candid shots from a distance, or tight portraits. I use the Canon EF-EOS R mount adaptor so I can continue to use it with my newer mirrorless Canon cameras. Canon has recently announced a new RF version with wider f/1.8 maximum aperture and optical image stabilization and I can’t wait to get my hands on one!"

• Read more: Canon RF 135mm f/1.8L IS USM review

5. Canon Selphy CP1300

"Ever since I started my own photography business about 14 years ago, I’ve always done same-day edits at weddings and even printed albums. I carry Canon’s Selphy CP1300 to print on location, and I use the additional battery so I don’t have to worry about finding an electrical outlet. It has variety of paper options, though I usually print off eight 2x3-inch photos on the day to give them a small photo album. The image quality is really good, too!"

6. Profoto B10

"The Profoto B10 is my go-to flash when I want to have both power and portability. With lots of modifier options, such as softboxes and umbrellas, I’m able to use this on the wedding day for a variety of situations like family photos and shots at night. It’s easy to set up on light stands and position it where I need the light to fall, for sidelit or backlit, portraits and so on. I fire it remotely using a flash trigger attached to my Canon EOS R3 or EOS R5 cameras."

A South Africa-based photographer thought he was being pranked when he received a text from a previous client asking for a full refund – four years after he shot their wedding! In the message, the client – let’s call her Karen – explains that she and her husband are “now divorced,” so they no longer have use for the photos.

In reply to the absurd request, Lance Romeo Photography quite rightly asked the woman, “Pardon me? This has to be a joke right?” Because who on earth would seriously think a photographer would just turn around and agree? After all, he can't take back the time he spent taking and editing the photos.

• Check out the best cameras for wedding photography (and hope you never get asked something so ridiculous)

What’s worse, Karen recognizes that he “did a wonderful job” but that the “photos went to waste as we are now divorced.” Last time I checked, divorce wasn’t the photographer's issue, hell one lucky photographer has even made a career out of divorce photography but asking for a refund for wedding photos post-divorce is like asking for a refund from a restaurant after you've polished off the meal. It's just downright cheeky. 

Since the incident occurred, Lance Romeo has shared a 2-minute long video to help answer the hundreds of requests he has received for more detail. Throughout the video, the photographer has a cheeky grin on his face as he obviously finds the whole situation rather amusing (who wouldn’t) but he explains one fascinating tale of events that makes you wonder if this marriage was doomed from the start. 

There's a new bomb in this video too! While shooting the wedding, he says he took a photo of the groom touching one of the bridesmaid's thighs, and apparently "not just in a friendly kinda way." He described it as more of a “squeeze.” Later on that night, the groom asked to have a look through the images and asked for that specific image to be deleted, which Romeo agreed to (though he restored the image after he walked away).

An incident like the request call into question how some client's minds work. As the photographer pointed out, he can’t go back and untake the images and for that reason, he would not be offering a refund. I personally can’t even begin to understand the audacity of asking for a refund, FOUR YEARS after getting married. 

I can understand if the photos were out of focus or not representative of the day then a refund might be asked for. Even if some key photos were missing perhaps a partial refund could be offered, but in both cases is a discussion that should happen at handover of the images. 

Obviously this whole situation is incredibly embarrassing for the bride – perhaps more so with the additional revelations – but I'm glad the photographer is making light of it.

If there is any good to come from it, I hope it brings Lance Romeo more engagement, more followers, and perhaps some more bookings from people who won’t be requesting a refund years later!

If you enjoyed this check out the best flashguns - perfect portable flashes perfect for shooting weddings and events

Dee Kampe, of Finder Seeker Photography from Melbourne, Australia, has earned herself the title of The 6th International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2022 after out-ranking more than 1,700 images that were submitted to the competition across 10 different categories by over 330 wedding photographers worldwide.

This sixth edition of the awards introduced a new category, "Lit" which encouraged wedding photographers to include the addition of a human-made light source to their images in celebration of Godox sponsoring the competition. These light sources could include on & off-camera flash, LED, Sparklers, and tungsten, and resulted in some fantastic wedding night photography!

• These are the best cameras for wedding photography

The International Wedding Photographer of the Year Awards is a renowned annual photography competition that has seen some extremely creative images from around the world and amazing examples of storytelling through glimpses into the subjects and their emotions on what should be the happiest day of their lives.

Open to all photographers, both Professional and Amateur, the awards highlight the very best of the genre and entries are scored based on a fair points system. The 15 highest-scoring entries from each category will then be re-judged by the judges as a new collection, and the grand winner will be the highest-scoring image from those 150 remaining entries. There are no limits to the year the photograph was taken.

Grand Winner Deanne Kempe has shared some details about the story behind the image that earned her the title, "After a year of being in and out of Melbourne’s notorious Covid-19 lockdowns, Liana and Jono’s wedding was my first wedding post-lockdown and this image is all the more sentimental to me for that reason.

"We were setting up for portraits when a strong gust of wind unexpectedly took off with Liana’s veil. While Jono went racing after it, Liana, amused by the whole debacle laughed and embraced the situation for what it was. I instinctively began photographing and this frame was captured a few seconds into the veil’s escape.

"Did they get the veil back? Yes, they did. After lifting some 50 meters into the air we assumed it was long gone, but it had come to rest halfway up a telephone pole on the opposite side of the street. But that’s another story.”

The ten categories included: Couple Portrait, Dance Floor, Epic Location, Black and White, Bridal Party, From Above, Single Capture, Solo Portrait, Engagement / Non-Wedding, and the newest category for 2022; Lit. 

Runner up for the Grand title and winner of the Black and White category was photographer Matteo Lomonte, from Italy, with his powerful image that shows a young boy in the backseat of a wedding car as the newlywed couple in the background is showered in confetti.

Being a wedding photographer is a huge commitment and responsibility, as these phenomenal photographers have demonstrated through their impressive work. Recognizing that wedding photography is deeply rooted in the business side of photography as well as the creative one, the awards have developed the competition site into an online directory to help couples find their perfect wedding photographer.

The directory on the awards website works by sharing the portfolio and contact details from the archive of past winners and finalists, as well as where they are based and filters such as which languages they speak, areas they specialize in, their pricing and hourly rates, plus years of experience.

• You may also want to take a look at the best lenses for wedding and event photography, as well as the best wedding photo albums to deliver to your clients. Don't forget about the best camera harness to keep your gear attached to you, and these wedding photography tips can help you prepare for the big day.

• Take a look at this Wedding photo book by the legendary Mario Testino, and see the creative winning results from last year's IWPOTY 2021, as well as the collection of images from the 2020 IWPOTY.

A new photo book by the legendary Mario Testino, Peruvian fashion photographer, is set to be published next month by Taschen. The book is said to be a  visual celebration that will focus on wedding photography from his four-decade career. 

I Love You is the book's title, featuring iconic photographs of  Kate Moss, Liz Hurley, Salma Hayek Pinault, and Sienna Miller among others. His past and present muses have included Her Royal Highness Princess Diana, as well as Madonna.

• These are the best cameras for wedding photography.

Testino's photographic homage to the beauty of love and weddings, I Love You traces some of the photographer's memories of iconic moments, and many unknown and inside stories from the most talked about celebrity unions that have been captured in the privacy of close friendship and family. 

Unparalleled access from Mario Testino unveils the secrets of tender, wild, and often the most festive of celebrations. A new chapter of life, and a public promise, this photo book showcases beautiful wedding events that have been captured from a unique photographic point of view, depicting beauty not only in emotion and tradition - but in the complete intimacy of the moments of shared joy.

With a four-decade career as one of the world’s most successful fashion and portrait photographers, as well as a leader in the prominent fields of both culture and lifestyle, Peruvian-born Mario Testino OBE has many facets that take him beyond the surface of being just a photographer and artist, but as a cultural visionary. 

Testino’s impact is uniquely powerful and broad, capturing images renowned for their freshness and intimacy. His work has been published and exhibited in cities all over the globe, and many of Testino's solo exhibitions have been shown in museums and galleries that include the London National Portrait Gallery, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Having built up unprecedented relationships and professional collaborations throughout his career with the likes of Vogue, Burberry, Michael Kors, Versace, Chanel and Gucci - Testino had opportunities to work on magazine campaigns that raised a few eyebrows, having also been published internationally in magazines such as Vogue, V Magazine and Vanity Fair.

Testino's latest photo book I Love You is not only a homage to weddings and to everything they comprise, but a love declaration and a glimpse into the heart of the brides getting ready. Every image presents the unique fantasies of starting a new beginning, as well as special rites among friends, plus extraordinary parties. 

With additional comments from the contributing authors, Carolina Herrera and Riccardo Lanza, this book offers glimpses into not only the big day of numerous couples but the life of Testino and how he envisioned these wedding images bringing the magic to life through his inspirational photography. 

I Love You will be published by TASCHEN in October, priced at £60 (£65 / AU$100 approximately) taking the format of a Hardcover, measuring 26.2 x 35 cm, weighing 1.92 kg, and comprising 248 pages. 

• You may want to take a look at our guides to the best lenses for wedding and event photography, as well as the best wedding albums, not forgetting the best disposable cameras for wedding guests, and check out the world's best wedding photos.

Professional photographer Rebecca Carpenter has one the inaugural Wedding Album of the Year competition with a stunning set of images in a book printed and produced  by Henley Albums.

The new award was set up by The Photography Show to celebrate the talent and craft of professional wedding photographers and album makers, and championing the power of print, with the finalists being displayed at this year's show at the NEC.

Rachel Carpenter, who describes herself as a destination wedding and elopement photographer, shot her winning album for her clients Helena & Mark, who got married in Las Vegas.

The judges commended her for her work commenting that the "This was a real show-stopping album. A great vintage look gave a consistency to the album, with a really strong stylized look that makes the most of the Las Vegas location. The personality of the couple really comes through and the photographer has not been afraid to use posing and wide-angle lenses to create an impact. The design of the album is really strong - making great use of breathing space - so that images do not look crowded."

Runners-up in the competition were: John Nassari with an album from Sim Imaging; Sarah Oliver working with Album Epoca; and Mike Garrard with Henley Albums.

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A UK-based wedding photography business, South West Photo and Film, has declared bankruptcy last week leaving hundreds of couples and newlyweds out of pocket, without their images, and in some cases without a photographer – just days before their big day was expected to take place. 

The company (also previously known as Lee Brewer Photography and Film) has shut down its website and online social media pages, removing all points of contact after sending out reluctantly worded apologetic emails to clients as the news broke. 

• Looking for the best cameras for wedding photography?

A post was shared on Facebook by Lee Brewer, the business owner of South West Photo & Film, that has since been deleted. The post from 28 July 2022 explains his side of the story, where he states "Due to the size of my debt and reviewing my options I was advised bankruptcy was my only option". Screenshots of his full (and very long) statement can be found in a comment section on Facebook. 

The most difficult element of this company's downfall is not only the devastating loss to hundreds of brides and grooms, but several photographers and videographers who were sub-contracted out under South West Photo and Film, meaning they too are not receiving any payments for weddings they had already shot, and are in the difficult position of dealing with reasonably distraught clients. 

Thankfully, the wedding photography community has come out in full force to help these couples by offering advice, support, and discounted re-booking rates for their available dates to the unfortunate clients of the company that has now ceased all trading. Advice on choosing a more reliable new wedding photographer has also been provided by other local companies, after many clients have developed understandable trust issues on paying any further deposits to photographers.

A Facebook page has been set up titled Moments For You organized by a team of former admin staff for South West Photo & Film (SWPF) to help out all the couples affected and ensure that they still get the photographer and/or videographer that they had booked for their wedding, and help brides and grooms find alternative local photographers at short notice. It is said that the page had gained over one thousand likes and follows within 24 hours!

Wedding photographers are just as furious and angry about the situation as clients, with the industry reputation also put at risk. Many photographers feel responsible to help and have heavily discounted their prices, knocking off hundreds of pounds to help those who have been let down by South West Photo & Film. 

One couple from Devon were left with just one day to find a last minute photographer for their wedding, and others have expressed the shock of being told their wedding insurance couldn't help as coverage started a little too late to receive any compensation for their payments to SWPF.

An additional Facebook support group Let's Find you Another Wedding Photographer/Videographer 2022 has been created by photographers as a further resource to link couples with photographers and videographers who may be available on their wedding date. The group currently has 1.7k members.

Hundreds of couples have posted on the group since, searching for photographers and sharing how they've been drastically affected both emotionally and financially by the news, with many having paid up front for their weddings with SWPF, and are now having to source funds to pay yet again for a replacement photographer. 

In speaking with the BBC, a Taunton based videographer, Sam Richardson, has explained how overdue invoices from his work contracted out by Mr Lee Brewer (owner of South West Photo & Film) had began to pile up and he was struggling to get paid for his work. "Within the last six weeks payments had slowed to a point, not just for me but for all the shooters, where the overdue invoices were building up in the thousands," he shared.

After contacting Brewer repeatedly, Richardson finally received acknowledgement that money was owed to him, but it was a little too late as on 27 July 2022, he heard from another employed SWP&F photographer that "it was all over" and "none of us were getting paid".

Read more: Wedding photographers shamed by client over beautiful images?

A shootproof client delivery website for SWP&F still remains active for the time being, with several galleries of wedding images uploaded that may unfortunately expire soon, as some have pointed out that the website operates on a pay-monthly basis from the owner, who has now ceased trading.

Yet another Facebook group with 520 members has been created titled  Lee Brewer/ South West Photo and Film Money Recovery offering help and financial advice for everyone that has been affected and in other words scammed by the owner of the company. Many say that they were hounded and badgered by Brewer for payment in full and encouraged to pay a "faster editing" fee after their wedding for a quicker turnaround of receiving images, which they did not receive. 

It's unclear as to the validity or truth behind many statements made by members of this Facebook group, so they should be taken with a pinch of salt – but a quick scroll through the comment sections has revealed shocking accusations that Mr Brewer is currently "hiding" in the US, spotted in New York and Vegas, with other claims that he has previously received three outstanding CCJ's (County Court Judgements) for debt against his name, dating back to 2017.

Some enraged clients have reported Brewer to insolvency teams, Action Fraud, Trading Standards, victim support, spoken with legal reps, and some are considering taking the business owner to small claims court. There are of course two sides to every story, and while many publications and news outlets have reached out to Brewer for comment, all we have to go on is his original (now deleted) Facebook post where he did not come off in a very apologetic or remorseful light. 

People are sensibly very angry, hurt and of course shocked by the whole ordeal, looking for any means necessary to get their money back. As the story seems to keep unravelling, we'll update this article as best as we can with any further updates on how those affected can obtain legitimate help and hopefully some justice. 

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NBA star Derrick Rose traded shooting the basketball for shooting a wedding recently, as he was a guest at the nuptials of his former teammate, Joakim Noah – and he took the occasion to engage in a spot of wedding photography using a Canon DSLR.

The current New York Knick was part of a dynamic duo with now-retired Noah in Chicago, where Rose became an icon after winning Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player as the centerpiece of the Bulls. Since then the pair have remained firm friends, with Rose arriving at his teammate's wedding with his trusty Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and red-ringed professional L lens to take some photos. 

• What are the best cameras for wedding photography?

Noah, the 37-year-old 6'11" center who retired from the NBA in 2021, tied the knot with 31-year-old Brazilian Victoria's Secret "Angel" Lais Ribeiro. The pair began dating in 2018 and announced their engagement after Noah proposed at the Burning Man festival in 2019.

Other guests at the ceremony included fellow Victoria's Secret models Sara Sampaio and Candice Swanepoel, Noah's father Yannick (legendary tennis player who won the French Open) and Rose's wife Alaina Anderson – who shared footage of Derrick's paparazzi act on her Instagram account.

Rose was obviously not the official photographer, and there were at least two professionals shooting Noah and Ribeiro's big day. However, the former MVP certainly fit right in with his chunky DSLR and flashgun mounted on the hot shoe – even though it was hardly going to do anything, aiming into the sky in the outdoor Brazilian sunshine.

The snakebitten former all star has experienced a career resurgence over the past few seasons, guiding the Knicks back to the playoffs and scoring a 3-year, $43 million (approximately £36.5 million / AU$64 million) contract for his contributions. He is currently battling back from yet another injury, ahead of the new NBA season starting on 19 October.

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Too ridiculous to be true? A photography company from Orlando had the worst imaginable client that is now attempting to take them to court over images provided that according to the client show irreversible "distortion". Or what the rest of us are familiar with as Bokeh and standard depth of field. 

The client (Erika Berryman) posted in an Orlando Wedding group on Facebook warning others to stay away from Clarence Simpson Photography, whom she and her partner had booked for their wedding. It turns out the joke was on her, as over 5 thousand comments have slated the client for essentially being an idiot as the photos delivered to her are in fact great and of a professional standard. 

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The photography community has come out in full force to support a local Orlando photography business, Clarence Simpson Photography, a team of individuals who were unfairly (and unsuccessfully) shamed for their services on a Facebook group by a client who wanted to warn others not to work with them. 

From what can be seen of their Facebook and Instagram portfolios, Clarence Simpson Photography (Clarence and Tierra) produce stunning work with the creamy bokeh and sought-after blurred background portraits that any client would be happy to receive, or so you would think. 

The original Facebook post shared to the public group still remains posted at the time of writing, but in the event of it being taken down, here's what Erika wrote: 

We know that's a bit of a long read, so to summarize, Erika requested three shoots from CSP, an engagement shoot, family photos, and wedding photos. The latter was never delivered as the contract between both parties was terminated by Erika as she did not feel that the "distorted" background as she calls it, was the direction her and her partner wanted to go with the photos, deciding just days before their wedding.

Erika admitted within the post that she had looked through the portfolio provided by CSP and almost all of their work featured the shallower depth of field photography style. "It is worth noting that the entirety of their portfolio has background or foreground distortion" she states. Despite not liking this style, Erika and her partner proceeded to book shoots with CSP and supposedly signed contracts with deposits having been paid in advance of the wedding date. 

The pair decided to terminate the contract with CSP and accused them of breaching the terms of the contract under providing photos in a timely manner (only 6 days!) and ability to accommodate the wedding expectations. Erika explains how they have requested and are awaiting a refund of the difference between the amount already paid and the “non-refundable” 50% amount of the total cost of the contract, and - wait for it - "the copyrights to our photos".

The post was accompanied by screenshots provided by Erika of the images she received from CSP of their engagement/family shoot, which she claimed to have been initially happy with having had a "great experience" during the shoot. 

"We are now going to have to take them to civil court, after our wedding, to recoup the money owed to us. As well as miss time from work...We asked them to remove our photos from their portfolio which has not happened. Despite having copyrights to them. We will be going to court for this as well", the post states.

The best part of the complaint post is where Erika shares that "we were not happy with the amount of distortion in the background or foreground. We sent a message to Tierra the same day, asking if they could reduce the amount of distortion in the background of some of our photos so that we could see and appreciate the scenery. We were told that the distortion in the photos was from the lenses that were used during the shoot and could not be reduced or changed." 

This section of the post alone has resulted in thousands of comments and shares from other photographers and members of the public Facebook group absolutely bewildered by the fact that Erika equates portrait focus and bokeh with distortion, and believed that it was something that could actually be reduced. 

Erika's review and attempted slamming of Clarence Simpson Photography actually resulted in a mass amount of Facebook fame and support for the company amidst the comment section sea of memes and Gifs. It's pretty clear the moral of the story here is that photographers are tired of the misinformed and entitled attitude of the public, and the customer IS NOT always right.

CSP shared on their own Facebook page how overwhelmed they were with the love & support following Erika's unintentionally hilarious post, and state "Never stoop low, always look high" and that their prices are going up for certain. 

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Wedding photography has to be one of the most lucrative ways that photographers can make money with their cameras, but they also come with large amounts of stress and responsibility – you can’t ask everyone to come back again to retake a shot if you mess it up! 

If you have an interest in wedding photography it’s worth finding a professional that will let you be an assistant or second shooter. Even if this is free or low paid, the experience will be invaluable giving you an idea of the flow of events, the responsibilities required, and you’ll have some shots for you portfolio, too. 

• Ready for the big day? Best cameras for wedding photography

You’ll need to have top-quality people skills and the drive to market and sell your photography services before you think about making money. Word of mouth recommendations from friends and family are very effective, but being able to back this up with examples of your work online is important. 

Try to develop a clear style for your wedding photography – from the way in which you shoot your pictures of the big day through to the consistency of your image processing – as this will help your work stand out and ensure that clients know what they can expect from you.

"There are so many photographers out there, you need to master more than just the technical side of things, discover your voice and what makes you different says Catherine O’Donnell, a successful lifestyle family and wedding photographer running her photography business out of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.

"Once you’ve built up a strong portfolio, be brave, believe in your work and market yourself. Pride yourself on offering more than just beautiful work; create a great client experience too.

"If you dream of working in the wedding industry, form relationships with wedding vendors – these recommendations are invaluable. Don’t price yourself too low, either. Learn to value your time, and offer a selection of high-quality products, such as prints to complement your sessions too. Consider offering mini sessions, as this is a great way to give clients a taster of your photography services."

Portrait orientation

Weddings aren’t the only way to make money from people pictures, though; you could try your hand at shooting portraits part-time. You can charge a fee for the portrait sitting that includes an agreed number of prints and digital files, which means you’ll know how much money you’ll make – handy if you don’t like the grubby business of having to ‘sell’ the prints to a client afterwards.

You’ll need one of the best cameras for portraits paired with the best lenses for portraits in order to achieve top quality prints. You’ll also need to work out whether you’re going to shoot in a home studio, and acquire all of the various flashes and light stands and backgrounds needed, or whether to shoot environmental portraits outdoors, which won’t require so much gear and setting up. 

Either way it can take anywhere from six months to a year to get fully set up and become successful and profitable, allowing time for word to spread and give you a reliable flow of customers.

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Once you start taking bookings, portrait shoots will take anything from thirty minutes to three hours, plus traveling time if you go to them. On top of the shoot, you’ll also need to factor in time to edit the images. So, remember to take this extra time into account when you decide on your pricing structure.

There’s also the option of approaching local businesses and seeing if they need corporate headshots. It’s possibly not the most exciting photographic job in the world, but the pay can be decent, and it’s a great way to develop your portrait and people skills.

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With Valentine's Day imminent, you’ve no doubt seen shop aisles adorned in hearts, food stores advertising dine-in meals for two, and your Instagram feed filling up with love-inspired photoshoots. If you’re planning a Valentine's-themed shoot of your own, but think you might have left it too late, we've got some simple ideas that will ensure your shoot isn’t clichéd!

Despite being single, I’m not a hater of Valentine's Day. In fact, I think it’s the perfect occasion to reiterate to your friends and family how much they mean to you. However, I do hate how commercial it can be and I really hate seeing cringe-inducing Valentine's posts popping up on my social media.

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I’ve got no problem with photographers wanting to shoot Valentine's content. It’s nice to shoot something a bit different and give yourself a theme to work with, but what I cannot stand is seeing shoot after shoot involving red roses, heart-shaped balloons and pink or red backdrops. Just because Valentine's Day is stereotypically all about hearts and varying shades of rouge, doesn’t mean your photography needs to be.

Valentine's is about love, after all – it’s about emotions and connections, may that be with a romantic partner or your best friend. It’s about intimacy and vulnerability and all of these things don’t add up to someone holding a pink, foil, helium balloon. I’m not saying the themes I’ve mentioned can’t be used in photoshoots at all, but try to be sparing and think a little bit outside the box. 

To help you plan a non-cringey Valentine’s shoot, we’ve come up with seven ways to incorporate love into your photography without being too in-your-face. We’ve taken inspiration from some of our favorite wedding, street and fine art photographers so we can guide you in planning a shoot that you can be proud of, any time of the year.

1. Think Editorial

Instead of thinking purely about how you can make this a Valentine's shoot, think about how a fashion shoot can be made to feel intimate. There are lots of subtle ways that editorial photoshoots can elicit the feeling of love without showing obvious displays of affection. 

It could be as little as a simple touch of an arm, or someone leaning their head on another person's shoulder. Sometimes less is more, and you don’t need to shoot people kissing to make viewers think there is more to the people in the picture than meets the eye. Fashion magazines can be a great source of inspiration, so next time you’re in a shop have a flick through Vogue or Tatler.

2. Subtle styling

It’s very easy to instantly jump on the bright red rose bandwagon when shopping for props, or ask your model to wear clothes with sweetheart necklines and romantic silhouettes. There are, however, better ways to go about styling your shoot. Try opting for light-colored flowers (possibly not even roses) if you're set on using florals – I love using gypsophila (baby's breath) in shoots, as it's super dainty and you can use it to cast beautiful shadows. 

When it comes to outfits, play around with different textures and tones. Neutral colors are great for layering, and work really well if you're shooting outside. Suits are a great choice of outfit; they're powerful, a juxtaposition to the usual Valentine's attire, and your model will almost certainly feel powerful in one. Pair with either a sheer shirt under the blazer or nothing at all for a look that is both seductive and serious. 

3. Get to know who you're shooting

If you’re shooting a couple, try your best to get to know them first. Find out where they met, what makes them laugh, what their quirks are or even what they love most about each other. You could incorporate places they hold dear to them in your shoot such as where they met, where they had their first date or even in the home they share together. 

Wedding photographers are known to ask their couples to whisper saucy sweet nothings in each other's ears to instigate laughter – you too could use this technique to capture some beautiful, candid moments. 

4. Shoot the extremes

When thinking about composition, experiment with shooting from really far away so that you can capture full body shots with a beautiful background, or really up-close and personal shots where you perhaps just capture parts of their face or just their hands. The best way to capture moments that feel real is by making the couple feel like you're not really there, so that you can see snippets of your couple in their most natural form. 

5. Shoot Boudoir

If you’ve ever thought about doing a boudoir shoot, Valentine’s could be the perfect opportunity. Not only will you get some stunning images for your portfolio, but you could boost someone’s self-confidence at the same time. Valentine’s isn’t all about the love you have for someone else; it can also be about the love you have for yourself and what better way of making someone feel confident by taking pictures they can look at and think “I am beautiful”. 

If you do plan a Boudoir shoot, make sure you talk at length with your model first about what’s expected of them and what they’re comfortable with, and don’t be offended if they ask to bring a chaperone. 

6. Catch the quiet moments

This might sound a little counterintuitive, but photograph your couple doing everyday things like lying in bed together, cooking breakfast, taking the dog for a walk or driving in the car. So often in life, we forget how important these little moments are – a little hand squeeze here, or a kiss on the cheek there. Try to capture these lovely sincere moments and your photography will appear all the more authentic. 

7. Be avant-garde

Just because you're shooting something Valentine's-themed, doesn't mean you can't be a little bit abstract. Whether you're shooting with a couple, an individual or a group of friends, experiment with unique poses, camera angles, composition and props. Be a little bit avant-garde with your color palette, wardrobe choices and locations and your shoot will thrive! 

Scroll down for more Valentine's inspiration…

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A powerful Instagram post by a wedding photographer based in Brighton, England, has brought to attention the abuse and misogyny faced by female photographers at weddings. Often suffered silently, Kim Williams is calling for men to do more, to speak up and act out when they see it happening. 

On 23 January, Kim took to Instagram to share some of the negative experiences she’s had with men at weddings she’s worked at. The post was titled “Things men did to me at weddings in 2021” and in the description, she pointed out that her clients would be “mortified to know any of these happened at their wedding which is why I’ve never spoken about it on Instagram before”. 

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Since it was posted it’s had more than 11,000 likes and over 700 comments from people offering support, allyship, honesty and their own experiences of mistreatment. 

It’s disgusting and saddening to think that professional female photographers are subjected to being touched, talked down to and treated inappropriately when all they’re trying to do is work. As a female photographer myself, I have been subject to these kinds of inappropriate acts and they make you feel small, uncomfortable and anxious. 

Some of the things men did to Kim in 2021 included grabbing her arm, asking if she wanted to be a professional photographer one day (even though she already is) and trying to kiss her. She’s had men tell her that their photos would be better because their lenses are more expensive, she’s been asked if she’s single in the middle of a ceremony, and told "now I know you’re single, I’m not holding back." 

Rather than blindly calling out these men, Kim wants to see real change so that female photographers can feel safe and supported. A couple of days after the original post, Kim collaborated on a post with Sam Docker that said ‘Men Should Do More’ and that misogyny is a men’s problem. 

Sam called for men to recognize ill behavior and encourage other men to speak up against it. It might feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar to call out a “lad comment” but that’s the change needed to make women feel safe and settled. 

And it’s not just at weddings but in general, regardless of the space or occasion. It’s time to stop turning a blind eye to inappropriate comments and gestures and start standing up for what is right. 

While most people who responded to Kim’s Instagram post were women, a few men have spoken up about times they’ve witnessed this behavior first hand but not done or said anything because they didn’t want to cause a scene. Only when men start discussing the issue, acting on it and having the courage to call other men out can women start to feel safe. 

As Kim said at the end of her post, all she wants to do is work in peace – but only other people can make that happen. 

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Congratulations are in order for International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2021 winner, Fabio Mirulla. The Italian photographer entered into the Black & White Category out-ranking over 1,500 images submitted across 9 different categories, by 415 wedding photographers originating from 58 countries across the globe.

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His cleverly composed and light-hearted capture was was praised by many for having the perfect blend of creativity and storytelling. Other works by Mirulla can be seen on his website, showcasing similar elements of subtle humour in his wedding photographs featuring the chaotic actions of a dog eating the bride's dress to the happy couple leaping atop enormous balloons, to name a few.  

The entry was described by James Simmons, last year’s Grand Winner and one of six judges, as “Such a unique image that works on so many levels. The photographer has taken the "earring moment" in your average setting and elevated it with the use of composition, timing, and humour to be a masterful piece of visual communication. The design, content and story are on point, which allows the viewer to extract an interesting narrative from the scene”.

Runners up just short of the winning title were Canadian duo Andrew & Bec as part of Willow & Wolf. Describing themselves as elopement photographers, their incredible image (see below) was entered into the Epic Location Category and shows a newly wed couple holding hands as they approach what looks like the edge of a cliff. Truly outstanding photography.

Canon Australia were a major sponsor for this year's awards and as a winner, Mirulla will receive a Canon EOS R5 camera prize pool worth around $10,000 inclusive of a Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 printer among various other lab dollar products, app bundles and license software. 

Fabio Mirulla is based in the countryside of Tuscany and describes himself as a storyteller, and a privileged witness of a couple's joy. He states "I like to think that I put little pieces of myself in each shoot I realize and you can easily find small clues about me and my life in most of my photos: where I live, the things that I love and how I am".

Congratulations again to Fabio and you can find all of the spectacular International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2021 category winners and finalists at the winners gallery, here.

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We all know that being a photographer is all about being in the right place at the right time – and photographer Lui Gazzard knows this better than most. Lui was walking along the cliffs at Tintagel, Cornwall when he saw a couple getting engaged on the cliff edge.

Luckily, Lui had his camera with him and was able to capture a few snaps of the occasion. Lui then filmed a TikTok video detailing his adventure for his viewers, "I think this couple literally just got engaged in Tintagel overlooking the sea… I whipped the camera out and photographed it really quickly. [It was] literally perfect timing, I'd just come round the corner and I see a guy down on one knee, so I snapped a couple of photos."

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After capturing the photos, Lui went over to speak to the couple and told them that he'd photographed the moment of their engagement. The couple sounded very pleased, asking Lui to send the photos over to them. 

Lui has since posted the photo on Instagram, saying, "Last night turned out to be an evening I won’t forget for a long time. Whilst trying to chase the sunset in Tintagel I noticed this couple on the cliff edge and managed to grab a photo of their engagement! 📸 Couldn’t of [sic] chosen a better location or got any luckier with the sunset. Congratulations guys ❤️" 

Based in Gloucestershire, UK, Lui Gazzard is a photographer and videographer who primarily seems to focus on capturing epic landscapes. However, perhaps he'll consider giving engagement photography a spin after this experience! 

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Weddings are perhaps the most important day in the lives of the participants, but they're pretty important for the photographer to get right, too! My guide to the best lenses for wedding and event photography suggests the best and most versatile lenses to take with you, and the best examples of each for Canon, Nikon, and Sony mirrorless users.

I asked a lot of wedding and event photographers which lenses they found most useful, and while there was a lot of individual variation, particular types of zoom lenses came to the fore.

Which are the best zoom lenses for wedding and event photography?

• 70-200mm f/2.8 telephotos: Perfect for portraits and creative background blur
• 24-70mm f/2.8 standard zooms: The ideal ready-for-anything lens to keep on the camera
• 16-35mm f/2.8 wide-angle (or thereabouts): Perfect for the church, reception, and group shots

I've stuck to full-frame cameras for this roundup, since these are the most popular amongst wedding and events photographers who are most likely doing these jobs on a commercial basis. There's no reason why you shouldn't use an APS-C or MFT camera, but while the quality is fine, you might not have such a wide choice of constant-aperture zoom lenses.

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Best telephoto zooms

I've chosen telephoto zoom lenses in preference to portrait prime lenses, and for two reasons. First, zooms let you quickly adapt to different circumstances, subject distances, and backgrounds. Second, at longer focal lengths the background blur can be just as effective, and you have more control over composition and framing.

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Best Canon telephoto zoom

This RF-mount zoom for EOS R-series cameras is relatively lightweight and suits the more compact Canon EOS R camera bodies. It’s also much smaller than most 70-200mm lenses, due to having a telescoping rather than fixed physical length. As such, the inner barrel extends at longer zoom settings, which adds the risk of dust being sucked into the lens.

The autofocus system is driven by dual Nano USM motors for blazingly fast yet virtually silent operation. The image stabilizer is similarly impressive, with three operating modes and up to 5-stop effectiveness. All in all, it’s the ideal telephoto zoom for R-series cameras, but it comes with a weighty price tag.

Read our full Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM review

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Best Nikon telephoto zoom

This Nikon Z mirrorless lens is a perfect choice (well, the only choice) for Nikon Z owners in this category right now. It’s pretty big and heavy but certainly packs a lot in. Fully weather-sealed and with a fluorine coating, it’s built for top-end professional use. Handling is superb, with smooth and precise zoom and focus rings and dual customizable Lens-function buttons.

There’s also a customizable control ring for the likes of aperture and ISO, and an OLED screen for displaying parameters like focus distance, focal length, depth of field, aperture, and ISO. Autofocus is fast for stills and smooth and silent for video capture, while the optical stabilizer has 5-stop effectiveness. As with Canon's own mirrorless 70-200mm f/2.8, you are paying for the privilege of an own-brand lens.

Read our full Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S review

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Best Sony telephoto zoom

Let’s get something straight: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with either edition of Sony’s classic 70-200mm f/2.8 ‘trinity’ telephoto zoom. But the newer 50-150mm is somewhat unique and brings major advantages for wedding/event photography. First up, its faster f/2 aperture enables a tighter depth of field while also delivering particularly smooth and dreamy bokeh.

Secondly, while it doesn’t have quite as much telephoto reach as a 70-200mm zoom, the short end shrinks down to a standard 50mm focal length. This gives a more natural perspective, and, because it’s so popular, it’ll save you swapping between lenses and potentially missing key moments in the process.

The no-expense-spared design and build of the FE 50-150mm is entirely in keeping with the market sector at which it’s aimed – that of high-ranking professional photographers with deep pockets. With that in mind, it has all of the high-end handling extras you could wish for and levels of image quality and all-around performance that are simply exceptional.

Read our full Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 G Master review

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Best standard zooms

The 24-70mm f/2.8 is a real go-to lens for wedding and event photographers. It's wide enough for most interiors, yet 'long' enough for impromptu portraits and couple shots. Many will focus close enough for quite small details too, and the constant-aperture, pro-grade optics mean you can shoot wide open to isolate subjects against defocused backgrounds.

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Best Canon standard zoom

Canon’s heavyweight RF 28-70mm f/2L USM tips the scales at 1,430g and lacks image stabilization, so we think this 24-70mm zoom is a better fit for wedding and event photography. It has a wider maximum viewing angle, adds highly effective 5-stop stabilization, and is less than two-thirds the weight. Even so, it still feels pretty hefty on a slim-line EOS mirrorless body.

Build quality is up to Canon’s usual L-series standards, complete with comprehensive weather-seals. The optical line-up includes three moulded aspherical elements and three UD elements, plus Air Sphere Coating. Autofocus is courtesy of a super-fast and practically silent Nano USM system. Image quality is fabulous in all respects, with particularly impressive sharpness throughout the entire zoom range.

Read our full Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM review

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Best Nikon standard zoom

Pretty much everything about this lens is upgraded from the original version, which was already excellent. Headline attractions of the Mark II include a fully internal zoom mechanism, so the physical length of the lens doesn't extend, a more lightweight yet sturdy and robust build, and it's the first Nikon zoom to feature the company’s ‘Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor’ (SSVCM), which drives multiple groups of elements to make autofocus as fast and precise as possible.

Handling is improved with a click/de-click switch for the aperture control ring, boosting suitability for video capture as well as stills. Even the hood is redesigned, now featuring a sliding door for rotating filters fitted to the lens.

Performance is simply epic, with stunning image quality in all respects, backing up that super-fast autofocus system. This is as good as it gets for Z-system full-frame cameras.

Read our full Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II review

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Best Sony standard zoom

The Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM lens goes a whole stop faster than most fast standard zooms, with an f/2 constant aperture that is ideal for shooting inside gloomy churches, though it does lose out a little at the wide-angle end, with a 28mm rather than the more usual 24mm starting focal length.

It's reasonably lightweight considering the oversized max aperture, tipping the scales at (just) under a kilogram, which makes it suitable for all-day carry. It boasts two customizable focus lock buttons, an aperture/iris ring with a lock switch, a switch to adjust the zoom ring's feel, and an AF/MF switch.

The image quality is exceptional, with superb sharpness and no noticeable vignetting or chromatic aberrations. Autofocus is quick and silent, and it's a versatile lens for all manner of shooting situations. However, the hefty price tag limits this to well-heeled professionals who require the widest aperture in a standard zoom, regardless of size or cost.

Read our full Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM review

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Best wide-angle zooms

Wedding and event photography typically combines a variety of styles, from portraits to group shots and from detail shots to big interiors and large-scale outdoor venues. You don't always know how big (or small) the venue is going to be, where you're going to be able to stand and how far back you can get. An ultra-wide zoom can really get you out of trouble, especially if you need to get a big group shot in a confined space.

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Best Canon wide zoom

Designed for EOS R-series full-frame mirrorless cameras, this is the wide-angle member of the f/2.8 ‘trinity’ zooms. As you’d expect from such an ultra-wide lens with a fast f/2.8 aperture rating, it’s quite big and weighty but is nevertheless smaller and lighter than, for example, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 Art lens for Canon DSLRs. Unlike the Sigma, the RF lens has a separate hood that enables the easy attachment of filters or filter holders via an 82mm thread.

The Canon almost matches the Sigma for maximum viewing angle, at 110 degrees, while adding a 5-stop image stabilizer that’s great for handheld shooting indoors or at twilight. Other highlights include a rapid and virtually silent Nano Ultrasonic autofocus system and stellar image quality. It’s a superb lens but, then again, it really should be at the price.

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM full review

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Best Nikon wide zoom

Nikon's top-of-the-line 'trinity' wide-angle zoom is the Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, but I think this is the better option for weddings and events. While this one doesn't go quite as wide, starting at 17mm rather than 14mm, I think that's plenty wide enough for squeezing everyone into a group shot without people on the extremities becoming overly distorted, and going longer to 28mm rather than 24mm gives a bit more wiggle room when zooming in without having to swtich to your standard zoom.

Delivering excellent image quality in a lightweight and portable body, the Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is a fairly straightforward lens, built around that constant f/2.8 aperture. It's significantly lighter than you'd expect an f/2.8 zoom to be, due in part to the omission of such features as stabilization, an OLED display, Fn buttons, or a third control ring. As long as you can live without all that, you get absurdly good image quality for the money here – this lens received the full five stars in our testing.

See our full Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 review

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Best Sony wide zoom

Sony’s G Master lenses have a reputation for optical quality, so it’s no surprise that this second-generation version of Sony’s 16-35mm f/2.8 zoom comes with a hefty price tag. If this is your favored focal range for stills and video, this lens will be your dream buy; otherwise, take a look at the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G, which is less than half the price.

You might also want to check out third-party alternatives. The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II justifies its cost, however, with no fewer than four Linear XD focus motors and suppressed focus breathing. It really is quite a lens with stunning pictorial quality and all-round performance, and a lens that you'll probably want to keep for a lifetime.

Read our full Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II review

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Lab data and comparisons

The graphs below show the comparative performance of the lenses in this guide, based on our in-house lab tests. On the face of it, the Nikon and Sony lenses slightly outpace their Canon counterparts for sharpness, but the bar is very high indeed, and these are all razor-sharp optics, as you would expect from trinity glass. Automatic in-camera corrections are available for color fringing and distortions across the board.

Scores for sharpness and color fringing are averaged from data taken across the entire image frame, from the center to the edges and corners, throughout the aperture range. For zoom lenses, the scores are also averaged from data measured at all marked focal lengths, and the same applies to distortion.

Bear in mind that these average values don't fully reflect specific areas of performance. For example, a zoom lens might have noticeable barrel and pincushion distortion at its shortest and longest focal lengths, respectively, which tends to average out when looking at the data overall. For more detailed graphs of each lens's performance, which give the full picture, check out the graphs in our full standalone lens reviews.

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How we test lenses

We test lenses using a mix of both real world sample images and lab tests. Our lab tests are carried out scientifically in controlled conditions using the Imatest testing suite, which consists of custom charts and analysis software that measures resolution in line widths/picture height, a measurement widely used in lens and camera testing. We find the combination of lab and real-word testing works best, as each reveals different qualities and characteristics.

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We live in an exciting time with technology that is allowing photographers of all genres greater scope, flexibility and expression of concepts and emotions, and none more so than wedding photography. The International Wedding Photographer Of The Year Awards showcases the work of wedding photographers worldwide and will no doubt be the new benchmark for wedding photography competitions. This year photographers from more than 60 countries entered the 2020 Awards showcasing images in ten different categories plus the addition of the new “Rising Ninja Star” Award.

The top prize came from the black and white category with the contemporary bride and groom portrait by Australian photographer James Simmons. 

"I’m super lucky that I get clients that will just let me do me. The location is super architectural and minimalist, with big rectangular columns breaking up the space and the light that reflects into the area. This shot was taken on the corner of a column and was initially a portrait of Lisa standing against the dark side to really show off her stunningly-detailed dress and backlight her veil."

The “Rising Ninja Star” Award went to Croatian photographer Midhat Mulabdić  chosen jointly by Studio Ninja and Award Curator Luke Simon. Mulabdić was awarded, 1 year Master Plan of Studio Ninja, a tool for professional photographers for managing diary bookings. 

This beautifully vintage styled image comes from the Engagement category, captured by  American photographer Antonio Crutchley. "For this shot, I asked the couple to sit inside the car and pretend they were reading something exciting in the paper. I placed a Canon 600EX-RT with a Mogsphere behind the couple. I then composed and shot the image with a Canon 5D MKIII with a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens. A Yonguo Speedlite transmitter was used to trigger the flash." 

Other winning entries

You can see all the winning images here. 

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Ever since lockdown began, the creative industry has been one of the most affected, with many photographers and videographers having had the majority of their work cancelled or postponed. In response to these unprecedented circumstances, a number of UK photographic associations and trade bodies have for the first time in history come together.

Their goal is to highlight to the British government that the photographic industry, and the businesses it supports, has missed out on vital government funding. The Coalition of Photographers is doing this in the hopes that the government will look into providing better support. 

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The photography and videography industry is a part of the creative industry sector, which was the fastest growing part of the UK economy before the pandemic hit, contributing hugely to GDP. The sector primarily consists of thousands of SME businesses who have been hit hard by the current situation.

"Most photographers and videographers have fallen through the cracks of your support packages," reads a letter drafted by the Coalition for its members to send to Members of Parliament. "Many of us operate without business premises, so did not benefit from the grants that you offered. Also, many of us operate as limited companies, so cannot get any of the support given to the self-employed."

With conflicting guidelines in regards to the differences between weddings and funerals (a wedding is restricted to 15 people in England, while a funeral can be double that size – even when held in the same venue), many professional photographers and videographers have felt left behind. 

If you want to help get involved a the Coalition of Photographers website. From today, letter templates will be made available for download on the site that can be personalizes and posted to a list provided list of government officials and key departments. 

The goal is that by 12 October, thousands of letters and messages will flood into the government to bring attention to the difficulties that the professional photography and videography industry is facing. 

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Wedding videography is a big business – and it's only growing larger. With the growing demand for wedding films, many photographers might end up pondering whether it would be worth picking up some audio equipment and a gimbal and giving videography a go. 

Emma Wilson has been working as a wedding filmmaker for ten years, having previously spent 20 years at the BBC as a newsreader and video journalist. As a qualified videographer, trainer and mentor, she's well-versed in not only capturing incredible wedding films for her clients, but training others on how to do the same.

• Read more: Register FREE for The Photography Show & The Video Show Virtual Festival

Emma Wilson is part of 22 women who are partnered with the Women Who Photo & Film campaign, which was originally launched by The Photography Show & The Video Show in 2018. This year, Emma and the other Women Who Photo & Film ambassadors will be hosting an informal networking session on Sunday 20 September from 17:00 BST onwards. 

Emma will also be hosting two sessions: 'How to set up multiple cameras and audio devices for a wedding ceremony' and 'Elevating your work with great audio'. These will be on 21 September at 11:20 and 13:40 respectively. 

We caught up with Emma to ask her more about her career so far and to see what we can expect from her The Photography Show & The Video Show Virtual Festival sessions.

01. How did your career in videography begin?

I previously worked at the BBC (and other news organizations) for two decades, working on programs such as Working Lunch, Short Change and Breakfast News as a reporter. I ended up working as a news reader and video journalist for BBC Look North in Hull. I'm very passionate about training and I was back then too, so I worked for the BBC College of Journalism as a TV newsroom mentor. 

When I resigned from the BBC I had already established myself as a wedding videographer with Story of Your Day, where I film high-end luxury weddings all over the world. I then shortly afterwards set up a corporate branding studio called The Story Creatives. Both have now been running for ten years now. 

02. Do you think being a woman has given you an edge as a wedding videographer?

It depends. I find men mostly book male videographers and woman tend to book female videographers. I think men find it easier to sell themselves and their services as they have more confidence. However, once I'm commissioned I think it's all down to building a rapport with my clients. As a woman I think I'm good at that. I'm very relaxed, but I've also been told that I'm quite bossy as well, as I know what I want.

I think female videographers can often offer a more romantic edge to their work, but for me it's all about the story. If my clients are romantic, then the film will reflect that. If they're not, then it simply represents them, their wedding and their story.

03. It's an exciting time for creative filmmakers. Do you think that video kit has become more accessible?

Yes, I do think so. However, it's not about the kit you have but how you use it. There's a lot of pressure in the wedding industry to have all of the latest gear as there seems to be a misunderstanding that it will help your work and your films. However, I believe that you should learn to get the best out of the equipment you have before trying to learn something new just because it's the latest bit of kit.

My clients are very discerning, but I've never been asked what cameras or audio gear I use. Videographers should work on their ability, their style and their training first and foremost. I've filmed a corporate film with my iPhone 11 (with the Filmic Pro App), a Go Pro and an Osmo Pocket. Yes, it was an off-piste film for my local ski school, but no one is any the wiser! 

I think more photographers are getting into videography and that's why I've recently launched a new online course called 'Evolve Your Photography Expertise into The Art of Filmmaking'. I've made it very accessible for photographers to move into videography – they know their way around a camera, but learning audio, sound design and storytelling is another level that they can often struggle with.

04. Have you got any fun stories from your destination weddings?

On one last-minute commission I wasn't able to do the required amount of planning for my journey that I usually do. I ended up at the wrong chateau with the same name as the one I was filming at and it was an other eight hours of traveling to get to the right destination!

Last year I filmed three weddings back-to-back. It involved traveling from Switzerland to Los, Greece, back to Switzerland and then to Malibu, USA in just seven days. I almost didn't get off Los due to the high winds, so I could have missed the second two weddings. Lesson learned – never book back-to-back weddings!

05. Who or what inspires you and your work?

My clients inspire me. There's no point in watching other videographers' work, as it can only make you feel insecure. I have my style and my niche – 'a woman with a camera telling your story' – so that's exactly what I do and what I focus on.

06. What will we learn from your two sessions at The Photography Show & The Video Show Virtual Festival?

My first session is all about setting up your cameras and audio devices for a wedding ceremony. As a solo shooter, I set up three cameras and multiple audio recorders, but I know from my training experience that a lot of videographers hate this part of the day. A wedding is a live event and there are only a few parts of the day that you can plan for (the ceremony and the speeches), so you need to make sure you nail these elements on the day. 

This webinar will be 'on-location' in my local church here in Wengen, Switzerland. It will detail how to get set up, the planning, my thought processes and how to manage both your own and your clients' expectations. It's all about being well-prepared to ensure you're calm during those potentially stressful situations and that you get the best out of these moments.

My second session is all about audio and sound design. I'll be talking about the importance of audio for filmmaking and storytelling. We'll be covering where to find it, how to capture it and how to edit it so that your films will stand out with impeccable audio.

Register FREE for The Photography Show & The Video Show Virtual Festival

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Engagement photos have become big business. If you are a wedding photographer they are another subject for the wedding preparations, and if you are learning to be a wedding photographer an engagement photoshoot will give you valuable experience without the pressure of the full wedding event.

Many photographers spend a long time honing their skills in every imaginable technical aspect of photography, from exposure, composition to timing and execution. Yet photography, regardless of genre, requires much more than technical skill. 

Having spent best part of the past two decades photographing couples and following their life journeys from proposals (yes live surprised proposals and something we can discuss later), to their big days and starting new families with new borns. I’ve been with the couples from the very beginning. Within this two decades, I’ve witnessed the rapid changes in photographic styles to couple’s demands and expectations. So here I am, hoping to share some of my experience and give you a few tips on how to take better engagement photos.

See also: Wedding photography tips

1. Make use of face and eye detect

Engagement photos are like a romanticised portrait session, and like any portraits, you need to make sure the face and eyes are in perfect in focus so the love and emotion are felt and seen when someone views the photos. Most modern digital mirrorless cameras will have a dedicated face detection mode, and the latest models such as my workhorse Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III has enhanced eye detection in addition to face recognition. This is an important feature these days for any portrait photographer.

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2. Use continuous autofocus for candid moments

Together with face and eye detection, the use of continuous autofocus can help you get better candid engagement photos, which has become a trend in recent years. Traditional engagement with hard poses are showing its age and many new couples are looking at photographers who can capture the ‘essence’ of love and the sparks between them in a natural environment. This can be the couple sitting outside a cafe, walking along a riverbank, or even running if they are the active type. Therefore, with the latest auto focus and face and eye detection technologies, you can now capture those fleeting moments with ease, and with a short burst of frames you are unlikely to miss the moment. 

3. Learn to adapt to bad weather

With engagement photos, the majority of your shoots will be outdoor and you need to know how to adapt to changing environments. This is not so much about lighting conditions, but bad, changing or unpredictable weather. Your results and your reputation will depend on your ability to take great photos regardless of the weather. It will dramatically improve your prospects and attract couples looking for something different and creative. There’s an increasing demand from couples looking for the ‘difference’ and something to set their photos apart from the ‘normal’. So, many wouldn’t mind having some fun with rain for instance. Engagement photos are no longer just about sunny days. As a result, getting a weather sealed system will give you the confidence to shoot regardless of weather conditions. Remember, you can’t just have a weatherproof camera body, as the lenses and any accessories that you may use need to be able to withstand the elements too.

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4. Be a paparazzi!

Modern couples prefer a story-telling style for their engagement photos, and not just a few pages of glossy magazine inspired portraits. They prefer a natural candid approach for their engagement shoot over the traditional rigid posed photos against some landmark backdrops. There are two main ways to convey such paparazzi feel to the couple, the ‘intrusive’ or ‘in your face’ style, and the ‘secretive’ and ‘silent’ captures. The first style requires the photographer to get super close to the couple with a wide angle lens – a 12mm lens on an MFT camera or 24mm on a full frame camera will do the job nicely. The second approach will need a longer lens so you can shoot from distance, so a medium telephoto lens like a 45 or even 75mm on MFT, or 90mm or 135mm on a full frame. For convenience, a fast professional tele zoom is also great, such as the Olympus 40-150mm 2.8 on MFT or a 70-200mm f/2.8 on full frame.

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5. Develop your own creative style

To truly set yourself apart from the rest, you’ve got to stamp your photos with your own personal 'look'. Adding some creative shots into the set can give your couple a unique insight into your art and the effects you can achieve. For example, you could experiment with reflective surfaces, shoot through and between objects – any unique 'vision' you can add to your pictures will enhance your reputation and the value of your service.

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6. Use the golden hours

These are the times soon after sun-up or near sundown when you will get the softest and warmest light for engagement photos, adding an all important glow to your subjects’ eyes and faces. Even if your couple can’t get up for the early morning, still aim to shoot before noon as if you leave it too late the sun will be directly above their heads and casting harsh shadows downwards on their faces. Shooting early also has other benefit, especially for city candid engagement photos. You want the photos to look natural yet controllable, so the fewer people on the streets the better. Whether it is weekdays or weekends, avoiding peak times can save you a lot of frustration and delays, and your couple will also feel less intimidated when posing in public if there are fewer people around them.

7. Use depth of field effectively

It’s very easy and very tempting to shoot wide open with your fast lenses, but overdoing it can start to look predictable ultimately devaluate you as a photographer. Couples don’t necessarily appreciate creamy bokeh the way most photographers do. They are more into the overall aesthetic, which includes the foreground and background. If the couple can’t see where they were, the photos have lost something for them. Second, this is a couple’s session and you have to get both of them in focus. It’s not too difficult with smaller format cropped sensor systems, but full frame photography is more challenging and you may often need to stop down the aperture to 5.6 or so, depending on the focal length or the distance between you and your couple, to get both subject in focus. There will be times you want a shallower depth of field to add romance and perhaps to eliminate unwanted distractions, but remember, use it sparingly and creatively, and not just because it's the current fashion.

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8. Pack light

You won't need ever bit of kit in your system, and it's important to manage how much you pack in your bag. You want to have only the gear you NEED for the shoot. Having a giant camera roller case or huge backpack doesn’t make you a professional. It’s clumsy and will definitely slow you down especially when you have to navigate through the city with the couple. Traveling light also makes you less conspicuous and less likely to be stopped by private security guards... and less of a target for thieves.

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9. Camera choice

Literally any camera you buy these days can take great photos. But if you are to shoot engagement photos as a profession, you need a reliable camera that performs whenever and wherever you are, under whatever weather condition. The ideal is a camera with a rugged metal build body that's fully weather sealed, fast and accurate autofocus with face and eye detection, ample buffer for a few continuous bursts and dual card slots for instant backup. My current workhorse is Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, but different photographers look for different qualities.

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10. Lens choice

This is more a personal preference. While I can’t speak for every photographer, my work bag has two prime lenses, the Olympus 17mm f1.2 Pro (35mm equivalent) and 25mm f1.2 Pro (50mm equivalent) and a telephoto zoom, the 40-150mm f2.8 Pro (80-300mm equivalent). Depending on the location, I may also take the 7-14mm f2.8 Pro (14-28mm equivalent) if I want a very dramatic shot in front of a great landmark. These are Micro Four Thirds lenses, but the equivalent in full frame will be a 35mm f1.4, 50mm f1.4, 70-200mm f2.8, and the ultra wide zoom would be something like a 16-35mm f2.8.

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Best accessories for engagement photos

There are many things you should think twice about before packing, such as speedlights, because unless you are having a full blown commercial shoot, shooting with natural light is by far the best and easiest option. 

But some accessories are useful and sometimes critical. First is a laptop power bank. Many cameras these days allow USB charging. Even if you are a veteran in photography, there are times that you are either over-enthusiastic with your shooting or you simply forgot to charge your batteries the night before and arrive with half tank of fuel that won’t last the entire engagement session. Bringing spare batteries of course can avoid this problem, but don’t forget your phone also needs power. And don't forget spare memory cards, in case the ones in your camera become corrupted or fill up early.

Other little things such as lens wipes, tissues, even sanitizing hand gel is super useful to have in your bag in today's world.

Shooting engagement photos is fun if you allow it to be, and our tips will take you a long way to having a successful session with your couple. You should never treat engagement photos solely as a job and be too rigid on things. Relax, be your creative self, and enjoy your work!

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Almost everything industry across the world has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and the wedding industry is no different. With thousands of couples having been forced to cancel their planned nuptials, it's been a difficult time for both couples and wedding photographers alike. However, even if you're not going to hear the wedding bells toll for another year, there's no reason that you can't take a look at some great wedding photographers.

Whether you're planning your upcoming special day, or you're a photographer looking to try your hand at weddings some day, these wedding photographers are definitely worth a follow. Their creativity and impeccable imagery will give you endless inspiration and wedding photography tips – and will definitely help distract you from everything else going on!

Read more: Everything photographers need to work from home

07. @rebeccacarpenterphotography

If you're a budding wedding photographer, then Rebecca Carpenter is definitely worth a follow. She periodically offers wedding photography workshops, but she also gives plenty of tips and advice on her Instagram Stories as well. Her infectious enthusiasm and stunning visuals make her one of our favorite wedding photographers.

06. @erichmcvey

Named by Harper's Bazaar, Martha Stewarts and BRIDES as one of the best wedding photographers in the world, it's not hard to see the appeal of Erich McVey. Shooting on film, Erich captures beautiful light and airy images with the ultimate finesse.

05. @ellieasherphoto

With an instantly recognizable cinematic style, the husband and wife team behind Ellie Asher have truly carved a niche for themselves among wedding photographers. Their emotive images embrace the unique beauty of shadows.

04. @weddingsbykara

Weddings by Kara is run by two wedding photographers, Kara and Rachel. They're based in Greystones, Ireland, but are happy to work internationally as well. Their natural and elegant style is the perfect complement to any wedding day. 

03. @adventureinstead

Just because a couple wants to get married doesn't necessarily mean they want a big fancy wedding. The photographers behind Adventure Instead show just how meaningful an elopement in nature can be – and how incredibly photographic. Swoon at their stunning feed and thank us later. 

02. @corbingurkin

Corbin Gurkin's beautifully delicate style will definitely appeal to any romantics out there. As a destination wedding photographer, Corbin has photographed weddings in California, Thailand, Paris, Ireland, Tuscany and more. 

01. @thehearnes

As elopement photographers go, the husband and wife duo behind The Hearnes can't be topped. Their extensive knowledge goes beyond just photography, as they also help their couples with location scouting, travel advice, and more. You'll come for the feed that's filled with jaw-dropping images of incredible natural locations – but you'll stay for their insightful captions and Instagram Stories.

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There is nothing more daunting then waking up realizing it's your wedding day! And by your wedding day we mean the day you are going to photograph a wedding! So much is at stake riding on you being in the right place at exactly the right time with many elements out of your control. Wedding photography is for those who like a challenge, are good with people and can act under pressure.   

So whether you are photographing a friend’s, family member or a complete stranger’s big day for the first time or you have done plenty before take a look through our top tips to ensure you capture truly magical and professional wedding images whatever your experience.  

1. Speak with your client 

It’s easy to make an assumption that you know exactly what the bride and groom want, or you think you know best. However until you speak to them face to face and give them realistic expectations assume nothing! The more you plan and spend time with the couple the better, plus they’ll be more comfortable in your presence. 

If they have a long list of group or posed couple shots ensure they put aside enough time in the day to get these. Make it clear if you don’t have this time on the day you won’t be able to achieve what they want. Most people who aren’t photographers aren’t aware of the realistic time frame it takes to set up decent posed shots. If their lists seems unrealistic and like it’s going to take up most of the day ask them if taking photographs is the most important thing or enjoying their day? There may need to be some kind of compromise.      

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2. Photographing the bride getting ready

Shots of the blushing bride getting ready have become ever increasingly popular and for good reason, but don’t forget to pop round to see the groom too, or the other half of your couple if you’re shooting a same sex wedding. This is where having a second photographer can come in handy if logistically you can’t make it over to both in time (being a second photographer, helping an experienced wedding photographer, is a great way of learning the wedding photography tips first hand!). 

Hair getting sprayed, suits and dresses hanging on doors, zipping up the dress, shoes going on, emotional moments are all great images to capture in these pre event behind the scene shots. 

3. How to shoot wedding group shots 

Group shots can be a bit of a nightmare to organize on the day so you’re going to need to assign someone to help. Get friendly with the best man, an usher, bridesmaid (whoever as long as they know who everyone is) and tell them to keep the needed guests aside in one close by area.

Write down all the group shots you have arranged with the bride and groom and if Grandma Jill or Uncle Tim want any extra ones thrown in on the day (annoyingly someone always ask) you can say yes but only after you’ve ticked off all the ones from the bride and groom’s list. Otherwise you may compromise on your clients wishes.  

When shooting it’s vital that you take a few of each group. It’s very rare for a large group of people all to be looking great in one shot. You can always swap heads, eyes etc if need be at the editing stage. 

4. Incidental shots

These types of incidental shots are great for photo albums and for photobooks as they focus on the detail and capture the essence and feel of the event. If the couple have put a lot of effort into these time consuming details they will be so grateful for these images to be used alongside the more emotional ones. Open your aperture to a wide setting to blur out the background keeping just the small object in focus for an effective result. 

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5. Important editing 

A file that comes out of your camera is going to look flat, however all those emotions and feelings can be returned to your images at the editing stage. That is why it is important to edit your own images and not get someone else to do it for you as you were the one present in these moments. It’s also a good idea to edit in a close timeframe so the results are uniformed.  

You want to use a software that is capable of toning and stylizing your images at speed and for that reason many wedding photographers use Adobe Lightroom. 

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6. ISO push it

Your couple won’t notice a bit of noise and grain in your images (which you can reduce at the editing stage) however they will notice blurred faces and movement due to the shutter speed not being fast enough! Don’t be afraid to push the ISO at a wedding as often you will find yourself in a low light situation, for example in the church where you have no other lighting option. It is also worth investing in a prime lens (such as a 50mm f/1.8), which will have a wider maximum aperture than a zoom; this can often the best thing to use inside which can be opened up wide when need be.      

7. Pack smart 

Unless you are lucky and can afford to hire an assistant to carry your cases you need to take into account what you should pack and how much you can carry.  Many wedding photographers are switching from DSLRs to mirrorless compact system cameras to be more agile and quick, but also they can be much lighter in weight so may be worth looking into. 

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8. Use LED lighting

If flash confuses and daunts you try continuous lighting for those low light moments where you can’t make do with the ambient light. Lights such as the  from RotolightRotolight NEO II or something that matches this spec of light are perfect for wedding photography as they are small and run on battery power.  

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9. Use the scenery 

It can be great to take a step back and shoot your couple or an individual at a wide angle to include the scenery. Most weddings take place in idyllic looking settings so fully use these to your advantage. Go and do a recce before the event around the same time as your wedding so you can see where the sun will be positioned. Of course if it’s pouring down with rain this will be irrelevant but best to be prepared! 

10. Props 

To add something unique and special to your images try introducing props. Hand written charming signs can look great and are easy for people to hold. Umbrellas in the sun or rain are also useful however just make sure they are white. If the weather is looking a bit iffy order some extra white ones (especially if you have a do a large group shot outside as colorful umbrellas will ruin your shot and can reflect unwanted color casts).    

11. Couple shots

How you approach to photograph your couple shots will depend on the couple you are photographing. If they are shy and timid people in front of the camera they may not want any staged or posed shots at all. In that case make an extra special effort to get some candid ones of the two of them together. Equally if they enjoy being in front of the camera make this part of the day extra special and plan with them the shots they want you to get. Make sure you look at what their arms and hands are doing as often people can feel awkward when asked to pose without direction.   

12. Black & white or Color?

Some shots work better in color some in black and white. Take for example this image that in color is garish and tacky yet in black and white the nasty bright neon lights are removed and become soft twinkly lights. This image was shot at ISO 4000 and it was incredibly dark. The noise is evident in the image but the overall feel of the image still has a connection to the audience. Remember you can’t always get technical perfection but a successful wedding shot will have emotions.    

13. Flash in bright light

Flashguns are excellent for bright sunny conditions where the subject is fully out in the midday sun. To remove unwanted shadows blast some flash at them to make them pop from the setting. In this scenario the important part was retaining detail in the dress. To get the exposure correct underexpose the background by one stop and then add in an external flashgun adjusting the power accordingly.  

14. You can’t be in two places at once 

If you’re shooting a big wedding you might want to consider getting a second photographer to help you out. Not only will it save you energy from trying to be everywhere at once it will also give you reassurance that you have covered all angles. If you are shooting as a duo make sure you go in with a game plan to ensure you don’t both shoot the same shots. Only one person can be in charge!   

15. Party time!

If you want to capture some fun and different shots stay for the party. Many photographers leave before this point thinking they have all the key keepers but the party is when the fun is really getting started! There are great candid moments from people dancing and laughing. Remember potentially if you get nice images of many of the guests (children especially) they may book you in the future.  

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Canadian photographer Jeff Chang has won the title of International Photographer of the Year Awards, which are now in their third year. His wide-angle shot of a couple in Whistler, Canada, celebrating has won him over $9,000 in prizes. 

Jeff works with wife Cat as a destination wedding photographer in Vancouver, Canada. The couple met over 13 years ago in a fine arts class at the University of British Columbia where their mutual love of the creative arts and photography sparked their relationship. Five years later they created The Apartment Photography, named after the place where they meet every couple, work and edit and was their first official home together. 

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With multiple category winners, many pictured below, the total prize fund for the competition was over $21,000. Full details of the competition, and all the winners can be seen at iwpoty.com.

"Pia and Julian brought together their families from around the world to celebrate their love in Whistler, BC. Their multi day celebration was the perfect combination of their two backgrounds – bringing so many different cultural aspects together to create a weekend that was so unique and special to them. The crazy weather patterns (sunshine, rain and blustery winds!) didn’t stop these from from having the best time ever – they had smiles painted on their faces all weekend long!" Jeff Chang, Canada

"The photo was taken in the evening before Chris’ and Natalie’s big day. An additional photoshoot right before the wedding day itself might not be the brightest idea. We had no other option as the guys had only arrived in Tallinn just before the wedding.… The shot was taken by my drone from outside the hotel, in order to look into the hotel from “outside-in”. I was standing on the street and giving instructions to the couple via the mobile. I got very lucky with the mirror-like surface of the windows of the hotel, which reflected the lights of the night."  Xenia Shabanova, Estonia

"This is only my third picture of fireworks at a wedding, in my three-year career as wedding photographer. We waited until dark and looked for a place without any lights in the background. I asked the guests to stand around the pair of newlyweds, Martyna & Wojtek, with the fireworks lit surrounding them to fill the frame as best as possible… I made sure each person only held one sparkler so that I didn’t overexpose the frame.  I took the photo from a low height (I was kneeling), with a full-frame camera and a 35mm prime lens." Rafał Donica, Poland

When the couple booked me, they requested one image for their wedding day in the Namib desert. An image with the night sky of Namibia and the two of them, ideally one with the venue in the background. While setting up for the requested image during the evening reception we noticed that the moon is visible on the horizon and that another shot might work just as well or even better than the one planned. We adjusted, asked the couple to stand perfectly still for 10 seconds and shot the whole scene with only ambient light from the venue." Ruan Redelinghuys, South Africa

"So it was at a beautiful venue here in Derbyshire – an old riding school. It’s gorgeous but it is however just a big square box inside so I had to be a little more creative. During dinner, I noticed the windows and saw that it was casting a nice highlight of light on the floor. I knew that if I stood Lauren in the light, in her dress, she’d look amazing! I LOVE the dusty light highlighting her." Ben Appleby, HBA Photography, United Kingdom

"In this wedding we had some extra time in the guests photoshoot part. So I came up with idea to create some creative group photo. The light was perfect for silhouettes so I asked all the guests to make a circle, then I lifted up a drone and made some corrections to make it look perfectly round – to make it look like a ring which is a symbol of endless love." Marcis Baltskars, Latvia

"For this shot, I had my off camera flash and at the exact moment I took this shot, the light of the DJ illuminated the couple." Gaelle Le Berre, Australia

"This photo was taken outside the doors of the Reception room, during the Hora. I had noticed how well the doors and light fixtures framed the room earlier, and I wanted to try and do something with that at some point. The hora was the perfect opportunity!" Victoria Sprung, United States

"This bride didn’t hesitate when I encouraged them to shake up this oversized bottle of bubbly. I should have packed a poncho and I smelt like champagne the rest of the day! Any regrets though? None!" Angela Ruscheinski, Canada

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Two immensely popular event programmes will be returning at The Photography Show 2019 next month, with a stellar selection of speakers and sessions for The Wedding & Portrait Stage and The Great Outdoors Stage. 

Taking place from 16-19 March 2019 at the NEC in Birmingham, The Photography Show is the UK's biggest and best event for photographers and videographers. These two stages will cater to everyone from enthusiast to expert, whether you just want to learn how to get better shots or you want to improve your photography business.

In addition to free-to-attend sessions, the Wedding & Portrait Stage boasts a stellar line-up of speakers. On 16 March Ross Grieve shows the steps to take the perfect family portrait, Kevin Mullins discusses his winning approach to wedding photography, and Jane Lazenby demonstrates techniques on posing horses – with a real-life horse! 

On 18 March Carmel Jane explains how to curate the perfect lighting and poses for headshots, while Leanne Perrins and Laura Babb deliver a tag team of professional pointers for shooting collaboratively when it comes to wedding photography and videography.

Sponsored by Rohan, The Great Outdoors Stage serves to inspire hobbyists and professionals alike in the ever-popular fields of landscape, wildlife and nature photography.

On 16 March Tesni Ward explains the importance of connecting with wildlife to get the best shots, and JasonPB shares his passion for clouds, the sun and night sky and capturing atmospheric phenomena.  

On 16 and 17 March Karl Holtby explains how shooting in remote places can make your images more unique, while on 18 March Charlie Waite reveals the thoughts and techniques behind his world-renowned landscape images. 

With over 250 exhibitors at the show, along with demonstrations, presentations, masterclasses, the Drone Zone, Video Live Stage and of course the Super Stage headlined by Chris Parr, there's something for everybody with an interest in capturing images at The Photography Show. 

Read more:

The Photography Show 2019: What you need to know - tickets are on sale now!

Martin Parr headlines Super Stage line-up for The Photography Show 2019

Weddings only happen once, yet are one of the most time-dependant types of shoot a photographer can undertake, There are few assignments which combine the same level of workload, complexity and transience as a large scale wedding shoot, and as such they should not be undertaken without considerable experience of people management and working to a tight deadline. Even professional photographers who have worked on many weddings can encounter stress, since every wedding is different, as are the people attending and organising it.

• Learn essential wedding photography tips

It is helpful therefore to learn new ways to plan, direct and execute a shoot, which fits around your way of working. Arguably the greatest challenge is working with such a large number of interested parties, from the Bride and Groom, to the wedding planners and venue representatives, all operating to their own schedules and expectations. There are key moments when problems are likely to arise, so identifying these before they occur is of great benefit to the efficiency of your shoot. These tend to be clustered around changeovers in stages of the wedding, such as between the morning preparations and ceremony and between the register signing and reception.

• Read more: How to become a wedding photographer

The causes are varied but centre around the distribution of guests - getting everyone together for the formal portraits is a universal challenge - and the switch in camera settings and required equipment. The change in lighting conditions commonly found in the locations for each stage are generally in conflict, with external settings and church interiors requiring inverse camera parameters. Similarly the lenses frequently needed for the ceremony and later group shots are likely in opposition. In order to streamline the process from start to finish, consider re-thinking the order in which you commonly shoot images, in an effort to find a better schedule which works for you.

We often stick to established shot lists when shooting weddings, many of which were constructed by other photographers. While these may form a baseline, there may be parts of the workflow that are misaligned with your preferred working method. It may be possible to find an order which allows you to change lenses less often or increase your rate of image creation. Furthermore, re-order your camera bag around your wedding timeline, by regrouping your lenses and accessories, to see if this can allow faster access to equipment when you need it.

Simply swapping a lens for one you will need first, so it can be retrieved with the bag on your shoulders, can make a big difference to speed. Drawing up alternative shot lists will also improve your flexibility. While a detailed image plan will reduce missed shots, it can also poorly equip you for the fluidity of a wedding - be prepared to capture images when they materialise by having multiple versions of your schedule, covering several alternate itineraries. When planning a large shoot, with many guests, be sure to leave time ‘buffers’ to absorb any unanticipated delays, which will allow extensions to any stage of the day, should they be essential.

Overly segmenting your shoot can also be problematic however - while pre-wedding, arrival, ceremony, formals and reception are organic parts of any wedding plan, remember that many great images happen when they are unplanned and people are not expecting them to be taken. Adapt your work to current assignment, taking as many leads from the attendees as you may provide them.

Read more: Classic, current and emerging trends in wedding photography with Nadia Meli