More about my photography

How I’ll tell the story of your wedding day..

All wedding photographers are, to a greater or lesser degree, documentary at some stages of your wedding day. I like to consider myself ‘relaxed documentary’ – most of the time I’ll be doing what I do best and what I love to do – observing what’s going on and capturing moments as they happen to create a stunning record of your wedding day.

That doesn’t mean that I don’t do detail shots, or group shots, or couples pictures; it’s just that I have my own take on them – most of my couples want these parts of the day photographed, but perhaps don’t want to spend hours away from their guests or standing in line for group shots – they’d rather enjoy their wedding reception while I work in the background capturing that enjoyment and emotion.

Bridal prep

I love to start bridal prep photographing the details – I’ll suggest beforehand that everything’s in one place so I don’t have to disturb you – and unlike a pure documentary photographer, if I think something will look it’s best in a better setting, I have no qualms about moving things – carefully of course – what I won’t do though is take your dress outside and hang it off a tree!

I then aim to capture the story of you and the girls as it unfolds, photographing you in the latter stages of makeup.

Once you’re ready to get into your dress, I’ll step outside and come back in to capture those last few buttons being done up, the veil going on and your dad’s proud reaction to seeing you in your dress for the first time.

Your wedding ceremony

I’ll get to your ceremony location about 45 minutes beforehand. Although I will have checked prior to the wedding day, I’ll still need to confirm with your celebrant what’s allowed, before I move on to photographing the groom and guest arrivals.

I’ll be out front waiting for your arrival and capturing those last minute final preparations before you walk down the aisle!

I’m extremely conscious that the wedding ceremony is all about you guys and your guests, so I make sure I follow directions from your celebrant and cover the ceremony in a respectful, unobtrusive way. My aim is no one should notice me; all eyes should be on you!

After the ceremony I’ll capture family and friends greeting you as a newly married couple, before confetti and then off to the reception!

Your wedding ceremony

I’ll get to your ceremony location about 45 minutes beforehand. Although I will have checked prior to the wedding day, I’ll still need to confirm with your celebrant what’s allowed, before I move on to photographing the groom and guest arrivals.

I’ll be out front waiting for your arrival and capturing those last minute final preparations before you walk down the aisle!

I’m extremely conscious that the wedding ceremony is all about you guys and your guests, so I make sure I follow directions from your celebrant and cover the ceremony in a respectful, unobtrusive way. My aim is no one should notice me; all eyes should be on you!

After the ceremony I’ll capture family and friends greeting you as a newly married couple, before confetti and then off to the reception!

Your wedding reception

During the drinks reception my aim is to unobtrusively photograph you and your guests enjoying yourselves for the longest time possible. To maximise this time I’ll ask you for a list of up to 8 group shots, which we’ll shoot as efficiently as possible (I ask clients to provide me list ahead of time which rapidly speeds this process up) so you can get on with the most important thing – having fun!

I’ll also shoot some couples pictures (around 15 minutes) but always somewhere quiet and away from guests, which will allow you some time together and a bit of breathing space!

Once I’ve spent 10 minutes photographing the wedding breakfast room and all those amazing little details you spent months over, it’ll be time for me to capture the smiles and cheers as you make your way into your wedding breakfast!

Speeches, first dance and party

After your meal, we may go back outside for another quick 15 minutes couples photography – this is a great time to do this as the early evening sunshine is beautiful light for photography, it’s cooler in the summer and nice and quiet as all your guests will be still inside.

I love photographing the speeches – there’s always a great mix of emotion, laughter and tears. I’ll capture the story-teller, your reactions and also candid moments of the guests. One of my other aims during the speeches is to stay out of people’s way as it’s important they can see what’s going on – so you won’t find me stood in front of guests blocking their view!

Once I’ve photographed you cutting the cake it’ll be on to your first dance – just give me a minute of the two of you (or longer if you’d like of course!) so I can ensure I’ve got those precious shots of you both, before calling guests on to join you.

I really enjoy the dancing part of the evening – it’s great fun to be right in amongst the action to capture you and the guests letting their hair down. Inhibitions are usually long gone by this stage so I’ll stay long enough to ensure I’ve photographed plenty of fun moments before it’s time for me to leave you to it – I usually stay up to an hour after your first dance.

Speeches, first dance and party

After your meal, we may go back outside for another quick 15 minutes couples photography – this is a great time to do this as the early evening sunshine is beautiful light for photography, it’s cooler in the summer and nice and quiet as all your guests will be still inside.

I love photographing the speeches – there’s always a great mix of emotion, laughter and tears. I’ll capture the story-teller, your reactions and also candid moments of the guests. One of my other aims during the speeches is to stay out of people’s way as it’s important they can see what’s going on – so you won’t find me stood in front of guests blocking their view!

Once I’ve photographed you cutting the cake it’ll be on to your first dance – just give me a minute of the two of you (or longer if you’d like of course!) so I can ensure I’ve got those precious shots of you both, before calling guests on to join you.

I really enjoy the dancing part of the evening – it’s great fun to be right in amongst the action to capture you and the guests letting their hair down. Inhibitions are usually long gone by this stage so I’ll stay long enough to ensure I’ve photographed plenty of fun moments before it’s time for me to leave you to it – I usually stay up to an hour after your first dance.

Questions?

Here’s a few more things you might not have thought about – If I’ve missed your question please get in touch.

Are you insured?

I’m a full-time professional wedding photographer so I’m fully insured with both public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

Whats your main style of Photography?

I photograph most of the day in a documentary, story-telling style, with some portraits and a few formal group shots if you’d like them to round the story off.

How long does it take to photograph the portraits?

I like to structure any formal or portrait sessions in such a way that you spend most of your time with guests. I prefer to do two smaller portrait sessions of 15-20 minutes each. One during the drinks reception and one after you’ve finished your meal in the beautiful evening sunshine. I always do these away from the guests, it’ll just be us.

How long does it take to photograph the groups?

I like to shoots a limited number of group shots so you and your guests can enjoy every minute of your day. I recommend 8 groups, and you’ll need to allow 30 minutes to do this – if we can do it quicker then we will!

I dont like my photograph taken, can you help with that?

Yes! I’ll start by getting to know you a little on your pre-wedding shoot and will never make you do anything uncomfortable or cheesy.

I have a different question..

Great, please give me a call or get in touch.

Get in touch

Or call me on 07973 672912 / 01892 518803 or email to info@davidurkephotography.co.uk

Your privacy is very important to us and we will only use your contact information to respond to your enquiry. You can read our full privacy policy here.

Kent Wedding Photography Information