5 Reasons Why You Need A Professional Wedding Photographer

There are many forms of wedding photographer out there: from weekend amateur right through to full time professional. Deciding on the right one for your wedding can be a difficult decision as there are often hundreds to choose from.

This article will help you to understand the reasons why you should choose a professional photographer. With wedding budget constraints, it can be a difficult outlay, but ultimately it is the most worthwhile decision you will make. Not only will an experienced pro photograph the day's major events artistically, but they will be able to capture moments you hadn't even been aware of. A full time professional photographer has the added drive and motivation to produce the very best work because it is just that: their livelihood and one that is driven by customer feedback and referral. Most have invested tens of thousands of pounds in their business and are dedicated to what they do. A passionate, experienced and creative photographer, I believe, will give you the best images of your wedding day.

So here are a five reasons (and ways to help choose) the best professional photographer for you:

Reason #1
The photographer is there to take pictures, not to be the centre of attention. They should make sure that moments are captured unobtrusively and naturally. Of course, there are times when they need to get involved: organising groups or giving subtle direction to the Bride and Groom to get those portraiture shots to look as striking as possible, but on the whole they let things happen. Essentially, they must understand the style of your wedding and capture it creatively and honestly and also have the people skills and friendliness to blend in with your guests making them feel comfortable in their presence.

Reason #2
Another important matter is the manner in which your photographer approaches your day. Will happily meet you before the day in order to talk through timings, check out the venue and get to know you better as individuals? Picking the right wedding photographer is like choosing your dress: deep down you know when it feels right. You ought to feel that connection with with your photographer, that bond of like-mindedness so that every time you look through your wedding images, you know you made the right decision.

Reason #3
Your photographer should impress you. And by that I mean you should be genuinely in love with their work. It should excite you. It should connect with you. It should make you wish you were in the photograph. There are few occasions in life where you will look so good or so happy. With the right photographer you will look unbelievable. And that is the goal. To have photographs taken like you've never had before. Pictures you want to show off to the world. Make sure that you ask to see complete recent weddings, don't just rely on the portfolio, this way you get to see how they cover a whole day. If they won't do this, or show you weddings from years ago, be very wary.

Reason #4
So, you've got a great photographer whose pictures you adore, who understands about your day and relates well to both of you. Now make sure that they are reliable. How can you check this? Well they should be able to give you details for previous couples who you can contact if you want to. Secondly, they should have suitable backup equipment in case of malfunction or accident. Thirdly, they must have full photographic insurance, including public liability and indemnity. This is essential and a sign that your photographer is serious about their work.

Reason #5
Do they fit into your budget? And is your budget flexible if photographs are something you think are worth investing in? With the right mindset you should be able to determine what is important. Is it the free bar or is it the photographer you've had your eye on since you got engaged who will make your wedding look amazing?

I hope this has been useful to help you see what aspects to consider when choosing your wedding photographer.
 
You can find me on Facebook or my head to my wedding website: Somerset wedding photographer to discover more about my style. I'd love to hear from you.

The Orphans of Good Hope, Kenya

A break from weddings for something a little different.

I'd like to share with you my time spent volunteering in Kenya...

Back in October 2010 I spent two months with my wife at Good Hope Academy: a school and children's home 40km outside Nairobi. We were there to lend our expertise where at all possible, in the school and in the home. It was a very challenging, but very rewarding time.

The children came from many different areas of the country, spoke different languages and ranged in ages from 6 to 16. Yet, they all had one thing in common: all had suffered the tragedy of losing both parents. Many of whom were killed during the political and civil strife of 2007. For some, this was only the start of their problems, left to fend for themselves they suffered greatly and even when taken in by so called 'family' they suffered further physical and sexual abuse.

So to be scooped up by the amazing people at Good Hope they were thrown a lifeline and given the opportunity to receive something more valuable than any food handout: an education. Although the facilities are not advanced, funding from charitable organisations has given them the ability to educate over 130 children and give them a strong start in life. We helped out with Maths and English classes and introduced ideas for the teachers to make learning more fun and engaging rather than just learning by rote.

It was a time for us to puts things into perspective and to appreciate just how fortunate we are. As a trained teacher I was able to implement ideas about ways of learning and differentiation. For my wife Francesca, she was beginning to realise her job in media wasn't what she wanted to do all her life. After her Kenya experience and working as a teaching assistant in NZ, she is now re-training to become a primary school teacher.


I brought my old Nikon D200 along for the trip and captured life at the home and in the school.  It was coated in dust by the time we got home but the pictures were safe and sound.

The amazing thing is, although these children had suffered greatly they had so much love and happiness to give. We were thrilled to see how much fun they had playing games, singing, dancing and RUNNING! Man they are fast! Long walks around the Ngong Hills were an experience like no other and teaching them classic playground games was as hilarious as the kids showing us how to deal with massive spiders. Answer: hit it with a big stick!

So I give to you: A snapshot of life at Good Hope.

I hope their unwavering happiness brings a smile to your face :)

If you would like to find out more about how you can help the children do visit the Good Hope website where you can sponsor a child.

Bosham Church Wedding, Chichester | Helen and Andy

It was a delight to shoot Helen and Andy's wedding in Sussex last week. Although the weather gods tried to put a dampener on proceedings, it could hardly contain the happiness that was radiating from everyone! The long drive from Somerset meant I had to stay the night before, and rather than the normal B&B routine, I was invited to stay with the chaps in the farmhouse that had been acquired for the weekend. This generosity resounded throughout the weekend and I felt very welcomed by all.

The morning preparations in the beautiful old farmhouse were a delight to capture and Helen and the bridesmaids were totally relaxed, but very organised. So much so, they arrived a good 15 minutes early at the church!

The ceremony was held at the stunning Holy Trinity Church in Bosham which is set right on the quay overlooking the estuary. With its wonderful atmosphere and magical light inside it is a delight to photograph. A moving and spiritual service filled with music and song left most reaching for the tissues as Andy and Helen were pronounced husband and wife.

After a few group shots outside on the rather windy meadow by the church the newly weds and I went for a walk around the quay. Having scouted the area the day before I had a few ideas and Helen and Andy were keen partake, including the jetty shots where a crowd of children stood entranced by our antics!

How do you turn a standard hall into something a bit special? Easy, you throw an indoor garden party! Trees, shrubs, bunting, benches, trellis, fairy lights and more meant the place was transformed. Having lent a hand the day before setting up, it was amazing to see how great it looked. Live music resounded throughout the reception - Andy is very much a music man, as are many of the bridal party, many who contributed amazing music throughout the day. After the emotional speeches, a magnificent feast and a three tier cake cutting, it was time to party. Music by Andy's All Stars and TicklinThePickle had everyone on the dance floor all night long.

Congratulations Helen and Andy! :)

If you've enjoyed viewing this sample from Helen and Andy's wedding and would like to find out more about having me photograph your own wedding, I would live to hear from you. I shoot beautiful weddings right across the UK with a creative and documentary style. Please head to Simon Biffen Wedding Photography to discover more.

Ramster Hall Wedding | Rupert and Fiona

A very special day indeed! Not only was it the wedding of the lovely Fiona and Rupert, but it was also my 30th birthday - the dedication and commitment ladies and gentlemen! 

Things kicked off at Liphook Golf Course where Rupert, best man Ben, brother-in-law-to-be Michael and father-in-law-to-be Nigel took on four fine holes in the morning drizzle. However, something seemed to be up with Rupert's game which peeked with a rather entertaining 12 stroke on a short hole - perhaps his thoughts were elsewhere?!

After the golf session I headed up to Haslemere to see how the girls were getting on. Fiona was super relaxed and everything was running like clockwork. The boys meanwhile were to be found having lunch at the White Horse and had an equally relaxing pint or two of Doombar in preparation for what was to come.

Now, as you can see it was wet. In fact it didn't stop raining all day. Yet this didn't faze Fiona, whose parent's house was just a few minutes from the church, she wanted to walk in her wellies! With a massive golf umbrella everything was kept dry and it was lovely moment to capture.
A traditional and elegant ceremony followed and Fiona's own work choir showcased their talent as well. 

Fast forward to the reception which was held at Ramster Hall, the perfect choice for a winter wedding, as it was very cosy and atmospheric inside. Jacaranda provided a faultless catering service. I had a brief chance to take a few pictures of Fiona and Rupert before they headed into the main room. I love the light in these pictures and the Christmas tree just visible in the background. 

Rupert and Fiona put on a wonderful display for the first dance which would have scored at least a 7 from Craig Revel Horwood. The band were the almighty Deloreons who I had the pleasure of shooting at Camilla and Nick's wedding just a few weeks before. And once again they managed to get everyone on the dance floor going for it...

And so it was that the end of the night drew close and Rupert whisked Fiona away to a brighter, sunnier future... starting in Mauritius! 

To see more of my photography head to my wedding website: Somerset Wedding Photographer. I shoot awesome weddings across the country and capture the real spirit of your day with a fresh and creative eye.