of beaming faces as the cake is being cut
A vignette of walking down the aisle; of beaming faces as the cake is being cut; the reaction as the bridal bouquet is being tossed in the air: photography has the ability to capture a moment in time and allow the viewer to hold on to the memory it represents. Hara Carragher looks at how best to go about capturing those special moments, so that they can be shared and appreciated for years to come.
T
he significance of good photography is of incalculable worth. Photographs not only capture details of the day that would otherwise be lost to time, but the event’s atmosphere, meaning, and a true representation of all loved ones involved. A single photograph can act as a visual portal to moments that have long passed. You only need to delve into your own family’s trove of photographs to appreciate the importance of great photography. Good snapshots – the ones that stick out in our minds – give us a sense of connection to our history and legacy, help to inform us about our identity, and often capture the most important events of our lives. Considering this, it’s no wonder that brides tend to prioritise a great photographer at the top of their wedding to-do list. Western Australia Wedding & Bride speaks to one of Western Australia’s top professional photographers, Joe Galea, about what couples should be asking and considering in the lead up to their wedding. Galea has more than ten years of experience shooting across different locations and venues. Now, he and wife Leigh own Studio Galea, which is run from their family home in Perth. They specialise in weddings and share some invaluable secrets to planning a successful wedding shoot: from what questions couples should ask their wedding photographer to pre-wedding shoots and the benefits of using a professional.
LOCK IN THE DATE It might seem like there are infinite choices when selecting a photographer, but asking for a booking on a specific date with a busy photographer can be difficult. Galea says that pencilling in a date as far in advance as possible is always ideal. “Brides get excited when they get engaged and start planning well in advance. Popular dates get booked out quickly and to ensure you get the vendors you want, you might need to get in early,” Galea says.
Studio Galea
“[You should aim to book] a year to a year and a half in advance [of your wedding date] to be safe. Once you’ve locked in your wedding venue (ceremony and reception), the next step would be photography."
50
PROFESSIONAL ADVANTAGE A common mistake is to hire a less experienced photographer in order to save money, but oftentimes this only results in low-quality wedding photos. With almost a decade in the business,
Galea explains why hiring a professional pays off. “A wedding is a once in a lifetime event; you can’t re-shoot another day, so there’s a lot of pressure on the photographer and [this] can be very nerve wracking when you’re just starting out. When you pay for a photographer, it’s not just his professional equipment and creative vision that you’re buying, but also his experience, his confidence to handle the pressure of the day, and to be able to creatively think quickly on his feet,” he says. Another consideration is knowing how experienced and passionate your photographer is with regard to weddings. “A good photographer will go with the flow and not let changes or delays fluster him. The photographer’s object on the day is not only to take gorgeous photos, anticipating the special moments and ensuring they’re captured, but also to help create a relaxed and fun experience for the couple. “Weddings are ideal for us, we love that it is a momentous and happy day, we enjoy anticipating the moment – capturing the love and laughter as it unfolds. We also get to be creative, capturing those ‘wow’ shots,” says Galea.
PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGES In the past, photography packages were limited to a hard copy. Today, there are many options, such as digital file packages or a DVD slideshow. Still, Galea believes that the best way to cherish a photograph is to hold it in its printed form. “An album is the best medium to tell your wedding day story. Prints on the wall can be stunning and a constant reminder of your wedding day, but they don’t tell the story. An album can display the love, the laughter and the tears – not just yours but beloved family and friends also.” At the end of the day, the choice in packages is based on personal preference and style, and the many options mean you’re sure to find something you love.
PRE-WEDDING SHOOT Many couples choose to have a pre-wedding shoot a month or two before their wedding for a number of reasons. It can help couples get used to being in front of the camera and can be a romantic and personal experience with your partner. Galea believes that another big
51
Galea
Studio Galea
Studio G
alea
Studio Galea
Studio
reason for pre-wedding shoots is getting to know your photographer.
own preference should also be discussed,” says Galea.
“Pre-wedding shoots are great, [as] they allow the couple to get to know us better and therefore feel more relaxed with us on their big day. A prewedding shoot allows us to know what works for a couple so we’re more relaxed and creative on the wedding day.”
Although the photographer will usually know how to make you and your fiancé look your absolute best, it can’t hurt to provide some direction as to how you envision the day, and the overall character you’d like your photos to inspire.
It is also a great opportunity to discuss the plan for your wedding. Speaking openly with your photographer about how best to capture the wedding is a good way of understanding how events will unfold. Capturing the details is essential, so provide your photographer with an outline of events to work with, along with any specific shots you’d like taken. “Chatting about the [wedding] itself should give couples a feel for how the photographer works on the day and how knowledgeable and experienced they are. Being aware of details such as timing and the order of events is important [in terms of] how smoothly the day will run. Locations and whether they will work in regards to light, timing and the couple’s
52
ON THE DAY The Little Things Having a photography schedule will help ensure you capture the pivotal moments, while leaving time for these special candid shots. To start, taking some pre-ceremony shots gives you the opportunity to warm up in-front of the camera. Galea suggests giving yourself about an hour and a half. Later, you’ll be able to look back on all the different stages, showcasing the whole event at its fullest and bringing back that rush of the day’s excitement. Galea explains that this part of the day – before the ceremony has started and while hair and makeup is fresh – is perfect for capturing the bridal group. It is also the perfect time to
take pictures of the groomsmen. However, not all groomsmen feel comfortable posing for photos.
Galea suggests couples step out during the
WORK THOSE ANGLES
reception for about ten minutes for a few
“We often suggest to our couples that if the groom is not too keen on pre-ceremony coverage, we can arrive a little earlier to the ceremony so we can shoot the boys in a more candid way,”says Galea.
“Late afternoon, an hour before sunset and about
The atmosphere, emotions and location is enough for your wedding photographer to shoot a roll of film with hundreds of beautiful candid shots. A little additional preparation, however, never hurt.
Plus, a cheeky glass of Champagne can go a long way!
a different dimension to the photo as the light
Location, Location, Location After the ceremony is over and towards the end of the day is the perfect time to take those location shots. For location shots, be prepared to spend about two hours for two to three locations. Or if everything is being held in the same venue, Galea recommends an hour and a half for a relaxed shoot. The most important tip for wedding photography is timing. Galea says that if you allow enough time, everyone is more relaxed and it doesn’t cut into time spent capturing the location.
sunset shots.
20–30 minutes after is the golden hour: beautiful soft light, just perfect for photography. “Towards the end of the day, the sun can add softens and takes on a more golden glow. Some creative sun flare can really add that magical touch.”
Fair (or Unfair) Weather While it might seem strange, it’s those cloudy overcast days that turn images into something special, so don’t be disappointed if the weather isn’t perfect. “Overcast [weather] is ideal [for photography] (without rain of course), but Western Australia isn’t exactly known for its cloudy weather, so generally you learn to work with the sun. We always look for the shaded areas where the light is more even and softer, as this is much more flattering.”
Looking at different wedding photography styles in bridal magazines and online is a good way to collect ideas. Magazines show an array of wedding day poses – romantic portraits of couples or group shots with friends and family. Wherever possible, grab a copy of your photo inspiration to give your photographer a clear idea of what you envision. Speak to your photographer before the day about recreating your favourite group shot that you’ve seen elsewhere, and they will most likely have some great suggestions for you, too. Having an idea of what you’re after and even some examples of what other couples have done can help you communicate with your photographer more effectively. It’s important to discuss your ideas before the big day, in case they require props or a special location. It also helps to make you feel relaxed, knowing that these special moments will be captured on the day.
For those who shy away from the camera and might feel uncomfortable being the focal point, it’s a good idea to make note of what poses work best for you. Knowing which angles and poses flatter your body will help you feel confident in front of the camera and can be practiced at a pre-wedding shoot. Even those who enjoy the spotlight and feel relaxed in front of the camera will feel prepared knowing a range of creative angles to try. And lastly, try to have fun in front of the camera! These photos should still clearly capture your personality, so try to relax and see what feels natural to you. Your happiness will show through in the photos, resulting in images that will bring back those romantic feelings every time you look at them.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Like the speed of a shutter, special wedding day moments rush by, so it’s important to have memories on film. In the future, turning the pages of a photo album should reveal an array of happy memories from different stages of the day, so remember to relax, allow time and, most of all, enjoy the spotlight.
53
T
he significance of good photography is of incalculable worth. Photographs not only capture details of the day that would otherwise be lost to time, but the event’s atmosphere, meaning, and a true representation of all loved ones involved. A single photograph can act as a visual portal to moments that have long passed. You only need to delve into your own family’s trove of photographs to appreciate the importance of great photography. Good snapshots – the ones that stick out in our minds – give us a sense of connection to our history and legacy, help to inform us about our identity, and often capture the most important events of our lives. Considering this, it’s no wonder that brides tend to prioritise a great photographer at the top of their wedding to-do list. Western Australia Wedding & Bride speaks to one of Western Australia’s top professional photographers, Joe Galea, about what couples should be asking and considering in the lead up to their wedding. Galea has more than ten years of experience shooting across different locations and venues. Now, he and wife Leigh own Studio Galea, which is run from their family home in Perth. They specialise in weddings and share some invaluable secrets to planning a successful wedding shoot: from what questions couples should ask their wedding photographer to pre-wedding shoots and the benefits of using a professional.
LOCK IN THE DATE It might seem like there are infinite choices when selecting a photographer, but asking for a booking on a specific date with a busy photographer can be difficult. Galea says that pencilling in a date as far in advance as possible is always ideal. “Brides get excited when they get engaged and start planning well in advance. Popular dates get booked out quickly and to ensure you get the vendors you want, you might need to get in early,” Galea says.
Studio Galea
“[You should aim to book] a year to a year and a half in advance [of your wedding date] to be safe. Once you’ve locked in your wedding venue (ceremony and reception), the next step would be photography."
50
PROFESSIONAL ADVANTAGE A common mistake is to hire a less experienced photographer in order to save money, but oftentimes this only results in low-quality wedding photos. With almost a decade in the business,
Galea explains why hiring a professional pays off. “A wedding is a once in a lifetime event; you can’t re-shoot another day, so there’s a lot of pressure on the photographer and [this] can be very nerve wracking when you’re just starting out. When you pay for a photographer, it’s not just his professional equipment and creative vision that you’re buying, but also his experience, his confidence to handle the pressure of the day, and to be able to creatively think quickly on his feet,” he says. Another consideration is knowing how experienced and passionate your photographer is with regard to weddings. “A good photographer will go with the flow and not let changes or delays fluster him. The photographer’s object on the day is not only to take gorgeous photos, anticipating the special moments and ensuring they’re captured, but also to help create a relaxed and fun experience for the couple. “Weddings are ideal for us, we love that it is a momentous and happy day, we enjoy anticipating the moment – capturing the love and laughter as it unfolds. We also get to be creative, capturing those ‘wow’ shots,” says Galea.
PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGES In the past, photography packages were limited to a hard copy. Today, there are many options, such as digital file packages or a DVD slideshow. Still, Galea believes that the best way to cherish a photograph is to hold it in its printed form. “An album is the best medium to tell your wedding day story. Prints on the wall can be stunning and a constant reminder of your wedding day, but they don’t tell the story. An album can display the love, the laughter and the tears – not just yours but beloved family and friends also.” At the end of the day, the choice in packages is based on personal preference and style, and the many options mean you’re sure to find something you love.
PRE-WEDDING SHOOT Many couples choose to have a pre-wedding shoot a month or two before their wedding for a number of reasons. It can help couples get used to being in front of the camera and can be a romantic and personal experience with your partner. Galea believes that another big
51
Galea
Studio Galea
Studio G
alea
Studio Galea
Studio
reason for pre-wedding shoots is getting to know your photographer.
own preference should also be discussed,” says Galea.
“Pre-wedding shoots are great, [as] they allow the couple to get to know us better and therefore feel more relaxed with us on their big day. A prewedding shoot allows us to know what works for a couple so we’re more relaxed and creative on the wedding day.”
Although the photographer will usually know how to make you and your fiancé look your absolute best, it can’t hurt to provide some direction as to how you envision the day, and the overall character you’d like your photos to inspire.
It is also a great opportunity to discuss the plan for your wedding. Speaking openly with your photographer about how best to capture the wedding is a good way of understanding how events will unfold. Capturing the details is essential, so provide your photographer with an outline of events to work with, along with any specific shots you’d like taken. “Chatting about the [wedding] itself should give couples a feel for how the photographer works on the day and how knowledgeable and experienced they are. Being aware of details such as timing and the order of events is important [in terms of] how smoothly the day will run. Locations and whether they will work in regards to light, timing and the couple’s
52
ON THE DAY The Little Things Having a photography schedule will help ensure you capture the pivotal moments, while leaving time for these special candid shots. To start, taking some pre-ceremony shots gives you the opportunity to warm up in-front of the camera. Galea suggests giving yourself about an hour and a half. Later, you’ll be able to look back on all the different stages, showcasing the whole event at its fullest and bringing back that rush of the day’s excitement. Galea explains that this part of the day – before the ceremony has started and while hair and makeup is fresh – is perfect for capturing the bridal group. It is also the perfect time to
take pictures of the groomsmen. However, not all groomsmen feel comfortable posing for photos.
Galea suggests couples step out during the
WORK THOSE ANGLES
reception for about ten minutes for a few
“We often suggest to our couples that if the groom is not too keen on pre-ceremony coverage, we can arrive a little earlier to the ceremony so we can shoot the boys in a more candid way,”says Galea.
“Late afternoon, an hour before sunset and about
The atmosphere, emotions and location is enough for your wedding photographer to shoot a roll of film with hundreds of beautiful candid shots. A little additional preparation, however, never hurt.
Plus, a cheeky glass of Champagne can go a long way!
a different dimension to the photo as the light
Location, Location, Location After the ceremony is over and towards the end of the day is the perfect time to take those location shots. For location shots, be prepared to spend about two hours for two to three locations. Or if everything is being held in the same venue, Galea recommends an hour and a half for a relaxed shoot. The most important tip for wedding photography is timing. Galea says that if you allow enough time, everyone is more relaxed and it doesn’t cut into time spent capturing the location.
sunset shots.
20–30 minutes after is the golden hour: beautiful soft light, just perfect for photography. “Towards the end of the day, the sun can add softens and takes on a more golden glow. Some creative sun flare can really add that magical touch.”
Fair (or Unfair) Weather While it might seem strange, it’s those cloudy overcast days that turn images into something special, so don’t be disappointed if the weather isn’t perfect. “Overcast [weather] is ideal [for photography] (without rain of course), but Western Australia isn’t exactly known for its cloudy weather, so generally you learn to work with the sun. We always look for the shaded areas where the light is more even and softer, as this is much more flattering.”
Looking at different wedding photography styles in bridal magazines and online is a good way to collect ideas. Magazines show an array of wedding day poses – romantic portraits of couples or group shots with friends and family. Wherever possible, grab a copy of your photo inspiration to give your photographer a clear idea of what you envision. Speak to your photographer before the day about recreating your favourite group shot that you’ve seen elsewhere, and they will most likely have some great suggestions for you, too. Having an idea of what you’re after and even some examples of what other couples have done can help you communicate with your photographer more effectively. It’s important to discuss your ideas before the big day, in case they require props or a special location. It also helps to make you feel relaxed, knowing that these special moments will be captured on the day.
For those who shy away from the camera and might feel uncomfortable being the focal point, it’s a good idea to make note of what poses work best for you. Knowing which angles and poses flatter your body will help you feel confident in front of the camera and can be practiced at a pre-wedding shoot. Even those who enjoy the spotlight and feel relaxed in front of the camera will feel prepared knowing a range of creative angles to try. And lastly, try to have fun in front of the camera! These photos should still clearly capture your personality, so try to relax and see what feels natural to you. Your happiness will show through in the photos, resulting in images that will bring back those romantic feelings every time you look at them.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Like the speed of a shutter, special wedding day moments rush by, so it’s important to have memories on film. In the future, turning the pages of a photo album should reveal an array of happy memories from different stages of the day, so remember to relax, allow time and, most of all, enjoy the spotlight.
53
