It's not uncommon for a couple to tell me at a wedding fair just how totally un-photogenic they are, and how much they're dreading their wedding photos. But Jemma and Dean were quite possibly one of the most camera-shy couples I've ever met! That said, the photography was for them a really important part of their wedding, which was to be held at Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield and afterwards at stunning Pangdean Old Barn just North of Brighton. And as much as they disliked the thought of posing for family or couple photos, they knew that they wanted to come away with at least a few!
Standing there in front of me telling me this was the loveliest couple - radiant smiles, a great sense of humour and seemingly very comfortable chatting with me. My challenge was not going to be getting a great photo of them. Not at all! My challenge was going to me ensuring they felt so relaxed with me and the camera, that they enjoyed their day and completely forgot about being photographed. I needed them to trust me implicitly, so that even the couple photos would be a fun and laid back part of the day. So what did I do to allay their fears? Well, first of all I showed them my thank you notes and testimonials from the many other couples I've captured in recent years who've said exactly the same thing. I wanted them to know they're not alone! That actually, many, many brides and grooms dislike being the centre of attention, and being captured on camera doing just that is completely anathema to them.
And then I persuaded them to meet up with me for a pre-wedding shoot! So why would you want an extra shoot if you don't like being photographed? Because it will help you to realise you can look great in a photograph if shot by a professional who knows about lighting and body angles. You'll get to know your photographer during the shoot, and realise that she's just a human being with a passion for photography, and actually not at all scary! And you'll come away thinking, 'that was OK. Actually, better than OK, and I'm not dreading the wedding nearly as much.' And then shortly after, you'll receive a gallery of beautiful images to keep that remove that final niggle of doubt. This was what Jemma and Dean had to say:
You are an absolute miracle worker! The pictures are amazing and that’s total credit to you for making us relax (which I know was hard work!). Thank you so much we both love them!
It’s amazing that a lot of the 'posed' photos have come out so well and actually look natural! Can't thank you enough Jenny, you did fantastically to capture these!
Jemma & Dean
At their wedding, some two months later, both Jemma and Dean greeted me with the biggest smiles and gave barely a thought to the camera. Blessed with gorgeous sunshine, the couple smiled their way through the church ceremony and family photos, enjoyed their first dance (or at least, looked like they did!) and actually wanted to head up with me into the hills behind Pangdean to make the most of the stunning sunset.
I for one am so happy to have been able to put them at ease and provide them with the relaxed, natural and happy images they desperately wanted. Taking beautiful photos of their day was the easy part, but knowing how relaxed I made them feel on the day was the most rewarding.
I am happy to have become a recommended wedding photographer of Pangdean Old Barn, and am very much looking forward to returning to this stunning venue.
If you place a high value on your wedding photography, please get in touch with your dates and check my availability. Camera-shy or not, it's my job to help you feel relaxed and confident on your day, and to ensure you love each and every one of your wedding photos. But don't just take my word for it, read what many, many more of my clients have to say.
Jenny x
Suppliers at Jemma & Dean's Wedding:
Venue: Pangdean Old Barn
Flowers: Belinda, Chez Fleur
Dress: White Mischief, Henfield
Band: The Jets
Cake: Made by Jemma's Aunt