Finding the the right photographer for the big day is crucial, you want someone who understands your vision and most importantly captures it in style. After all the wedding photographs are the most treasured wedding keepsake. Something to look back on when celebrating anniversary milestones, reminisce about those all important vows, the petal confetti moment and first dance as newlyweds.
In order to understand what is required when searching for the perfect photographer, Petals and Roses caught up with the talented Dita Bowen Photography. Dita shared with us her expert advice, top tips, favourite part of the big day and more.
How would you describe your style?
My style is light, dreamy, whimsical, fun, documentary, natural and soft. I like to capture the wedding day as it happens from the smallest details to the biggest moments. I’m always on the lookout to document those unscripted, candid moments as they happen, and I strive to make sure my couples portraits look and feel as organic and natural as possible.
What advice would you give to couples on the search for a wedding photographer?
I’d say there are 2 things to consider when looking at booking your wedding photographer…
- Decide on the style and vibe of the photography you like
- Connect with your photographer
Whilst you are looking at booking a date and a venue, try to get inspiration for what you want your wedding photographs to look like. Hop on Pinterest and search for things like “Light and Airy Wedding Photography”, “Documentary wedding Photography”, Fine Art Wedding Photography”, “Luxury Wedding Photography”, “Editorial Wedding Photography”, “Natural Wedding Photography”, “Dark and Moody Wedding Photography” … you get the idea. Have a browse on Pinterest and save your ideas, you will naturally be drawn to a certain look and vibe.
When you start looking at different photographers on google, use those descriptions to get a more accurate search. Don’t forget to add your location. For example “Light and Airy Wedding Photographer in Warwickshire”. Alternatively, Instagram is also a great place to search for your perfect wedding photographer. Search for your venue’s Instagram account and see who tagged them in their photos for example. Notice their style, and narrow it down to those of work you love the most, and those you feel most connected to. When you are on a photographer’s website, also take a look at their about page to get to know them on more personal level. It’s important to choose a photographer that you feel you would be happy to be around all day.
How far in advance should you book a wedding photographer?
As soon as you possibly can. After you set the date and book your venue, the next step should be to contact your favourite photographers and inquire if they are available. Most of us get booked around 12-18 months before the wedding if it’s in prime season – summer. I only take 20 weddings per year to make sure I can give my all to my couples and so the availability really is limited. However, I do expand this to up-to 25 weddings on some occasions. Photographers could also introduce you to other wedding suppliers like florists, stylists, planners, accessories etc
Is there a particular venue that you love to shoot at?
Yes, it’s gotta be Bourton Hall – the venue is exclusive and absolutely stunning, the team is amazing and always a pleasure to work with. There are some beautiful views from there and the gardens are just perfect for the couple portraits and for guests to enjoy a nice cocktail or garden games.
That being said, I love exploring new venues and being creative at places I haven’t visited before. I like to visit the venues I haven’t been to, if I get a booking to familiarise myself with ready for the wedding.
What’s your favourite part of the day?
The ceremony! I love all my couples dearly and witnessing them getting married, seeing them all nervous and happy is just pure joy. I feel so lucky to be part of peoples such special life moments.
What are your top tips for mastering the confetti shot?
Get a LOT of confetti. If you think you need a certain amount, double it! Medium and larger sized petal confetti, like roses or hydrangeas, stand out more and look better on the photos than the little delicate ones – tiny confetti can easily blend in with the sky or background and won’t give the same effect as large confetti petals.
Consider the background of your photo location. Whites and creams look beautiful and stand out nicely against the church walls, in cities or darker coloured buildings. Richer, dark colours are best for when the confetti is thrown in gardens or with very light or plain background where there is more sky.
Feel free to ask your photographer if they can recommend a specific type for the venue or location you chose if you are struggling. Having worked with Petals & Roses petal confetti in the past I can highly recommend the petals for the ultimate confetti shot.
Delegate a member of the bridal party to organise the shot by getting them to ask guests to stand close to each other and throw as high as they can, which will create a perfect flutter – you don’t want confetti thrown directly in your faces. The higher they are thrown the nicer they will “rain” on you.
Confetti won’t hurt you so don’t try to hide or duck away from them and keep your eyes open. You can always try a fun pose or a kiss in the middle and then carry on walking. Do you have spare confetti? Do it again!
Lastly, have fun and enjoy the confetti moment.
Planning tip: Do you have a wedding website/invites? Include a note for guests to help them understand that confetti shot is important to you and let them know how they can help make it the perfect one. Throw it high and not in the couples faces.
Tell us the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
There are so many but this one springs in mind, one of my brides bought me a birthday gift and said a few lovely words about me after I did a big group shot, everyone clapped and cheered, I was embarrassed but it was so thoughtful of her and I felt mega appreciated.
Hopefully our Q&A with Dita was insightful and will help in finding the perfect wedding photographer to entrust with this all important task.
Petal & Roses X
Pictured Suppliers in this article
Concept and Photography – Dita Bowen Photography
Planning – Dita Bowen Photography and Smitten Weddings UK
Coordination – Smitten Weddings UK
Venue – Bourton Hall
Dresses – TH&TH
Accessories – Devoted by Jessica Jordan
Florals – Flourish and Grace
Cake and Desserts – Cakes Fabulous Cakes
Stationery and Banner – Millie Stone UK
Hair Stylist – Elegance Hair Design
Makeup Artist – SJM Beauty
Table Styling – Bunting and Williows Wedding
Flower Arch Structure – Under Pressure Eventz
Couple – Lauren Myka Norgate
Bridesmaids –Keziah, Hannah, Lucia and Ambika
Confetti – Petals and Roses
Bouquet Ribbons – C Fleurs Design
