A big welcome to Ross Hurley to our Photography Focus series of blog posts. I am loving hearing about tips for planning and styling your day and learning what makes your wedding photographer happy…..hot food seems to be a running theme!
Ross is based in Kent and loves taking photos ensuring there are no fake smiles and awkward poses. He blends this with some artistic and quirky portraits of you, the wedding couple. He uses the setting sun, or some interesting photographic lights to capture some amazing images you will have on your wall for a lifetime. Do check out the link to his site, but not before reading this!
What are your top 2 ‘Do and Don’t’ tips for couples on their wedding day? Do make time for your pictures at different times of your day. Some in the drinks reception, some in the evening sunset and some at night for a nice range of shots. Do not make a list of ‘must have’ shots. The pictures should be spontaneous, unplanned and help tell the story of the wedding as it unfolds.
What is your advice when a couple is looking for a photographer? My advice to couples looking for a wedding photographer is to choose the style and quality that most appeals to them. The pictures are your lasting memory of your day, so get the best you can.
Your top tip for Styling your day? Be as creative as you can for your styling. Use well known blogs and social media to create boards of ideas to implement into your wedding.
Do you think you should “Trash your Dress”? I think you can get some very artistic images with a Trash the dress shoot. I’m currently working with a previous bride who will be covering herself in powder paint. I’m really looking forward to it. Watch this space.
Engagement shoots seem to be very fashionable at the moment. What are the advantages of having one? The biggest advantages to an engagement shoot is you get to know your photographer better and become more confident in front of the lens! Couples always tell me how much they loved their engagement session and how it helped them for their big day.
What has surprised you the most about wedding photography? Coming from a pro photography level in the national press, I am very surprised at just how many people are now wedding photographers. It seems you can get a good DSLR for Christmas and by June you’re a wedding photographer with a Facebook page! Things have certainly changed. 😉
How you describe your style of photography? I mix natural documentary photography with alternative and fun portraits. I try and create quite a unique style that uses my old skills as a photojournalist mixed with my technical ability with off-camera flash.
What can a couple do for you on the big day? Be themselves and relax. Enjoy the day and let me tell their story as it unfolds around them. Oh and some hot food during the wedding breakfast as I’m not good with an empty belly. 😉
Indoor or outdoor wedding? I love outdoor. If the weather is good and the venue has a good outdoor space, use it! That’s where the money shots are. Just recently I photographed a ceremony that was on a decking in the middle of a small lake, with guests sitting around it and the sun going down behind them. Just stunning!
Themed or none theme? I would say themed. Theming your wedding with your likes and interests works very well. Or creating an era theme, such as 40’s or 50’s can look awesome. My most favourite themed wedding was Neo-Victorian Steampunk themed day. Everyone dressed using Jules Verne as inspiration. Simply amazing.
Local or Destination? It’s a local wedding for me. As much as jetting off to Tuscany sounds incredible, I believe the day is also about all your friends and family in one place. There certainly are not many occasions that 100 odd people are all there to see you. So enjoy it.
Big or small? Either. Big can be grand, awesome and dramatic. Small can be intimate, close and personal. I do believe you should only invite those you want. But if that’s a big wedding, then so be it.
For more details, please contact Ross directly using the below contact details. Many thanks Ross for sharing your photos and thoughts with us. All the best for rest of your weddings of 2018!
Email: info@rosshurley.com
web: http://www.rosshurley.com
instagram: rosshurleyphoto
pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/RossHurleyPhoto/
