As I started out on my networking journey, I had the great pleasure to meet Leah of Leah van Zyl Photography. We met at my very first local meet up of business ladies. Sat in Cafe Rouge one evening, Leah wowed me with her amazing networking skills and her ability to promote what she did in about 2 min (ish!). Below is the photo that captured everyone. I knew I would have to feature her on my site and so here she is!
Leah is a wife and mum of a rather handsome boy. She has buckets of enthusiasm and passion for what she does. So read on to find out more about her tips for wedding photography on your big day.
What are your top 2 ‘Do and Don’t’ tips for couples on their wedding day?
If you have a little one, ask someone to be a childminder for you on the day. This can be a close friend who you trust, or even hire in professional childcare. A wedding day can be quite overwhelming for small children, and sometimes just taking them away somewhere quiet for some 1-1 attention, drawing or playtime can do the world of good. This leaves mum and dad to really enjoy every moment of their wedding day, and totally relax!
Don’t sweat the small stuff! Flowers not exactly how you wanted them? Bridesmaid’s hem dropped at the last moment? Don’t panic… No one will notice but you, just try to remember what the day is all about. You get to marry the one you love surrounded by your family and friends.. and for everything else there is Photoshop!
What is your advice on when a couple is looking for a photographer?
Always meet prospective photographers before you choose. It is so important to have an easy, relaxed and comfortable relationship with your wedding photographer, as this will really come through in your photos. Having a laugh with your photographer on the day will make it so much more fun!
Your top tip for Styling your day?
A veil is amazing for photography, and it can be removed later in the day to create two different looks.
Do you think you should “Trash your Dress”?
I got married myself last year and I didn’t, I couldn’t bear to spend all that money then wreck it!! I have not done one of those shoots, but they look like a lot of fun.
Engagement shoots seem to be very fashionable at the moment. What are the advantages of having one? Engagement shoots are GREAT! You get a chance to have fun without the pressure of the big day, practice simple poses, and build up a relationship with your photographer. You also get beautiful photos, which can be used on your invites or save the dates!
What has surprised you the most about wedding photography?
How often I cry!! It is such an emotional day, and I really feel like I know my couple when they walk down the isle. Emotional speeches get me every time.. I’m so soppy!
How you describe your style of photography?
I have an easy, natural style… a lot of reportage, but I just LOVE a big, dramatic portrait. I want to give my couple something that looks like a work of art, something with the wow effect that I’d love to have on my wall at home. Big skies, sweeping landscapes, and something different make me incredibly happy on a wedding day.
What can a couple do for you on the big day?
Please ask your guests to not step into the aisle to take photos when you walk down it… I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had beautiful moment ruined with a big phone or ipad in my way!
Indoor or outdoor wedding?
Outdoor.. although that can be difficult in the UK!
Themed or none theme?
It is YOUR day, do what makes you happy, what expresses your personality, and what will make you look back on and smile in 20 years. If you think the theme will not age well, don’t do it.
Local or Destination?
Both!!
Big thank you to Leah for taking part in my blog post. If you want to see more of her work check out her blog here.
