Graham Monro of gm photographics gives some tips and trends for what the photographers of gm photographics are photographing today and what the brides and grooms are asking for….
Graham Monro has captured thousands of mesmerising photographs for editorial, fashion, advertising campaigns and more. As owner of gm photographics and Canon Master, Graham’s renowned for his stunning wedding and family photography. So what are Brides and Groom’s asking for on the biggest day of their life, and what’s involved to capture the magic on film? Graham shares some of his biggest big-day hits…
Big-Day Photography Tip #1 Position the Sun! (Or the Bride & Groom, whatever is easier)
“Lens flair works beautifully – it gives photos an ambience of floatation and light. Brides love it. Position the bride and groom with the sun directly above or behind them. Remove the lens hood and fire away.”
What you’ll need: EOS 5D Mark III, EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Big-Day Photography Tip #2 Take Advantage of the Local Props
“We always use whatever is available to us on location shoots. Be it the landscape, props or people nearby. Here at a Sergeants Mess wedding a bunch of fit divers were asked to be in a photo. The bride jumped in and couldn’t stop laughing. We posted the photo on Facebook and it went viral. Fit men with shirts off always gets lots of likes!”
What you’ll need: EOS-1D X, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lens
Big-Day Photography Tip #3 Go Full Flight!
“Confetti of petals – it always works! The trick is in the timing… Once all the guests are out of the church, line them up in two rows and get the bride and groom to walk through. You need to call ‘Action’, as you need the most petals airborne at one time. Shoot it in motor drive sequence at a high shutter speed. Most churches do not allow it as it leaves a mess, so if you do have this done, designate someone to clean it up afterwards.”
What you’ll need: EOS 5D Mark III, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Big-Day Photography Tip #4 Dive Right in
“Trash the Dress by diving off a boat! Make sure the dress is not too heavy, as it will drag the bride underwater. Have safety swimmers on standby. This was taken at Whitehaven Beach, just near Hamilton Island in QLD’s Whitsundays.”
What you’ll need: EOS-1D X, EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
Big-Day Photography Tip #5 Get Lost in Sunset
“Trash the Dress at sunset and backlight the couple by shooting into the sun. It’s very romantic and sexy.”
What you’ll need: EOS 5D Mark III, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Big-Day Photography Tip #6 Set the Scene
“Photo Studios are proving very popular. It is a large hanging background with studio lights, so you can photograph people standing, rather than squashed into a booth. We provide props and usually the bride and groom bring along some too. It’s lots of fun.”
What you’ll need: EOS 5D Mark III, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Big-Day Photography Tip #7 Stop Time…
“To create this, we used time exposures with a slow shutter speed. These always work to great effect. The camera needs to be on a tripod with the bride and groom sitting still, whilst another couple dance fast nearby. Try shooting at 1/15 to 1/8 second.”
What you’ll need: EOS 5D Mark III, EF 35mm f/2.IS USM
Big-Day Photography Tip #8 Capture the Bride’s Beauty
“Beauty shots of the bride – this is the brides’ time to shine! Allow lots of time for this prior to the ceremony.”
What you’ll need: EOS-1D X, EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
Big-Day Photography Tip #9 Don’t Forget Dad’s Face
“The reveal to the bride’s dad is always a special moment full of love and emotion.”
What you’ll need: EOS-1D X , EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
Big-Day Photography Tip #10 Groom the Groomsmen
“Today’s Groomsman and Groomsmen are heavily involved in the wedding planning and photography, so get lots of shots of them.”
What you’ll need: EOS 5D Mark III, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
Big-Day Photography Tip #11 Take a Heavenly Approach
“We captured this walking down the aisle shot from the choir area above – it’s a fantastic way of getting everyone in. The brides LOVE IT! Also, capture the end of the ceremony when the bride and groom walk out of the church.”
What you’ll need: EOS 5D Mark III, EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
Images by gm photographics.
What is your favourite style of wedding photography? Tell us below…
