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HOW TO GET THE BEST WEDDING PHOTOS ON YOUR DAY!

Congratulations on planning your wedding!

hey there

If I am already photographing your wedding – thank you so much for trusting me with your photographs! I can’t wait to get started. If you have just downloaded this guide to help you plan your wedding – welcome.

I understand how overwhelming wedding planning can be and I’ve put together this guide after my years of experience in the industry and I really hope this helps take away some of the stress from your wedding planning!

before i begin

I want to make it clear that you have complete freedom to plan your wedding however you want. There’s no right or wrong way to do it—this day is all about you, but I wrote this guide after the years of experience I’ve had shooting weddings for over 10yrs.

Even if you don’t get past this page, the biggest piece of advice I can give to you: Try to forget that you’re being photographed and simply be in the moment. This day is all about celebrating your love and enjoying every second with your loved ones. Don’t worry about posing or looking your best in every photo—that’s my job! Just focus on being present and making memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.

my style

My style of photography is very relaxed, more like natural than ‘traditional’ wedding photography, so needless to say I don’t like to choreograph my photo’s. I prefer to capture real natural moments instead of constructed ‘scenes’, which means posing is always minimal and normally just during portraits. Having said that, a little goes a long way, especially when it comes to making sure your family shots have all the right people in them. Even then once everyone is together in frame, I’ll try and keep instructions light and let the emotions do the talking.

Wow! Where do I even start. Rahul photographed our wedding and reception at the Fairmont Windsor Park and absolutely blew us away. Our wedding was huge so had over 550 guests and he managed to capture every moment perfectly on his own. Just amazing!

– sneha & amar

your timeline

If you want everything to run like a dream on your day, then you need to lock down your wedding day schedule. Of course, if you have a planner or wedding co-ordinator then you can sit back and let them worry about it! But if you don’t, then you’ll need to be the brains behind the operation. Communicating with your photographer and other suppliers will help make sure that everyone knows what is happening when, so you can get hitched without a hitch.

One piece of advice that I do give is ‘assume things will take longer than you think’. Allowing wriggle room will make sure there’s no stress and nothing gets missed, and any spare time you have can be spent on impromptu portraits or just enjoying your day.

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getting ready

Getting ready is one of my favourite parts of the day. All that anticipation and excitement paired with the craft and ceremony of the hair and dress and everything else never fails to make some great photographs. It might be pure chaos brimming with your best friends or an island of calm, but whichever it is for you there are two things that will help create the best shots.

The first is space, make sure it’s not too cramped. If you’re someone who values personal space, having a bit more room will help you feel more relaxed. Plus, it gives your hair and makeup team the space they need to work their magic. So, keep it comfortable and create an environment where everyone feels at ease.

Let’s talk about the messiness that often comes with prep. No need to stress! Just go with the flow and welcome the natural chaos—it adds a cool vibe to the photos and can even result in some fun and spontaneous shots.

The second key thing is light. You can have all the space in the world, but if the light is poor you won’t get shots that are quite as good. Often a dedicated suite or changing room at a venue will take this into account and make sure there is lots of natural light – for the make-up artists as well as photographer – but it’s worth checking in advance. Having plenty of natural light if possible, makes a world of difference in capturing beautiful and flattering shots.

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the ceremony

During the ceremony you won’t need to think about me at all. Just lose yourself in the moment, I’ll make sure that I’m in the right place at the right time capturing all the action.

I always make it a point to be respectful and discreet. I don’t want to distract or take away from the beautiful moment unfolding before your eyes. My goal is to capture the genuine emotions and the essence of your ceremony without being intrusive. You can trust me to blend in seamlessly.

Now, here’s a gentle reminder for you: slow down and savour every second. I know the nerves can make time fly, but consciously slowing down has its benefits. Not only will it help you relax and fully embrace the moment, but it also gives me more opportunities to capture those priceless shots that can’t be replicated. If you’re having a first kiss then make sure you take your time, let it be more than just a quick peck. Hugs are always heartwarming too! Oh, and a little tip—try not to rush down the aisle. We don’t want any accidental sprints happening!

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group photos

Group photos can be a bit challenging, and I understand that it’s not the most exciting part of your day. For photographers, couples, and guests alike, this aspect can turn into a bit of a hassle if not managed properly. However, I’m here to make it as smooth and efficient as possible for you.

To make the process more enjoyable, consider having group photos shortly after the ceremony when everyone is still gathered together. This minimises distractions from drinks, food, or other necessities. If that doesn’t suit your preferences, no worries—just incorporate them into your timeline and inform your guests in advance. This way, everyone can be prepared and available when the time comes.

Make a list of all the groups you want and give it to someone close that you trust to organise and round everyone up. A crucial tip is to avoid letting others take control of organising group photos, especially parents or family members, as it can quickly become chaotic, especially if they start adding extra groups that weren’t on your original list.

One more tip when organising the order of your group photos, I always advise to start with your friends first as they’re often the first ones to rush to lunch or the canapés! Your parents and immediate family will always be around, mingling with all the guests, so I would normally put them last in the order. Also if you have elderly guests make sure to group them together so they don’t have to keep moving back and forth to take their picture taken with the different groups you may have them in.

As a documentary wedding photographer, I understand your desire to enjoy the day without spending too much time on posed photos. Keeping the process streamlined allows us to focus on preserving the natural, candid moments that truly capture the essence of your celebration.

couple portraits

I get that getting your picture taken might not be your top choice, and the thought of feeling awkward can be a concern. Yet, I understand your desire for beautiful photos of you both. When it comes to capturing couples, my focus is on storytelling, bringing out the authentic essence of my subjects. I aim for a relaxed and enjoyable experience rather than stiff, posed shots. Imagine casual strolls, genuine laughter, and gentle guidance that lets you express your true selves. I want you to feel comfortable, so if anything doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to let me know.

The ideal time for this will depend on the schedule, but also on the light. So depending on the time of year, the weather and the location you’ve chosen, it could vary a fair bit. Once you’ve got an idea of how the day will run I can always make suggestions on when the best window will be. The best time for capturing them is during the golden hour, that magical time in the evening when the sun casts a warm glow and the lighting is at its most flattering.

This is one of the aspects of the day I like the most, a moment of calm in amongst the celebrations and often your first moment alone(ish) since tying the knot. I’ve taken thousands of couples portraits, (and won awards for several of them), so you can trust me to get something really special.

Having a photographer who can bring a truly artistic eye to this moment can be the difference between an average portrait and the kind of image you will want framed on the wall and to never want to stop looking at.

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the reception

Your reception space is important too. You need to consider the ambience and lighting during dinner, speeches and dancing. All of these moods can impact your wedding photos. Although I always bring additional lights to make sure you look great in your photos, adding candlelights, hanging lights or fairy lights always helps create a vibe and warmth. I always suggest to have your speeches and dinner time slightly brighter lighting, and then when it comes to dancing you can go crazy with the lighting.

Another important thing to consider is where is the head table and what is behind you? It’s better to have really beautiful florals and draping as a backdrop rather than an LED screen behind you. I also recommend sitting with your close friends or family on the head table, it can get quite lonely with just the two of you on a sweetheart table, you should be around people you love.

Lastly definitely consider your table decor too, you don’t want to have really tall centre pieces which is blocking your view or your guests view from seeing and listening to speeches, or any dance performances you may have. High centre pieces even make it difficult for guests sitting around the same table to conversate too. So just be mindful of your decor as it is really important.

Dancing, it’s not just dancing to me. It’s where the DJ creates their art, finding their groove, creatively warming up the crowd, and taking them on a musical journey throughout the night, culminating in insane energy. Some of the wildest photos I’ve taken have been in the late hours, when the energy is electric, and the dance floor is pure magic.

Rest assured, my lens is focused on capturing the joyous and exuberant moments, not on catching anyone at their less-than-best. I adore those end-of-the-night embraces, where you and your partner share that “we did it” kind of hug. It’s those very moments that I live to capture – the kind of hug I wish I had with my wife at the end of our own wedding.

embrace the imperfections, and focus on cherishing every single moment

Let’s talk about something truly meaningful—embracing the genuine moments of your big day. If you’re one of those wonderful souls donning a gorgeous dress, I want to share a heartfelt truth with you—it’s likely going to get a bit dirty. Honestly, if that dress doesn’t bear the evidence of an extraordinary day by the end, then maybe you haven’t fully immersed yourself in the beauty of your wedding. Having a great time and keeping a flawless dress simply don’t align. Of course, make an effort to keep it relatively clean before the ceremony, but don’t let it become a source of unnecessary stress.

Now, let’s talk about the often-discussed double chin. Social media bombards us with unattainable beauty standards, but here’s the real deal—when you’re laughing with all your heart, everyone gets a double chin. And you know what’s truly wonderful? Laughter is one of the most beautiful things in the world! Trust me, as time passes and gravity takes its toll, you won’t dwell on how pristine your dress was or how perfect your hair looked. What will genuinely matter is whether you laughed at those heartfelt speeches, shared authentic hugs with your mom, and shed tears of joy over your partner’s incredible vows.

Consider this perspective too: the photos we capture aren’t just for you; they’re for all the people who love and cherish you. I’m pretty sure they want to see you immersed in the happiness of your wedding day, not stressing over achieving some picture-perfect ideal. So, release those worries, embrace the imperfections, and focus on cherishing every single moment.

01. trust your photographer

Please believe in us; after all, you invested so much time sifting through countless photographers’ work to find the one that resonates with you, ultimately choosing them because you fell in love with their artistry.

Trust our judgment. While some ideas or requests may seem a bit unconventional and make you feel a tad silly, the magic captured by the camera paints an entirely different picture. You’ve seen our portfolio and the remarkable work we’re capable of—that’s precisely why you booked us.

Rather than sending a list of Pinterest images and asking them to recreate Spanish sunshine in a grey London, feel free to share your ideas but let’s keep them grounded in reality. Trust their creativity and go with the flow; the results will be truly worthwhile!

02. be brave

It’s all about your day, and it’s completely yours to own. Feel free to do exactly what resonates with you! Whether you’re drawn to tradition or prefer to break away from it, it’s entirely your call. Whatever path you choose, go for it wholeheartedly, and make it uniquely about the two of you! The beauty of your genuine emotions truly shines through in the photos – capturing the sparkle in your eyes and the smiles that exclaim, “We made this happen!”

When it comes to your photos, consider embracing a bit of bravery. Experiment with something new. Maybe venture into the rain or take a leap over a fence to reach an intriguing location—trust me, the resulting images will be more than worth it! After all, the effort you put in reflects in the outcome. Go ahead and capture those “wow” photos that others might shy away from. These shots will weave a story like no other, showcasing not only your courage but also your personalities perfectly!

03. you do you

Remember, this isn’t just a photoshoot—it’s your wedding day! The best photos happen when you’re fully present, embracing the moments as they come. Be yourselves, let go of expectations, and enjoy the day you’ve planned. We’ll be there to capture it all—the big emotions, the quiet glances, the belly laughs—without interrupting the flow. The more you focus on each other and the people you love, the more natural and timeless your photos will be. So do your thing, soak it all in, and trust us to document the magic as it unfolds.

Love

RACHEL + BHAVESH

Absolutely perfect – our photos are so beautiful and Rahul was amazing. I am a bit awkward when I know I’m being photographed but he put us at ease straight away for our formal photos and then managed to be completely unobtrusive but somehow always there to take the most wonderful photographs!

KELLY + AUDREY

It was a pleasure to be in the presence of his creativity and his total dedication to his craft.

It’s also an utter joy to have him at your party! He works incredibly hard but has time for everyone. It’s clear how big his heart is and maybe that is the magic ingredient for his photography which is nothing short of magnificent.

Finding suppliers who truly view LGBTQ couples through the same lense is harder than it should be. Needless to say, with Rahul, he just got it and we felt totally comfortable being our authentic selves. I couldn’t physically recommend him more. We will be eternally grateful as will our families

JEEVAN + MATT

Rahul is incredible at locating genuine and intimate moments and capturing them. He doesn’t stage and snap like other wedding photographers, he finds moments of honesty and intimacy and brings them to the fore.

Don’t opt for a team of 5 photographers, trust me. Opt for Rahul and let him run rings around the competition.

Choosing Rahul as our wedding photographer was one of the best decisions we made for our Indian wedding in Morocco. His talent behind the lens captured every moment beautifully, from the heartfelt emotions to the smallest details.

– Kavita & anit

thank you

I’m thrilled to work with couples worldwide, documenting unique memories for their special day. This guide offers a glimpse into my experience, aiming to contribute to your incredible wedding day. While there are various ways to approach things, consider these suggestions as a starting point. I really appreciate your time in reading this, Rahul 🙂

Get In Touch about your Wedding

Being a London wedding photographer it is a real pleasure to document your special day in London or anywhere in the world . If my approach seems like the style you’re looking for your big day, then give me a shout. I only capture up to 25 weddings per year to make sure that I give every single one of my couples 110% of my energy, effort and creativity. You can read what other couples have said about me either via my google reviews or by my kind words page. Get in touch and I look forward to talking to you soon.

To me, love knows no boundaries, and I wholeheartedly celebrate and embrace every facet of your being. Your sexuality, gender identity, race, religion, age, body size, ability, or music taste are all integral parts of who you are, and they are all welcome here. If you have any suggestions on how I can improve to ensure that everyone feels secure, acknowledged, and embraced on this platform, please don’t hesitate to share. I am constantly learning and committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included.

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