How's everyone doing? It's been a few weeks since I've done a Blog post, It's been manic with deliveries and wedding enquiries. I don't know about you but I can see a little glimmer of light at the end of this very long tunnel. It's been a tough couple of months, for everyone, but one thing that hasn't changed is, wedding enquires from you lovely lot.
So we thought we'd do another of our "Supplier Spotlights" on the very talented and beautiful Freya Raby of "Freya Raby Photography"
I first met Freya at a wedding fair and we instantly hit it off! She's insanely good at her job, she has a lovely sense of humour and is just genuinely a beautiful spirit to be around.
As well as smashing the photography world, she also has a sister business which she runs with her brother, called "The Instant Photo Booth" which is just perfect for your guests to document you special day! So, grab a cuppa, put your feet up and read our interview
How has Coronavirus affected your business?
I think I speak for everyone who’s self-employed (and otherwise) when I say that nothing could have prepared us for this. I’m not going to sugar coat it, it’s been hard, there have been tears, rescheduling 30 weddings has been a logistical nightmare, and I’m pretty sure that’s not the end of it yet, but I think the beauty in all of this chaos is that we are in it together. The relationships with my couples are stronger than ever, everyone has been lovely and understanding about the whole situation and all of the individuals that make up the wedding industry have really pulled together to support one another.
Plus, when do we ever get given time? Lockdown has made me take a step back and slow down, I don’t know about you but I’ve realised I very much live my life from one job or social event to the next with barely any time to breathe, let alone do anything else. On the business side of things I’ve had the time to rebuild and update my website; work on behind the scenes stuff to give my clients a better experience; and develop ideas and projects that have been on the ‘to do’ list for over a year. And personally, I have actually had time to do the little things like sit in the garden and read a book; attempt to cook new recipes; and go for a long walk in the afternoon.
What are your top tips for finding the right photographer?
Firstly, if you’re struggling to find someone good places to start are going to wedding fairs; looking at the photographers who are being shared by wedding blogs (Brides Up North is a good one); seeing who’s images your venue’s sharing on social media.
Please please do not base your thoughts and feelings just on their pretty portraits because a wedding is so much more than a photo of a perfectly posed couple. Make sure you have an Instagram stalk, do your research, look at full weddings on blogs the most important thing is that the photographer is capturing the whole day well and constantly shooting good images from morning preparations right until the evening.
Once you’ve found someone who’s work you like, reach out and arrange coffee date, either virtually or face to face to have a chat and get to know them. It is so important that you like them as a person because your photographer is the one supplier you spend your actual wedding day with, you need to get on!
Things to think about when choosing a venue?
One thing to be mindful of when picking your venue is the lighting, and you need to have realistic expectations of what your photos will look like, for example if you have your wedding reception in a marquee the photos will be a lot brighter and natural than in a fairy lit barn, which will be darker and warmer. However, all good photographers should be able to capture beautiful photos no matter the venue (that’s why you book a professional)!
A nice outside space is always good for canapés and group and couple photos too!
Do you have any advice for couples who feel awkward having their photo taken?
Me too! If you feel awkward in front of a camera book a photographer with a more relaxed approach, someone who will photograph you as naturally as possible with no cringey posing. This is where the ‘you need to be mates’ thing comes in too, it’s key that you trust your photographer and feel comfortable with them. I’d also recommend having an ‘engagement’/couple shoot before your wedding, this is where you go for a walk and your photographer tags along and takes a few photos, so you know what to expect on the day!
Check out Freya's Instagram for all her up to date work, I absolutely love tuning into Freya's Instagram Stories.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Much Love Emma x x