I always pinch myself on wedding days. I can’t believe I get to be a photographer and work with so many great wedding couples, like all the ones I’ve met over the years! It’s a dream come true for me.
I’ve started this series of wedding photography blog posts, an opportunity to hone in on specific moments that sometimes get lost in the other wedding blog posts about each individual wedding with the photos of the whole day.
This series is not particular order but with today’s blog post, I’m starting out strong. I absolutely love photographing the couple shoots on the wedding day! And Cork’s nature is great for it!
Nature Couple Shoots
I grew up loving nature. I spent a lot of time in the water, in the forests, hiking and climbing, exploring and having adventures. I think my upbringing really reflects in my photography. Photographing outdoors with these amazing backdrops that we are spoiled with in Ireland, make the photos so much more special. From mountains to the coast and beaches, there are so many beautiful spots in Cork for some wedding couple photography.
A nice side effect of doing the couple shoot is that it gives the couple a moment to have a breather from the rest of the wedding day. It’s in those moments that it’s beautiful to capture those intimate couple photos.
Nature Is Great but Indoors Is Cool Too
This wedding took place at the FOTA House, just outside Cork city. The couple in this case requested something different. So an indoor couple shoot it was!
My Approach – Couple Shoot Locations
When I do the couple photo shoots, I plan the locations thoroughly. I research and visit the spots beforehand, so that nothing is left to chance.
As a wedding photographer I’m looking for:
• a great location that’s easy to get to
• preferably good weather or alternatively somewhere sheltered
• the height of the sun and the sun direction
• always have a back up plan!
Besides keeping an eye on the weather report, not just temperature but wind and wind direction as well, I even research the direction and height of the sun. It’s vital information to take that into account in conjunction with the day’s programme to find the perfect time frame and spot to do the couple shoot! The light is so important!
It’s also important to be realistic with the location. A small break away from the wedding party is great, but we also don’t want to leave everyone waiting for hours, or take away from your special day and have you, the couple, missing out on fun moments.
I always do my best to find a nearby spot which is both beautiful and not difficult to get to. Especially with the bride’s dress and shoes! Talking about shoes, depending on the dress, I like to advice the bride to wear more comfortable shoes for the more adventurous couple shoots. They can then slip back into the proper wedding shoes for the party again.
Each Wedding is Unique
The great thing about weddings is that each one is unique and each wedding couple is unique. Coming from different families, different experiences and expectations, each couple has different wants and needs when it comes to their wedding. I take this very seriously as wedding photographer, and make sure to highlight the important parts and minimize or even skip the less important parts. And it’s the same when it comes to the couple shoot. Some couples might just want to be gone for a few minutes, then head back to the wedding party to not miss out on the fun, while other couples might look for a longer couples shoot at several different locations. It’s that customization of my wedding photography that I always like to emphasize to couples.
But whatever the shoot is, if it’s at an exotic location or in the hotel gardens, it’s got to look great, and I always like to think, “How would this look framed on their wall?” It has to be like a fantastic album cover, it should be striking.
Keep a look out for my next ‘Part 2’ post to find out my next favourite moment of the wedding day. Not that they are in any particular order.
Contact Me
And if you’d like to enquire about availability or my wedding packages, you can contact me here. I look forward to meeting you and to hopefully be a part of your wedding day!
