Nicola Rowley Photography Archives - Nicola Rowley Photography

I love engagement and pre-wedding photoshoots – probably even more so when they’re held in London.

There’s something about spending time with my couples, getting to know them and hearing more about their plans surrounded by the architecture of such a beautiful city. It’s incredibly special.

When Rocio and Leonardo contacted me, one of the first things that was mentioned was, “we’re not comfortable having our pictures taken.”

A lot of my clients tell me this – and I say exactly the same to them and to you, if you also feel this way.

By the end of our session, you will come to realise that there’s nothing to worry about. I’m calm, relaxed and reassuring and I think this combination helps me get the best from you in any given situation.

It means you will end up with a collection of beautiful, bespoke and natural images – yours to keep and treasure.

There are several benefits to having a pre-wedding or engagement photoshoot. The most important thing is that you get to feel comfortable in front of the camera ahead of your special day. The knock-on effect of this means you don’t end up thinking about your wedding photography. You already know that your memories are being captured and preserved by a professional who you know, like and trust.

This is important as your wedding photographer is the team member who is with you from the arrival of your flowers until your first dance. I say team member because whoever you choose as suppliers should work harmoniously together as a team – to create the best day for you, as you would like it.

Below are the images of Rocio and Leonardo’s engagement photoshoot. Congratulations to such a lovely couple and I’m so glad that you love your images.

The session took place in the evening around Southwark, taking in London Bridge, The South Bank and St Paul’s Cathedral.

If you like them and my style I’d love to have a chat.

I’m taking 2018 wedding and family bookings and my calendar is already starting to get full…

Nicola x

Dear brides and grooms to be, do you feel that choosing your wedding photographer is a really difficult decision?

In some ways it should be – as they will play one of the most important roles in your special day.

They will be with you throughout, holding your hand and ensuring that everything goes smoothly (within their power of course).

The photographs are also your lasting memory of everything; the details, your friends and families celebrating, and most importantly the two of you taking your first steps into married life.

So how do you choose?

Below are some tips on finding the photographer that’s the right fit for you.

1) Do you click?

This should always be the number one as far as I’m concerned. Your photographer has a unique position in your wedding team. They are with you from getting ready on the day, right through to the first dance and sometimes even beyond. Will they be prepared to button up your dress when your bridesmaids have already left for the wedding venue? Will they ensure your engagement ring makes it onto your finger ahead of the service, as you have forgotten and given it to your mum for safe keeping? Will they be good at calming your nerves before you meet your other half and stop you from visibly shaking? You have to trust them, have a rapport with them, and most importantly like them. If you can, have an engagement or pre-wedding shoot with your photographer. It will mean that you won’t be thinking about photography on your wedding day.

2) Do they understand light?

When I started training en route to becoming a professional photographer, I completed a course where the photographer was an advocate of seeing the light. It was a complete game changer for me. Your wedding photographs should be beautiful, no matter what the sun, rain, or wind is doing. Your photographer should know where you should stand to get the most stunning images, how to help you look your absolute best, and know how to cope with anything and everything that is thrown at them. Do they know about avoiding dappled light, how to shoot into the sun or what to do for you first dance to make it look as epic as possible?

3) Have you seen images from an entire wedding?

This is an important one as you should be able to see how an entire wedding looks from start to finish. Not just a selection of images on their website. Scrolling through their previous blog posts is a good way to see these. It will give you an idea of what they’re like as a photographer and their style. And if you particularly like something, do let them know, so that can recreate your version of it, on your wedding day.

4) Do they pay attention to detail?

I never really considered this until tasked to look for a wedding photographer. I found the choice simply overwhelming and didn’t know where to look especially as our preferred one was already booked out for our date. In the end, I found someone who had photographed at our venue before, and I got in with really well. But, and here’s the but – the only image I have of me full length in my dress and it is tucked under at the front! I just wish that he had paid more attention to detail, had spent more than 10 minutes with myself and Matt taking our couple images, and had delivered much more of what we wanted. Ask your potential photographers this – what is their background? Have they organised events, or are they used to producing videos or filming people. You should get a feel for how important they will rate being able to get the perfect images for you.

5) You should feel that it is all about you

In November, I celebrated six years of marriage with my husband and I know what a blessing it can be. I not only love photographing weddings, but I love marriage even more. To me, wedding photography is way more than just taking images. For all my couples, I want their day to be better and even more memorable because I am there serving them and capturing all of the memories that are being made. Your photographer should also be there to help make these first steps on your marriage journey that bit more special, memorable and unique for you. It’s YOUR special day, and should be celebrated as such.

Below are a selection of images from one of my all time favourite weddings at Swallows Oast in Ticehurst, East Sussex. The first few photographs were taken by a second photographer I was with on the day, and show how closely and collaboratively I work with my couples on their wedding day. The final two are some of the edited images that Darren and Kelly received as part of their collection.

I love to chat with all my couples about their special day – so if this sounds like we’re the right fit for each other, do get in touch on: 07932 656685 or email me at: nicola@nicolarowleyphotography.com

Nicola x

PS You can currently save 10% off your wedding if you book with me by 31st March 2017. Please CONTACT me for more details… x