This morning I’m thrilled to formally introduce one very talented lady to the pages of the wedding blog, the lovely Sarah Aylward of Brides Up North Sponsor, Sarah Beth Photography.
Sarah’s work is right up my street – light, natural and full of emotion and
radiance
. I know you’re going to love her style too. Let’s say hello.
How did you get into wedding photography?
I’ve always been interested in photography since I was little. I was always the one friend or family member in charge of the camera (I think everyone knows one of these people!). My home made family videos and large photo collages which adorned the walls of my bedroom were something to be marvelled. So it only seemed natural for my 21st birthday to asked for a DSLR camera and after graduating from university I decided I wanted to take things a little more seriously so invested a lot of my time learning and studying about photography.
Why wedding photography specifically?
Finding your feet with photography can take you in all sorts of different directions, I started professionally shooting as a nightclub photographer and then ventured into music photography including photographing for local music venues. I still enjoy photographing bands, I love music so it enables me to combine my two passions and I get to meet some interesting characters! However, after photographing my first wedding I soon realised that I was hooked, I love the energy and emotions that come with a wedding day and It really is a privilege to feel like your photography is meaningful enough to last for generations.
What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?
My favourite part is getting to know my couples and seeing how they plan their wedding day. I have been very fortunate to photograph some absolutely beautiful weddings, from completely wacky to small and intimate, I love how every wedding day is different. Every wedding I have photographed I always feel like I’ve walked away with a new set of friends, often keeping in touch with many of my past brides and grooms. Its a great feeling being able to feel like not just a photographer for the day but also a guest too.
How do you get couples to relax on the day?
With all my couples I get to know on a more personal level first before I stick my camera in their faces! With my wedding photography package I offer a complimentary and totally optional pre-wedding photo shoot so my couples can start to feel more relaxed in front of the camera before their big day. It is a great opportunity to get to know each other and also have some lovely photographs which can be used to decorate your reception area or used for thank you cards or favours.
Any advice to any brides who don’t like to have their picture taken?
I assure you I am exactly the same when it comes to having my photo taken so I total empathise with brides, or even grooms who feel nervous at the thought of having their photo taken. Over the years I have found it better to be photographed naturally and when I am not expecting it, so when photographing a couple I like to take on this approach also. My advice would be to enjoy your day, do not stress about having your photo taken as on your wedding day you will feel completely different. Enjoy your day and enjoy each other, there is nothing more beautiful or natural than a bride and groom in love.
What sort of makeup should a bride wear to look great in her pictures?
Make up should be as flawless and natural looking to compliment the brides features. I would always advise booking in with a make up artist before your wedding day so they can guide you through the process and find a look you love.
Anything to avoid which might look bad in the wedding pictures?
I am not particularly fond of poses which look forced or uncomfortable. I find it important that the couples I shoot are as comfortable as possible and would never put them in a pose or situation in which they feel otherwise.
Which celebrity wedding would you most like to photograph and why?
If Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gorden-Levitt were actually a real couple, it would totally be their wedding. How amazing would that be?
Any really memorable weddings that you have captured?
In 2013 I had the privilege of photographing a wedding in the Amalfi Coast, Italy. I fell in love with Italy after visiting Venice a few years before, so was extremely excited to be photographing a beautiful wedding there. Every where you turn in the Amalfi Coast there are photo opportunities, with soft sandy coloured houses and a backdrop of blue skies. This day was particularly moving and emotional as Emily’s mum unfortunately couldn’t be there due to illness. I was able to surprise Emily and Sam with a short video of the day to show her mum so she could re-live the day without feeling missed out.
See the full wedding here on Brides Up North.
Are you married?
Not yet, hopefully one day! I would love to plan a fun destination wedding to Las Vegas.
Any funny stories to share?
Sometimes I get too involved in taking the photo and once stepped back and ended up sitting on a candle! Its safe to safe the dress I was wearing was ruined…
What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
My style of photography is very natural and genuine, I love shooting reportage and capturing those little candid moments which you may never have seen on your wedding day. I won’t ask you to pose endlessly for the camera while forcing you to smile, I’m all about real emotion and showing how ace you both are together.
What can a couple who book you expect on the day?
On a wedding day I usually begin at the brides house photographing all the little details. The morning preparations are possibly one of my favourite parts of the day, there is so much nervous energy and excitement which is great to capture. From there I usually visit the boys (we can’t leave them out can we!) this is usually at the venue where I can also prepare for the brides entrance. Although I love to photograph the day as it happens I also believe in the importance of capturing more formal photos of the bride and groom with their families. I like to keep this part of the day fun and quick so they can get back to enjoying their day.
This is based on a wedding day with just myself however I do offer the option of a second photographer.
However I’m not just the wedding photographer on the day, I also have some very helpful skills I’ve acquired in the past two years such as dress carrier, buttonhole pinner, bouquet holder…. The wedding day can be quite stressful as well as fun and after experiencing a few weddings in my time I am happy to lend a hand wherever needed.
What is included in your “package”?
I offer a full day package, with coverage from morning preparations to your sit down meal with the option to add extra coverage for your evening reception. I also include an optional Fun Photo Booth for your evening coverage to get your wedding guests joining in the fun by getting dressed up and doing some silly poses.
In my package I also include a complimentary pre-wedding photo shoot with 20 high resolution images, this is a great way for couples to get used to being in front of the camera and to see how I work. I usually organise this for 4-5 weeks before the wedding day and team it up with a pre-wedding consultation to catch up with my couples and talk about their day.
All the images that my couples receive I make into a lovely little slideshow which is set to music, it is a great way to view your images of the day but definitely keep the tissues handy!
My package includes all digital high resolution copies of your images with royalty free licence (so you have full access to printing and sharing your images) I deliver these on a beautiful hand made wooden USB stick with presentation box which looks lovely around the home.
Can you give us an idea on price?
My wedding photography package currently in 2014 stands at £800.
However I would advise strongly to all couples looking for a wedding photographer try not be swayed on price, I understand every couple has a budget but when looking for your photographer keep in mind these are lasting memories of your day.
How can Brides Up North get in touch with you/ see more examples of your work?
My website can be found at: www.sarahbethphoto.co.uk
You can find me tweeting over at @photosarahbeth, on Facebook or pinning my dream Vegas wedding.
Anything else we should know?
I am currently based in Yorkshire, UK but specialise in weddings all over the UK and abroad. If you are planning to get married abroad, please get in touch for a bespoke quote.
