UP CLOSE WITH STEVE GERRARD PHOTOGRAPHY
The people you choose to share your Wedding day with is such a big decision and I’m not talking about the guests, I’m talking about the suppliers you choose to house, build or capture the event. You want to have people that you spark with, that you trust, that just get it. In this new series of features I want to delve a little deeper past the About Me page and get you up close with a potential key player in your big day.
Today it’s all about Steve Gerrard Photography whose electrified the scene with a fresh, utterly modern take on Wedding photography since 2006. Perhaps that’s in part down to his other life as a music photographer, being ready to capture that perfect ‘in action’ shot of Beyonce, Metallica or Justin Bieber *jaw drop* makes him perfectly aware of every in between moment which so often become the most cherished Wedding photos. Shooting around 40 Weddings a year all around the World he knows a lot and he’s sharing his top tips below.
WHY DO YOU SHOOT WEDDINGS?
What other job means you begin your day surrounded by half naked women drinking champagne and you end the day going home with cake?! I may be (half) joking but a wedding is somewhere I get to spend all day making photographs, often in beautiful locations, with people determined to have an amazing day with their favourite people. We tend to attract clients who say they just want a big party, and that suits me just fine.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
I’d say it’s modern, creative and relaxed. The word other people use most to describe it is “different”, and that’s fine by me. I just aim to make images that I love and then find couples who love them too.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CLIENTS?
Future friends. Many of my previous clients are now good friends. That proves that I’m attracting the right people. They’re usually fun-loving people who don’t take themselves too seriously. Many are creatives themselves. I’ve shot quite a few wedding photographers’ weddings. A lot are big music fans too, just like myself. Most importantly, my clients almost always just trust me to do what I do best and don’t try to direct how I shoot their wedding. That’s when I’m at my most creative so everybody wins.
WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH WHEN PHOTOGRAPHING A WEDDING?
My approach is to pretty much go with the flow and look to make images that will remind the couple how they felt on the day rather than just how everything looked. I focus on people. That’s really what it’s all about. The one day when all their favourite people are in one place at the same time to celebrate the fact that they found each other. The importance of that is never lost on me and I know I’m privileged to be there to document it all for them. I want them to be surprised when they see their wedding day through my eyes, to see it in a different light and to relive it again and again through their photos.
HOW CAN COUPLES GET THE MOST FROM THEIR PHOTOGRAPHER?
Research photographers thoroughly and choose the one that they love and trust the most to take photographs that will represent the day. Once you find someone you feel comfortable with and confident in their abilities, it’s important to let them do the job in their own way rather than trying to direct them. It’s fine to ask for one or two shots you’d absolutely love to have but avoid long shot lists that will prevent your photographer from capturing the day as it unfolds in the most creative way.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE WEDDING DAY?
It varies from wedding to wedding but I love shooting the bride and groom portraits. I like having that time out with them to really create something special. But I also love the party. I often stay til the very end of the night and will be in the middle of the dancefloor getting my groove on but still capturing the action with my camera.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP PIECE OF ADVICE FOR BRIDES & GROOMS TO BE?
Research your suppliers. Don’t just book based on price or location. Good vendors will travel. But most of all, don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s a celebration with your favourite people. Enjoy the ride!
MUST HAVE FLOOR FILLER FOR THE WEDDING PLAYLIST?
Paul Simon – You Can Call Me Al
See more of Steve’s award winning photography & general awesomeness at – www.stevegerrard.com