ALAN DUNCAN is a full-time professional photographer, with over twenty-five years experience and is a qualified member of the Master Photographers Association. In addition to his commercial photography, he provides a renowned, top quality wedding service. All photography is carried out exclusively by Alan. Based in Kent, he shoots weddings all over the south-east and also travels further afield.

His style is essentially casual, shooting mostly reportage [candid/informal] photographs, but with some organized group shots of parents/families and artistic shots of the bride and groom. Click here to read what customers are saying about his work.

He is very well acquainted with venues such as St. Augustine's Priory in Bilsington, Lympne Castle, Westenhanger Castle, The Grand in Folkestone, Howletts Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Eastwell Manor and the Hythe Imperial Hotel.

Attendance at the bride's home, the ceremony and the reception is included in all packages. Approximately one week after the wedding, the images will be supplied to you on CD. From these, your selection plus any framed/textured prints, reprints and Parents Albums can be ordered. Extra copies of this CD can be supplied at no extra charge so that all families can view your wedding photographs! All the packages include one of the latest designer albums, for the ultimate in print presentation. Included are large, full page photographs and pages with smaller multiple images for a more visually interesting “story book” design.

A mixture of black and white, sepia and spot-colour photographs can be included.

It is important to remember that unlike some other wedding services, only one wedding can be accommodated per day, so it is always advisable to book early to avoid any disappointment.

To check availability, make an appointment or ask for further information, see the contact details at the top of the page.

NEW  You can also have your wedding photos supplied as an exciting slideshow with music, supplied on DVD. A great way to entertain your family and friends.

Useful Information About Your Wedding Photography

by Alan Duncan LMPA

Intro

The question that I get asked the most about wedding photography is, "don't you get bored of photographing weddings?" The answer is an explicit "No!" Every wedding is different; the couples' photographic requirements; their appearance; clothing; the venues; the weather; the schedule; etc.

"And what makes a good wedding?" More importantly than any of the above factors, it is "the people!" And that is in terms of their enjoyment and mine. A couple which are conscientious about their wedding photography will create better inspiration and job satisfaction for me and this in turn creates a better rapport.

Current Trend In Wedding Photography

The fashion in wedding photography just now is for more candid/informal shots, or to use the buzzword: "reportage" photography. These shots are fun to do, watching and capturing people as they talk, laugh, drink, meet and mingle with each other. The best time for these shots is straight after the ceremony, when everybody is excited about meeting and congratulating the bride and groom and seeing all their other friends and relatives. They aren't concerned or don't even notice me flitting among the crowd grabbing my candid shots. For the photographically minded readers, this is where digital cameras come into their element. I can take several shots or keep shooting until I am satisfied that I have the best shot without worrying about the cost of that medium format film and processing that I used to use!

Weddings And The Weather!

Obviously sunshine and blue skies looks good, creates a better ambience and is probably what most people are hoping for, for most of the year! However, overcast or duller days can be beneficial as people are less likely to squint in the bright light or suffer in the heat with shiny complexions. [Tip for the women: when it's hot, carry some powder! Not a man thing - but it has been done!]

Wind can be a nuisance, but it can also be useful by creating movement in the shots - flowing hair, dresses and veils. When rain becomes too much for the colourful brollies or it gets too dark for even tripod based shots, then all is not lost. There is always scope inside the venues for good photographs. By using features such as flowers, staircases, fireplaces, pillars, doorways or by the opposite, avoiding any features, i.e. plain walls, good images can easily be achieved.

Natural window-light is great for good looking portraits. I like to use this soft but directional light for the "before the wedding" shots of the bride, parents and bridesmaids. And this is regardless of the weather! These shots add variety to the album. Also, many venues offer good, natural window-light opportunities. An empty room, such as in the shot on the left, with good light, can provide a perfect setting.

Schedule

When planning your wedding, be careful to allow enough time for photography after the ceremony. The order of planning is usually to book the time for the ceremony and then book the time for the reception to start at. Sometimes however, this latter time is calculated by working backwards from the time that the evening guests are due to arrive at, thus not giving enough consideration for the photography. Generally, at least an hour is needed for photographic opportunities. By this I mean that the candid shots can be taken as I mentioned earlier, as well as the organized shots.  This time can be spent at the ceremony venue and/or the reception venue - whichever suits better. Additionally, going to another special location, such as a quiet beach, a woodland or another area of beautiful landscape, with perhaps just the bride and groom, can provide an excellent opportunity for some of the best shots of the wedding. The main point is to allow enough time. It's much better to have more time than not enough!

Time is precious on a wedding day and it is vital you have a photographer who is proficient at organizing those necessary group photos. Even with the current trend of more informal wedding photography there are still certain shots that are set up by the photographer and a good photographer should take these photos with the minimum of fuss and as quickly as possible. Group photos take up more time but close co-operation between the photographer and a key member of the wedding, such as the best man or an usher can speed up the organizing of these photographs. Choose a photographer who is easy to get on with and can organize with good "people" skills.

Lastly a general but important tip for your wedding day: "delegate!" This is an important word for the bride and groom to remember. There are always extra little unexpected things for the bride or groom to do on the day. So rather than trying to deal with these personally, there are bridesmaids, ushers, a best man [which is their role to help!] not to mention friends and family who can all help you. It's your day so relax and enjoy it and let them take the extra load off your shoulders!

I hope that this information has been of use to you.


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Wedding photography Information by Alan Duncan LMPA, AD Photographics, Kent Wedding Photographer. Reportage wedding photographer. Wedding photographer in Kent, UK. Weddings in Kent.