Live in the moment

Important moments like your first kiss as a married couple or swaying to your first dance shouldn’t be forced or staged for photos.

Monica McQuitty from love by shae photography believes that your special moments are best captured naturally.

“We don’t believe in practised poses or mock-ups,” she said.

“The best photos of those key moments are taken when you are swept up in the magic of your special day.”

Monica likes to really get to know her couples to help them feel comfortable in front of the camera.

“I love getting to know my couples and they have a lot of fun in front of the camera.

“The couples feel relaxed and natural which in turn will show in your images.”

She spoke about breaking down the perfect times for wedding photos, which comes down to two choices — the golden hour or the blue hour.

“The golden hour is just before sunset where the sun is low in the sky, which bathes the wedding party in its warm light.

“It’s a brief opportunity, that is timed almost down to the second.”

Professionals like Monica call this the “magic moment”.

The blue hour comes just after the golden hour, where the sun slips just below the horizon.

“The last fingers of light create the perfect backdrop for silhouette settings and that indirect blue light which will bathe the scene in the softest of natural lights.

“Both of these moments come and go very quickly, so this is the only time we have to be really ready to go to get the shot.

“Just with everything else that happens on the occasion, timing is everything.”

Monica spoke about how she helps couples plan their day and that light is a big consideration when it comes to wedding photos.

“I always consider how the light might impact their wedding photos,” she said.

“The time of year and the location of the event can also impact that.”

Knowing in advance when the light will change, Monica said, was integral to ensure her couples aren’t rushing on their special day to keep up with the light.

She loves creating photos and capturing moments for couples to look back on forever.

“I’m obsessed with capturing the memories that mean the most to my couples and turning them into beautiful images they can re-live forever.

“If couples have a later ceremony, then I check to see if a ‘first look’ could be an option so that their photos have enough light.”

The ‘first look’ is where the couple plans to see each other before the ceremony and allows them to have a moment together in a private setting.

“Traditionally, couples don’t see each other until the ceremony, but the private prequel is becoming popular, particularly outside of daylight saving,” Monica said.

She believes having a professional makes it easier for couples as it lets them plan it how they want and the photographer can organise it accordingly.

Monica said having an experienced wedding photography professional who takes care of their couples was what they deserve and it minimises the stresses on the day.

“Capturing all those memories has been elevated to an art form by professional photographers,” she said.

“This skill is only acquired after years of experience and that is why getting a professional is an investment not an expense.

“You only get one shot at your wedding and a professional photographer always gets the shot.”