the decisive moment

the differe nce bet wee n sty lish, heart felt photo s and cookie - cutter ones is in lighti ng, location, fee ling at ea se and picking the right photo grap her . expert david K shields share s tip s on getti ng the for mula right

Get the best out of your photographer by knowing what works

When looking for your wedding photographer, where do you start? Fifteen years behind the camera has taught Aucklandbased David K Shields (davidkshields.com) a thing or two about getting a great image, and his experience – which includes a brief stint as a makeup artist – makes him a fountain of knowledge for brides to be. Having shot around the world for everything from French Vogue to Marie Claire, David is now bringing a dash of vogue to wedding photography, the latest venture in his creative career. Here, David reveals the best ways to choose your photographer, set the scene and capture photos that look like they’ve sprung straight from the pages of a first-class fashion mag.

TAKE YOUR PICK

Getting great images starts with finding a great photographer – and according to David, feeling comfortable with your chosen expert is as important a consideration as their technical skills. ‘Definitely meet your photographer before the day,’ David says. ‘You need someone you trust, otherwise you won’t feel comfortable, and that will show.’

The person you’re looking for will make you feel at ease and ask you questions about what you have in mind: answer honestly. ‘Talk to them about what you want and see if their style will work for you – it’s better to know early on that it’s not a good fit than to try and mould their style to fit what you want.’

Point out wedding photos they’ve shot that you like or don’t like, and decide on the mood you want to convey. ‘Ask yourself what that looks like to you,’ suggests David. If you’re after soft, natural-looking images and their style is bold and dramatic, the result will probably not be what you had in mind.

‘Ultimately the mood you’re most likely after is happiness, joy and love, but to some people that will mean posed, highly stylised images, whereas others will want more candid, relaxed, lively shots.’

ALL THE WORLD ’S A STAGE

Once you know the mood you’re aiming for – not just for the photos but as your wedding style – it’s time to set the scene. Consider locations that resonate with you as a couple. ‘Some people have a natural affinity with the urban landscapes; others prefer open beaches or lush forests,’ says David.

When you visit potential venues, take note of how you feel – you’ll know you’ve found the one when it evokes the mood you have in mind for the day. While it’s your photographer’s job to set up the photos, imagine yourself exchanging vows in that setting. ‘Choose what feels good to you,’ advises David. ‘If you’re confident in the space, you’ll look your best.’

Next, get your timing right: lighting can make or break your photos. David says: ‘The best time for photos is towards the end of