We caught up with Hannah of Hannah McClune Photography to talk style and making memories…
I’m totally smitten with weddings and take a natural approach, blending a fine art and documentary style. The most important thing to me is for the pictures to authentically reflect each couple and their connection. I started my photography business in 2011 and have grown the company to a team of five.
I’m flattered to regularly speak at photography industry events and host workshops to inspire upcoming wedding photographers. I also write for photography magazines and often have my couples weddings featured in wedding magazines or blogs.
When I’m not working you’ll find me either with my hubby and our two boys or my close group of girl friends - usually food and cocktails involved somewhere- balanced with plenty of gym time and spa relaxing! If not on holiday I’m likely to have my nose buried in a Lonely Planet planning our next travels.
Trust your instincts. See which style of photography you are most drawn to then base your decision firstly on that. Then be sure you like them! You need to get on with your photographer as they’ll be with you all day. Lastly, remember your photographs are the only thing (other than your ring and husband/wife!) that will be left after the wedding, so it’s important to value the investment you make.
Once you have your venue and ceremony booked it is best to then book your photographer. You can’t be too early so be sure you can secure a photographer that you love. The bonus about being organised is they are likely to honour their current pricing, if you leave it too long you may end up getting next years rates!
It depends on two main factors. If you have over one hundred guests it can be a good idea, this means we can both be moving around taking more candid shots. The other reason it can be good to have a second photographer is if timings are tight between when your ceremony ends and when you are called to be seated. If it is ninety minutes or more it is plenty of time for just myself to get lots of natural pictures as well as group shots and couples portraits.
Two hours before your ceremony time is ideal. This allows plenty of time to have your bridal prep images as well as lots of beautiful details, followed by bridal portraits before guest arriving shots.
It is less the weather, but more your attitude to the weather that impacts the photography. Having a spare pair of shoes and an umbrella to be able to hitch your dress up and cuddle under a brolly is the best way to be. The Montagu Arms is such a versatile venue for any weather conditions – if it is wet we have lots of beautiful spots within the hotel that make the perfect backdrops, also lots of shelter in doorways and gorgeous big windows flooding with natural light.
I’ve photographed over two hundred weddings- some in snow, some in gorgeous sunshine, some in wind and lots in rain! We may need to adjust the photography timeline, for example to leap out in dry spells for larger group shots. It really helps to be flexible and also embrace all weather conditions.
Yes and back ups of back up! Weddings can NOT be repeated so there is no room for error and I’ve invested heavily in having a vast amount of professional camera gear with me for every wedding.
I have a detailed wedding questionnaire that I ask couples to complete with their wedding information – from me learning the names of those closest to them, to timings, special details and importantly any specific photo requests or group combinations. So yes! Although my style is very natural, so a long shot list wouldn’t fit the natural approach I take – I don’t want anyone to feel their day is being staged or forced photos.
For the bridal party pictures we have FUN! I absolutely love getting photos with your bridesmaids, best man and ushers that show your true personalities. We start with a few formal, then swiftly move onto some relaxed style.
Memories. All the emotions of their day captured in beautiful images. My goal is to be able to take you back to that moment by looking at a single photograph.
You can see examples of Hannah's work from Mel and Alex's special day here.
Picking your Wedding Photographer is an important decision, once the wedding is over these photos will hold all those memories and key moments.