Choosing the right wedding photographer for your big day is a really important decision to make when planning your wedding. To help with your choice, we’ve asked Briar House Barns’ preferred wedding photographer, Samantha Newson, how she started out in her career and what tips she would give to couples when deciding on their wedding photographer.
Hi Samantha! Tell us about yourself and how you got into wedding photography
I have always loved photography and it’s always been a part of my life and my family’s life – I still use some lenses that belonged to my Granny. I loved looking through my parent’s photo albums when I was little (and still do now) and taking photos when we were kids on holiday. I also took GSCE and A Level photography.
I’d never considered making wedding photography my job until meeting my husband and assisting him when he was doing wedding photography. He now teaches photography instead, and I have taken up the baton and I love it!
How would you describe your style of photography?
My style of wedding photography seamlessly blends understated, classic, timeless and modern elements, so that you get a beautiful portrayal and genuine reflection of your unique day.
My aim is to blend into the background so that I get lots of lovely, relaxed and natural photos of you and your guests.
What’s included in the wedding packages you offer?
Within the packages that I offer you get:
– All images in colour, and black and white.
– Low res images via a password protected, online gallery which you can share with family and friends.
– High res images with full personal printing rights.
– A complimentary standard Photobook, 28 pages, 20x20cm, with your choice of photos.
Do you offer an engagement shoot as part of your package?
I do offer an engagement shoot, but they are at an additional cost and not part of my wedding package.
What information do you need from couples before the wedding day?
I have a pre wedding questionnaire that I send out to all my couples asking things such as what the timeline of the day is, who the key people in the wedding party are and any group shots that they would particularly like.
What’s your approach to posing and capturing a wedding day?
I give a bit of gentle direction to my couples as many of them say to me that they are not that comfortable in front of the camera (me neither!) I won’t make you do any mad cheesy poses (unless you want that) and then when you are relaxed, I’ll get some lovely natural photos of the two of you.
What’s your biggest tip for couples to get the best wedding photos?
Relax, don’t stress the small stuff and enjoy your day!
How long will it take for the photographs to be ready after the wedding day?
I aim to have the gallery ready within 4-6 weeks
What is your favourite part of a wedding day?
The confetti!
Do you have any advice for couples when deciding on their wedding photographer?
Always do your research! Make sure you have a good look at photographer’s portfolios and their editing styles – for example if you like dark and moody photos then chose a photographer who edits in this way. If you want lots of posed photos, then don’t pick a photographer who is more documentary. Think about your budget – the wedding is just one day but the photos last a lifetime.
Samantha is on the recommended suppliers list at Briar House Barns but can also be found at www.samanthanewson.com and on Instagram @samanthanewsonphotography
