Photography by
GuyM
Wedding Photography
I am a wedding photographer based in Centurion, right on the edge of Pretoria East. I will travel to where I am needed throughout South Africa if needed. So if you need a wedding photographer in Parys, East London or Johannesburg, contact me. I did my first wedding shoot back in '06 in Nelspruit. I am passionate about photography and my goal is to capture the beauty and emotion of this most important of days with artistry and precision.
I know that every Bride is unique and needs a creative approach to the day and the pictures. I like creating unique wedding photo poses, like making the bride and groom climb a tree, framing you with nature or industry. Your style is important to me, I want to ensure that you will enjoy the candid and formally posed photographs for a life time. Looking back at the day with the happiest of memories.
Taking pictures is easy, capturing the love story and the personalities of the couple is a little more difficult. The photography style can have an impact on the preserved memories. As a photographer I use bits from each to create a comprehensive album telling the story of the couples joining and love.
Tradition is important and the posed classical wedding photos are important. This is when we pose for the group shots, family, friends and groups. This is generally done after the ceremony, before the reception when everyone is still together and the excitement is not affected by the speeches and the food. We direct the poses and arrange the subjects to ensure an elegant series of images.
This is also called candid or documentary style photography. We wander around inconspicuously, well as much as we can be shoving a camera into those personal and spontaneous moments, telling the story, capturing moments as they happen. No posing here, just real life as it unfolds. This starts in the chapel and goes on into the wee hours of the morning. The result is a natural story-driven album that reflect the emotions and events of the day.
This is where we take a more artistic approach with lighting, compositions and editing to create images that are not just photographs, but works of art. This can happen at the wedding but the studio is more likely to produce better results.
Inspired by fashion magazines, editorial wedding photography is a combination of candid, the formal and fine art, with strong emphasis on fashion and luxury and drama. We may use backdrops, different angles, and sophisticated lighting to produce dramatic images that tell aa different tale.
When choosing a style, couples should consider the whats and whys of their personalities and their vision. We generally shoot a blend of posed, formal and editorial wedding photos, we bring lights, cameras and artistic vision, you bring the party.
At the heart of my craft is a deep appreciation for the beauty and emotion that permeates every aspect of a wedding celebration. From the moment you and your partner exchange those life-changing vows, to the joyous laughter shared with your loved ones, I am here to ensure that these fleeting moments are preserved for a lifetime.
My approach to wedding photography is rooted in a keen eye for detail and a genuine understanding of the unique dynamics that make each couple's love story so special. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony in the heart of Centurion or a grand destination wedding, I am committed to tailoring my services to perfectly suit your vision.
There are many poses in the tradition wedding photographers playbook, from the standard bridal couple and parents to the more creative poses, here are just 5 poses to think about.
The Forehead Kiss: The groom gently kisses the bride’s forehead while they hold each other close. This pose captures tenderness and intimacy, making it a timeless shot.
The Twirl: Have the groom spin the bride, showcasing the movement of her dress and their playful joy. This creates a dynamic and romantic shot full of energy and happiness.
Walking Hand-in-Hand: The couple walks away from the camera, hand-in-hand, looking at each other or simply enjoying the moment. This pose feels natural and captures the couple in a candid, relaxed state.
Back Hug: The bride wraps her arms around the groom from behind as they both smile at the camera or share a private moment. It’s a sweet and affectionate pose that reflects warmth and closeness.
The Dip Kiss: A dramatic and cinematic pose where the groom dips the bride backward while leaning in for a kiss. This shot is both fun and romantic, adding a touch of flair to the collection.
These poses provide a mix of elegance, spontaneity, and romance, perfect for creating memorable wedding photos.
Creative wedding photo ideas can bring a unique flair to capturing the magic of a couple’s special day. Here are some imaginative ideas that can add a fresh twist to wedding photos:
Use mirrors, windows, or water to create stunning reflection images. These can add a creative perspective and allow the couple’s joy to be mirrored in an artistic way. For instance, capturing the couple’s reflection in a serene pond or a vintage mirror can result in striking and symbolic images.
Taking photos at sunset or with a strong backlight can produce dramatic silhouette shots. The outlines of the couple against a glowing sky or backlit archway create a romantic and timeless feel. It’s an elegant way to showcase their connection while focusing on the shapes and contours rather than details.
For a unique viewpoint, capture the wedding from above. Whether using a ladder, balcony, tree, overhead shots offer a bird’s-eye view that can beautifully frame the couple amidst their surroundings—like standing on a heart made of rose petals or among a crowd of guests forming a circle around them.
Light painting involves using long-exposure photography to draw or “paint” with light around the couple. This technique can produce whimsical images with swirling light trails, glowing hearts, or even words like “love” traced in light. It adds an element of fantasy and magic to wedding photos, especially during evening or nighttime shoots.
Capture the energy of the dance floor with controlled motion blur. By allowing slight blur in the background while keeping the couple in focus, the photos can convey the lively and joyful atmosphere of the celebration. This technique works especially well for first dances, where the movement tells a story of romance and rhythm.
These creative wedding photography ideas provide opportunities to step outside the traditional and bring a unique artistic vision to the wedding album. By blending classic moments with imaginative techniques, photographers can deliver a gallery that truly reflects the couple’s personality and the magic of their day.
I find lists to be of enormous use to ensure that we don't miss anything. Here is a standard checklist to start your planning, Along with this I will need a list of the people you specifically want photos of, so that I can hunt them down and make sure that they appear in the album.
Getting pictures of the bride getting ready are top of the list.
The groom getting ready obviously.
Candid Moments Throughout the Day
This checklist should provide a comprehensive guide for covering all the key moments and details that make up a wedding day. Customizing it based on the specific event and couple’s requests is essential for capturing everything they value.
I know that every Bride is unique and needs a creative approach to the day and the pictures. I like creating unique wedding photo poses, like making the bride and groom climb a tree, framing you with nature or industry. Your style is important to me, I want to ensure that you will enjoy the candid and formally posed photographs for a life time. Looking back at the day with the happiest of memories.
Wedding Photography styles for the ages
Taking pictures is easy, capturing the love story and the personalities of the couple is a little more difficult. The photography style can have an impact on the preserved memories. As a photographer I use bits from each to create a comprehensive album telling the story of the couples joining and love.
Traditional or Classic wedding Photography
Tradition is important and the posed classical wedding photos are important. This is when we pose for the group shots, family, friends and groups. This is generally done after the ceremony, before the reception when everyone is still together and the excitement is not affected by the speeches and the food. We direct the poses and arrange the subjects to ensure an elegant series of images.
Photojournalistic Wedding Photography
This is also called candid or documentary style photography. We wander around inconspicuously, well as much as we can be shoving a camera into those personal and spontaneous moments, telling the story, capturing moments as they happen. No posing here, just real life as it unfolds. This starts in the chapel and goes on into the wee hours of the morning. The result is a natural story-driven album that reflect the emotions and events of the day.
Fine Art Wedding Photography
This is where we take a more artistic approach with lighting, compositions and editing to create images that are not just photographs, but works of art. This can happen at the wedding but the studio is more likely to produce better results.
Editorial Photography
Inspired by fashion magazines, editorial wedding photography is a combination of candid, the formal and fine art, with strong emphasis on fashion and luxury and drama. We may use backdrops, different angles, and sophisticated lighting to produce dramatic images that tell aa different tale.
When choosing a style, couples should consider the whats and whys of their personalities and their vision. We generally shoot a blend of posed, formal and editorial wedding photos, we bring lights, cameras and artistic vision, you bring the party.
At the heart of my craft is a deep appreciation for the beauty and emotion that permeates every aspect of a wedding celebration. From the moment you and your partner exchange those life-changing vows, to the joyous laughter shared with your loved ones, I am here to ensure that these fleeting moments are preserved for a lifetime.
My approach to wedding photography is rooted in a keen eye for detail and a genuine understanding of the unique dynamics that make each couple's love story so special. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony in the heart of Centurion or a grand destination wedding, I am committed to tailoring my services to perfectly suit your vision.
Wedding Photography Poses
There are many poses in the tradition wedding photographers playbook, from the standard bridal couple and parents to the more creative poses, here are just 5 poses to think about.
The Forehead Kiss: The groom gently kisses the bride’s forehead while they hold each other close. This pose captures tenderness and intimacy, making it a timeless shot.
The Twirl: Have the groom spin the bride, showcasing the movement of her dress and their playful joy. This creates a dynamic and romantic shot full of energy and happiness.
Walking Hand-in-Hand: The couple walks away from the camera, hand-in-hand, looking at each other or simply enjoying the moment. This pose feels natural and captures the couple in a candid, relaxed state.
Back Hug: The bride wraps her arms around the groom from behind as they both smile at the camera or share a private moment. It’s a sweet and affectionate pose that reflects warmth and closeness.
The Dip Kiss: A dramatic and cinematic pose where the groom dips the bride backward while leaning in for a kiss. This shot is both fun and romantic, adding a touch of flair to the collection.
These poses provide a mix of elegance, spontaneity, and romance, perfect for creating memorable wedding photos.
Creative wedding photography ideas
Creative wedding photo ideas can bring a unique flair to capturing the magic of a couple’s special day. Here are some imaginative ideas that can add a fresh twist to wedding photos:
Reflection Shots
Use mirrors, windows, or water to create stunning reflection images. These can add a creative perspective and allow the couple’s joy to be mirrored in an artistic way. For instance, capturing the couple’s reflection in a serene pond or a vintage mirror can result in striking and symbolic images.
Silhouette Photography
Taking photos at sunset or with a strong backlight can produce dramatic silhouette shots. The outlines of the couple against a glowing sky or backlit archway create a romantic and timeless feel. It’s an elegant way to showcase their connection while focusing on the shapes and contours rather than details.
Overhead Shots
For a unique viewpoint, capture the wedding from above. Whether using a ladder, balcony, tree, overhead shots offer a bird’s-eye view that can beautifully frame the couple amidst their surroundings—like standing on a heart made of rose petals or among a crowd of guests forming a circle around them.
Light Painting
Light painting involves using long-exposure photography to draw or “paint” with light around the couple. This technique can produce whimsical images with swirling light trails, glowing hearts, or even words like “love” traced in light. It adds an element of fantasy and magic to wedding photos, especially during evening or nighttime shoots.
Motion Blur for Dance Shots
Capture the energy of the dance floor with controlled motion blur. By allowing slight blur in the background while keeping the couple in focus, the photos can convey the lively and joyful atmosphere of the celebration. This technique works especially well for first dances, where the movement tells a story of romance and rhythm.
These creative wedding photography ideas provide opportunities to step outside the traditional and bring a unique artistic vision to the wedding album. By blending classic moments with imaginative techniques, photographers can deliver a gallery that truly reflects the couple’s personality and the magic of their day.
Planning the Wedding Photos, a checklist to get you started
I find lists to be of enormous use to ensure that we don't miss anything. Here is a standard checklist to start your planning, Along with this I will need a list of the people you specifically want photos of, so that I can hunt them down and make sure that they appear in the album.
Pre-Ceremony (Getting Ready)
Getting pictures of the bride getting ready are top of the list.
- Dress on hanger
- Shoes, jewelry, perfume
- Invitation suite
- Bouquet and rings
- Bride’s veil
- Bride Getting Ready:
- Hair and makeup moments
- Candid shots with bridesmaids
- Mother helping with dress/veil
- Final touches (putting on shoes, jewelry)
- Bridal portrait (full-length and close-up)
- Bridesmaids' reaction to seeing the bride
The groom getting ready obviously.
- Suit, cufflinks, tie/bowtie, Watch, boutonnière
- Groom Getting Ready:
- Groom adjusting tie, jacket
- Groomsmen helping with jacket/tie
- Groom’s portrait
- Group shot with groomsmen (candid and posed)
In the Chapel
- Ceremony venue (decor, seating, altar)
- Guests arriving and mingling
- Groom waiting at the altar
- Bridal party walking down the aisle
- Flower girl/ring bearer
- Bride walking down the aisle
- Groom’s reaction to seeing the bride
- Exchange of vows and rings
- The first kiss
- Pronouncement as a married couple
- Couple walking back up the aisle together
- Candid shots of guests during the ceremony
- Wide shot of the ceremony from different angles
Formal Wedding Photos
- Full group shot with all guests (if desired)
- Immediate family portraits (both sides)
- Extended family portraits
- Bridal party (group shots and individual pairings)
- Couple with best man, maid of honor
- Couple with parents and siblings
- Fun, candid shots with bridal party
- Creative portraits of the couple (various poses)
Reception Details
- Venue exterior and interior
- Table settings and centerpieces
- Cake and dessert table
- Decor details (seating chart, name cards, etc.)
- Guest book area
Wedding favors and signage
Reception Events
- Couple’s grand entrance
- First dance
- Toasts and speeches
- Candid guest reactions during speeches
- Dinner service (if desired)
- Cake cutting
- Bouquet and garter toss
- Dancing photos (candid, couple, guests)
- Shots of guests mingling
- Parent dances (father-daughter, mother-son)
- Fun candid moments on the dance floor
- Couple’s exit (sparklers, bubbles, or confetti)
Nighttime/Evening Shots (Optional)
- Sunset portraits (if timing allows)
- Nighttime couple portraits with venue lights
- Creative shots with sparklers or light painting
Candid Moments Throughout the Day
- Guests arriving and greeting each other
- Emotional moments with family and friends
- Laughter and tears during speeches
- Kids playing, dancing, and candid moments
Miscellaneous Shots
- Rings (detailed close-ups)
- Bride and groom holding hands
- Any cultural or religious traditions
- Unique moments or surprises (e.g., special performances)
This checklist should provide a comprehensive guide for covering all the key moments and details that make up a wedding day. Customizing it based on the specific event and couple’s requests is essential for capturing everything they value.