Is this personal work or client work ?
This is a client wedding.
I chose to share this one with you as it is a personal favourite of mine. I met the bride, Emma, when we were 11 years old at school and we got the same bus home together! We grew up in a South London suburb called Sidcup. After we left school, I left the area and moved to Cheltenham.
Early in 2015, Emma contacted me through Facebook and it transpired that she had also left London and was residing not too far from me, in Oxford. She asked if I would be willing to travel to Oxford to shoot her wedding! I was delighted, and with the venue, Eynsham Hall only being a 50 minute drive for me that was even easier.
From the minute I saw her again, and met Andrew, I knew we were going to have a marvellous wedding together. Emma is a teacher and Andrew works at the very well know Oxford University so there was a literary theme through their wedding and the Manor house was perfect.
What about this session was most memorable?
The grounds, that tea length dress, the October light, the chill and the haze made the outdoor shooting conditions perfect. A mite nippy, but perfect. The minute I shot, I knew I was going to love them!
This was also the first time I had ever been officially thanked in the formal speeches by the groom. I did, in fact, cry!! I also had my own personalized wedding favour!
Where there any hurdles?
The only hurdle this day was time, and light. It was late October, the ceremony was at 1:30pm. By the time that was over, and everyone had mingled a little I did start to slightly worry about losing light. I should not have feared…I am a speedy, decisive shooter and everybody worked through the group images swiftly leaving me ample time with Emma and Andrew for their newlyweds session.
Your best photographer/session advice?
My best advice for any wedding photographer is to be approachable, and remember that this is their day. We all have our artistic egos. We have to make sure that we are the right photographer for our clients so that their vision aligns with ours. Without this, you will never be happy, always feel like you are compromising and this WILL show in your work. This is a massive day for our clients, and we owe them are heart and soul in our work.
With the right clients, you will always be shooting from your heart and proud of what you put out there. Do not be afraid to turn down a booking if it feels off.
What gear was used to achieve these?
My wedding gear consists of 2 NIKON D700s. I constantly have my Sigma 28mm 1.8 on one, and my 85mm 1.8 on the other. For portraits, I will sometimes switch in my 50mm 1.4. I like to keep my gear simple!
About the photographer:
I’m Sheryl Fish and I run Oobaloos Photography in Gloucestershire, England. I do lifestyle newborn sessions, maternity, outside family shoots, and studio vintage boudoir. I also do a lot of weddings!
Website. Facebook. Twitter. Instagram.
Stay inspiring and OobaLove,
Sheryl xxx