Thief Hall Journal

How to get the best from your wedding photos

Your wedding photos are something you will hopefully treasure for the rest of your lives together as they will help to create the memories of your wedding day alive. Because of this it’s so important to so many couples that their photos capture their wedding day in the best way. Here are some tips on how to get the best from your wedding photos

1 – Do your research

Now you are engaged or maybe even before this, you will start researching suppliers to get an idea of what you would like your their wedding. If you are wanting to hire a photographer, it is always a good idea to research them too. This will give you the obvious factors to consider such as price, location, communication with their couples. But it will also give you an idea on the style of their photos and whether they suit yours and your fiancé’s style too.

2 – Photo Keepsakes

At the researching stage, you could also ask your photographer what options are available in their packages. Considering how you would like your photos to be displayed/kept. Do you want to be able to physically look through your photos after the wedding? It might be worth asking your photographer how much they charge for an album. Would you like digital copies to send on to family and friends easily – is this something your photographer can do?

3 – Trial Photo Shoot

It might be worth asking your photographer for a pre-wedding trial shoot. This gives you a chance to see if you’re both comfortable both with your photographer and with each other in front of the camera. Not many couples have had professional photos taken before and it is a lot different posing for your friends with their smartphone. Having the trial shoot can help you both to relax in front of the camera so it’s not new on your wedding day. This will help your photographer to get the best photos of you both. The photos from the trial shoot will also help you to see if you like the way your photographer takes photos of the two of you and the way they edit their photos.

4 – Book your trial shoot at your venue

If possible, try and book your trial shoot to take place at your wedding venue. If your photographer hasn’t worked at the venue before, it gives them a chance to familiarise themselves with the venue and the surroundings. This will give them ideas for where the best photo opportunities are and this will then save them time on the day trying to work out where to set up the best photos.

5 – List of photos you’d like to be taken

If you are wanting particular photos with friends or family members, send a list to your photographer so they know how many to expect. It also helps to put your list into an order. For example, if you know you are wanting photos with both sides of your bridal party, you could make sure that you get all the photos with them first and then move onto all your side of the family/friends then all your fiancé’s side of the family/friends. This takes up less time in the day and it saves any of your guests standing around waiting. Let your photographer know if you are wanting a big group shot with all your guests in. Your photographer will need to find an area big enough to fit all your guests into the camera lens. They will also need to organise your guests into position and if you have a large group of guests, this can take some doing and might need extra time.

6 – Assign someone to help with the group shots

Most of the time your photographer doesn’t know your guests. If you have a member of the bridal party or friend/family member who will know the guests needed for the group shots, ask them to help round people up. It might be worth having a couple of helpers, perhaps one from each side of the family. This way it should help with the flow of the photos and then you can ask your required guests to come for their photo when they’re needed. This way they’re not hovering and waiting around while all your other group photos are taken. Your helpers might also be able to assist your photographer to rally the guests for any bigger group shots you may be wanting.

7 – Research photo styles

Your photographer will always come prepared with photo angles and positions to make the two of you look your best. However, it never hurts to have a look yourself for the style of photos you’d like of the two of you together. There might be certain photos you’d love to replicate. Or sometimes there are items that you’d like to ensure your photographer captures such as dress or suit detailing, a pocket watch or jewellery handed down through generations. There might be certain moments you’d like capturing as well such as that first glimpse of each other as you walk down the aisle, the speeches or your first dance. Send them all to your photographer and it can help them to ensure your day is captured in the way you wanted.

8 – Photo props

Some photographers love to use props or backdrops for their photos, so it is always worth checking if they include any in their packages. Have a look around as you might also find that you want to include a prop of some sorts to create that “wow” picture. Light effects, smoke bombs, sparklers or even fireworks could all add to stunning pictures. (Always check with your venue as well to make sure they are happy for you to use extra props like these).

9 – Daylight timing

The time of year you get married can affect the photos you get. With British weather, you can rarely depend on it, however if you are getting married in January, in theory, you are more likely to have a wet day than you might in August. This absolutely fine as there are still plenty of opportunities to get stunning pictures (even in the rain), but it is just something to be aware of. Equally if you envision springtime backdrops with lots of florals, you aren’t likely to get photos of these if you’re getting married in September. Make sure you’ve had a look at the kind of backdrops/scenery you are likely to get at the time of year you will be getting married in.

Equally the time of year can affect the amount of daylight you have for your photos. If you are getting married in the winter, you aren’t going to have as much time for outside photos before the sun sets. It could be worth looking at doing your couple or even your group shots before your ceremony to give that extra bit of daylight time. If this is not an option, there are always so many beautiful indoor/evening shots that your photographer can capture to make up for lack of daylight.

10 – Enjoy your day!

No matter how much planning or advice you take on regarding your photos, what will be, will be. Trust in your photographer, they know what they’re doing, and they will make sure they get the shots you’re wanting. Whether that’s laid back and natural or styled and posed, the photos you receive from your photographer and your friends and family will all capture your incredible wedding day and give you memories to hold onto forever.

Glamping Pods

Meet our six glamping pods with a difference…..
They each come with a separate theme and sleep up to 4 altogether with a king bed and bunk bed, perfect for families with children.

Thief Hole Barn

Whether you’re looking to take some time out with family, find the perfect setting to celebrate an occasion, are looking for an adventure break or a corporate retreat, Thief Hole Barn provides a stunning location. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from the courtyard, spread out on the huge L-shaped sofa in front of the wood burning stove and enjoy the calm and serenity of country living.

Swift Nick Cottage

Offering spacious living for up to four adults and two children, Swift Nick is the perfect hideaway for any family or group. Easy access and a sloped ramp make Swift Nick ideal for those requiring versatile, easy living in an idyllic ground floor cottage. Whether you want to cosy up by the fire in Winter or enjoy the sunshine on the terrace in Summer, Swift Nick offers a luxurious holiday home away from home in the tranquillity of the countryside.

Turpin Cottage

Nestle yourself away in this beautifully converted cottage and enjoy splendid views of the North Yorkshire countryside. A haven of countryside charm and cottage comfort, Turpin Cottage is a fantastic location for some well-deserved time out for you and your pet. With a spacious feel and high beamed ceilings you cannot fail to appreciate its original character.

Fawkes Cottage

This sensitively renovated barn conversion oozes charm and character whilst providing contemporary home from home living for two adults and children. The perfect retreat for a romantic break, family holiday, or countryside escape, Fawkes Cottage balances five star luxury with everyday comforts including your very own private hot tub!

Millington House

The heart of the six cottages with dining facilities for up to 20 guests. This cottage is perfect for any celebration, party, family get-together or just a group wishing to get away from it all.

Bateman Byre

This one bedroom cottage is named after the Yorkshire witch Mary Bateman and with the original character of the barn you cannot fail to appreciate the old with the new. The fully fitted kitchen is well equipped with washer/dryer, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, and every other item you would expect. Why not enjoy watching the sunset from the hot tub!

Download our wedding brochure

What we offer

Thief Hall is a barn conversion restored in stunning style, offering a blank canvas venue with open beams and a clean modern finish. Thief Hall is surrounded by the beautiful rural countryside of North Yorkshire, the perfect backdrop for your special day! Included with the venue you will receive:

Exclusive 3 day hire
Accommodation for 2 nights for 60+ guests
6 cottages, 5 with hot tubs
6 Glamping Pods
Wedding planning support throughout
Wedding coordination on your day
Fully licensed to hold civil ceremony weddings
Fully stocked and staffed bar
Outdoor Weddings available
No restrictions or stipulations
Tables, chairs, linen and more!
Marquees Permitted