Rik Pennington Wedding Photography

Maya & Diego

rikphoto — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:53:10 +0000

Here’s a few highlights from Maya and Diego’s wedding at St. Edmund of Abingdon Roman Catholic Church and the Four Seasons Hotel in Canary Wharf.

Wedding dress backlit in hotel room window London Wedding Photographer

Finishing touches being applied to the make-up. London Wedding Photographer

Final preparations before leaving for the church. London Wedding Photographer

Maya during the service. London Wedding Photographer

From the back of the church during the service. London Wedding Photographer

Come on Diego, they’re only petals! London Wedding Photographer

A quick walk down to the river after the service London Wedding Photographer

Well, they’re not supposed to be practical! London Wedding Photographer

A quiet moment of reflection before the reception. London Wedding Photographer

Maya’s wedding ring. London Wedding Photographer

Choosing your wedding photographer

rikphoto — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:09:15 +0000

Choosing your London wedding photographer is an important decision as he or she will be involved in the wedding day for several hours, so it is important they get on with you and your guests. It is also important to understand the style of your London wedding photographer and choose one who will deliver the kind of pictures you are looking for. There’s a big difference between formal wedding photography and reportage wedding photography. It is also a good idea to find out whether your wedding photographer works mainly in colour or black and white.

The photographer’s personality is also important as they are a big part of the day. Whenever I’m photographing a London wedding , I make sure I talk to as many of the friends and guests of the bride and groom to build a rapport. It makes such a difference when people feel relaxed in front of the camera.

Wedding Photographer London London Wedding Photography

Wedding Photographer London

rikphoto — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:59:46 +0000

My style of wedding photography is described as reportage because I document the story of the day as it unfolds, without directing or posing you during the key moments. This unobtrusive approach to wedding photography results in pictures which are natural, engaging and unique.

Great wedding photography tells stories. I focus on the relationships between people, capturing their expressions and emotions, often taking the picture without anyone knowing. I document every key moment, from bridal preparations (if required), right through to the first dance. The results are a compelling story of your wedding day told naturally.

Feeling comfortable with your London wedding photographer is vital as they will play an important part on the day. My style of wedding photography allows the day to flow smoothly, leaving you to concentrate on enjoying yourself while feeling at ease in front of the camera. I do recommend a few formal shots as well as a group picture, but they are best kept to a minimum.

Although much of my London wedding photography takes place in South East London, especially Greenwich and Blackheath, I cover all parts of London, Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, Essex, Bucks and Berks and am happy to travel throughout the UK. I have even been commissioned as a wedding photographer in Poland.

About me

rikphoto — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:41:49 +0000

London Wedding Photographer

I am a London wedding photographer but cover all areas of the South East, the UK and have even shot a wedding in Poland. My role on your wedding day is to be as unobtrusive as possible allowing you to concentrate on the business of enjoying your day. Reportage wedding photography in London has become popular as the results look more natural and the wedding photographer doesn’t boss you around all day!

Having trained originally as a graphic designer I understand composition, shape and texture and always try to incorporate these elements into my wedding photography. I make best use of available light to avoid the use of flash, but do use it sporadically, especially during dimly lit receptions. I never use flash during the wedding service.

I am inspired by the work of photographers such as Martin Parr who take an observational approach, capturing moments and expressions that make compelling viewing. As a London wedding photographer I have one eye in the viewfinder and one eye making sure I’m not missing anything in the background.

My role as a London wedding photographer begins before the day, as I like to meet the couple at least twice before. This helps us establish exactly what you can expect from your wedding photographer but more importantly establishes a rapport which will help you feel comfortable on the day. Your wedding photographer is a big part of your day, so it’s important to choose someone you get on well with.

Formal shots

rikphoto — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:31:06 +0000

Portraits

Although I describe myself as a reportage wedding photographer, I encourage you to do a few ‘formal’ shots. I do my best to make them as fun as possible and I find that bride and grooms who are apprehensive about this part of the day, end up enjoying it much more than they thought.

Bride and Groom portraits

If you require bride and groom portraits, they can usually be done after the service in a quiet location away from the guests. They normally take around 20 minutes. I am happy to take formal shots, but like to engage my couples in an activity, such as walking, or sitting and chatting, so that these portraits don’t appear contrived and stilted although they will be ‘set up’ to some degree. I often use a long lens for these so I am standing a fair way away, allowing the couple to interact normally.

Family and Group Shots

Although I spend the majority of the day as a reportage wedding photographer, I would recommend you consider having a few family portraits as well as a group shot. Often family relatives enjoy the more formal shots and a group shot of everyone is a nice reminder of who attended. I advise keeping the family shots down to around six in total, as people get bored quickly and are keen to get some liquid refreshment!

London Wedding Photographer London Wedding Photography

London Weddings

rikphoto — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:54:09 +0000

Although based in Greenwich, South East London, I have been commissioned for weddings all over London, the UK and even Poland. I am lucky to live near some of the most spectacular London wedding venues, including St Alfege Church, the Royal Naval College and Devonport House. The riverside location makes Greenwich a favourite for weddings as well as London wedding photographers.

Wedding photography in London provides me with the opportunity to work at fantastic historic venues, which look amazing as backdrops. I have recently become one of the preferred partners of Avenue House in Finchley, former home of the Stephen’s ink empire and would thoroughly recommend it as a London wedding venue.

London Wedding Photographer Wedding photography in London

Hannah and Liam

rikphoto — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:53:43 +0000

Here’s a few highlights from Hannah and Liam’s wedding at St Augustine’s Church in Honor Oak, London on 25th July. Despite hammering down for several days before, the sun managed to shine for almost the entire day. Hard to believe given the summer we’ve had!

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What is Reportage Wedding Photography?

rikphoto — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:00:37 +0000

Inspired by photojournalism, reportage wedding photographers have become increasingly popular in recent years for capturing weddings in a more engaging and natural style. It is best described as documentary in style, capturing the significant events and emotions of the day in a fly-on-the wall manner with the absolute minimum of intervention or direction.

As a reportage wedding photographer, I work as unobtrusively as possible, sometimes invisible in the background, sometimes close to the bride, groom and guests. This kind of contemporary wedding photography is far more compelling than traditional posed shots.

My style of reportage wedding photography combines reportage with bride and groom portraits if required, as well as the obligatory group shot! At these times I will use the minimum of fuss to get the shots taken so you can concentrate on your day.

London Wedding Photographer Wedding Photography London