Dover Marriage Photographer

My Photography Blog

Marcus Photography - Marriage Blog

"Sharing & learning from others"

On this page, you will explore three vital areas: expert marriage tips, the tools I use, and the significance of hiring a professional wedding photographer.

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Dover Photographers Marriage Tips

You might be astonished by the insights that marriage photographers gain throughout an event.

Here are some valuable marriage tips I've gathered from marriages over the years.

Our goal is to make planning your special day stress-free. However, it's wise to be aware of some common issues that other couples have encountered. Remember, being prepared is key, and you can thoughtfully contemplate these points.

Each of these tips addresses challenges that married couples have faced over time.

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Marriage Planning

It may sound simple but not planning properly is planning to fail.

For the busy people you can consider the hire of a marriage planner.

There are some great apps, excel spread sheets of a decent book where you can begin to write things down and make your lists and plan.

Budget Planning

Understand the cost of the things you have in mind for your day and the budget you have is critical.

Make a list and research the rice ranges for those services.

I have lost count of the people who have said, "our wedding cost way more than we thought it would".

Marriage & Insurance

When ordering marriage services there are a number of large sums of money that are paid for in advance of the day.

In most cases this is £1,000s or £10,000s.

What if a business becomes liquidated?

It is all about risk and minimising your financial risk.

Time Flies Past

They say, time flies when you are having fun.

As the clock counts down to your day the pace at which time passes seems to speed up.

Make sure you plan the time you need for marriage meetings, trials, fittings and all sorts of the things you will need time to plan.

Book Early

Good service providers become booked early.

Sometimes hire is made over a year in advance.

Good businesses become booked very quickly as time runs down to a marriage day.

If you have found the marriage service provider you want to use, get the booking in with the provider as soon as you are able to.

But, only when you have clear service agreement, T&Cs and are clear on the service you will receive.

Choose Wisely and Well

Checking marriage services out and getting some feedback is important.

Before you pay for a service make sure you are clear and have a written agreement of the services, terms and conditions for the services you will receive for the price you have been given.

Absolute clarity!

Another great quote I have heard many times "If it isn't in writing it doesn't exist".

Something for you to think about.

Must Have or Optional

As part of your marriage day planning, it is nice to have a list of the items you must have and the things that are optional.

If you start to go over budget you can remove the items that were optional to bring your day back in budget.

AND, before you have paid deposits!!

Once the deposit is paid, things become difficult to change arrangements and your deposit is at risk, most non refundable.

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Location, Location, Location.

The venue will become a large portion of your budget.

It is important to take the time when looking for a venue and consider the hire of a venue carefully.

Where is the ceremony, reception or all in one place?

How people will be getting to and from locations and making some notes when you view the locations will help.

Consider the hire of a venue and your options thoughtfully.

People Stopping Over

When considering the hire of a marriage venue have a think about where your guests can stop over.

This may seem to be low on your priority list but it may need some consideration.

Where guests are travelling from and to, they may need somewhere to stay and how to get back and forth after enjoying themselves.

Passport & Name Changes

If you are booking your honeymoon where you would need your passport, a point to consider.

Are you changing your name?

Something to think about and there are two options to consider. The detail is available on the UK Government Passport website.

Is your passport in date?

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My Photo Portfolio is available on request

Families and Bad Feelings

Most people I have spoken with have worried about some people who don't get on.

We all have them and most people worry about this when wedding planning, you are not alone.

The first thing to remind everyone, it's your day and that is the priority for everyone.

Most people know that and the worrying comes to nothing.

Transport & Helpful People

Planning transport for weddings and thinking through how people move to and from venues is worth some thought.

Especially the next day if people are stopping over.

Also, you can never have enough people to help. There will be plenty of things to take away from the wedding venue, presents, clothing, keep sakes and many other items. Many hands make light work.

Photograph Worries

In my experience, every bride I’ve encountered has expressed her concerns about how she will appear in photographs.

Their worries often vary, covering aspects like arms, chins, legs, height, and much more.

Grooms, on the other hand, usually maintain a more relaxed attitude towards wedding photos.

We can talk about any concerns you might have, as it's often this worrying that leads to anxiety.

I'll help you and explain how we I can deal with any worries.

Sharing Photos

Did you know that when you share images on WhatsApp, their quality can plummet by an astonishing 75%?

While a picture may appear decent on a smartphone, sharing can complicate the integrity of your precious photographs.

I utilise a cloud-based solution with a straightforward link that preserves the original quality without any loss.

Links are effortless to share and can truly enhance the presentation of your photographic portfolio.

What If It Rains?

We've all experienced that nail-biting moment before an outdoor event, anxiously checking the weather forecast and hoping for a celestial intervention to keep the skies clear...

Consider having a plan B ready in case Mother Nature decides to put a damper on things, and keep some stylish, photo-worthy umbrellas handy for shade or unexpected rain.

With your backup plans in place, you can happily turn off that weather app and fully savor the anticipation of your special day.

People won’t show up

Whether it's guests, vendors, or your partner, we recognize that fears can sometimes appear completely irrational. Nevertheless, despite their seemingly baseless nature, they often linger in our thoughts, leaving us feeling uneasy and anxious.

After you've gathered RSVPs from your attendees, your plans are finalized, everything is set, and it's time to anticipate the celebration of this remarkable occasion!

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My Photography Equipment & Why

Marcus The Dover Photographer

My selection of photography gear and the reasons behind it.

In the art of documenting a marriage, every moment carries profound importance, and there are no do-overs. Each smile, tear, and fleeting glance contributes to a unique story — this is the reason I trust Canon.

With years of experience behind the camera, I understand that our tools should enhance our narrative, not hinder it. High-quality equipment enables me to concentrate on what truly counts — capturing genuine emotions, fostering connections, and creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.

I have always prioritised quality in my equipment choices. I've heard stories from photographers who lost invaluable wedding images due to poorly considered data storage — just think about that!

Canon Camera For Marriages — **Canon Cameras**
When I photograph a marriage, every moment is precious, and there are absolutely no second chances to capture them. Every single look, every heartfelt smile, and even every tear of joy happens just once in a fleeting moment — and that's precisely why I trust Canon. Their exceptional cameras and lenses allow me to beautifully document these irreplaceable occasions with confidence.
I utilise two Canon EOS R6 Mark 2 cameras, seamlessly alternating between them with various lenses tailored to the specific scenario.
An additional feature is the dual SD card recording, which guarantees that photographs are swiftly captured simultaneously on two distinct SD cards.
Marriages are fast-moving and unpredictable, with constantly changing light and emotion. Canon cameras give me the confidence to capture every moment beautifully — whether it’s a bright outdoor ceremony or a candle-lit first dance. They’re reliable, responsive, and deliver stunning results straight out of the camera.
Canon’s fast autofocus and intuitive controls mean I can focus on what matters most — people. It’s about connection, not just composition.

Canon Lenses For Marriages — **Canon Lenses**
The Canon lenses are undoubtedly my preferred choice for photography, providing an outstanding experience for both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Although they come with a higher price tag compared to some alternative options, their exceptional quality truly makes them worth every penny spent. With remarkable sharpness, vibrant colour reproduction, and impressive low-light performance.
I utilise five lenses, with the Canon prime lens series being my top choice. My favourite ones are the 50mm and the versatile 24mm to 105mm, which I often rely on.
The lenses are exceptional and set a high standard for quality. The 70-200mm f/2.8 is ideal for capturing candid moments from a distance, while the 50mm f/1.2 creates breathtaking portraits with stunning detail. Canon glass consistently delivers sharpness, impressive speed, and that iconic creamy background blur.
Each lens enhances your ability to capture life's moments and elevates the quality of your images, making every photograph a work of art.

Pro Grade SD Marriage Photography — **Pro Grade SD Cards**
Why I Choose ProGrade Gold SD Cards for Marriage Photography.
When it comes to capturing a wedding, every moment is crucial — there are no do-overs. That's why I rely on ProGrade Gold SD cards, renowned for their professional-grade reliability, speed, and impressive durability. These premium cards guarantee that every image is captured swiftly and securely, even during the most emotional or fast-paced moments of your special day.
With ultra-fast write speeds and exceptional error correction, ProGrade Gold cards help avert data loss and maintain an efficient workflow from the ceremony to the reception. They're designed to perform brilliantly in any scenario — from vibrant outdoor ceremonies to softly lit dance floors — allowing me to concentrate on crafting timeless memories without the stress of potential technical glitches.

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The Hidden Costs of Hiring a Cheap Wedding Photographer

Why Quality Matters

Marcus Photography

Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most significant days in your life. It promises to be a celebration brimming with love, heartfelt emotions, and unforgettable moments you'll cherish for years to come. Every detail plays a crucial role, but when it comes to capturing those memories, opting for less can lead to regrets that last a lifetime.

While the allure of saving money by selecting a budget wedding photographer may be tempting, the truth is that photography should be viewed as an investment rather than merely an expense. Here's why hiring a skilled, professional photographer is worth every dollar spent.

You Only Get One Chance

A marriage isn’t a rehearsal — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. A skilled photographer understands the flow of the day, anticipates key moments, and captures them perfectly. Cheap photographers often lack the experience to handle fast-paced or challenging conditions, meaning missed shots, poor lighting, or awkward compositions.

There are no do-overs for your first kiss, your walk down the aisle, or your father-daughter dance. A professional knows how to get those moments right the first time.

Quality Equipment, Quality Results

Professional photographers invest thousands in high-end cameras, lenses, and lighting gear — as well as backups in case something goes wrong. Cheaper photographers often use budget equipment that struggles in low light or fast movement, resulting in blurry, grainy, or poorly exposed images.

When the lights dim for your first dance or the sun sets during your portraits, professional-grade gear makes all the difference.

Editing Is Half the Magic

Capturing the photo is only half of a photographer’s job — the other half happens during editing. A seasoned photographer knows how to color-correct, retouch, and craft a consistent, timeless aesthetic that tells the story of your day beautifully.

Cheaper photographers may deliver unedited or poorly edited images, leaving you with inconsistent colors, awkward cropping, or an overall amateur feel.

Professionalism and Peace of Mind

An experienced marriage photographer doesn’t just take pictures — they manage timelines, coordinate with planners, and keep calm under pressure. They know how to handle unexpected rain, tricky lighting, or a tight schedule without panicking.

You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your photographer will show up on time or capture the important details. Hiring a professional means you can focus on enjoying your day, confident that your memories are in capable hands.

Your Photos Become Your Legacy

Once the cake has been savored and the flowers have faded, it's your photographs that endure. They will weave themselves into the fabric of your family history—treasured for years to come.

By choosing a skilled photographer, you're not merely covering the cost of pictures; you're creating lasting heirlooms that will narrate your story long after the event has concluded.

You Get What You Pay For

It’s understandable to want to stay within budget, but photography is one area where you truly get what you pay for. A cheap photographer might save you a few hundred pounds now — but could cost you the priceless memories you can never recreate.

When you look back at your wedding album, you’ll want to feel the emotions, see the details, and relive the joy. That’s something only a skilled, passionate professional can deliver.

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