Winter Weddings Revisited.

The annual UK panic when sub zero temperatures hit our shores is upon us once again. It seems that each year we are caught out despite the fact that other countries seem to take in their stride and keep going as if nothing was happening.

Our country faces a "road grit shortage", the "wrong kind of snow", " leaves on the rails" and this year we are told that abandoned cars are causing road gritting delays. The government has spoken about a review in December: well if they haven't noticed its December now and i would have thought the review should have been held in the summer when we had time to act.....

Anyway, despite the world seemingly coming to an end, wedding photographers have to get on with things, whilst our schools are shut, deliveries don't get through and trains stop running.

WHEN WORKING AS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER, YOU ONLY HAVE ONCE CHANCE TO PRODUCE AND CAN'T TAKE A DAY OFF AND GO BACK NEXT WEEK!

This is where professionalism and passion for your job kicks in.

Tomorrow, i have what should be a stunning wedding at one of my favourite venues Ashdown Park Hotel, up in Ashdown Forest. A thaw and rain is predicted but what if the ice remains? How will i ensure i make it for my clients?

Well yesterday, along with a number of neighbours, we dug ourselves out of our road to the main route on the edge of the village and then moved a car as close to the main route (which is clear as i type) as possible. We worked for 4 hours in freezing weather and a foot of snow and ice!

Regardless if the forecast i will leave 2 hours earlier than normally required for my 35 minute drive to give myself as much time as possible to ensure a stress free journey.

My cameras have all been checked and cleaned once again, extra batteries charged and everything is 100% ready for almost any eventuality.

Hopefully all i have to worry about is that the main road is passable tomorrow mid-morning and that the couple and their guests can make it!

As someone who has photographed in excess of 750 weddings throughout the UK in all sorts of conditions over a 14 year career, i am well aware of the usual winter pitfalls. for example, misting lenses, ice, the cold, wind and rain, and working indoors in next to no light, so with care tomorrow's wedding should be a good one as the people seem lovely and the couple have come by strong recommendation from the best man.

My recent Webinar showed what can be achieved in trying conditions. Personally i love the challenges that winter weddings throw up and especially the low but often dramatic lighting situations.

At my March Seminar, which is also going to be held at Ashdown Park Hotel, i will explain my methods for working in less that ideal conditions as well as demonstrating at a live shoot inside.

Going back tomorrow's wedding, if the roads were guaranteed to be passable, a snow filled landscape at the stunning venue would be perfect for some dramatic images so fingers crossed!