Rain at Weddings - Raining Constantly During the Big Day!

Since August 2006 it has rained non-stop in the summer months (I know this, because my son was born in August 2006). In that year, May, June and July 2006 where some of the hottest months on record. Before Jacob was born, a week or two before, in August, it rained constantly... And in the summers since it hasn't stopped... In the North West of England anyway....

As a wedding photographer, I have in the past become preoccupied by the weather. I don't even bother looking at the forecasts now, as I know that they will suggest to expect rain, rain and more rain...

It has however made me an amazing photographer when photographing weddings indoors. I have become a Guru at photographing weddings inside, with my ability at shooting the Bride and Groom in their chosen reception venue almost perfect. Flash use, white balance and ISO are now second nature. Virtually every single image I take is now almost magazine quality indoors and my need for any automatic settings offered by the camera are now overlooked whether I take indoor of outdoor photographs.

I really do hate the rain... When it comes to reportage photography, it is easier when the sun shines, as it gives me the ability to photograph subject from a distance which is never achievable indoors. Inside, I change my lens and go for slightly closer range images. However, these photographs mean that the subjects are often more aware of their images being captured due to the close range of the photography... Therefore the natural element becomes moribund.

When the sun shines, I can move to long distance shooting. My Minolta 210mm Beercan lens works like butter on bread. It is really amazing in these situations...

The sun makes people - Brides, Grooms and guests happy... The rain makes them feel a little different. More negative.

It has rained almost none stop in this country for years. If Global warming means more rain in the UK then I hate it. However, If by some chance the rain leaves us and we experience hot summers for the next 20 years, then I'm all for it. I'm undecided about global warming at the moment... If it means finer weather then I love it, otherwise it can go and leave me forever....

Shining sun... It'll make my job so much easier...

Never mind though, if indoor or outdoor, I'll continue to take the most amazing wedding photographs that you could imagine.... Thanks to the rain in the last few years, it has enabled me to become a guru in the industry... God bless the rain?!

This is a mixed report I know.

Tom Ely is Head of Photography for Atmosferik. Based in Liverpool, Merseyside, Manchester and Greater Manchester, UK - Atmosferik have attended over 650 weddings in the last 6 years. To see examples of their work, you can visit them at http://www.atmosferik.com