Kids at Weddings... Yes or No?

Kids! Do you want them there on your big day, or would you rather have an adult-only affair, where no one has the responsibility of stopping little Freddie from sticking his face into the perfectly piped icing on the wedding cake?

I've photographed a lot of weddings and the opinions seem to be fairly equally divided. From a photographer's perspective, they can be amazing; bringing smiles and laughter and unexpected moments. They can also be pretty tricky! They don't stand still, they cry when they're meant to be smiling and they have the habit of having food either on their faces or all down their fronts. There's an old saying from the showbiz industry that says something on the lines of, "don't work with children or animals!" but do you know what? I love seeing them at weddings. I don't know if it's because I'm still a big kid (or so the Mrs says) at heart, but I can usually get the kids involved in creating amazing memories. Who doesn't love pulling silly faces!

Seriously though, it is a very personal choice and there is no right or wrong answer. It's important to do what is right for you, it's your big day after all. It can be hard to tell guests that there are no kids welcome at your wedding, but you may be surprised, the parents might be jumping for joy at an opportunity for a child-free night out. The extra cost can be a factor to take into consideration; if you're on a strict budget it can be a good way of keeping costs down a little, as we all know that weddings aren't cheap.

Equally, people are managing to cater to the younger wedding guests in all sorts of ways, from kids activity tables, outdoor games, wedding-themed colouring sheets to keep them entertained and possibly quiet through the speeches! There are even specific wedding nanny services and creche companies that will come and look after them on the big day so you don't have to worry about them getting up to mischief when you're saying your vows, or dancing the night away. 

We've all seen the blooper videos of the tiny pageboy or flower girl throwing tantrums as they leg it down the middle of the aisle like a professional sprinter. The photos of a toddler picking his nose as the happy couple say "I do" and the fast asleep kid with his face in his dinner. As a photographer, I try my best to capture all these bits of your day too. They are wonderful, funny memories that are specific to your day. They are completely unstaged and document your day perfectly. 

One young chap managed to swipe a giant tub of sweets off the sweet station, rumour had it amongst the kids he was making a tidy profit! (watch out for this one on Dragon's Den down the line) 

Not all the photos I capture are funny, some can be absolutely magical. Those moments that happen when kids see the "princess" in the beautiful dress, or a couple have their child join them for the first dance are memories of the wedding day you want to relive over and over. 

Remember, that whatever you choose to do, make sure it's the right decision for you as a couple. I'd like to think that most people would respect your decision. 

So, if you're upcoming wedding will have a 4-year-old doing a knee slide on the dancefloor or whether it will be an adult-only affair, I hope you have a fabulous and beautiful day.

Thanks for reading my Blog

For more pictures and information on my services please check out my website 

www.dannythompsonphotography.co.uk

 

Hazlewood Castle Wedding Photography - Leeds - West Yorkshire

It's been a busy few weeks at Danny Thompson Photography which is why our latest blog is a bit late! We’ve been networking with other businesses, visiting some beautiful new venues and getting some fabulous clients on board, including Dan Keane from Minds Matter and Joanne from  ABC. I've even managed to squeeze in a bit of family time with the wife and kids whilst they've had school holidays. 

It's really important to us at Danny Thompson Photography that we are completely prepared for every shoot, especially weddings. There’s no second chances with The Big Day and the last thing we’d want to do is miss “the first look” from the Groom, the tears on Dad’s face or even ‘That’ Uncle who’s nodded off in the back. A lot goes into preparing for each Wedding Shoot, starting with visiting the venue to scope out the best shots and photo settings both inside and out (in case of the unexpected, glorious British weather!). 

Unmasked Mental Health - Danny Thompson Commercial Photography

#BLOG 5

Over the last few weeks I have been working with 3 guys who have taken it upon themselves to try make a dent in the World’s Mental Health Crisis. UNMASKED. A Peer to Peer mental health support APP.

They are 3 typical local lads, Doug, Logan & Robin who I met at a Halifax Business Networking Event at Halifax Business Centre. We had a laugh, cracked a few bad jokes and then arranged a meeting to discuss working together on a Commercial Photography Shoot. We met, over a cold one, to talk about what was important for me to capture in their photos. It was then that I learnt each had their own story, their own personal reasons for trying to make a difference. Quite quickly it was obvious that the photos needed to show their struggles, as a way to connect to their audience but to show the positivity they have for life and the new project UNMASKED.

Robin

Logan & Doug

Belter Belts - Commercial Shoot with Danny Thompson Photography

Every now and again you stumble across someone that will grab your attention. For whatever reason they are intriguing. I began to follow a fellow local business after a social media post made me laugh out loud. He was a Belter by business and by character. 

A recent shoot for my Commercial Photography led me to a Yorkshire mans workshop. 

Pebble & Pine Coffee Roasters

I had the privilege of working with Pebble and Pine, a growing company of specialist coffee roasters! 

It's something a bit different for my Commercial Photography and I loved creating some exciting, bespoke images to be used on their website and in their promotional material. 

Welcome to my new BLOG!!!

Welcome to my New BLOG!!!

I have taken the plunge and started up a blog! I have done this for a couple of reasons, one is so I can be more connected to you guys, you can see me in action and in a little more depth, with pictures (obviously as I am a photographer). 

Secondly, I will link to who I work with in the industry for my Wedding Photography, Commercial Photography, Lifestyle Photography and what's happening in the Studio.... Also I am wanting to basically give you a vip look at my company, behind the scenes of my shoots in the studio, on set or at a venue. 

So its my first blog and I thought it would be an idea for you guys to have a little insight of what photography I actually do..... as you all know already photography does span in to many sectors, but I will just keep it short and inform you what I get up to....  

I run my Danny Thompson Photography business from a little village in Halifax UK called Southowram. Here are the sectors I cover in Photography.