A selection of examples of my award-winning wedding photography. The ones with rosettes have won in the Master Photographers Association UK Wedding Photographer of the Month competition. The ones without have won something in either the UK or Scotland annual awards. I have the certificates to prove it!

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For those of you who have more than one choice in their wardrobe you might like to consider these tips when putting together your outfit for a portrait or engagement session.

11 Clothing Tips For Portrait Sessions

Beautiful and memorable portraits are carefully planned but we can only accomplish this with your help. Please take a few moments to discuss clothing and colours with your party. Here are some key points to remember when deciding what to wear.

 * Keep it simple.

* Solid colours are best. Try to avoid large or bold patterns and bright colours; they draw attention away from the face.

* Long sleeve dresses and shirts are recommended. They draw attention away from the arms and focus it on the face. Short sleeves are acceptable for infants etc.

 * Co-ordinate your attire from head to toe. Carefully select appropriate shoes and stockings as we may take some full-length portraits.

 * Darker clothing tends to minimize body size and lighter tones tend to emphasize body size

* Necklines are important. A vee or scoop neck is best if your neck is short and your face is full. A turtle neck or high necked top is more flattering if your neck is longer and your face is slender.

 * Wear something you are comfortable in. If the portrait location is outside, consider footwear and outer garment choice. Note; coats can be kept on between photos, removing them only when necessary.

* Dress everyone in the same style of clothing. Do not mix casual and formal attire.

* Keep the tonal range of clothing within the group the same. Do not mix light and dark values. Save patterns for accent items like scarves and ties.

* White or light pastel clothing, shoes, stockings trousers, or dresses look best in portraits taken against white or light background save stronger colours or patterns for accent items.

* To ensure a successful portrait you might like to bring along several additional clothing choices.

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Wedding Photography Carlowrie Castle Edinburgh

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Why I enter wedding photography competitions

I’ve been a qualified member of the Master Photographers Association (MPA) for some years now. Joining a professional qualifying body was always part of my business plan to confirm my status within the photographic industry and give my clients an assurance of quality. Becoming a qualified member requires references, proof of sound business processes, professional insurance, and passing a photographic examination. However, I don’t want that to be the end of it. I want to continue to improve.

 

I have photographed hundreds of couples but it is always my aim, on every wedding or photo-shoot, to get something I would be proud to put in my portfolio. In short, I’m always trying to do the best I can or better. One way of doing this is to regularly submit my photos for critique and judging. For the past year I have been entering the MPAs monthly wedding photography competition. This is a UK-wide competition showcasing some of the best wedding photography of some of the best professional photographers working today.

 

Nearly every month I have collected an award for my work (I was too busy in December because the deadline was new year’s eve). I should also mention that we are only allowed one win per month, no-matter how many great photos we might have. Mostly I submit newly completed work from the previous month even though the rules state the work must be less than 12 months old. So, while my entries are a “best-of” they are the best I’ve done in the last few weeks. I am extremely proud to receive these awards, not just because they are difficult to achieve but because I also hope they show the consistently high quality of my work and the level at which I am working right now. This the standard I aim to maintain and improve upon every month, every week, and every wedding.

I hope you enjoy my award-winning portfolio below. I have also included my images which have won awards at the MPA Scotland Annual Awards the last two years running too.

You can also visit my portfolio to see more here.

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Together we can make a photography plan for your wedding day. I want to tailor your photography coverage so that it remains as unobtrusive as possible but still gets you the photos you want. Personally, I think it is extremely important you get to spend as much time as possible with your friends and family on your wedding day.

Photographers are also a helpful bunch who have been to a lot of weddings and can probably help you get your plan together. I like to talk to couples about all the details (no matter how small) of their day which can really help work out how it all fits together.

In the article I particularly like their use of my photo on their third page and what the author says; “Managing the light to create drama and beauty is an art, and photographer Andrew Weild is clearly a master of it.”

But I would, wouldn’t I?

If you would like to discuss your wedding plans (in any level of detail) and what you would like to get from your wedding photography then please contact me

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Imagine the following scenario; you have unlimited funds, the freedom to choose any venue you want and most importantly, control over the finicky Scottish weather. The opportunity to create the perfect wedding would be yours, well, in order for that to work, I’m assuming that you’re on the same page with your partner. If not, please revisit our post on Wedding Photography Scotland on a later occasion.

We’re just kidding! You didn’t visit our blog for further stress, wind down while reading our short blog post. Grab a cup of tea or beverage of your choice and let’s get to it!

Scottish Wedding Photography History

Before we start talking about the some gorgeous Scotland wedding venues, let’s discuss how things were done during older times. When you couldn’t just take your phone, snap the picture of the handfasted newlyweds and share it on your Snapchat story.

Scottish wedding traditions are deeply intertwined with the rich history of the region. If you’d like to have your wedding ceremony memorised, not only in minds of your guests, you would have to hire a professional painter.

Take a look at this stunning piece of a Highland wedding in 1780, captured by David Allan – Wedding Photography Scotland

Beautiful traditional Highlands Scottish wedding painted by David Allan in 1780

The painter would be contacted and invited to the wedding as a guest of honour, observe the entire ceremony, get shockingly inebriated and try to backtrack the events the next day to compile a gorgeous piece of art. As you can imagine, this was a very expensive [and hard to remember] affair, hence there’s not many recorded paintings. I wonder what reviews would they get…

But now with the spoils of current technology, you can book us to capture your special day. And don’t worry, we will always remember to bring an empty memory card! Let’s take a look at some jaw-dropping settings we recommend to host your wedding. – Wedding Photography Scotland

Our favourite wedding venues in Scotland

From wee rustic barns up in Highlands to up-scale castles by Glasgow; Scotland has it all.

Remember this, if you manage to pick a gorgeous venue, you’ll make us photographers happier than ever! And you know what they say, happy photographers = stunning pictures!

1. Mansfield Traquair

Andrew has recently had the pleasure of creating the perfect wedding album, shot in the jaw-droppingly beautiful Mansfield Traquair.

Tagged as the “Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel”, it’s undoubtedly one of the most stunning venues in Central Edinburgh, adorned with murals, mosaic windows and a breath-taking dome. Fully restored in 2005, the main goal was to merge the classic and rustic build with contemporary design. This fact makes the venue so versatile. Whether you’d prefer your wedding rustic or modern styled, Mansfield Traquair is ready to accommodate even the pickiest of clients. Plus it’s your right to be picky! It’s one of the most important days of your life and you deserve the best!

Andrew has the same method of thinking. Just take a look at the recent wedding of Clair and Graeme below, no further explanation needed…

Clair and Graeme’s wedding at the Mansfield Traquair.

2. Calton Hill

One of the most popular places in Edinburgh, don’t be fooled by the popularity, it’s gorgeous nonetheless and the view of Edinburgh from Calton Hill is un-rivaled.

Offering the most beautiful view of the City Centre, a picturesque Greek styled Athenian acropolis and easily accessed because of it’s direct location within the Edinburgh City Centre. In August, Calton Hill is a hub for Edinburgh festival shows, you can watch the great fireworks displays, or even merge your wedding within these days, this way Andrew will have an excellent opportunity to take a picture of you and your significant other in front of thousands of sparking lights in the sky.

Here’s a recent picture taken by Andrew, of Becky and Greg, who were married at Our Lady of Loretto and St Michael’s Church.

Beautiful and happy couple Becky and Greg standing a top Calton Hill.

3. Springwood Hall

Surprisingly versatile, Springwood Hall near Scottish Borders can be utilised for almost anything, even weddings! Encased in grass, trees and a slowly flowing River Tweed, Andrew took one of his most favourite pictures here recently, read below.

Quick word from Andrew: “Surrounded by family and friends it was an emotional day. Springwood Hall being on the Tweed we managed a quick trip to the Junction Pool, one of the best fishing spots on the Tweed, for a few photos. Sadly there was no time for fishing. Congratulations Jody and Peter. Thanks for choosing me as your photographer and I hope you enjoyed the rest of your day and partied in to the night.”

4. Aikwood Tower

Fancy something more grandeur and rustic? Scotland always has you covered! The 16th century Aikwood Tower is breathing with history and tradition.

Situated on the Scottish Borders, just about a 60 minute drive from Edinburgh, surrounded by gorgeous natural parks and hilltops you’ll only hear the slow running River Tweed. Featuring beautiful landscapes, amazing antique fitted rooms and even historic landmarks. This is a venue that you can use for both your wedding day, but also your honeymoon!

Andrew had the opportunity make Suzanne and Mark’s day even more special on one amazing September afternoon. Take a look below

5. Seton Collegiate Church 

Seton Collegiate is a hidden gem. It’s a wonderful restored church managed by Historic Scotland with amazing stonework and beautiful grounds.

If you’re looking to move even more into the past than 16th century Aikwood Tower? Seton Collegiate is the place for you! Dubbed one of the finest Scottish medieval churches, you can take a walk among the trees that surround the church and enjoy the peaceful, pretty setting. What’s even prettier, is the inside of the Church, featuring fine stonework that will hold for centuries to come.

Andrew had the pleasure of photographing Iona and Alan’s wedding, hosted in the Seton Church. Marvel at his stunning picture below.

Are you now convinced & ready to book the best Wedding Photography Scotland from Andrew Weild?

Contact us!

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It felt like a triumph when I was first accepted in to the Master Photographer’s Association. I was scrutinised about the way my business was run, my professional standards, and had to submit a selection of my work  to be judged. Only if I made the pass mark would I be admitted as a qualified member and success was not guaranteed. Achieving membership had been a personal and professional goal of mine.

Coming out with an award for the first time I entered the Master Photographer’s Association Scotland awards was a terrific feeling! What better excuse to dress up in a dinner jacket and go to an awards dinner (on Oscars night too). In fact, it was better than the Oscars – I’ll take my wedding photography award any day. Penguin suit photos follow…

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Scottish destination weddings are amazing! Scotland is a fabulous place to get married. It has amazing scenery, culture, food, castles, and history. It has the world’s best hospitality and of course, being the home of golf, some of the best golf courses in the world. There are very many beautiful hotels and spectacular places to visit and get married. Scotland is a wedding and honeymoon destination combined.

It seems the rest of the world has become aware of this and are coming in increasing numbers. In the last year I have photographed couples from Australia, Canada, USA, New Zealand and Hong Kong. That doesn’t include the ex-pat Scots returning home just to get married. They add France, Dubai and Turkmenistan to this year’s list.

In addition to the wedding photography I also undertake pre-wedding engagement photo shoots. This intimate photography of a couple in love can be undertaken in some of Scotland’s iconic locations such as Edinburgh or the Highlands. Some couples also find that there isn’t enough time on their wedding day to do everything they want.  Sometimes I find myself heading off to ruined castles and mountain tops after the wedding day with the couple in their wedding clothes. With the freedom this affords anything is possible.

Because of this I now have an official listing with Visit Scotland, Scotland’s national tourist board. Hopefully this will help couples plan all aspects of their Scottish wedding including venue, transport, activities, and of course, wedding photographer.

There’s never been a better time to plan Scottish destination weddings. There’s so much to see and do, and the exchange rate makes it all the more affordable.

Please contact me and we can start to discuss your plans by email, phone, Skype, WhatsApp, whatever! I hope to see you in Scotland soon.

Andrew

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Congratulations Megan and Andrew

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The reason I am so pleased is that this is one of the best and most difficult photographers’ groups to get in to. Before I could even join as a probationary member I had to provide professional references. I then used their mentoring programme and was assigned Dave Wadley, a great photographer of 37 years experience. Dave, over the course of some months, helped me critique my techniques and work. That was the easy part. I then had to put together a body of work to be judged.

I had to provide a panel of large mounted prints and a book detailing everything about my business. The images had to show my technical competence and my composition, control and lighting of the subjects.

The book had to include details of things that all professional photographers should be able to produce: health and safety policy, risk assessments, insurance documents, a business plan, workflow process and control documentation, as well as an artistic statement.

Finally, all this was judged by three qualified examiners on the morning before the association’s awards dinner – the halls were decked with some of the best photography in the world and the great and good were beginning to assemble.

All the sweat was worth it and I am proud the be a qualified member of the MPA.

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