Fabulous Photographer: Gillian Cross Photography

Posted on: 31/01/2012

I get the impression that this afternoon’s interviewee, fabulous photographer Gillian Cross is a no nonsense lady. I have a feeling that she’ll capture the details of your special day and produce a beautiful bespoke album without making a song and dance of it. My kinda gal. And exactly the kinda gal you want around on your wedding day.

Let’s meet her.

How did you get into wedding photography?

I became interested in photography on a family holiday whilst using my dad’s SLR camera. I decided to do a photography course at college and then got a job with a studio taking portraits, weddings and school photography. When I became self employed, I decided to concentrate solely on weddings. I’m a qualified member of the Master Photographer’s Association.

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Why wedding photography specifically?

I just love weddings (who doesn’t?) and I love capturing the emotions. Every wedding is different and I love it that I get different kinds of images from each one.

What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?

One of my favourite things is seeing which photos the couple chose for their album!

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How do you get couples to relax on the day?

Usually I will have met the couple at least twice before the big day, which helps in getting to know each other. I always say that if I put them in a pose they’re not comfortable with, to let me know because it will show in the photo.

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Any advice to any brides who don’t like to have their picture taken?

Tell your photographer if you’re camera-shy. Apart from the posed group and couple shots, ignore the photographer! But more often than not, on the day, when they’re dressed in their finery, they feel different.

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What sort of makeup should a bride wear to look great in her pictures?

Whatever she’s comfortable with and nothing she wouldn’t normally wear. If she’s having a professional make-up artist I would always advise having a trial with the person who will be doing it on the day.

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Any really memorable weddings that you have captured?

I photographed a wedding at short notice because it had been brought forward as the mother of the bride was ill. It was a really happy day but the speeches were more emotional than usual. I don’t think I succeeded in holding back the tears!

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Are you married? Tell us about your day.

I got married six years ago. We had a small civil ceremony with 30 guests. With having photographed lots of weddings and brides in ivory dresses, I kept saying I wanted something different for my wedding dress, worrying my husband to be that I’d turn up in black! I didn’t, but my dress was champagne coloured and I made a lot of the details myself like the invitations, favour bags, cake topper, my tiara and my bridesmaid’s hair decoration.

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What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

I’m friendly, unobtrusive and have an eye for detail. I also think I tell the wedding story well in the storybook albums, using detail shots as part of the design.

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What can a couple who book you expect on the day?

A couple of days before the wedding I will have met up with them to discuss what time I will arrive and what shots they’d like. On the day, I’ll smile at everyone, blend into the background when necessary, and even help out with putting buttonholes in! I’ll borrow the bride and groom for about 20 minutes to do their posed shots and then let them mingle. I try to do the groups as soon as possible so guests can relax.

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What is included in your “package”?

The photography on the day and an album of the couple’s choice of photos, designed by me. I also have a photography and CD only package which now includes the couple’s choice of either an 8×6 photo book, A3 calendar, 5 mini albums or a 16×12 canvas.

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Can you give us an idea on price?

I have 3 album packages £900, £1200 and £1500. Photography and CD starts from £585 depending on how many hours of coverage is required.

I would like to offer any Brides Up North readers who book me a free 16×12 box frame worth £105.