Interview: Mustard Yellow Photography
This week in our interview series we chat with Nom & Malc, two wedding photographers based in Birmingham that make up Mustard Yellow Photography.
How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?
Our first weddings were 3 years ago and we kind of stumbled into it! A friend of ours was planning her wedding 18 months in advance and asked us to do it because we were always the ones with the cameras. We figured a year and a half would be long enough to learn and said yes to doing it (really nervously). We actually got asked by a few other people in the intervening months, so by the time her wedding came around we had a good idea of what we were doing. I think she got a good deal.
What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?
I love the front row seat we get on all the big moments. We prefer to be around for the whole day (we’re literally there from breakfast to the end of the dancing) which means we get to see lots of special moments that other guests don’t. Sometimes friends ask if we’d prefer the day off at their wedding rather than photographing and I always say no! I’d miss the laughter of getting ready in the morning, and seeing the look on her Mum’s face as she helps put the dress on. I’d miss out on being able to greet the couple first when they’ve just walked back down the aisle out of the ceremony. We have so many fun moments.
How would you describe your style and approach?
Our approach is to be people based. Photographing people is a challenge, but we focus on getting to know people. We always hang out with our Bride & Groom before the wedding, we get to know the VIPs and the family at the rehearsal and setting up the reception. We make friends with the little bridesmaids so they don’t feel too shy. And then we get on with the day, we feel like one of the guests: not interfering or stopping things but being willing to help out. We’re often sad to be leaving our new friends at the end of the night.
Our style is to catch moments naturally and to focus on the details so that you can really relive the day looking through your album.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?
Find someone you feel comfortable with and get to know them, after all they’re going to be around a lot on your big day.
Get the most full coverage you can afford. In the morning your photographer can get relaxed shots of you getting ready and all the details. You can warm up to having them around. By the evening the tone will have totally changed and the story of the day will be continuing to unfold! Some of our favourite shots happen at midnight when all the lads are on the dance floor.
What tips would you share with couples to help their day go more smoothly?
My favourite tip is to make sure you have 10 minutes time alone on the day. Just to stand together and take in your wedding, remember that feeling and choose to remember it when you look back on your wedding.
Make sure you ask advice from the vendors your working with – they see loads of different weddings, so they’ll have tuns of ideas and tips.
Finally… Whats the best moment you’ve had as a wedding photographer?
Nom: One of my favourite moments was shooting the whole group photograph of a wedding at a golf course. The crowd was lined up on a staircase outside right by the 18th hole. Just as we lined up for the shot one golfer started to swing for the shot. He was behind our back so we couldn’t see but the whole group were watching him. Every time he lifted his club to swing they “ooooooooohed” as a verbal drumroll, until he had to back down. I think he fluffed the shot in the end, but he took it so well. The moment was hilarious and everyone was smiling for the photo.
Malc: There are too many great memories to have a favourite, but to pick one… We’ve done a lot of weddings with ceilidh bands, which are always fun. They usually do a dance where everyone holds hands in a huge circle then runs into the middle, punches the air, makes lots of noise and so on. I like to jump into the middle of the circle and get shots of people up close, risking the safety of myself and my camera. There was one reception where the band – who were genuine folkies with feathery ear-rings and long hair – sat the bride and groom in the middle while Nom and I crouched down next to them, and the guests had to wave positive vibes onto them, while they played this haunting tune. It was quite spooky and surreal, but really special.
Thank you for both Nom & Malc of Mustard Yellow Photography for taking time out to chat with us, you can view more of their work and get in touch with them via their profile page here.