Hybrid Wedding Photography at Stanbrook Abbey in Worcestershire

Hybrid Wedding Photography is the name of something relatively new in the wedding industry. It’s been around for a few years, but it is something that is certainly new to me in 2020. Being around my wife, Jo (Polka Dot Productions), at weddings, I have, by osmosis, developed an understanding of creating wedding films. After many years of developing my own understanding of composition, light and capturing people enjoying themselves at weddings, I am now able to marry the two genres into one package…me!
Modern cameras have the ability to shoot not only gorgeous photography but also beautiful, cinematic video. At the flick of a switch, I can change between shooting photos to video and vice versa. As I go through the day, my main focus is, of course, on the photography side. However, I am also grabbing small snippets of video, here and there, as I spot an opportunity for nice video. At the end of the day, I am left with lots of short moments that I can then edit and create a 3-4 minute montage or highlight reel, which is set to music. It gives a lovely short story of the day which easily shareable on social media. Some might say, “Isn’t this direct competition with your wife?”. My answer to that is no way! If you want a feature-length video of your day, with professional audio, no moment missed, you should look no further than Polkadot Productions. What I am doing is providing a service for people who do not necessarily want to be filmed or perhaps the budget will not stretch to having two professionals at their wedding. It’s more of a taster than a three-course meal. haha! It’s not for everyone, but the service is there if you want it.

Below is a wedding I photographed at Stanbrook Abbey near Worcester. I have put the photos and video side by side to illustrate how I have done it and how the video did not affect the photography. Thank you to Sarah & Steve for having the faith in me to do a great job for them.

1) Please tell me how you first met?
Steve and I met at work. He was a chef at a pub I used to waitress at. He didn’t speak to me much for a long time as he was very shy, but I wore him down. I don’t think if you asked us both back then, we would believe you if you told us we would be married!!! 😄😄😄

2) When was it you knew they were the one?
I knew Steve was the one when he took me and my eldest son Jake under his wing…put a roof over our heads and loved us as a whole. Even with all my flaws and baggage…he loved me.

3) Could you give us the story of the proposal?
He proposed to me during a weekend away in the Cotswolds…it was beautiful.

4) If you don’t mind sharing, can you tell me something quirky, funny or silly about your partner?
Steve is unique in the way I can be absolutely livid with him, but he just has to pull a stupid face or say something completely hilarious that I can’t help but laugh and instantly forgive him…drives me mad!!! 

5) What is your perfect day together?
Our perfect day is exploring somewhere new…eating out somewhere different and then snuggling down to watch a film or Netflix series!

6) Apart from the obvious, what are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
I was most looking forward to sharing a special day with my new husband and my children. Celebrating our relationship and sharing the cake!!! And having an excuse to get very merry!!!

7) What was it that inspired you to go for the theme or the decor you chose for your wedding?
My inspiration was our weekend in the Cotswolds where he proposed. Winter forest, autumnal leaves and pinecones…simple yet beautiful.

8) Please tell me one thing you wish you had known at the beginning of your wedding planning process, that you could pass on to future brides reading this blog?
I wish I had prepared better for how nervous I would be, the walk down the aisle was terrifying, however, I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I would also make time to speak to everyone…I am glad we had the greeting line as this was the only opportunity I had to speak to a lot of guests 🤪🤪

9) When searching, what were you were looking for in a wedding venue?
We did shop around for venues but Stanbrook has been the place where we as a family have shared many happy occasions, its location made it easy for many of our family…and the chapel was the clincher!!!

10) Could you tell me the process you went through when you were looking for a wedding photographer?
When it came to wedding photographers there were a lot of choices. My mum was sold by Duncan by his politeness and his wonderful take on capturing a special day…clear choice.

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