NATURAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
RELAXED AND EASY
Wedding Photography
FOR COUPLES WHO WANT REAL SMILES AND REAL MOMENTS
Hi, I’m Rachael — the photographer behind As You Are Photography. I’m a natural wedding photographer based in Hertfordshire, capturing relaxed, honest wedding days for couples who want their photos to feel real, not staged. If the idea of being in front of the camera makes you cringe a little, you’re very much my kind of people!
I specialise in natural wedding photography that’s all about letting your day unfold as it should. That means real smiles, genuine emotion, and all the moments you might not even realise are happening at the time. I work quietly and unobtrusively, blending into the background so you can focus on enjoying your wedding while I focus on telling the story.
This page explains how I work, from before you book through to receiving your final images. Have a scroll, see if my approach feels right, and if it does, I’d love to hear about your plans!
Lizzie&Joe
Rachael captured so many natural, candid moments which produced photos we will treasure forever.
Grace&Cameron
Rachael has a gift for capturing moments as they naturally unfold. The photos perfectly reflect the joy and emotions of the day.
Kristin&Simon
We aren’t naturally comfortable in front of a camera, but Rachael made us feel completely at ease
What is Natural Wedding Photography?
Natural wedding photography is all about capturing your day just as it happens — no strange posing, endless smiling, or having to repeat anything for the camera.
My job as a natural wedding photographer is to blend in, stay out of the way, and quietly document your day – becuase I want you to remember how it felt to get married, not about how it felt to have your photo taken.
From those nervous pre-ceremony jitters to the spontaneous moments on the dance floor, I catch the magic as it unfolds — all without interrupting the fun. My photos focus on the laughter, the happy tears, the little in-between moments, and all the tiny details that make your wedding yours.
I love working with natural light whenever possible, so your photos feel warm, relaxed, and full of life. The end result is a gorgeous collection of natural wedding pictures that capture your personalities, your guests, and the joy of the day — memories you’ll smile at forever.
How It All Works
HOW TO BOOK
Before Booking
Explore my website, check out my portfolio, and most importantly read about how I work. If you’ve seen something you like and want to learn more about my approach to natural wedding photography, I’m always happy to chat. Whether it’s a phone call or video call, I can answer your questions and help you feel confident about your wedding photography. Simply fill out my enquiry form with as much detail as possible, and we’ll arrange a relaxed, no-pressure conversation. There’s truly no such thing as a silly question when planning your special day!
The Booking Process
Once you decide to book, securing your date is straightforward. A signed contract and a 20% deposit is all it takes to get started, and if your final package isn’t set yet, don’t worry — we can adjust things as your plans evolve.
The remaining balance is due one month before your wedding day. We can set up a payment plan to get things out the way earlier if you want to. Easy peasy!
After Booking
Once you’ve booked with me, I’m here for as much help and communication as you need leading up to your big day. I’ll send over my wedding planning guide, which is packed with tips and advice on planning with natural wedding photography in mind—everything from creating the perfect timeline to recommendations for other awesome wedding suppliers I love to work with.
If you’d like, we can also schedule a pre-wedding engagement shoot (you can add this to your package). It’s a great way for us to get to know each other better and for you to feel more comfortable in front of the camera before the big day!
ON THE DAY
Most of the time
My approach as your natural wedding photographer is all about keeping things relaxed and authentic. I hang back and document your day as it happens, capturing those beautiful, candid moments and the small details you’ve thoughtfully planned for your guests. There’s no staging, posing, or interruptions — just a seamless story of your day through natural wedding pictures from start to finish.
If you want to see a full collection of natural wedding photos from a real wedding, head over to my blog.
Couple Portraits
Of course, one of the best bits of the day for me is when I get to steal you both away for a few quiet minutes when the light is perfect. These are the moments for just the two of you — no awkward posing, no pressure — just relaxed, genuine portraits that reflect who you really are. I’ll always guide you a little at this point, but I’ll kleep things super relaxed and it’s mostly about you both enjoying this moment together and taking five minutes to soak it all in!
Fun and Informal Group Photos
Even though for most of the day, you won’t see me and I won’t stage anything, I will step in and capture those all-important group photos. It’s really special to have all your favourite people together in one place so it’s important to photograph these, but I make sure it’s fun for all, and done quickly and efficiently (so no one is stuck smiling for hours).
AFTER YOUR WEDDING
Gallery Delivery
After your wedding, I get to work editing your images so you can relive those special moments again and again. You’ll receive a lovely bunch of highlights within a week — I know, I’m just as excited as you are! Your full gallery will be ready in 6–8 weeks, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every detail of your day.
Wedding Albums
Digital images are lovely, but I’m a big believer in printing your photos so they don’t just live on a screen. From your private online gallery, you and your guests can easily order prints, frames, and wall art for your home.
I also offer beautiful custom designed wedding albums. Each album tells the story of your day, from the big moments to the little details, in a beautiful keepsake you’ll love for years.
Natural Light Wedding Photography
One of my passions as natural wedding photographer is working with beautiful light that’s already there. I love using natural light whenever I can — from a bright window to the glow of golden hour.
If needed, I keep flash to a minimum, because it makes your photos feel relaxed, real, and just how you remembered it all happening, rather than staged or over-lit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is natural photography?
Natural wedding photography focuses on capturing your day as it genuinely unfolds, without staged poses or forced smiles. I focus on capturing real moments as they happen, with just a few beautiful portraits here and there.
Why choose a natural wedding photographer?
If you want photos that reflect genuine laughter, real connections and the way your day felt, not how it looked in a photoshoot, natural wedding photography is for you. It’s ideal for couples who prefer an easy-going approach and want to enjoy their day rather then spend hours in front of the camera.
Do you travel for weddings?
I cover Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex and London. I am happy to travel further afield so do get in touch and we can work out a small travel fee. As a general rule, if a journey is going to take me more than 90 minutes I may need to stay overnight the night before, depending on your wedding start times. I’m more than happy to chat about this before booking, as each wedding is so unique and different.
How long before the wedding should we book you?
It’s best to book as early as possible, especially for popular wedding seasons. I only take on a limited number of weddings each year, so get in touch sooner rather than later to lock in your date! 9-18 months out from your date is ideal.
Will you direct us during the day?
I prefer to keep things natural, but yes — I’ll offer gentle guidance when needed to make sure your photos look their best – think subtle encouragement and direction that feels relaxed and comfortable.
Can we do a payment plan?
Yes! I offer flexible payment plans to make things easier. I offer monthly or 6 monthly paymenr plans, depending on how far in advance you book. The final balance is due one month before your wedding.
How many pictures will we get?
The answer is always quality over quantity! This really depends on your package, as each wedding is different and unique, but if you have booked for for a full day it will ususally be between 450-750 photos. I always shoot to cover the whole of your wedding story and you’ll get a mix of candid shots, portraits, and details.
Can we do an engagement or pre-wedding shoot?
Absolutely — I’d love that! You can add these on to your package at any time. Engagement shoots are a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and have some fun together before the big day. Plus, you get some beautiful photos to cherish!
What if you are ill?
It’s super rare, but if something unexpected happens, I have a network of talented photographers I trust who can step in. I’ll always make sure you’re covered, no worries!
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
Don’t worry! Rain can actually create some amazing photos. We’ll work together to find indoor spots or use umbrellas for a fun vibe. Plus, I always come prepared with backup plans!
Are you insured?
Yes I am. I hold full insureance, including Public Liability with Photoshield.
When will we receive our photos?
You’ll get a bunch of lovely highlights within a week of your wedding (because I can’t wait to share them!). Your full gallery will be ready within 6-8 weeks, but I promise, it’ll be worth the wait!
Can we get our photos in digital and print form?
Absolutely! I’m a big believer in the magic of printed photos, so while you can definitely just get digital images, I also offer beautiful prints, frames, and wedding albums. I think every couple deserves to hold their memories in their hands!
Do you offer wedding albums?
Yes! I absolutely love designing custom wedding albums. They’re a beautiful way to relive your day, and I work with top-tier printers to create something unique for you.
How long does it take to receive our wedding album?
After you’ve selected your images for the album, it usually takes about 3-4 weeks to design, print, and deliver the final product. But don’t worry, it’s totally worth the wait!
