BEHIND THE LENS WITH DAVID WHEELER (QFF Ep.1)
- Sarah Thomas Events
- Apr 4
- 15 min read
Updated: Apr 18
It’s a balmy Friday evening in Geneva. The sun is beginning to slip behind the glittering peaks beyond Lake Léman, and on a crowded terrace of the ornate Beau-Rivage Hotel, Sarah Thomas is perched in a rather noisier corner than she’d expected. “I’m a little bit terrified,” she confesses with a nervous laugh, glancing at her phone screen. With over a decade's experience in destination wedding planning, Sarah is more accustomed to managing high-stakes weekends in French châteaux or Tuscan villas than hosting Instagram Lives from crowded hotel terraces. But this isn’t just any Friday. This is the launch of Quickfire Fridays — her new weekly series spotlighting some of the most compelling voices in the global wedding industry.
Kicking things off is none other than David Wheeler (@davidwheelerphotography), the British photographer whose lens has graced weddings from the Scottish Highlands to sun-drenched terraces in Tuscany, and even to a Royal wedding in Sicily. With over 15 years of experience, David’s portfolio is a masterclass in elegance, intimacy, and atmosphere. His work straddles destination weddings, commercial shoots, editorial fashion, and even sport—bringing a textured, kinetic eye to the moments that matter most.
As the Instagram Live begins and David’s familiar face fills the screen, there's a palpable ease between host and guest. The two first worked together in 2022, and it's clear there's mutual respect—and a shared sense of humor—beneath the nerves. What follows is a fast-paced, refreshingly honest conversation about artistry, travel, the true meaning of getting married and the timeless power of storytelling.
Welcome to Quickfire Fridays. Here’s what happened when Sarah Thomas went behind the lens with David Wheeler.
Capturing the Perfect Family Moments on a Wedding Day & Building Connections
Thomas kicked off the IG Live with questions posed by her followers. When asked about tips for capturing family photos, Wheeler emphasized the importance of tailoring his approach to each couple's unique dynamic and wedding style. “Every couple and wedding is different,” he explained. “Some couples want only a few family shots, while others want more. The style of the wedding also impacts the approach to family photos.”
According to Wheeler, the formality—or informality—of the day plays a big role. “For a more laid-back couple, you’ll have a much more relaxed and informal approach,” he said. “You might just get people together and create shots that are more fun and spontaneous. Then, of course, if you’re doing something a bit more formal, you might use some interiors, with chairs and things, to create a more regal, posed look — almost like a Vanity Fair style. So, it really does depend on the wedding and what the couple is after.”
The conversation then turned to the significance of building a rapport with clients. “I prefer to meet couples face-to-face,” Wheeler said, “but Zoom is also a great tool.” He added that on the wedding day itself, strong interpersonal skills are crucial for establishing trust quickly—especially when photographing people who may not be comfortable in front of the camera. “A lot of the time, as a photographer, you’re going into an event where you’re the outsider. You don’t know anyone, so building connections and making the couple and their families feel comfortable with you as quickly as possible is key.”
That trust, he said, is what allows a photographer to capture the intimate, unscripted moments. “A lot of people don’t like being photographed, so it’s a really interesting situation to be in,” he explained. “But if you can connect with people quickly and speak to them on their level, whatever that may be, that builds trust—and that’s when the real storytelling happens.”
Thomas agreed, praising Wheeler’s portfolio and his gift for capturing spontaneous interactions, particularly with children. “It’s about those candid moments,” she said. “Which I think you can only get from hiding behind a tree—or if you’ve made a good connection. And it's probably more the latter!”
Wheeler smiled at that. “Yes, definitely,” he replied. “It’s those little candid moments that actually tell the real story of the day. It’s lovely to have a posed image with fantastic lighting, a beautiful dress, and everything looking perfect. But you can’t be doing that all day. The real story comes through in those in-between moments—the ones the bride and groom don’t even see. That’s what tells the full story of the day.”
The pair also touched on how those unseen moments often become the couple’s favorites. “They don’t get to see a lot of that until they see your album,” Thomas said. Wheeler agreed: “That’s where photography is so important. You might remember the speeches or the ceremony, but the rest is a blur. The album helps to bring it all back—and sometimes even shows you moments you didn’t know happened.”
As weddings continue to evolve, becoming less about strict tradition and more about personal expression, Wheeler’s approach offers a timely reminder: photography is less about perfection, and more about presence. The real magic, it turns out, isn’t in the shot list; it’s in the space between the poses.
Lighting & Rain: Navigating Nature's Unpredictable Nuances
One of the biggest challenges in wedding photography is dealing with unpredictable lighting and weather conditions. As Wheeler explains, “Different times of year, different venues—it really differs from location to location. A lot of it is about the planning stage.”
For destination weddings, Wheeler tries to arrive early to scout the location and plan for different lighting scenarios. “Hopefully the day before—have a look around, work out what areas are best at which times of day, where the sun is setting, where might be a great location to get some sunset images, if there is the time and ability to do so.”
Rain on Your Wedding Day?
And when the weather doesn't cooperate? He comes prepared. “If you have bad weather and are forced inside, it’s about using lighting—bringing lighting along with me to make sure that, whatever the weather, we can still get great photos.” Thomas nods in agreement, recalling how often weather decisions come down to the wire. “We tend to watch the sky—not usually the weather forecast because it can’t be trusted—but actually watch the sky, look for that patch of blue, and the minute it comes, get them out for their photos.”
“Most people won’t like it,” Wheeler admits, “but I actually quite like rain on the wedding day. There’s an element of everyone just forgetting everything that’s happening and having fun, like, ‘Let’s just go for it.’”
He describes brides walking through the drizzle with umbrella in hand, dresses trailing through damp grass—moments that can become surprisingly iconic. “I’ve got some great shots over the years of that. I’m normally absolutely drenched, but it’s fun.” Thomas echoes the sentiment. “Some of the most beautiful moments I’ve seen as a planner are when something like that happens. The camaraderie and the love that you see is so huge.”
But she’s also candid about the chaos it can bring. She recounts a wedding in southwest France where the weather deteriorated steadily throughout the day. The couple had hoped to use a whimsical tunnel of trees as their backup plan, but after the rain, it continued dripping long after the storm had passed. “It just didn’t work,” she says. “We had to move it to the tent, which nobody ever wants to do.”
Then came the curveball. “The groom came down and said, ‘Look, we really want the sides up.’ And as he said this, there was a crash of thunder,” Thomas laughs. “As he walked off, the sides blew in and all hell broke loose.” Ultimately, she made the call. “We are not putting the sides up.” Later, the groom returned and thanked her. “Thank you for not listening to me,” he said.
“It comes to a point,” she reflects, “where it’s just going to be horrible for people—so uncomfortable. You don’t want to be sat on soggy grass with mosquitoes eating your ankles.”
Flexibility and Trust
For both photographer and planner, flexibility is non-negotiable. “It’s about doing the best we can in this moment with what’s happening,” Wheeler says. “And working with a planner like yourself, it’s like: what’s the best scenario? Try and take all the pressure away from the bride and groom—make the decision for them, while keeping them in the loop.”
Thomas agrees: “Yes, it is very often the case that people will try to keep things outside for as long as they possibly can. And sometimes I do have to make that decision.” These moments—ones that demand decisive action and level-headed collaboration—can be the most defining.
The Magic of Unpredictability
At the heart of it all, both Thomas and Wheeler believe that weddings are most magical in their messier, more human moments.
“The beauty of a wedding is its unpredictability,” Wheeler says. “The magic is in the moments you don’t plan for—the things that surprise you and make that day unique.” Social media, he suggests, can sometimes warp expectations. “Everyone wants the perfect wedding. But ultimately, it’s really just about the people. If you get rain and it’s a thunderstorm, everyone pulls together and it can make the day even better—it elevates it.”
Thomas agrees unequivocally: “Ultimately, while how your wedding looks in an album is extremely important—and I don’t want to detract from that—I will always maintain that how you feel on that day, and the memories you have of that feeling, surpass anything else.”
Wheeler nods in agreement. “Being present with your guests and not worrying about the rest of it—yes, it’s lovely to have flowers and a pretty dress and everything—but ultimately, it’s the people who are there that really, really matter.”
Camera Comfort: Easing the Aversion to the Lens
Next up, the pair tackled the topic of how to feel more comfortable in front of the camera. “I think every single one of my couples would say that they feel awkward in front of the camera—they haven't really done it before,” Wheeler explained. “How many people have really been photographed by a photographer? Not many.”
Thomas could relate. “I’ve literally just rushed here from an event where I’ve been photographed all day…” she began, before laughing, “Yeah, no, not nice. I feel for my brides and grooms because I’m the type of person that when someone photographs me, I want them to place my foot where it needs to be, tell me where my hand should go…”
Wheeler totally got it. “Yep, again, it varies for different couples,” he said. And to help them ease into the experience, he takes a very relaxed and thoughtful approach. “A lot of the time, it's getting them walking to start off with and just getting them moving. That makes a big difference—it takes the pressure off and brings out those natural interactions.”
He’s also quick to reassure his couples that there’s no right or wrong way to be in front of the camera. “The hand doesn’t have to be perfect—just be themselves and be in that moment together,” he said.
But for those who do want a bit more structure, Wheeler is ready with clear direction. “Some people want more posed, which is absolutely fine, and in that moment, I’ll tell them exactly what to do,” he said. Whether it's placing a hand, angling a foot, or suggesting a way to stand, he’ll guide them every step of the way. “A lot of other couples don’t want that, so it’s very much natural and just letting things happen.”
At the heart of it, his priority is helping couples feel like the best version of themselves. “Chatting with them, laughing a bit, just being present—it all helps. And assuring them that what they’re doing is amazing really goes a long way to people feeling that they’re doing the right thing,” he said. “And when people feel like they’re doing the right thing, that’s when they really look their best.”
Editing Etiquette: Tweaking, Not Transforming, Memories
In the world of wedding photography, trends come and go, but the essence of capturing a couple's special day remains timeless.
Editing with a Light Touch
Wheeler's editing philosophy centers on subtle enhancements that maintain the authenticity of the images. "It's just little tweaks," he says, reflecting on his early work with a hint of self-deprecating humor. "I look back at some of the photographs when I first started and I cringe. Not because of the photography, but because of the way they were edited."
His approach is driven by a desire to create images that will remain visually appealing for years to come. "With weddings and the importance of weddings, the photographs are going to be looked at ten, twenty years down the line," he explains. "So for me, it's trying to make sure that they're not following a trend, they've not got too many different colours going on—they're really timeless."
Embracing Timelessness
Wheeler's emphasis on timelessness reflects a priority seen increasing in wedding photography, where couples are seeking images that capture the genuine emotions and atmosphere of their wedding day in an elegant and true-to-life editorial way, rather than the more extreme editing trends.
"Timeless is a great word," Wheeler muses. "It's overused a little bit, but it's true. You know, you want the photographs to look fantastic twenty years down the line. That's really what it is." By focusing on subtle adjustments and preserving the natural beauty of the moment, Wheeler ensures that his clients will cherish their wedding photos for a lifetime.
Booking Benchmark: When to Secure a Photographer
As destination weddings become increasingly popular, couples are faced with a myriad of choices when planning their dream day. One of the most crucial decisions is selecting a photographer who can capture the essence of their celebration in a way that feels both timeless and authentic and the question was raised of "How far in advance should we book our photographer?"
Wheeler's response highlighted the importance of priorities and individual preferences. "This really varies. It depends on how much value you place on that person," he noted. "If photography, or one person in particular, is important, then as soon as you've got the date and the venue, go for it."
Thomas echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to align booking timelines with the couple's priorities and lead time. "As soon as a couple books, we talk through priorities. It really depends how far away the wedding is," she explained. For couples with a shorter lead time, securing key vendors, including the photographer, becomes a top priority.
However, for those with more time to plan, other aspects of the wedding might take precedence. "If someone is booking a year and a half in advance, there might be other things we'd prioritize first," Thomas noted.
While the availability of photographers can vary, both Thomas and Wheeler agreed that finding the right photographer requires time and consideration, especially for couples who place a high value on photography.
"There are a lot of photographers out there," Thomas acknowledged, "so it's never a problem to find one—but if someone really values photography, then finding the right one can take a bit more time."
Videography Verdict: To Film or Not to Film the Fete
Wheeler then asks “What sort of percentage would you say of the weddings you work on have a videographer as well?”
He himself estimated that roughly half of his clients opt for both photography and videography services.
Thomas's experience paints an even more striking picture. "I'd say probably 80 to 90% of my weddings have both photography and videography," she revealed. "It's quite important to my clients."
This sentiment underscores a growing recognition of the unique value that wedding videography brings. While photography captures still images that freeze fleeting moments in time, videography adds a dynamic layer of storytelling, preserving the sights, sounds, and emotions of the day in a way that still photography simply cannot.
"Photography can't be replaced, but having moving images adds another dimension," Thomas emphasized. "Later in life, when you lose people, or if you have children, being able to show them actual footage of your wedding—that's incredible."
Wheeler concurred, noting that videography offers "a very different look at the wedding day" compared to photography. "Having the ceremony and speeches captured can be a really lovely addition," he said.
While the importance of wedding videography is increasingly recognized, both Thomas and Wheeler stressed the significance of collaboration between photographers and videographers. "It's crucial that they work well together—as a team, not as competitors," Thomas said. "There are moments you only get once—like the first kiss or the confetti shot. If you're in each other's way, no one gets a good photo."
The 'Must-Have' Wedding Shot That Isn't: Deconstructing the Quintessential Wedding Album
The wedding industry is constantly evolving, with couples increasingly seeking to personalize their celebrations and break free from outdated traditions. One such tradition being reevaluated is the cake-cutting ceremony.
Wheeler declared that, in his opinion, he finds too much importance is placed on the cake-cutting photo. "The cutting of the cake is the most overrated part of the day, I think," Wheeler stated. "You gather everyone in, and the shot's done in ten seconds!"
Thomas agreed, noting a shift towards more intimate cake-cutting moments. "I'm definitely seeing a trend towards that—just a quiet moment for the couple, which I think is really lovely," she said.
When asked about his top three must-have wedding shots, Wheeler playfully responded by saying “How controversial do I want to be?”, then emphasized the importance of spontaneity and capturing the unique essence of each wedding. "The beauty of a wedding is its unpredictability," he said. "The things that surprise you and make that day unique."
While acknowledging the importance of the first kiss photo, Wheeler believes that there are no other must-have shots. "Other than that, I don't think there's any single shot that's essential," he said. This perspective challenges the conventional notion of a wedding shot list and encourages couples and photographers to embrace the unscripted moments that make each wedding truly special. As Wheeler eloquently put it, "The magic is in the moments you don't plan for."
I Do... But at What Cost? The Wedding Photography Pricing Poll!
Wedding planning is a delicate dance of budget and priorities, and one area that often sparks debate is photography. Ahead of this IG Live, Thomas polled her followers on how much of the overall wedding budget should be allocated to photography and Wheeler was asked to guess the result.
“I think the answer would be 5–10%,” Wheeler said, before adding, “I think realistically it’s probably in that range… but maybe 10–15% was the actual answer?”
Thomas revealed that the results were split evenly between 5–10% and 10–15%, reflecting the nuanced considerations couples face when determining what truly matters to them on their big day. “It was actually bang on 50/50 between the two—so well done, you win a prize!” she joked to Wheeler during their conversation.
Wheeler laughed in response, “Good, good! Yes, I was thinking, ‘20% plus—that’s kind of high. Sign me up!’”
While it’s rare for couples to allocate more than 15%, Thomas acknowledged that it does happen. “Realistically, it’s usually around the 5–10% mark, but sometimes people do go over,” she said. “The issue is that I agree there’s a lot of value in a good photographer—but we also have so many other things to balance. Overspending in one area can lead to problems elsewhere.”
She added that when the budget becomes too skewed, it can compromise other elements of the day—sometimes even to the point where the wedding no longer feels like one that would photograph well. “It might end up being a wedding you wouldn’t really want to photograph if we haven’t had enough budget left for everything else,” Thomas noted.
Wheeler echoed the sentiment that budget allocation is a balancing act. “Well, as I said—it’s about the people,” he emphasized, acknowledging the importance of prioritizing what matters most to each couple. “Is there a bit of flexibility if someone wants, say, an incredible band or really wants to splash out in one area?" he asked. "Is that something you just have to adapt to?”
Thomas nodded, but emphasized the importance of maintaining a certain standard. “There’s a certain point at which we can’t make more changes because we won’t go below a certain level of quality,” she explained. “If someone wants a specific photographer, I might have to say, ‘We’ll need to increase the overall budget—we can’t just shift things around to make it work.’”
That said, she’s quick to acknowledge that there are places where adjustments can be made—but it all depends on the couple’s vision and priorities. “It’s often things like, ‘Okay, if you want to do that, that’s fine—but we’re going to have to cut back on something else,’” she said. “Usually, live music is what takes the hit when a couple opts for a higher-end photographer. But yes—it’s all about priorities.”
Ultimately, the decision of how much to spend on wedding photography rests on each couple’s individual values and financial circumstances. As Wheeler aptly put it, “It depends on how much value you place on that person.”
Bridal Beauty & Timings
As the interview drew to a close, Thomas asked Wheeler if he had a question for next week's guest, makeup artist Linzi Buckley (@skin23_mua).
Wheeler's insightful query highlighted a common dilemma faced by photographers and brides alike: the timing of the bride's hair and makeup on the wedding day.
"One thing I've encountered over the years is differing opinions from makeup artists about when the bride should be finished and finalized in terms of her makeup," Wheeler explained. While some makeup artists prefer to do the bride's makeup last, Wheeler pointed out that this can create challenges for capturing those coveted "getting ready" photos.
"For brides who really want preparation photographs," he said, "one of my concerns is that all the bridesmaids are already looking fantastic—dressed and ready—while the bride still has no hair or makeup done."
Wheeler's question for Buckley—"Where does she recommend the bride goes in the schedule?"—sparked interest from Thomas, who promised to pose it to Buckley in their upcoming interview. The answer to this question could potentially offer valuable insights for brides and wedding vendors alike, ensuring that every moment of the wedding day—from the pre-ceremony preparations to the final dance—is captured beautifully and authentically.
And as the sun dips below the horizon in Geneva, and Sarah's phone battery also dips precariously low, one thing is abundantly clear: the world of wedding photography, much like the weddings it captures, is a delicate dance of artistry, empathy, and the joyful embrace of the unexpected.
In the words of David Wheeler himself, “The beauty of a wedding is its unpredictability. The magic is in the moments you don’t plan for—the things that surprise you and make that day unique.”
And as Sarah Thomas so aptly reminds us, “Ultimately, while how your wedding looks in an album is extremely important—and I don’t want to detract from that—I will always maintain that how you feel on that day, and the memories you have of that feeling, surpass anything else.”
Here's to the magic, the memories, and the beautiful messiness of it all. Happy Friday!
About Quickfire Fridays
Every Friday, live on Instagram at 7pm CEST (6pm BST, 1pm EDT, 12pm CDT, 10am PDT), our Founder & Wedding Planning Director Sarah Thomas (@sarahthomasevents) sits down with a brilliant guest from the global wedding industry. From celebrated photographers to floral designers, DJs to dressmakers, Quickfire Fridays takes you behind the scenes of the most unforgettable celebrations — and the creative minds who make them happen. Expect candid conversation, rapid-fire questions, and expert insight, all in under 60 minutes.
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