A great shot not only requires a stunning backdrop, but also kit that you can rely on. Steph uses a professional Canon EOS 5D series camera but it's possible to achieve a similar look with more affordable models, such as the Canon EOS 250D or the Canon EOS M6 Mark II. Taken on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV at 85mm, 1/4000 sec, f/1.2 and ISO100. © Zakas Photography
With this in mind, we turned to wedding photographer and planner Steph Zakas for advice on how aspiring photographers can capture the beauty and intimacy of a couple's special day. Steph, who specialises in helping couples planning to elope, started out photographing small weddings in New York, USA, before moving her business 4,500km across the world to Iceland.
And while the tiny European island's stark landscapes certainly don't hurt her photographs, shooting outdoor weddings in one of the world's most extreme environments can definitely be challenging. "There's been a bunch of times when we've had to hide in a cave until a crazy hailstorm blows through," she laughs. "It's a flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of thing!"
Here, Steph shares her top advice on how to capture one of the most important events in your friends' lives. Even if you don't have the benefit of a career's worth of experience, Steph's tips should elevate your photos, whether the sun is shining or you're in the middle of a blizzard.