For this article, I'm focussing on the weather conditions that are often present in Liverpool and Manchester. I'm discussing these areas, not only because much of my photography is within these areas of the United Kingdom, but also because the weather in the North West of England is often very poor, especially in the last few years.

Since August 2006 it has rained throughout the summer months in Liverpool. Every day I wake up to cloud and often changeable conditions which can present many problems for photographers working in the wedding industry.

The ideal conditions are overcast - something which offers the photographer consistent lighting conditions which if shot right, can be flattering for the subjects being photographed. When it is sunny, I often find shaded area (A bit like being an insect!!), as this also offers the consistency of lighting similar to overcast conditions perfect for covering a brides special day.

The rain however presents a much more difficult proposition. Brides want their day to be perfect and wet weather is a major hinderance in achieving the images she desires. It should always be noted that in these circumstances, it very rarely rains all day and timings are paramount in making sure that at least some photographs can be taken outside. Having attended over 600 weddings, only a handful have meant all the images need be taken indoors.

It is very important as a wedding photographer that the backgrounds to the images taken be varied. therefore even if the weather is fine, indoor images should be on the agenda to give the bride and groom the option of adapting their finished album exactly how they want.

Indoor photography is very different to outdoor photography, so it is very important that the photographer hones his or her skills at taking indoor images with long exposures. The use of flash and correcting the white balance accordingly dependant on the blue and yellow light that is often problematic for photographers shooting indoors is paramount in these circumstances.

In Liverpool and Manchester, almost all venues offer fantastic surroundings which can be utilised to make such photographs perfect and make the finished proof photographs something to be proud of.

Since it has rained so much in the North West of England in the last few years, it has enabled not only me (But probably every successful photographer based in Liverpool and Manchester) to perfect their skills at taking photos indoors.

The rain is a major problem for those in the industry, but at the same time something which has become a blessing in disguise as it has given us the chance to become much much better at what we do.