Apr
27
What would a Bride be without her wedding shoes? Below are just some of my favourites.
Apr
17
A modest wedding but no less intimate and beautiful. 
I wish both Maria and Frank many happiness for the future!
Nov
23
Hanna and Chris had their relative photograph their actual Wedding Day, so I invited them to get some post Wedding photos taken. I set them up in my studio and took some close up to three quarter length shots. They were great to photograph. What most people do not realise is that it does feel very unnatural to pose and listen to instructions from the photographer that may seem alien to the subjects; however Hanna and Chris relaxed very quickly and we got some great shots.
Nov
11
All my wedding shoots are special; this one was great because I got to know the family very well. They are truly lovely wonderful and welcoming people. Even though it was Oscar’s and Toni’s day they went out of their way to accomodate the Photography that was going around them.
My approach was to try and do things differently but remain true to the day. It is very easy to get very abstract and experimental, back in the early days I could get very excited about shooting and have to check myself so that the story and narrative of the day remained true.
The house was packed full of people so there was always an exciting buzz to the place, this was infectious; everywhere I turned there was always a great moment I needed to capture. It was important that I kept my distance so that I did not interfere with the day; this was actually quite difficult because the family was kindly fussing over me and making sure I was comforable in their home. It seemed the more I resisted the more they would fuss :-)
Technically I was armed with a Nikon D3 with a 24-70mm F2.8 lens, and a D300 with a 70-200mm F2.8 attached. It was also very useful to have the Nexto Storage device; the D3 produces files that are 25 megabytes each!
More photos can be seen on this gallery.
Oct
20
Mr and Mrs Keeler are a beautiful couple to photograph. They are so vivid with an abundance of life. It has to be said Mrs Keeler was the most natural, Mr Keeler was merely following her lead. She makes it very easy for a photographer to capture. I can only hope my other brides will be this energetic and well natured.
Oct
16
Some people don’t like weddings, if that’s you then this post isn’t for you! I’m sure if you’re a wife or husband you’ve already been through the emotional ride of your special day, but have you considered what it is like for your photographer? If he’s any good at his job he (or she of course) will love it, and it will show.
As a good friend constantly reminds me, I’m the wrong side of 30. Most of my friends at my age have the 2.5 family household. Some of them don’t particularly like other people’s weddings. I love them!! It’s an absolute hoot. But not all wedding photographers are like me, so for potential bride and grooms here’s my top ten list for…
…You know you have a good Wedding Photographer when:
- He turns up early and has already taken 100 shots of your house in every detail.
- You realise that there is someone else going around busier than your bride’s maids & your parents.
- He has a camera so big that is has it’s own gravitational pull
- Nothing distracts him away from his equipment, not even the lure of beautiful bride’s maids
- He walks with a limp because of sustained injury from carrying 2 cameras, 4 lenses, 3 battery packs, 2 flashes, 1 tripod and a hernia
- He has a personality that can gather people together; from the rowdiest of guests to the most gentle of children
- He is the only one who is not having anything to drink AND is taking “shots” on the dance floor
- You see him seemingly looking at nothing, then realise he is actually lining up a great shot of your parents.
- Children keep asking him why he needs a camera that big!
- and finally, by the end of the evening he has a grin on his face because he has had so much fun capturing the greatest moments of the greatest day in your life so far!!!
Sep
26
I have written many articles but not one about weddings yet, so I thought I focus more on that now that the wedding season is coming up.
Portfolio.
There are literally millions of wedding photos out there, but does the gallery you are looking at present anything different? It is important that you like it, but also that it stimulates your mind. Do the images provoke how you would visualize your wedding day? Is the photographer creative in his/her approach; that is crucial, because what you are paying for is someone who can see your wedding as you would see it and also how your guests would see it. A photographer, like myself, must be the eyes of the day but also see things that you couldn’t see. As a friend of mine and I would always say, “What’s the angle? Where’s the story?”.
Character/Personality.
I have met many photographers from all walks of life. When you speak to photographers, do they speak with an enthusiasm that is infectious? So when they talk about your wedding day it is as important to them as it is to you. When they talk do they speak with complete authority and confidence, so much so that you feel safe knowing he will capture the best of you and frame every beautiful moment?
Package offer.
Does the photographer offer a fixed rate for everything that is included and is there flexibility in the packages he offers? If you are after albums, how are the albums produced? I personally prefer fixed rates so everyone know what they are getting; if the couple want tailor it a bit then of course there is some sensible adjustments allowed. For albums, I go with one of the best out there, Jorgensen who are based in Australia.
Experience.
Experience is important but it is almost impossible to tell by looking at most professional portfolios. The best thing to do is call them and an really quiz them for ideas, past clients, locations etc. Remember, you are asking this individual to document one of these most important days of your life; if they know what they are doing then their experience will shine through.
It’s all in the detail.
It is important that you fully understand the terms and conditions before handing over any money. There is no trading standards when it comes to Wedding Photography as they are as diverse as there are the number of brides. As an example, some photographers shoot only for a certain amount of time and are inflexible with those hours. How I choose to operate is capture the day as far much as I can after the quoted hours based on the ‘vide’ I feel about the venue, the guests and the happy couple. Typically 5-6 hours is about right.
Get written confirmation of your quote
It is one thing asking the photographer questions regarding costs although it is alarming how many times I have to remind the couples I talk to get a quote either written or emailed so they have some reference; otherwise it is just a guessing game and unprofessional.
Location, Location, Location.
There are three key factors in defining a stunning photo from the thousands of average ones that are out there; lighting, the subject and location. Make sure you ask the photographer if he is local because he may know some great locations that would make a beautiful setting for your wedding album.
Sep
16
Jenney and Daniel, originally uploaded by bdgresha.
I found this photo on Flickr.com
It is the perfect example of what a natural photo should be, and the perfect bride to have in your photos. The combination is an intoxicating coposition of beauty, subtlety and passion.
Some people are afraid to say it, but there is LOVE in this photo. 10/10.