Chantmarle Manor wedding photography
Saturday, August 8th, 2009Chantmarle Manor in Dorset is, simply, beautiful. I’m being careful how I ‘pen’ this blog, as the bridegroom is an English teacher and a very good one at that. Too many commas so far Ben? But none before the ‘and’ word. I do love a comma. Ben and Yeri’s wedding is one that I would not have missed for the World. Take this at face value readers, but let’s be honest, a sunny day in Dorset in a country home with history dating back to the thirteenth century reminds me why I’m so darned (Americanism) proud to be British, or dare I say, English! Every couple I meet has a story and that’s what makes my job all the more special. Ben and Yeri are about to emigrate to Korea for a couple of years, so understandably emotions ran high. Some images from yesterday’s wedding. Subtitles by ‘emotion.’
First shot of the day.
Second shot of the day, but this one was screeeeeeeming for black and white treatment.
I know a few fellow wedding togs read this blog. Isn’t it about time ‘chaps’ we wrote to clergy with a reason why we like to stand at the front? Because, this, is what can be achieved. REAL emotion. Again I had to negotiate with the vicar with regard to being allowed to stand in a place where I could witness expression. The initial command was a resounding ‘no.’ I would be in the view of the congregation. Heavens? Am I that unattractive? I beg those that wish to be wedding photographers doing this as a weekend occupation to consider… (Ben, inappropriate use of three dots?) be subtle in church. Don’t jump across pews. Don’t rest your lens on a priest’s shoulder! (True, people do this!) Practise a subtle approach and you’ll enjoy a better relationship with clergy – and so, as a full time professional living off the actions of those that practise before me, will I!
What to do with your photo CD!
Tuesday, April 14th, 2009Use it as a coaster. Hang several from a string on a branch above your veggie patch to scare those seed eating birds away. A mini frisbie. Make up mirror. Attach it to your forehead via a loop of elastic to look like a doctor at a fancy dress do. Or… take it to Snappy Snaps of Newbury and let them print the images contained at high street prices. For a long time now many of my local photographic peers have berated me for selling digital images instead of purely prints. And to an extent, I can see the method behind their angst. Traditionally, negatives drove the currency behind a photographer’s life and business. It’s true that many a photographer would more willingly sell his Grandmother to the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal than relinquish ownership of one single strip of archived negative. (That’s one for the Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy fans.) And digital images of course are only a modern extension of the neg. So why do we let our precious digital negs loose for clients to ‘use and abuse?’ Well since I’m quoting verse from the classics, let me reinvent Jimmy Saville’s 80s ‘Age of the Train’ sonnet… this is the age of digital photography. We watch, use and share digital files as daily habit, so why shouldn’t photography be a part of that process? We have been quick as photographers to embrace the advantages digital imaging provides us on a business and creative platform, so it seems somewhat selective practice to only share half of this new technology. There is an argument that clients may well take your image, recolour, stretch, mutilate or sell it for their own gain following hours of your own hard work. But as a business colleague from Planet Corporate used to say to me years ago; “Move on!” Why let files collect digital dust on your server, when they should be doing the one thing photographs were designed to do; share. So yes, I’ll proudly continue to include digital files in my wedding package, and yes, I’ll proudly continue to sell digital files to my portrait clients. I may well guard my rights on a commercial level, but in the social photography field, I believe it’s time to share. In closing, allow me the absolute honour to recommend a digital print shop that all my clients can contact; Snappy Snaps of Newbury. I have access to many print specialists in the UK and use differing skillsets from each, but time and time again I return to my local favourite. The fact they print on site means they are accountable for the quality at a consumer facing level. They use the highest quality papers and employ staff that know how to produce a black and white. (I’ve seen how green a monochrome print can be emerging from a supermarket lab!) More to the point, all staff members own cameras and practice the artform. And here’s proof…
Why I shoot weddings…
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
This one’s for the photographers; those thinking of lifting a lens towards a bride and groom! When I started shooting weddings, like most ‘togs’ who shoot them, my reasoning was part challenge (a close friend had insisted I shoot his brother’s nuptials) and part financial; there are wolves to keep from one’s doors. Actually, those elements stay true to this day, but a third ingredient has become the ultimate reason; professional, even emotional purpose – knowledge that I’m doing something important in the World, that I make a difference for the split second my finger hovers over that shutter button. The most important side of my photographic work in wedding terms is to document moments. It’s easy to romance and wax lyrical about forms of capture like photojournalism and so on, but for me it’s really very simple. Wedding photography offers an opportunity to make a difference to someone’s life. I whole heartedly believe that. But incase I stand accused of presuming that I’m solving World issues through a lens, as a colleague from my previous existence in the heady world of broadcasting said; “It’s only radio love, not brain surgery.” Ultimately I still subscribe to that philosophy. I’m not saving lives – I’m only taking pictures, hopefully very important pictures none the less. As a stranger, you’ll rarely if ever get invited to be a part of someone’s most hallowed private moments. When I shoot a wedding, I am witnessing the very essence of a couple’s intimacy. I’m sharing instants that are unfeigned once only, catch it now, you’ll not see this again moments. Pity the hardened heart belonging to a snapper that only sees pound notes and awkward relations to deal with. When I call for the witnesses during a register set up, I sometimes wonder whether it would be deemed a little comedically insensitive and over enthusiastic to pop the camera on a tripod, set the timer and run round to spread eagle myself with all the panache of David Brent upon the signing table. But witnessing a wedding is surely one of the most priveleged parts of this job. It’s moments like the one above from Adam and Donna Robert’s recent Newbury Shaw House wedding where I freeze just momentarily before the capture. The ceremony had concluded. The guests in the room were quietly chatting amongst themselves and Adam, sat at the head of the room with his wife, removed his ring. He sat studying it, taking in what had just happened and for that one moment, the room may as well have been empty, bar him, his wife and the circle of gold. Away from all that Hollywood jazz, that, is what I call a real ‘complete moment.’ And that, is why I shoot weddings.
So good to be back in the ‘office’
Monday, February 16th, 2009
January and February are usually quiet months in my diary and a time devoted to marketing, sample album design and the odd private client shoot or three. There’s been a touch of fashion and even some time in front of food with a macro lens. Having said that, the last three Saturdays have seen a return to weddings ahead of what will be our busiest year in the nuptials industry since launching this side of the business. So, congrats to Valentine couple; the new Mr. and Mrs. Sharp (above), married at St. Mary’s Silchester. It’s always intensely satisfying and flattering to be selected to photograph a wedding for a couple who on any other weekday would be artistically directing high fashion or commerce shoots for a range of worldwide advertising clients. Well done Mr. and Mrs. Scales (below left). Here’s an image from Brentwood Cathedral from their day. There was a reflective moment before we all boarded coaches bound for the reception venue. One well lit cathedral, a pool of light striking the bride, a groom, a symbol of the church, and hey presto. Finally, congratulations also to Mr. and Mrs. Barker, married at Silchester House last Saturday 7th February (below right). Silchester holds fond memories for me, as it was the venue for my own wedding reception only two and a bit years ago. The second image of Silchester in the snow is courtesy of assistant photographer Adam on the day.
Ever have one of those moments?
Sunday, November 30th, 2008One of the popular photographic features I provide at weddings is a small mobile photo studio. I shoot material for this after the wedding breakfast and it does yield some unexpected album and frame material. I must have shot literally thousands of very informal portraits this year. There are no rules, I may sometimes shout a word and see how people react, but apart from that I let people interact with me setting their own agenda; posh description of events for ‘let yer hair down!’ Some of my 2008 favourites…
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The Swan at Streatley wedding photography
Wednesday, February 14th, 2007As the groom’s speech suggested; “This is either the most romantic day of the year to get married, or a great way to remember Valentine’s Day and your wedding anniversary in one.” The Swan at Streatley was today’s venue for Stewart and Lucy May’s wedding. If you’re reading this blog as a newly engaged couple, the venue boasts a large house boat that can play host to civil ceremonies and small wedding breakfasts. Fab day guys and as you prepare to fly off to sunnier climes for a couple of weeks, we look forward to welcoming you home in March and seeing you at the album preview.