Weddings, Facebook & Paparazzi

Las Vegas Wedding

Weddings are a special day for a bride and groom to share with family and friends.  As a photographer it is my privilege to be part of the celebrations whilst also recording the days events.  It's my job and I love it, I enjoy meeting new people, seeing how the day unfolds, capturing the moments that will become only part of the memory of that day.  Part of the excitement of getting married is being presented with your photographs.  There is always an element of nerves for me (will they like them?) even after many years of doing wedding photography.

There are new elements for photographers to expect nowadays, digital camera's, phone camera's and Facebook ( and other sites too numerous to mention).

Often at weddings in days gone by I had the exclusivity on the photography, since the digital boom that has changed.  Once they were maybe one or two guests with camera's at a wedding now we often are faced with a paparazzi of guests with pocket camera's, phone camera's and SLR camera's.  

I have no problem with people taking photo's around me, I have been known to use guests camera's and phones to take a shot for them!  I only ask that I am allowed to do my job after all I am being paid to be there.  Nowadays I have to ask the bride and groom to be aware that we need chance to 'set the scene' and ask guests to allow us to do our job.  I do all this with an open mind and keep my sense of humour after all sometimes I get in on the shot (above)   

Not all photographers are so obliging, it is not unusual for a photographer to ban all other camera users from taking the shots they have set up, or even ban other camera's whilst they are there...In some ways I can understand this (I will discuss this shortly) however often is helps too as whilst a bride and groom pose for someone else we can capture them perhaps more relaxed than posing for the official camera..Also we can capture guests with there camera's....

Photography has changed and photographers too. Now we can share our images instantly across the globe, view them on the camera, phone or PC.  Then there is Facebook and other sites for people to upload there photo's.  It's fantastic that I can now share my photo's almost instantly with my family in America and Australia. 

However this brings me back to exclusivity and why some photographers may ban camera's at a wedding.  It is this very thing that has changed, when viewing photo's often my clients have seen numerous photo's taken by their guests shared on facebook.  It can be a bit disheartening knowing that I have spent time moving my clients into a particular spot to get a better shot and it then being shown by another guest before I have had chance to edit and prepare my work.  Still I am not tempted to ban all other camera's I just ask that I am given the space to work and share the day together to make all photo's from the day relaxed, fun and lasting memories for all of us.

Lastly if you do capture me (tag me) I hope it is showing my good side!

Not my backside!

Great Expectations!



Growing Bump !


Our latest New babies got me thinking about the whole baby photography thing.  Like many parents I have hundreds of photo's of my children as babies, mostly taken on basic film camera, back in the day when you had no idea how your images would turn out and there was little chance of improving an image or editing slobber, milk spots etc..

I have to say now these photo's even the blurry ones are often the best, they are the permanent memory of your child, something to take you back to those times when you child was cute, funny, crying....

However Studio baby photography has a whole different look feel about it, also the expectation of every new parent (to be) is different.   I always encourage parents to express their own ideas for their photo session, some are happy to just go with the flow, some want more structure or direction to the session either way like home photographs I want my clients photo's to be a lasting memory, show something of their personality and tell the story of their journey as parents.

BUMPS !

All pregnant women are beautiful, it is a wonderful experience.  Having a your bump photographed is not only a record of your growing bump but a future reminder!   Before we even pick up the camera I like to talk through the options \ ideas for your bump photo. There are lots of great ideas out there however it is your body \ bump and you have to be comfortable with being photographed.  It is a great boost for your self esteem too ! Often when I have shown my clients their bump photo's they are thrilled and realise just how fantastic they look. 

Be confident in expressing your own idea's for your bump shoot, talk it through with your photographer, be brave and try a few different idea's.  Ask for arty, natural, side light etc.. you will get so much more from it.  Do be prepared for somethings not to work, often I set something up only to find it didn't look how I expected it too.  Relax enjoy your session !  The more comfortable you feel with your photography the more relaxed you will be.  Don't forget your partner, often men feel uncertain about what to expect on a bump \ baby shoot so make sure they have an input too...

Babies !

Again expectations of a studio photography of babies varies.  As I have said, work with your photographer, talk through any ideas and most of all enjoy your time in the studio.  Remember though that if you are planning a particular shot:

Some time is needed to position, adjust light & backgrounds and test shoot for these shots.  Careful planning will help keep things relaxed( however I am quite spontaneous and if something comes to mind I will ask \ try it out) So be prepared !!  it is possible to arrange a couple of sessions just to do one or two well planned shots.

A babies first year is so important, they change so quick.  It's always great to see how much a baby has changed and developed, I am lucky that each time i photograph a baby over the first year I see how they have changed physically and how there personality is developing.  even small babies express emotions which soon become part of their unique personalities.  I personally think a photography session should reflect these emotions.  so whether grinning or frowning , laughing or crying all this is part of the story of your babies first year of life.

Sleeping - many newborns sleep through the whole session!

Watching !

Sleeping even when your big sister is around!

Thinking!

Just plain bored!

Playing!

with the family!



Laughing!

Whatever your expectations of your photography session and whatever you plan, be ready for the unexpected and enjoy!