Books, books books
A brand new batch of photobooks
All my wedding photography packages include a standard photobook. Why? Because we are a big fan of printing in this house and even with the best intentions we don’t always get round to printing our photos out.
Also whilst we might get round to printing a couple out to have on our walls or in frames, how may stay on our computers? You can get a lot more in a book and photographs always look better printed than they do on a screen.
I recently added to my upgrade options a folio box which includes prints and a USB stick of all your images, and it occurred to me I had some other samples which I hadn’t yet photographed so decided to do the whole lot again in our summer house/studio/beer shed/wash room!
When you book me you are welcome to come to the studio to see the photobook that’s included with your package and all the other options incase you wish to upgrade.
Big fish, little fish, folio box (sorry 😬)
A new print product
With all my wedding photography packages I provide the high and low res images via an online gallery for downloading. I also include a photobook as standard.
But maybe you’re worried about not having enough space on your computer to download them or just losing them should your computer die? And perhaps you’d like a few prints of your fav images? I know you have the high res files to be able to get the prints done but truthfully how many people actually get round to it?!
In which case I have a new product which I’m very excited about - folio boxes!
These gorgeous boxes hold from 5 to 20 10x8” mounted prints and also a USB stick. I’ve just received my first sample box and it’s lovely!
I’ve chosen a lovely soft suede cover in grey but there are lots of different colours and types of fabric to choose from - from a two tone woven textile to a leatherette, pastels, brights and monochrome colours. The front cover image has acrylic over the top which not only protects it but makes it pop. The photos can be framed and if you like to swap your pictures around periodically, the ones not on display will be kept safe and protected in the box along with the USB stick.
The folio boxes will be an additional item you can add on to any wedding photography package or event photography. Prices start from £125 for a box with 5 mounted prints of your choice and a USB stick with all your photos in high and low res.
If you are past client you can also purchase these.
And to celebrate the launch of these I am offering a 15% discount off any size folio box!
Interested? Then get in touch with me today!
Choosing your wedding photographer
How to choose your wedding photographer
I expect you think this blog will read….
Choosing your wedding photographer….
PICK ME….
The end.
However I can’t take all the bookings so I am going to write a bit more than just ‘pick me’.
So where do you start? There’s so many photographers out there all offering many different styles and looks. You need to figure out (if you don’t already know) what you like, probably the best place to start is on on Instagram.
Do a search for wedding photography on Instagram and you will see all different sorts: candid, documentary, reportage, traditional, contemporary. That’s the style of photography then there’s also the look; light, dark, cold, warm, colourful, contrasty, muted and many variations in-between.
After you’ve got a better idea of how you want your photos to look you can start looking for photographers who do that sort of photography. Google is your friend here along with wedding directory websites such as Wedding Wire or Bridebook. You can enter in your location and search for photographers near you or your venue. Of course photographers will travel but a) you’ve got to start somewhere so start local and b) global warming, probably better for the planet to try and find someone who doesn’t have to travel miles and miles if possible.
Also ask friends and family for recommendations too. A personal recommendation is great because if they have used a photographer who’s style you love and they’ve had great service from them then you hopefully don’t have to worry about their professionalism ie if they are going to turn up or not!
You’ll probably have a long list by now, so what next? Look at their portfolio of work, don’t just go on their Instagram page as it’s probably a showcase of a few images from each wedding (the best of the best). You want to see a full wedding gallery if possible or certainly a slightly edited version of a full wedding so you can get a good idea of what to expect from your photographer. Anyone can post three or four amazing photos from a wedding, you want to make sure the rest are pretty good too.
Make sure that their body of work fits how you want your photographs to look. If you’ve a preference for light and airy looking photos, don’t pick photographers who prefer the dark and moody feel. Equally if you pick a photographer who’s work shows mainly more traditional, posed photos don’t be surprised if you don’t get any wacky angle, people caught off guard type photos.
Then get in touch with your favourites. First of all you need to know if they are free and if you can afford them. Notice I didn’t say ‘if they are in your budget’? That’s because you may have an idea of what you want to pay but if you find a photographer who you love then your budget may go out the window!
What do they include in their packages? Pretty much every photographer now gives you all the images via an online gallery or USB but some (like me!) include a photobook or album, or you can add these on as an extra cost so check out the prices of the extras. If possible speak on the phone or meet up with them, make sure you ‘click’ (pun intended!).
A few more boring but essential things to consider are; are they properly insured, (some venues require proof of this), do they have backup equipment, a back up plan for if they are sick? You don’t want half way through the ceremony their only camera to pack up, or a call the day of your wedding saying they are ill and can’t make it. Whilst these things are unfortunately generally unavoidable, a decent photographer will have back up plans in place should the worse happen.
So once you’ve gone through all these things you should have a much shorter list. Now what? Well now you have to make your final decision, it’s all down to personal preference - who do you want to capture your special day?
Good luck!
PS Pick me :)
Instagram - strictly business or some pleasure?
Instagram is a great free marketing tool - especially for photographers.
When I decided to try and turn my hobby into a business I thought my instagram feed needed to be mostly content relating to my desire to be a wedding photographer. Makes sense, and from my research that’s what most wedding photographers feeds are - weddings. But when you’re starting out, like I am, then you possibly don’t have loads of different content to post. I mean I have plenty of photos from the weddings I’ve done which I can share but I’m conscious that it’s the same few weddings. Plus when your one celebrity couple then split up can you keep sharing photos from their wedding?! (Answers on a postcard please!)
So I’ve decided not to make my Instagram just business, the odd family photo already sneaked in but I’m going to post more of my own stuff (and let’s be honest I don’t think my insta reach is in the thousands so it’s probably not going to make much of a difference at the moment!). I want to keep it fresh and interesting for the few faithful followers I do have!
So expect to see more of this…..
Willow and Tom Jones just hanging around
…but still some of this too
Love a confetti shot
Happy New Year!
Well we are at the start of another year but also in another decade. What are we calling this one? The twenties again?!
Did you have a lovely Christmas and New Year? I have quite a big family so it seems like (to my husband anyway!) that we’re seeing a different branch every day! We don’t, we’ll not every day!
I have been having a bit of a tweak with my pricing as there are many couples who are shunning the big all singing all dancing wedding and just have a small, intimate day. (Did you see my photos from Siobhan and Matt’s special day last July? It was just the two of them and her parents to be the witnesses). So I am now offering a couple of packages with less hours, also perfect for those on a smaller budget too.
So if you got something sparkly this Christmas then please take a look.
Have a happy and health 2020!
