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What to look for in a photographer

Simon — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:18:29 +0000

By Guest Author: Becca, from alosangeleslove.com

This isn’t going to be a post about what questions to ask your photographer. Those posts exist all over the internet. And this isn’t going to be a post about what techniques to look for, since everyone’s aesthetic preferences are different. What I like may not be what you like, and visual preferences in wedding photography are really subjective. But you know what isn’t subjective? Whether or not your photographer can capture the essence of joy, love, and sheer unadulterated beauty in your wedding day. A photographer isn’t great because his (posed, prepared for) engagement shoot is featured on Green Wedding Shoes or Style Me Pretty. A photographer isn’t great because she’s snapped a few beautiful images of beautiful hipster 20-somethings at their beautiful handcrafted wedding. No. A photographer is great when they can see the genuine beauty in pure love, regardless of how it’s packaged.

When I started searching for a photographer, I scrolled through pages and pages on site after site of perfect colour- and light-saturated images. I scrolled through pages of stunning dresses and perfectly decorated settings and interchangeable brides and grooms. They were all slim, stylish, under 30, and gorgeous. None of them looked like me. None of them looked like my friends with hips, curves, laugh lines, or maybe even some pigment in their skin. Very few of them were apparently anything other than heterosexual. And I started to get suspicious. Because it’s not normal – even in Los Angeles – to be hit with that many beautiful people (and Los Angeles is pretty darn ethnically and sexually diverse). So I went to the featured photographers blogs to look through their most recent work, but no, I still couldn’t find any average looking people.
I understand that photographers’ websites and blogs are marketing vehicles. I expect the websites to feature traditionally attractive women and men. But your blog? Your most up-to-date work? Theoretically a glimpse into your entire portfolio? And not one single woman larger than a size 4? Or how about a black, Latino, or interracial couple? Or how about a gay or lesbian couple? Or how about a couple who got married in a hotel banquet hall setting? No? You haven’t photographed any weddings like that?

I call bullshit. Maybe in your corner of the world it’s more ethnically and racially homogeneous, so maybe you get a pass there. maybe. And maybe you live somewhere with smaller homosexual populations or where gay marriage isn’t yet legal, so maybe you get a pass there. But, um, 60% of women in the United States wear a size 12 or larger, so you don’t get a damn pass there. And, while I don’t know anyone (besides fraternity boys) who has done extensive statistics on the number of 10s versus 5s on the attractiveness scale (which yes, I find repulsive, but moving on), I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that everyone hiring you for wedding photography isn’t a culturally-defined 8, 9, or 10 because that’s statistically impossible.

So where the hell are the photos of everyone else? A wedding photographer friend confirmed my gut-wrenching suspicions: that lots of famous, big-time photographers everyone’s swooning about take photos of "everyone else" but won’t blog their "less attractive" couples because it hurts their "brand" and "image." Chubby, ethnic and old is apparently downmarket. Even when they can afford the "upmarket" photographers who happily take their money.

Well fuck you and your brand. You and your unfortunately narrow interpretation of beauty are some of the ugliest things I’ve run across in the wedding industry. When you don’t post photos of paying clients on your blog you are explicitly telling them that they are unattractive. No, actually, you’re telling them you’re too talentless to capture the unique beauty in their specific love. You’re explicitly telling them that their wedding wasn’t as special as your other clients’ weddings. And you play a small part in adding to the sadness and misery of the world. Because when you behave like a shallow asshole, real people like get hurt by your petty branding bullshit. Like Rachel said in the comments on Monday:

"My photographer told me to my FACE that he only blogs publicity-worthy couples. I’m a size 16. Yeah, we definitely didn’t get blogged. Not only that, but during the shoot, he kept telling us how excited he was to come back to that place months later so he can do a "shoot". I’m guessing he’ll be going back with beautiful people since those of us who were actually getting married weren’t thin enough. And yeah, he’s definitely one of those photogs on Green Wedding Shoes, SMP, etc.

I kept trying to tell myself afterwards that it didn’t matter, that I shouldn’t allow my feelings to be hurt by this stranger, but I bought into the bullshit hype that a ‘great’ photographer can make everything look magical. It just simply isn’t true. It sucks because the wedding was seriously so much fun and ended up being better than I hoped for, but looking at the photos now just bums me out."

And from a follow-up email with Rachel:

"…there’s something just deeply and personally hurtful about your wedding photographer telling you in so many words that you aren’t ‘good’ or ‘beautiful’ enough.

My husband pointed out that there is a possibility he is simply unhappy with his own work on our wedding and that is why he is dragging his feet on getting us the final product, being unresponsive to my emails, and just generally acting as if he could care less about our photos. Or maybe he doesn’t want to post our wedding in [place] because doesn’t want to detract from when he drags his [props] out there in a few months for one of his "shoots". I don’t know.

Sigh. I keep checking and asking myself if I’m not just being petty about the photos. "Boo hoo, I didn’t get posted on my wedding photographer’s blog, wasted thousands of dollars, and he was mean to me." I thought that I was being a ‘bridezilla’ until my parents, husband, and friends all thought that his photos of us were not as good as his photos of other clients, without being prompted by me."

This is part of the bullshit that subtly twists us into thinking brides all look like models and that therefore my plain-Jane face isn’t really bridelike. Granted, it’s not a photographer’s responsibility to change the systemic issues that drive my self-esteem problems. However, it’s a paid photographer’s responsibility to respect all his damn clients, regardless of what they look like. If you take our money to capture our wedding photos, it’s your responsibility to capture our joy and beauty, and our beauty-as-joy. And that requires that you see it, that you understand it, that you interact with it, and that you cherish the real heart of the wedding.
Fuck the sofas in fields with pretty people – it’s EASY to take pretty photos of pretty people in pretty settings in posed situations (whether they’re actual clients or models, it’s still staged) . But you know what takes real art? Seeing beauty where it really resides – in scrunchy-faced tears and heads-thrown-back laughter and overwhelming love, caught in an instant as someone brushes away a tear in real-time. If you don’t want to capture that, why would you bother with becoming a wedding photographer? The majority of the world isn’t an 8, 9 or 10 on the attractiveness scale, so you’re going to have clients who aren’t model-like. If you tell them they aren’t model-like, you crush their beauty and the chance for real art. But if you can treat everyone with respect and see the real beauty that drives them as people and a couple, then you can create wedding photography art.

So when you start to consider which photographer to hire for your wedding day, my one piece of advice is to hire someone who obviously respects all her clients. And the way you do that is to look through her blog and confirm that she respects people of all sizes, shapes, colors, and sexual orientations. Make sure he respects each and every client enough to blog them (unless the client requests otherwise). Make sure she respects ballroom weddings with bad carpeting as much as a rustic-chic handcrafted color explosion wedding. Make sure he respects people like you and will know how to make your photos glow, from the inside outward, on your wedding day.

And if you find that, then you’ve found a photographer who understands the messy beauty at the core of weddings, and therefore the point behind wedding photos. I want photos that are honest, that capture the hugeness of it all and not just the prettiness of it. Because the prettiness is besides the point. I want to look back at my photos in 30 years and be able to reconnect with the hugeness of the day and the marriage experience and not just think to myself "wow, we sure looked pretty." What I want is the raw emotion of the day: the pretty, the ugly, the heart wrenching, and the ephemeral moments that slip by so quickly that I’m likely to forget them individually but that I’ll somehow remember because, woven together, they created the fabric and texture of the day. I want it all captured spectacularly but, most of all, I want it to be honest. Because that’s where the art is, and not in the Pretty. And any wedding photographer who’s forgotten that is nothing more than a shuttermonkey with a hollow "brand." And that’s the last thing I want anywhere near me and my loved ones on my wedding day.

You can read more about Becca on her very interesting blog at www.alosangeleslove.com

My thanks to Becca for allowing me to repost this article. I think she hits the nail on the head when she talks about finding the "beauty in every bride" – that’s basically my view, every bride is beautiful and I love shooting weddings.

Cheltenham Wedding Photographer FilmPhoto.co.uk.

Still looking for a wedding photography near Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud and the Cotswolds?
Drop by the website and see if we are the wedding photographer for you.

What should I wear for my sensual photographs?

Simon — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:54:00 +0000

If you have been tempted by the various forms of boudoir photography, sometimes known as venus photography one of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is "What should I wear?"

Obviously your first port of call is lingerie, ideally with stockings and heels. I would strongly recommend looking for something really special and up-market. Think Agent Provocateur rather than Ann Summers.

Depending upon your figure and how you feel about, you may want to think about covering those parts you are less comfortable with, that usually means tummy and arms. So, some form of teddy, or lingerie that covers the tummy. A nice negligee will cover arms and tummy.

Stockings are pretty much a must, choose darker stockings unless you’ve got very good legs which can take a white stocking. There’s a science behind stockings – when you come in ask me about it and I’ll explain).

His shirt. Yep, one of his shirts can be one of the sexiest things you can wear. Of course you can use it to be completely discrete or as wild as you like. But trust me on this, men like women wearing men’s shirts.

Corsets can be great, the whole reason they exist is to reshape your body of course. When choosing one, make sure it works around your bust, you don’t want to be flopping around inside it, nor bursting out of the top, so choose a corset that fits you.

You’ll need knickers and maybe stockings to go with the corset as well.

Back shots of your legs, bum and back and very effective, again completely discrete but very sexy, so think about a pair of knickers that really works for your bum. These could be upmarket lingerie, or you can go for something a bit more fun and cheeky.

In general choose either dark or strong colours, the classic colours are black and red of course. We want to setup a glamorous and sensual environment and that will mean we will be looking at darker and richer tones in the studio as well.

Venture Style Photography

Simon — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:42:00 +0000

It’s not often I like to talk about my competitors, but I like Venture.

If you don’t know Venture is a franchise that has studios across the UK. They specialise in "trendy" photographs at very high prices.

So, why do I like them?

Well, firstly, they have established a baseline for what photography should cost. Getting a quick snap or your baby from a spotty teenager in a department store is one thing, but personal portrait photography that captures you as an individual and is properly edited and processed is not quick and it’s not cheap.

Secondly, the "arty, trendy" style that Venture create is simple to replicate, if you want those style of images, then just let us know and we’ll create them for you, no problem.

Thirdly, they have a reputation for being very hard sell. Now I don’t do that – I can’t stand it when it’s done to me, and I certainly won’t do the hard sell on you. When you come for your viewing you will be able to choose exactly what you want, according to your budget. I’m not going to be encouraging you to buy more.

Would I go to Venture?

Nope. Simple, I can’t afford them and they don’t offer the value for money I would look for.

US Passport and US Visa Photographs

Simon — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:35:00 +0000

You cannot get US visa or US passport photos from your standard photo booth. The US (and a number of other countries) have different sizes for their passport photographs.

In the case of US passport or visa a 2 inch square image is required, with the head placed within strict limits within the picture.

We can provide a 30 minute turn-round service, including the shoot, fitting the image to the specific format required and providing either prints or digital images.

In particular for the US, you should not try to take these photographs yourself, the US are very particular in their requirements and your passport or visa application can be refused, which for the US can easily turn into a major trauma.

Mindy and Paul’s Wedding at Mere Hall, Bolton

Simon — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:20:49 +0000

Lancashire/Jewish/1920’s Fusion Weding – or something like that anyway….

Paul is wearing Alexander McQueen, Mindy is wearing Vivien Westwood with modifications. Paul makes stunning jewelry and made the wedding rings himself, while Mindy is an artist whose flair is shown throughout.

This was just such a terrific day, I always get a kick out of weddings, but this was absolutely brilliant. Two people very, very much in love.

The proceedings took place at Mere Hall, Bolton

Wedding Photography from FilmPhoto.co.uk.

I love shooting weddings, they are romantic, lovely, happy, wonderful events.If you would like to have a chat about your wedding plans and how they can be captured in a glorious Wedding Story Book, then please call FreePhone: 0800 4681 488

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What wedding photographs are allowed in church?

Simon — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:01:00 +0000

Well, it’s entirely down to your priest – or in a civil wedding, the registrar.

You have no say I’m afraid.

The typical permission we get is to photograph the following moments:

- Bride coming up the aisle.
- A fake signing of the register
- Married couple coming down the aisle.

At no point other than that are we allowed to photograph.

Now some are a bit more relaxed and will allow a small and discrete number of photographs to be taken during the service, but without flash.

For my part, I take the view that the service IS THE MARRIAGE!! So, actually the last thing you want is some photographer blundering around, flashing everywhere distracting your friends and family from your special moment.

If given complete freedom I will work from the side or rear of the venue. I will try and capture the exchange of rings and the moment you are declared Husband and Wife. Then, if things allow there might be other moments such as the congregation while you are signing the register, friends doing readings and so on.

Cheltenham Wedding Photographer FilmPhoto.co.uk.

Still looking for a wedding photography near Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud and the Cotswolds?
Drop by the website and see if we are the wedding photographer for you.

Should I do my own wedding make-up ?

Simon — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 07:37:00 +0000

Get it done professionally, enjoy the pampering and have a great look.

Having hung around with make-up artists on lots of photoshoots I’m amazed at the materials they use and the tricks they have up their sleeves.

Everything from (hugely expensive) make-ups that glow but don’t shine (you don’t want to look sweaty in your photos) to tricks for slimming faces, plumping lips, widening eyes etc.

I’ve only ever shot a wedding where the bride wore no make-up and it stands out like a sore thumb.

I would recommend trying to find a make up artist who has worked for photographers, their technique is very different and more sophisticated I believe than your regular beautician.

I can recommend some local make-up artists for you if you need help.

Cheltenham Wedding Photographer FilmPhoto.co.uk.

Still looking for a wedding photography near Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud and the Cotswolds?
Drop by the website and see if we are the wedding photographer for you.

Dani T – Portfolio Build

Simon — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:45:00 +0000

I’ve worked with Dani many times over the years, and I thought it was time I put together a video of some of her great work.

Dani is always terrifically fun, and usually comes with her own entourage (she knows what I mean) of make-up and hair stylist.

We’ve managed to do a very wide range of work together, from haute couture to glamour girl and all sorts in-between. Sadly can’t show all of it, some of it is embargoed.

I build portfolios for models for beginners and advanced models - visit the website at www.FilmPhoto.co.uk.

For new models we can build you an instant and varied portfolio ready to kick-start your careerFor experienced models we develop your portfolio to fill out areas you are missing with high quality images

What shoot list should you give your photographer at a wedding

Simon — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:00:42 +0000

There are some photographer shoot lists circulating on the web for brides that are 2 or 3 pages long – while they are really great inspiration for you, please, please, do not give your photographer that whole list !!!!

Here’s why, you should trust your photographer to find the right shots for you, use their artistic ability and experience and talent to find all the great shots. If you don’t trust them to do that – then get another photographer, seriously.

What you should do is maybe go through and pick out a FEW shots that you would really like to have.

If you give your photographer that mega-long list they are going to be working it as a checklist, so intent on the paperwork that they have lost their artistry.

So, here’s my tips:

1) Pick maybe 6 max actual photos you want (the rings, your garter, you and dad hugging)

2) For your formal group shots, make sure your photographer knows which groups you want – trust me on this you’ll need less thank you think.

3) Make sure your photographer knows about any very special guests (Uncle Ernie from Canada, Aunty Eve who’s only got a few weeks left, your friend Jane who introduced you to H2B)

4) If you’ve got things like divorced parents etc, make sure your photographer knows if there is any difficulty about them being shot together. (Also what names to use, is it Mum & Brian, Dad & Tina? Or better Betty & Brian, Tim & Tina).

Your photographer has a lot going on all at the same time, they need to be watching everyone for images worth capturing, they need to be monitoring their technical stuff, planning where they’ll need to be next, making sure Grandma as ready for the next shot, reading people’s moods, keeping an eye on Mum ‘cos he thinks she’s about to cry… You get the idea, there’s a lot going on in our heads while we’re shooting – if we make it look effortless it’s because we work very hard at it

Keep it simple, keep it clear. Let your expert be your artist.

Cheltenham Wedding Photographer FilmPhoto.co.uk.

Still looking for a wedding photography near Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud and the Cotswolds?
Drop by the website and see if we are the wedding photographer for you.

The Bride of Your Life – very funny and cool

Simon — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:47:53 +0000

Nikki and Dave are getting married! Go Nikki and Dave! A couple with a sense of humor. That’s a wedding I’d love to shoot.

Here is there wedding cake

And here is their wedding invite / poster

Cheltenham Wedding Photographer FilmPhoto.co.uk.

Still looking for a wedding photography near Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud and the Cotswolds?
Drop by the website and see if we are the wedding photographer for you.