Posted on February 25, 2011
It’s a fact of life – weddings these days are expensive …….. really expensive! The average cost is between £ 15 – 40,000 and it makes sense to cover as many of the risks as possible, so most couples sensibly opt for some form of wedding insurance. Typically, these policies cover most of the following criteria:
- Having to cancel your wedding
- Rearranging the wedding
- Financial support if you get made redundant
- Compensation if suppliers fail to deliver
However, just as with any other form of insurance, not all policies are created equal so it makes sense to check the fine print!
The BBC recently reported that the Financial Ombudsman Service has warned engaged couples to make sure that they give enough time and thought to their wedding insurance.
Cover for £ 25,000 typically costs around £130, but the financial research company Defaqto says that only 23% of policies will reimburse the full costs if you have to cancel a wedding, and that just 18% will pay out if any of the suppliers fail to deliver!
On a personal note, I’d recommend that couples ensure that their photographer is fully insured, and ask to see copies of their certificates. The ones you need to look for are:
- Professional Indemnity Insurance – this protects you in the event that in the unfortunate event that you find yourself in dispute with a photographer. The indemnity cover will pay the cost of his defending any allegations or claims made (such as negligence or breach of duty of care – for example, loss of digital mages from the wedding)
- Public Liability Insurance – also known as third party liability and personal liability. This cover protects the photographer against third party claims for injury or damage to people or property - for example, in the event that someone trips over his camera case and injures themselves
I make sure that I have copies of these whenever I see prospective couples, and I always keep a copy of the Public Liability policy with me when attending a wedding, as some venues will ask for a copy on the day!!
Hoping that your wedding day is fun and goes to plan!
Dorset wedding photographer
Posted on February 22, 2011
Thought I’d have a bit of fun and create my first YouTube video …. it won’t be up for an Oscar though, so The King’s Speech, True Grit and The Black Swan have nothing to fear (at the moment!):
Dorset wedding photographer
Posted on February 22, 2011
Every now and then you come across a story that tugs at your heart, and oh boy, does this one?
Sat quietly at the PC today going through admin and paperwork when TweetDeck chirped up with a re-tweet from Julia Boggio about this amazing 14 year-old girl, Ellie, who’s having all her hair cut off in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Surrey photographer Kate Griffin’s publicising her story via her Blog (click here to view), and as if Ellie’s sacrifice isn’t enough to humble you, the fact that she’s also doing it to support her Mum who’s undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer should have you reaching for your credit cards and donating. In Ellie’s words “I had said even before we knew if she did have to have chemo that I would cut my hair for her if she had to lose hers, and this is me going through with my promise.”
Having lost a colleague to the disease and with two close friends who’ve survived, the battle against breast cancer’s close to my heart – so if you can support this worthy cause you’ll be helping to give hope to thousands of families every year. Kate’s Blog has some lovely photographs of Ellie together with links to Ellie’s JustGiving page and also to Cancer Research.
Posted on February 18, 2011
Image copyright Simply Love Vintage
At the moment there’s a trend in the market for vintage weddings, but what exactly is a “vintage” wedding?
Opinions differ through the wedding industry, but as a photographer I see them as weddings that are themed and styled in the fashion of days gone by. For some it’s the elegance of the 30s, or the rock ’n roll era of the 50s or 60s, or indeed anything in-between, but at the end of the day it’s dressing in a different style and having a theme about the whole wedding day.
Some photographers use Photoshop actions to create an artificial ageing appearance that’s reminiscent of the results we used to get from film in those days, but it has to be done extremely well, and I don’t believe that ageing a photograph makes the wedding itself a vintage style.
It’s easy to look at magazines and Blogs and think “wow, wouldn’t that be fun to do”, but you have to think about whether it’s actually you, and if it truly reflects both your personalities. It might be fun on the day, but if that’s not who you are, then you may look back in years to come and regret your decision. Your wedding day has to be about the two of you.
For those of you who love vintage, there are plenty of sources of inspiration for your special day, but can I offer a word of caution, because the term “vintage” can often get added to things that have just been made to look old … and some are just plain tatty!
Vintage weddings can be really beautiful, but I think they work best when the theme truly reflects the personalities and interests of the couple, and when that happens you get something really special.
If you’re looking to hire vintage crockery, then get in touch with Carrie from Simply Love Vintage – based in Dorset, they “boast a fabulous range of eclectic vintage crockery, glassware, china, vases, tablecloths, napkins and vintage inspired accessories”.
If I get the chance (and the inspiration!), I’ll out something together in the future about styles and trends, so keep an eye out!
In the meantime, have fun planning your wedding, whatever style it is.
Ian
Dorset wedding photographer
Posted on February 16, 2011
As a photographer, I often find that people underestimate the work involved in both planning the wedding and making sure that it runs smoothly on the day. Using a specialised wedding planner will significantly reduce your stress-levels and make your special day as enjoyable as possible.
A wedding planner can advise on vendors, locations … all sorts of things. On the day itself, your adrenalin’s going to be pumping around your body at the speed of light and you want to make sure that the flowers arrive on time, the car’s on it’s way, your groom’s at the Church(!), the caterers are ready … etc…. need I go on? Well, a wedding planner can take all of that hassle away from you so that you can enjoy yourself. And if you’re happy and relaxed it makes my job as a photographer easier as well (never said I didn’t have a vested interest here!!).
This link will take you to an excellent article on the subject and gives you a better idea of how planners can help, and if you’re looking for a wedding planner in Dorset, Hampshire or anywhere in the South of England, I’d recommend that you get in touch with Melanie Kiani of Bellissimo Events – based in Bournemouth, Melanie offers a fantastic service to her clientele.
Good luck, and have a great wedding day!
Dorset wedding photographer
Posted on February 16, 2011
OK, I admit it – I’m a camera geek ….. well ….. sort of! As a photographer I have to keep abreast of new developments, cameras and software, and just once in a while I come across a camera that shouts, sorry, SCREAMS out “Buy Me!!!!”. Unfortunately, this could be one of those moments (but don’t tell the boss, because she won’t understand why I NEED yet another camera!).
Copyright Fujifilm
The Fuji’s a fixed lens camera that harks back to classic rangefinder designs of the 20th Century, evoking feelings amongst some photographers of the glory days of Leica – small, quiet, unobtrusive and perfect for capturing “the moment”. Although thought of as manufacturers of compact cameras, Fuji have produced some excellent lenses over the years for medium and large format film cameras, and for the stunning Hasselblad xPan a few years ago. Digital SLRs are great tools, don’t get me wrong, but there’s something personal about the rangefinder style of camera and this camera’s got SO much going for it from a photographer’s perspective -
- no hulking great lens poking out
- no “gerthunk” as the mirror flips out of the way
- much less intimidating for the subject
- “proper” dials on the top-plate so you can see what the camera settings are even before you switch it on
- “proper” viewfinder (unlike so many compact cameras on the market today where you have to hold the camera at arm’s length to check the LCD display)
- a 35mm equivalent f2 lens
- an APS-C CMOS sensor – what’s that I hear you say? Now, contrary to popular rumour, size DOES matter, especially when it comes to the sensor size, and the bottom line is that this camera should be able to deliver results that are equivalent to those from the current range of crop-DSLRs
There’s so much more, and only a handful of photographers have got their hands on pre-production models, but it’s probably one of most eagerly awaited offerings this year. If you want to check out this Fuji X100 promotional video you’ll get a feeling for what this cameras about – in the meantime, I need to start honing my powers of persuasion to justify this as another purchase!!
Posted on February 13, 2011
Standing in the rain on a dark Friday morning at 7am waiting for a coach isn’t one of my favourite ways to start the day, but today was going to be something different – a trip to London to visit the Designer Wedding Show in Battersea Park. This event, held in February and October, showcases the best in bridal couture and has over 100 of the best wedding suppliers in the country – suppliers are strictly vetted and there’s even an approval panel that decides who can exhibit!
I learned years ago that rush hour in London’s best avoided, so using the coach was an obvious solution and we even got to Victoria Coach Station on time – not bad considering the traffic! On the short walk through Belgravia to Sloane Square (where a complimentary shuttle service had been laid on to whisk us across to Battersea and the Event Centre) I came across this fantastic pink creation – Peggy Porschen cakes!
I resisted the temptation to drop in, but it was just inviting to look at, so next time I’m in London it’ll certainly be on the “to-do” list.
At Battersea the first stop after 3 hours travelling was the stylish and elegant coffee bar by caterers Mosimanns for a much-needed caffeine intake!
As a wedding photographer, the idea of my visit was to check out the latest trends and look for different ideas and suppliers that I could recommend to my Brides – the web’s useful, but it’s so much better if you can actually see the products. This isn’t a comprehensive review of all of the exhibitors, but a mini-review of some of my favourites from the show. (Links to websites are shown in blue)
The fashion show had gowns from:
Matthew Williamson
Ritva Westenius
Templerley London
Emma Hunt
David Fielden
Maria Grachvogel
Delphine Manivet
Sassi Holford
Annette Carey Couture
Heirloom Couture
Bridesmaids dresses were from:
Nicki Macfarlane
Little Bevan
Angel’s Face
Unfortunately I couldn’t take any photographs because the organisers banned photography – I can understand this for the fashion show, but they banned any shots at all in the show – even if the owner of the stand gave you permission!
The dresses showed a good blend between glamour, vintage and volume, with some quirky ideas thrown in for good measure! Mind you, they all looked good on slender, elegant models!
My personal favourites were those from Sassi Holford, Maria Grachvogel and Annette Carey Couture. I had a chat with Sassi and her husband when the catwalk parade had finished – her gowns are really elegant, and you can view them locally at Beautiful Bridal Boutique in Westbourne. Sassi’s Indulgence collection has “a real 1940’s Hollywood-glamour feel” with slipper satin, vintage lace and silk georgette. Lace also seems to be a favourite amongst the designers this year.
Image copyright Sassi Holford
Venues included Maunsel House and Babington House, both in Somerset – locations where I’ve photographed previously. For brides looking further afield there were locations in Scotland, Italy and Austria.
Jewellery seemed to be aimed mainly at vintage designs, with Magpie Vintage, Naomi Tate and Gillian Million standing out. Naomi told me that all of her designs for chokers and cuffs use authentic materials such as Victorian silk and gold lame, and the detailing and craftsmanship is obvious. Gillian Million were really busy with their stand of headbands using antique pearls and vintage jewels.
Image copyright Magpie Vintage
Image copyright Naomi Tate
For wedding stationery the choices are almost as mind-boggling as the number of photographers(!), but as with everything at a wedding you get what you pay for! Traditional letterpress printing from Noble Fine Art has a quality feel to it with contemporary designs, but if you want something totally unique have a look at Louise Richardson Stationery. Louise’s work is themed to your taste and she has a really creative nature – “I supply my clients with an initial draft and then we refine it with second and even third drafts to make sure they’re satisfied” she told me. This attention to detail obviously comes at a cost, but your guests will be taking away their place cards and menus and framing them as momentos, believe me!
Cakes were a feature, with exquisite couture cupcakes proving to be popular from Rosalind Miller Cakes, and really stylish and creative cakes from Linda Fripp Design near Salisbury. Linda’s designs range from traditional to contemporary, with some stunning cakes on display.
Image copyright Linda Fripp Design
The champagne bar and dining area were popular with brides-to-be and their mothers, with models gliding past in gorgeous outfits. I resisted the temptations of the champagne bar and had some lunch instead.
Several florists were at the show, along with table setting designers By Appointment Only Design who had several stunning displays, one of which is a favourite with brides at the moment featuring mixtures of pastel shades which reminded me of the 50s and 60s – elegant and very stylish.
If you want unusual favours, then check out Jo Heckett – she specialises in gorgeous wedding favours and gifts made from the finest porcelain. They can be personalised with the name of each guest, or bought off the peg, but they’re great fun!
Image copyright Jo Heckett
The journey home was relaxing as I typed up my notes and let the coach driver deal with the hassle of the traffic jam through South Kensington and up to the motorway! A really enjoyable day and the chance to look at some stunning products!
With over 100 exhibitors there were many more I could have written about, but this review is just to give you a taste of what you can expect to see at this great show. Is it the show for you? Well, if you want to see everything that the industry has to offer, you’d be better off going to one of the Nationals (London or Birmingham), but be aware that the crowds can be horrendous and that you may be stacked 5-deep trying to look at a particular stand. However, if your priority is to see wedding products from the top-end of the market, then the Designer Wedding Show is for you, and it’s a much more relaxed and laidback affair.
The choice, as they say, is yours …….
Ian
Dorset Wedding Photographer
Posted on February 6, 2011
I’m really pleased to have been accepted as a contributing photographer to an exciting new website featuring the work of photographers in all genres – it will sell prints of all sizes and greetings cards as well as books. The selection process is really stringent, only accepting work of high quality that’s deemed to be commercially viable as well.
Apart from being a wedding and portrait photographer, I have a passion for capturing landscapes, so I submitted a few and was delighted when three were accepted – now I need to dig down into my archives and find some more to submit! I’ll post when the website’s launched, so keep an eye out for more news!
This is one of the images that’s been accepted – a sunrise over the waters at Keyhaven. It was taken from Hurst Spit and if memory serves me right, it was about 6am (and the mozzies were biting ferociously!):
Technical details: Mamiya 7 camera with 43mm lens, shot on Velvia 50
Dorset wedding photographer
