Posted on January 21, 2012
Photographers across the world this week were taking in the impact of the once mighty giant of photography, Kodak, seeking protection from bankruptcy. To a generation brought up in the digital age it might not seem to be much of a “newsworthy story” – after all, Kodak’s not been influential in the market recently, but they were the first company to produce a professional digital camera (a shame that they didn’t follow through and capitalise on this innovation!).
However, for those of us who cut our teeth on imagery in the analog era, Kodak is still a symbol that shouts out “photography”. As a brand it’s up there with the iconic brands whose name, when you hear it, doesn’t need an explanation of what they do – just think of Coca-Cola, Macdonalds, Apple, Google etc. Kodak was THE film brand of the 20th century and was the most recognised film producer for over 70 years.
The potential demise of Kodak could be viewed by some as a final death-knell for film. It’s true that I haven’t shot a roll of film in years since converting to digital, but I was a late adopter of digital and it was only the change in the way that wedding photography has evolved in terms of coverage that convinced me to change. My landscape and fine art work shot on medium format film still outshines digital images, and photographers using large format film cameras continue to produce imagery of breathtaking quality.
Film (be it negative or transparency) has a certain, intangible, feel to it and I’ve yet to find a digital “plug-in” for my image processing software that can make a digital image look like something created on film. Film (and it’s processing) is expensive, and digital has made it so easy for many more people to enjoy photography, and that has to be good. But there’s something special about not knowing whether you’ve nailed the shot until the images have been developed – it makes you concentrate on getting the image right first time … the exposure, the composition. Don’t get me wrong, digital’s great for my commercial work, being able to check an image right away and I can’t imagine being without it now. But digital’s very precise, very clinical – film, on the other hand has something that’s more …. well, organic … it’s hard to describe! I’ve still got my faithful Nikon F4 – hard as nails and it’ll probably outlast me (something that today’s cameras are unlikely to do!) and although it’s worth hardly anything, I’m reluctant to let it go ….. call me sentimental!
There’s been a small resurgence in the use of film over the past couple of years, as people rediscover its charm, but I honestly feel that it’ll remain a niche market – I’d be really sad to see it disappear completely, so what am I going to do about it?
Buy some film next week and shoot with it – that’s what! 
Cheers,
Ian
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
Posted on January 20, 2012
There was an interesting article by Peter Day on the BBC Business page yesterday with some top tips for starting your own business:
- Hard times are good times to start a business – in other words, when you’re starting a new business (even in a recession) the only way is up! And if you make a success of it, you’re well placed for when the economy picks up again
- Focus on the ideas staring you in the face – if there’s something you need that other businesses aren’t supplying, then fill the gap!
- You already have the tools you need – a laptop and a mobile phone’s all that most businesses need to get off the ground.
- Cash is King – you need funding, either from savings or a loan. No-one’s going to pay you a salary, so work out how you’re going to survive.
- Tell your story – it doesn’t matter whether you’re talking to a potential customer, a mentor or a potential sponsor … it helps to tell the story of your business and the needs it fulfills
Oh, there’s another one as well – don’t take too much notice of these 5, just get on and do it!
I’d agree with all of those and add another one – if you’re going to start a business, make sure that it’s doing something that you absolutely love! What’s the point of doing something that you don’t enjoy? That might have been one of the reasons why you left your previous job, so don’t get trapped again.
Anyway – what are your top tips for people thinking of starting their own business? Why not share them below?
Cheers,
Ian
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
Posted on January 19, 2012
As we’re in a new season of wedding shows, I thought it would be appropriate to re-post this article for couples planning their special day …
Is wedding insurance worth it?
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!
Cheers,
Ian
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
Posted on January 18, 2012
I was struggling for a subject to discuss on today’s Blog post (this 31 day challenge is proving to be just that – a real challenge!), but then one of my fellow professional photographers put a comment onto Facebook regarding a problem he’d encountered whilst trying to download files from his memory card to the PC, so today’s question is ….
How safe is your digital media?
We’re now locked into the digital age, and memory cards in one form or another are an integral part of everyday life – they’re used to store and transfer photos, mp3 files, contact details and more. They’re in digital cameras, mobile phones, mp3 players, notebooks and laptops …. the list goes on!
All memory cards (and sticks) use Flash technology, as do other devices like USB flash drives and MP3 players. Memory cards obviously have a finite lifespan, and the “Compact Flash” cards that are used by top line digital cameras usually have a manufacturer’s warranty of 5 or 7 years, so you can imagine that during that time they’ll have stored tens of thousands of images!
It has to be said that failures are rare, and some manufacturers provide software on their cards that will hopefully rescue images/data in the event of a problem – but it’s best to minimise the risk if you can ……
- Use quality, branded cards;
- If you’re shooting images, don’t be tempted to buy the biggest card you can find – remember the old adage “putting all your eggs in one basket”? If that card fails on your once-in-a-lifetime holiday you’ve lost everything – better to shoot on smaller cards and then you’re guaranteed to have the majority of your files;
- Reformat the cards after you’ve used them and downloaded the images – to clear any residual data from them.
Now when you’ve downloaded the images to your computer, if you can, make a backup copy on a separate drive – they’re so cheap nowadays and you can plug one into your USB port.
Save a copy to CD or DVD, and keep it safely tucked away – but a word of warning …… the CDs and DVDs that you burn at home are created by putting the data into an organic layer on the disc, whereas the commercial ones you buy with your films and music on them use a different process. That organic layer will deteriorate over time, so your “home-grown” CDs/DVDs will not last as long ….. better to burn new copies every few years just to be sure.
Now we have no way of knowing where technology will lead us over the next few years, and we’re already starting to see compact cameras that wirelessly transmit images to computers, so be sure to keep your systems up-to-date ….. if you need that image from your honeymoon in 10 years time the computer’s operating system might not be able to read it (hands up anyone who bought a Betamax video years ago – no, I didn’t!).
Whatever you do, just be careful with your digital data – especially your photographs … they’re precious memories and once they’ve gone they can’t be replaced!
Cheers,
Ian
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
Posted on January 17, 2012
It’s less than a month away from Valentine’s Day, and an interesting article on the Lonely Planet site caught my eye …
Where is the most romantic spot to propose whilst on holiday?
I have to admit that I agree totally with their first choice – my favourite city in the world (OK, I’ve not been to all of them, but out of the ones I have visited!) …. Venice! I’ve been there several times, including during Carnevale in the Winter, and away from the hustle and bustle of St. Mark’s Square it’s an enchanting and truly unique place. No cars, beautiful buildings and a faded elegance – difficult to beat in my book, and really romantic.
Here are their top 3 choices:
- Venice
- Hawaii
- Tasmania
So, if you could afford to go anywhere in the world on holiday to propose (or be proposed to, of course) where would it be?
Why not let me know, and tell me why that particular place?
Cheers,
Ian
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
Posted on January 16, 2012
Having spent yesterday at a fabulous wedding show, and spoken to dozens of couples during the day, I thought it might be appropriate to re-post this article that I wrote for my website ….
How DO you choose a wedding photographer?
You’ve found the person of your dreams, you’ve set the date for your wedding and you start to make a list of things “to do”. What should be at the top of your list? In my opinion (and I’m not biased – honest), it’s to choose a wedding photographer. Why? Let me explain -
Good photographers get booked months (sometimes 2 years) in advance. Also, not knowing how much to budget for your wedding photographs only makes things more difficult as the clock ticks away to your wedding day. Photographers should only book one wedding per day, and delaying just means you’re increasing the possibility that someone else will book them before you (especially if you’ve chosen a really popular date for your wedding).
There’s no getting away from the fact that weddings are expensive, and wedding photography certainly eats into the budget, so you might be tempted to save some money by asking a friend or a family member with a camera to cover the day for you. After all, how difficult is it to take some snaps during the day? The honest answer is that it’s really easy to take “snaps” at a wedding, and if that’s all you’re after you’ll be happy. But if you’ve spent months agonising over your choice of wedding dress, the bridesmaids dresses, the flowers, the cake and the reception (and everything else) it would be a shame if the photographs didn’t do justice to all of your hard work.
Don’t rush! Although you need to choose a photographer, take your time. Begin with asking family and friends who they used – recommendation is one of the professional photographer’s greatest assets. Search the Internet for wedding photographers in your area and check out their website – look at their style of photography, their prices and compare to others. When you’ve found one you like, call them – NOW!
It’s all about the Relationship - not with your partner, but with your photographer!
You have to love their work. Good photographers don’t just take photographs, they captures emotions – fractions of a second in that look on the groom’s face as he sees his bride coming down the aisle, the tear that rolls down your Mother’s cheek before she quickly wipes it away. Anyone can take a snap in today’s digital society, but a good photographer captures the emotions during the whole day – they’re never “off-duty”, and are constantly looking out for images and anticipating situations. Your friends will snap during the day, but won’t provide a record of the day (after all, they’re there to enjoy themselves, not work!).
Once you’ve found someone whose work you like, arrange to meet them and talk – the last thing you want to do is hire someone you can’t get on with – you’ll be in their company for most of your wedding day, so it makes sense that you should get on with them! Have a look at their images, ask how they work, do they show a passion for their work and see whether they get emotional when they talk about weddings – you’ll know when you “click” with them, so go with your instinct. If the photographer doesn’t show emotion, and you feel that they view you as “just another Bride” then walk away. Do you like them enough to think they could be a friend and not just another “vendor” of services on your wedding day? Also, very importantly, make sure that their style matches what you’re looking for – do you want formal, posed photographs? Or a photojournalistic style, where they follow you around through the day capturing events as they unfold? Make sure your photographer can deliver what you want.
Hire the best that you can afford!
Yes, I know it can be very expensive, but there’s a reason – when you hire a photographer you’re not just paying for their time on the day, you’re paying for their skill, expertise and their reputation. Most photographers have spent years developing their skills, training and improving their work. They have back-up professional-grade cameras, lenses and lighting equipment in the event that if one piece should fail (and it does happen every now and then!) they can still carry on working. They know how to pose you to get the most flattering images, know when to use existing light and when to enhance it, and how to work in adverse conditions – they’re skilled in their craft. And since the advent of digital, your photographer’s going to be spending a lot of time in front of a computer, filtering the images for you to view and doing post-production work, and this time is factored into their pricing.
There are some very good, up and coming photographers around who haven’t yet established their reputation and position in the market, and they will typically charge less than established photographers. Wherever possible, choose a full-time, professional photographer and not someone who’s covering weddings for “pocket money” and has bought a small website for an Internet presence. Professional photographers have Public Liability Insurance (in case one of your guests trips over a tripod or camera bag), as well as Professional Indemnity Insurance (to cover any disputes regarding their work – hopefully this will never be used!). In fact, some venues actually require a copy of the photographer’s Public Liability certificate – one Bride asked me the day before the wedding if she could have a copy of my PL certificate as the venue had just called her! Just imagine the problems that would create if the venue said your photographer wouldn’t be allowed inside on your wedding day!
So, find someone that you like, can get on with and afford – but please, don’t cut costs on your photography …. save a little on the food and drinks, or something else, but spend as much as you can afford on your photographs.
“Here’s the most important thing you need to know about wedding pictures: Book the best photographer you can afford as soon as you set the date. The wedding music will fade, the flowers will die, and you won’t even remember if you ate, let alone what you ate, at the reception. But the wedding pictures will last forever.” Leslie Milk – Lifestyle Editor of The Washingtonian.
And when you’ve chosen the photographer, and the magic day arrives, remember to have fun! The day will flash by, with your emotions going up and down like a rollercoaster, but a good photographer will provide you with that record of your special day – something to treasure for years to come and to share with future generations.
I wish you luck with your searching, and hope that the future brings you everything you wish for.
Ian
Posted on January 16, 2012
Hmnn, a busy day yesterday at a wedding fair and it meant that I didn’t get the chance to write my daily Blog, so now I’m faced with having to write 2 posts in one day! Plus, I’ve got admin to catch up on and reorganising the office – how to fit it all in? Which gave me an idea for the first post …..
How do you schedule your daily tasks?
It’s a thought process that we all go through, not matter what we do, in both our business and private lives – but when you’re running a small business you end up with lots of hats that you have to swap around, and it’s not always easy working out which one’s most important!
So, what’s YOUR thought process?
- do the ones that are most fun
- do the easiest
- do the most urgent
- or do whatever happens to be lying on top of the pile of papers on the desk?
There are certain jobs that we know we HAVE to do, but they’re a pain, or we don’t like doing them and there’s a temptation to leave them until we’ve “got more time” – but that time never comes, and the next thing you know those painful jobs have become urgent and you have to miss out on something nice you REALLY wanted to do because you’d left those jobs on the “To Do” list!
I “try” to be disciplined but I have to admit I’m not as focused as I should be at times, but here’s a suggestion (and it is just a suggestion – I’m not saying this is how I work!) ….
First, deal with any emergencies, although hopefully you shouldn’t have many of those!
Then, make a list of what needs to be done today (and while you’re at it, why not draw up a schedule for the week as well – including some “treats” …. those feel good things that brighten up the day!).
If you’ve not got much time available today, try and get rid of at least one “painful” task, that’ll make you feel MUCH better! Then look at the small jobs, the “quick hits” and get rid of as many of those that you can – this will at least make the list look smaller and more manageable!
But if you’ve got a full day, an admin day, why not mix up easy and difficult tasks? Get rid of a couple of the biggies, and then a few simple tasks and then back to the biggies again.
And remember, take plenty of breaks, especially if you’re work involves you spending most of the time attached to a PC keyboard! I’m as guilty as the next person on this one, so I should listen to my own advice!
Why not let me know your secrets for managing your daily schedule?
Cheers,
Ian
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
Posted on January 14, 2012
It’s the middle of January, and the wedding show season has well and truly kicked off, with shows up and down the country until the end of March. However, the Internet plays such a great part of our lives these days, so the question is ….
Are wedding shows still needed, or has the web taken over?
We all use the Internet so much nowadays that it’s tempting to think that we can’t get by without it – we check out social media sites, read blogs and use the search engines to check out businesses’ websites (and check their prices!), so does the traditional “bridal show” or “wedding fair” still have a place?
Designer Wedding Show 2011
It’s tempting to think that the wedding show might have had its day, but in these recessionary times more and more businesses are being run from home, without premises where potential customers can come in, browse around and look at the products. It’s all very well searching on-line and finding potential suppliers for your wedding day, checking out their photographs and narrowing down your options, but you can’t actually “touch” the product! The wedding show gives brides (and grooms) the opportunity to browse (often with a glass of something sparkly and alcoholic in your hand!), to meet the suppliers and talk about their products or services in a relaxed atmosphere – and you can often find some great ideas that you’d have never thought about, like personalised favours or entertainment for the reception!
So from a supplier’s point of view are weddings shows important? That’s a tricky subject, and I think a lot depends on the type of product or service you’re offering. Some people swear by shows, and some sweat at them! I’ve been to shows which have been really successful, resulting in serious enquiries and even bookings on the day – in contrast, I’ve been to shows which have been poorly attended with as few as 6 couples through the door during the whole day …. and that’s really demoralising!
Weddings shows also seem to be springing up all over the place – municipal halls, hotels, leisure venues and even pubs … everyone with some space to fill can now set up a wedding show in the hope of attracting business. Suppliers have to look at the potential visitor figures to determine whether they think it’ll be cost-effective to attend, and brides need to look at how many exhibitors will be there and whether there’s an entrance fee (because if you’re attending with your future husband, parents and possibly bridesmaids the costs will quickly rise – especially if you’ve got to pay for parking as well). At the end of the day, everyone – be they customer or vendor – has to look at the costs involved.
Personally, as a wedding photographer I choose wedding shows that I think will attract “my” type of client, and if I wanted to (or could afford it) I could be exhibiting almost every weekend at a show across Dorset or Hampshire! I think they still have a really important part to play in the wedding industry ……. just make sure that you choose the right one for you!
If you’re in Poole this weekend then please come along to the headquarters of the RNLI on Sunday for a wedding show from 11 until 4 – it’s a fabulous venue, and it would be great to see you there!
Cheers,
Ian.
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
Posted on January 13, 2012
Well, I’ve made it to day 13 of the Blogging Challenge for January, but it’s been a bit manic in “HQ” today and time’s against me for crafting something … so as I’m at my first wedding show of the year this coming Sunday, I thought I’d post just one of the images from the launch of Beach Weddings Bournemouth.
If you’re around the area on Sunday, please drop into the RNLI headquarters in Poole and have a look at the wedding show – it’s organised by the very talented Melanie from Bellissimo Weddings (who just happens to be the driving force behind Beach Weddings Bournemouth!).
Have a great weekend, and I promise that I’ll try to be a bit more creative with tomorrow’s Blog-post!
Cheers,
Ian
Dorset wedding and portrait photographer
Posted on January 12, 2012
Tuesday saw my début on radio, and I have to admit it wasn’t as daunting as I’d expected – it’s just a conversation with a microphone in the way! Joanne, Diana and I were on Forest FM, a local radio station talking about the photoshoot that we did in response to H&M’s usage of computer-generated models’ bodies instead of real ones when they advertise their clothing.
If you’re interested, here’s the recording from the show:
Following on from this conversation about images being Photoshopped, this hilarious video came to my attention this morning on Facebook – a real parody on the adverts we see all the time for beauty products – sit back and enjoy!
Cheers, Ian
