wet and rainy on the fifth...

Photographing weddings can be very tiring though the day goes very quickly. I did another one today at Wokefield Park, which housed a 17th century mansion as the wedding venue. The weather was quite promising though it looked cloudy. Towards the end of the day it did rain, but I'll get to that bit later.

I met up with Stuart at 12 and took some photos of the room where the wedding was being held. We also set up the tri-pod for the ceremony and then went to find the bride. She was in her hotel room and panicking over her make-up. She was such a character (from Liverpool and had travelled far) and it was surprising to find a bride who didn't like make up. The norm of the female world love it and to find someone who doesn't like it that much came as a surprised. I'm not a fan myself. A touch of eye-shadow,mascara and lip gloss is enough for me

We briefly took some pictures of Jenna in her A-line swishy dress before we went downstairs and waited for the bridesmaids to come. There were some really nice stairs that Stuart shot of the girls which looked really nice in the soft window light. The ceremony then began.

Of course I stood in my place (at the back) and snapped at the usual. I managed to take in what Stuart had said earlier about yesterday. Yes, he definitely noticed that I was off centre. That was fine as I was prepared for it. There was a red carpet to define the aisle so I managed to find the center of the that and shot from there. I managed to focus where I had to position the camera before I took any pictures. I was quite proud of my effort as I took a good sequence of the "I do kiss". I hope Stuart liked them, as I don't think he has seen them yet.

The guests then had their drinks and we good the newlyweds to their private photoshoot location. It was different and exciting today as we were to go on a golf-cart to the lake. The mansion has huge gardens and a golf course so the cart was the best way to get around. The weather was turning for the worst with wind blowing in all directions. We got few pictures of the couple but making sure the dress didn't blow about was a problem. Not long after we started it began to rain and we ran back to the golf cart. It was such a shame because the wedding yesterday was so sunny and Emma and Matthew had such a good photoshoot in the trees and grass.

Jenna and Kevin were of course unlucky which un-balanced the order of plan. We were to do the group photos next to finish off. The rain got heavier which caused a problem. After discussing with the venue organisers we managed to move the wedding breakfast forward so the group photos could be after. The sun came out and we managed to fit in the main group photo and the sides of the families. Jenna stood on a red carpet as she didn't want her dress to get any muddier.

It had just gone 4 and it was time for me to go. Stuart on the other hand had to go home and get some equipment before going back to the venue to finish of any other photos.

It was a good day and I was worried it would have been too much like yesterday. It wasn't which was good. The couples were different, so was the weather.

You think that just because it is someone's wedding, it should be sunny. It won't always be.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

on the way 'four'ward....

Almost a month later and I have completed my fourth wedding. It took place at Silchester and was a pleasant day.

The weather this week has been all over the place, raining cats and dogs, and Stuart and I were wondering if the weekend would be nice and sunny. For most of the day it was, which was good.

I met Stuart at his house at noon, with only some biscuits I ate in the car for a lunch, though I took some sandwiches with me. I didn't take my camera today as there hadn't been much point as I had been using Stuarts. When he saw me without it, he agreed, which was good because I imagined him saying just to bring it incase.

We firstly drove to the church where the wedding was being held in Swallowfield not too far from the reception venue.

The church was beautiful; flint work on the outside and a warm cream, statue carved interior. Maybe it is not exactly as elaborate as that but if you ever go there your expectations will be raised. We arrived early so we could get some pictures of the groom, best men and ushers. Naturally this was done round the back of the church with the men leaning casually on the wall and looking like good pals. I took in to account how, though it was a wedding how casual and relaxed poses and help reduce nerves and create a calm atmosphere.

All the brides posse arrived on a Horseman coach and there were a lot. The brides maids came in a car and were dressed head to toe in baby pink. I observed Stuart as he took their picture and the bride as she arrived in her ribboned BMW. Meanwhile I was to set up the tri-pod at the front of the church. Some guests had already come in and I felt proud that I was part of the setting up and made me feel like I was doing a useful job. Cheesy?

The service was on it's way and as normal, I stood at the back to capture any key moments. I also had a go at taking some photos of the bride as she came into the church - she was in focus, her dad wasn't...ahhhh ooops. Maybe pulling a face and biting my lip wasn't a good idea for the odd guests who were generally watching.

I managed to take some better photos during the ceremony but looking back I could have stood to in the centre of the aisle rather than cutting out half the left side. I felt like a real amateur photographer then, I wondered what Stuart would have thought once he got home and uploading the pictures. I still felt a bit embarrassed but how can I improve if I don't make mistakes? There is a lot of pressure to be that gets piled on with wedding photography. I was thinking this morning if this is really what I thought it would be. It's hard word. I have probably mentioned this before, but every job is hard, but I still feel I wouldn't enjoy a job quite like this.

There is huge nerve build up before the service - there is the bride to capture as she arrives, the groom and best men, the guests, making sure you have everything you need, there is plan, you are on time and so much more. Fortunately, Stuart was giving a few tips about this and was agreeing how there is a lot to think about. With three Canon's there are different set ups and they can easily be disrupted and changed, so there is that too think about as well.

He was also mentioning in the car, on the way to Silchester that it is best to give couples a realistic expectation of what they have ordered for the day. When a wedding is fairly local to Stuart he is able to take the photos, go home and then edit and give the couple one of pictures as a sample of the finished albums. If he were to set a high bar, then there would be more pressure to keep that status.

The day has been similar to all the weddings I have been to of course and I never want to repeat myself in a way that totally bores the mind. On a short note, there was a private photo shoot for the newlyweds (as normal). Stuart likes to experiment and try unique things such as on the outskirts of the ground there was some long grass, which we asked the bride to stand in and looks as if she was blowing in the wind. It was very elegant.

To finish off the day there were group shots and my mind wondered over the day and what I had learned. It was more theory than practical. Any practical aspect was already mentioned but we had a long talk about settings, editing and just being organised. You don't want to feel like you are bullying or nagging away to guests or the bride and groom to make them do things. You still have to be firm and direct in a polite and reasonable manner otherwise people will never do anything. That is what you are being paid for.

I'm still not being paid but I don't think I'm good enough yet. On the other hand there is a festival in Wallingford that I have been asked to do over next weekend(still unpaid). Stuart told me he can't make it as he is going to a higher paid festival on the same days. This will hopefully give me a chance to relax a bit and go at my own speed, taking photos of interesting and exciting things.

I am to look out for happy people, interesting stalls, music acts and basically illuminate the a village festival feel. I also need to remember to change my camera settings too at least ISO 1000 to get enough light for the night time acts.

That is pretty much what I have to say today, as I will be going to my fifth wedding shoot tomorrow.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

Wedding at number 3...

Yesterday I went to my third wedding shoot. As it is Summer and it's warm as it's ever going to be in England; it is a popular time for weddings.

The wedding took place in Ufton Court, where there were beautiful gardens and a decorated barn for the ceremony.

Stuart and I started at his house and drove down to see the bride prepare herself, and take some pictures of her dress and accessories. I always get a buzz because everyone in the house is always in a good mood and the bridesmaids look forward to wearing their dresses. For a moment you feel like you are apart of the family and it's special to feel like a witness to the bride and grooms special day.

Though I didn't take any pictures at this stage, I paid a close eye on Stuarts photography and he again helped with the tips.

At 12.15 we needed to get to Ufton Court so we could set ourselves up for the wedding. The barn was absolutely gorgeous with it's beams covered in ivory and fairy lights. The chairs were covered in the classic white sheeting and caressed with royal blue ribbon.

My first job was to set up the tri-pod that Stuart was going to need during the ceremony. Like the first wedding, I was to stand at the back and take a few shots, while Stuart would take the main ones. He informed me to not to take so many photos but to pick out the key moments, where they kiss and exchange the rings.

After the ceremony, the guests went to have their champagne, and Stuart and I went around the crowd taking candid shots. I thought of taking a really nice one of the band as Stuart hadn't taken one and he requested for me to do one, just before I told him I had already taken it.

The tips I was really given this time, was to be more swift, such as when the bride is having a photo taken, I should straight away arrange her dress and get the reflector prepared etc. This came in useful when he took the newlyweds to their white ribboned car and had a few photos at the front of the house.

Next we took them to the back of the house and gave them their mini photo-shoot, again I tried to incorporate the efficiency of each element I needed to do. I was getting used to knowing which equipment comes where during the day. There always seems to be a main tree where the bride and groom and asked to lean on and I know then that I have to hold the reflector up and use the silver side as that reflects more light than the gold.

Stuart used his panorama group photo again, where he had said that I could help arrange the people into the line, but by the time we got round to it he just wanted me to set up the tri-pod and unknot the string. I was slightly disappointed at that because I thought it would boost my confidence a bit talking to people I don't know. I think he must have felt I wasn't ready for that as I have quite a quiet voice at times. I just hope that I will be louder in the future.

We were due to finish at 4, so the guests have the wedding breakfast and that was how much the bride and groom had paid for.

It was a good day, though it was long and hot but I did enjoy myself.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

one year....new beginnings

One day for someone can be completely different to another. I have seen two points of view of Weddings but it never occurred to me, until now, that there is in fact a third. I have been thinking about it recently, as this time next year my sister will be getting married. None of my immediate family has been married yet, only some of my cousins so this really exciting for all the family. I have my bridesmaids dress and Sarah has her ivory gown and it made me realize that a couple getting married have their own view point of the day. Of course that is obvious but philosophical moments just are.

They have been engaged for seven months now, since Christmas day and it will be interesting going to a wedding where I can just relax. I remember at my cousin's wedding last year where my Photography dream was concieved and it is defintly a different story to what I know about it now. I'm happy with it though, even though I have to keep reminding myself that it will take time to know all the in's and out's.

I get impatient about progress and I've probably mentioned before about how I am a perfectionist and want to be able to do things without too much learning. I know for a fact that doesn't help at all and practise does really make perfect and that is the boring part. It shouldn't be boring but whenever you see people doing their perfessions, such as a Photographer they make it look so easy, when in fact they have probably learned a lot too. This is probably why I would never want to be a dentist or surgeon who have to work years on courses to earn that status. It is not just this hobby that I feel impatience about progress, it is almost everything I try. I'm learning how to cook at the moment and bought a student cook book the other week. It has definitely been useful and my Mum has been guiding me through. Every week I pick out a few recipes, write them down and buy the ingredients. I then come to recognise the techniques and the order of sequences and it seems easier. I think there is more to learn with the Photography and I have been disappointed that I haven't been able to use my camera at Wedding Shoots with Stuart. I need to use the learnings skills from the cooking and transfer it to the Photography.

Is life ever fair?

[Photos from the Engagement Photo shoot]

Epiphany

Hmm I think I know what my problem is. I look at these photos I have taken and feel proud but that is because I have been on my own control and used my own ideas. I hate being told what to do but I the thing is I need to listen to Stuart so I can be better than I already am.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

Past...Present...Future....

Sometimes I feel like I want to punish myself for not keeping up with this blog. Since when has it ever been update and parallel to my events etc.

Since I have last written I have been to another Wedding, snapped my sisters engagement photos and been on holiday to France and been on a five mile walk in the countryside. Another thing is that I have completed one year at college. It's scary, and as a future orientated person I'm constantly wishing my life would move to the upcoming events quicker. They move too fast. Selfish?

I am lacking motivation again. I shouldn't. I have been asked by two people, that doesn't include Stuart to do photos for. I should be happy and grateful. Somewhat I am, but I don't feel like I am a good enough photographer. I am an amateur still, and I want to get to the part where I become professional and know what I am doing. I should know how to use all the gadgets on my camera by now, I am still unsure. Is this right?

Well I've got to keep track on what I have done before it gets whipped right under my feet, so here are some pics from my recent life.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/

Behind the camera - the first Wedding (22.5.10)

Yes, I have finally gotten round to do my first Wedding Shoot.

Thank Goodness it was a sunny day yesterday, as it made me more enthused to starting snapping. The wedding was based in a small chapel on the other side of the road to Stuart's house, so it was easy just to pop over when we needed to be of use.

11.30 am

I arrived just before half eleven and was informed about the itinerary of the day. Unfortunately I didn't use my camera as Stuart had three Canons set up for different focal lengths and depths of field. About five minutes away was the brides house, which was our first stop. Here we were to take photos of the bride getting ready; makeup, bridesmaids dresses and the brides dress. For most of the time I was holding reflectors and lamps to provide a natural light for the subjects. It was exciting watching everyone get ready. I felt like I was going behind the scenes on one of those bridal programs. I have been to three family weddings so far and it was interesting to see the day go by from a different point of view.

1.30pm

It was only once we had got to the church that Stuart allowed me to shoot with his camera. I was set at the back of the church and knew when the highlights of the ceremony were, so I took that to my advantage and Stuart was impressed with some of my pics. This gave me more of a confidence boost and helped to motivated me. He took most of the photos previously and outside the church. There were some really quirky photos of the groom and the best man. The brick wall provided a good backdrop and they used the shape of the wall to create relaxed but interesting poses.

3.00pm

After transporting the camera eqipment back to his car, we drove down to the reception. It was a lovely hotel/restaurant called the Mill House, with a gorgous garden and a peaceful abode for the newlyweds. As we arrived first we waited for the white 1952 wedding car to pull up before we could take some shots. We then went out back and took the couple behind the reception canopy and got them to stand by a tree, dressed head to toe in ivy. These poses were more cheeky and romantic compared to other photos of them during the day. It was lovely having the swishing of a stream as a backdrop and provided us all with a calm environment as we were getting hot under the sun. For this part of the day I was only observing but I held the reflector to capture the light gleaming in the couple's eyes. I learned a lot in this section as I'd never had the experience to see exactly what photographers do with the couples as it remains very secretive and special to the congregation.

4.00 pm

Now was time for the group shots. Stuart had a very interesting way of handling the families and friends by using some string and a wide angled lens. He position the camera infront of the bride and groom and then attached one end of the string to the camera. He then took the other end and asked the congregation to stand in one long line while he brought the string up to the people to make sure they were securely in line for his panorama shot. At the time I didn't realise what he was trying to do but I knew the string was used as a measure. Once he said "panorama shot " I remembered when I went first talked to him in January and he showed me in his studio a panorama wedding photo he had taken. I recall feeling inspired by its unique approach and that I would like to accommodate that in my own work. So yes, I have been going on about how I remember this technique, but I havn't told you what exactly it is - unless you have guessed already.

The camera is supported on a tripod but is able to pan from the left side of the congregation to the right. He split everyone into groups, separated by invisible lines. Even if it wasn't a persons turn they still had to smile incase the camera caught shot of them. Stuart then took four simple photos of the groups before working on the individual groups.

Just before the Wedding Breakfast began I went into the canopy where the meal would be held, and was allowed to take some photos. I knew this would easy for me as I work a lot with still life. It's a great way to start off when you are an amateur because you don't have to tell anyone what to do and you can feel confident before being interactive. There were two pictures I took that caught Stuarts eye. As I was snapping around I remembered what my college tutor Joe said about lines and diagonals. I remember thinking that they were unintentional and I must be a natural at it. Ever since, I have been aware of it and I captured the head table at an diagonal angle. There was also an impromptu moment where the bride had left her bouquet roses against a white chair. I just randomly chose this opportunity to experiment. Stuart seemed impressed my photos because he didn't think of taking them himself. "It's good to have another eye on looking at things..". I'm starting to feel like my photography could be worth something one day.

[If I hopefully receive the images and I will post them on my blog on a later date]

As it was an absolute hot rare day in England I was boiled and starting thinking about heading home after the group pics were done. Stuart and I went to sit down for bit and had a chat about how I found the day so far and what I had learned. He did give me the chance to go home but then I would miss out on the rest of the night and in the end proved important.

5.00pm

We were now just about to head back to Stuarts house to review some of the photos we had taken, while the congregation ate their meal. The photos were edited on Photoshop but as they were taken on RAW, Stuart had a compatibility pack so he could create effective edits. We started with one pic from outside the Mill House and we richened the blue sky before adding a Gaussian Glow effect. Those of you familiar with Photoshop or edit tools you will know how this effect makes colours bolder and adds depth to the final piece.

6.00pm - 700pm

We headed back to the Mill House where we had to sit through the boring part...the speeches. Yeah, sure they are entertaining when they are told by family and friends but this became the part of the day were you felt a little out of place. Nevertheless I was able to take some shots of the reactions of the congregation.

7.30 onwards

It was now getting on eight and Stuart and I hadn't had very much to eat or drink. He kindly let me have dinner with him and his wife before I was picked up to go home. We reflected over the day and I was happy, thinking that I really would like to do this as a real job :)

So a long day but what have I learnt...

I have learned that:

-At every wedding you will find at least five different people with their big cameras snapping away. Its a bit off putting for the professional photographer who is actually doing his job. When we were editing one of the photos I realised that its not about what camera you have and what picture you take of the bride and groom etc, but it actually how you edit it. I assume most people with these cameras only use JPEG, well in fact RAW provides a true image that isn't flattened and dull. If you want to take fancy wedding pictures then learning the professional tips will get you there.

- Reflectors and portable lights are useful for creating a subtle natural light. They also bring out a sparkle in the brides eyes.

- Create an plan of the day to structure and organize yourself.

- Setting the ISO to 1600, 200 and 1800 are the best settings to set your camera for a wedding.

- Have fun and improvise with the poses, the result could be a new interesting selling point.

Want to visit my Flickr photostream with the featured photos in my blog and more then click the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brown_eyed_dreamer/