Enjoy looking through my latest Kent Wedding photography blog
...how do you create THOSE shots....
So I get this question asked a lot, so I thought I would write a blog post on it so everyone understands how I do it, how long it takes and things to consider.
I plan for each wedding to try and deliver a unique shot, sometimes using off camera flash, sometimes using my pixelstick friend - most importantly I talk this through with each of my clients in advance and make sure we both have a clear vision of what we are trying to achieve.
I always get asked whether I add the colour afterwards! Simple answer is “no”. This is all done on site, in camera on the night. I set the camera up for a 30 seconds exposure and then run around with my pixelstick to create the colours before freezing you in the shot with a flash blast.
This type of shot takes me about 15 minutes to set up and test but I only invite my clients out once i am set-up - that way you are outside for only a couple of minutes - I don’t want to keep you from your party any longer than I have to. All I ask from you is you stand very still!
It was these style of photos that won me my first awards due to their uniqueness. This is not easy to do but the clients that have asked for them thoroughly enjoy the process - the excitement builds as I run around in that 30 seconds - before I give them a quick sneak peak at the back of the camera. It’s a fantastic way to end the night
It doesn’t always have to be my lightstick - this image above was taken in a underpass in greenwich. a very quick set up of flashes and colour gels just means i can quickly get you a unique shot that hopefully you recognise as your own piece of art and something you will be proud to hang on the wall.
So make sure you talk to me about these type of shots in the lead up to the wedding - what you are looking to get out of it, any ideas you have and I’ll make sure it happens. Even fancy a more classic white look or black and white - all the options are on the table
Remember talk to me - no matter how crazy your ideas are - See below!
Fantastic suppliers for your wedding day
So congratulations on getting engaged!
You’ve selected your venue, you have paid your deposits and you have reserved your date! Now you are probably wondering what other suppliers you also need on your day to make it as special as possible, as much fun as possible, as unique as possible – whatever your goal is. So to try and help I have compiled a list of other suppliers I have worked with - other suppliers I know will do an equally fantastic job for you.
Now for those of you that are a cynical bunch! There is no kickback for me, I don’t receive any monetary benefit in recommending these wonderful vendors – I am simply very impressed with them and would recommended them to my closest Friends and Family.
I sincerely hope you find this useful as I recognize there are so many suppliers out there to chose from. So take a read through and get in contact with them directly to have a discussion on price and availability.
Wedding Dresses: Story of my dress
Story of My Dress began as 20 vintage wedding dresses bought from a theatre company (and a head full of ideas) and turned into a beautiful and cosy Kent bridal boutique, our own collection of modern bridal designs, and two incredible stocked designers too.
From start to completion, your dress is treated with the utmost care – whether it’s one of our vintage pieces being restored, or whether we’re making it from scratch. Alongside Gill we also offer in-house embroidery by the incredible Jenny King, with artwork by our super talented artist Alannah, meaning we can make you a personalised wedding dress with heartfelt, special touches. A modern wedding dress deserves a relaxed and friendly wedding dress shopping experience, which is what we’re so proud to offer at Story Of My Dress Bridal.
All of our stunning dresses and accessories offer our brides a one-of-a-kind, stylish alternative to the traditional, in a friendly one-on-one setting. Nothing about you is traditional, so nothing about us is either – we can’t wait to meet you!
To the right is a video I shot for Cara (the owner) in 2021 - I think you will feel the passion and love come through
Acoustic Soloist: Ian Ingles Music:
Ian has been a working musician for the past 25 years, playing a wide variety of material (Originals and cover versions) and performing at many different venues. Unlike some musicians Ian is a full time musician meaning he can focus all his energy into his clients ensuring they not only have beautiful music on their wedding day but complemented by a fantastic service. His services allow him to offer a chilled 'background music' set or alternatively adapt to play an upbeat more lively set incorporating a loop pedal (Think Ed Sheeran/Newton Faulkner) giving a fuller sound with more energy.
Wedding Flowers: Eliza Rose – Artisan Floral Design
I am a freelance florist nestled in the Kent countryside. After studying floristry at Hadlow College I have continued to gain knowledge working within a Florist shop and studying at London Flower School, but now, creating and making your wedding day visions come to life is my absolute passion, from choosing colour palettes to creating that show stopper hand tied bouquet. We create bespoke flowers personal to you. I use the English hedgerow as my inspiration for most of my wild and natural designs
Services include Buttonholes, venue styling, bouquets, flower crowns and natural confetti .
Wedding Flowers: Lilac and Lace
I Met Rebecca for the first time in Tunbridge wells in 2021 - I was blown away by her attention to detail at Sophie and Jack’s wedding - She stayed all day and had to re-dress the room three times. Every time she carefully made sure everything was perfect.
Uniquely created for you....
I love working with my couples to create wedding flowers that are a true reflection of your love, your style and your vision. Don’t be afraid to show people who you are.. throw out the rule book, ignore the latest trends and just do YOU. I will be there with you every step of the way, guiding you through to help bring your ideas to life and ensure your wedding day is beyond your wildest dreams!
Website: https://www.lilac-and-lace.co.uk/
Makeup: Kelly Jenner
I worked with Kelly recently for a wedding at Howfield Manor. I was so so impressed with Kelly’s work - her finessing and attention to detail was amazing, the brides makeup was flawless all day long and she was an absolute pleasure to work along side. I can see why she has won best MUA twice now at the kent wedding awards.
https://www.instagram.com/kellyjennermakeup/
Makeup: Claire from Bear Beauty
Me and Claire have worked together so so many times -I love working with her - shes fun and amazing at what she does - highly recommend
Magician: Jamie Nichols
Jamie’s background had him train as an actor, which lead him to learn his craft for a role in Magic & Illusion to play the title role in the No.1 tour of 'HOUDINI' in 2013, and have been working professionally with magic at Festivals, Weddings, Corporate & Private Events Internationally ever since!
See him in action: https://vimeo.com/user38058079
You can also find plenty of client testimonials, photos & more footage at:
Instagram: jamiepnichols
Facebook: Jamie Nichols - Magician
Twitter: @JamieNichols87
Wedding cakes: The Cake Witch
The Cake Witch was born out of my desire to create magic out of sweet things. I have always been passionate about cooking and baking but it is more than that: I love being creative and making my cakes look so beautiful that they wow the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Every single cake that I create is loved from the moment he goes in the oven, to the moment he has his big reveal at the venue. I genuinely adore what I do, there isn’t a day when I don’t thank my lucky stars that I get to be The Cake Witch.
The love for what I do is further enhanced by the learning that has gone into it: from attending professional and specialist courses, to teaching myself techniques that fascinate me, to ensuring my style stays fresh and unique. My aim is to deliver not only a cake that is amazing to look at but one that is wonderful to eat. From the first email to the final set-up, I want your time with me to be relaxed, enjoyable and fun!
I attended a Professional Baking Course and also obtained the PME Bronze Award for Fondant and Sugarcraft and the PME Gold Award for Royal Icing Skills.
Website: https://thecakewitch.co.uk/
