Well, a little break from the Wedding Blog Series while our studio is being renovated... more to follow in a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, it's been a very busy month attending lots of bustling wedding fayres (the next one at Chester Doubletree Hilton on 27th February) and meeting lots of fantastic couples planning their weddings for this year and next. It seems Will and Kate have set a trend!
I also wanted to let you know about a new training course aimed at those just starting out in the business of wedding and portrait photography, or existing photographers whose business needs a boost. It's called "Kick Start Your Photography Business" and is held in Halesowen, West Midlands (just off M5 Jn3) on Sunday 17th April 2011.
For more details please see the website at www.sallymarie.co.uk/training, or call the studio on 01341 28 11 93.
Remaining places are expected to fill quickly as our magazine advertisement goes out at the end of this month, so get in early and book your space!
All Blog content ©Sally Marie Photography Ltd - No reproduction without express permission.
Monday, 14 February 2011
Friday, 14 January 2011
Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 10: The Big Day (Cake Cutting and First Dance)
The cutting of the cake is a very traditional shot and still used in many wedding albums. Historically, the bride and groom's hands holding the knife should both show off their new wedding rings to the camera. 
Close-up detail of the cake lends a splash of colour to an album, and can look amazing as part of the page background design in a contemporary storybook wedding album. 
Close-up detail of the cake lends a splash of colour to an album, and can look amazing as part of the page background design in a contemporary storybook wedding album. 
Recently, couples have chosen a creative or artistic image of the cake itself in place of the traditional cake-cutting shot. 
One of the reasons for this is that the cake-cutting photograph is often "staged", as it needs to be taken before the guests enter the room for the wedding breakfast. The real cutting is often carried out by catering staff, especially if the cake is to be served as dessert. 
If you do wish to pose for a cake-cutting photograph, it's best to set up a "mock" cake-cutting prior to the meal before your guests enter the room. This way the shot will look tidy and you won't have people crowding around with their own cameras distracting you! 
Later in the evening, your DJ, entertainer or master of ceremonies will announce your first dance - that's if you're brave enough to show off your fancy footwork on the dancefloor! At this point you should be the only couple on the dancefloor. After a couple of minutes parents may join you, followed by the other guests. 
Choosing a song for your first dance is a very important task as it will always be part of your wedding day memories. For some couples this is easy, if you have an appropriate "special song" that's meaningful to you both. If you're stuck for ideas though, look out for our upcoming "Wedding Supplier Interviews" blog series - where I'll be posting an interview with a top wedding entertainer who will reveal the most requested first-dance songs for weddings!
If you would like to discuss your wedding photography plans or request a wedding photography brochure, please call the studio on 01341 28 11 93 or e-mail weddings@sallymarie.co.uk
One of the reasons for this is that the cake-cutting photograph is often "staged", as it needs to be taken before the guests enter the room for the wedding breakfast. The real cutting is often carried out by catering staff, especially if the cake is to be served as dessert. If you do wish to pose for a cake-cutting photograph, it's best to set up a "mock" cake-cutting prior to the meal before your guests enter the room. This way the shot will look tidy and you won't have people crowding around with their own cameras distracting you! Later in the evening, your DJ, entertainer or master of ceremonies will announce your first dance - that's if you're brave enough to show off your fancy footwork on the dancefloor! At this point you should be the only couple on the dancefloor. After a couple of minutes parents may join you, followed by the other guests. Choosing a song for your first dance is a very important task as it will always be part of your wedding day memories. For some couples this is easy, if you have an appropriate "special song" that's meaningful to you both. If you're stuck for ideas though, look out for our upcoming "Wedding Supplier Interviews" blog series - where I'll be posting an interview with a top wedding entertainer who will reveal the most requested first-dance songs for weddings!
If you would like to discuss your wedding photography plans or request a wedding photography brochure, please call the studio on 01341 28 11 93 or e-mail weddings@sallymarie.co.uk COMING UP NEXT: Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 11: After the Honeymoon - Your Champagne Viewing Session
All Blog content ©Sally Marie Photography Ltd - No reproduction without express permission.
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 9: The Big Day (Speeches)
Happy New Year!
If you're planning your wedding in 2011, this multi-part blog series will help with ideas and tips for your big day, especially from a photography perspective!
The speeches are very much looked forward to at a wedding; it's a point in the day when everyone can enjoy a little humour and of course plenty of emotion.
Capturing people's reactions to the speeches are a crucial part of the story of your wedding album, and will evoke some of the strongest memories of the day.
It's also a great way to add a little visual humour to your wedding storybook!
A toastmaster or the best man will sometimes introduce each speech on behalf of the wedding party. Traditionally the father of the bride speaks first, thanking the guests for attending the wedding and welcoming his new son-in-law to the family. He will also acknowledge the support of the groom's parents and may toast them. The bride's father may also tell an amusing or heartwarming anecdote about his daughter or offer advice on married life. Finally, he proposes a toast to the bride and groom.
If you're planning your wedding in 2011, this multi-part blog series will help with ideas and tips for your big day, especially from a photography perspective!
The speeches are very much looked forward to at a wedding; it's a point in the day when everyone can enjoy a little humour and of course plenty of emotion.
Capturing people's reactions to the speeches are a crucial part of the story of your wedding album, and will evoke some of the strongest memories of the day.It's also a great way to add a little visual humour to your wedding storybook!A toastmaster or the best man will sometimes introduce each speech on behalf of the wedding party. Traditionally the father of the bride speaks first, thanking the guests for attending the wedding and welcoming his new son-in-law to the family. He will also acknowledge the support of the groom's parents and may toast them. The bride's father may also tell an amusing or heartwarming anecdote about his daughter or offer advice on married life. Finally, he proposes a toast to the bride and groom.
The groom's speech is historically more serious than the best man's, and should include plenty of complimentary references to his new wife! He will echo the brides's father's thanks to the guests and to both sets of parents. The groom is usually expected to raise a toast to the bridesmaids and thank his ushers and best man.
The best man (and it is becoming increasingly more prevalent to have more than one!) also thanks the bridesmaids and toasts the bride and groom. His speech is often the most humorous but should be lighthearted and not humiliate or embarrass anyone. The best man may also read cards from friends and family unable to attend, and thank the staff at the venue.
It is not unusual, especially in recent years, for other members of the wedding party, or even guests, to say a few words before the cutting of the cake. (As a general rule of etiquette, brides wishing to address their guests should speak after the groom and before the best man.)
During the speeches guests are more relaxed and will be laughing and smiling naturally. There is also a great deal of heartfelt emotion to be captured and it's a brilliant opportunity for candid pictures. At this point of the day I usually switch to a fast zoom lens so that I can stay well out of the way and let the guests forget there's a camera in the room, and of course it's best not to distract those making speeches as they'll probably be nervous enough!
The best man (and it is becoming increasingly more prevalent to have more than one!) also thanks the bridesmaids and toasts the bride and groom. His speech is often the most humorous but should be lighthearted and not humiliate or embarrass anyone. The best man may also read cards from friends and family unable to attend, and thank the staff at the venue.
It is not unusual, especially in recent years, for other members of the wedding party, or even guests, to say a few words before the cutting of the cake. (As a general rule of etiquette, brides wishing to address their guests should speak after the groom and before the best man.)During the speeches guests are more relaxed and will be laughing and smiling naturally. There is also a great deal of heartfelt emotion to be captured and it's a brilliant opportunity for candid pictures. At this point of the day I usually switch to a fast zoom lens so that I can stay well out of the way and let the guests forget there's a camera in the room, and of course it's best not to distract those making speeches as they'll probably be nervous enough!
If you would like to discuss your wedding plans, please give the studio a call on 01341 28 11 93 or e-mail weddings@sallymarie.co.uk.
COMING UP NEXT: Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 10: The Big Day (Cake Cutting and First Dance)
All Blog content ©Sally Marie Photography Ltd - No reproduction without express permission.
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
A very happy Christmas to all my Blog readers and followers, friends, family and colleagues. I hope you have a wonderful time and if, like me, you are under 6ft of snow then enjoy it while it's here and take loads of photographs!
I'll be back in January with the next instalment of the popular Wedding Blog Series. For now have a happy and safe time and keep on shootin'!
My warmest wishes,
Sally Marie
x
I'll be back in January with the next instalment of the popular Wedding Blog Series. For now have a happy and safe time and keep on shootin'!
My warmest wishes,
Sally Marie
x
.. and a happy Christmas from the boys!
All Blog content ©Sally Marie Photography Ltd - No reproduction without express permission.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 8: The Big Day (Candid Moments / Telling the Story)
Making the Memories...
A wedding album should tell a story, not just record who was at your wedding. It should convey the atmosphere, the joy and emotion of the day and capture those little moments that make your wedding special and unique.
Not every photograph taken on your wedding day will be a "posed" shot. In fact, most of them won't be. The images that become treasured favourites are almost always the ones that no-one realised had even been taken at the time!
Group shots and bridal couple portraits are great for showing everyone in their finery, looking their best and beautifully lit, with an attractive backdrop. The photographs that depict the dynamics and relationships between people, the warmth of friends and the love for family, cannot be staged and require an observant and attentive photographer.
Sally Marie's style is based on a natural and unobtrusive method of capturing important moments, emotion and expressions of feeling. Like every other aspect of the day's photography, it's important that the couple and their guests feel comfortable in the photographer's presence and are able to relax and be themselves.
This impromptu toast from the groom's workmates was anticipated and captured from a good distance away so as not to intrude on the moment of celebration between friends. It became a favourite choice for the final album!
Whenever there are children at a wedding, you can expect to create some beautiful portraits without resorting to commanding them to "say cheese"! Children are naturally curious and, even when they don't play up for the camera, their fascination of the events around them produces some wonderful expressions.
Of course, sometimes it all gets a bit too much!
The genuine moments that a good wedding photographer can capture, will be treasured for generations to come. Make sure your wedding day story is told by an expert visual storyteller!
To discuss our wedding photography services in more detail, call the studio on 01341 28 11 93 or e-mail weddings@sallymarie.co.uk.
COMING UP NEXT: Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 9: The Big Day (Speeches)
A wedding album should tell a story, not just record who was at your wedding. It should convey the atmosphere, the joy and emotion of the day and capture those little moments that make your wedding special and unique.Not every photograph taken on your wedding day will be a "posed" shot. In fact, most of them won't be. The images that become treasured favourites are almost always the ones that no-one realised had even been taken at the time!
Group shots and bridal couple portraits are great for showing everyone in their finery, looking their best and beautifully lit, with an attractive backdrop. The photographs that depict the dynamics and relationships between people, the warmth of friends and the love for family, cannot be staged and require an observant and attentive photographer.Sally Marie's style is based on a natural and unobtrusive method of capturing important moments, emotion and expressions of feeling. Like every other aspect of the day's photography, it's important that the couple and their guests feel comfortable in the photographer's presence and are able to relax and be themselves.This impromptu toast from the groom's workmates was anticipated and captured from a good distance away so as not to intrude on the moment of celebration between friends. It became a favourite choice for the final album!Whenever there are children at a wedding, you can expect to create some beautiful portraits without resorting to commanding them to "say cheese"! Children are naturally curious and, even when they don't play up for the camera, their fascination of the events around them produces some wonderful expressions.Of course, sometimes it all gets a bit too much!The genuine moments that a good wedding photographer can capture, will be treasured for generations to come. Make sure your wedding day story is told by an expert visual storyteller!To discuss our wedding photography services in more detail, call the studio on 01341 28 11 93 or e-mail weddings@sallymarie.co.uk.
COMING UP NEXT: Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 9: The Big Day (Speeches)
All Blog content ©Sally Marie Photography Ltd - No reproduction without express permission.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 7: The Big Day (Bridal Couple Portraits)
Just the two of us...
A classic portrait of the bride and groom is what makes a wedding album. It's what everyone wants to see! There are so many ways to capture the "just married" moments and expressions, and bridal couple portraits can be beautiful, traditional, or quirky... whatever the style they will be one of the most creative elements of your wedding photography.
A good time to take your bridal couple portraits is just after the ceremony. At this point in the day you may want to steal away for ten minutes, sip some champagne, catch your breath and take everything in.
Another option is to do the group shots first, then allow your guests to relax, mingle, chat and get drinks and canapes while you and your photographer find a quiet spot to take your couple portraits.
This needn't take up more than ten minutes of your day (although you can spend as long as you want of course!) and it's at this point I would suggest asking enthusiastic guests with cameras not to follow you for this bit. It's important to create the right mood and, if you're conscious of a dozen cameras and mobile phones pointed in your direction, it can be overwhelming and distracting. The best results are achieved with a few minutes gentle direction from a good photographer, who will put you at ease and make you look your most beautiful.
Many couples choose a second (or third!) location for their bridal couple portraits. If your wedding is taking place near a spot that is meaningful to you, such as a forest or park, consider taking a detour there for some special portraits before the reception.
You will find your bridal couple portraits even more outstanding if you've chosen to do a pre-wedding shoot before the big day, as you'll need less direction and won't feel awkward in front of a camera. If you already know your photographer and trust them, you can forget their presence and enjoy a few minutes of each other's company before the partying begins!
A classic portrait of the bride and groom is what makes a wedding album. It's what everyone wants to see! There are so many ways to capture the "just married" moments and expressions, and bridal couple portraits can be beautiful, traditional, or quirky... whatever the style they will be one of the most creative elements of your wedding photography.A good time to take your bridal couple portraits is just after the ceremony. At this point in the day you may want to steal away for ten minutes, sip some champagne, catch your breath and take everything in.Another option is to do the group shots first, then allow your guests to relax, mingle, chat and get drinks and canapes while you and your photographer find a quiet spot to take your couple portraits.
This needn't take up more than ten minutes of your day (although you can spend as long as you want of course!) and it's at this point I would suggest asking enthusiastic guests with cameras not to follow you for this bit. It's important to create the right mood and, if you're conscious of a dozen cameras and mobile phones pointed in your direction, it can be overwhelming and distracting. The best results are achieved with a few minutes gentle direction from a good photographer, who will put you at ease and make you look your most beautiful.
Many couples choose a second (or third!) location for their bridal couple portraits. If your wedding is taking place near a spot that is meaningful to you, such as a forest or park, consider taking a detour there for some special portraits before the reception.You will find your bridal couple portraits even more outstanding if you've chosen to do a pre-wedding shoot before the big day, as you'll need less direction and won't feel awkward in front of a camera. If you already know your photographer and trust them, you can forget their presence and enjoy a few minutes of each other's company before the partying begins!
Remember, you don't always need to be looking directly at the camera to achieve stunning portraits!
For an informal chat about your wedding plans, or to book a complimentary pre-wedding photoshoot, contact the studio on 01341 28 11 93 or e-mail weddings@sallymarie.co.uk
COMING UP NEXT: Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 8: The Big Day (Candid Moments / Telling the Story)
For an informal chat about your wedding plans, or to book a complimentary pre-wedding photoshoot, contact the studio on 01341 28 11 93 or e-mail weddings@sallymarie.co.uk
COMING UP NEXT: Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 8: The Big Day (Candid Moments / Telling the Story)
All Blog content ©Sally Marie Photography Ltd - No reproduction without express permission.
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Wedding Photography Blog Series - Part 6: The Big Day (Group Shots)
All Together Now...
After the ceremony you may want to have a group photograph taken while all your guests are together. This ensures you have at least one image of everyone who attended your special day.
There is no rule on how traditional these shots need to be, and if you want to inject a little fun and quirkiness to your album then group shots can become a real talking point!
Each wedding photography package offered by Sally Marie Photography is tailored to your wishes. We will offer suggestions if required and direct the shots for the most striking and flattering results, but ultimately it's all about you and what you want. Call in today to talk about your wedding plans over a coffee and we'll be happy to go through ideas for your wedding photography with you. Call the studio on 01341 28 11 93 or visit http://www.sallymarie.co.uk/ for more information.
After the ceremony you may want to have a group photograph taken while all your guests are together. This ensures you have at least one image of everyone who attended your special day.
Make sure you allow plenty of time to get everyone organised for the group shot. Ushers can be a great help in speeding things along here by letting everyone know that they are needed for a few minutes for a group photograph. A high window, steps or balcony can provide an excellent vantage point for getting everyone's face in the picture clearly.
Smaller group shots can be as informal or as formal as you like, but remember it can take longer to direct a group of people so limit the number of smaller groups to what is important to YOU the couple - it's your day and your wedding album after all - and don't allow endless combinations of guest groups to compromise images that may be more important to you, such as the shots of the two of you together.
If it helps, make a list of the essential groups and give a copy to an usher or the best man, and a copy to your photographer. Sticking to a set of important group shots will make this part of the day as smooth as possible for you and your guests.
Group shots can be taken indoors or outdoors, and will usually include the bride and groom with each set of parents, immediate family, siblings, and of course a photograph with the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
There is no rule on how traditional these shots need to be, and if you want to inject a little fun and quirkiness to your album then group shots can become a real talking point!Each wedding photography package offered by Sally Marie Photography is tailored to your wishes. We will offer suggestions if required and direct the shots for the most striking and flattering results, but ultimately it's all about you and what you want. Call in today to talk about your wedding plans over a coffee and we'll be happy to go through ideas for your wedding photography with you. Call the studio on 01341 28 11 93 or visit http://www.sallymarie.co.uk/ for more information.
All Blog content ©Sally Marie Photography Ltd - No reproduction without express permission.
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