How To Choose The Right Wedding Photographer For Your Wedding

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Chris Ainsworth @chris_ainsworth22

There are lots of wedding tasks to tick off the list when planning a wedding. It’s not an easy process by any means and while some are in their element planning their wedding, others are spiralling into anxiety and stress.

A wedding photographer is probably one of the most important tasks to check off because they’re responsible for capturing your day. They are going to take photos of you and your spouse on the most special of days. Not only that but they’re going to capture many other parts of the day too. When the memory fades, the pictures remain!

Identify the budget you have available

It’s important to be selective with your wedding suppliers because some are going to be more costly than others. When it comes to wedding photographers, there are a lot of options out there with a lot of price points to match.

Identifying a budget is important to understand how much flexibility you have with the budget. Some photographers may charge packages that include or don’t include second photographers. A second photographer might not be needed but can certainly add that extra option of capturing more memories of this special day.

Shop around

Another way to shop around for wedding photographers is by attending wedding fayres. These events often feature a range of photographers showcasing their work and offering deals or promotions. It's a great opportunity to see different styles of photography and talk to photographers in person. You can also compare prices and packages from different photographers in one place, which can save time and effort in the search for the perfect wedding photographer. Make sure to bring a notepad and pen to jot down notes and contact details of photographers you're interested in, so you can follow up with them after the event.

Consider the style and type of shooting you’re after

The style and type of shooting you require will range from one couple to another. You may want the more natural shots, others will want staged looks for their wedding photos. Every wedding photographer is a little bit different from the next, so it’s worth considering what style you and your spouse-to-be would like. 

Look at the photographer’s previous testimonials

A wedding photographer that’s reputable will have plenty of testimonials to share with their prospective couples and those interested in using their photography skills. Take a look at the testimonials on Samantha Scales Photography’s website.

This is a great example of showcasing satisfied customers that have had a beautiful wedding photographer experience with the photographer in question. Make sure your desired photographers have testimonials

Romane Van Troost @piero_officiel

Meet up with the photographer for a pre-wedding shoot

Before you go booking the wedding photographer for the wedding, it’s a good idea to meet up beforehand. This could be for a meeting to discuss your wants and needs. It could be a more in-depth meet-up where you have a pre-wedding shoot or test shoot to get an understanding of whether this photographer is the right one for you.

The photographer needs to be a match for you, regardless of whether they can achieve your desired style or look for the photographs.

Negotiate on costs if necessary

When it comes down to wedding costs, any chance of negotiation is one you want to grab with both hands. If there’s any way of saving money, then it’s definitely something you want to explore. Consider negotiating where you are able to, especially if there’s some wiggle room available.

Ask for a portfolio

It's important to take a look at a photographer's portfolio to get a sense of their style and expertise. Look at their previous work to see if their style and vision match what you have in mind for your wedding. A portfolio can also give you an idea of the range of weddings they have photographed and their ability to capture different types of moments.

Check for insurance and backup equipment:

A professional wedding photographer should have insurance in case of any unforeseen circumstances, such as damage to their equipment or accidents that may happen during the shoot. They should also have backup equipment in case something goes wrong with their primary gear. It's important to ask your photographer about these things to ensure that you're hiring someone who is prepared for any situation that may arise.

Remember, your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and choosing the right photographer is key to capturing those precious moments that you will cherish forever. By considering these tips, you can ensure that you choose the right photographer to make your special day memorable.

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Areas All Wedding Photographers Need To Master

Becoming a photographer might seem as though it’s relatively easy. That’s primarily driven by the rise of smartphones, which has made taking quick pictures relatively easily. The abundance of editing tools seems to reinforce this. That doesn’t mean that being a professional photographer is that easy.

Instead, you’ll need to master quite a few areas. The most obvious of these are your technical and creative skills. After all, you’ll need to use the camera properly and arrange the image you want to take. There’s quite a bit beyond this that you’ll have to look at.

Some will be more important than others, although they could each be essential.

What To Master As A Photographer

Your Marketing

If nobody knows how good of a photographer you are, then you’re not going to get any clients. That’s where your marketing comes in. As a creative professional, there are a wealth of options available for you to market your photography business.

Your website will be the cornerstone of this. Alongside showing off examples of your work, your site will include your services, pricing, and more information about you. You’ll need to do more than this, though.

Social media can be a recommended choice, with Instagram being an obvious example. You’ll need to put effort into increasing your Instagram engagement, however. Once your account starts growing, you should start seeing new business come in.

Image by Birgit Böllinger

Your Teamwork

Certain types of photography can be done on your own, such as landscape photography. To succeed in these areas, among others, you’ll need to work well on your own. Even other specializations will need this, as you’ll be by yourself editing images.

Knowing how to work under these conditions is essential. That doesn’t mean that you’ll work alone constantly. You’ll often have models to work with, which may also mean hair and makeup professionals, among other coworkers.

You’ll need to work effectively with each of these people. Being able to collaborate effectively with other creative professionals will make things go much smoother while you create high-quality images.

Your Communication

Clear and effective communication is vital to any successful career. Photography is no exception. You’ll be dealing with people regularly and providing them with a service. You’ll need to understand what they’re looking for and communicate whether or not this is possible.

If not, you’ll need to tell them so in a clear, but friendly way. Alongside this is convincing them to go with pictures that are more flattering or appropriate. Part of this will focus on building a relationship with them from the beginning.

That will be key to building long-term relationships with clients. Doing so will increase your chances of more clients in the future. You should leave clients with a positive impression of you, as this could mean that they’ll recommend you to their friends.

Communicating with them in a friendly and professional way will be a large part of this.

Patience & Attention To Detail

There are a lot of details in photography. It’s a medium that, the more you pay attention to it, the more you can find in a picture. You’ll need to keep that in mind when creating and editing your picture.

People have a tendency to notice mistakes, regardless of where or what they are. With paying clients, that’s especially true. You’ll need to have a keen eye to spot any potential mistakes and get rid of them.

Patience will be a vital aspect of this. When you’re dealing with clients, that’s also true. You could have to put in long hours for a project, so being able to handle this is a necessity.

Image by Arantxa Remacho

Don’t Forget To Upskill

If you’ve done a photography degree, then you might believe that you’re done learning. Though that could be the case for certain things, you’re never truly done mastering your craft. Different cameras and software will come out. New photography techniques will be developed.

Things that would have been modern when you started photography may eventually become stale. If that happens, you could find yourself attracting fewer clients as they instead choose competitors.

By maintaining and improving your skills whenever possible, you’ll be in a prime position for future success.

Wrapping Up

Despite seeming relatively easy, becoming a professional photographer is much more difficult than you’d expect. Alongside mastering your camera work, you’ll need to invest heavily in all of the areas above. Each will have a positive impact on your photography career.

Becoming as proficient as possible will make your photography career prosper, so there’s no reason not to work on them.

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Building The Picture-Perfect Wedding In 5 Simple Steps

Your wedding day is the most magical moment in your life. So, if there has ever been a single day where you want things to look perfect, this is it. The memories will last a lifetime, which is why you should be extra keen to ensure that your dreams become a reality.

Building the picture-perfect big day in the post-lockdown period isn’t vastly different to the pre-pandemic era. Focus on mastering the five simple steps below and your big day will be everything you wanted and more.

Photo by SHAYAN rti on Unsplash

The Outfits

All eyes will rightly be focused on the happy couple during their big day. As such, you will want to look your very best. Finding the dream wedding dress should be a priority for all brides. Likewise, grooms should choose a made-to-measure suit. While it’s unlucky to see the dress before the big day, knowing that the outfit styles won’t clash is another important factor. 

When supported by the right beauty and grooming rituals, as well as the best hairstyles, happy couples will look amazing.

The Venue

While your appearances as a happy couple are the priority, you should never overlook the importance of your surroundings. Whether it’s a church, mosque, synagogue, or registry office doesn’t matter. Finding a beautiful venue with an equally stunning backdrop is vital. Whether using a wedding planner or taking the DIY route, you should focus on building a consistent aesthetic too.

When the wedding venue has the wow factor, it will add an extra level of excitement to the special occasion. 

Photo by Iacob Hiticas on Unsplash

The Transport

Arriving in style is a massive feature of the big day. Not least because you both need smooth journeys to ensure your looks stay the same. Wedding car hire services can be used by grooms and brides. Ideally, you’ll want to use the same company for both to promote good timings. The last thing you want is to have a groom stuck in traffic while a bride is already at the venue.

In addition to a big arrival, mastering this step will make a big impact when departing as newlyweds.

The Accessories 

As well as a beautiful venue and surroundings, you must ensure that the theme of the day reflects your love story. There are many possible themes to choose, including vintage weddings or multicultural ceremonies. Once you have completed this process, you can consider the entertainment, table decor, and other features. The seemingly small finishing touches can make all the difference.

Plan these features early to guarantee a consistent vibe throughout the big day. It will make your celebrations far more memorable.

The Photos

After creating the dream wedding day, the final step is to ensure that the memories last a lifetime. Knowing how to take your photos and pose in style will instantly give your photographer the best shot at getting the best shots. This can be supported by disposable cameras, a photo booth, and creating a social media frame. The combination of professional and candid shots will deliver perfection.

The winning photos can subsequently become the perfect decor for your material home. And it will help you relive the magic time and time again.

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How To Take The Perfect Photos On Your Wedding Day

Many people regard their wedding day as the best day of their lives. As a result, it also tends to be one of the most memorable experiences you will ever encounter, meaning you aren’t about to forget the event in a hurry. 

However, photographs - whether a friend or professional photographer is behind the lens, are a great way to make the memories last forever, ensuring that you always have something to look back on. 

With that in mind, here are some tips for taking the perfect photographs on your wedding day! 

• Though you may not feel entirely comfortable having your photograph taken, try to find a way to own your confidence on your wedding day. Instead of worrying about how you may look on camera, focus on the happiness and elation you feel. This joy will then begin to radiate from within, meaning that every photograph will turn out great! 

Jakob Owens

• Focus on capturing the small details, such as the moment when you put the rings on each other's fingers or make eye contact as one of you walks down the aisle. 

• Speak to your partner in between shots, sharing jokes, smiles or even kisses. This is a great way to ensure that you both feel comfortable and will help the photographs appear much more natural. 

• Ensure that you take a mixture of photographs - from posed shots to candid snaps, as this means you will then have plenty of pictures to choose from when putting together an album. 

Lauren Rader

• Take photographs inside and outside (weather permitting) - this is a great way to make the most out of your venue and add variation to your pictures. If possible, you should also try to take photographs at sunset - as this is the perfect romantic backdrop to take pictures against. 

• When visiting your venue before the ceremony, keep an eye out for interesting photo backdrops and locations. That way, you’ll know exactly where you want to take photographs on the day and won’t have to waste time searching for a spot with a good background or good lighting. 

• While you’ll probably want to encourage your guests to turn off their phones during the ceremony, you should encourage them to take their own photographs throughout the rest of the celebrations. This is a great way to ensure your pictures of everyone enjoying themselves! Then, set up an email address specifically for your wedding photographs and ask your guest to send them to this address after the event. 

• Remember that your photographs should be a representation of your relationship with your partner - meaning that they don’t all have to be serious, posed photos. Don’t be afraid to pull silly faces, dance, or try out inventive poses. The more fun you are having behind the camera, the better the photos will turn out. 

• Look into Photo booth hire in your local area. Whether you hire a photo booth or selfie pod, this is a great way to get photographs of your guests enjoying themselves - especially as they often come with a variety of props to make the photos stand out. They also make great keepsakes and wedding favours! 

Mark Billante

• Take photographs of things other than yourself and the guests. For example, you may want to capture some pictures of the wedding venue, decorations, food and cake. This is a great way to capture the small details that made your wedding special and unique. 

• Plan ahead of time what photographs you would like to take - and put together a list. For example, in addition to photos of brides walking down the aisle, you may want to take pictures of family members seeing the dress for the first time. Putting together a list of each kind of photograph means you won’t forget to capture a special moment. 

Genessa Panainte

• If you are taking your own photographs, consider hiring a photo editor after the fact, who can make your pictures appear cleaner, polished and more professional. You should also ensure that you take photographs on a quality camera instead of on a mobile phone alone. 

Though there are many things to consider when it comes to taking the perfect photographs at your wedding, the easiest way to ensure you receive quality pictures is to simply relax and try to live in the moment. Don’t worry about the small things - such as whether the wind has messed up your hair or if you look good at that angle and try to enjoy yourself. This will make every photograph turn out great - and ensure that you have plenty of material to look back on. 

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A Colour-popping Festival Vibe Summer Wedding at Whitely Grange Farm, Shropshire

When Paul from PK Wedding Photography sent us images of one of his favourite summer weddings we couldn’t resist sharing the wedding of Rosie and Alex. They got married at Whitley Grange Farm in Shropshire in August 2019. The colour-popping wedding was truly beautiful in every sense. With the ceremony set outdoors oozing festival vibes against the stunning Shropshire landscape, guests relaxed on hay bails throughout the ceremony surrounded by flowers, buntin and ribbons in every colour of the rainbow hanging from trees. The setting was truly a bohemian bride or groom’s dream! With their mutual love of music and festivals their guests were serenaded with live music and a fun-filled party in a huge tipi marque.

This is what Paul had to say about the wedding

‘‘Festival style weddings are one of my favourite types of weddings to shoot and this is why….!

Emotional, heart-warming, funny, a day full of emotions with tears, plenty of laughter and great live music for everyone to sing-a-long to, I hope that my images capture the warmth of the day and the love between Rosie and Alex which is plain to see. Their emotional ceremony was followed by a series of amusing speeches and creative poetry which led to the final part of the day for me when Rosie and Alex allowed me to capture some of my favourite images around the pond. I hope you enjoy their wedding day story.’’

If you’re planning a festival-style wedding or something similar, Paul would love the opportunity to photograph your special day. Contact Paul using the details below. Love this wedding? View the full album here.

Paul on 07969 054778, email: info@paulkyte.co.uk or visit: www.paulkytephotography.com

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A DIY Festival Themed Wedding captured by Portrait Boutique UK

Portrait Boutique have captured 100’s of weddings! One of their favourite fun weddings to capture were of Katie & Ian`s wedding which was held last August in Staffordshire.

The couple organised the whole wedding themselves after doing some research at various wedding fayres where they sourced suppliers! They booked an amazing festival styled Tipi and booked caterers who created an afternoon tea party in the tipi for all their wedding guests!

The evening party had juicy burgers and hot dog grill vans! Ian the groom also made some of the table decorations from copper piping such as candle holders & table number holders!

The location was a relatives farm, so a 2 acre field was used for the Tipi. This type of DIY wedding is becoming more popular as more people want to customise their wedding day from sourcing and booking their wedding venue right down to making table decorations and some have even baked their own wedding cakes!

The popularity of themed, DIY & arts and craft type weddings does seem to be on increase with couples wanting more input for their big day and marking their own stamp of their personalities through from beginning to end!

Check out Katie & Ian’s wedding highlights below captured by the talented Tony from Portrait Boutique UK!

Like What You See? Make The Connection!! Contact Portrait Boutique UK Today!!

Tony is available via email or facebook all day today! Please drop by and say hi!

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A Vintage & Bohemian Inspired Real Weddings! Photographed by Pixsmiths Photography

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How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer

How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer

www.adayofbliss.com

Finding the correct wedding photographer for your special occasion can be a daunting process that requires time and effort. However, we help shorten the process with our list of six tips to help you land the perfect wedding photographer to suit all your photographic needs.

1. Decide on the Theme of Your Photographs

Before the search, it is advisable to come up with your preferred theme for your wedding photography. This will point you in the right direction when scouring for ideal photographers; not all can deliver your standards. If you're looking for outstanding and fun wedding shots to post on your social media, a photographer who takes formal photos might not be the right candidate of choice. Take some time perusing through blogs and Instagram to find the right wedding photography theme that resonates with you. You don't always have to narrow it down to one particular style. You can also blend in various pieces, such as contrasting and sharp shots. Always ensure to be open about your desired wedding photo style. This will save you time when shortlisting capable photographers.

www.adayofbliss.com

2. Ask for Referrals

Getting the referrals of your family and friends is one way of finding a decent photographer. Chances are, your relatives might have previously hired one. Their feedback can give you a faint idea of the professional you'll be dealing with in the future. More so, social media is also an ideal platform to aid your search. Consider using Facebook and Instagram, and browse through accounts and hashtags of local wedding photographers. You can also decide to hire a wedding planner and have them organize a decent photographer for your reception. You can also go to a Wedding Fayre or join an online Wedding Fayre.

www.adayofbliss.com

3. Interview Different Wedding Photographers

First impressions can make a difference in the quality of work you'll receive. Aside from viewing portfolios, setting up meetings with potential wedding photographers should be considered a priority. This will give an overall impression of who you'll be entrusting to take your wedding photos. A lazy and unkempt photographer is more likely to produce disappointing results than a neat and energetic one. During your special occasion, the last thing you'd want is to hire someone who drains the energy within the room. Therefore, consider setting up meetings with different photographers, and see which one you like best.

www.adayofbliss.com

4. Carry Out Your Research

After receiving several recommendations and shortlisting individuals through interviews, you're bound to settle on a list of capable wedding photographers. However, you need to carry out your research and determine which of the few is tailored to suit your needs. The first step is to peruse through their online testimonials. Through this, you can assess their level of professionalism and work. You can directly contact past clients for detailed insight into the job done and if they're satisfied with the results. Furthermore, through their blogs or social media accounts, you can analyze their content to see if it's similar to what you're expecting. You can also determine their strengths and weaknesses by judging the angles, lighting, and tonality in the candid shots uploaded on their feed.

www.adayofbliss.com

5. Ask to See Wedding Albums

Not all photographers will upload all their work onto their social media accounts. Instead, ask to see their gallery and albums. Also, some of the pictures seen online are composed of their best work only. You will hardly see any second-grade work on the profile of a professional wedding photographer. However, as a client, you'd want to get permission to assess their gallery. Seeing their raw and natural album photos can give detailed insight into their skill and professionalism level. More so, you can also highlight the wedding photos that you like and ask them to retake a similar shot at your wedding. This will make it easier to portray your ideas visually and even spark some new ones.

www.adayofbliss.com

6. Compare Offers and Package Deals

Part of finding the right wedding photographer includes discovering services that are well adjusted to your budget. Therefore, by creating a budget and sticking to it, you're able to settle for decent photographers that you afford. Take some time to compare deals and packages. Some may offer exclusive discounts during low seasons while others may provide bundled deals, covering everything from shooting fees, printing, and labor costs. Also, you need to consider if their prices include full coverage for large scale wedding receptions or limited to a selected number of guests. By understanding the costs and services involved, you're able to avoid spending extra or investing in a service that doesn't fully cover your wedding.

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How a Wedding Photographer can make or break your day! 5 Reasons why you should use a professional photographer to capture your wedding day!

How a Wedding Photographer can make or break your day - Why you should use a professional photographer to capture your wedding day!

Martin Newton Photography

Wedding photography can sometimes be last on your list of things to book, understandably brides get all excited about looking for their Wedding Dress, Wedding Venue etc, not only do they want the best but want to look amazing too. 

But going through all this time and expense you want these memories to last so that you can show your children or even grand children what an amazing wedding day you had, your photographer is there to keep these memories alive for you. Martin Newton Photography a Merseyside & Lancashire wedding Photographer is here to chat about how a Wedding Photographer can make or break your day and why you should always use a professional photographer to capture your wedding day!

Photographers don’t get booked by everyone that contacts them like everyone else in any business, this may be down to budgets, the work produced or what they include in their packages but, a common one they say is ‘I have now found a friend that will do it’.  In my opinion this is the worst thing you can possibly do.

I’ve had brides contact me after their wedding upset that the photographs have not turned as they had hoped and asking if I can help them fix the images.  This can be due to being blurred, not exposed correctly, having things in the background spoiling the image which they would like to have removed etc.  By law I cannot do anything for them due to copyright.  After all your planning and time why would you want this for your wedding?!

Martin Newton Photography

So what is the importance of a photographer? 

Well as a photographer it’s not just turn up and snap away. It’s how do we get those images, how can we get stunning images, how can we capture every detail, how do we help you and your guests have the best time, the list goes on. 

www.martinnewtonphotography.com

1. A Wedding Photographer can help with timings of your wedding day and capture the details!

A photographer isn’t just with you for part of your day; they are there for the whole day this means they help with timings, make sure everything runs smoothly, supporting you, capturing all your family together, making you smile and being natural, capturing all those little details, getting stunning images of the bride and groom together and just generally capturing the day, the list is endless.

Not only all of that, we have the good old weather to contend with too, you just never know what it’s going to do, oh, and it going dark early at winter weddings!  

www.martinnewtonphotography.com

2. A Wedding Photographer knows their camera equipment inside and out!

As a photographer it is my job to get the best from the day no matter what the conditions, but to do all this, the photographer needs to know their camera equipment inside out.  Let’s face it, what bride and groom wants to be stood waiting while a photographer try’s to figure out how to use his flash in the rain or get the correct exposure in bright sunlight? They will also have many lenses to capture a variety of shots too!

www.martinnewtonphotography.com

 3. A Wedding Photographer can help assist you and your wedding party with the finer details!

On a lot of occasions, I have to put my camera down to help, I’ve had brides and bridesmaids just standing around because nobody knows how to tie the dresses, I’ve helped do that many a time.  

There have also been many times that I have fitted the buttonholes for the Groom and Groomsmen.  I have transported overnight bags and anything that family members and brides have wanted taking to the venue in my own car to save them having to take them with them in the bridal vehicles.  I have also taken family members from church to the venue as they’ve had no transport.  Again, the list can go on.

Martin Newton Photography

4. Capture your day from two angles with a second assistant!

With all my packages you have a second assistant/shooter who is also a trusted professional. Perfect for capturing your day from two different angles!

5. A Wedding Photographer knows how to edit your images professionally!

Professional Photographers will always have a retouch up and editing programmes too . Shooting a wedding is only the first part of a good photographer. The second isis photo editing including exposure, correcting and adjusting images. Professional Photographers will be highly trained in this area. After all when booking a professional you are paying for experience when it comes to booking your wedding photography. You get all your images on USB along with a luxury wedding album too. 

Having read all this, think about how important your day is to you and how having the right photographer to capture all those special memories would mean to you!

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About Martin Newton Photography

I hope you have enjoyed looking through some of my images to show you that no matter what I will help you have a day to remember.

If you wish to come and see me you’re more than welcome to come to the studio, have a brew, meet me in person and take a look at everything.

Special Offer

Also with all Red Event Wedding Fayres I give 10% off all my packages.  With all my packages you have a second assistant/shooter; you get all your images on USB along with a luxury wedding album too. 

I wish you all the best and hope you have an amazing day!

Martin 

www.martinnewtonphotography.com

www.martinnewtonphotography.com

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10 Alternative DIY Wedding Seating Table Plans & Table Decor Ideas for your wedding day!

Popular Table plans will help things run smoothly on your wedding day when it comes to the sit down meal. You can group guests together where they will be happiest next to their family and friends.  Table Plans make pretty boards with lists of the guests names and usually table names or numbers! Made prettily with embroidery, ribbon or sparkly accessories!

There are plenty of super talented wedding stationery companies who will happily plan things out for you! Great for the on-the-go busy couple or if you’re not creative enough to do your own!

Pixsmiths Photography professional wedding photographers have picked out their favourite creative DIY table plan alternative ideas and designs! All images and inspiration are taken from real weddings!  With extra time to plan your wedding with most weddings being on hold (hopefully not for too much longer) - why not try some DIY ideas!

Seasonal Seating Plans

Whether you're holding a summer or winter wedding! Use seasons for your wedding inspo or your colour theme! Christmas is a perfect time to use reds like poinsettia leaves, and green holly and fir cones and tinsel! Get creative like this couple and make miniature snow scenes for your tables in round fish bowls! 

Travel Seating Plans

Have you had an amazing road trip or holiday that could theme your decor? A popular choice for the wanderlust couple…. Check out this amazing California road trip inspired board above! Add in some hay bales and flower pots for a more hippy wedding vibe!

The travel junkie couple can also use world maps using countries they have visited - theme your tables and wedding centerpieces for a particular country using items associated with that country like the image below! 

An America theme based on table cards left for guests to collect with their table number strung on a big frame and use little pegs to clip the cards on - this example  was a black decadent theme, but personalise to your own colours.

Where did the love of your life get down on one knees? A memory that will forever be cherished, why not use this place where you got engaged to reflect your theme! Like this Parisian inspired one - they also used pebbles on the table too with Eiffel tower and names and date on! A simple but unique and personal idea (not to mention the cost savings too!)

Prop seating plans! - for a Vintage & Art Deco inspired Wedding Theme

Okay, so something different from boards. Who has an old suitcases up in the loft gathering dust? I know my parents did!

Dig them out, dust them off, edge with some lace and tie some string across for the table names to attach too.  Bingo! Easy, simple and will fit a vintage wedding theme perfectly!

You can also accessories with old pearl necklaces and white gloves for an art deco wedding theme

Pallets & Plant Pots Seating Plans! - For a Rustic Wedding Theme!

For a rustic theme often suitable for marquee weddings, how about a pallet with little tin flower pots and flowers  Always, pallets to be found in DIY shops!

Ladders & Frames! Perfect for an elegant vintage wedding theme!

Another unique & creative seating plan idea is using ladders to stand frames with your guests names on for their table location! For an elegant vintage theme why not use something similar to this couple ovals frames surrounded by pearls!

Gin Seating Plans! - For the party loving couple!

Recycle your drink bottles! Do you and your wife or hubby-to-be love gin? Or maybe a good red wine? A table plan using recycled drink bottles is a fab idea! This couple used different coloured gin bottles - with the same gin bottle on the table so you can find where you’re seating! 

Eco friendly and also a good excuse to drink gin! Why not incorporate miniatures as guest favours too, perfect to cheers the newly wed couple after the speeches!

Outdoor seating plans!

Perfect for a large outdoor venue a huge willow/birch frame was perfect for hanging on a tree to welcome guests! The couple added a personal touch by making the wooden frame by using twigs and branches from the bride's grandmother garden! We love the creative and personal touch to this seating arrangement!

Pick you pin seating plan!

Finally, another board idea with a twist - this one was huge and had text for things like various family, groups,  work,  friends etc. Each person had a badge with their name, nickname and hashtag for the wedding.     It simply said welcome pick you pin!

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About Pixsmiths Photography

We hope our real weddings have given you some ideas and inspiration to make your own board and use elements that fit your theme, season or personal love story! If you have any questions or would like to see more of Pixsmiths Photography please contact Sandy & Dave on 07850251366 or contact@pixsmiths.co.uk or visit www.pixsmiths.co.uk to view their portfolio.

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4 reasons why you need an engagement shoot and 7 expert tips to make it amazing!

4 reasons why you need an engagement shoot and 7 expert tips to make it amazing! A blog by Pixsmiths Photography!

Wedding planning can be stressful and sometimes it seems to be the only endless conversations you’re having! It's such a special time in your lives and needs to be celebrated! 

After much searching, you’ve finally found an amazing photographer and they suggest, why not have an engagement shoot? Some may jump at the chance - especially if complimentary - but the camera shy couple might think "eek, no way, the wedding day will be enough time posing!’’

With weddings on hold and the hope of lockdown being lifted as soon as possible, the talented photography team Sandy & Dave from Pixsmith are here to share their thoughts and tips on why having an engagement shoot is a must!! And how to make it a fun and enjoyable experience that you will love! 

4 reasons why you need to have an engagement shoot!

Reason #1 Quality time together

An engagement shoot is an opportunity to just spend time with each other, in a favourite location. Enjoying the surroundings, breathing in fresh air, just the two of you and forgetting about the stresses of wedding planning or everyday life! 

Reason #2 You get to know your photographer

It’s the perfect opportunity to meet your wedding photographer who will capture some beautiful natural images of you along the way! They will want to get to know your personalities and bring that out in your images.

Reason #3 Build up your confidence!

Don't think of an engagement shoot as just posing.  Your photographer can obviously give pointers if you're unsure where to place your feet and hands. It's more a case of getting to know your photographer and building the confidence of being with them and in the rapport you will have on the day.  

Reason #4 Incorporate the photographs into your wedding day!

With the beautiful images created you will want to get some printed or used in a creative way at your wedding.  Examples include retro prints from the session displayed at the wedding or create a guest book personalised with images. You could even choose your favourite image to use as your ‘Save The Dates’ too! 

Pixsmiths Photography’s top tips for getting the most out of your engagement shoot!

Tip #1 Combine the engagement session with your makeup trial!

A perfect opportunity to look your best, and to make sure you’re happy with how your makeup looks on camera too! 

Tip #2: Choose outfits you feel comfortable in.  

As well as something you would be happy to see in a large print, especially if incorporating the images into your wedding! Contrasting colours are often good for photos - It’s not a good idea for both of you to come wearing the same colours.

Tip #3  If you have family or pets why not include them on the shoot too! 

Take the opportunity to update your family photo album too! If you decide to bring young children it’s always a good idea to bring along an adult to supervise as I'm sure your photographer will want to get images of just the two of you.  Sometimes it's good for the session to be just about you.  How often do you get a chance for just some "us time" kids free!

Tip #4  Make it an experience!! 

What do you and your hubby or wifey-to-be love doing?? A favourite hike? An activity like ghetto golf? Or a picnic in the park? The more unique the idea is, the more your photographer will squeal with delight! We once had a fun couple who had a paint fight session - that was wild! And the images reflected their personalities perfectly - fun, laughter and full of colour!

Tip #5  Shoot just before sunset!! 

Pick a time when the light is soft, often an hour before sunset is good.

Tip #6 Location, location, location!

Pick locations with a handy cafe nearby or a covered location in case of rain. 

Pixsmiths know many great locations - Caldy Beach, Red Rocks, Port Sunlight, Royden Park, Hadlow Road train station, Liverpool city centre to name a few. Some have even been destination pre-wedding shoots too - perfect for sunset shoots!

Tip #7 Consider the season!

If you’re having a Spring wedding, opt for a session in the autumn for contrasting colours!

Bonus tip!

Having the engagement ring photographed is a good record for insurance purposes too! 

Finally, who is romantic and brave enough to organise a surprise proposal.??!!

It needs careful coordination beforehand with the person proposing, but it’s something we have done before and would love to do again!  So if you dare to do this we would love to chat and help you plan this.

About Pixsmiths Photography

We hope you found these tips useful. If you have any questions or would like to see more of Pixsmiths Photography please contact Sandy & Dave on 07850251366 or contact@pixsmiths.co.uk or visit www.pixsmiths.co.uk to view their portfolio.

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MORE GREAT WEDDING PLANNING TIPS!

How To Choose The Perfect Wedding Videographer

It’s 6 months away from your big day and you and your partner have just decided on a professional wedding videographer.

How do you choose the perfect one? How much have you assigned to a wedding videographer in your budget and how much should you spend?

Hiring a professional wedding video company to film your wedding should not be about getting one for a cheap price, it should be about what you want from your own wedding film.

Why should I use a wedding videographer?

While 90% of couples hire a professional photographer for their ceremony and reception, only 1 in 3 also hire a professional videographer. With the rise of the video format in our daily lives - you just need to take a look at social media to see the influence video is making in our lives. This figure is changing as more and more couples are choosing to grab their perfect day in video.

Photographs are incredibly important, they will be admired for years to come. Looking through albums or seeing your favourite image hanging on the wall, they can capture those spontaneous moments throughout the day. A wedding video can let you see and hear the emotion. Being able to watch your first dance, to watch it like everyone else watched, is, well, priceless. Being able to watch family sharing your day, then to share the day again with future generations is something I believe to be one of the greatest things a wedding film can offer.

You have spent at least 2 years planning and saving for your big day, why would you not have it filmed as well?

How do I choose a wedding videographer?

There are so many different wedding video companies around who offer different styles;

• Point and Shoot Style (wedding videos)

• Documentary Style (Wedding films)

• Cinematic style (Cinematic wedding films)

They all do the same thing, capture your day and tell a story. The best way to get an idea of what wedding film you would like is to look around on the internet at different vendors, watch different wedding films and speak to family members and friends for recommendations. This is how you are going to choose the right wedding videographer for you.

Every company film a full wedding day, usually from the Bridal preparations until the first dance, They use different camera equipment, drones, stabilisers and more. Some will get creative shots, use professional audio equipment and have a multitude of camera operators on the day. But when it comes to different styles of wedding videos, these are all made in the editing suite - when the editor sits down in front of their computer and puts together the story of your day.

A Point and Shoot Wedding Video - usually around 1 hour +

Most point and shoot wedding films are put together in the chronicle order of how the day went. Starting with the opening shot of the Bride’s house, then showing the day in order as it went along with music overlaying the footage and maybe some slow motion for effect. Point and Shoot films normally consist of the full wedding service and speeches, usually ending in a long wedding film. This it’s commonly produced to DVD

Documentary Wedding Video - usually around 45-60 mins

Couples will sometimes pay their wedding videographer to do an interview on how they met and what each other means to one another. Family members will be involved with the interview stage. A documentary-style still captures the day as it goes along. Very little camera angles or dramatic shots are used. The service and speeches are usually in full. Music is added and final production is onto DVD.

Cinematic - usually around 15-25 mins

This style is becoming the most popular with couples but is one of the hardest to edit. The film becomes more of an art film using creative shots, audio soundtracks, dramatic shots (provided by drones), Music is very minimal in a Cinematic film, but still gives a dramatic feel. The vows and the speeches play a big part of the story telling. The full service and speeches are not usually included in the main feature but added as an extra element. Editors will usually play around with the colour to create a certain style or look. Most wedding film companies who produce cinematic films deliver their final production online. Letting couples download the high resolution films anywhere as delivering them on DVD compromises the quality of the overall film.

What exactly am I paying for with a wedding videographer?

I know many couples who have spent £2000 – £2500 on a wedding photographer. It’s important to remember that 30% of a wedding videographers time is actually only spent filming the wedding day, the rest is back in the studio creating the ‘story’. From importing the days footage, sorting only the best shots, creatively editing the sequences together, fine tuning the edit, adding audio and sound tracks to make a beautiful story. Creating a film that shows the emotion and joy that you felt on the day. That’s not to mention the music licences, public liability, drone licences and investing in top of the range equipment. Not to mention the one thing you cannot put a price on, their experience!

Wedding Videos have come a long way since shoulder mounted cameras and big lights. Today’s prices will reflect this. So when you’re looking for a wedding videographer please don’t start with ‘how much?’ in mind, think about what you want your wedding film to be about and what you want it to look like. Then find the best wedding video company that is going to make that for you.

Kind Regards

Liverpool Film Company www.liverpoolfilmcompany.com

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