Canon Creative Asia Photographic Awards 2010

My best friend's belly was a fantastic shoot to be able to shoot. I am forever grateful for being able to capture her special time whilst carrying bubba. I love this image as at the time we knew it was a girl on the way and the parents both knew they wanted to call their little bean 'Lily'

The judges feedback was great and I'm a little dissapointed that I didn't look closer at the image now and really give it a good tweak pre competition but that is what time does for you and there's no looking back. I am thrilled with a Bronze and telling her will be the greatest fun :)

Judges Feedback SCORE: 77

• Framing - Just as important as what you include in a photograph is what you leave out. Your subject may be great, but there could be other elements in the photograph that are distracting and unnecessary, or it could be that your subject is too closely cropped. Have a look and see if different framing could improve your work.

• Composition - Composition is a big subject and very personal. The judge believes this image could be improved with stronger composition, which can be as simple as where your subject is placed within the frame, to more complex interactions of various elements within the composition. Have a look at your image again and see how a different camera angle, framing or subject arrangement could make the image stronger.

• Technical Quality - When viewing your entry, they may have seen some issues in terms of unwanted spots or marks that have let your entry down. Presentation of your work and correct post-production is so important for a successful competition entry.

Invaluable feedback I believe!

Ahhh, Julia and Viktoria Novak Designs... My absolute FAVOURITE shoot to date and my FAVOURITE image in a very long time. I had an image in my head and I was able to replicate it with the assistance of a fabulous team including Kristie Maynard of Chic Visage and Prya Chandra hair stylist extraordinare!
Julia came to work and was incredible- She took three hours to make up and the shot was taken in a matter of minutes! Thank you honey it's always a pleasure working with you and I love the team we put together to capture you!

Judges Feedback: SCORE 79 (one off a silver!)

• Post Processing - Another highly subjective subject. It is not how much or little you process that matter, but how effective it is. Does it enrich the message and storytelling? Or does it detracts? Be ware of halos dodging & burning, artifacts from over sharpening. Try to maintain details in the highlights and shadows. Successful post processing just glues the eyes the image. Some liken post processing to cooking. When it is done right it is just heavenly.

• Good Image - The judges agree that this is a well executed image. Nice use of exposure, composition and focus. Strong Technique has been displayed.

Katrina and Warwick were a couple which I had the pleasure of dressing them up in their bridal garb and taking them back out on a photoshoot. They said their photographer on their wedding day hadn't quite captured enough couple images and we spent a fantastic day doing just that.
It's always so much fun dressing back up in the wedding garb especially when the pressure is off and there are no stresses or worries about the gown getting dirty or having to sit in it for the rest of the night. We spent the morning shooting around a farm and pottering about in the old shearing shed. It was during a break I saw the two smooching in the corner and we kept them there a little longer to capture the image.

Judges Feedback: SCORE 70

• Good Image - The judges agree that this is a well executed image. Nice use of exposure, composition and focus. Strong Technique has been displayed.

• Technical Quality - Technical quality in a competition is expected by the judges. When viewing your entry, they may have seen some issues in terms of colour, contrast, brightness or even unwanted spots or marks that have let your entry down. Presentation of your work and correct post-production is so important for a successful competition entry.

• Lighting - Often the difference between a good photo and a great one is the light. This is a big subject and covers many issues, but the judge is indicating that better use of light may improve this image. Is the subject over lit? Is the light too contrasty or too flat for your subject? Is the light helping or hindering the subject.

• Post Processing - Another highly subjective subject. It is not how much or little you process that matter, but how effective it is. Does it enrich the message and storytelling? Or does it detracts? Be ware of halos dodging & burning, artifacts from over sharpening. Try to maintain details in the highlights and shadows. Successful post processing just glues the eyes the image. Some liken post processing to cooking. When it is done right it is just heavenly.



Portriats with Sammy

After a first shoot atempt with a sick baby boy, we re shot Sammy, his mum and dad on Sunday. He was MUCH better and full of cheeky beans.

The first shoot was shared with my favourite make up artist, Kristie from Chic Visage and baby Taylor came too. The second time round it was just Sam, his parents and me on an early Sunday morning in the Canberra spring weather... It was freezing!

I love this picture of him kissing his mum X It was during the five minutes he was behaving and having a good time. Then in came the terrible twos! hahah Still, he's a great little bean and I know his mum and dad are so proud of him.

Thank you to Marta and Pete again! I had such a wonderful time meeting you all and to Sam, my little buddy X Be good for your parents! :)

Creative Asia Competition Bronze Winner!

Capturing Essence recently entered five images into the Canon Creative Asia competition and although judging is still under way we have been advised that we have received a bronze award for our engagment portrait!

This is our first competition to ever go in and to get a merit is fantastic! The feedback has been really helpful as well and we look forward to the rest of the judging!

Judges Feedback

• Technical Quality - Technical quality in a competition is expected by the judges. When viewing your entry, they may have seen some issues in terms of colour, contrast, brightness or even unwanted spots or marks that have let your entry down. Presentation of your work and correct post-production is so important for a successful competition entry.

• Post Processing - Another highly subjective subject. It is not how much or little you process that matter, but how effective it is. Does it enrich the message and storytelling? Or does it detracts? Be ware of halos dodging & burning, artifacts from over sharpening. Try to maintain details in the highlights and shadows. Successful post processing just glues the eyes the image. Some liken post processing to cooking. When it is done right it is just heavenly.

• Good Image - The judges agree that this is a well executed image. Nice use of exposure, composition and focus. Strong Technique has been displayed.

• Lighting - Often the difference between a good photo and a great one is the light. This is a big subject and covers many issues, but the judge is indicating that better use of light may improve this image. Is the subject over lit? Is the light too contrasty or too flat for your subject? Is the light helping or hindering the subject.

Merit Awards

Gold, Silver and Bronze merit awards will be will be awarded based on the averaged 5 voting scores as follows

Gold Award scored 90-100

Silver award scored 80-89

Bronze award scored 70-79

The gold, silver and bronze awards are recognized by the judges as high quality images and worthy of recognition in the competition.



Rogue Auditions COMING SOON!

A very close friend of mine has decided to branh out from her awesome dance troup "Rogue Dolls" and offer her clients another level aside from dancers. Melissa Rusconi and I caught up last week to discuss a little further what she was up to...
'I am finally launching ROGUE MODELS! Not everyone will be accepted as is the case with the other agencies in ACT! I am casting for absolute glamors!' Aghhhhhh some fresh air just blew through Canberra! No more searching for those hard to find girls on agencies databases! Hurrah I thought!


As we chatted I got a little bit more information on how and where you can get more information for the casting.

 If you think you or someone you know has what it takes, with an amazing look and outstanding attitude, contact me before the end of December, castings will take place in January, with an official media launch early next year. We are looking at talent from all states!
So if you're interested please head over to the website http://roguedolls.com.au/, have a look and get in touch today!

The Jessops

The Jessops... Another family portrait session FULL of laughter and and fun. These guys are the type of family I love to shoot. They are young, fun and full of ideas for how they would like to be captured. From racing about the garden, to wrestling and wrangling with their dog, I couldn't have wanted a better time.

Liana and I went to college together 100 years ago it seems now and we've only really become more in touch over the past few years- Thanks to the stalking available on Facebook. I always wondered what she was doing now with that spectacular singing voice of hers! I was not dissapointed when I saw she was living it up in New York, chasing her dreams.

If children reflect their parents then I was always looking forward to meeting Janine. She was a true sweetheart and full of warmth. Nothing short of amazing.

'Lucky' the family dog

Mik's idea for a moving family photograph.

I just wanted to post this thank you letter online from Liana's mum. She sent it to me online and it makes my job so worthwhile when I receive something as lovely as this:

Dear Julie,

I just LOVE all the photos you have taken of my birthday and our family.

They have given me such pleasure. It took a little while for us all to loosen up, but you were so patient, and so unphased.

It took a little while to write to you, too because I wasn't sure how or where!

 Anyway all the very best to you. You will go a long way with your great sense of timing, peaceful nature...and excellent eye for great images. I love the name too, and think you have capatured our essence in many ways.

Warm regards

Janine.

Thanks again guys! I can't wait to see you all again when you are together in town! Thank you again for those YUMMY pancakes :) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The bump that became a Lily Joy Jensen

The gorgeous mum to be above has had her baby girl. Lily Joy Jensen has arrived in style a week ago and mum and bub are said to be doing very well.

Everyone who knows the Jensen's will agree we are all completely thrilled and besotted by the arrival and keep a very keen eye out on facebook for the latest and greatest picture.

I think sometimes we even forget a little that a new mum with a new bub doesnt always get time to post images so we are very thankful for the ones that have shown up :)

Above: Mum and bub - Thank you to Sue for posting the pics :)

Above: Little lily relaxing in the bath

From everyone here in Canberra, we hope you all settle in quickly together and get lots of rest! I know she's sleeping well already so hope it continues for you honey! XXXX

Cannot tell you how excited we are to see you all in December and take a few more pictures of little miss gorgeous in the flesh X

Cosmopolitan Bride feature

Just a quick blog- MY ARTICLE IS PRINTED!!!!! Im a little excited :)
I wish my scanner was better but raid your local newsagency for a peek

Jensen Bump

Jensen Bump Shoot

I think I can say that every shoot I do lately has been a favourite... But taking photographs of your closest friend with their bump to be, always has to be up there with being a favourite. You can't receive a better compliment :)

Lauren and Soren are expecting their baby bump in November so with 5 weeks ish to go they came up from Melbourne and we met at Lauren's mum's place. With dodging Grandpa Kim and his camera and crazy ways to 'hear his baby' it was bound to be fun from the start!

Grandpa Kim listening to his grand daughter

Good luck to you guys and I wish you the VERY best delivery :) Can't wait to meet little bump and let Taylor finally meet her future bestie haha! Oh nearly forgot! My little one got in on the shoot and told little bump how to be a good baby :) These are two of my very favourite pictures to date.

Buying your gown

I have just had one of my brides enquire about buying a wedding gown in Canberra and I thought I should share this information with all of you as it seems to be a common enquiry. It's something you've never had to do before and therefore don't know the ins and outs!

Buying a gown is like no other clothing purchase you will ever undertake.
Ok best place to start is Brides of Manuka- make sure you book on a day that Heidi is there. She can be very honest sometimes but if you make an appointment she is brilliant and you want someone who will tell you outright if this dress is right for you dont you? They stock the gorgeous Maggie Sottero gowns which are stunning and if you start there, you may find it hard to find a better more comfortable fitting gown.

How will this information help me? I hear you ask? I worked for a bridal house for three years and I know some of the tricks that other stores played to make sales. Just be SO careful.

Things you need to remember: (I did some ringing around locally for you)
*It takes 4-6 months for Brides of Manuka to get a brand new gown in store. Sometimes it can be faster but Heidi will tell you upfront which can and cannot be rushed and their time frames.
*It takes anywhere from 6-8months for all other stores in Canberra. If they tell you less they are most likely selling you one off the floor and making you think its new. Be careful!
*In all this do not count December/January in this delivery time
*Make appointments!
*Don’t worry about your size! A good store will make you feel incredible

Things to ask:
*Is this going to be a brand new gown?
*Do I need any extra length? (make sure you check this prior to ordering)
* What are my colour options?
*Do you do alterations here and how much do you charge?
*Have a look at gowns with veils- If you want a veil it can make or break a look of a gown
* What is the gown made from?
*When you’re ready to order ask them what size they think you should order. You may vary up or down a size from what you normally are. If you plan to lose weight don’t worry, get the gown to the size you are NOW and get it altered closer to the date. You can always take it in but you can’t let it out.

When you go to a store:
*Go in with a relaxed attitude towards styles. You may not like the look of the gown on the rack but its a great place to start getting an idea of what style suits your shape.
*Be open to suggestions of gowns 
*If you don’t like a gown its ok to say so!
*Tell the ladies who look after you a ball park figure of your budget
*Take any pictures of styles you have seen that you may like as well- you don’t have to but it helps.
*Dont take a cast of thousands with you. Take one or two people who’s opinion you value and wont tell you what they like on them, make sure they tell you what they like on you.

You cannot take photographs of yourself in the gowns in most stores so take a notebook to remember why you like a certain gown. One or two will stand out and those are the ones to return to and retry.

Once you think you've found your gown- STOP LOOKING! It will confuse you more and you will second guess your order. You cannot change it once you've ordered.

Enjoy yourself!
GOOD LUCK!!! :D

The White Room

Belconnen Premier Inn

Our friends at Belconnen Premier Inn have re designed their menu's and wedding packages to bring you someting a little special to your wedding. Bindi their ever amazing functions manager has just sent me through their specials!!!

If you know someone getting married who wants to be looked after and fed gorgeous gorgeous food! Send them over to Bindi for these amazing offers.

Kelly & Craigs Album

It was a pleasure to photograph this couples day together, and then to be able to make their album was an added bonus. They explained to me what they would like and sent me over their favourite images to piece together.
The below link will take you straight to the book preview should you like a peek :)

http://www.blurb.com/books/1409374

Captured

Captured. by Julie Emonson-Clyde | Make Your Own Book

http://www.blurb.com/books/674333

Back online

Hi all!

We've just had our first three weeks with our gorgeous baby girl Taylor and have begun to start getting back into work. Taylor is a gorgeous little bean, very well behaved and loves loves loves to snuggle with mum under the doona on the couch haha which is great as winter approaches!

Will keep you up to date with new happenings and some more tips once she has a little more regular sleep.

Hope you are all well and staying safe.

Love Jules, Chris and Taylor

CalmBirth Canberra

I realise this is TOTALLY off the photography topic but I have just spent the most AMAZING weekend with 8 other couples and their pregnant bellies learning about CalmBirth. I can not tell you just how well prepared now I feel for the up coming birth of our baby girl and how relaxed it will be.

Calmbirth teaches you about the fear -tension -pain theory, where if you have fears about birth it leads to tension in the muscles in your body which translates to pain. In the course we learnt and practised a wide range of strategies to work with your body and the labour e.g breathing, visualisations, affirmations, massage, positioning, using your voice.


I highly recommend this course both for the mother and the support partner as my husband gained a lot from it and learnt how to support me through the process.He is now ready for the birth of our baby girl and has seen time and time again that the birth does not have to be the screaming 'I hate you set up" that is so negatively portrayed on TV and movies.
He has now claimed the birthing partner role with both hands and we are now so eager to meet our little one in a Calm and loving environment.

By the end of the course both of us had realised we did have fears about the up coming birth- whether they were obvious or not, dealt with them and have been able to let go of the baggage.
Tracey who runs the Canberra course is simply a divine woman who is so easy to talk to and tell her any worries you may be experiencing. Which for me were a few.

For my husband, it taught him that it wouldn't be an 'I hate you' experience or a screaming mess. At the start of our pregnancy he wasn't interested at all in the CalmBirth class and as the weeks progressed felt that he would come along as it was important to me. By the end of the course he was thanking me for taking him.
He commented late yesterday by saying "yesterday you couldnt have paid me to watch a birthing video, but we've just seen two together and they weren't what I expected. The ladies were SO calm and SO peaceful with the delivery". He is keen to work with me to achieve that state.

This is the Canberra calmbirth website, which is very informative. The course runs in most states I think: http://www.calmbirthcanberra.com.au/ and we cannot highly reccommend it enough.

A Calm, positive birth experience really is possible, and this course will give you the tools to achieve the birth experience YOU want.

Justine and Andrew 30/1/2010

Wedding of Justine & Andrew

30th January 2010

Bega NSW and surrounds

Chris and I had the pleasure for one of the last weddings until our baby arrives to photograph the gorgeous Justine and Andrew. We travelled to Bega to meet with the couple the day before and help get aquiainted with where things were taking place.

Ceremony was at  Tathra, NSW as were the location photographs then we travelled to Brogo about 30km north of Bega to photograph their reception.
It was a pleasure and a delight to work with the couple and we wish them all the very best for their married life together!

Safe honeymoon you two and see you when you're home!

Location Photographs- National Gallery Sculpture Gardens

Welcome back! I've had a few people asking me lately for location spot ideas so thought it might not be a bad place to begin showing off some of Canberra at the same time. This first spot is deffinitely an oldie but a goodie. It's fabulous on a hot day, a windy day even a cold day! You can't go wrong!

Welcome to the National Gallery Sculpture Gardens. They're the green bit out the back of the gallery overlooking Lake Burley Griffin. The Gallery itself caters for both wedding ceremonies and receptions and should you want to stay in the same place all day, is a great little spot for location photographs as well!

If you can time your day correctly (have a chat to the planners at the gallery) and find out at what time the mist gardens are on. It does make the ground a little damp so this isn't for all couples but it does make for some fun and slightly eerie photographs!

Just before we finish up, there are some other great little spots in and around the gardens. If you decide to incorporate the sculptures, please please don't touch them. They are people's works of art and the gallery would prefer them to last a lifetime and not have any damage done to them. There are ways to make it look like you're interacting without touching as we did last year.

There is also a nice little foreshore spot which has the Carillion in the background. A gorgeous little noise maker on the opposite side of the lake, also happens to be one of Canberra's landmarks.

Best thing with any location photographs is to head along to some spots yourself pre wedding and take a little camera with you. Take some snaps and when you get home see which locations you like the best on film.

Enjoy yourselves and make your photographs, all about you :)

Pick of the Week's editing

This has to be my favourite picture in this weeks editing pile. Just a classic moment captured of the couple.

Family photographs- Who to include

Hi again!

Believe it or not, I am often amazed at the very short list of family photographs people would like on their wedding day. I'm not sure if it is from having only a few special people attending or the couples arent sure just how many people they are 'allowed' to have photos with.

Easiest answer for this one, it's your day... Take as many or few as you'd like.

For those of you who would like a little direction, I've created a list that's easy to copy and manipulate to suit your day.

Always remember to use family members names for the list for the photographer, it creates a more personal touch to your family photos for the day. People like to have their name called rather than Aunts and uncles from the groom's side.

To get you started:

Bride & Groom

Bride & Groom with Brides Mum and Dad

Bride with Mum

Bride with Dad- these individual pics are great especially if you dont have a photographer beforehand

Bride with Brothers/Sisters

Bride & Groom with Mum, Dad and any siblings

Bride & Groom with Grandparents

Bride & Groom with Mum, Dad, Siblings and Bride's side of the family- Any relatives who are there

Bride & Groom with..... This part you can shorten the list to specific Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents

Bride & Groom with Groom's Mum and Dad

Groom with Mum

Groom with Dad

Groom with Brothers/Sisters

Bride & Groom with Mum, Dad and any siblings

Bride & Groom with Grandparents

Bride & Groom with Mum, Dad, Siblings and Groom's side of the family- Any relatives who are there

Bride & Groom with..... This part you can shorten the list to specific Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents

This list does not have to be specific to family members only. If you have a friend who has travelled a long way to be apart of your day, it is a great time to have them in for a photograph as well.

A Group photograph of everyone at your ceremony means you will have a picture of everyone there so this is often a great idea as well.

Just remember when it comes to family pictures there are no rules. There are no rules to your day either in fact so make it personalised to the two of you and enjoy yourselves! Just make sure you have left enough time to capture everyone you'd like in your photographs!

Basic timings

Consider a basic plan for the day to be:


Pre Ceremony:
I do try to persuade couples to accept some pre photos at the brides house before the wedding as she gets ready. That way details are all photographed, but most importantly it gives the bride a ‘warm up’ for the rest of the day and puts her at ease with the photographer.

It does sometimes help to have the extra set of hands. I’ve been everything from ironing lady, to florist delivery driver, to dresser and the list goes on.

Ceremony’s
Garden weddings ½ hour -45mins max
Church weddings 45mins- depends on if you have a full mass or not.

Family pictures:
These are always dependant on the number of guests and how many pictures you want to take but generally factor in about an hour at the most. This gives you time straight after the ceremony for congratulatory cuddles and well wishes without imposing photography straight away.

Location Pictures:
Depending on the number of locations you’d like to go to a minimum of an hour usually gives you enough time to cover two or three spots depending on distance. The longer you have the better and more relaxed the location pics can be!

A big step a lot of couples over see is that you will need a break between the location photographs and reception away from everyone just to be with yourselves. Ten minutes can make a huge difference to re entering into the reception to more hugs and well wishes. It can get a little overbearing sometimes for couples.
By the reception they just want to relax and enjoy the night but just remember your guests weren’t with you at the photos and are still very keen to see you some more!

My favourite wedding of 2009

I'm 100% sure a photographer shouldn't be biased as to their favourite couples each year they shoot but I can't help it with these two. I have to say throughout the preparations, meetings and then the wedding day I have not had so much fun and pleasure from getting to know a couple.
Here are a few pics from their day:

Toni's ring

The gorgeous bride once she was ready

Some images from Dog Trap Vineyard Yass. Absolutly stunning location and the owners are delightful! Everyone at the wedding commented on how we all couldnt have been more welcomed by them. I can't wait to shoot another wedding there someday!

Has to be a couple of my favourties from the day. Because it was a stinking hot day and we were outside for most of it, we took the couple away from the ceremony location with all guests and got them watered and fed. Once people had cooled down we did family pics.
It wasnt until sunset that we took just the bride and groom away for some more couple photographs. Little did we know what was in store!

Choosing your wedding photographer

Evening!
So... you’re getting married and looking for a photographer and wondering where on earth you should begin? Below I’ve put together a few pointers as to where to begin, what to keep in mind and then decisions... decisions... decisions...

Hiring a wedding photographer is one of the first things you should consider, as the best professional photographers have bookings already six months to a year in advance. Prior to searching you will need to have a date set to base your enquiries around.

At this point it isn’t a bad idea to possibly be a little flexible with your dates as, if you find a photographer you absolutely love, and they aren’t free on your Saturday, consider a Sunday perhaps. I have met with many brides personally who changed their dates to book their photographer. One changed four times until she had her photographer free to shoot her wedding.

A wedding photographer's peak season in Canberra is generally starts in August and they work right through until April. The busiest months tend to be around October/November and then March/April. This is based on local activity for Canberra and may change depending on where you live. Saturday has always been the favourite day to get married but with more popular spots being booked people are also going for Friday and Sunday weddings.

For many too often, price ends up being the primary deciding factor, which isn't always the best decision as you only get to do this once. Your wedding memories will be captured through the eyes, heart and talent of your wedding photographer, not through how cheap they were... Remember the saying " you get what you pay for!", this is often true for photographers.

Begin by asking friends and relatives for recommendations. People who’ve had positive experiences with photographers are always happy to show you their wedding photographs and give referrals. It's equally important to find out if the bride and groom enjoyed working with the photographer. Don’t just base your decision around a recommendation- I know I know I said it was a good place to start- which it is, however you need to meet with photographers yourself as your tastes and your friends may not be the same. Are you marrying the same person, in the same dress?

When you begin looking through bridal magazines or on the internet, mark companies that you like as your favourites and send email enquiries to them to get key pieces of information from them. Your email should have the following:
*Both the couples names

*Your wedding date

*Where your ceremony and reception will be held

*An idea of how long you might like a photographer for- be open to suggestions
Ask them
*Are they are available on your wedding day?
*What packages do they offer?

*How much are their prices?

I find as a photographer, an enquiry that lets me know the clients date of marriage, how long they are thinking for photography and where the wedding will be held, is a HUGE help to me and to them as it sets up an immediate rapport between us and gives me an idea of what they have in mind.

I always find it frustrating when I get an email which has “Please send me your pricing” and nothing else is mentioned. I don’t know if I’m even going to be free on their day. As you can imagine it then becomes frustrating for the enquirer if I am already booked in their day and we’ve spent time emailing or calling to find out further information.

Make appointments with the photographers to view their work and discuss your requirements. These meetings should include both the bride and the groom. Make sure you are prepared and write down all your questions before you meet and take notes during the meetings. This is totally normal and helps you to remember meetings later on.

There are many questions that you can ask your wedding photographer. Most professional photographers will have answered most of these questions during your initial enquiries or during the meeting with them, but if not feel free to ask:

How long they been in the 'wedding' photography business?
What is their philosophy to photographing weddings?
How they will make your wedding photographs unique and personal to you?
Will they be shooting your pictures personally?...if not, ask to see the work of the actual wedding photographer and meet with them before the day
Who owns the copyright to your images?
Do they have a backup if something happens to equipment/them for your day?
Are there any extra fees such as travel?
What is their overtime fee?
Will they use film or digital?
Who will you be dealing with after the wedding?
How will you be shown the pictures for selection after the wedding? (Electronically / proofs / contact sheets / online gallery/ DVD etc.).
How can it be simplified so that friends and family can order re-prints directly?
How long until the selection prints are available?
What is the cost for duplicate prints, albums, folios, enlargements, thank you cards, etc.? Are the proofs for sale?
What is their payment policy?

When you’ve narrowed down your list to one or two wedding photographers ask them if its possible to see a complete photo coverage of a recent wedding (a package similar to that of what you would like to book them for helps) to give you a much better indication as to what you can expect, rather than a collection of their best shots from different weddings.

Perhaps the most important aspect of choosing a wedding photographer is the photos they take! Be critical when viewing their work: do you like the photos?

There's a lot to consider, but trust your instincts and tune in to what you like and whether the photos you are seeing match up well! If they don't, you might be best to look elsewhere. The great thing about wedding photography is there are numerous suppliers to choose from, so you are bound to find someone who matches your style and takes the kind of shots you'll end up loving.

Finally, your wedding photographer will be an integral part of one of the most important day of your life, (sometimes even getting you a glass of water or helping you with your dress) so make sure you choose someone that has a relaxed and friendly personality and most of all, you feel comfortable with.

Once you find a professional wedding photographer you like, you should sit down with them and plan your day in terms of the photography and the photos that you would like from it.

It pays to have a plan because the day and the photography will be much more relaxed and memorable if you space things out and allow enough time to get everything done.

Consider a basic plan for the day to be:

Pre Ceremony:
I do try to persuade couples to accept some pre photos at the brides house before the wedding as she gets ready. That way details are all photographed, but most importantly it gives the bride a ‘warm up’ for the rest of the day and puts her at ease with the photographer.

It does sometimes help to have the extra set of hands. I’ve been everything from ironing lady, to florist delivery driver, to dresser and the list goes on.

Ceremony’s
Garden weddings ½ hour -45mins max
Church weddings 45mins- depends on if you have a full mass or not.

Family pictures:
These are always dependant on the number of guests and how many pictures you want to take but generally factor in about an hour at the most. This gives you time straight after the ceremony for congratulatory cuddles and well wishes without imposing photography straight away.

Location Pictures:
Depending on the number of locations you’d like to go to a minimum of an hour usually gives you enough time to cover two or three spots depending on distance. The longer you have the better and more relaxed the location pics can be!

A big step a lot of couples over see is that you will need a break between the location photographs and reception away from everyone just to be with yourselves. Ten minutes can make a huge difference to re entering into the reception to more hugs and well wishes. It can get a little overbearing sometimes for couples. By the reception they just want to relax and enjoy the night but just remember your guests weren’t with you at the photos and are still very keen to see you some more!

My final points for selecting a photographer are:

Just LOVE your photographer before you book them.

See their work

Make sure your budget for photographs is reasonable from about $1800 upwards is usually the base mark.

Read over your packages and choose one that suits you the best.

Talk with your photographer and ask them questions. You haven’t don’t this before and they have. It does pay to ask their opinion and hear their suggestions.

Relax! Enjoy the planning stage because if you find people who are easy to work with now, your wedding day will run so smoothly and they all will be there just for you two.