Belle Amour: Wedding Ideas Less of the traditional. More of the original.

I have another truly talented photographer to share with you this morning. I discovered Az Rehman after he left a comment on Mister Phill’s interview and had to ask him to please answer the questions himself! His unobtrusive style and ability to capture the light beautifully in a scene left me spoilt for choice when picking the images to show you. They’re all beautiful examples of wedding photography but I’m especially in awe of those taken after nightfall. Just incredible…

The interview

Location:
Southampton, Hampshire. UK

When and how did you fall in love with photography?
Photography has always played an important part in our family, whether it was to record a day trip to Southsea, or a family portrait next to Dad’s new Ford Cortina. I grew up on a council estate in the 70’s, and my father’s Zeiss Ikon camera was the coolest thing in our house. I loved the way it looked, so much attention to detail had gone into making it. Even the leather case smelt good!

A few years later at secondary school I was fortunate enough to have a geography teacher that ran a short photography course on a summer activities week. I got to shoot a roll of film around the school, to process, and print the photos myself. As soon as I saw the images develop in the darkroom, I was hooked.

Have you had any formal training?
I studied photography for three years, two of those years were at Bournemouth & Poole College of Art & Design. I assisted an adverting photographer in Central London for a year, and also spent 10 years working in professional photo labs processing film, and hand printing.

How would you describe your photography style?
I can’t see a style myself, but other photographers tell me I have one. I do like to make sure my images look clean and crisp so maybe that’s part of my style.

What inspires your work?
One of the downsides of being a photographer is that we never switch off. I will always look through available magazines in waiting rooms (no matter how out of date!), I love people watching, and I will even stop the car if I pass a great location just so I can add it to the Sat Nav for future reference.

I also visit as many art, and photography exhibitions as I can, and am always buying photography books. I’m a big fan of street photography, and I recommend Mike Peters – Coney Island, all shot on a Hasselblad.

There are also many talented wedding photographers out there in ‘blogland’, whose work I follow; if I had to name three that I am consistently blown away by, they would be Ryan Brenzier, Jeff Newsom’s-The Voltron of Awesomeness, and Erik Clausen.

When did you first shoot a wedding?
My first wedding was for a school friend who met his wife at the same college we attended together. They married in 1990, and I shot the wedding on a Mamiya 330s. I still own and shoot personal work with one of these cameras.

Where in the UK are you based and how far would you travel to shoot a wedding?
I’m based near the New Forest in Hampshire, and I am very happy to shoot anywhere in the UK.

How many weddings do you shoot per year?
I’m shooting between 20-25 weddings a year.

What has been the most interesting wedding you’ve captured so far, and why?
I’m going to be predictable and say that they have all been interesting in their own way. But perhaps the most interesting was Claudia and Steve’s wedding. Claudia contacted me a few weeks before her wedding in Guildford, after a recommendation from a friend who attended a wedding I photographed in The New Forest. We spoke on the phone and instantly clicked with each other. This was particularly important for us as we didn’t have the opportunity to meet up in person before the big day. When the wedding day arrived Claudia and Steve were amazing. They were the warmest of people, and their love for each other was written all over their faces. But what impressed me the most about them is that they had kept it very simple, and inexpensive. At the same time they managed to stay so relaxed, and at ease with the flow of the day, that it completely rubbed off on rest of the wedding party. Despite spending less than £5000 in total, and celebrating their wedding breakfast in a pub, it will always be one of my favourite weddings.

What would be your idea of a dream wedding to photograph?
A summer wedding in New York, with a reception held on a rooftop, lots of lanterns, an outdoor bar, a great live band, and the Manhattan skyline as the backdrop.

Has anything gone wrong when shooting a wedding? And if so, how did you cope with it?
I always carry spares of everything, but I’ve not run into any problems since shooting digital. Years ago, however, I was second shooting at a wedding, and the principal photographer’s camera accidentally fell off his tripod and was damaged. Unfortunately he didn’t have a back-up camera, but I was happy to offer him the use of mine instead, (though he was rather embarrassed to be caught out like that!). I learned a valuable lesson that day, to never go out without back-up camera equipment.

What camera(s) do you use for photographing weddings?
At the moment I’m shooting with a Nikon D700, but expecting to upgrade to the anticipated replacement later this year.

And your favourite lenses?
The lens I use the most is the 35mm. My favourite is the 85mm, but because of it’s focal length, it’s not always the most practical lens to use.

Do you use any lighting equipment?
Yes, I’m a big fan of using flash at weddings. It opens up a whole world of creativity.

What advice would you give to wannabe wedding photographers?
Don’t be intimidated by established photographers, they too were wanabees once. Know your equipment, use the best lenses you can afford. Make sure you have back up gear, and most important of all, enjoy it!

What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?
One of my images has recently been published in a photography book about flash photography, along with a guide on how I shot it. There were only 25 images chosen from amongst thousands; I was really pleased.

Out of all the photographs you have ever taken, which is your favourite and why?
My favourite is probably one of my late wife Angela holding my daughter in the New Forest. It’s a very personal picture to me so I’d rather not share it online.

If you could capture anybody or anything on camera what would it be?
I would probably like to challenge myself to shoot some landscape photography. I wouldn’t want my landscape images to look generic, so it will be a real challenge that I’d like to embrace.

Just so we can find out a bit more about the person behind the lens, could you tell me 5 things you like that are completely unrelated to photography?

• A pub with a good jukebox I can feed
• Well dressed people
• Old people holding hands
• Good manners.
• Free-spiritedness

And 5 things you dislike?

• Litterbugs
• DIY
• Manufactured boy bands.
• Spiders
• Deep water

What are your aspirations for the future, in photography or otherwise?
I’m happy with the direction my wedding photography is going at the moment, and I feel privileged to be doing what I love for a living. With regards to my personal life, I see myself as perhaps a little too level headed, and recently made a promise to myself to take a few more risks, and have more fun.

Debs & Az

Photographer Details:
Lemontree Photography
Contact Az
Phone: 02380 860501

The photographers’ interviews are one of my favourite features on this blog. I love hearing a photographer sharing their passion and advice and, of course, interspersing it with beautiful images they’ve shot. The beautiful images today come courtesy of Debs Ivelja, a lovely photographer (with an awesome name) that has incredibly only been shooting weddings for less than a year! With her talent, however, she will easily be capturing them for many more years to come…

The interview

Location:
I am a bit nomadic to be honest! I am very lucky to get to spend my time between the UK and Australia! When I am in the UK I am generally found in either London or North Cornwall, or Brisbane in Australia.

When and how did you fall in love with photography?
I always loved photography I really re-discovered’ a new love for photography when I was planning my own wedding in 2008. I got so sucked into the world of weddings and blogging and my eyes were opened to how creative wedding photography was allowed to be. It really inspired me! I had studied a photography GNVQ in 2001, learning film and being in the darkroom and whilst I loved picking up my camera and letting it take me where ever it wanted to go, I was also starting a career in Marketing which was taking off and allowing me to travel so I really threw myself at that.

Slowly, after about 10 years I realised that maybe marketing was not everything I wanted in life and the realisation came at the same time as the planets aligning with photoshoot opportunities I was tapping into and instigating… and then a wedding I had an opportunity to capture. The first wedding I photographed I threw myself at 110% and loved every moment of. From that moment on I knew that there was no looking back!

Have you had any formal training?
I did my Photography GNVQ 10 years ago and since then I have also done a Photoshop Diploma and a wedding workshop through the Royal Photographic Society. I attended the wedding workshop prior to my first wedding because I wanted to be sure I knew exactly what to expect. I wanted to be as prepared as I could be. I had been married at that point myself so I knew how the day would typically run but I was the bride, not the photographer. I wanted to be as prepared as I possibly could be for everything.

I am a big believer that study will help you get the technical aspects right; and that can be learned through books, self study or a course. But it’s your creative eye that makes the magic happen. Some of the best photographers that I know have done little or no study. They are incredibly talented and have a passion that drives them to learn and grow.

How would you describe your photography style?
There are so many words that I could use but if I chose three it would be creative, relaxed, unique. As words they are a bit vague I know but I struggle to find the right description as photography is art and, at the end of the day, my style is what I see when I look through the lens and press the shutter. It is also what couples see when they see my work and decide they like it.

What inspires your work?
So much! The places that I travel to and the people that I meet. I am also massively inspired by my couples and their day. For all the planning and prepping I don’t know what I will capture until the day itself! How they are, what they are feeling, the people around them all inspires my work.

When did you first shoot a wedding?
In March 2010! I threw myself in at the deep end and photographed an amazing wedding in Cornwall for friends. The couple were so incredibly awesome and the whole day was amazing. I loved every moment and knew it was what I wanted to do!

Where in the UK are you based and how far would you travel to shoot a wedding?
I am based between London (mostly) and Cornwall where my family are. I love to travel and I am shooting weddings in Australia, France and currently have an enquiry for a wedding in Brazil towards the end of the year! I feel very lucky to have these opportunities!

How many weddings do you shoot per year?
I am in my first full year, so I have set what I hope is a realistic target: 15 in the UK and 5 in Australia. It does not sound like much but my husband and I are also travelling a little this year so I am not available every weekend. In 2012 I am planning on 30. I don’t want to do more than that because I would like to give each couple my un-divided attention and I don’t think I can do that with a year of back to back weddings. I am not a machine! I like the personal touch!

What has been the most interesting wedding you’ve captured so far, and why?
Well, they all have been amazing really! My first wedding was a fab Cornish wedding, I have had a two day Brighton sea-side wedding, a Welsh wedding that was homespun and sustainable and more recently I had a beautiful winter wonderland wedding in the snow. I have also second shot at amazing weddings this year with some of my favourite photographers! Every wedding is fabulous and unique and I don’t know if I will ever have a ‘favourite’.

What would be your idea of a dream wedding to photograph?
Definitely a wedding where friends and family are the primary focus. Happy, relaxed people are wonderful to photograph! I also love personal touches and weddings where a couple is not restrained by tradition.

Has anything gone wrong when shooting a wedding? And if so, how did you cope with it?
Thankfully no, but I have been in tough circumstances. Like heavy snow! A wedding I photographed just before Christmas was absolutely amazing, but we had 5 inches of snow in 3 hours. We were stranded at the bride’s house for a while before getting a lift in a 4×4 to the venue.The wedding was nearly called short and we lost light really fast as the whole day was delayed by about an hour and a half. But being able to cope technically as well as emotionally was key. Making a plan and keeping level headed at all times got me through.

What camera(s) do you use for photographing weddings?
I have a Canon 5D and a 50D back up camera in my kit. My next purchase will be another 5D body as I have started to use prime lenses more and I would rather my back up camera the same as my primary.

And your favourite lenses?
I tend to use my 24 – 70 and 50mm all the time and when I know light is going to be an issue I use an 85mm 1.2. I also use a 100mm macro for details.

Do you use any lighting equipment?
I use flash when I need it. But only when I absolutely have to. When I do, I generally figure out the minimum I can get away with as not a big fan of the bleached out harsh light flash can cause.

What advice would you give to wannabe wedding photographers?
Practice practice practice. It’s the only way to get yourself technically sound. Capturing someone’s day is a huge responsibility and you need to be able to adapt to so many different lights and circumstances. If you can, try as well to get some work second shooting. Social networking and getting to know other photographers is an amazing way to do so. So often someone will tweet that they need a second shooter and the opportunities really are there. Also look to sites like The Photography Parlour and the forum to learn and meet other photographers much like yourself.

What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?
Probably completing my first wedding and getting amazing feedback. Again, not because of favouritism but because it was the moment I realised that I could do this!

Out of all the photographs you have ever taken, which is your favourite and why?
Probably Gareth and Jasmine’s Wheal Coates picture. It holds a special place in my heart as it was the start of something new and exciting for me. I loved that image as soon as I saw it come together in front of me, as they walked up the hill and I framed the shot… and it means a lot to me today.

If you could capture anybody or anything on camera what would it be?
Elephants. I love elephants and I would love to spend a few days/weeks/months photographing them. I get to travel through Africa this year so it looks like that may come true. Fingers crossed :)

Just so we can find out a bit more about the person behind the lens, could you tell me 5 things you like that are completely unrelated to photography?

• Travelling with my husband.
• Christmas time with my whole family all together (…ideally in Cornwall!)
• Elephants. (See above about my obsession!)
• Dogs. I cannot wait to have my own!
• VWs. Kombis and Beetles, I love them all!

And 5 things you dislike?

• People who are cruel to animals.
• People who are cruel to humans.
• Rudeness.
• Excessive packaging on products.
• Big Brother.

What are your aspirations for the future, in photography or otherwise?
2011 will be a huge year for me as I am doing a little travel as well as heading to Australia for a few months where I have weddings coming up at the end of the year. My plans for the year are to continue establishing my business in the UK and also introduce myself more into Australia. I would like to build a stronger presence there and I am looking forward to all the opportunities on offer! I am really excited and cannot wait for my first 2011 wedding in Feb!

Debs & Debs!

Photographer Details:
Debs Ivelja’s blog
Contact Debs
UK number: 0779 303 3487
International number: 0405 948 030

For the first of the photographers’ interviews of 2011 I have for you the lovely Joanna Brown. I’m rather excited to feature Joanna as not only is her vintage-style photography amazing but apparently this is her first ever interview! Personally I think she should do more as I found it a delight to read. I hope you do too…

The interview

Introduction:
Hello this is my first ever interview!!! My name is Joanna Brown I take photos, I have red hair a black and white cat and live in the sticks with my blonde haired boyfriend!!!

Location:
Down a country lane where you can see the stars as clear as day and hear nothing but birds, in deepest darkest west Sussex.

When and how did you fall in love with photography?
When I was 16, going second-hand shopping whilst doing my A-Levels, I found an old Olympus camera in the shop and brought it for an art project; I wanted to cover it in paper-mâché to make a sculpture for an art project. I found some film in our kitchen drawer and thought I would try it before I made it into a sculpture and that was the beginning of my love for photography. Needless to say I never did make that sculpture instead I carried my camera around in my bag and started looking at the world through a lens…

Have you had any formal training?
I studied Photography as part of my degree, I loved it, I spent hours in the darkroom developing film, processing and printing. I found it magical, the whole process, and would emerge from a day in the darkroom like a mole, I studied it from an art point of view looking at artists that used photography in their work and then later on I got really into documentary photography too. Photographers like William Eggleston and Martin Parr and Annie Leibovitz rocked my world totally. They blew my mind back then and still do to this day….

How would you describe your photography style?
Oh goodness now that is a hard question. I guess it’s just how I see the world, what I see and find interesting… it is a combination of documentary, editorial, portraiture and a bit arty I guess. Mix all that together with a pinch of Joanna Brown and you have got it…

What inspires your work?
The people that I work with and the environments that I shoot in, I love meeting people and feel really privileged to be a part of their amazing day. The emotion that I witness and the story unfolding inspires me no end, sometimes I hear myself squealing… Outside of my work many things inspire me, looking at cinematography inspires me, music, beautiful glossy magazines and I am drawn to people who tell stories too… One of the people that I often think about when I am shooting and thinking ‘is that too mad or risky’ is David Bowie. He inspires me as he went outside of the box and kept pushing his limits. In terms of other photographers I have always had a soft spot for Max Wagner, Jonas Peterson, Feather Love, I have recently developed bit of a crush on Carl Zoch (don’t tell him) I dreamt that he asked me to second shoot for him! On home turf in the UK I love the Barbers (Chris Barber Media) and their thing they have got going on and I love love my dear friend Emma Case she inspires me no end. All these togs have a very distinct honest style that is their own; I could probably spot from a bunch of photographs laid on the floor whose is whose.

When did you first shoot a wedding?
I shot my sister’s wedding 10 years ago as she was having a small service, it was nerve wracking and beautiful, I cried quite a few times and loved the experience. Back then it was all shot with film and digital photography had not been born so you just got on with it and trusted your skills. I shot 4 of my close friends’ weddings also on film, which was also fantastic, I then trained to be a lecturer and taught photography for 5 years and also travelled and worked as a photographic assistant in Sydney and worked as a graphic designer assistant too before I set up my own business. Looking back my haphazard journey now makes perfect sense, my life experience has culminated in where I am now, I truly feel honoured to be working as a wedding photographer, I never would have dreamed I would say that… I truly love the UK wedding industry it is exciting, dynamic, fresh and very creative and I am lucky to be in the heart of it.

Where in the UK are you based and how far would you travel to shoot a wedding?
I am based in West Sussex, recently moved to the countryside to a cottage after being based in Brighton. I travel pretty much anywhere for a wedding far and wide. Still yet to do a wedding abroad would love that…..anyone?

How many weddings do you shoot per year?
As many that is possible whilst still trying to have a healthy work/life balance, however it really is sad that I miss it when I have a weekend off.

What has been the most interesting wedding you’ve captured so far, and why?
Interesting. Mmm I guess each wedding is interesting for different reasons, whether it is the people, the venue, the style, they are all unique that is for sure… I think actually it would have to be Paddy & Rebecca’s Wedding in London. It was interesting because I had an expectation when I first met the couple that it was going to be quite conventional (well conventional for an alternative wedding). However, when we got talking about the day they really wanted me to capture the spirit of the location of the wedding as it was their local neighbourhood which they simply loved, I came up with some ideas for the portraits of them and I thought there is no way they will be up for it… I was totally wrong their response was fantastic; we ended up in a laundrette and Asian supermarket laughing and having a ball. It made me realise that even though the countryside manor wedding is beautiful there is always an option to create beautiful and unique photographs from anywhere provided the couple are up for it. Brilliant fun.

What would be your idea of a dream wedding to photograph?
I don’t really have a dream wedding really, I guess one in the countryside on a beautiful summer’s day with a alternative style going on. I love homemade elements of a wedding and I love a wedding with its own distinct personality of the bride and groom’s shining through.

Has anything gone wrong when shooting a wedding? And if so, how did you cope with it?
Fingers crossed nothing that springs to mind. I always have two of everything so, equipment-wise, all covered. I have had tricky situations that were out of my control like the pope being in town the day of a wedding and we had to run to the venue… you just have to keep your cool and problem solve in those situations whilst still smiling.

What camera(s) do you use for photographing weddings?
5D Mark II (Oh how I love her)

And your favourite lenses?
24-70mm such a good all rounder I have asked Father Christmas for the 35mm. I love my landscape wide shots hopefully he will bring this down the chimney for me this year.

Do you use any lighting equipment?
Just the sun and my trusty speed light when the sun goes down.

What advice would you give to wannabe wedding photographers?
Get out there and shoot as much as you can whenever you can and develop your style, look at photographers and artists to give you a rounded perspective and insight into what you are interested in visually and build upon it, develop your own voice and go for it.

What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?
I think it would have to be when I got my first email to Joanna Brown HQ asking about what I do and wanting to book me. I thought it was just one of my friends playing a prank on me. That first genuine enquiry I got made me really proud…

Out of all the photographs you have ever taken, which is your favourite and why?
Oh goodness that is an impossible question to answer there are quite a few. One of them was my Uncle Laurie on my sister’s wedding day as he is sadly no longer with us but the expression and love between them is so, so lovely. The other one is probably quite a boring photograph of a motorbike that I took with my first SLR camera which I then developed and printed by hand it was my first time to take, develop and print an image and it was magical… the start of my passion I guess. Another one that sticks out is a portrait I did of my my mum my nan and my sister, before my nan died. I captured our hands together showing the similarities in skin and the difference in age by the texture of our skin. My nan was like “You silly mare, you forgot to get our heads in it”, she then looked at me and winked.

My favourite, that I have to hand, is this photo of me and my darling the first weekend we went out exploring the countryside where we just moved to. It was magical finding little lanes and paths and fields… acres of rolling countryside and sky… perfect.

If you could capture anybody or anything on camera what would it be?
I just love capturing real life people that are down to earth and let me do my thing… I love being able to tell the story of lovely people in love I believe that everyone has a beautiful story to tell…

Just so we can find out a bit more about the person behind the lens, could you tell me 5 things you like that are completely unrelated to photography?

• I love village fêtes, my idea of heaven.
• I love listening to the radio especially Dermot’s Saturday afternoon show.
• I love singing and would love to be able to harmonise. I try this in the car and it sounds terrible but it makes me happy.
• Bit obsessed with crabbing in the summer, sitting on a harbour wall with fish and chips it always turns into a competition, I have had a trophy made that my boyfriend and me compete for each summer.
• I love smiling at strangers and getting a smile back.

And 5 things you dislike?

• I don’t eat things that fly.
• I don’t like ignorance.
• I get a bit funny when I am in a cul-de-sac.
• I dislike litter.
• I don’t like getting out of bed!

What are your aspirations for the future, in photography or otherwise?
Keep doing what I am doing, growing as a photographer, meeting lovely people, being happy and most importantly healthy.

Debs & Joanna

Photographer Details:
Browns Photography website
Browns Photography blog
Contact Joanna
Phone: 07825 512567

Jodie’s photography is focused on capturing timeless images that will look just as good in ten years as they do today. As she says it on her website: ‘Fashions change, tastes change, but beautiful photography lasts forever.’ And this is beautiful photography…

The interview

Location:
Kent, England, but will travel anywhere the client wishes.

When and how did you fall in love with photography?
I’ve been in love with photography ever since I was a little girl, when I used to help my dad develop his black and white landscape images of the Pyrenees in his home darkroom. That feeling of seeing an image appear as if like magic is one that has always stayed with me, and my fascination with photography has never faded. I used to spend hours going through the family albums, and seeing pictures of my mum and dad when they were young always fascinated me. I always had a camera as a child, so taking pictures always felt natural to me.

I fell into photography properly four years ago when I found myself stuck in an office job with no creative outlet. I immediately thought of photography and promptly went online and bought myself a camera. The office job is now history.

Have you had any formal training?
Not when it comes to the art of actually taking/making pictures. I am the kind of person that tends to get quite obsessive about interests and hobbies, and there were many days when I would come home armed with stacks of 1970s photography books I had picked up from charity shops. Although much of the information had changed with digital, the books still gave me a grounding in light and composition. Other than that, it was a case of reading the camera manual and that trusty motto ~ practise, practise, practise.

When I decided to turn the hobby into a business, that’s when I invested time and money into some business training, which has been very useful.

How would you describe your photography style?
I just love creating beautiful pictures. I have often been asked to explain my style or how I took a particular image…These questions tend to fill me with fear, as the truthful answer is I really don’t know. I just shoot as I see. The more I have photographed, the more a common “look” has come through, but it hasn’t been a conscious decision. I am quite an instinctive person in life and I guess I approach photography in the same way.

What inspires your work?
Emotion is a huge factor. I have always been a bit of a nostalgic soul and love the feeling I get when looking through old photographs. I collect a lot of old photographs of people on their wedding day ~ the ones you find for 25p in junk shops up and down the country. I don’t know those people, I don’t know their circumstances or what makes them tick, but I feel like I know them as I look at their bright, beaming faces. I love documenting life as it happens, and a wedding day allows me to capture so many different emotions that all happen in just the space of one day. Like those old pictures, I want my work to be timeless and not a passing trend.

I am a huge fan of the arts and find music and film equally inspiring. I love filmmakers that know how to capture the light ~ Jane Campion did this with “Bright Star”, and “The Assassination of Jesse James” is another wonderful example. I listen to a lot of film scores and these are perfect for evoking atmosphere.

When did you first shoot a wedding?
July 2007. It was the wedding of my brother’s friend and I was very lucky to have such a gorgeous wedding with which to start my career.

Where in the UK are you based and how far would you travel to shoot a wedding?
I am based an hour outside of London in rural Kent. However, it’s actually quite rare that I photograph weddings that are local to me. This year I have travelled to Ibiza, Provence and Paris for weddings, and I love to fly around the globe for my clients. Next year I have beautiful weddings to capture in Spain and France.

How many weddings do you shoot per year?
I like to aim for a limit of 20 weddings each year. I am determined to keep my business all about giving a personal service and this wouldn’t be possible if I was shooting in excess of 25 or 30 weddings per year. Something would have to give, and that would probably be the amount of time I can invest in my clients. I like to get to know my clients, so having the time to do that is paramount.

What has been the best wedding you’ve captured so far, and why?
I couldn’t choose just one. I am lucky enough to photograph some truly beautiful weddings and they are all interesting in their own individual ways. It’s such a pleasure being a photographer.

What would be your idea of a dream wedding to photograph?
I really don’t have any pre-conceived ideas about weddings I would love to shoot. For me, it is all about capturing the people and their celebration. A wedding isn’t about napkin rings or flowers, as beautiful as these can be. They are a series of moments, feelings, tears, smiles, kisses. I want to photograph the atmosphere, so that when the couple look back at their pictures in twenty years time, they will be able to remember how they felt at that exact moment.

One of my favourite weddings from this year was that of a couple who planned their wedding in just six months. They filled a gorgeous London pub with their nearest and dearest and in the evening, just pushed back a few tables and chairs for some dancing. The food was simple and amazing, the decorations handmade and relaxed, and the bride had drawn a little family tree and attached wedding photos of their parents and grandparents. It was all about having a good time with the people closest to them. That’s my favourite kind of wedding to shoot, and I’m very lucky that a lot of my clients have a similar kind of outlook for their weddings.

Has anything gone wrong when shooting a wedding? And if so, how did you cope with it?
I am really lucky that nothing has gone wrong in my 3 years of shooting weddings. The closest I came to meltdown mode was when my sat-nav tried taking me through a lake on my way to the ceremony, but I learnt my lesson and now keep a spare sat-nav in my bag and check the route beforehand.

What camera(s) do you use for photographing weddings?
I use a Canon 5D mk 2 and am starting to make use of a few of my film cameras, including my Rolleiflex, Holga, Diana and Polaroid cameras.

And your favourite lenses?
I am a one-body shooter and change my lenses as and when I need to. For most of the day, I swap between my Canon 35mm f/1.4 and Canon 85mm. Prime lenses give me the dreamy, light-filled view that is too beautiful to describe.

Do you use any lighting equipment?
Using prime lenses allows me to use natural light for the most part. I’m not averse to using flash in the evening for dancing shots if necessary. Flash can look awful if you just stick it on the hot-shoe and hope for the best, but if used properly, it can light the scene without looking harsh or obvious.

What advice would you give to wannabe wedding photographers?
Go with your heart. Try to find a style for yourself, whether it’s instinctive or you have to work at it. Take time to interact with your clients and you will reap the benefits. If you fancy yourself a photographer but don’t get on very well with people, stay away from wedding photography. Photograph food instead. You don’t have to relate to spaghetti bolognese.

What has been your proudest moment as a photographer?
Winning competitions has been good for industry exposure, but for me, it’s when a client sees something in my work that makes them want me above anybody else. That happened in September when a client flew me out to New York for a bridal shoot around Manhattan.

Out of all the photographs you have ever taken, which is your favourite and why?
What my clients often called “the staircase shot”. The original plan was to have the bride and her bridesmaids stop and pose for a quick shot on the stairs, but things were running 45 minutes behind schedule and I knew it wouldn’t be right to hold the bride up on her way to the ceremony. As she was reaching the final flight, I suddenly saw the creative possibility and altered my settings for a slow shutter speed. It’s now one of my favourites because it sums up the mood of the moment ~ hurrying, excited and very late! What I love about wedding photography is that you have to work with what’s available. You don’t have time to set up endless shots and so you have to shoot from the hip, so to speak. It’s challenging and that’s exactly why I love it.

If you could capture anybody or anything on camera what would it be?
My life! These days it is flying by so quickly that I would love to be able to have it on constant capture.

Just so we can find out a bit more about the person behind the lens, could you tell me 5 things you like that are completely unrelated to photography?

• California ~ especially Palm Springs. I’m in love with all things Mid Century Modern, so the architecture is right up my street. Plus I love the desert heat.
• Dinners with friends ~ My husband is the cook, but I love fixing drinks and filling the house with candles. Plus I don’t think there’s anything more enjoyable than good conversation.
• A good book ~ so satisfying.
• Old movies ~ I have been a cinephile for as long as I can remember. One of my first memories is watching “Gone with the Wind”.
• Mad Men ~ the clothes, the design, the backdrop of Manhattan. I don’t ever want the show to end.

And 5 things you dislike?

• Insincerity
• Any “isms” ~ racism, sexism, you name it. I have a soapbox ready.
• Animal cruelty {RSPCA adverts make me crumble…}
• Blandness ~ Bad taste is better than no taste at all.
• Bad manners. They cost nothing but are worth so much.

What are your aspirations for the future, in photography or otherwise?
I want to keep photography as a passion and not just a business, so that I always put my heart and soul into what I do. I’m also looking forward to getting to grips with my large format camera this winter that dates back to the 1890s. It couldn’t be further from the digital reality of today and I can’t wait to get started.

Debs & Jodie

Photographer Details:
Jodie Chapman’s website
Jodie Chapman’s blog
Contact Jodie
Phone: 07708 542293

My first wedding planner interview was with the lovely Kelly from Boho Events. Today it’s the gorgeous Josie from Savoir Weddings. She writes a blog too which is definitely worth a visit. But don’t go there just yet! First, sit back and enjoy finding out a bit more about the wedding world through Josie’s interview and images from a stunning wedding she planned; that of Nina & Patrick…

The interview

Location:
Shoreditch.

When and how did you decide wedding planning was for you?
I worked in music events (putting on gigs, art, culture, fashion events etc) after graduating and had experience of working for myself. After about 8 years I was ready for a new challenge and wedding planning and styling was a natural progression. My experience of events meant I know how difficult it can be to get what you want for what you can afford and I wanted to offer couples a chance to have a wedding that’s a true representation of them regardless of their budget. I haven’t looked back since!

Have you had any formal training?
I was going to do a course with UKAWP but was eventually too busy. I think a lot of my previous work experience helped initially and I spent about 6 months researching before my site went live. I’m all in favour of training and I think what the UKAWP does is amazing but I’ve found actually planning weddings to be the best experience I could have.

Do you specialise in a certain type of wedding?
Yes I do! In particular festival weddings, marquee weddings and vintage weddings and I also hire out wedding props. I do a lot of consultations for the lower budget brides because I don’t see why having a small budget should mean you can’t hire a wedding planner and in fact have a bespoke package for couples planning weddings under £7,000.

What inspires your work?
I take a lot of inspiration from life in general including music, fashion, style and design and so on. Whilst I am very admiring of many blogs, photographers, designers, planners and other wedding professionals I try to seek elsewhere for inspiration otherwise it’s too easy to get sucked into doing things like everybody else. And I think the industry in general benefits from people doing things their own way.

When did you first plan a wedding?
Unofficially about 2 years ago. I helped my friend plan her wedding and could not believe how uninspiring the wedding industry was! It’s changed a lot since then (I think in the UK we’re massively influenced by the US), and I knew I had the skills to help people save money and have a more personal day.

Where in the UK are you based and what area do you cover for wedding planning?
I’m based in Shoreditch in east London and cover London and the south east generally although I’m happy to go anywhere. Most of my clients come from Kent for some reason.

Typically, how many weddings do you plan a year?
Well for new planners summer is really the busiest time. Last summer was my first ‘proper’ season and I didn’t really pause for breath until the middle of September which was brilliant! My most popular service is wedding styling which is probably what I enjoy the most so that’s good! For next summer I currently have booked about 5 big styling jobs, DJ sourcing, a few on the day co-ordinations, am hiring out vintage crockery and have a couple of full planning clients. I get a lot of last minute requests as well and from March onwards it gets a bit mental!

Could you please share some details of a wedding you particularly enjoyed planning?
Thankfully all my clients for consultations and full planning have been lovely. I think I’ve been really lucky but I’ve clicked with all of them and shared a similar vision for their big day which is essential for a couple when they pick a wedding planner. I planned a wedding for a German couple in 3 months which was very intense but brilliant because they were so open to suggestions. They had lots of their own ideas but were very flexible and creative. As a wedding planner that’s pretty much the dream!

What would be your idea of a dream wedding to design?
Hmmn good question. Apparently Fearne Cotton wants to have a festival wedding and that would be fairly exciting to work on. Lots of different music, food and fun with a bit of glamping thrown in. Plus she’d have a big budget so that wouldn’t hurt.

Has anything gone wrong for one of your events and, if so, how did you cope?
Nothing has ever gone wrong (touch wood) but there have been mishaps, mainly to do with family issues or people getting stressed at weddings I’ve worked at. I was trying to style a venue once and the groom’s grandad wanted to chat, which was a challenge as I had to keep darting around to do things whilst trying not to seem rude! In general though, whilst you can’t plan for every eventuality you can for most and that’s the best way to deal with potential problems. Plus you have to keep calm because panicking just makes everything worse and rarely is a situation impossible to fix.

What is your work process when it comes to planning a couple’s wedding?
It depends on what service I’m providing but regardless of that the first step is always to meet up so I can get to know the couple and their style, their plans and ultimately how they envisage their big day to be. We discuss what I’ll be doing, what they’ll be doing and then we take it from there. I try not to take on too many jobs at once because planning a wedding is a full time job and if I was doing too many at a time I couldn’t give the same level of service.

How can couples benefit from hiring a wedding planner?
3 main reasons: to save time, money and stress. Anyone who has planned a wedding knows there is so much to do that isn’t at first apparent. Wedding planners are great for busy couples but they’re also good for those who just don’t want to plan their wedding. Not everybody enjoys creating seating plans for instance. And when it comes to wedding styling, the couple tend to have planned most of their wedding themselves and just want help with the aesthetics, how to make their money go further and help brainstorming and implementing creative ideas.

What has been your proudest moment as a planner?
There have been many, being featured on a blog was great, and getting feedback from couples is always lovely. Really I’m just proud I get to do what I love. I may not be super rich but I certainly have job satisfaction.

Just so we can find out a bit more about you could you tell me 5 things you like that are completely unrelated to weddings?

• I am a fully fledged geek. If I like something I find out as much as I can about it. Which is great in some instances but when it came to my Buffy The Vampire stage it was a little bit sad
• I am always trying to learn new languages and can speak French badly and Spanish even worse. I think I need to pick one and get great at it.
• I wish I could sing well. I can sing averagely and at times in the past had singing lessons and attempted to become a good singer. I’m glad I realised before X Factor started that I’m not that good because it would have been very embarrassing to have auditioned.
• I cook a mean fry up. And roast.
• I really want to visit Buenos Aires. It sounds like the most exciting, passionate place and one day I have to go there to tango, eat steak and drink red wine!

And 5 things you dislike?

• Weak, milky tea. Urgh.
• When it gets dark early. I like autumn but would prefer it to stay lighter later.
• People who are moody or mean for no reason. I hate to be cheesy but it takes less energy to smile than to frown!
• When people write your when they mean you’re. It’s pretty unimportant but definitely a pet peeve of mine!
• Flying. I know it’s safe and all but I just can’t help getting sweaty palms at takeoff.

All awesome images courtesy of Lisa Devlin

What are your aspirations for the future, in event planning or otherwise?
I am very happy with wedding planning and styling and would love to keep doing it indefinitely. I have a couple of exciting projects underway with fellow bloggers and stylists which should come to fruition next year. I love how my work allows me to be creative and is therefore satisfying; but also goes towards helping a couple have their dream wedding whilst keeping within or below their budget.

I also have a bit of a thing for vintage clothes, bags and shoes and am in the process of setting up an online shop with my sister. I like mixing modern pieces with vintage, I think it’s a good, affordable way to dress individually.

And I need to learn French properly. Or Spanish.

Debs & Josie

Wedding planner Details:
Savoir Weddings website
Savoir Weddings blog
Contact Savoir Weddings
Phone: 07969 366 409