Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Honest answers to common wedding photography questions ( by Fusion Photography Canberra )

I happened to be browsing the internet when I found an interesting article that may be helpful for couples searching for wedding photography. I talked
on the phone to the Canberra studio and asked if I would possible be able to show the article to my readers... thanks to Fusion Photography Canberra for this great article.

Honest answers to common wedding photography questions

The cake has been cut, the bouquet tossed and the dress lovingly packed away. Your wedding day may be over but it will never be forgotten and your wedding photos are the one tangible item that remains to remind you of every moment of your precious day. There really are no second chances with wedding photographs so choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make.

So what do I need to know?
The photographer is a very important part of your wedding day. Because they work very closely with you they can have a huge impact on how well the day goes and how well it is recorded for posterity. The better photographers do more for you than just take photos. They will help with planning, timing, the fine details, calming nerves and many other things. Establishing a good, open and honest relationship with your photographer is critical.

It is important to understand a bit about the industry, it’s basic business practices and how things work before setting out to find your ideal photographer. We hope the following inside information will help you to make a wise choice.

There are so many photographers - how can I simplify finding the right one?
Choosing the right photographer comes down to two basic things: First, and most obvious, is you must love their work. Look for a photographer who’s work moves you in some way, who’s style you like. The second factor to consider is personality. You will spend a large part of the day with them so you will need to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed with your chosen photographer. A good test is: "could I be friends with this person even if I weren’t hiring them as my photographer?”

Referrals are always a good place to start as are the many online bridal directories. From these sources create a shortlist of 2 or 3 photographers. Any more than that and you will just end up confusing yourself.

You cannot pick a photographer from a price-list or brochure so make an appointment to see each of the photographers on your list. Spend an hour or so with them if possible. Then you can base your decision on:
their style
creativity
quality of the photos & albums
compatibility
qualifications of the photographer

All photographers are qualified aren’t they?
Unfortunately no! Anyone can set themselves up as a wedding photographer - no qualifications are needed to become a so-called “professional.” Your average wedding photographer probably actually has a “day job” during the week and does weddings on the weekend to earn some extra cash. There are however photographers who do posses qualifications and these are the ones you should consider. It is advisable to check any photographers professional status, particularly whether or not they are a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP).

Why do I need to hire a professional when my friend has a great camera & has offered to shoot my wedding?
It’s not the camera that takes the photos it’s the photographer. Although a friend may be a very good amateur photographer, they will not have the experience, knowledge, training and back-up equipment that a professional has. Wedding photography requires a highly specialised set of skills that takes years to master. A professional can produce consistent results regardless of the various challenges that weddings present. They know how to make the best use of light and can adapt quickly to the constantly changing circumstances.

A professional wedding photographer is used to handling the dramas that occur during the wedding day. They can cope with the pressures and demands of limited time, and they are adept at dealing with people in a calm manner. A professional will also provide an outsiders creative eye and storytelling ability in documenting the day. They know how to finish off your photos properly rather than just giving you snapshots from the camera. Most professional wedding photographers have invested hundreds of hours perfecting their craft. Ask yourself, is it worth the risk hiring an amateur or cheap photographer?

How far in advance do I need to book?
The earlier the better. It best to start looking as soon as you’ve set your date. During the peak seasons of Spring (Sep-Nov) and Autumn (Feb-Apr) good photographers are highly sought after and often heavily booked a year or more in advance. Make your decision and book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

How much should I budget?
This was probably your first question about wedding photography, right? It is hard to know what to budget as very few photographers advertise their prices. This is because every wedding is different and most photographers will customise packages to suit the client. Remember too, a quoted price is probably only a starting point for coverage and perhaps a basic album. There are lots of extras you may want after the wedding that end up adding to the cost. It is important thing to understand that like most things in life you get what you pay for. The different prices between photographers will be a reflection of their qualifications, experience, skill, and creative style. Of course quality of product and level of service will also be reflected in the price.

Here is a rough guide to what you can expect to pay:
$500-$1500 - friends, part-time/amateur/newer photographers with poor to average skills.
$2000-$3500 - starting price for full-time professional photographers with good to very good skills and standard products.
$4000-$6000+ - highly skilled and experienced professionals with more creative flair and luxury products.

Before you set your budget consider the following wise words: "It is unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much you loose a little money, that is all. When you pay to little, you sometimes loose everything.... The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot - it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better." - John Ruskin, Artist & Philosopher

Why is wedding photography so expensive?
Wedding photography today is expensive for many reasons, though relative to the price of your reception or even your gown it is very good value. Good professional photographers use the highest quality equipment, materials, labs and albums. The running costs and overheads of a high quality photography studio are significant. Professional quality cameras and lenses cost tens of thousands of dollars & need to be maintained and/or replaced regularly. There is also high powered computer equipment needed to process today’s high resolution images.

Wedding photography is a highly skilled job requiring years of training & experience. Your photographer will likely charge commensurate with how much they have invested in their craft and the level of their skills.

Your photos and wedding album will be an original work of art, involving time-intensive processes that require skill, talent and artistry. For example a typical wedding photojournalist may take thousands of photos at your wedding. They then spend hours, days or even weeks, editing, processing and retouching images, custom designing album layouts, preparing and manipulating photos for print etc. You may only see your photographer for 10-15 hrs before during and after the wedding but this is usually only a very small portion of the total time spent in creating your images and the final album. The total time spent may end up being in excess of 40-60 hrs.

Is it cheaper to have an off-season or weekday weddings?
Yes, it can be. Vendors and photographers often offer discounts during times when they are not as busy.

Why do I have to pay up front?
It is normal practice for your photographer to ask for a deposit or retainer of anything up to 50% of the wedding fee and the rest of the money before the wedding. The reason for the retainer is to ensure that the photographer you have chosen will be exclusively available to you on your chosen day. Also your photographer starts working for you from the day you sign your contract, helping with planning & organising, location scouting etc. Wedding photography is a unique service and paying beforehand is the photographers insurance. The photographer has turned away many other weddings to do yours and if a couple separated before or shortly after (which is more common than you might think) the wedding day the photographer would be left with a lot of unwanted photos and a huge loss of income.

Should I sign a contract?
Absolutely! This is your assurance that the studio will honour it’s commitment to you. It also confirms in writing everything that is agreed upon by both parties so that there are no misunderstandings. If a photographer does not offer a written contract do not hire them.

What happens after I book?
You should receive written communication from the studio confirming your booking. If there are any aspects of the wedding that may effect the photography you should discuss them with your photographer who may have some helpful suggestions to make. The studio should contact you closer to the wedding day to discuss the final details such as timing, locations, ideas and any requests you have.

Should I give my photographer magazine clippings of certain poses I like or a list of photos I want?
Every photographer has a different working and shooting style. Some are happy to see examples of photos you like to get an idea of the feel you are after or for inspiration but generally these are only useful as a guide. Trying to specifically copy the pose in another photo is an exercise in frustration and can actually hamper a photographer from doing their job. For instance it is hard to capture the spontaneity of the day if trying to copy or set up someone else’s poses. Long lists of photos can cause problems too - they could miss capturing a special moment while being distracted ticking off and worrying about a large checklist. In the end it is impossible to really copy another photo anyway, as the original was taken under different light, in different circumstances and with a different couple! Or it may be a studio shot that took hours and complex lighting arrangements to capture. Since your photos will be unique to your day it is usually better to trust your photographer to do their job. It will be more enjoyable for you to simply let them do their work as events unfold.

How much time should we set aside for photography?
This will vary from wedding to wedding. It is a good idea to discuss with your photographer what would be appropriate prior to locking in times with your church and/or reception venue. Things to keep in mind are the size of your bridal party, travel to locations and type of car being used (some vintage cars are extremely slow!) As a guide, 1.5 - 2.5 hours (excluding travel) is a good amount of photographic time after the service to get the family groups, bridal party and have a location shoot. It is better to have too much time than not enough. Remember, if anything makes you run late during the day the photo shoot is usually where time is taken to get back on track. So having some contingency time up your sleeve is a good idea.

What is photojournalism & why does every photographer claim to do this style?
Photojournalism is not new, but is currently a popular style for many brides, so some photographers advertise this service even if it is not their dominant style. It literally means documenting a wedding like a journalist without any posing in the traditional sense or otherwise interacting in any way. This way of shooting often creates more natural looking images that capture the true emotion of the day and the real personalities of the people involved. However, it does have some drawbacks. The results are completely dependent on the subject. If the moments are not happening the photographer can only capture mundane images. That is why even those who claim to be wedding photojournalist are not usually “purely” so. Sometimes a photographer needs to give subtle direction or interact with a couple to help create the seemingly “candid” moments. The best photographers are skilled in doing this in a way that their images look documentary in style even if they were somewhat posed or “directed”.

But what if I hate posing for photos?
While many couples prefer to have their wedding captured candidly it is not necessarily the best way to shoot the whole day. Candid photos can be taken while you attention is on something else, during the ceremony, while interacting with guests etc. But there are other times during the day that you will need to be directed or posed for good results. A good photographer will be skilled in making people feel comfortable. They will be able to create an atmosphere, mood or feeling that allows them to pose you in a fluid and flattering way, in a way that will make your images look “candid.” This is why it's good to pay for an exceptional photographer. Purely candid photos, while they may be emotional, are not always the most flattering. We usually prefer looking at candid photos of others rather than ourselves!

What is the best time of day to take photographs?
That really depends on the weather. On a cloudy day it doesn’t really matter. On a sunny day the best time is the last hour before sunset. Regardless of what type of day, it is always important to be aware of the movements of the sun and the direction of the light. This is something your photographer should take into consideration and advise you about on the day. It is best to use locations where the light is most flattering rather than to have hard and fast ideas about particular locations.

How long will our photographer stay with us on the wedding day?
Photographers are usually happy to negotiate the specific coverage requirements for each client. A common approach is to start an hour or so before the wedding to get shots of the bride getting ready and stay until the beginning of the reception. However, most photographers would be willing to start first thing in the morning and stay all night if you pay them enough, or just come for a couple of hours!

What about red-eye & glasses?
Red eye is caused by amateur flash technique and will not be an issue for a professional photographer. Glasses can present a few challenges to a wedding photographer such as unwanted glare which can effect the final image. However there are tricks that can use to minimize any problems and your photographer should be able to discuss these with you on the day. Wearing non-reflective lenses can be a great help.

I have certain features that usually don’t photograph well. Can they be fixed in my wedding pictures?
We all tend to be a bit self-conscious about aspects of our appearance. If you are concerned you can discuss it with your photographer before the wedding so that they can suggest angles and poses that are the most flattering to you. Some things can be fixed in post-production, but major time-consuming adjustments may cost extra so it’s best to get you looking as good as possible on the day. Be careful to hire a photographer that offers this kind of service as many budget studios do not.

Can I be photographed to look thinner, taller, prettier, or smarter?
Yes, yes, yes, and no! ☺ But again only good quality, highly skilled photographers will be able to do this.

Do we need to feed our photographer?
This depends on how long your photographer is with you at the wedding. If you are requiring full reception coverage then you will need to feed them. Usually your reception venue can provide a simple “crew meal” if you organize it with them.
My wedding is a long way off - what happens if we get sick or have to cancel the wedding?
Some photographers will keep your deposit no matter what. Others will be more flexible depending on how close to the wedding you cancel. Often deposits can be transferred to new dates if the photographer is available. Check these details in the contract before signing.

What happens after the wedding?
In most cases the studio will produce a set of proofs. These may be either in print form, an album or on disc. You will use these to choose which images you want to have professionally printed as enlargements and/or which images will go into your album. A custom designed album is the best and most polished way to finish off your photos. Most photographers view the album as a major part of the creative process. Their studios will be well set up to help you through this process. Albums are very personal things, so good studios will have a variety of types and styles to choose from.

What about the negatives?
Every studio will have a slightly different policy on negatives. Usually these can be purchased when you have your album or after some specified time-frame.


SOME SPECIFIC QUESTIONS FOR FUSION:

How far will you travel to photograph our wedding?
We cover Canberra and the surrounding regions at no extra cost: the south cost, the snowy mountains, the southern highlands etc. We will consider requests to travel further depending on availability and the client will be responsible for airfares and other travel expenses. We have been privileged to shoot weddings all up and down the east coast of Australia from Brisbane to Melbourne and in central NSW as well. We also do destination weddings, our most recent one being in Vanuatu.

If you have to travel and/or stay overnight to do our wedding, what extra costs are involved?
We will negotiate this with you at the time of booking depending on what is involved. We will try to keep travel expenses to a minimum but for interstate weddings we usually require airfares (best price seats) or vehicle expenses and one nights accommodation (min 3.5 to 4 star hotel).

What equipment do you use?
We always use the latest technology to make sure the quality of your images and products is the absolute best available. Our equipment currently includes the following:

• Nikon D3 Digital SLR’s
• Nikon D300 Digital SLR’s
• Nikon 50mm f/1.4 lenses
• Nikon 85mm f/1.4 lenses
• Nikon 17-55 f/2.8 lenses
• Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lenses
• Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses
• Nikon 10.5mm fish-eye effects lens
• Tamron 90mm 1:1 Macro lens
• Tokina 12-24mm f/4.0 lens
• Sandisk Extreme Compact Flash cards
• Apple Mac Pro Intel Xeon Quad-Core computers with 30” Eizo high-end professional hardware calibrated monitors & Epson Pro Printers

How many photographs will be taken on the day and how many will we get?
Generally we take 3000+ photos which we edit down to 500-1000 for your final proofs.

Do you take requests from our friends or family?
Yes, any of your guests can ask for a photo at any time and we will be pleased to accommodate them if we can.

Can my uncle who is a keen photographer come on our photo shoot as well?
Many photographers will not allow this and have strict rules about what photos family or guests can take at any stage during the day. We are generally happy to have your guests shoot over our shoulder or take other photos as long as they don’t interfere with our work. For the photo shoot we strongly advise against anyone else coming along as it is usually too much of a distraction to photographer and subjects.

How & when do we get to see our photos?
Your pictures are generally ready for viewing as soon as you get back from your honeymoon. When you return we will invite you over to view your images as a slide-show on our beautiful 30” display. Don't forget to bring the popcorn! Then you will be able to take your proof disc home to look at your photos for as long as you want.

How much digital manipulation goes into our pictures?
Most photographers will give your proofs that are basically untouched photos directly from the camera and will only work on the particular images you choose for your enlargements or the album. Fusion is a full service studio and does not give you images straight from the camera. Every image you get has been lovingly developed by hand and assessed for colour accuracy and tone so you get a refined and finished product. Most images are also "tidied" to some extent, for example removing skin blemishes or applying subtle airbrushing, cleaning up distracting elements to improve composition etc. We also process a number of images as black and whites, apply various tints and special effects and even hand colour selected photos.

Can I keep the original raw, untouched files of my wedding images?
Some photographer allow this, but we don’t see the point of giving you a half finished product. It’s like asking to have your wedding cake delivered without the icing! Generally these files will be no use to you anyway, requiring very specific professional software to even view them. These files also need adjustment before printing & this requires certain technical skills to do correctly. We do not consider the raw files as “finished” and will only give you a finished product. If you need to go back to the original file to adjust something or develop it in a different way then we will do this for you.

Can I make copies of the CD or DVD of my wedding photos?
No, copies of your image discs must be supplied by the studio so that we can place the relevant copyright and usage information on the discs, however there is no charge for extra discs.

How long will my wedding photos last?
The longevity of your images depends on their proper storage and care. Digital images should be backed-up regularly. Prints can last up to 200 years depending on the paper/ink combination if proper professional products are used and if stored in cool, dry conditions. All our products and albums are archival quality that will give you at least decades of life. Your album will be a family heirloom that you can pass on to successive generations.

How much input will we have in the design of our wedding album?
You choose the images to go in your album along with our guidance. We will have an initial design session with you to discuss selection of images, key images, style of layouts etc. before proceeding with the custom design of your album. You can have as much or as little input as you desire. Designs are then submitted for your approval before going to print.

How long does a custom album take to arrive?
There is a lot of time-consuming work in designing and manufacturing a custom album. Our albums are assembled by hand by skilled craftsmen. From the initial design session to delivery may take approximately 8-12 weeks depending on the number of design changes and the suppliers workload.

How many photos can we fit into our album?
Older style matted albums tend to fit less than modern storybook style albums with collages etc. It also depends on how clean or cluttered you like your layouts to be. As our albums are all custom designed with you it really depends on the design. There are no actual limits, but generally 50-70 photos is the average in a standard size album and if more are required then extra page spreads can be added in.

Honest answers to common wedding photography - Professional Photography and video by Brisbane wedding photographer and videographer Normy B - Divine Studios

Queensland AIPP photography awards dinner photos at Victoria Park Function Centre

In the morning I picked up Ryan Schembri who was flying in from Sydney to speak at our professional photographers lunch. Ryan is the youngest master photographer in Australia. Ryan's flight was delayed so I took some photos at the airport in Brisbane. Later in the day I attended the Queensland Australian Institute of Professional Photographers Awards and won 3 silver awards in the categories of Wedding and Portrait. The awards dinner was held at the Victoria Park Golf Course function centre where I have photographed many weddings in the past years.
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Professional wedding photographer and videographer Brisbane, Norman B - Divine Studios

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

10 days before the wedding

10 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING!

10 days before the wedding is an article written by Normy B of Divine Studios Photography and Video. If you would like some personal one on one advice on planning your wedding day, or advice for your wedding photography and video, venues, celebrants, hair and makeup, Normy B is happy to give professional advice to couples by phone or facebook chat... phone Normy B on 0410 144 132 or ....

befriend Normy B on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1297355683&ref=profile
Wedding of Debbie and Carl @ Vinos Reastaurant Eagle Street Brisbane 2009

Make a several phone calls to your photographer the week of the wedding. Make sure that your photographer understands the photos that are the most important to you and your family.

Organize a personal attendant ( family member / friend or professional ) Give them a list of instructions to gather groupings for the photo session. Things go quicker if there is someone (besides the photographer) in charge of being sure people are where they need to be when they need to be there :) Trying to round everyone up for group shots can be the most challenging part of wedding photography. Keep in mind that your photographer doesn’t know who your family members are, making it impossible for them to know who all you want photographed.

Arrange dinner or drinks with entire wedding party and the photographer! Bridal party members spending time having fun with each other and the photographer before the wedding may have real benefits for the overall feel of fun and familiarity in the photos. Please note that the photographer’s work schedule sometimes may not allow for this but please do ask! Weddings are not just about professional relationships, personalities can contribute to the most enjoyable experience for everyone. Being familiar with the photographer on the day of the wedding really does show in the expressions. A familiarity with the photographer gives the photographer a head start in the expressions you are giving.

IDEAS FOR EXTRAS TO BRING – sparklers, glow sticks, confetti, soap bubble blowers, hats, umbrellas a blanket to sit on to avoid dirtying the dress…
ON THE WEDDING DAY!

Brides: Don't be afraid to laugh when the cameras are around!!!! Memories will be enchanting when our cameras can capture your joy and emotions.
Allow enough time!!! If you're thinking of getting formal pictures between the ceremony and reception, 1/2 hour is not enough! Allow plenty of time between the ceremony and the reception. Schedule enough time in between the ceremony and reception to travel to a few amazing spots for intimate photos of just you and your new husband... That's the wonderful stuff you'll always remember..." Any top photographer needs several hours with the couple during the day to create amazing photography. The more time you schedule for photography the better it will be.
Try not to stress about things that you can’t control.
Hugs and kisses! If you have a desire to go and hug or kiss a family member or friend, be very open and caring on the day. It is a day for you to also acknowledge everyone in an affectionate way. The photographer will love you for it!
Eat a really big breakfast. Make sure you have availability of lots of water at all times. Staying hydrated will help retain a natural glow in the photography
Tell your photographer what pictures you want specifically on the day! Don’t be afraid to seem bossy or get exactly what you want with the photographer. The photographer is trying to please you and get the photography that YOU want so please communicate if there is anything that is not according to your plans.
Be creative! Divine Studios photographers see the wedding day as a team effort. The team is the photographer, the bride and groom and the bridal party. We would like at least one creative idea from everyone on the day. This is how we get some of our best photos from ideas given on the day from persons other than the photographer.
Bride and groom are the leaders at the wedding! When the wedding couple begins to dance, or start to laugh and joke about any subject, the guests will gather and follow. Also when posing, don't stand facing the camera squarely, instead, stand at a 45 degree angle to give you a more flattering shape.
Don’t stop and pose each time you sense a camera!!!! pointed your way. Your photographer was attracted to whatever you were doing and is trying to capture the true spirit of your day, not a pose. Just be aware that if the photographer is not asking you to pose, just pretend he/she is not there!!!
Sticking to a well thought out timeline will make your day run a lot smoother and cause you a lot less stress. Your images will look so much better if you're not stressed!"
A checklist from the bride of out of town guests who need to be photographed is essential for good communication!"
A GREAT LIVE BAND… the band leader takes charge of the reception and can make the reception run like clockwork as well as make it lots of fun for the bride and groom and their friends and family. We feel that especially that a more exciting style of live music or professional DJ can have great effect on the mood of the guests and create better photos as people move and dance.

Do I need to provide a meal for my wedding photographer at the reception?

At Divine Studios we find that it most of the assignments we do we are provided with a meal. Firstly, we find that we do not take photography during the half hour that most people are dining at the same time. Secondly, weddings are event-packed days and don’t leave a lot of time to stop for lunch or dinner, and you’ll want your photographer to be full of energy. Providing a meal actually gives the couple a more comprehensive coverage because the photographer schedules 30 minutes which are not assigned as photography time and so it adds 30 minutes or more to the reception of photography time that is not counted as overtime for the photographer.

I wear glasses. Will that interfere with the quality of my wedding photographs?

Glasses sometimes present a bit of a challenge to the wedding photographer. After all, they partially obscure one (or two!) of your most expressive features—your eyes! Wedding photographers often make the eyes the focal point of their images, so wearing glasses could affect the final product. Glasses also can produce unwanted glare in your photographs. One way to minimize that glare is to tilt the arms of your glasses up a bit so that the lenses are angled downward. Your wedding photographer may have other tips, so don’t hesitate to ask. It’s sometimes possible to digitally remove eyeglass glare from pictures, but be aware that some wedding photographers will charge extra for this service—particularly if it’s needed in multiple photographs. All wedding photographers have their own standards regarding the extent to which they will retouch photos before charging an extra fee, so be sure to clarify that point with your photographer prior to your wedding.

Are there certain types of bridesmaid dresses that don't photograph well?

There are gorgeous dresses in every shape and color that photograph well. What's really important is that the personalities of your bridesmaids shine through. The key to this is making sure everyone feels comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing. If your bridesmaid’s dress is two sizes too big, she may be slipping out of it all day and her discomfort will be evident in your wedding photographs. Many bridal stores now carry lines of dresses that use the same fabric in a variety of styles. This is an easy way to let each of your bridesmaids choose the dress best suited to her figure and personality. If everyone looks and feels great, they will definitely shine in your wedding photographs.

Are there some hairstyles that look better or worse in wedding photographs?

Most people will go for the styles that emphasize their good features and avoid styles that emphasize what they’re trying to hide. A very important factor to consider is the weather—particularly wind. Be sure to consider how your hair will look if there is a breeze blowing, especially if you are having an outdoor ceremony. If you’re taking any photographs outdoors, then a style that involves loose hair will be more challenging. A style that has most of your hair pinned or tied back but leaves tendrils framing the face could negatively impact your wedding photographs because you may find yourself pushing the tendrils out of your face all day long. When you don't push the tendrils away, the photograph will obscure your eyes- your most expressive feature! Keep in mind that if you use glitter-spray on your hair, it could end up on the groom’s suit and give the appearance of dandruff in photographs.

Can our wedding photographer make me look thinner? How about taller, prettier, or smarter?

“Thinner” and “taller” are do-able, and “prettier” can be a joint effort, but "smarter" is up to you! If it’s important to you that your wedding photographer be able to make you look thinner, taller, or prettier, then you're going to want to choose one who can flatter you with proper lighting and posing techniques. Even more can be done through digital image manipulation. Be sure to discuss your concerns with prospective wedding photographers to learn whether they’re able to accommodate your wishes. Please call or discuss this with Norm if desired.


Photography and video by Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast wedding photographer and videographer Normy B - Divine Studios

Destination Wedding Photographer - Normy B

I often get asked if I will travel to Noosa, Toowoomba or the Gold Coast for a wedding... the fact is that although my main studio location is based next to the Albion
train station off Sandgate Rd in Albion Brisbane, I regularly travel interstate and overseas for photography assignments, especially weddings.

Anywhere from Byron Bay to Fraser Island is actually my backyard in terms of photographing weddings every week. There are no travel fees involved in these locations because
we do not see these weddings as being destination weddings for us.. these are local weddings which we photograph and video weekly.

However we are also offering destination weddings.... Fiji, Vanuatu, New Zealand, Sydney, Melbourne, Port Douglas, Hamilton Island, or any other location in australia or internationally for that matter.

wedding_noosa1

So why hire a destination wedding photographer?

In some cases the destination you are having your wedding does not have a suitable photographer available. The style's of the local photographers may not be appealing to you.
The quality of the photography available at your destination may not meet your expectations.... Or you have just simply found a photographer in a magazine or on the web that just speaks to your heart in terms of the images. It is a very unique thing to find a photographer who is exactly what you want.

Top wedding photographers and photography studios including Divine Studios spend well over $100,000, $500,000 or several million dollars on their training, equipment, technologies and studios.... For example there are multi million dollar studios in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne that spend on highly specialised staff, camera equipment and technologies, album and photo editing softwares and studio facilities.

It is not always possible for photographers in more remote and exotic locations to afford these kinds of cutting edge technologies, specialized staff and clients service capabilities especially due to the reason that there is not enough business or demand for high end and high quality photography.

Yet there is a much better reason to hire a destination photographer....

Firstly, the photographer is undoubtedly the most important professional at your wedding if you are intending a full day coverage of your wedding. The photographer is the person who does most of the coordinating of people, directing, time planning and organising next to the bride unless you hire a full time wedding planner who happens to be with you all day at your wedding. In our experience even wedding planners spend only a fraction of time with the couple compared to the photographer on the wedding day.

It is therefore important to build a rapport with your photographer which helps to make your wedding day special.

In the case of a destination wedding, destination photographers who are located in your town or city of residence are usually more than happy for you to visit them regularly to be able to build a rapport together.

Also, in the case of destination weddings, many destination wedding photographers will only require you to pay for travel and accommodation costs without charging any extra travel charges.

It is likely that the total cost of travel expenses to hire the photographer you want for a wedding could be around 10% on top of your total spend.

Does it make sense if you can afford it, to hire the professional and style that you really want for your wedding for a 10% premium which then also allows you to visit the photographers studio after the wedding as much as you like to plan your album and photos? This would be the case for Brisbane couples having their wedding in Sydney, Melbourne, Noosa, Fiji, Hamilton Island or any other location outside of Brisbane.

It is for this reason that I offer my services as a destination wedding photographer to you, so if you are located within a couple of hours drive of the CBD in Brisbane including Noosa, Maroochydore, Brisbane, Gold Coast, etc etc please feel free to contact me on 0410 144 132 or 07 3122 8350 to discuss your destination wedding.

Or befriend me on facebook to discuss and get free professional advice from me about your destination wedding.

A few of my colleagues who are destination photographers in the United States almost never photograph weddings in their home town of LA, San Fransisco and Sandiego.

Joe Buissink is a photographer I met from Beverly Hills who photographed the weddings of Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey, Brendan Fraser, Kelsey Grammer, Hillary Swank & Chad Lowe, Christina Applegate, Jenny Garth & Peter Facinelli, and Christina Aguilera.

The week before I met Joe in Brisbane he had just photographed the 60th Birthday of Stephen Spielberg. Stephen had seen the photos Joe took for one of his excecutives and decided he loved the style so much he wanted Joe to photograph at his birthday party.

Captivating photography of your wedding will pay you for the rest of your life. It is important to consider that if you spend $3000 to $5000 on your wedding dress which you wear for one day, that when you are investing in a high quality wedding album and photography, that album will not only last your lifetime but will also be the most valuable present you can pass on to your children. Our albums for example are printed and manufactured by the the best in the business and are able to withstand fading and handling for several generations. This is how important we feel your photographs are as not to compromise on quality of materials, coverage of your wedding and time spent building a rapport with our clients.

Feel free to contact Normy B for any further professional advice regarding your photography or wedding needs....

kind regards, Normy B

Destination Wedding Photographer by Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast - Normy B Divine Studios

Chat with Normy B on Facebook for professional wedding and photography advice

Dear wedding couple...

Over the last 10 years I have photographed weddings in Australia, New Zealand, England and Germany.

A few weeks ago I won 3 silver awards in the 2009 Queensland AIPP professional photographers awards held at the Victoria Park Function Centre in Brisbane.

Places I have photographed recently are.. The Hillstone St Lucia, Customs House, Avica Resort Gold Coast, Sails Restaurant Noosa, Sunshine Castle Weddings Venue Sunshine Coast , The Marriot Brisbane, Stamford Plaza Brisbane, Snugg Harbour, Tamborine Gardens Mt Tamborine, Bretts Wharf, Hamilton,
Brisbane Registry Office, Eves on the River, Teneriffe , Froggy Beach, Gold Coast Glengariff Winery & Vineyards, Hamilton Island, Peppers Resort Hervey Bay,
Hope Island Resort, Gold Coast, Indooroopily Golf Club in Brisbane, Landmark Restaurant, Sunnybank Plaza, Latrobe Chapel, Paddington, Newstead Park, Our Ladies of Victories Church Bowen Hills, Palazzo Versace Hotel, Gold Coast, Pacific Harbour Golf Country Club, Bribie Island, Sirromet Winery, Mount Cotton, St. Andrew's Anglican Church, South Brisbane, St. Andrew's Anglican Church, South Brisbane, St. Benedict's Church, East Brisbane , St. Mary's Anglican Church, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Brisbane, Summit Restaurant,
Summit Restaurant, Mt Coot-tha, Tattersall's Club, Brisbane, Victoria Park Function Centre and Golf Club, Woodlands of Marburg, Bribie Island RSL, Vinos Restaurant Eagle Street, Restaurant 2 Edward Street, The Powerhouse New Farm, Bundaleer Gardens, The Greek Club, Twin Towns, Gambaros Restaurant Paddington, Kingfisher Resort Fraser Island, The Spirit House Yandina, The Novotell Twin Waters, The Ramada Pelican Waters Port Douglas, Sydney, Melbourne etc etc..

Feel free to contact me for any advice about photography and video or about any other services for your wedding by appointment of chat via facebook....

CHAT WITH NORMY ON FACEBOOK

Professional wedding photography by Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast photographer and videographer Normy B - Divine Studios

A history of wedding photography

The wedding photography has grown since the invention of the technology of photography, by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826. It wasn't until the 1860's that the idea of being photographed in the wedding gown became introduced.

Color photography came with the beginning of the 20th century yet black and white dominated due to the price.

The idea of capturing the wedding started after the Second World War. Using a new film roll technology and the enhanced lighting techniques with the invention of the compact flash bulb, often photographers start show up in the weddings and try to sell the photos later. Despite the initial low quality photographs that often resulted, the competition forced the studio photographers to start working on location.

In the 1970's the more modern approach to recording the entire wedding event started evolving into the practice as we know it today.

Many couples today understand that a wedding is all about emotion, relationships and family and prefer to be photographed in a natural candid way.

The professional storytelling photojournalist of today often requires specialist professional camera gear and techniques to effectively tell the story of a wedding in low light and from challenging angles and distances. It is not uncommon for a top wedding photographers to spend $50,000 or more on the cameras and lenses for the purposes of a wedding.
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Photography and video by Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast wedding photographer and videographer Normy B - Divine Studios

Recent testimonials for Divine Studios Photography and Video

Befriend Normy B on facebook for up to date discussions and testimonials and realtime contact with Divine Studios past clientele

"Dear Normy,
Thanks so much for the Video Preview...everyone and Mark and myself absolutely LOVE it...we have had soooo many compliments from it already.. I keep telling them thats just the start! You did a fantastic Job.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards
Jess"

Videography Testimonial – Jess and Mark - Bribie Island Feb 2009

“your wedding photography is fantastic.”
toronto photographer

"Love the imagery of the festival, you really captured something.."
Professional Model - Christina

"Hi norm,
Thanks heaps for our wonderful weddng album, great work. Everyone loves it. So happy to have it. Thank you for your time n hard work put into the album."

Cassandra and Jacob

"Oh my Gosh Norm! Thank you so much! These are absolutely beautiful! We really appreciate you hiking to Toowoomba. After my family and friends see these photos you might have to make a few more trips for weddings in the future!"
Christie Lee - Toowoomba

"Normy,
I have to say Normy the wedding you shot are some of the best images
I have seen,…"

Thats Me Photography

"Thanks so much for the memories. Great work - You're talent really shows - You've got a great eye!"
Endors Photography

"wow, wow,wow. I cant believe how good this photo looks. You are truly very very good at what you do."
Nawal
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"Everyone we have spoken to has told us how much they loved your photos and josh and I were absolutely so blown away by them, and we really loved the slide show."
Karen and Josh – Avica Resort

Norm’s work is vivid an emotional
www.sunshinecastle.com

"Thankyou for your professional attitude and flexibility"
Samantha and Justin – Hope Island resort

" I ccccaaanot WAIT to shoot with you again!!! I love love love my pics!!! "
Brisbane Model – Chanea

Photography and video by Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast wedding photographer and videographer Normy B - Divine Studios

Wedding Videography Special

This month Divine Studios is having a wedding videography special price for our Silver Package
at $1950! We are also adding in an extra hour of coverage with this package this month...

Our standard wedding/event videography includes:

High Definition professional capture
2 pro series HD camcorders for professional transistioning
pro series shotgun and lapel radio microphones ( placed on the bride and groom )
interviewing of guests at the reception
getting ready ( optional ), ceremony, locations, reception ( interviews with guests / speaches )

VIEW OUR LATEST WEDDING VIDEO HERE...
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Photography and video by Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast wedding photographer and videographer Normy B - Divine Studios

Normy B photographs the 10th Anniversary of the Noosa Springs Golf Club

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qG5lfsMGNY&fmt=18

Commercial and Portrait Photographer Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast - Divine Studios

Normy B video's the Sunshine Castle Theatre Night for Queensland Nurses

Sunshine Castle is a function, party and weddings venue located at Bli Bli, an hour north of Brisbane. I usually photograph weddings at the venue yet was in this cases asked to
video the Theatre Night which was held for the Queensland Nurses....

for weddings, parties and function enquiries at the Sunshine Castle venue at Bli Bli please click here

regards, Normy B

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlDH59KY4ik


Photography and video by Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast wedding photographer and videographer Normy B - Divine Studios

Wedding Videography and Photography - Jen and Mitch Gold Coast Hinterland

Jen and Mitch hired me out of the blue a few days before the wedding to video their wedding in the Gold Coast Hinterland. I had a great time at the
wedding and particularly enjoyed the girls rendition of "Lose yourself" by Eminem, the level of talent was only paralleled by the boys who came up
with an original rhyme, upstaging the girls.... I also did take some still images whilst videoing the wedding which are incorporated in the slideshow..
regards, Normy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyv1JtIt1jo

Photography and video by Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast wedding photographer and videographer Normy B - Divine Studios

Woodford Folk Festival

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Outside of wedding photography, I also photograph events, festivals, commercial assignments and portraits / headshots. I was asked to photograph the Woodford Folk Festival at the end of last year. The Woodford Festival is one of the best Festivals I have ever attended and I recommend anyone to attend the Festival. Below are some of my images from the festival. Please contact me on 0410 144 132 if you are interested in seeing a full online gallery of the Woodford Festival as there are over 2000 images.
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Photography and video of events, festivals, commercial assignments and portraits headshots by Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coas
t - Normy B, Divine Studios

Fashion photography, head shots and commercial photographer Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast.

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Outside of my wedding photography I often photograph fashion for designers, photography actors head-shots, model portfolios and other commercial assignments...
Please feel free to contact me with any queries with regards to arranging any personal or commercial shoots.. on 0410 144 132 regards, Normy B
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Fashion Photography, head shots and commercial photographer by Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast photographer and videographer Normy B - Divine Studios

Brisbane wedding and fashion photography shoot

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I booked a couple of weddings yesterday for me to provide my videography services. Also I photographed a model for an upcoming project.... regards, Normy B

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Photography and video by Brisbane wedding photographer and videographer
Normy B - Divine Studios

WEDDING, EVENT AND COMMERCIAL VIDEOGRAPHY

Please phone 07 3262 5634 or mobile 0410 144 132 or email info@divinestudios.com.au to discuss your wedding or event videography needs.

VIDEOGRAPHY SPECIAL!!! - book both photography and videography services and receive 30% off our videography services.

Please click on the play button below to view a wedding videography sample. Other Events and Commercial Videos can be arranged by contacting us directly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyv1JtIt1jo

We carry out wedding event and commercial videography in brisbane, the gold coast, sunshine coast, noosa, sydney and beyond.


Photography and video by Brisbane wedding photographer and videographer
Normy B - Divine Studios

New HD Wedding Video Brisbane - Natalie and Wyndal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYXk2wULuAY



Photography and video by Brisbane wedding photographer and videographer
Normy B - Divine Studios

Corporate Headshots Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast - Professional Portraits

In todays professional environment the image of your business or company is everything. Professional corporate and company head shots are an essential part of portraying a professional image thus
enticing other companies to want to do business with you. We provide professional head-shots for corporations large and small, executive business portraits, entertainers and actors headshots as well as advertising, annual reports, fashion, lifestyle, magazine, model folios and product photography. We provide headshots to businessess throughout Australia including Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast businesses. Phone on 3262 5634 or 0410 144 132 or email headshots@divinestudios.com.au

Below is an example of a headshot Brisbane Portrait and Headshot Photographer Normy B photographed for TGL Lawyers in Brisbane CBD this week. The images display the importance of professional retouching to finish the image.

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Also provided are business headshots,executive headshots,publicity headshot,public relations,corporate headshots,head shot,formal headshots,business portrait,business head shots, publicity photos,mugshots, commercial portraits,executive portraits,corporate photography package,brisbane photographers,creative photography. phone on 3262 5634 or 0410 144 132 or email headshots@divinestudios.com.au

E-session of Elly & Maziar - Wedding photography and video at Novotel Twin Waters by Normy B

The engagment session is designed to allow the wedding couple to get used to the camera before the wedding so that on the wedding day the photos
look more natural due to having experienced working with the photographer. Elly, Maziar and I went to some Japanese Gardens to take these photos as
E-sessions ( engagment sessions ) are usually photographed at our couples choice of location anywhere in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast.
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Phone Normy on
0410 144 132 to book an e-session .... Couples can book an e-session before booking our wedding photography services. The wedding of Elly and Maziar
is coming up at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort. regards, Normy B

Photography and video by Brisbane wedding photographer and videographer Normy B - Divine Studios

Wedding Video Preview of Elly and Maziar - Novotel Twin Waters

Elly and Maziar have been an exceptional couple to work for. As I provided both photography and video on the day my workload was cut out for me. I have included
a short preview video of some highlights of the wedding. Photography is yet to come so stay posted to this blog. Enjoy! Normy B
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK1HaubqgnA

Photography and video by Brisbane wedding photographer Normy B - Divine Studios

Engagement Party Photography of Ben and Jay Ann - Brisbane

Tonight I photographed the Engagement Party of Ben and Jay Ann in brisbane today. The food was amazing and thankyou for your hospitality tonight
I had a ball! More photos will be at my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/normyb best regards, Normy B
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Photography and video by Brisbane Wedding Photographers - Divine Studios

Fashion Photographer Brisbane - Portfolio for Michelle

Today my assistant Chris and I photographed some fashion portfolio images for the lovely Michelle in Brisbane. Here are some images from today..
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Photography and video by Brisbane Fashion Photographer Normy B
- Divine Studios

Wedding Photography and Video @ Novotel Twin Waters - Elly and Maziar

The wedding of Elly and Maziar was referred to me by an earlier wedding I had photographed for friends of Maziar. The wedding took place at the beautiful Novotel
Twin Waters where I have photographed regularly over the last 5 years. I found wedding coordinator Leoni was particularly helpful to me and the couple. There are many advantages of
hiring a venue such as the Novotel for your wedding. Especially from a logistical, travel and photography point of view. I will be writing some articles on this at the wedding photography articles and advice section of my blog. Everybody looked fantastic on the day as make up services were provided my Kylie Jane Makeup Artistry and hair by Rolling Scissors Congratulations to Elly and Maziar who have been an exceptional couple to work for...hair_and_makeup_sunshine_coast
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Photography and Video by Sunshine Coast and Brisbane wedding photographer Normy B of Divine Studios.

Hamilton Island Wedding - Whitsundays - Photography and Video

Divine Studios flew to Hamilton Island to Cover a wedding recently at Hamilton Island. What a beautiful spot to have a wedding at the All Saints Chapel
and the photography opportunities are amazing! Please contact Divine Studios if we are available at Hamilton at the time of your wedding for photography
and video. regards, Normy B
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whitsunday wedding photographer normy b is available for wedding photography and videography on hamilton island, daydream island, hayman island brampton island and any other island in the group.

Fearless Flyers - Brisbane

I attended a fearless flyers course recently which helps people get over their fear of flying. For our graduation we flew to Sydney for lunch at the Shangri La Hotel at the Rocksfearless_flyers
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Photography and video by Normy B
- Divine Studios, Brisbane

Wedding at the Queensland Rugby Club Downtown - David and Leisa-ann

Recently I was on videography assignment at St Mary's Church , the home of Fr Stephen Redhead for the wedding of David and Leisa Ann. I was called by David's mother Suzi the week before the wedding to provide videography for the lovely couple. I was able to capture some photos during my videography work below. The reception was at the Queensland Rugby Club Downtown... Subscribe to the email notification on this blog to be updated when the full videography preview... coming soon!
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Photography and video by Brisbane wedding photographer and videographer Normy B - Divine Studios