New Blog!

The time has come for the blog to be bigger and better. It can now be found here.

it's all about weddings

March issue of Photo Pro magazine with my latest blog. Editor Terry also asked me to write a piece for their "Best Advice" feature for the March Weddings special as well as including one of my signature images from Gemma & Stuart's beautiful wedding. April issue out soon...

wedding fair buzz

After a very busy day yesterday at the wedding fair, I'm feeling exhausted, but oh so inspired. I got to meet and talk to so many lovely brides, each so excited about their day. This is the part of my "job" (it's my life really) that I love so much - getting to know potential clients and finding out what's so special about their wedding. Thanks to everyone who made the trip over to my stand; it was a pleasure to meet you and I hope you enjoyed the fair, which I thought was brilliant. Please do get in touch if you'd like to talk about your day in greater detail - I would love to be involved.

Wedding Fair

This Sunday I will be exhibiting at Eastwell Manor wedding fair in Boughton Lees, Kent. This beautiful venue has been home to many a gorgeous wedding, and the fair gives brides the opportunity to have a nose at the stunning location. It is also a very exclusive fair which showcases only the very best quality exhibitors, so you can be assured that you're in capable hands. Two of my personally recommended suppliers will also be exhibiting - Jessica Taylor of Travel Counsellors who specialises in beautiful honeymoons tailored to each client, and Kate from The Floral Madam, a lovely florist based in Charing. Entrance is free! Look forward to meeting you there...

pop portrait

This picture is a perfect example of what can be achieved with some good natural light, a colourful prop and a dingy looking alley. Wielding an umbrella by one of my most favourite designers, Katie's perfect cheekbones and bright pink lipstick give this urban portrait an element of grace and fun. It was published in Digital SLR User magazine last summer and I will upload the article very soon. Watch this space...

I've Got Mail

I LOVE getting thank-you cards. Especially from happy clients. It gives me such a buzz when a bride (who has already invested her hard-earned money) finds it in her heart to send me a little note to say how much she loves her photographs.

I received this lovely note from Gemma & Stuart today, whose wedding I photographed last year:

"Dear Jodie

I wanted to say thank you so much for all your hard work on our wedding day and for the beautiful photos you took. I can't believe how well they turned out. The album is so fantastic and is the perfect memory of the day.

Thanks again,

Gemma & Stuart"

That's why I love photographing weddings.

to pre-wed or not to pre-wed...

One question I am often asked by brides is "What's the point of a pre-wedding shoot?" If I had a pound for every time I was asked that question... But maybe photographers aren't emphasising the benefits of these sessions as much as they should, as they are beneficial not only for the couple (more photos!) but also for the photographer.

For example, if you are uncomfortable with a certain facial or body feature, talking this through with your photographer at the pre-wedding shoot will allow them to prove they are a true professional and can deliver images that make you look fantastic. On the day itself, you will feel relaxed and happy in front of the camera, safe in the knowledge that your photographer knows how to capture beautiful images of you. If they are a photographer who wants to deliver the best, they will want to know how you feel about being in front of the lens. The key to a great wedding photographer is a people person who can relax even the most nervous of brides. This shoot will give you the chance to check they are up to the job and also experience their photography first-hand.

Of course, every photographer wants to provide their clients with images they love and therefore want to buy. Products available from pre-wedding shoots include a signature mount - this can be displayed at the reception for guests to sign the mount around a beautiful portrait of the happy couple. Another service I offer is a beautiful guest book which include pictures from the engagement shoot as well as blank pages for guests to write messages.

I currently only feature these shoots with my Sydney package, but am considering including them in my New York package. If you are a bride who has booked/is considering booking a New York package, mention whether you would like a pre-wedding shoot and I would be happy to include it as a complimentary extra.

Here are just a few images from recent pre-wedding shoots. These are all great couples who had fantastic chemistry that really shines through.