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Nic Cleave
Nic Cleave is an award-winning photographer based in South Wales, providing a much sought after documentary style of photography. Contact: www.niccleave.com |
Nic Cleave answers all your Photography related questions |
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Keeping it local
Q. My fiance and I live out in the sticks, and as far as we know, there aren't any wedding photographers close by. How should we go about looking for a photographer in our area for our wedding next autumn?
A. Nic Cleave says: Try asking your wedding venue if they can recommend any photographers in the local area who have worked there previously. Most venues will keep a list of suppliers they like to use (not only limited to photography) and this is a good place to start your search. Don't feel like you have to use a photographer that is based close to where you live or near your venue though. Many photographers will travel out of their local area to cover weddings all over the region. |
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A quality keepsake
Q. I have heard that we can save money on photography costs by asking our photographer to provide us with all our images on a CD instead of an expensive album. Would you advise this?
A. Nic Cleave says: This all depends on how important your photographs are to you. Some photographers will offer couples a digital package - the opportunity to purchase their photos on a disc - but in my opinion, prints in an album will look far more impressive than the prints you can obtain from a CD at a high street photo printer. Professional pictures will go through extensive digital re-touching and enhancement processes, ensuring that any distracting background elements are removed and minor skin or colour imperfections are corrected. The difference in quality is staggering, so if you want an invaluable record of your big day, a beautiful album is well worth the money. |
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Snap happy
Q. We're planning our wedding for next April, but I'm worried about spring showers ruining the photos. How can we ensure that the photos still look amazing, even if it does rain?
A. Nic Cleave says: The weather is the one element of your big day that is beyond the control of anyone (especially in South Wales!). If there is a good chance it will rain on the day, choose a venue that has plenty of room and light for indoor shots, should the worst happen. If you're determined to have your photos taken outside whatever the weather, then discuss with your photographer what the 'wet weather plan' is and he or she should have some ideas.
Most photographers will carry large white umbrellas with them, which can be used to keep the rain off you both. But whatever happens, don't feel downhearted. There are lots of props and accessories you can bring along to create fun and quirky photos. |
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Wet weather woes
Q. It rained at my friend's wedding and because the photos took so long to complete everyone got cold in their summer clothes. What can I do if this happens at my wedding?
A. Nic Cleave says: Even when it rains, most couples still expect a few group shots of family and friends. Explain your worries to your photographer during your pre-wedding chat and he or she should have a few suggestions for such a scenario. |
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Quality cost
Q. I'm getting married next year but due to the economic climate my fiancé and I are on a budget. Photography is really important to us but we're worried we won't be able to afford a high quality photographer. Do you have any ideas on how to keep costs down?
A. Nic Cleave says: Firstly don't assume you can't have a great professional photographer to capture your day. Here are my tips for achieving quality photography on a budget:
Instead of choosing an all-day package ask your short-listed photographers if they are willing to offer a shorter package, for example photographing the ceremony and part of the reception.
If you're willing to risk booking your photographer later than usual, some photographers offer a late booking package. Be aware of the risk that your preferred photographer may not be available on your wedding day though.
If a professional album is not a priority for you, choose a photographer who offers a digital package. Here, the images are supplied on a CD with printing permission. There is no album included so the package should be cheaper than a standard package which would come complete with a finished album.
If photography is of prime importance to you there is a new trend in the UK, where couples ask family and friends to buy portions of a wedding photography package for them as a wedding gift. You will only need a few family members to take part to make the difference between buying the package you can afford and the package you have your hearts set on. |
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Money matters
Q. My friend got married last year and says she paid the photographer almost as much money after the wedding day as she did before. I have set a photography budget so how can I avoid this?
A. Nic Cleave says: Some photographers sell packages that don't include albums, or that include very small or basic albums which most couples will want to upgrade later.
This is where additional expenses are added. The original package price may look very attractive on paper but you'll need to allow for this extra cost later.
This system can catch some people out. If you want to avoid expensive surprises make sure that your photography package includes an album that you'll be happy with after the day.
Your photographer should be able to show you a complete example of the album in your chosen package so that you can be sure. |
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Location, Location, Location
Q. We are thinking of getting married in the winter but are concerned that it won?t be possible to achieve nice photos of us and our guests at this time of the year. What do you think?
A. Nic Cleave says: Winter weddings are becoming increasingly popular, especially in December and January, and let me reassure you that you can still expect some amazing photography at this time of year.
Obviously factors like lack of natural light and wet or cold weather conditions at this time of year can mean that group shots are taken inside for everyone?s comfort. Photographing family groups in this way shouldn?t be a problem for a professional photographer with experience of winter weddings.
The inside location for group photos should be discussed and agreed with your photographer before the day and plans made with the venue?s staff to ensure that this location is available.
The result will be photos that capture your wedding party in the same way as they would in the summer, but simply with a different indoor background. |
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