Photos by Jay Blog

Advice: Choosing a wedding photographer

Jay — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:02:49 +0000

I often hear horror stories from friends of their wedding photographer causing all sorts of problems before, on and after the wedding day. Some of the most common complaints I hear:

It’s been six months and I haven’t even seen my photos yet! (it’s scary how often I hear this)
The photographers I met with weren’t the people who showed up on the day – and I wasn’t told this was going to happen
They said they do not give away or sell their high resolution files / negatives under any circumstances, but after 1 year they sent me a letter offering to sell the negatives to me for $500
They forced groups to pose together that didn’t make sense to us – for example they made my parents pose in a photo but they’ve been separated for years and wouldn’t necessarily want that photo taken
The quality of the final photos was nowhere near as good as what they showed me when I went to see them
They were late to the wedding
It started raining so there were no nice photos of the two of us
It’s been less than a year and our album is already falling apart
I got hit with all sorts of charges after the wedding that I wasn’t told about (travel costs, extra album pages, album design/retouching, extra hours etc.)

Of course it upsets me when I hear these kinds of complaints because the last thing we wedding photographers want is the industry to be regarded as “dodgy” or unethical. In light of these issues I’ve compiled a list of questions that you as a couple should ask when meeting with potential wedding photographers.

Is the actual photographer you met going to cover your events, or will they send one of their staff?
Is there one photographer or two?
What kind of guarantees do they offer on albums and prints?
How do they handle bad weather conditions? (Ask to see examples of their rainy day work)
What do their albums look like? Do they do any artistic work on the photos that go into the album or are they “straight out of the camera”?
Are there any other costs, e.g. travel, special effects on albums, extra album pages, editing for the album, night shots?
Is the photographer recognised by any industry associations? (In Australia your photographer should be a member of the AIPP which ensures a level of ethical, professional service)

You should walk away feeling confident that your photographer has answered all these questions to your satisfaction.

What wedding horror stories have you heard?

Kurt and Sheryl’s Wedding – Shangri La’s Fijian Resort and Spa

Jay — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:47:55 +0000

Last weekend I flew up to tropical Fiji to photograph the wedding of Sydney couple Kurt and Sheryl. After having such a great time with them at their e-session in May, I knew this weekend was going to be lots of fun and full of love and laughter.

The magnificent Shangri La’s Fijian Resort and Spa and Seaside Chapel:

Sheryl and the girls:

Sheryl’s beautifully detailed and decorated dress – I love the floral piece on the hip:

Kurt and the boys – let’s just say I’m glad I’m on their side.

The bridesmaids were rocking the island look!

Kurt and Sheryl are a perfect fit:

The immaculately decorated and arranged beach reception – you can’t get more Fijian than this:

A fire show with acrobatics like nothing I’ve ever seen before:

The guests performing some acrobatics of their own:

Congratulations Kurt and Sheryl!

Allegra

Jay — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:11:56 +0000

More soon from this beautiful family.

Adrian and Kerryn’s Wedding – Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast, Queensland

Jay — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:50:35 +0000

Kerryn was one of the bridesmaids at Steve and Peta’s Wedding which I photographed in January. Even back then Adrian and Kerryn immediately struck me as a down-to-earth, approachable couple who shared a special bond. Their wedding at the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast last weekend was an intimate gathering of close friends and family, and a joyful union of two people who are simply meant to be together.
Adrian and Kerryn could not have asked for a more perfect day and location to get married:

Kerryn looked like a princess:

Kerryn with her gorgeous sisters:

The boys, looking sharp:

The inside of the chapel was modern, minimal, bright and majestic:

Blessing the rings:

Hot shoes!

Very unique table centrepieces:

The two families are so close and have been through so much together. It was beautiful hearing them express their heartfelt appreciation.

Congratulations Adrian and Kerryn!

Clinton and Heidi’s Adelaide Wedding

Jay — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:57:34 +0000

I had met Clinton and Heidi a few years ago at a friend’s wedding in Sydney. I had heard a lot of great things about them since and was thrilled when they chose me to photograph their wedding in Adelaide last Saturday.

Upon arriving at Heidi’s place from the airport, she greeted me energetically in the warm Adelaide air and introduced me to her bridesmaids and folks. They were all relaxed and bouyant and excited about the day ahead.

Heidi, elegant and graceful:

Clinton and co:

The majestic Pilgrim Uniting Church:

One of my favourite photos – pure joy:

The inside of the church was just as grand:

Exploring the church grounds with the newlyweds:

I love this sequence:

My favourite photo from the day, featuring the breathtaking St Peter’s Cathedral:

The gorgeous bridesmaids:

We then drove through the Adelaide hills to the charming town of Stirling and to The Stirling Hotel for the reception.

Vanilla slice cake – delicious.

Ripping up the dancefloor!

Congratulations Clinton and Heidi!

Mayank and Nandi’s e-session – Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House

Jay — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:30:54 +0000

Mayank and Nandi wanted some pre-wedding photos done in Sydney city to prepare table settings and invitations for their Indian wedding in December. They are a relaxed and trendy couple and it sounds like their wedding is going to be incredible! Here are some images from their afternoon session.

Adrian and Kerryn’s Sanctuary Cove Wedding – Sneak Preview

Jay — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:30:01 +0000

Clinton and Heidi’s Wedding – Adelaide – Sneak Preview

Jay — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:59:25 +0000

More stunning images from this wedding soon…

UPDATE: more images from the wedding here

Roy and Mel’s Wedding – Bicentennial Park, Waterview Function Centre

Jay — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:01:40 +0000

After a failed attempt a grand romantic proposal in the Blue Mountains, Roy had to change to Plan B. He proposed as Mel was unpacking their holiday clothes and doing laundry at home! It was this kind of genuine gesture that, to me, defines the raw, pure connection between Roy and Mel. They have been together for a decade but they are still desperately in love. Their wedding further affirmed the love for each other and for their family and friends.

It was an uncharacteristically hot spring day. A visibly nervous yet jovial Mel greeted me as she was getting ready with the girls and family.We then continued onto Bicentennial Park in Homebush for the gorgeous outdoor ceremony and it was onto the nearby Waterview function centre for the emotional and energetic reception.

My good friend and amazing photographer Nerida McMurray photographed with me. Rachael from Harbour City Films as always handled the video flawlessly.

Shoes by Panache:

Mel was radiant:

Roy and the boys:

Bicentennial Park is such a gorgeous venue:

Such a sweet couple:

They both share such a strong family bond:

Who likes to party?

Congratulations Roy and Mel, and all the very best with your new lives together.

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Pike Family Photos – Sienna – Sneak Preview

Jay — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:38:29 +0000

Sienna