Even about the paedo bits?!
I said Kinda... just the social media bits eh haha
The rest was a bit of an accusatory jump to make lol
Client unhappy with me posting a few images of there wedding day on my Facebook page
- Thread starter jasonsony735
- Start date
I said Kinda... just the social media bits eh haha
The rest was a bit of an accusatory jump to make lol
Soldato
Reading through some of the posts in this thread... I'm so glad I asked you to shoot my wedding!
Caporegime
I often want to post and spam my Facebook wall with wedding photos, but I end up posting almost as much about coffee and ice-cream as weddings !
Soldato
So, having had my wedding in June, I thought I'd post what the experience of a wedding photographer is like from the perspective of a client.
There are some really great photographers on this forum, and I've seen some fantastic sets over the years. But Raymond's style just clicked with me and after proposing in May 2013 on of the first things we did was sort out the photographer. We ended up meeting him in a pub on the end of a road trip through Wales and talked through all the options. That was 15 months before the wedding, and we had a pretty good idea of what we wanted, even though we didn't have a date or venue set at that point.
His contract was clear and unambiguous - yes, we actually read it - and ended up paying pretty much all of it in advance because it suited us at the time. And, although it was a leap of faith in someone we'd met once but felt that we knew from the history on this forum, we had already established trust.
We actually didn't get in touch too much over the following 12 months, until it got to a few weeks to go. We'd only exchanged a few messages here and there about payment and booking of accommodation - not much more. A bridezilla might panic but we were pretty relaxed about everything. We started to email a few more details with a couple of weeks to go but there wasn't any stress. We were asked to pull together lists of the formal photos that we wanted, and he told us that he was checking out the venue and local area - we're not exactly local.
Arriving at the weekend, and I knew that he was in the area because he checked in at the local cinema on Friday night. A few texts to check addresses and location of the bride's location for the morning and we were done. However, I don't think it would be a proper wedding without a few changes of plan on the day. My address is not easy to find, and the bride and bridesmaids had already departed to the hairdresser before 9 am. Not a problem - he already had the address for that and, 15 months after the first meeting, met my bride once again. A mix up with cars, and he even gave the bride and a bridesmaid a lift back to the house to continue getting ready.
The first I saw of him was when I arrived - 10 minutes late - at the venue, when he was busy taking photos of the bride in the car, as she'd arrived early! I caught up with him whilst I was apologising to the registrar.
From then on, he was everywhere and nowhere. Speaking to the guests, he'd been with, and shot, all of them. He gave brief and clear instructions at the ceremony, and then again for formal photos which with his help we'd planned fairly efficiently (thank god, because it absolutely bucketed down with rain the second his last photo had been taken). Apart from speaking to him a couple of times during the night, the only times I noticed him was during cake cutting, an extrovert pose on the dance floor initiated by us, our own more intimate couple photos and an epic bar moment when everyone did Jaeger bombs (still my favourite wedding shot!). I can remember offering him a drink fairly late on but he refused. We were contracted until 10 pm (I think) but he just kept going all night. When possible, and when he'd just had one of those 'oh, this is it!' moments with a photo he showed us the result, but apart from that we didn't see much of him.
There was one exception. When we finished the formal photos it absolutely tipped it down with rain, but fortunately we'd all moved indoors for the wedding breakfast, speeches and toasts. At the end of that was our first dance and cake etc. Raymond was constantly on his phone, and was utterly convinced that there would be a break in the weather and we'd get one of those fantastic Suffolk sunsets that we'd told him about. I don't know what app he uses but it was correct, and around 8 pm he whisked us away down the road in his car to a spot he'd seen when researching the venue. From a bride and groom's perspective, it was a perfect time to take a breath and have a break. From his perspective, the sunset did it's part. I'll let his photos, when he's ready, speak for him.
I've no idea when he packed up and finished, but it wasn't long before we did the same. And we were so happy to finally share a few drinks with him at the pub we'd booked for everyone to stay in once we'd finally left the venue. And then breakfast in the morning too, with all our family.
Dragging this back to the original thread, I appreciate that just 5 weeks after getting married I'd writing this in the warm glow of a newly wed, but I wanted to share what great feels like from a client's perspective. At our first meeting over a year before, and again at the right moment on the day, and on the day after, Raymond made it clear what he'd be doing with our photos and checked that we were happy with it, which we were. I don't have a problem with sneak peeks going on Facebook - I really enjoyed it - but equally he'd have respected us if we didn't want it. Everything was clear, open and honest, and continues to be now whilst he's still processing the last photos. I even checked with him a few minutes ago to ask if he'd mind me posting an update of what a client's experience is like.
There might be better, there's certainly worse, but this is what great feels like to me. Everything I wanted and the only surprises were good ones. Service all the way through, photos and more. It sounds easy, but I'm sure it is not. I'm sure there are countless little small things throughout the preparation and day that could be done differently that end up in a completely different experience or surprise, and I guess that's where the groom in the OP is right now. But I'm not - thanks Raymond.
Just my perspective from being a client. A happy one.
There are some really great photographers on this forum, and I've seen some fantastic sets over the years. But Raymond's style just clicked with me and after proposing in May 2013 on of the first things we did was sort out the photographer. We ended up meeting him in a pub on the end of a road trip through Wales and talked through all the options. That was 15 months before the wedding, and we had a pretty good idea of what we wanted, even though we didn't have a date or venue set at that point.
His contract was clear and unambiguous - yes, we actually read it - and ended up paying pretty much all of it in advance because it suited us at the time. And, although it was a leap of faith in someone we'd met once but felt that we knew from the history on this forum, we had already established trust.
We actually didn't get in touch too much over the following 12 months, until it got to a few weeks to go. We'd only exchanged a few messages here and there about payment and booking of accommodation - not much more. A bridezilla might panic but we were pretty relaxed about everything. We started to email a few more details with a couple of weeks to go but there wasn't any stress. We were asked to pull together lists of the formal photos that we wanted, and he told us that he was checking out the venue and local area - we're not exactly local.
Arriving at the weekend, and I knew that he was in the area because he checked in at the local cinema on Friday night. A few texts to check addresses and location of the bride's location for the morning and we were done. However, I don't think it would be a proper wedding without a few changes of plan on the day. My address is not easy to find, and the bride and bridesmaids had already departed to the hairdresser before 9 am. Not a problem - he already had the address for that and, 15 months after the first meeting, met my bride once again. A mix up with cars, and he even gave the bride and a bridesmaid a lift back to the house to continue getting ready.
The first I saw of him was when I arrived - 10 minutes late - at the venue, when he was busy taking photos of the bride in the car, as she'd arrived early! I caught up with him whilst I was apologising to the registrar.
From then on, he was everywhere and nowhere. Speaking to the guests, he'd been with, and shot, all of them. He gave brief and clear instructions at the ceremony, and then again for formal photos which with his help we'd planned fairly efficiently (thank god, because it absolutely bucketed down with rain the second his last photo had been taken). Apart from speaking to him a couple of times during the night, the only times I noticed him was during cake cutting, an extrovert pose on the dance floor initiated by us, our own more intimate couple photos and an epic bar moment when everyone did Jaeger bombs (still my favourite wedding shot!). I can remember offering him a drink fairly late on but he refused. We were contracted until 10 pm (I think) but he just kept going all night. When possible, and when he'd just had one of those 'oh, this is it!' moments with a photo he showed us the result, but apart from that we didn't see much of him.
There was one exception. When we finished the formal photos it absolutely tipped it down with rain, but fortunately we'd all moved indoors for the wedding breakfast, speeches and toasts. At the end of that was our first dance and cake etc. Raymond was constantly on his phone, and was utterly convinced that there would be a break in the weather and we'd get one of those fantastic Suffolk sunsets that we'd told him about. I don't know what app he uses but it was correct, and around 8 pm he whisked us away down the road in his car to a spot he'd seen when researching the venue. From a bride and groom's perspective, it was a perfect time to take a breath and have a break. From his perspective, the sunset did it's part. I'll let his photos, when he's ready, speak for him.
I've no idea when he packed up and finished, but it wasn't long before we did the same. And we were so happy to finally share a few drinks with him at the pub we'd booked for everyone to stay in once we'd finally left the venue. And then breakfast in the morning too, with all our family.
Dragging this back to the original thread, I appreciate that just 5 weeks after getting married I'd writing this in the warm glow of a newly wed, but I wanted to share what great feels like from a client's perspective. At our first meeting over a year before, and again at the right moment on the day, and on the day after, Raymond made it clear what he'd be doing with our photos and checked that we were happy with it, which we were. I don't have a problem with sneak peeks going on Facebook - I really enjoyed it - but equally he'd have respected us if we didn't want it. Everything was clear, open and honest, and continues to be now whilst he's still processing the last photos. I even checked with him a few minutes ago to ask if he'd mind me posting an update of what a client's experience is like.
There might be better, there's certainly worse, but this is what great feels like to me. Everything I wanted and the only surprises were good ones. Service all the way through, photos and more. It sounds easy, but I'm sure it is not. I'm sure there are countless little small things throughout the preparation and day that could be done differently that end up in a completely different experience or surprise, and I guess that's where the groom in the OP is right now. But I'm not - thanks Raymond.
Just my perspective from being a client. A happy one.
Caporegime
Thanks The Abyss I am very grateful for that, a lot more than I thought you might say.
From my perspective, since the way I photograph is one of documentary. So as long as I know where I need to be - bridal prep - ceremony and reception. I am good to go. In terms of time, just when I need to start in the morning (make up and hair) and that's it really, having a running order would mean I know roughly when I need to set up my flashes but I could find out on the day when I see the DJ/band setting up. I set myself a reminder to contact the couple about a month before with the formals list, I leave it up until then because I know there are other things I am sure that is more important and I have a draft that can always be adapted on the day which hits all the basic sets if they don't get back to me with their version.
Lately I google in advance and try and find out the exact co-ordinates for each location, but it can be difficult when properties don't have numbers. I would also look on Google Street view to see what the place looks like and see where I can park (and if I need change for the meter). Which brings me to another story from the other week when I was in a car park, the chap in front of me couldn't get his £1 coin to work and I was in a hurry and I explained to him that I am shooting a wedding at that church over there (points to a church) offered to give him money to pay for his parking to get things moving...he wouldn't have it! ... anyway going off topic here.
The most common compliments or comment people say to me are "I can't believe you are still here!" (it's like midnight usually by then), "Our photographer didn't stay this late" and "have you eaten?" (I get this a lot, almost every time) and one from Saturday "Thank you for being unobtrusive"...which brings me to another story, there is actually a game that a group of girls play when I photograph one of their wedding, as I have photographed most of their group, they call it "Where's Raymond?!" (as opposed to Wally, I think). Since I tend to move about here and there and everywhere.
Being a photographer is more than just photographs. You got to understand that the wedding is not about the photos for the couple, it is for the photographer but you got to get that done without being notice if at all possible. And that goes before the wedding to and beyond it too. I would say up until delivery of the photos and album at minimum. Every now and again life throws a curve ball at you and you don't realise how important your job is. One time the bride called me 3 days after and ask if I could show her some photos as the mother of the groom is in the terminal stage of cancer and has taken a turn for the worse. So bad that I had to process faster than I ever did for a small set to show them. She passed away a day after seeing the photos. However, as much as I want to rush things, I am not a shoot and burn guy, so it was a challenge to get it done but got it done all the same. I would have never be forgiven if I failed that...especially as the couple is one of my oldest friends.
And about a month ago I was at the house of the bride, they had a dog, and 2 weeks after the wedding they told me that dog had passed and if I had took a photo of him. Luckily I did, they were very grateful about seeing one of the last photo of their beloved pet too.
The photos are more than photos, they are memories, the service that one photographer provides is a part of that experience and the memory that goes along with it. There is only 1 right answer to the question of what makes one a good photographer - A happy couple.
One last thing, I heard this before I ever started photographing weddings, I read this when I first got into photography in general.
You got to step outside the moment in order to capture the moment.
That means you can't have fun with the guests, if you are drinking and enjoying with them, that's the moment you should be photographing, and you are missing it by being in the moment. That's the sole reason actually why I don't drink when I am working, not until I have left the venue. But it's hard to explain that to most people, it's easier to say "I am driving later".
Regarding the app, it's just the Apple built in one, it's normally quite accurate i find in terms of weather on the day, it tells you weather to the hour! Quite handy for what I do!
I am very grateful for that, a lot more than I thought you might say.From my perspective, since the way I photograph is one of documentary. So as long as I know where I need to be - bridal prep - ceremony and reception. I am good to go. In terms of time, just when I need to start in the morning (make up and hair) and that's it really, having a running order would mean I know roughly when I need to set up my flashes but I could find out on the day when I see the DJ/band setting up. I set myself a reminder to contact the couple about a month before with the formals list, I leave it up until then because I know there are other things I am sure that is more important and I have a draft that can always be adapted on the day which hits all the basic sets if they don't get back to me with their version.
Lately I google in advance and try and find out the exact co-ordinates for each location, but it can be difficult when properties don't have numbers
. I would also look on Google Street view to see what the place looks like and see where I can park (and if I need change for the meter). Which brings me to another story from the other week when I was in a car park, the chap in front of me couldn't get his £1 coin to work and I was in a hurry and I explained to him that I am shooting a wedding at that church over there (points to a church) offered to give him money to pay for his parking to get things moving...he wouldn't have it! ... anyway going off topic here.The most common compliments or comment people say to me are "I can't believe you are still here!" (it's like midnight usually by then), "Our photographer didn't stay this late" and "have you eaten?" (I get this a lot, almost every time) and one from Saturday "Thank you for being unobtrusive"...which brings me to another story, there is actually a game that a group of girls play when I photograph one of their wedding, as I have photographed most of their group, they call it "Where's Raymond?!" (as opposed to Wally, I think). Since I tend to move about here and there and everywhere.
Being a photographer is more than just photographs. You got to understand that the wedding is not about the photos for the couple, it is for the photographer but you got to get that done without being notice if at all possible. And that goes before the wedding to and beyond it too. I would say up until delivery of the photos and album at minimum. Every now and again life throws a curve ball at you and you don't realise how important your job is. One time the bride called me 3 days after and ask if I could show her some photos as the mother of the groom is in the terminal stage of cancer and has taken a turn for the worse. So bad that I had to process faster than I ever did for a small set to show them. She passed away a day after seeing the photos. However, as much as I want to rush things, I am not a shoot and burn guy, so it was a challenge to get it done but got it done all the same. I would have never be forgiven if I failed that...especially as the couple is one of my oldest friends.
And about a month ago I was at the house of the bride, they had a dog, and 2 weeks after the wedding they told me that dog had passed and if I had took a photo of him. Luckily I did, they were very grateful about seeing one of the last photo of their beloved pet too.
The photos are more than photos, they are memories, the service that one photographer provides is a part of that experience and the memory that goes along with it. There is only 1 right answer to the question of what makes one a good photographer - A happy couple.
One last thing, I heard this before I ever started photographing weddings, I read this when I first got into photography in general.
You got to step outside the moment in order to capture the moment.
That means you can't have fun with the guests, if you are drinking and enjoying with them, that's the moment you should be photographing, and you are missing it by being in the moment. That's the sole reason actually why I don't drink when I am working, not until I have left the venue. But it's hard to explain that to most people, it's easier to say "I am driving later".
Regarding the app, it's just the Apple built in one, it's normally quite accurate i find in terms of weather on the day, it tells you weather to the hour! Quite handy for what I do!
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The last two posts seem a tad out of place... I understand The Abyss is happy with Raymonds services, but I'm not sure posting a long and glowing review of him in someone else's thread is doing anyone any favours and to be quite frank comes accross as a little cheesy.
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Caporegime
Back on topic then.
What was OP's response to the couple?
What was OP's response to the couple?
Soldato
- Joined
- 19 Jun 2012
- Posts
- 5,400
Man of Honour
- Joined
- 21 Nov 2004
- Posts
- 46,268
I dread to think based on his posts here.
Maybe they wouldn't hire you if they saw you asking these sorts of questions on a computer forum
I have done a good 10 + Weddings now and I would say I am pretty good at what I do but the main problem is when it comes to the evening last dance , its always super dark and I always end up with my lens wide open at 2.8 with the ISO Super high 3200 or even 6400 depending on how dark it is but the images always look very averageI really need to invest in a good speed light but have never used one before lol
I take it for the evening shots this is a must so its time to invest in one ,
How easy are they to use ? I'll be sticking this on my Canon 6D and also what one is best to go for ?
I currently use 24 -70mm 2.8 version2 lens.
I'm looking to spend around £200-300
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For a brief moment when I read this I thought the OP had shot your wedding. Now that would have been some post
Caporegime
The OP is suspended 
Do the mods not know how good he is?! He's not cocky, he just damn good at what he does because he does it as a hobby. His photos are amazing and he's one of the most chilled out fun people you'll ever meet!
Oh wait, no, he's a prize tool.
Do the mods not know how good he is?! He's not cocky, he just damn good at what he does because he does it as a hobby. His photos are amazing and he's one of the most chilled out fun people you'll ever meet!
Oh wait, no, he's a prize tool.
Soldato
- Joined
- 19 Jun 2012
- Posts
- 5,400
I don't want to wrongly judge the OP.
Perhaps he is still a bit upset and stressed over his girlfriend deciding she didn't want to be his limo driver any more?
Perhaps he is still a bit upset and stressed over his girlfriend deciding she didn't want to be his limo driver any more?
Soldato
i wonder if she used to drive him to his 10+ weddings.