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In the Press: Wimpole Wedding Show

admin — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:40:53 +0000

In October I will be exhibiting at the Wimpole Wedding Show. It is quite exciting as it will be a new two day regional show. Not only that but one of my favourite wedding images will be used for their show leaflet. Thanks to Anna, the bride that graces the leaflet and Christine and the editorial team for the opportunity to be such a part of their preparations.

In the Press: Wedding Photography at Great Fosters, Egham

admin — Tue, 31 May 2011 08:53:57 +0000

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Last year I photographed the gorgeous wedding of Louise and Damian at Great Fosters in Egham. I submitted the wedding to one of my favourite wedding journals Wedding Venues and Services and it is now published in the summer edition under the great title ‘A Fine Romance’. Of course it always brings back memories of the day when I look at previous weddings, but it is satisfying to see them in print particularly when the editorial team really bring out the feel of the day in the article. Thanks to Louise and Damian for allowing me to submit their wedding and thanks to Wedding Venues and Services for publishing it………

Planning Wedding Photography

admin — Tue, 03 May 2011 14:11:25 +0000

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When interviewed after the ‘gig of the century’ Hugo Burnand the official Royal Wedding Photographer was asked if he had been nervous His answer really impressed me and I hope gave brides and grooms an insight into the work that goes into photographing a wedding, particularly with very formal group shots.

With such a momentous occasion to capture Burnand, like any respectable wedding photographer had a plan:

He had a reliable, trusted and skilled team with him.

He spent time prior to the wedding discussing the shots and planning them with Catherine Middleton and HRH Prince William, including location, positioning and lighting.

They did a dress rehearsal with stand in people and every detail was timed and stop watch perfect

He had back up for the extensive equipment needed for such an occasion (and as Burnand said “we have spares for the spares! Nothing can be left to chance!”)

My style is more photojournalism and thus less formal. Whilst I tend not to use additional lighting for formal group shots I can only do this successfully by also having a plan. I get to know all my couples before their day and ensure I know what they want and explain to them what will be needed. I make sure I know the ceremony and reception venues and the routes to and from and like Burnand I have spares for spares. Nothing is left to chance whatever the occasion and personally I don’t believe any couple should leave their wedding photography to chance (it is not the time to let an inexperienced friend or amateur be an ‘official’ wedding photographer!). I hope that the work Burnand has done will help couples to appreciate the work and effort that is required to capture their day successfully

Getting Married in Italy: Wedding Venues and Photography

admin — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:32:40 +0000

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As you know, one of my favourite locations for weddings is Italy. I love the climate, the architecture and above all the creative freedom it gives me as a photographer that I don’t always have in the UK

It was a pleasure then to connect with Virag Lochinger, CEO at classvenues.com a portal for some of the most prestigious venues in which to hold weddings and events, among them some of my favourites around Florence such as Palazzo Magnani Feroni, in the heart of the Oltrarno area of Florence, the gorgeous Torre Di Bellosguardo in the quiet hills above this magnificent city and further out into the countryside Villa Vignamaggio which Über film director Kenneth Branagh used for the filming of Much Ado about Nothing

Each venue entry (users can view hotels**, castles***, restaurants**** and villas*****) provides a description of the property itself and details on important things such as capacity, proximity to airports and the services offered, including other external services such as photography, musicians and wedding planners

With close to 600 venues available to choose from a dream wedding in Italy awaits.

Find out more at classvenues.com and Scott-Wood Photography

Useful Web Addresses:

http://www.classvenues.com/wedding-venues

For hotels** http://www.classvenues.com/wedding-venues/hotels/crptl10gaptpoarreo

For castles*** http://www.classvenues.com/wedding-venues/castles/crptl4gaptpoarreo

For restaurants**** http://www.classvenues.com/wedding-enues/restaurants/crptl2gaptpoarreo

For villas***** http://www.classvenues.com/wedding-venues/villas/crptl5gaptpoarreo

Royal Wedding Photography – The Wedding Photographer

admin — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:05:01 +0000

London based photographer Hugo Burnand is the wedding photographer chosen by the Royal Family to capture the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. His work has a very different feel to that of the legendary Mario Testino, who of course took the engagement shots of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, but Burnand’s classic style of portraiture is without a doubt popular with the Royal Family.

Both photographers do have a common bond in that they are trusted and respected by the Royal Family and reports say Burnand was chosen for his ‘discretion, spontaneity and charm’

For me their choice of photographer embraces the key elements of what to expect from a wedding photographer. Royal or not any couple should be able to engage with and feel comfortable with their chosen photographer.

Here are my 3 key tips for ensuring your wedding photographer is right for you

When you have decided on shortlist of photographers to see, make sure you meet them face to face – you can then see their work and importantly decide whether you like them as a person!

Take advantage of a pre-wedding shoot. It not only gives you time for each other in a hectic schedule but allows you to practice being in front of a camera.

Ensure you know what to expect from your photographer on the day and what he or she expects from you. Discuss mutual expectations before the day not on it!

Above all enjoy your day…………….

We wish all couples getting married tomorrow a very happy wedding day and of course (envy aside for photographing THE wedding of the century) I wish Hugo Burnand the very best for the day

A history of Wedding Photography

admin — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:47:35 +0000

With Royal Wedding fever reaching its peak you can’t avoid articles about weddings – whether it be spring weddings, Royal Weddings (including so many adverts for cheap tacky souvenirs that really shouldn’t be seen at any time let alone a Royal Wedding) or the historical perspective on weddings everyone seems to be talking about them

As I mentioned on Facebook recently Coutts (www.coutts.com) did their take on wedding styles through the ages in their journal Coutts Woman. Unfortunately it didn’t mention anything on wedding photography, but one other article that did spark my interest was in Homes and Antiques (www.homesandantiques.com) who have done a great piece on the history of weddings, with four brides sharing the memories of their wedding day from the war era of the 1940’s through to the flower power peace and love era of the 1970’s, only this time they shared their images.

I laughed at one lady’s description of how their wedding photographer ran back to his studio to get colour film to capture the colourful exuberant fashions worn by the bridal party and their guests at their 1970’s wedding, and was equally struck by one very elegant wedding that showed wedding photojournalism was around in the 1950’s– great relaxed shots of the bridesmaids, and of the bride and groom running down the steps after their ceremony, all caught in a moment, blowing away the perception that wedding photojournalism is a new concept – I wonder who the photographer was? It seems a shame we don’t know………..

Wedding Photography in Lake Garda Italy

admin — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 12:33:43 +0000

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I had a blast from the past so to speak very recently when wedding and event planner Ginny from weddings at lake garda contacted me. A couple of years ago I photographed Maya and Gary at their wedding in the Castello at Lonato, overlooking Lake Garda and worked alongside Ginny to ensure Maya and Gary had a great day. It was a lovely wedding that I remember fondly and as Ginny has recently revamped her website I was pleased to supply her with an image from that day to use on the site. Here are a few shots to reminisce from their day. Watch this space for wedding celebrations at another castle location – Castello di Vincigliata overlooking the heart stoppingly beautiful city of Florence in early July……..

Photography at St Marks English Church Florence

admin — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:46:56 +0000

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Whenever I am in Florence I catch up with Father Lawrence and the parishioners of St Marks English Church on Via Maggio. Housed in a former Medici palace, over the years I have seen it transformed from sad decay to impressive splendour with the ever inspiring Father Lawrence ensuring a great legacy for this church in his vision to restore it and his energy and capacity for welcoming people to the church whether it be to attend a service; get married or just attend their now famous operas

Sadly, Father Lawrence will be leaving for the UK in the summer but I am sure his fantastic supporting team and no doubt his replacement will continue the good work. I will hopefully return before the end of the summer but in the meantime here are a few images of the service last weekend

Got Engaged, Getting Married – What Next?

admin — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 08:52:13 +0000

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It’s been a fantastic Christmas and now it’s official – you are a future bride and groom; future Mr and Mrs. The only thing is you have an awe inspiring list of things to do to make that wedding happen. So here are my tips for what to do sooner rather than later – Choose your preferred date and check availability with your vicar/registrar/celebrant. Without knowing availability for these people you can’t go much further! Once that is done make a shortlist of preferred venues; check their availability and visit them all to see which venue is right for you in terms of service, budget etc (see my earlier blog on venues). Last but not least at this stage is to secure the wedding photographer of your choice. You may or may not have ideas already about what you want from your photographer but there are three key priorities that I would recommend you take into account when choosing. They are, making sure you actually like the photographer; after all they are going to be a major part of your day! Secondly, that you like their style of work; and lastly that you are able to see a full range of weddings and work. This is the most important day of your life – you do not want to chance the visual memories of this day to an inexperienced pair of hands!

Watch out for more tips on choosing a wedding photographer and if you want to receive a copy of our guide to wedding photography please e-mail us at info@scott-wood.co.uk

Wedding Photography at Tattersalls Newmarket: A fantastic Thank You from Sarah and Glenn

admin — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 12:59:48 +0000

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It is so important to me that my clients get excellent service at all times and always a great privilege to receive a thank you from a client. Earlier in 2010 I photographed the wedding of Sarah and Glenn at Tattersalls in Newmarket and I wanted to share with you the words that they sent to me when they received their wedding album.

‘I met Kevin for the first time at a wedding fayre and immediately I felt at ease. Having my photo taken is not my favourite thing, so I felt that this was extremely important. We were impressed by Kevin’s unique style of photography and the quality and choice of album styles he was able to offer. He could not have been more helpful, professional and friendly. He must have been so busy with many clients but made us feel like we were his only client by providing the most fantastic service. On the day he was amazing. He somehow managed to blend into the background yet also appear on cue to organise family and friends for posed shots that we had requested. We are so impressed with our photos, and as these will be our lasting memories of the day I can not recommend Kevin highly enough. Friends and family have commented that they are the best wedding photos they have ever seen and our album is fantastic – it was just difficult choosing which shots to use as they were all so special!

Thanks again Kevin. I will continue to recommend you to anyone that will listen to me (!) and I’m sure we will use your services again in the future.

Wishing you a great Christmas and all the best for the New Year

Love Sarah & Glenn’