My Inspiration

I thought I’d write a wee post about using black and white in wedding and portrait photography. I’m a huge fan of black and white photography. In fact it was my chosen media for most of my personal work during the days of film. I would shoot on Ilford and Fufi film and print in my darkroom at home.

When I started out my inspiration came from great photographers such as Ansel Adams, Don McCullin, David Bailey, Bill Brandt and Irving Penn.

So Why Black and White

There are no colour distractions. I can look at the subject and think about the relationship with the background and surrounding area. I can consider the composition and lighting without having to look at colour composition too. That’s not to say I’ll look at a scene having decided it’s going to be monochrome. If I feel it should be colour I’ll shoot and compose for colour.

I can look at the lighting differently than when taking in colour. I can consider how the light affects the shape and how it falls on the subject without the distractions of colour. There is a great tonal range between the blackest areas and the whitest areas.

The viewer may connect more emotionally with an image without colour, with the subject being the main point of focus.

I can highlight the shape of a wedding dress against the backdrop and emphasise patterns and skin tones using the great tonal range.

I enjoy using colour but there are good reasons to take advantage of black and white.

I had a chance over the festive period to edit some of my personal projects. I’d spent a day at the festival in Edinburgh during the summer, photographing what was going on down the Royal mile. This is a few of the images, all monochrome. My aim this year is to do more personal projects, targeting one per week, either out and about or in the studio. I have a few ideas for some studio portrait work.

I’m also working on a Photoshop course (or courses) which I plan to run, probably in a few months. This will be in the form of a beginner’s class and a class for advanced techniques. as Photoshop is such a vast programme I may also do some shorter classes concentrating on areas like beauty retouching, using luminosity masks and other useful Photoshop techniques.

You can find out about workshops and classes on www.gregormenzies.com. I’m in the process of building the site at the moment so give it a couple of weeks before checking it out.

Preparing for a portrait photography session can be a bit daunting, especielly for members of a group who just don’t like getting photographs taken or who dislike posing. When thinking about your portrait session, bear in mind that the final image will convey something about you, or you and your friends or family if it is a group session. The final result will convey the mood of the sitter(s), the personality, lifestyle or working environment or a combination of these aspects.

Here are a few tips on preparing for a portrait session

Bring along clothing you’re comfortable with

Chose clothing that you’re comfortable wearing and you know looks and feels good to wear. This will make you feel relaxed, making you look relaxed in the final images. Bring a change of clothes that you’re happy with. Not too many. Two or three changes are fine but it’s good to have a choice in the studio. Unless there is a reason to be suited up, stick with casual and comfy clothes.

Bring suitable props

Props are personal and tell a bit about who you are. It may be something you can wear or something that is significant or special to you. There may be a theme you would like your images to convey. You may be a cyclist or a enjoy fishing or walking and painting. Kids enjoy bringing toys or football strips and boots, favourite dolls or dancing dresses. All these things convey the personality of the subject and years from now will be a great memory of whao you were ‘back then’.

Plan your makeup and hair

Women like to look their best for photographs so it’s a good idea to plan your look for your session. You may have a favourite hairdresser and stylist you use or you may like to book one with your session. I work with an excellent makeup artist for most of my hair and beauty sessions so this can be done in studio if required.

Look at colour coordination for group shots

If you’re planning a portrait session with family or friends it’s a good idea to plan the colurs you will all wear. Well planned colours will make a visually striking image. Again, bring a selection of clothes along and we can discuss the best combinations.

Avoid logos

Avoid clothing with large logos. An image doesn’t look good with a group of friends with nice colourful clothes and a great pose and one wee chap with a t-shirt with a massive Superdry logo emblazoned across the front. The amount of times I’ve heard mums say “aw I wish I’d brought your shirt”…. Joking apart, logos tend to spoil good images. I know Photoshop is great but deleting logos takes time and it’s better to deal with it beforehand. There may of course be exceptions when a logo may be a vital part of an image or may be the prop you require but bear the thought in mind.

 

 

This is another shoot I did with Sandra Cormack from S C makeup Artistry. The model is Meg Johannessen from Colours Agency. Most of the day we spent in the studio but had half an hour shooting in the street behind Meadow Mill.

This is a recent shoot on location with Sandra from S C Makeup Artistry and model Jenny Overend.

Methods of Viewing and Presenting Your Wedding and Portrait Photography

Once you’re wedding day is over or you’ve experienced a portrait photography shoot, the next step is to gothrough your proof images decide how to present the finished photographs. There are several ways for a photographer to show proofss to a customer. Some photographers like to build a web gallery, others like to present the proofs as watermarked images on a memory stick or DVD. I like to have a personal viewing of the wedding or portrait session in the studio on a large screen. That way I can relax with the customer and talk through the images, answering any questions as we go through the images. I can also go through the variety of products on offer, which brings us to the next step in the process, choosing the final presentation for your wedding and portrait photography.

There are a wide range of possibilities when it comes to presentation, including memory sticks, CDs, albums and books and a wide variety of wall mounted products such as traditional frames, box frames, canvases, multi images and much more.

I strongly believe that photographs should be finished and presented for the wall and in albums and books so they can be seen by family and friends, whether hanging in a room or perused in book format. Digital files are fine for limited presentation methods but photographs should be seen on the wall or in books.

Albums and books

There are a wide variety of albums and books on the market from a wide range of manufacturers. I use GraphiStudio products which are top quality handmade albums and books from Italy. They come in a variety of finishes including leather, silk, metal and perspex and in a wide range of sizes and colours.

Wall art for

Seeing your images framed and hung in your house or office is fantastic. I’ve had many comments from customers who have had friends and neighbours who have been very impressed by family portraits or wedding images seen on the wall. It’s a great way to present your photographs.

I use a local framer for my photographic work, both wedding and portrait photography related and my personal exhibition work. She is also based in Meadowmill which allows for a great personal touch. I have a way I like my mounts and frames to be finished and it’s grat to be able to discuss my requirements without taking too much time from the studio.

Digital files

Now don’t get me wrong, digital files are fine in certain circumstances but for presentation of wedding and portrait photography nothing beats a framed image or a portfolio of images presented in book/album form.

Digital files are ideal for social media profiles, to allow your Facebook friends and Twitter followers to see your images. They are good for showing a portfolio of work on a tablet or smartphone.

I have trialled a method of presenting an album of work on a tablet and smartphone and will be implementing this as an extra shortly.

If you would like to see my methods of presentation please call me on 07929213965 or get in touch using the contact form. I have a variety of albums, books and frames in the studio and there is no obligation to book me as your photographer if my style isn’t for you.

Some Tips to help You Choose Your Wedding Photographer

Have you any idea what style of wedding photography you are looking for?

Prior to researching potential wedding photographer, it’s a good idea to first of all determine the style of photography you would like for your wedding, as that will help you to decide what type of photographer you’ll want to photograph your wedding.

Do you prefer a traditional approach, giving you mainly posed images? Or is a candid, documentary style more to your liking, where the images are taken without the knowledge of the subject? ? You may also like a glamour style aproach or a fine art style or even a mixture of styles.

Have you an idea of the level of service you would like from your photographer?

Maybe you only require photographs of your ceremony so around 4 hours of photography may be sufficient for you. Or you may want photography to commence from early in the day as the bride gets ready to early or late evening.

How many images do you think you will require from your day?

Some photographers may have a set amount within their packages and provide them on CD or memory stick. I personally prefer to offer albums, framed images and prints as I believe photography should be seen and not stored on electronic devices with the risks that entails.

How would you like your images presented?

Wouild you like an album and maybe albums for parents? Would you like to offer prints for guests? Framed images to hang on the wall are a great reminder of your day and are there for all to see. Coffee table books are another great way top present your wedding photography. Much quicker than havint to fire up a laptop or PC. You may prefer a mixture of methods along with low resolution files to display on you social media profiles.

Determine your wedding photography budget

Wedding photography prices can vary widely so it can be tough comparing several photographers. Have a look at photographers whos styles you like and get an idea of costs. You can then determine how much to lay aside for the type of photography you would like. Don’t be tempted by low costs as you get what you pay for and professional full time photographers with plenty of experience in the wedding and portrait industry will charge accordingly. These photographers will be well insured and will likely be a member of a professional body such as The Guild of Photographers, BIPP, MPA or SWPP where they are continually training, attending seminars and keeping up with industry standards. you will find lists of excellent photographers on the industry websites.

Research your shortlisted photographers

Ask people you know and make enquiries with industry partners such as bridal shops you visit, hotels, car providers and the like.  Also browse bridal websites such as the Scottish Wedding Directory which also has a forum you can join and talk to other couples. Set up meetings with your chosen photographers to see samples of work and the products they provide. It’s also important to have a rapport with your photographer so a meeting will give you an idea as to whether or not you can work with a certain person. Discuss exactly what you want from your photographer and any special requirements you need.

Quick tips

• Good professional photographers get booked rapidly so make sure you choose and book your photographer at least a year in advance.
• Perusing photographer websites is a good quick way to find the shooting style of a photographer so you can quickly build a shortlist.
• You get what you pay forso make sure you do your homework properly and don’t skimp on your budget. Yo’ll be looking at your photographs for a long time.
• Make sure you have time to go through the wedding photography contract and discuss anything you are unsure about with the photographer.
• Don’t feel under pressure to sign up to a photographer. Good professionals will help you make the correct decision and you will be comfortable doing so.
• This is an important decision so don’t rush it.
• Make sure your photographer knows about any specific requirements and that they are documented.
• Take notes when interviewing your shortlisted photographers as this will help you make an informed decision.
• Ensure you know the final total cost before signing a contract and that there are no hidden surprises. You shouldn’t have any issues with seasoned professionals.
• Make sure the photographer is paid on time according to the contract.

Studio Portrait Photography with Elgin, Karen and Amy

This is a studio portrait session from a few weeks ago with Elgin and Karen and their daughter Amy. Karen received one of the Azuare portrait vouchers from a friend as a birthday present. This was a great session and, as you can see from the photographs, the family had lots of fun. Amy was also keen to get some shots taken in her school uniform so we spent a bit of time doing some different style school images. You can see more of Amy and her parents in the gallery section.

 

 

 

Beauty Portrait Photography at Bliss Hairdressing

This is a hair and beauty shoot from early in the year, taken at Bliss Hairdressing in Monifieth.

Brunette model: Emma Smith, hair by Amanda Mills.

Dark model: Amy Ferrier, hair by Aimee Scott.