Fabulous Photographer: Assassynation

Posted on: 15/02/2011

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Sassy by name and by nature, this cool chick tells Brides Up North about her art and at the same time shares some wonderful images, both of Real Weddings and portraits.  I adore.  Get this gal booked.

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How did you get into wedding photography?

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I actually started taking photographs seriously for my sister in law who is a dress designer and progressed on from there.  I ventured into weddings shortly after and have loved it ever since.  I have no formal qualifications in photography just passion.

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Why wedding photography specifically?

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I do undertake non wedding photography work however there is just something about photographing someone’s big day.  It’s a huge honour to be chosen as a couple’s photographer.

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What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?

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I love couples in love and I really enjoy hearing all their details and plans.  Typically with the type of weddings I shoot the ideas are usually pretty unique!

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How do you get couples to relax on the day?

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I would say that I tend to photograph couples who find my personality puts them at ease.  I am just myself which means I approach the day with a sense of fun and excitement.  My main aim is to fit in so that it doesn’t make having the camera pointed at them all day so scary.

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Which celebrity wedding would you most like to photograph and why?

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I would love to photograph Kat Von Dee or Dita Von Teese’s weddings.  Both such beautiful ladies but in very different ways.

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Any advice to any brides who don’t like to have their picture taken?

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I would say tell me what you don’t like about yourself in a picture.  I know exactly how they feel as I am the worst hypocrite and hate having my photograph taken.  I will work with the bride to ensure she is comfortable.  I once had a bride who was literally phobic about cameras but we worked together and she had some lovely images to look back on.

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What sort of makeup should a bride wear to look great in her pictures?

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To be honest we all know that certain makeup does help but it’s not the be all and end all.  The most important thing is to feel comfortable.  If you are used to being fresh faced don’t pile on the makeup because you feel you have to.  Be true to you!  Regardless of the type or amount of makeup if you feel yourself then that will show through and ensure you look gorgeous.

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Anything to avoid which might look bad in the wedding pictures?

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I would say the one thing that can be tricky is having disco lights that project flecks or different shaped lights on you during the first dance.  It can really throw off the pictures and make you look a bit odd with green flecks all over you both.  Instead opt for the usual fixed spot light style lights (coloured is fine) and then fire up the wacky lights after the crucial first dance photos are over.

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If you were photographer at the Royal Wedding, what advice would you have for the couple?  What would be your "must have" shot?

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Be yourselves! Don’t give in to the pressure to hold a wedding that suits the relatives or public.  My must have shot would be a great shot of the Bride and Groom alone, perhaps something a bit fun (but not cheesy) as it would contrast with their serious regal formal images.

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What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

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I would say that I specifically pitch myself as an unconventional wedding photographer and I have a strong focus on vintage inspired weddings.

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What can a couple who book you expect on the day?

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100% dedication, hard work and a friendly personality all day long.  I work really hard to make sure I give each couple great wedding photographs and we all have fun doing it.

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Any funny stories to share?

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I photographed a wedding in Norwich where we headed to a steam carousal for some fun bride and groom shots.  I was sat backwards on this horse and it took everything I had to stop myself sliding off.  I am sure the bride and groom thought it was hilarious to watch.  Be careful people those steam carousals are actually pretty fast!

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Any memorable weddings that you have captured?

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I have been really lucky and have captured lots of memorable weddings.  It’s virtually impossible to choose a favourite as I loved them all in different ways.  One wedding that I was in love with was a couple called Gemma and Dan.  It was a really emotional day as they married in the church that her parents married in and sadly Gemma’s mother couldn’t be there but it was heaps of fun as well and she did it all on a tiny budget!  The photo’s really show how chilled out and cool they were as a couple.  This was actually a northern wedding and took place on a farm in Lincolnshire.

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What is included in your "package"?

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I don’t have a package as such.  A lot of my customers book me because they want something specially tailored to their needs, both in terms of their wedding and the photography.  I work with the couple to give them exactly what they are looking for. 

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Can you give us an idea on price?

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It really does depend on what the couple want, I can tailor my service around most budgets.  Some example of my pricing can be seen on the prices page on my website.

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Can you do a discount for Brides Up North readers?

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I can indeed, as I predominately take on weddings that are unconventional (Vintage, Gothic, Same Sex….anything that screams uniqueness) I can offer 20% for anything truly unconventional.  Don’t worry if you are not sure whether your wedding is unconventional or not just drop me a message. I do have slots set aside for the more conventional weddings and I am happy to offer a Brides Up North discount of 10% on these.  Just let me know when you are enquiring that you have come from Brides Up North.

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Anything else we should know?

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I don’t think so…just please be yourselves and have the day you want.  Whether its a big fat gypsy style wedding or a tiny intimate garden party.  Never feel pressured into doing things to keep other people happy.  Just remember it is all about you and your partner and should be a representation of you both.  It’s easy to get carried away with things you think you should have rather than things you actually want!

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Are you married?  Tell us about your day…

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I am indeed married!  Our day was a tricky one to balance as my husband is fairly traditional and I am really not.  We opted for a Christmas themed wedding and we made all the invites, orders of service, table centres etc ourselves.  I also decorated the village hall myself with my friend including putting up and decorating a real Christmas tree.  Our colour scheme was gold and burgundy and my bridesmaids wore dresses custom made by my mother in law which had two layers of fabric, one of gold satin and the other was a burgundy silk chiffon over the top so that they shimmered in the light.  Having our bridesmaid dresses made was a must as my three bridesmaids were all very different shapes and sizes.  My dress was very unusual and it was a combination of the creative genius of my sister in law and a wonderful corset company called Angels Carrying Savage Weapons, it had over 50 flowers pinned to it, all individually hand made by my sister in law and matched to my colour scheme.  The flowers had crystals, pearls and beads in the middle and I gave some away after the big day to close family and a couple of friends as a thank you for their help…so they ended up owning part of my wedding dress!  At the time I had long burgundy hair which fitted in quite nicely with the colour scheme.  We hired a choir for the ceremony (no-one needs to hear my singing!) and had Christmas carols whilst we signed the register.  Instead of favours I created 6 stockings packed with random goodies and then went round the tables asking each person to draw a stick.  The winners each got a stocking to take home.

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 Sassy on her wedding day

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How can Brides Up North get in touch with you/ see more examples of your work?

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Simply head to my Facebook page (search for Assassynation) or go to www.assassynation.co.uk

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Assassynation

Sassy, unconventional photography for weddings, trash the dress, cherish the dress and fashion shoots

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Will travel throughout UK

07968 948 144

sassy@assassynation.co.uk

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Assassynation is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier

Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier

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