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Its only bloomin’ Frrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriday! Yippee!
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I’m off to do some schmoozing at the very glitzy Wedding Ideas Awards 2012 with their team and hundreds of other wedding industry bods at a black tie dinner and party down sawf in the big smoke tonight. See! It’s not all grafting at a computer this blogging lark (er, well, it is in the main, actually).
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Wedding Ideas Magazine and particularly the two Rachels (MD and Editor) and the lovely Alice from Features have been so good to this wedding blogger over the life of this wedding blog to date and I can’t wait to celebrate another successful year for the magazine and see who takes home the gongs!
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Whilst I slip into my evening dress (floor length deep purple plus Mulberry clutch, don’tcha know) and prim and preen, I’ll leave you in the talented hands of Brides Up North Featured Supplier and fabulous North West Wedding photographer, Phil Drinkwater Photography. A guy who is no stranger to an award or two…
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How did you get into wedding photography and what is your background/qualifications?
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Originally, I’m from a fashion & beauty photography background. Beauty photography especially is all about intricate makeup, flattering lighting and just the perfect angle and expression. Fortunately those skills are important skills for wedding photography (plus the ability to smile and be happy no matter what!). Last year (2010) I won the Guild of Photographers Overall Photographer of the Year prize, which is a national competition prize judged by the Guild panel. Proud doesn’t quite cover it! Since then, they have asked me to join the panel in order to rate judge, mentor and train other photographers.
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Why wedding photography specifically?
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I couldn’t think of any other area of photography that so closely match my skills and the things I enjoy.
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What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?
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Undoubtedly two things: The excitement of producing a photo which I just know will light up the couples faces when they see it and spending time with happy people on a very warm and special day.
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How do you get couples to relax on the day?
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I have a number of tricks. Firstly, I remain calm. That’s really important. I integrate myself with the day and make everyone laugh and join in the fun of the morning. Finally, I don’t try to push couples to do anything they’re uncomfortable with – all of my photography is very natural – and I keep an eye out for little signs of nervousness so I know when to give people some space. I even have a trick for stopping people crying before their wedding if they feel themselves welling up… but you’ll have to book me to find that one out! It’s saved a few makeup artists’ work before the ceremony.
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Any advice to any brides who don’t like to have their picture taken?
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Choose a photographer who can make you laugh and loves to produce natural photographs. Everyone looks good when they’re happy!
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What sort of makeup should a bride wear to look great in her pictures?
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As a beauty photographer, I know a lot more about makeup than the average guy! Avoid makeup with reflective substances in it (such as mineral makeup) as it can reflect light giving you dotty cheeks. I believe flawless natural makeup looks great for a wedding day, but really it’s whatever makes you feel great about yourself.
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Anything to avoid which might look bad in the wedding pictures?
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A smile is always good and conversely a frown usually doesn’t set the photo off well… so just relax and enjoy yourself.
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Which celebrity wedding would you most like to photograph and why?
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I would love to photograph Ricky Gervais’ wedding because, selfishly, I think I’d laugh all day!
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Any really memorable weddings that you have captured?
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The most memorable and moving moment from a wedding was with a bride who was having a handfasting ceremony (an old, traditional ceremony) in a bluebell wood. She was brought to that wood by her grandfather as a young girl and always wanted to get married there. He was there on the day and started crying during his speech she quickly followed with tears of her own.
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What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
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I think three things:
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1) I’m very aware of what’s happening around me in terms of the emotions and body language cues, which means I naturally capture the most meaningful moments.
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2) My fashion and beauty photography in studio has taught me about how light affects faces and which angles are most flattering.
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3) I’m great fun to be around and get constant comments from couples and their guests saying how much they enjoyed my company. That’s nice to hear.
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What can a couple who book you expect on the day?
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They can expect a fun day, someone who will look after them and help them through it, someone who will make sure they are doing the right things at the right time and will go to all lengths to produce just the best set of wedding images they could have imagined without monopolising them.
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What is included in your "package"?
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Generally I provide a DVD with large print resolution and small facebook images, an online gallery to share with friends & family and a slideshow for cosy TV viewing. After that, people can choose from a beautiful set of custom designed albums. Most of my weddings are full day so have fantastic coverage from the bridal preparation and detail shots right through to the first dance.
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How can Brides Up North get in touch with you/ see more examples of your work?
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Take a look at www.phildweddingphotography.co.uk or join me on facebook at www.facebook.com/phildweddingphotography or follow me at twitter.com/phildweddings.
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Anything else we should know?
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Just that it’s a pleasure to be included on your site. It’s a fantastic resource for brides and grooms who are looking for ideas and suppliers. I look forward to speaking to some of your readers soon about their own weddings!
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Thanks Phil! Couldn’t resist this last image (my very favourite!)…
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Phil Drinkwater Photography
Phil Drinkwater Photography is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
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