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This afternoon on the wedding blog I chat to North East Wedding Photographer Nigel Playle Photography about his life behind the lens. 

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Nigel and his wife just welcomed a tiny bundle of joy to their family (congratulations Nigel!) but when he’s not changing his baby daughter’s nappies he is happiest with his camera in hand. Let’s hear from this new Dad and Brides Up North Featured Supplier. 

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How did you get into wedding photography?

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I’ve always had a fascination with photography ever since my Dad gave me his old Olympus film camera when I was little (many moons ago). I just loved running around and snapping anybody and anything that took my fancy! I stumbled into wedding photography about five years ago when a chance meeting with another Brides Up North Featured Supplier Mandy Charlton introduced me to the delights of wedding photography. I was hooked from day one!

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Why wedding photography specifically?

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I love photographing people and beautiful surroundings so what better way to kill two birds with one stone than at a wedding? Weddings are the most joyous and fun occasions and I think my outgoing and fun personality is a perfect match for wedding photography.

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What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?

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Being a part of someone’s special day is always a real buzz. The moment a bride and groom see each other for the first time is my favourite thing about being a wedding photographer. I get to capture the look of true love… provided the registrar/ vicar allows photography!

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How do you get couples to relax on the day?

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I have a friendly and outgoing personality and try to mix with all guests on a personal level. I never dictate or boss proceedings and always stay cool, calm, and collected. When couples see that I’m relaxed and happy they tend to feel the same.

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

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As my style is generally to capture the day as it happens you probably won’t even realise I’m there! However I would recommend a pre wedding shoot to get to know each other before the big day and to have a giggle in front of the camera without any pressure. This gives the bride and groom an insight into how I work and will mean that going into the big day you won’t be a stranger to the camera.

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

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As long as a bride is happy then I can guarantee that she will look amazing in her photos.

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

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Not relevant for the bride, but the groom should always make sure that his flies are done up!

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Any memorable weddings that you have captured?

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Its an old cliché, but every wedding is memorable. However, a recent wedding I did at Durham Cathedral really stands out. The scale and beauty of the inside of the Cathedral really made the ceremony one to remember.

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Are you married?  Tell us about your day.

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I married my gorgeous wife Louise at Crathorne Hall in July 2010 and the whole day was amazing. It was a day of glorious sunshine and all our friends and family really got into the spirit of things… literally! If any brides out there are looking for a venue then I would highly recommend Crathorne Hall.

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Any funny stories to share?

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I recently photographed a wedding at Close House Hotel and was asked by a very panicky best man to help him with his shoes… turns out that one of his heels had come off and he was walking round slightly ‘imbalanced’. Luckily I was wearing pair of newly polished shoes, and, as he was the same size, we did a quick swap in order to ‘straighten him up’… I never saw the shoes again!

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What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

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I always try to emphasize that it is your day and that I’m there not only as your photographer but as someone who can help you relax and enjoy yourselves. I’m prepared to go that little bit further in order to deliver an excellent service. If that means giving the best man my shoes then so be it…

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

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I always consult and listen to the input from couples regarding their photos. My style is relaxed and informal but I’m more than happy to organise any group shots that are required.

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What is included in your "package"?

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My all day digital package includes: photography from the Bride getting ready until your first dance, a pre wedding shoot at an agreed location, a disc of all high resolution edited images, 10 7×5 prints, and an online password protected gallery with a 10% discount on further prints. I can also provide a storybook album and/or coffee table albums as an extra.

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Can you give us an idea on price?

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The digital, all day package is £849. If you want to add a storybook album to this then the prices start at around £1200. However I’m flexible so I’m sure we can design a package that is suitable for your needs and budget.

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Can you do a discount for Brides Up North readers? 

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Yeah sure. Any reader who mentions Brides Up North when booking with myself will receive a whopping 10% off!

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

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You can visit my website www.nigelplaylephotography.co.uk to see more examples of my work. Alternatively please visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nigelplaylephotography or follow @NigelPlayle on Twitter where I regularly update on any special offers that I’m running and showcase recent work.

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2011 Nigel Playle Photography

Nigel Playle Photography is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier 

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

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