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Fabulous Photographer: Melissa Kay PLUS Free Brag Book Worth £150 For Wedding Blog Readers!

April 14th, 2013 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

Melissa Kay Photography

I absolutely love putting together my fabulous photographer features, as the professionals that I choose to work with here on Brides Up North really need no introduction. Melissa Kay Photography is one of those whose work absolutely speaks for itself, and after a period abroad, she is now back home in the North East.

If you are looking for your wedding photographer, I’d be snapping her up quick. With work like this, her diary is going to be very full, very soon. Plus, anyone booking an album collection before the end of July and quoting ‘Brides up North’ will receive a free brag book worth £150 to show off their beautiful images on the go!

Let’s say hello…

Melissa Kay Photography

How did you get into wedding photography?

I suppose you could say that photography runs in my veins- both my Mum and my Gran were photographers! Contrary to what you may assume though, this did not mean that I was naturally encouraged to get into photography- quite the opposite in fact! My Mum found wedding photography in particular extremely stressful and often made herself physically ill with stress about how her wedding images would turn out (she needn’t have ever worried- her work was always beautiful!) This of course gave her just cause to try to put me off following in her footsteps and she was not at all impressed when I announced that I had been shooting in secret throughout my teenage years and planned to follow the very same career which had caused her so many hours of stress in her working life! But, I was adamant, and after finishing a degree in media technology, began working in a prestigious portrait studio in Kent. Since then, I have been lucky enough to work all over the world capturing my very favourite thing in life – people and the love they share.

Melissa Kay Photography

What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?

Oh my word! Where to start?! I consider it the greatest honour to be entrusted with capturing one of the most important days in a couples life, and I don’t take that lightly! I love to capture that twinkle in a brides eye as she steps into her dress, and the pride exuding from Dad as he walks her down the aisle. That look of absolute awe and excitement when the groom sees his bride for the first time and the love, oh so much love between two people meant for each other… how can I not get excited about that?!

Also, I love to travel and shoot in new places, and photography has allowed me to do that- I have shot all over the world and I’ve just come back from two years living and shooting in Cape Town, South Africa. I’ve been so lucky that my work gives me a reason to travel, although I must say, there is always a special place in my heart for the North East!

Melissa Kay Photography

How do you get couples to relax on the day?

I find that the more time I have spent with a couple before the big day, the better the experience is for all of us, which is why I include a ‘Love Story’ or engagement shoot with each wedding package. When the couple has had the chance to experience what it’s like to have their picture taken by me and when I have been able to gauge how best to work with them, it takes away any anxiety from the couple in terms of what I’m doing, and they can simply relax and enjoy each other and their wedding day.

Melissa Kay Photography

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

Make sure you have a shoot with your photographer prior to your wedding day! Honestly- I can’t tell you enough how much it helps to have worked with your photographer before the big day. Everyone is different and if you give your photographer the opportunity to see how you react to the camera- they should be able to put you at ease in any situation. Most brides who aren’t keen on posing for the camera will likely opt for a more documentary or candid style of photographer, which takes away that awkward posed feeling which is what most are uncomfortable with. But any photographer worth their salt should be able to capture you at your best and make you look and feel great.

Melissa Kay Photography

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

It depends on the bride! Some women love to rock the bold lipstick or smouldering eyes, while some are much more comfortable with the more natural, neutral palette. I would say the best bet is to stay true to your own style- you don’t want your groom to be wondering "Who’s that girl?" when you lift your veil! It’s definitely a must to practice your make-up look before the big day- most of my brides take the opportunity to go for their make-up trial on the day of their love story shoot- that way they have great make-up for the shoot and they can see what the make-up will turn out like in the images. Really though, as long as a bride feels like her very best self and is happy and relaxed she will look fantastic in her wedding pictures.

Melissa Kay Photography

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

The happy couple can expect to enjoy their day without interference! Their wedding day is just that- Theirs! and I want them to enjoy every moment. I often have a few meetings with the couple before the wedding day, and also the love story shoot, so that we all are on the same page and I am more of a friend at their wedding than a random stranger. I’ve been told many times by my clients how relaxed they felt during their love story and wedding shoots, and that really is important to me- I want my clients to be relaxed and have fun so that I can capture them at their very best!

Melissa Kay Photography

What is included in your "package"?

With all of my wedding collections, I cover the entire day, from the bride getting ready, right up to the dancing at the evening reception, so the whole day is captured with love. All of my clients will receive a copyright -free disk of edited images, and I offer the most beautiful range of albums. I do have set collections as a guide but I am also happy to tailor a package to my client’s needs.

Can you give us an idea on price?

The ‘Sweet and Simple’ collection, which is my starting collection, is £985.

Can you do a discount for Brides Up North readers?

Anyone booking an album collection before the end of July and quoting ‘Brides up North’ will receive a free brag book worth £150 to show off their beautiful images on the go!

Melissa Kay Photography

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

Come and check out my website or my blog, like Melissa Kay Photography on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Alternatively if you would like to see something specific or you have any questions please feel free to drop me a line at Kay@melissakayphotography.com or give me a call on 07592924200.

Melissa Kay Photography

Melissa Kay Photography is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier

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

Posted in Featured Supplier, Wedding Photography | Filed Under | 1 COMMENT so far, click here to join the discussion! »

Fabulous Photographer: Jonny Draper Photography

April 1st, 2013 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

Consider this little introduction to a guy that I consider to one of the best and most exciting wedding photographers in the business my Easter egg to you. And yes, it’s the first of April, but this is no April fool!

When you book Brides Up North Featured Supplier Jonny Draper Photography for your wedding day, you know you’ll get a set of clever (yes clever!) and stunning images: full of beauty, emotion and also some humour – and therefore the best possible record of your big day. High accolades, true, but I am wholly confident that Jonny’s work speaks for itself.

Plus, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him in real life – at my North West Tweet Up – and anyone who likes a glass of wine as much as I do (previously unheard of) can’t be bad in my book.

Let’s meet Mr Draper…

Jonny Draper Photography

How did you get into wedding photography?

I think like every other wedding photographer I know, I kind of fell into it! To cut a very long story short, my ‘proper job’ used to be filming and editing viral films, corporate videos and adverts for a creative ad agency and one day somebody who I worked with asked me to film their wedding because "I filmed and edited stuff"!!! I’d never even been to a wedding never mind filmed one, but I instantly fell in love with capturing the story of the day, being around people who were all there to have a great time and the adrenaline rush of knowing that you only got one chance at every part of the day. That was over 10 years ago and I flipped over to stills around 5 years ago.

Jonny Draper Photography

What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?

Even now, having been involved in weddings for over 10 years, I still get nervous the day before each wedding. Then in the morning as I’m getting ready to leave the house the excitement and anticipation starts to build and as soon as I arrive at the bride’s house the adrenaline rush starts that doesn’t let up until well after I get home – what an awesome feeling! That, coupled with being given the opportunity to ‘do my thing’ week in, week out for brides and grooms who fall in love with weddings they’ve seen I’ve shot – what’s not to love?!

Jonny Draper Photography

What is your biggest professional achievement to date?

I’m honoured to have won The Wedding Industry Awards – North West Wedding Photographer of the Year this year. This finally feels like an awards body has arrived that is truly credible which made me even more delighted to have won. The voting process begins by your brides and grooms who’s weddings you have photographed in the previous 12 months voting for you. If you achieve above the average points total for your category you then get shortlisted. I was stunned to even get shortlisted as I was up against some of the best wedding photographers in the UK in my opinion. I was even more stunned when I found out I’d won! The shortlist is judged by a panel of industry experts (again, this is where I felt the credibility really became obvious as these judges were all hugely well known and respected in the industry, so it was an honour to know that they were even discussing my work, never mind deciding that mine was the best!) and I’m still trying to get my head round receiving such an amazing accolade.

Jonny Draper Photography

How do you get couples to relax on the day?

I do a pre-wedding shoot for all my brides and grooms and this is where getting them to relax starts. Giving them the opportunity to experience what it’s like to have their photograph taken professionally ahead of the day, so that they have a real understanding of what actually happens when the camera comes out the bag on the wedding day morning. And it’s a great reassurance for them that I’m not going to have them doing anything daft or anything they’re uncomfortable with. I also get to understand how they want to be photographed so that I’m approaching things in the right way for them on the day of their wedding. And it’s brilliant just being able to spend a couple more hours with them ahead of their day so that I really get to know what they’re like, not just as a couple, but as individuals too.

Jonny Draper Photography

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

Again, one of the reason’s I do the pre-wedding shoot is to help brides and grooms get over that kind of feeling. I honestly think that most people don’t like having their picture taking – in fact, I think I’d be worried if I met with couples and they said "We LOVE having our picture taken"!

Jonny Draper Photography

Any really memorable weddings that you have captured?

There’s too many to list! From weddings in New York, Tuscany, Santorini and France, through to weddings right on my door step in Manchester and Cheshire, every single one is special and different. I’m so lucky to work with the kind of brides and grooms who I work with – everything is important to them, from the photography to the flowers, to the entertainment to the food, they’re never just ‘ticking things off a list’. Every decision they make is a carefully considered one, which means they genuinely care about every single detail of their day. Which includes the photography. They book me because they love how I shoot and how I approach a wedding and that is a wonderful feeling to know that a couple have chosen you to capture their wedding because they want you to capture it your way.

Jonny Draper Photography

Are you married? Tell us about your day.

I am married, to my amazing wife Emma (who is also a Brides up North sponsor with our other wedding business, LOVE Bridal Boutique – shameless plug!) We were married at The Inn at Whitewell in Lancashire in December 2007. It was an amazing day and trying to keep focused on things photography related, it was one of the most amazing learning curves I’ve been on as a wedding photographer. The rain was RELENTLESS all day. In a torrential manner. I learned two massive lessons. Number One: As the groom – did I care about the weather? Did it ruin anything for me? (And I can speak for Emma here too) The answer is no. We were surrounded by our friends and family in an amazing venue and we didn’t care about the weather. Number Two: As a photographer – did the weather ruin our pictures? No. We had an awesome husband and wife photographer team (Jonathan Harris Photography) who were calm, who helped us with umbrellas, who looked after our guests and who shot amazing photographs. I learned more about how to handle bad weather in one day by being right in the middle of it myself and it’s really shaped the way I approach weddings. Jonathan and Christine are my original photography mentors and Emma and I are very lucky to be able to call them our friends now too.

Jonny Draper Photography

Go on then Jonny, tell us about LOVE Bridal Boutique…

Emma and I also own Cheshire’s most exclusive bridal experience – LOVE Bridal Boutique. We opened the doors in August 2012 and it’s been an amazing experience so far – Emma and I already have a growing number of mutual brides, they love that they’re getting a service from a family owned and run business and we’re loving working with them!

Jonny Draper Photography

What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

I’d like to think the overall approach to how I work with my brides and grooms is unique. From where I meet them to chat about their day, to how we work together through the pre-wedding shoot and in the overall build up to the day onto the wedding day itself. I don’t worry about what other photographers offer, I only want to know about what my brides and grooms want from me and how best I can fit into their day.

Jonny Draper Photography

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

They can expect to spend lots of time with their friends and family. I hate the idea of dragging a bride and groom away from the party for hours on end and if I let them get stuck into their drinks reception and give them the chance to actually spend time with people, then I get the opportunity to shoot all those wonderful moments between people. Excited faces, hugs and kisses, tears and laughter – this is what my brides and grooms want to see photographs of. Of course, we’ll shoot the all important family group photographs that they require, but I like to fit these into the day when it feels right to do so, rather than worry about doing them all at a certain time. This helps us avoid a formal feeling to the proceedings (I hate the idea of being that photographer who stands on a chair and shouts names off of a list! There’s ways of approaching group shots without having to be interruptive and invasive and I work really hard at ensuring everything feels relaxed, not just for the bride and groom, but for all their guests too.

Jonny Draper Photography

What is included in your "package"?

My attendance starts at whatever time in the morning the bride wants me to arrive and I shoot right through until after the first dance. This enables me to really tell the story of the day with no compromises.

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The attendance fee includes a disc of hi-res images with permission to print/distribute. I also include lo-res versions to make it easy to email/Facebook etc! I also supply all of the shots from the day on a DVD slideshow set to music of the bride and grooms choosing – this is a great way to show friends/family the story of your day without always having to carry an album around! The attendance fee including all of the above is £1,995.

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I also include a pre-wedding shoot for all my wedding clients which is so useful for so many reasons. It’s great for my brides and grooms to spend a bit more time with me ahead of their big day and vice versa – it really gives us all a chance to get to know each other better which is so helpful on the wedding day – I know what they’re comfortable with, they’ve gone through the nerves of having their photograph taken before their day so those kinds of worries aren’t there – and it’s a good excuse to go for a beer afterwards! (have a look at this link to get a feel for the sort of thing people go for: http://blog.jonnydraper.co.uk/category/pre-wedding/)

Jonny Draper Photography

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

There are lots of ways…

WEB:
www.jonnydraper.co.uk/

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EMAIL:
info@jonnydraper.co.uk

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BLOG:
www.jonnydraper.co.uk/blog

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FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/JonnyDraperPhotography

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TWITTER:
twitter.com/JonnyDraperfoto

Jonny Draper Photography

Anything else we should know?

A new string to my bow – I won’t go into too much detail (as details of Jonny’s next two Day Masterclass in Wedding Photography will be appearing right here on Brides Up North very soon!) but right now, check out Jonny Draper Photography Training for details!

Jonny Draper Photography

Jonny Draper Photography is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier, and this is a sponsored post

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

Posted in Featured Supplier, North West Wedding, Wedding Photography | Filed Under | 1 COMMENT so far, click here to join the discussion! »

Fabulous Photographer: Joel Skingle Photography PLUS A Free Guest Book Album For Wedding Blog Readers!

February 27th, 2013 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

Joel Skingle Photography

This man’s work is so brilliant that it’s almost unnecessary to add any words to this morning’s feature, but then I figured that a guy who can turn out this quality of wedding images must have some sound words of advice for my lovely readers. It turns out that he does, plus an exclusive offer for Brides Up North.

Without further ado, let’s meet the fun, friendly and super talented Joel of Joel Skingle Photography, who I am proud to introduce as a Brides Up North Featured Supplier. Prepare to add him to your speed dial.

Joel Skingle Photography

How did you get into wedding photography?

I come from a creative design background working as a graphic designer in advertising and large marketing companies so creative visuals has always been part of me and what I do. I found wedding photography gave me the freedom to express my self and push the boundaries of what I was capable of.
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Joel Skingle Photography

Why wedding photography specifically?

The emotion and even the pressure makes for a great job. Plus we are a part of someone’s amazing big day – what could be better?!

Joel Skingle Photography

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What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?

The freedom to express myself through my images whilst meeting many many fabulous people.

Joel Skingle Photography

How do you get couples to relax on the day?

Just be myself I am a very open person being able to make the couple laugh and speak on their level helps immensely. My pre shoot that is offered on every wedding also helps the couple to become more comfortable with both myself and the camera.

Joel Skingle Photography

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

Choose me! No, seriously, I insist on a pre-wedding shoot I have never had anyone not benefit from a bit of time getting used to the camera before the big day.

Joel Skingle Photography

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

Makeup usually needs the volume pumping up slightly for images.

Joel Skingle Photography

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

A colour palette should consist of a few/ similar colours so they are not all fighting for attention.

Joel Skingle Photography

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

I am not sure I would! Give me real wedding with real people any day.

Joel Skingle Photography

Any really memorable weddings that you have captured?

I am lucky enough to be an international wedding photographer photographing as far away as the beaches of the Bahamas and more recently the mountains of snowy Austria so its hard to pick just one. I photograph all over the UK as well but you can’t beat a wedding with the Yorkshire dales in the background as a feature.

Joel Skingle Photography

Any funny stories to share?

There are so, so many but one of my favourites is when I was photographing a barn wedding and the evening catering let us down. I then drove the father of the groom to the fish and chip shop to order 120 portions of fish and chips! We all sat outside in the warm evening sun eating fish and chips out of the paper. What a great memory! And of course it made for some fab shots…

Joel Skingle Photography

What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

I think both my style and attitude. I pride myself on my brand and the experience it brings. I am not all about me its your wedding but what I offer is to be involved and manage my side to bring you the most stunning images with the minimal fuss.

Joel Skingle Photography

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

Service second to none, a mixture of beautifully natural candid moments and stunning wow bridal images for the wall. No fuss, no arrogance just an honest fun experience. My referral base speaks for its self.

Joel Skingle Photography

What is included in your "package"?

I believe in keeping things simple so my packages include myself with all day coverage from bridal prep through to the first dance. Images on disk and also an album. I like my clients to know exactly what they are getting for their hard earned money from the start. Album upgrades are available afterwards.

Joel Skingle Photography

Can you give us an idea on price?

My prices currently start from £1350 and I can offer a free guest book filled with images from our pre shoot with every Brides Up North wedding booking! Quote Brides Up North when booking.

Joel Skingle Photography

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

Get in touch: joel@joelskinglephotography.co.uk

Or visit my website: www.joelskinglephotography.co.uk

Joel Skingle Photography

Joel Skingle Photography will be exhibiting at the Brides Up North Luxury Wedding Exhibition, this Sunday at The Mansion, Roundhay Park, Leeds. Come along and say hello – the event is FREE ENTRY and is open to the public from 12pm – 4pm.

Click here to reserve your VIP Bride To Be goody bag, packed with treats, exclusive discounts and magazines.

Joel Skingle Photography is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier

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

Posted in BUN Wedding Exhibition, Featured Supplier, Wedding Photography, Yorkshire Wedding, Yorkshire Wedding Fair | Filed Under | 1 COMMENT so far, click here to join the discussion! »

Fabulous Photographer: Lee Scullion

January 30th, 2013 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

Lee Scullion Wedding Photographer

I’ve said it before, but I will be forever indebted to this man – the fabulous Lee Scullion – for calming and coaxing my very nervy husband-to-be away from the porcelain and out into the light on the morning of my own wedding when Lee was playing second shooter and sent to look after the boys. I can’t think what Alan could have been nervous about (can you?)! Luckily, there isn’t much a Mars bar and Lucozade can’t fix and he made it to the church on time, stopping for some gorgeous shots along the way.

Now, Lee’s back on the pages of the wedding blog in his official capacity as a Brides Up North Featured Supplier, as we learn more about the man behind the lens (and Lucozade). Over to Lee…

How did you get into wedding photography?

Although I began taking photographs from the age of 14/15 photography for me really started when I was at college, I would always organize, arrange, make & design small budget fashion shoots, fascinated with fashion and beauty. As soon as I got my diploma I fell into work with a portraiture company which then lead me to work for a bigger photographic UK house resulting in my expedition right now. A little round the world trip working with some fascinating people and events and I am now in my seventh year as a professional photographer.

Lee Scullion Wedding Photographer

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Why wedding photography specifically?

I love men and woman who are very aware of who they are, its great to photograph brides with that quality. However, you will find there are some folk who feel uneasy about it all and it is very challenging and rewarding to photograph someone who is very shy at first and become at ease with you and their surroundings. You bring that out in them!

Lee Scullion Wedding Photographer

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What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?

People for sure, but I have to say the whole design of a wedding: the dress, the shoes, the jewellery. I am always very interested in the styling of each wedding. I love to advise or give ideas of my own, after all we see more wedding shoes than anyone else! Sometimes you have to go for style over comfort… but you really don’t have to. If your dress hits the floor and you don’t want expensive weddings shoes or they hurt too much… go out and by some Vivienne Westwood jelly heels for example, comfortable but very quirky.

Lee Scullion Wedding Photographer

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How do you get couples to relax on the day?

I really don’t think I’ve thought about that until right now. I guess being very relaxed myself and always fun and happy helps, being silly and a little crazy helps too.

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

The best advice I could give a nervous or self aware bride would be to try it out first! That’s why us photography folks push pre-wedding shoots. Enjoy different styles together with the photographer, make sure you see your pictures together, listen to advice from your partner and don’t pick apart everything about yourself. Your wedding is all about enjoyment – if you ate relaxed and enjoying yourself with others, the photographs will reflect that.

Lee Scullion Wedding Photographer

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

I would always stay very natural with your skin tones, if you don’t wear make up all the time, stay clear of wild bold colours. Then again, I work with some excellent make up artists from Bobbie Brown to Illamasqua so I would leave that question up to the pros.

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

As long as its you doing you it will work, personally I would stay clear of props unless you are having a related theme.

Lee Scullion Wedding Photographer

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

I would adore the chance to work with Lara Stone or Natasha Poly. Pharell Williams would be a big box ticked too!

Lee Scullion Wedding Photographer

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Any really memorable weddings that you have captured?

Every single one of them, young and old, they are all stylish and beautiful. I never forget my weddings.
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Lee Scullion Wedding Photographer

Are you married?

I am not married! A little rule I have now is every time someone asks me that question, it gets delayed a month…

Lee Scullion Wedding Photographer .

.. Lee Scullion Wedding Photographer

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What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

I am great believer in tailoring your technique to each wedding. Every wedding is different so stay stylish but don’t repeat what you do all the time. I like to think I always stay fresh. I also travel internationally and work with some fantastic people overseas, so do not be afraid to inquire if you are getting married in Ibiza, Croatia or Mars.

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

Me and no one else.

I like to consider myself a professional, so I am loud, fun and fast but also quiet, slow and steady when needed. Timing is essential on your wedding day, your photographer has to co-ordinate it at a professional level.

Lee Scullion Wedding Photographer

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What is included in your "package"?

Again similar to what sets me apart, tailoring to each couple’s needs is key. I truly believe you have to accommodate what your soon to be close friends really want out of their wedding photographs.

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Can you give us an idea on price?

My time coverage begins at £799 upwards, I work only with the best products out there.

Lee Scullion Wedding Photographer

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

Be sure to visit my website – www.leescullion.com

Feel free to email – info@leescullion.com

Call anytime – +44(0)7756 117 313

You can ask as many questions and spend as much time on the phone or in our meeting as you desire, I am a people person and this is my business, my hobby, my project and my lifestyle.

Stay splendid!

Lee Scullion is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier and this is a sponsored post

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

Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog

Posted in Featured Supplier, North East Wedding, Wedding Photography, Yorkshire Wedding | Filed Under | NO COMMENTS yet, click here to start the discussion! »

Fabulous Photographer: Richard Milnes Photography PLUS Free Album Upgrade For Brides Up North Readers Worth £250!

December 6th, 2012 | Brides Up North: UK Wedding Blog

Richard Milnes Photography

This afternoon I am thrilled to introduce you to one of my super talented Featured Suppliers, fabulous photographer Richard Milnes Photography. This North West based wedding photographer is just as happy rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty (get him!) as he is working all over the UK and Europe.

He’s recently been accepted into the WPJA, the Wedding Photojournalist Association, an international network of vigorously vetted professional photographers and is the recommended photographer at some of the North West’s most prestigious venues including Sandhole Oak Barn, The Monastery, The Mere, Quarry Bank Mill and Colshaw Hall.

More importantly though, he wants to meet you and shoot your special day. Let’s say hello!

Richard Milnes Photography

How did you get into wedding photography?

I was working for a creative agency and was made redundant, at more or less the same time my girlfriend, now my wife, bought me a digital camera for my birthday. I quickly fell back in love with photography and was taken on at Affleck’s Palace in Manchester to create a photographic document of the place before it was sold to a development company. This lead to several exhibitions including one at Urbis.

It was some years later that I discovered that my aunt had worked as a photographer and had a book published with her work shot in the Sahara. Not only that but my grandfather (from the same side of the family) had been a photographer when he lived in Jamaica before the war. I guess it must be in the blood!

I’m entirely self taught and I now have the pleasure of teaching other photographers, which is a great thrill and something I thoroughly enjoy doing.

Richard Milnes Photography

Why wedding photography specifically?

I’ve always loved photographing people, I guess that I’ve always enjoyed watching people’s reactions when I show them a picture of themselves that really blows them away. I’ve also plenty of experience working in the fashion industry, for commercial agencies and for magazines, all of which require a specific set of skills and all of those skills can be applied to pretty much every wedding I ever shot!

I often hear other photographers state that they would never shoot weddings, well for me a wedding is one of the few opportunities as a professional photographer I can really let the creative juices flow and be entirely honest with the work I produce. I love weddings, absolutely love them!

Richard Milnes Photography

What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?

I enjoy the freedom that being a wedding photojournalist allows me, my philosophy has always been ‘do less, do it better’ and being left to my own devices allows me to anticipate a ‘moment’ before it happens, and to be ready for it.

Meeting couples for the first time who are enthusiastic about photography is always a genuine pleasure and some even save up or make savings elsewhere to hire me, which is a always a real privilege and an honour.

I honestly think that I have one of the best jobs in the world, I’m very lucky.

Richard Milnes Photography

How do you get couples to relax on the day?

Like many photographers now, I use an engagement shoot as a great way of breaking the photographic ice with a couple before the actual wedding. On the wedding day itself, I work in a very calm, professional manner. I make sure that I’m available if needed and out of sight when I’m not. I have also been known to help out with the occasional little ‘emergency’ such as opening a particularly stubborn bottle of champagne, fixing a dodgy stereo system or offering some last minute advice to a nervous groom, bride or, more often, the best man!

Richard Milnes Photography

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

The majority of brides tell me that they don’t really enjoy having their photograph taken and I think it helps when I explain to them that it’s perfectly normal. Occasionally a member of the wedding party – even the bride – may make it known that they are feeling uncomfortable when they are in front of the camera and I always take the time to explain that if they see me taking a photograph, they can relax in the knowledge that it will be a great picture, otherwise I simply wouldn’t be taking it.

My journalistic style enables the bride and the wedding party to enjoy the wedding knowing that they won’t be expected to pose for the camera, smile when they might not feel like smiling or be made to stand out in a field for the best part of an hour shivering!

Richard Milnes Photography

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

Now I’m no expert on make up but I would recommend using a professional make up artist for obvious reasons – it can also provide excellent opportunities for candid shots! Whatever you choose to do, I would recommend that you stay close to your comfort zone and try and avoid reflective make up as this can sometimes show up with flash photography (again, apologies for my lack of correct cosmetics terminology!)

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

My job as a wedding photojournalist is to make sure that you have an honest, beautiful and emotional document of the greatest day of your lives to keep for ever. It is also my job to ensure that I capture the laughter, the tears, the fun and games, all of the ‘moments’ that you may have missed.

All you need to do is to relax, be yourselves and enjoy. I will take care of the rest.

Richard Milnes Photography

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

I’m fortunate enough to include a few celebrity names amongst my clients, both in the UK and the US, so don’t think it would be fair to choose one!

I was recently both the best man and the photographer at a wedding in Beverly Hills, California and amongst the wedding party during my speech were some big Hollywood names including Harrison Ford and Calista Flockheart – now that’s pressure – Ricky Gervais eat your heart out!

Richard Milnes Photography

Any really memorable weddings that you have captured?

There are so many to choose from for all kinds of different reasons, some of my most memorable moments at weddings have been entirely unexpected – at a recent wedding in Cheshire, the bride had recently lost a close friend, who had planted an apple tree in her garden. She had a single apple amongst her flower display on the top table which was the only apple that the tree had ever produced. Moments like that can really stay with you. I photograph a lot of military weddings and often there are some incredibly emotional moments at these weddings, for obvious reasons.

As for dramatic and stylish, one of my very first weddings was for a member of the US Olympic team and her husband who hired me to photograph their wedding in the Algarve. The celebrations were spread over three days, with the first day being a mini-Olympics on a beautiful beach, which became quite competitive with all of the athletes who were in attendance! The wedding itself was in a picturesque 12^th century chapel and the final day was spent chilling out aboard a private galleon. Wow!

Richard Milnes Photography

Are you married? Tell us about your day?

Yes, I married my wife Cass in 2008 and I’m ashamed to say that we did away with tradition and travelled to Las Vegas (without Elvis) for a week of hedonism and escapism which was just brilliant. The day itself is a blur of amazing food, champagne and machine guns – seriously!

Any funny stories to share?

A bride once me told me that she had been to see a husband & wife photographer team before she came over to see me. Unfortunately for them, they inadvertently called her and left her a long, explicit voicemail message of themselves blaming each other for missing some important shots whilst returning home from a wedding! Ooops!

There was also a registrar last month who was unable to pronounce the bride’s name correctly, despite repeatedly trying over and over again – this brought the house down and even the bride and groom were in tears laughing by the time she got it right. It happens!

Richard Milnes Photography

What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

There are so many wedding photographers now that even I find it difficult to tell them apart, so it must be a very difficult job for brides to make a decision on who to book. One of the reasons that my work stands out is that I produce very honest, emotive images which are edited in a very straight forward way. This means that whilst the latest editing trends and styles may come and go, my photographs will hopefully remain timeless and won’t appear dated a few years down the line.

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

A very professional, fun and entirely painless experience. I see my role as documenting the wedding, not influencing it, so it’s important for me to work in the background and keep a low profile throughout the wedding wherever possible. I am a very sociable person however, and I do enjoy talking with guests, many of whom will have their own cameras with them and I’m always happy to offer advice to the budding photographers amongst them!

Richard Milnes Photography