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Is it Wednesday already? I don’t know whether I’m coming or going this week with brilliant sunshine one day, blizzards the next! I wish the World and the weather would sort itself out.
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This morning, I chat to one of my very favourite ladies in the industry, India of India Hobson Weddings, here she is (far left) with me (far right) on a recent shoot…
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…about her love for wedding and fashion photography, and the effort that goes into creating fabulous memories of your big day. Even better, if you mention BUNSHOOT or BUNDISCOUNT when booking with her you can choose between a free pre wedding shoot or a 10% discount off your wedding photography.
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I can feel the mid week blues dispersing already…
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How did you get into wedding photography?
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I found myself assisting a wedding photographer about 7 years ago, and ended up working for him for 2 years shooting all the candid moments & learning to anticipate shots as well as finding my way around a camera! I really enjoyed the fast pace and so studied an art foundation course, following that with a degree in photography at the Manchester School of Art. I’ve worked in fashion, shooting for various magazines such as Oh Comely Magazine & have been featured in Stella, the Sunday Telegraph supplement.
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I fell back into weddings last year and haven’t looked back – this time I have years of experience in different types of image-making as well as a creative approach that makes my images not-so-traditional.
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Why wedding photography specifically?
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First and foremost I love working with people. I also love being creative, and I firmly believe that your wedding photographs are not only a document of a defining moment in a relationship, but they should also be a CELEBRATION. Your images should make your heart feel full of love, life and make you feel proud. Weddings are where you find the natural full smiles, a joyful tear and countless hugs – there’s no other profession that can boast such pure, positive emotion.
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I also work with bridal/wedding suppliers to create bespoke imagery for their businesses & I find that everyone in the industry (so far!) is full of love for their job, highly creative & incredibly driven – I think we all have to believe in what we do and the love between two people.
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What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?
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Variety, definitely. I’ve never seen two weddings the same and that’s definitely a strength! Every person is different, and each bring their own to their wedding. I’m a sucker for the personal touches!
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I’m also a very happy bunny when I’m travelling, which I do often (a 4 hour coach journey is a great time to get through emails!) I’m based in Sheffield but I’d say only 5% of my weddings are in Sheffield – I travel far and wide (including Europe) to do what I love.
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How do you get couples to relax on the day?
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With couples as far away as Norway booking my services, I use Skype in order to have face-to-face contact before the big day and if I can meet with you then that’s even better – a pre-wedding/engagement shoot is a perfect way to ease any nerves (and have some fun!).
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On your wedding day at times I will direct an image (such as with specific family/group shots) but for the most part I like to catch the natural moments and that means I’m close by but not in your space. I always make sure that I pull my couples away from their guests for a little while, not only for individual photos but also because it’s the first time you’ll have seen each other alone – and that short breather will make you feel amazing.
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Any advice to any brides who don’t like to have their picture taken?
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Most people would agree that they feel awkward when they’re posing – so 98% of the time I don’t ask you to. If you feel comfortable then you will look like you are and that is more attractive than a forced smile! I’d absolutely recommend having a professional make-up artist to enhance your features and make you feel extra pampered. The most important thing to remember really is to enjoy your day, don’t even think about being photographed – relax, indulge & I will do the rest.
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Any really memorable weddings that you have captured?
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I don’t think I could pinpoint 1 or 2 – but I know that this year will is looking positive for chart-toppers as some of my best friends are tying the knot, and I am so excited about them. It’s an absolute pleasure to photograph for people I know too – I think it’s a huge compliment to be asked. One of my friends is hiring a marquee in a field and we’re staying for the whole weekend so that will have a festival feel to it, and another is very informally celebrating with a quayside barbeque so I guess my favourites are the more relaxed & simple – with the family & friends at the fore.
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We hear that you recently got engaged?
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We have plans galore! {see India’s self portrait engagement shoot here}. We’re planning a simple day, with beach-esque touches with grasses & heathers as well as plenty of small but meaningful touches. My maid of honour is designing my dress with hand-embroidery from a few talented family members, both Lee & I have designed our stationery/invites and a friend of mine (a fashion photographer) is photographing – so plenty of involvement from everyone I love. And there’ll be dancing!
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Any funny stories to share?
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As I’m usually with the bride for the majority of the day I have many-a-time helped them into dresses – it’s a skill I’ve developed and of course being female I can oblige!
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I photographed a wedding in Turkey last year and we weren’t told that the bride being a little late is definitely not allowed – so that resulted in a 5 minute rush to dress & have a quick pre-ceremony toast, luckily the registrar hadn’t left… There was a mad-dash for the mother-of-the-bride’s hat though as she’d left that in the room & had planned her entire outfit around it! Those last minute things add to the excitement and also make great stories.
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What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
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I think coming from a fashion background makes me look in a different way to most, I aim to make something from the scenes in front of me rather than just record them and I want you to be able to look at your wedding images every day afterwards and still feel inspired & special. My images are an extended portrait of your relationship and I do this by being creative & thinking outside the box. I use mirrors, doorways and other things unique to your venue and choose colourings/textures that I feel really suit you as a couple. Most of all I like my couples to know that I understand the responsibility I have and that I look after them from the moment that they inquire – and that I know it’s not all roses & menu-tasting while planning for a wedding so I do what I can to make it easier.
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What can a couple who book you expect on the day?
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Bridal preparations are usually the start of my day – and so as well as photography I help to calm nerves & answer any questions I can help with, whether that’s about me or if your hair looks right.
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I like to keep close with the bride & groom – couples often look to me for reassurance as I tend to know what’s coming next (don’t forget I’ve done this before & usually it’s your first time!) and when it feels like the right time I like to guide you away from your guests for a short photo session that also lets you spend a little time with each other to let the day sink in.
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Expect my full attention for the rest of the day, whether it’s orchestrating group/family shots, or getting those natural images of your guests enjoying themselves. The details don’t go unnoticed either and I’m with you until it feels right to you – obviously I can’t promise to capture everything, but I can do my very best!
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What is included in your “package”?
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Weddings are difficult to put together, and to make it as simple as possible I offer 2 packages; the first in which I provide all of your images on disc/s with a license to reproduce and the second includes a leather album of your favourite images put together by hand, as well as all the images. I never hold back images – you get every single one. I offer engagement/pre-wedding shoots as extras and can also help if you want to create a unique piece of wall art. Just get in touch if there’s something special you have in mind.
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Can you give us an idea on price?
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Packages are £1250 & £1650. I give a bespoke price for destination weddings so please ask if a wedding abroad is in your plans. Couples can also shoot with me just because they want to!
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Can you do a discount for Brides Up North readers?
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Absolutely! If you wish to book me you can choose between a 10% discount on either package or include a pre-wedding/engagement shoot for free – just mention either BUNDISCOUNT or BUNSHOOT in your message to me. Weddings can be expensive, so every little helps along the way.
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How can Brides Up North get in touch with you/ see more examples of your work?
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My (shiny new) website: www.indiahobsonweddings.co.uk
I have a blog too: www.indiahobsonweddings.blogspot.co.uk
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All contact details are on both of those pages.
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 India Hobson Weddings
India Hobson Weddings is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
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