This afternoon on the blog we’re introducing you to another of our talented Brides Up North Sponsors, the fabulous Zenna of Zen Photographic.
Feeling blessed to play a part in a couple’s big day, Zenna loves getting to know her clients and bringing out their
natural emotions
in front of the camera.As part of her first feature here on Brides Up North, Zenna is offering our readers a complementary engagement session with all her full-day packages. Just quote ‘BUN16’ when booking.
So let’s hand over to the main lady herself to find out a little more about what Zen Photographic…
How did you get into wedding photography?
zenna says:
Wedding photography was a natural progression for me after starting my portrait photography business in 2009. I’ve participated in many photography training courses, both with independent wedding experts and at Aspire Photography Training up in the Lake District, when first starting out, which really helped me understand all of the elements to the business.Prior to that, I worked in television production for 13 years producing and co-ordinating mainly documentaries and live news for BBC, ITV and Channel m (TV for Manchester). I have a BA in TV Production and I’m working towards my BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography) qualification this year.
Why wedding photography specifically?
For me, it’s when all the stars align to be honest. I’m an organised sociable person by nature, so weddings felt right straight from the get go. I love getting to know the couple’s families and having fun with the bride and groom on the wedding day – which I hope you can see in my images.
What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?
There’s so many elements of the process I love, but on the whole it’s the emotions I witness and document that’s my favourite. They makes me feel that what I do means something to someone. I feel so blessed to play my part.
How do you get couples to relax on the day?
The majority of my couples have an engagement session before the day, which really help with the portraits at the wedding. We generally only get 15 to 20 minutes for these on the day so it’s important couples feel relaxed throughout the session. I also use various techniques which help couples look more natural on camera, getting them to talk and reminisce about things that creates emotions and natural smiles.
Any advice to any brides who don’t like to have their picture taken?
Make sure you book a photographer that you get on with. It’s one of the biggest regrets when I chose my photographer. I just booked on price and not on personality. The photographer is with you through some intimate moments during the day, the prep, the vows and the portraits. They need to be someone you feel at ease with so you don’t look stressed on your photos.
What sort of makeup should a bride wear to look great in her pictures?
The majority of my brides go for a natural look on the wedding day, the most important thing is that they feel confident and comfortable with whatever look they going for. Many of my brides plan the makeup trial to be the same day as the engagement session, that way they can get an idea what their makeup looks like on camera.
Anything to avoid which might look bad in the wedding pictures?
It’s always helpful for brides to think of how they will look on the photos with their bridesmaids. An even number is always a good idea, then the photos will look nice and symmetrical. Plus if you are planning a spray tan before your big day, it’s always a good idea to have a trial beforehand. You don’t want to go down the tangerine route!
Which celebrity wedding would you most like to photograph and why?
Someone like Kate Hudson would be my perfect bride! A fun loving natural beauty! She just needs to find a new fella first.
Any really memorable weddings that you have captured?
There has been many beautiful weddings in the last seven years. One of the first which really helped me focus on my ideal client, was Jo & Brad’s wedding at Arley Hall, Cheshire, in 2011. This was when I knew wedding photography was the right job for me. I was moved to tears then and still am at every wedding I capture.
Are you married? Tell us about your day.
Yes, I’ve been happily married for more than ten years. We got hitched in Windermere in the beautiful Lake District. I was a pretty focussed bride who could visualise my day and tried my upmost to achieve it. I had a ‘mood board’ on the go, which back in 2004 meant actually cutting out images in magazines and putting them together on an actual pinboards, no Pinterest for us back then! I also had multiple spreadsheets, some, I’m guilty of admitting, were colour co-ordinated, yes I’m a bit of an organised geek and love a good list, bullet points and white boards! In fact, I did almost all of the planning for the wedding, but left one little job to my hubby-to-be – to confirm and book the wedding cars, which actually didn’t get sorted until the morning of the wedding, unbeknown to me! Men!
What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
Well I can honestly say that I’m super organised, reliable and hard working on the wedding day. I have six years wedding experience and have shot more than 100 weddings in my time, in all weather! I always have the couple’s best interest at heart and can often be found co-ordinating behind the scenes to make sure your day runs a smoothly as possible.
What can a couple who book you expect on the day?
Fun loving, relaxed wedding day coverage from start to finish, with hugs all round before I leave!
What is included in your “package”?
I always start my full-day packages three hours before the ceremony, this enables me to get shots of both of you getting ready and plenty of shots of your lovely guests arriving at the venue. I then shoot in a natural documentary style throughout the majority of the day, with just 30 minutes for family group shots and 20 minutes of relaxed bridal portraits before dinner. I stay until 30 minutes past the first dance, making sure I get some dance floor action and additional shots of your evening guests. I don’t put a definite end time on the day, just in case things are running over. I don’t want you to worry about your photography, just feel secure that I have it covered!
Can you give us an idea on price?
My digital packages start from £1,200, but the majority of my brides go for an album package, which start at £1,500. This includes full-day coverage, a USB featuring all edited images and a beautiful wedding album, produced in the UK.
Can you do a discount for Brides Up North readers?
Yes, I’m happy to offer BUN readers a complementary engagement session with all full-day packages. Please quote ‘BUN16’ when booking.
How can Brides Up North get in touch with you/ see more examples of your work?
Please email me at mail@zen-photographic.co.uk for further information and a full pricing brochure. You can also visit my website at www.zen-photographic.co.uk
