sandra ford | photography

Update for 2012

2012-01-15T18:19:00.001Z

There are no photographs on this post; what a let down .....I've been a little inactive for a while, but now that the new year is here I have been feverishly working away on my website. Very much a time for a revamp as the studio in Ryhill has gone from strength to strength.

2012 looks set to be a very interesting year. I have been chosen by Barrett & Coe as one of their premium photographic studios. The top 60 studios in the UK have been networked together to offer family portrait sessions and accept portrait vouchers from Activity Superstore and the National Childbirth Trust amongst others. The vouchers will be sold in premium outlets such as Debenhams, Argos and W H Smith to mention just a few.

My Cherubs customers have been very loyal and it has been lovely to see mums returning with new babies to take up the offer again as the little baby they brought to me now has a sibling.

Keep a lookout on the blog as this is the place where I will be showing my more recent work, the website will be just an important source of information in future. For those who are on facebook, I will still continue for the time being to put purchased portraits on my business page free of charge for you to enjoy and share with friends. Please remember to keep my logo intact, anyone who knows me knows I am a bit OCD about my copyright.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fordphotography

2011-11-24T11:42:00.001Z

Wedding photography has been in the forefront this week, with three bookings, two for 2012 weddings and one for a 2013 wedding. All day wedding photography with storybook styling is all the rage here in Wakefield it seems!
Here are a few selected photographs from Alex & Dave's recent wedding at Newmillerdam, followed by a wedding breakfast at The Three Acres at Shelley. The weather stayed fine, which was an absolute blessing. The bride and groom looked amazing and the brides beautiful bouquet really gave a splash of colour to brighten the day. .

2011-11-18T14:20:00.001Z

Baby portraits are one of my favourite things, here at our Boutique Portrait Studio in Ryhill, most of our subjects are babies, toddlers and families. This gorgeous little girl is so angelic, sleeping in her little tutu.
Newborns are most welcome here, as are mums to be.

Most of our clients comment on how comfy and baby friendly we are. We have a huge leather corner suite for you to spread out all your personal belongings on, and we want you to have a super, un-hurried portrait experience followed by amazing portraits to choose from. If you don't want to be one of the sheep in a supermarket style studio, then give us a call, "you're worth it!" to steal a phrase! :-)

2011-11-15T12:33:00.001Z

Baby portrait session with this gorgeous little boy, Noah.

2011-11-12T08:56:00.001Z

Terri & Michael's new baby is almost here!

2011-11-10T16:35:00.002Z

I am extremely pleased to announce that we have won a quarterly prize in the Master Photographer Association's "Cherub of the Year" competition that recognises the very best in baby photography, and this could lead to our customer collection a cool £1000 prize money. We are already known locally for the quality of our baby photography but to be recognised nationally is a great honour.

Our customer, Emma Burton receives a £25 shopping voucher for the winning image of her baby Evie, but more importantly goes forward to the final judging when the £1000 cheque will be presented to the parents of the "Cherub of the Year"

All Cherubs studios are baby friendly and each MPA photographer follows a strict code of conduct. The association prides itself on the quality of its membership, which is only open to full time professional photographers.

For more information on the offer and to qualify for three free portrait sessions and a free folio containing three portraits of your baby's first 12 - 18 months, please visit www.cherubs.uk.com or if you are in my area, give me a call on 0845 9011715

2011-11-09T12:24:00.003Z

Bellies and Babies
With bookings going from strength to strength our bump sessions have to be one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. Finding new ways of making the sessions more personal is always at the top of my list. It is so exciting to get an expectant couple into the studio at that exciting time when the new baby could arrive literally at any moment. Emotions are running high, happiness, joy, a little bit of trepidation and most of all love, for each other and that new little bundle about to arrive.

Celebrating three years at the studio in September

2011-07-12T09:55:00.001Z

Well it is almost three years since I moved the business into the studio premises in Ryhill and the portrait bookings have gone from strength to strength. I can honestly say that I still don't feel like I am having to get up in a morning to go to work! It is such a pleasure to pick up a camera and capture special memories for families forever. This week saw me completing Carole & Janice's makeover shoot orders, with a gentle reminder that I hadn't still let anyone see the results of Carole's daughter, Amelia's Birthday party from the year before. So here they all are. .....

For our 3 year celebration I have got some fantastic deals coming up...Book your family session for only £10 in September - quote blog3 to get the offer!

Bailey Mae

2011-04-21T08:08:00.000Z

Bailey Mae
How beautiful is this little girl with her proud mum and dad!

Christmas Portraits - gifts

2010-12-07T12:55:00.001Z

This was one of the last shoots this year in time for Christmas presents.
We had a lot of fun after a bit of a shy start and Lucie is a proper little model!
It's not too late to give the gift of a portrait for someone for Christmas - we have gift vouchers at the studio that can be given as a gift for a booking in the new year.
Please call us on 01226 727500 to purchase.

I get just the cutest babies and tots to photograph - baby photography

2010-09-18T16:05:00.001Z

Baby photography and tots - just another day here at the studio.
Christmas portrait offer - watch the video and at the very end there is a bar with some text on it , send that text in a message to 07968 031698 to win a free child portrait photoshoot. Offer ends 31 October (Halloween) 2010.

New addition to the family

2010-07-30T10:19:00.000Z

I know my facebook status says that I don't have time for anything at the minute, but who could resist? Lewis popped into the studio this morning with his mum and an adorable baby bunny and I just had to grab a shot. The rabbit was up for it, although Lewis took a bit of persuading. I suppose it's the same as when his mum was little and she was always the model for my "experimenting" with the camera. Poor little chap - having a photographer for a Nan!

2010-06-18T15:41:00.000Z

The Shaw Family - Beautiful girls!

Pre Wedding Photo Shoot

2010-06-18T14:56:00.003Z

Kelly & Craig came for their pre-wedding photoshoot last night. It was lovely to finally meet Craig having heard about him and seen his picture on Kelly's phone. Kelly on the other hand is a regular here at the studio - it certainly makes my job easier with such a stunner !
Looking forward to the wedding!

Just in case anyone was wondering who I am...

2010-02-10T10:24:00.002Z

This is me..

You can find more information about my background if you want to on my website.

Being a photographer it is a very rare occasion that I am actually in front of a camera, although I do know how it feels to get your photographs taken if you aren't used to it. That rabbit caught in the headlights feeling should be dispelled by a good photographer and they should put you at ease.

If you hate having your photograph taken, but would really like some nice pictures come and see me!

You could even buy a photo shoot voucher directly and then make your booking over the telephone, I will be nice! Promise!

Bagden Hall - Victoria & Lee

2010-02-03T13:10:00.005Z

Victoria and Lee had a full day at Bagden Hall.

With a GraphiStudio storybook to fill, I had a fantastic time getting the right combination of photographs to make a stunning album.

It was cold and snowy and a bit wet, but the warmth that exuded from the happy couple left no-one shivering. Congratulations to you both, you looked amazing.

Victoria and Lee are now reviewing their album design and I look forward to seeing them at the studio soon. Full studio contact details are available at www.fordphotography.co.uk

We now have a dedicated landline at the studio: 01226 727500

Winter wonderland wedding at Bagden Hall

2010-01-06T12:13:00.006Z

I was lucky enough to have been at Bagden Hall to photograph two weddings during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. The most recent of which was the celebration of Emma & Mark's wedding. A sample of their photographs is being put onto the blog first, (although their wedding was the latter of the two) simply becuase I happen to have them handy and I am currently snowed in!

We had a fantastic time at our holiday season weddings, and on each ocassion I must say that both the wedding co-ordinator and the staff at Bagden Hall could not have been more helpful.

Family and friends wishing to view the pictures can do so at Sandra Ford Photography at or go directly to the gallery: http:\\www.fordphotography.co.uk/Rigby - a password is required.

2009-11-09T11:23:00.011Z

Leaving the studio early on Thursday morning for a wedding in Harrogate was vitally important to me, not so that I could stop for a bit of shopping or pop into Betty's for a cuppa, but simply to get through the traffic in Wetherby on market day!

Beki & Steven's wedding at the Sun Pavilion in the heart of Harrogate was a very dignified, yet fun ocassion, with guests arriving from as far afield as Birmingham, Manchester and Ireland to witness the marriage and join in the celebrations on a glorious autumn day in Yorkshire.

Nepotism? possibly. A stunner ? Absolutely

2009-08-19T10:25:00.004Z

If Carlsberg made women....
Yes ok, I am her mum, it is my daughter, Kristina you are gorgeous and thank you for modeling for me hun!

Havercroft Children's Centre

2009-08-16T21:29:00.004Z

Getting "stuck into it" Lady Mayor of Wakefield, Councillor Heather Hudson assisted in a little mask making at Havercroft Children's Centre with one of the children who was there to enjoy the fun and games in celebration of the centre's one year anniversary. - Image (c) Sandra Ford / Wakefield Express

Carol & Richard - Sheffield Town Hall

2009-08-16T21:20:00.004Z

2009-08-16T20:04:00.003Z

With the wedding season in full swing, it's quite difficult to get back into the blogging habit.

Since last posting I have shot portraits, both family (and their pets) and baby portraits, model portfolios , weddings and at the Havercroft Children's Centre we spent a lovely Sunday with the children, their parents, volunteers and other exhibitors and centre staff enjoying a creative and fun time. The pictures are not available online but are on display at the children's centre due to education authority guidelines.

Yesterday saw me in Sheffield with Carol and Richard for their wedding at Sheffield Town Hall; this glorious and grand building was the scene of the ceremony itself, then with a swift walk by the bridal party past the dancing fountains in the peace gardens it was on to the Garrison Hotel for the wedding breakfast. The Garrison is at the site of the old Hillsborough Barracks and has been tastefully re-invented as a hotel from the basic building of the original barracks; it has to be seen to be really appreciated, and as anyone will tell you I am a great coffee lover...would highly recommend their lattes!

Kings Croft Wedding 18 July 09

2009-07-19T08:31:00.003Z

Thank heavens the rain stayed away for Leanne & Paul's wedding at Kings Croft, Pontefract yesterday. A very colourful and happy wedding took place in the morning with the festivities stretching through into the night. Friends and family pulled out all the stops and looked stunning on this special day.

The bride wore red! Wow what a stunner! Go Leanne!

Photographs began at 10 a.m. with a few preparation shots amidst all the hustle and bustle of the hotel room, and continue right through to the speeches. Both Leanne and Paul, were very much game for a laugh and really went for it in terms of putting in the effort for their photographs which resulted in some fantastic bathroom and car shots.

We struggled a bit to find a way to get into the cornfield, but eventually found a way in. I got so carried away at one point that I went straight over on my backside and rolled down the hill camera held high and out of harms way. Once I and everyone else including Terry the videographer had stopped laughing we got some more excellent shots in the field, we didn't need poppies on Saturday we had the most beautiful bride in red!

Mac oh Mac why didn't I get you earlier!

2009-07-03T21:32:00.001Z

I just had to say that I wish I had got a mac years ago and I wouldn't have bought so many slow pcs! It is simply unbelievable!

More power to your elbow Mr Jobs.

Models required by agency

2009-06-30T10:49:00.006Z

ABreeze Models, the agency section of Ford Studios will be going live shortly, not long to go now, thank you to all applicants, you will be informed if you have been successful by the end of the week. I just have one place left to include a free portfolio shoot and images. Then it is back to business as usual and model portfolio shoots are chargeable. Naturally ABreze agency models and applicants will still get a reduced rate shoot as previously promised.

The reason I launched the agency was basically as a photographer I was getting fed up with;

A} Agencies that were simply a feed for studios and did not promote the agency girls. Instead they make a living out of selling model shoots to girls who have genuine aspirations to be models.

B} From a photographer's perspective; dealing with so called models who only pop themselves on a web directory in order to show their mates that they are "a model" not turning up for shoots and generally making life difficult, imagine allocating studio time, engaging a make up artist and stitting there twiddling your thumbs haveing spent ages in preparation, waiting," just in case" they actually turn up.

Hence ABreeze was formed. Models who want to be models "really" and who are available for promotion work and "will turn up". Not a lot to ask is it?

ABreeze can help with business promotion too; small businesses do not have the advertising budget or financial clout of the big multi-nationals, but often have to compete with them in order to eat! Finding a cost effective way to promote your small business without taking on full time marketing and promotions staff can be a nightmare. Either it just doesn't happen or invariably a well meaning relative offers to help promote your business with handing out leaflets or smiling and chatting to potential clients on a particular date at a trade show or fair, and then promptly forgets about it leaving you back at square one. This is where ABreze models can help, by supplying the right kind of personnel to fulfill that need. Well presented and groomed, our gorls (or boys) can represent you in the kind of light you want to be seen in.
To discuss promotion or modeling requirments for your business please call me, I just may be able to help.

Flag Raising Ceremony

2009-06-23T10:49:00.006Z

Had a wonderful morning at Normanton Town Hall yesterday with the town council staff and the Mayor and Mayoress of Normanton. A flag was raised at 10.30 as part of a national flag raising ceremony to celebrate Armed Forces Day. The event was well attended by local dignitaries, members of the armed forces, and reperesentatives from the Royal Legion.

The national flag was raised at the Historic Docklands in Kent at 10.30 this morning.
Had a brief but pleasant chat to Matthew, the newest photographer to work for the Wakefield Express, Matthew came over from the Yorkshire Post when a member of the Wakefield paper's staff retired.

I rushed back to the office to get the pictures on line for everyone to see then back to the studio for a model shoot at 1 p.m.. Unfortunately, the young lady didn't bother to turn up. Cconsidering that she was very eager to be a model, had never done it before (which was the whole reason for using her) and was about to get a hundred and fifty pounds worth of free images just for allowing me to use the images on my website, I really would have expected at the very least to get a text message or e-mail. But there we go, life goes on and I now have another model lined up and raring to go, only this time I know she will turn up.

Model Photo Shoot

2009-06-22T18:12:00.012Z

Charlie is the most recenty addition to our model agency - Abreeze Models. Charlie's first shoot went incredibly well considering that it really was her "first" shoot - ever and I am sure lots of photographers will agree that she has incredible potential.
Charlie is availble for modeling and promotional work locally, all contact or enquiries must be made in the first instance directly through Abreze Models at Ford Studios.

Ford Studios, Sandra Ford Photography & Abreeze Models are trading names of Sandra Ford.

Our books are now open for new models. If you are intested in modeling, please telephone Sandi on 01226 700208 or 07968 031698.

Family photoshoot with images on disc

2009-06-13T20:56:00.002Z

My latest family photoshoot was completed within an hour and a half with the client(s) being able to walk away with the images on disc ready to print their own pictures.
As demand has grown for this type of service, and having listened to my clients I have had to bow to consumer demand. However, it is very enjoyabke to be able to fulfill a brief and complete an assignment wothout having to make a second appointment to view. Happy customers, and affordable pictures means that clients can afford to have pictures taken more often.
I still of course will offer professional creative post processing and re-touching, although this is on a per print basis. I am now able to offer this on client's own pictures as well as those ordered from my images.

The new prices that are only available with digital photo shoots will include canvas, acrylic and metal prints at affordable rates, along with postcard sized reprints from only 25 pence, these will be availble at the studio as of next week.

Former customers who may wish to purchase the high res images on disc from previous shoots please contact me for a price.

Professional Associations - my opinion

2009-06-10T08:50:00.003Z

Although I would be the first to admit that there is no pre-requisite for photographers to be qualified or to have membership of any organisations, it is at least reassuring to a wedding, portrait or other client that the person they are engaging is "as good as their word".
I worked as a photographer for many years without being qualified and, just as many other photographers who are working and unqualified today, my work was of an acceptable standard, my clients loved it and I thought (mistakenly, with hindsight) that professional photographic organisation qualifications through membership and submission were just an "elitist" club.
Not all photographers are equal and although price is probably a main issue for lots of people when deciding on who to book to take their wedding photographs.

I would urge anyone looking to hire a photographer for their wedding day to look at quality over quantity. Compare the quality of pictures and the content of the pictures, not the cover style and pages in albums and how many prints will fit in it; you can buy prints at Boots or Asda and albums from ebay; even professional quality albums are available online for sale, but it is the skill of the professional photographer that will capture your wedding day.

I have put a link below this post to the MPA, The Master Photographers Association, they only accept full time photographers who are insured and have passed their qualification panel.

That is my rant for the morning! Check out my facebook page : search for :
Sandra Ford Photography

Master Photographers Association - professional wedding, portrait and commercial photographers

2009-06-10T08:48:00.001Z

Master Photographers Association - professional wedding, portrait and commercial photographers

Shared via AddThis

2009-05-28T17:53:00.000Z

2009-05-28T17:51:00.001Z

2009-05-28T17:51:00.000Z

2009-05-28T17:48:00.000Z

2009-05-28T17:44:00.000Z

Having had a request to see some flower pictures I thought this would be a good place to start.

Jemma

2009-05-27T20:06:00.000Z

What can I say - a fantastic shoot, Jemma you are stunning!

Jemma - pictures available soon

2009-05-26T16:19:00.001Z

Looking forward to tomorrow, Jemma is coming for a boudoir shoot.
We might just go classical Hollywood - can't wait.

Rainy Saturday

2009-05-20T14:34:00.000Z

I must admit I was quite concerned on Saturday that Tracy & Steven were not going to have the best weather for their wedding. I know that I can get around it and still get some great pictures, but what bride and groom doesn't want sunshine for their special day?
Thankfully the weather didn't become an issue, yes there was rain, but it fell at appropriate moments and nothing could have put a damper on the day for the stunning bride and groom.

The day began at Tracy's parents house on Mill Lane, where there was much hustle and bustle; with all the six bridesmaids getting ready there as well as Tracy herself. Everyone was in good spirits at Ryhill church, including me, what a pleasure for me to cover a wedding just yards down the road from the studio. With all the guests in place, a very dapper looking Steven, accompanied by his best man waited in anticipation for Tracy to arrive with her Dad ; the two vintage Rolls Royce cars approached the church and the men made a hasty retreat from the lych gate and took their places at the front of the church. After the beautiful church ceremony and a few group photographs outside, it was a quick detour by the newly wed Mr & Mrs Smith to Newmillerdam for some more romantic photographs with the vintage rolls royce before heading back up the hill to Hotel St Pierre for the wedding breakfast.

Latest boudoir shoot at Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel

2009-05-13T12:46:00.005Z

I've now finished editing the first batch of images from the boudoir shoot at Rogerthorpe Manor on Monday. Petra looked absolutely stunning and her choice of clothing left enough to the imagination to be sultry and sexy without being anywhere near the lads mag league.

I am pleased to announce that I will be releasing a a new range of high quality albums and wall portraits in the near future for discerning clients.

As I only do one Boudoir shoot per day, it is adviseable to contact me early to arrange a convenient appointment.

A big thank you to Trevor & Faye Yerbury for their inspiration and guidance.

Pictures of me...?

2009-04-05T18:40:00.004Z

Friends and family often comment that It's ok for me... I'm not the one having a camera pointed at me and being followed round by a stalker. Our youngest daughter even went so far as to say that she thought the camera was a growth on my forehead - thanks Kristina!

Well just to prove a point, and to see if I would crack the lens I took a few shots of myself while setting up lights and waiting for a client to arrive. The results are here ... this is me, I put on quite a bit of weight after stopping smoking, but one year on I feel confident that I have kicked the habit and not everyone is, or wants to be a size 10; the main thing is to be happy.

Tracy's Boudoir Shoot

2009-03-30T21:24:00.004Z

We had a fantastic and fun boudoir shoot today, Tracy arrived at 10.30 for the shoot and being fond of dogs was happy to meet my doberman, Candy. Being used to the space and equipment, Candy is quite safe in the studio and Tracy was happy for her to remain while she had her shoot.
Candy wanted to get in on the act and posed with Tracy for a couple of shots, she did try to put squeeky toys onto the rim of Tracy's hat which was hilarious.

Networking at last

2009-03-27T21:48:00.001Z

After many threats I am now a member of the facebook community. Look forward to meeting friends and clients who I now consider as friends!

She did something funny for money!

2009-03-26T08:10:00.005Z

Well done to Donna Johnston and all those who helped with and supported the coffee morning at Normanton Town Council . http://www.normantontowncouncil.co.uk/) Over £200 raised for comic relief.

Donna came round for a shoot in her fancy dress after the Wakefield Express photographer was unable to make the event. We had great fun - I always knew Donna was "A proper little madam" lol But then - I'm her mum!

New studio to open in Ryhill

2008-08-12T08:28:00.002Z

After quite some time deliberating the pros and cons; I have been and gone and done it again - I have got myself premises for a studio.

The move has been prompted by the increasing demand for large family portraits and the trend in Boudoir / Glamour photography. Ladies we will now have more space for you to change your outfits, and a private room for you to do so in!

From the 1st of September, operations will be moving to 90 Mill Lane, Ryhill, Wakefield, between Costcutter and Puppylove Grooming Parlour.

The self contained premises are located at ground floor level and will at a later date be to the standard of full disabled access. Parking is available close by. Potential clients can browse through wedding albums and the samples available and chat about their personal requirements over a cup of coffee in reception, which is situated at the front of the premises.

The dedicated studio area will not be visible from the front of the building and can only be accessed by those allowed to do so. Privacy is important when having your photograph taken, it can be daunting enough for some people to people to even face the photographer, without extra onlookers.

Opening hours will be as dictated by consumer forces, bearing in mind that this is not a "shop" as such, but a studio. Appointments will not always be necessary for shoots but are advised.
We are hoping to arrange for one evening a week to be available for late shoots, this will hopefully accommodate those working 9 to 5. Sunday appointments will also be available.

Be one of the first bookings for our new studio and get a free 7"x5" print worth £12.50 and up to 50% off a canvas print. A booking fee is payable and refundable on order.

Quote "Blog Offer" when you telephone to book. Offer valid until 30 September 2009, not valid with other offers.

Sunshine booked and delivered on time!

2008-07-14T10:52:00.002Z

What horrible weather we have been having lately, wonderful for the garden but a wedding photographer's nightmare.

I received at text message last week from Lisa, giving me her room number at Waterton Park, and asking me to arrange some sunshine for Sunday. Tony and Lisa were naturally hoping for good weather for their special wedding day. Not a problem - I texted back to say that it had been booked. I booked it for Saturday too, just in case, I was sure that Jessica and Neil would also like a few rays on their special day They were married at the Methodist Church in Horbury followed by photographs at Newmillerdam and a reception at Hotel St Pierre.

On Saturday the weather was fabulous, Horbury was buzzing with shoppers and with Neil safely tucked away inside the church, Jess arrived with her father in a vintage style Beauford.

After a few traditional group shots and some reportage images at the church, the guests drove to Hotel St Pierre, followed eventually by the bride and groom who made a detour to the lakeside at Newmillerdam for photographs.

Recent Client Images Entered Into Kodak Awards 2008

2008-05-22T17:29:00.011Z

MPA/
Kodak Awards 2008

With a grand prize of £1,000 up for grabs and a Kodak Digital Camera, Entry into the Kodak Awards 2008 competition is available without cost to all my wedding clients.

All entry fees go to support the work of the PACE centre.

See http://www.thepacecentre.org/

Full details of the awards are available on the MPA website. http://www.thempa.com/consumeraward.php

Samples of this years entries, with grateful thanks to Claire, Neil, Stacie, David, Dale & Sarah.

The wonderful thing about bloggers....

2008-05-22T17:07:00.002Z

...is normally that they ...well....blog!, rave, and generally add some form of text to their blog, that being the whole purpose of the thing! Well... that was also my intention until life got in the way. I have had a fantastic year as far as work is concerned, lots and lots of wedding bookings for both this year and 2009, plus lots of enquiries for 2010 - I still some dates left..don't panic if you are looking for a photographer!

Anyway, I am starting again with the blog thing - and this time I'm determined to add a little news, features and general info on a regular basis, I have decided that it would be wise to put a shortcut on my desk top to my blog. Icons on the desktop irritate me in general, it's like leaving cutlery on the work surface in the kitchen, or leaving the milk out of the fridge, so hope4fully the irritation factor will be a good memory jogger for me.

So, to friends, family and acquaintances who were told by me to drop by and check out the blog, it will now happen I promise... er.. ...hello... are you still there?

Why does it cost so much?

2007-08-27T16:14:00.000Z

While all professional wedding photographers are in the business of taking pictures of your wedding - the similarities end there.

There is a wide range in levels of service, skill, and in the quality and quantity of your treasured photographs. Asking a wedding photographer on the telephone "how much do you charge" is as good as calling a clothing store to ask "how much are your dresses?" In the end, if you don't like the dress or it doesn't fit - it doesn't really matter how much it costs.

To do a total wedding photography package properly requires an average of 40 or more hours devoted to each and every wedding client.

With many would be photographers now able to pick up a digital camera and move into selling their services the choices, pricing and especially quality issues are going to become even more confusing. The quality differences in digital photography can change dramatically from photographer to photographer depending on how good their cameras are and how well they are able to use them.

Why does it cost so much?

The photographer's work begins when they spend time with you at a pre-wedding consultation, this is usually an informal chat where the photographer gets to know you as a couple and gets an insight into your likes and dislikes in order to try to provide you with images that you personally will love.

Good record keeping is essential; some photographers open a file for each wedding booking and record all your requests and personal information that are relevant to your particular wedding, they will also produce cards for the reception tables with details of where guests can view your proofs online. They will also help you in organising the timings and list the special shots you require. At least a week before your wedding day, they will also do a “reccy” a journey to all the locations involved in your wedding day celebrations to check out the surroundings, to plan shots and to ensure that the routes are clear of any major road works.

On the day itself, preparation time for your wedding day photography is variable. The more sophisticated the photographer’s equipment and techniques, the more time it takes to plan and prepare. This includes testing and assembling equipment, recharging batteries, loading and unloading vehicles, etc. You would expect your photographer to thoroughly test each piece of his gear before your wedding wouldn’t you? Some don't.

Some wedding photographers spend hours editing your precious images and producing creative special effects. They will then upload your photographs into a private online gallery and let you know when this has been done. Others rush proofs to the reception or hand you a pack of prints straight from a mini-lab.

Some photographers spend hours in the layout and assembly of your photo album(s). Others leave this task up to you to be done by yourself with little or no assistance.

The owners of some studios insist on working with you personally while others delegate the responsibility to members of staff.

Wedding albums themselves range in price from about £10 up to £500 or more. Some traditional albums have plastic or metal posts that the pages clip into while others are book-bound with the pages actually sewn in. Overlays and pages can vary in quality. Contemporary coffee table books are complete published books without any loose photographs at all and the results are dependant on the design skills of the photographer or publisher. Cost depends on the quality of materials and how it is assembled. As usual, you should get what you pay for.

How to find a wedding photographer

Look for a photographer that you truly like their particular style of photography. Just because someone says their style is photojournalistic doesn't necessarily make it so. There IS a difference between candid shots and true photojournalistic images. A few images in black and white doesn't automatically make someone a photojournalist. Look for a photographer that specialises in your favourite style. A few studios, like Sandra Ford Photography, offer a proportionate blend of both. When looking at a photographer’s work, if their images are able to evoke an emotional response from you with a stranger,s wedding, just think what they can do with yours! View sample photos with your heart as well as with your eyes.

2 Look for a photographer that you really "click" with personality wise. Other than your intended, there is nobody you spend more time with on your wedding day than the photographer. Make sure it's someone you can have fun with and truly enjoy working with throughout your special day. It should go without saying that you actually need to MEET with this person so don't book a photographer until you know exactly who you will be spending your day with. Make sure the photographer you’ve booked will actually be taking your photographs, some studios take bookings for a number of photographers and you may end up not getting the person who took the images you really liked after all. Recording your special day and producing the images you want is your photographer’s priority on the day, your priority is to have a great time and experience all the love and emotion of that day, don't spend it with someone you really don't care for just because they are cheap!

3 If you have found a photographer that fulfils the previous 2 requirements, then you can shop for price and package options. Set an approximate budget for how much you want to invest in your wedding photography but don't be afraid to go slightly over or under if you find the perfect photographer for your tastes.

Planning your wedding and choosing all the best vendors can be both challenging and exciting. Selecting the best photographer based upon your tastes will have the longest lasting impact on your wedding memories of any other pre-wedding decision you will make. Once the cake is eaten, the guests have left and the dress hung up in the wardrobe, the only true lasting tangible memories are captured in your wedding album. We hope these suggestions will help you in making that difficult choice.

In the end, hire the person with whom you feel the most comfortable. Weddings can be hectic, but the right photographer can help make your day run more smoothly.

Future trends in weddings - How to be a Bridezilla!

2007-08-26T08:16:00.000Z

Despite what some people say, getting married is certainly not going out of fashion, and in light of recent enquiries for my wedding photography, it would appear that couples are now more discerning than ever and beginning their journey of creating the perfect wedding day much earlier, I am already receiving enquiries for bookings as far in advance as October 2009.

The "Special Day" is becoming far more special in terms of planning. With so much on offer from the various sectors of the wedding industry, it has become a minefield for the Bride & Groom to find the perfect florist, photographer or venue. Personal recommendation has always been a good place to start, however, as individuals tastes vary so much, you will still have to do your homework. Just remember that sought after suppliers can often get booked up early, although you may be lucky and your chosen date could be free.

Guiding advice from Florists, Reception Venues and Photographers is, in the majority of cases welcomed, after all, you have probably never organised a wedding before and with plenty of weddings under their belts, they are more than happy to offer you a wealth of experience .

Don't be afraid to ask questions, a true professional in any of the wedding sectors will be able to give you an answer and be flexible enough to cater specifically for your requirements. If your budget will allow, don't settle for anything less than what you actually want, all the "I wishes" after the event won't make a scrap of difference when it is too late. It's very easy to be swayed into accepting a service or product simply because someone tells you "that is the way that it's done", if it's not what you had in mind then tell them, and if they can't provide you with what you want - move on to someone who will.
At the end of the day though, your wedding is as individual as you are, put your mark on it and if necessary, be a Bridezilla!

From Wikipedia: A bridezilla is obsessed with her wedding as her perfect day and will disregard the feelings of the family, bridesmaids and even her groom in her quest for the perfect wedding.

Check to see if your date is available now!

Local Fireplace Designer Wins National Award

2007-06-22T06:50:00.000Z

Photographing glass is always a challenge, but even more so when the item is such a prestigious and precious award. Findley House Interiors of Askern won the award for the best fireplace in stone for 2007 and it was my honour to photograph both the award and the stunning fireplace at their Leeds showroom.

The images are being used in a National advertising campaign and for the Fireside company brochure, manufacturers of the featured fire used within the stone fireplace.

New Website

2007-06-22T06:44:00.001Z

Still a work in progress, but I hope you will agree that the new website is much simpler, cleaner and easier to navigate.

Just wanted to say thanks to Alicia and Ray for their input and comments that were a very big help. It's easy to get engrossed in something and not see the wood for the trees.

Spring came with a new red bike!

2007-04-15T16:55:00.000Z

Panic over - we have a new ceiling. The toilet is fixed and business is booming. Along with the brighter warmer weather, the blossom has burst into life on the cherry tree at the bottom of the garden, the grass has had its second mowing. Spring is definately in the air and everyone's mood in the house has lifted, it's amazing what a little blue sky can do for the soul.

I was up at the crack of dawn (o.k. so 7.30 a.m. isn't the crack of dawn, but for most on a Sunday morning in Havercroft it is stupid o'clock - especially after a good saturday night in the village pubs. By 8.30 Campbell, Ciaran and I were on our way cycling down a country lane, well they were cycling and I was, well, kind of wobbling, noisily. I wasn't that bad really, considering the last brief ride I had on a bike was when Donna was 10 and we were on holiday in Africa. Before that, the last time I rode a push bike I was about 15 years old. After the initial trepidation I found my cylcle legs and thoroughly enjoyed it. I hadn't realised there were little pockets of heaven so close to this old mining town.

We must have passed at least twenty people, like minded souls off for a walk or run on this glorious morning, all greeting us with a kindly nod or "Good Morning". It almost felt like an episode from our favourite tv show, Dr Who, as if we were in some kind of time warp back in the 60's when people were civil and crack was something the happened to a dish when you put it in cold water straight from the oven. Civility is alive and well, you just have to get up early to find it. No doubt I will pay for all this excercise in the morning when my legs and I don't want to work in conjunction with each other and I ache in places I didn't know I had.

We took a rest at an old bench along a leafy lane, and I had a cigarette, didn't want to overdose on the oxygen so soon! A group of runners came up swiftly towards us, they were clad in shorts and t-shirts, they were obviously no stranger to this excercise thing, one of them happened to be Stewart, my ex-boss, who, as he passed by greeted me with "Well! We've run all this way to find a seat and some bugger's sat on it!"

We enjoyed the ride back to the house, and Campbell was so impressed with my enthusiasm, that after a cup of coffee, he took me to Halford's in town and bought me a shiny new red ladies off road bike. It is so gorgeous and shiny, I have always wanted a red bike - might need a new outfit to go with it though! Maybe next time, with my new red bike I might ride down the steep hills and not chicken out!

2007-04-04T16:04:00.000Z

Well, I meant to keep up to date with this, however, life got in the way as it usually does!
I have been very busy, thankfully with lots of portrait work, an actor and a model included, so it has been a lovely exciting week for me. I could have done without the excitement on Saturday night though; the kitchen ceiling began to pour with water at eight o'clock and by 9 o'clock a chunk of ceiling came crashing down. About two metres in all.

We have now had the source of the problem fixed, an overflow pipe that was running uphill instead of down would you believe? We knew the house needed lots of work when we moved in and we are slowly getting around to it all, but it's the little things that are tucked away ready to wreak havoc that is the most worrying part of it.

The emergency plumber came around and had a look, but told me it wasn't covered under the insurance, it was an easy job for Campbell to re-route the pipe and it now goes straight out of the wall, instead of 4 feet away via the bath outlet. The bulders arrive tomorrow to replace the entire kitchen ceiling and the laminate floor in the bathroom. Luckily these are insured. The laminate was due to be replaced and I hated the artex on the kitchen ceiling, which needed patching, so a win-win situation all round! Talk about landing in a pile of poo and coming up smelling of roses - forget that - the aroma is Armani Code! - Lucky me!

Intro

2007-03-24T09:06:00.000Z

So we are off to a flying start with this blog! I seem to have it all figured out, not quite as difficult as I had anticipated. Why I didn't have a go before I don't know.

This is my vehicle for having a good rant and moan, after all if I get all the stress out in a posting I can leave the rest of the family alone and restore sanity to the household - do you think that blogging could be free on the NHS? - Oh, it is free anyway - why don't you have a go?

First on the agenda is The Budget, Gordon Brown must think we are a bunch of numpties! Mr Brown has made his pitch and Wow, he's cutting income tax, let's all rejoice! Don't think so Mr Brown, join the circus - you'd make a great juggler!

I don't want to go into too much detail on the budget because let's face it, there is not a damn thing we can do about it and if you are like me, you just add up the cost, tighten the belt and get on with it.