Posts Tagged ‘photography’

New redesigned website

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012

Hello readers,

Just to let you know we have finally launched our new redesigned website (www.pierrecarr.com) and I have to say I am super excited to finally be able to show all to you.

It’s been a real labour of love, but the new site has so much more.  With imagery that will inspire you and content that finally includes all the services we offer with specific pages dedicated to destination weddings, worldwide honeymoons, renewal of vows and our new UK based services.

So take a look, I hope you enjoy?

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Introducing Jemma Watts from Pearl Pictures

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

With this month’s blog devoted to photography we thought we would formally introduce Jemma Watts from Pearl Pictures who kindly gave us ‘A friend with a good digital camera’ earlier this month.

Originally a commercial photographer specialising in Food, Lifestyle and Travel photography, for years Jemma would shoot weddings ‘on the side.’ But early in 2008 Jemma decided to start a second business that purely focused on weddings and events, hence Pearl Pictures was born.

What inspired you to get started?

I have always loved photography from a young age and was given my first camera when I was 15. I wanted to study art as a degree but instead took business. In hindsight this turned out to be a very good idea now that I am running my own businesses, but at the time I wasn’t so sure. I worked in the design industry for a few years before leaving to become a professional photographer, which was inspired by my grandfather. Sadly, towards the end of his life, he talked about having regrets, wishing he had done more with his life. Well, I thought to myself, I don’t want to have any regrets, so I decided to give my photography career a chance. After all, I could always go back to my old profession if I couldn’t make a go of it. That was 10 years ago.

What aspect of your work do you most enjoy?

The thing that I enjoy most about my work is the variety that each job brings, both in style and personalities. No two jobs are the same. This challenges me photographically and also in the way I interact with people. I enjoy working with people very much and find it extremely fulfilling when I walk away at the end of the event, knowing I’ve captured some great characters enjoying themselves on a happy occasion.

Describe your personality?

I would say my personality is friendly, fun and lively but at the same time professional, understanding and able to interact with many different people of all ages, backgrounds and personalities. I’m also conscientious about my work and have a strong sense of integrity.

What is your favourite place to hang out?

My favourite place to hang out is in the mountains of Wengen in Switzerland. My Dad lives out there and we all enjoy spending time there as a family, enjoying the beautiful environment and skiing in the winter. I try to go there as much as I can, especially as most of my summer is spent working weddings so I try to make the most of the quieter winter months.

If you could give one piece of advice to couples getting married what would it be?

My best piece of advice for couples getting married is to not cut back on your photography budget. Your wedding photographs should be high on your list of priorities, after all, these are what last forever. You must also make sure that you get on well with your chosen photographer. The personalities have to mix well as you will spending a lot of time together on one of the most important days of you life.

Also every now and then throughout your wedding day, stand back from your guests and soak up the atmosphere of the day. Take in their faces and the joy people are having sharing your day with the two of you.

Our thanks to Jemma Watts from Pearl Pictures. We look forward to receiving your comments on this month’s topic on photography and remember for all your wedding planning needs at home and abroad head to www.pierrecarr.com.

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The friend with a good digital camera

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

New year, new changes and our first for this blog is to have a guest blogger – an industry expert who has a topic close to their heart they wish to share with you.

So without further a do lets introduce you to Jemma Watts, owner and photographer of Pearl Pictures based in North London. Jemma has been shooting weddings for over 10 years and her topic for this month is ‘ The Friend with a good digital camera’ – over to you Jemma.

‘Since digital cameras hit the high street, the wedding photography industry has changed forever. Competition has never been more fierce for the professional wedding photographer, now that most people have a digital camera.

I hear way to often, how a friend is going to take the wedding pictures and of course this can be a very attractive offer when considering the savings on the overall budget. However, I can’t tell you how many times I get a last minute booking from brides changing their mind, realising they want a professional to take their photographs.

If a friend is something you are considering, have you thought about what really goes into being a wedding photographer and producing the images you will love and cherish for a lifetime?  If the answer is no here are a few things that you should consider before taking up that kind offer from your ‘friend with a good camera’.

Firstly, it’s not the camera that makes the pictures good; there is actually a skill involved in capturing those memorable moments, like the shots where no-one knows you are there, capturing all the details of the day as well as the emotions.

A professional photographer will know the proceedings of the day, will know where to be at the right time throughout the ceremony, and will always mentally be one step ahead of the proceedings throughout the whole day.

A good wedding photographer will always be on the look out for great shots, while your friend may be catching up with old acquaintances over a glass of champagne – which to be honest, you can’t blame them, they are a guest right?

It’s also important to be able to ‘read’ people, to know when to take the shot. A good photographer will be practically invisible to the guests. My best compliment is when the bride tells me that she didn’t even know I was there.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, you want your friend to enjoy your big day. It is a huge pressure on someone to capture such an important day in your life. The friend simply cannot take great photos, without missing all those special moments whilst at the same time trying to relax and enjoy your wedding day.

So please consider all the above before you make that crucial decision about your wedding photography. Remember…you can’t re-shoot the day if you don’t get the photos you want.’

Jemma Watts

www.pearl-pictures.com

Photos courtesy of Pearl Pictures

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Episode 7: Save on the wedding, don’t scrimp on the photographs..UK edition

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

So earlier this month, I began discussing the process of finding one of your key suppliers  – your wedding photographer. Focusing specifically on destination photography I highlighted the differences in using an overseas photographer with the help of Steve Cumberbatch.

Today I want to look at what to expect closer to home,  in the UK, this time with the help of Julia Boggio from Julia Boggio photography.

Julia started her photographic career a decade ago and has carved out her own unique style, which is very much a contemporary mix of reportage with a touch of fashion and glamour. The result – like you’ve just stepped out of a page of a magazine.

Here are a couple of examples of her work:

Finding your wedding photographer is firstly about finding a style of photos that speaks to you and you like. Whether it’s traditional (the style your parents have) reportage (documentary style – taking pictures as it happens) or a contemporary mix.

Once you’ve meet your potential photographer then their personality plays a key role because you will both need to get along in order for the whole experience to run smoothly. So definitely find one that makes you feel at ease and you get on with.

Julia takes this to the next level as part of her service she arranges a pre-wedding shoot in order for the nerves and cobwebs to come out. According to Julia ‘the whole experience just proves that they do look good in photos and they can trust me to get the right pictures’.

Whilst the cost of having stunning photos  like these has a massive part to play (and Julia reveals all in the full interview on the Butterfly Journal podcast), finding a photographer with experience is key.  Knowing how to deal with constantly changing light situations and how to work the camera, are just some of the features of a good photographer that you are paying for and someone who is just using a digital camera as a hobby is less likely to get this right so beware!!

Finally its all about trust, if you trust your photographer then like Julia’s clients you’ll be happy to do almost anything in order to get the right pictures.

To hear in detail Julia’s packages and services and her opinions on finding a photographer head to the Butterfly Journal podcast  at  www.pierrecarr.com/podcast.

As always I would love to receive your comments about your experiences on finding a photographer or any of the topics we have covered so far.

Until next time, Happy Planning!

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