I’ve played in a handful of local bands in my time, so my local music & arts scene is something that I still love to stay involved with. This is a shot from a relatively new event that’s run by some friends of mine that tries to combine the creative arts with music from local & national bands.

I love it here because it’s set in an old Silk Mill that then became an industrial museum and after being empty for ages, they’ve started using it to host events. Luckily for me, there are still loads of engines and propellers on display! Give me this over some dingy music venue any day!

If you want to see the full set of images from the night, they’re on my other website: Derby Music Photographer

Sarah from Beauvale Events (who are an East Midlands Events Planner) talks about choosing a photographer for your wedding day and the sort of things you should consider when making this decision.

I am not a photographer. I don’t profess to have the necessary skills to enable me to take anything other than an average picture. So, why have I decided to write about photography? Because it is one of the ‘trades’ that as an event planner you have a lot of dealings with. As such it is something that I have learnt a fair bit about, even if this knowledge has not helped my skills improve! So should you commit some of your valuable budget towards a professional or employ the services of friends and family?

It is a growing trend to ask friends and family to take photographs of your day and give them as a gift to you and your partner afterwards; often these are the only ‘official’ photographs taken. I will say that unfortunately it is rare for you to get more than half a dozen sets of photos sent to you post-event; most people simply forget in the chaos of everyday life, leaving you without any pictures. The last thing you want to do is to ring people and demand access to their photos! Some people still like to have disposable cameras on tables for guests to use; be careful though, these are not always the images you imagined would be taken, trust me I’ve seen everything on photos at clients post-event review meetings, and much of it not something to treasure in an album! Some people like to try and make sure that there are a selection of ‘proper’ photos taken by asking one close friend or family member to act as photographer for the day. These are all acceptable ways to record your day for eternity and if you are aiming for a friendly low-key event then this might be the best way forward for you.

I would urge caution though to the would-be self-photographer; make sure you can take a good picture or the bride/groom will find fault with your work and it will cause tension which can last a while; sometimes forever. I know of brides who have lost their cool on their wedding day because photographer-friends are not ‘controlling’ the guests and taking the pictures that they want. I have also seen amateur photographers have equipment failure or not look confident in the way the camera works; end result ruined pictures. On one occasion I even saw a mini-tantrum from a would-be David Bailey who in a fit of screaming exited said proceedings taking his camera with him! This is not meant to scare you, this way forward can work, just please be aware of the pitfalls if this is the decision you make.

I always recommend my clients that they seriously consider using the services of professional photographers. They have top class equipment and know how to use it to best effect. This adds confidence to your day, knowing that someone is taking care of documenting everything for posterity and that the images will be clear and frame you in your best light. From my perspective it helps make my life easier too; a great photographer will ensure that all aspects of image collection occurs allowing me time to focus on other coordination issues such as timing, venue problems and staffing.

Don’t fall into the trap that paying more will mean a higher quality service; I am not in any way saying that the cheapest is the best either. Make sure that you do not rush the decision of choosing a photographer. Meet with them and get to know them a little, after all they will be spending critical moments with you throughout your big day so you must have a rapport and feel comfortable with each other; you are putting trust in them to make you look as stunning in print as you are in person. Ask to see examples of their work and any testimonials from previous clients. Ask searching questions such as what is the most memorable event you have covered and why? Ask them about their ideas for capturing your day. Really what I am saying is try and get into the head of the person in front of you. True professionals won’t be fazed by this and will be able to answer your questions.

The best photographers out there will hold several meetings with you prior to your day to ensure that they fully understand what you hope to achieve from your photographs. They will have a clear running order of what will happen, and when, to make sure that all images are captured, locking the memories of the day in print. Explain the images that you hope to achieve and hand over a printed list of these; don’t fall into the trap of assuming that the term ‘standard photos’ will cover everything in your head; if you want a photograph with your aunts and uncles then tell the photographer this! Try and get an idea about how long is needed to take the pictures you want, to ensure the smooth running of the day. Look at the packages that are on offer and ensure that you will get a copy of all images on a DVD to keep; as well as a lovely keepsake it means you have all the photos including those that you decide won’t feature in your official album. Be careful not to be tag-teamed by couples from some companies. It is a common practice to make sure that two people attend client meetings which helps to avoid answering awkward questions or to put the hard sell on you, encouraging bookings and deposits before you’ve had time to think.

Once you are happy that you have all of the information you need place your booking. Make arrangements with your photographer about when follow up meetings will be, and when payments will need to be made by (and for how much obviously!) Make sure you remember to provide on the day contact details for the photographer; you won’t necessarily be carrying your mobile with you and without an event coordinator someone else will need to take responsibility for contact. Then all that is left is to do is to thoroughly enjoy your day. All I’m saying is don’t leave anything to chance on your special day. I have worked with some of the best in the business and they know how to manage people to get the most out of any situation, even if it’s raining!

If all of this is still daunting or you feel unable to negotiate the world of photography then you could consider using a specialist event coordinator who can help guide and support you through the decision making process. Such teams have a wealth of experience and contacts which means that you can be sure of value for money for every aspect of your day including your music. Beauvale Events offer a variety of packages to suit everyone’s needs whatever the budget so contact a member of our team today for some advice on how event management professionals can help you. Even if we cannot cover your area we are best placed to point you in the direction of somebody who can. Contact us now on info@beauvaleevents.co.uk for more information.

Choosing a good photographer has its obvious benefits: peace of mind that your wedding day will be captured in a way you’ll love, professional quality images & products, great customer service before & after the wedding, the list goes on. But there’s one benefit that you might not have thought of. The photographers extensive knowledge of weddings.

Unlike many wedding suppliers, the photographer is present during the wedding day itself. This provides us with an often untapped well of information that could prove invaluable in helping you plan your wedding day.

Are you trying to finalise the running order of your wedding? Have a chat with your photographer. They’ll have no doubt seen many variations on it so can talk through your ideas with you and help you make your mind up.

Is there a particular item for your wedding that you’re still looking for? Not managed to find the wedding car you’re after or still looking for a florist that suits you? As we’re usually there for the entire wedding, we get to speak to other wedding vendors as they come and go, so can usually let you have some recommendations.

Have you been racking your brains trying to think of something different to entertain your guests in the evening? We tend to speak to quite a few guests over the course of a wedding so might be able to suggest some ideas that we know guests like & would fit in with the rest of your day.

In fact, if there’s any part of your wedding day that you’re unsure about or could do with a little direction, we’ll have probably seen enough weddings to be able to shine some light on an area, or at least give you a gentle nudge in the right direction.

So there you have it. Make sure you take advantage of your photographers experience with weddings. Pick their brains. Most of us quite like being able to help out with your planning!

Alice and John were married at the Cathedral Quarter Hotel in Derby. Having been a police station and council offices in it’s past, this beautiful Grade II listed building was only converted to a hotel within the last 5 years. It’s a great place to shoot, with the staircase providing a stunning backdrop for any Derby wedding photographer.

After spending some time with Alice and her entourage in the very fancy bridal suite, I moved down into the plush lobby of the hotel to mingle with the arriving guests and to check on Johns nerves. They weren’t quite in tatters, but he didn’t look as calm as he had done on our last few meetings!

The main room here is very impressive. The high ceiling make for a fantastic atmosphere and equally great images. After the ceremony we moved down into the lobby for tea & truffles (I sadly missed out on the truffles!) and took 5 minutes to take 1 formal group shot and 1 formal shot of John & Alice. No fuss and the guests loved it! More time for tea & chatter. Although I did get called outside for a few impromptu photos of John and Alice with their ushers and bridesmaids.

When I met up with John & Alice after the wedding they told me that some of their family had been concerned at the lack of formal group shots and questioned whether I’d even been there for the whole day. They were pleasantly surprised when they saw my images though and didn’t realise a wedding could be photographed in such a way and still end up with a set of photographs that capture it so well. Hopefully they’ll spread the word!

A groom shows me how it’s done at one of my weddings earlier this year. He’s not done a bad job of posing her either!

Things have been a little hectic around here lately and I’ve not been tending to my blog like I should have. That’s all about to change now though, starting with this beautiful little wedding I shot at Morley Hayes in Derbyshire.

The venue had recently finished work on some specially made garden areas for wedding receptions, so it was quite nice to have an area where all the guests were. Less time spent waiting for someone to go and find Aunt Alice for one of the formal shots.

Phil gave a particularly emotional speech during the wedding breakfast, and it was all without the aid of notes too. Completely off the cuff. I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the house at the end of it, and by some remarkable coincidence, I got some dust in my eye during his speech. Well, that’s my excuse anyway, and I’m sticking to it!

Chris & Claire were married at Caldecott Hall, near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. This was only my 2nd wedding by the sea this year, so the 4 hour drive down to Norfolk was totally worth it!

After a wet & miserable start, the weather decided to be good to me and cleared up by the time we got to the venue. Sadly, the sunshine had done little to brighten the mood of the registrar who was pretty brusque from the start. She then proceeded to get in the way of me photographing Claire as she got out of the wedding car too. Ah well. You win some you lose some I guess.

Thankfully, it had no impact on the day, which was fantastic. After all, getting to spend some of your working day on the beach can’t be that bad!

Kelly & Kevin were married at St. Wilfrid’s church in Barrow-on-Trent, Derbyshire. Despite being on my doorstep, I’d never photographed a wedding here before. A beautiful old church with some huge stained glass windows offering spots of fantastic natural light.

The day continued at the Newton Park Hotel in Newton Solney, another venue I was working at for the first time. Despite the weather punctuating the afternoon with summer showers, we managed, with the help of the venues brilliant Master of Ceremonies, to get all of the group shots with a minimal amount of drenching.

It was a great day and I was made to feel as welcome as the guests, which made for great photos and made my job that bit easier and a lot more fun!

When I was asked to photograph Debra’s hen party at Sladen Lodge in the Peak District, I thought someone was pulling my leg. I’d never really heard of someone hiring a photographer to shoot a hen do! Thankfully, it wasn’t a joke as it turned out to be a right laugh!

I’ll admit, I was a little apprehensive as I drove up the drive to the secluded house the girls had booked for the weekend, and they did little to soothe me because as soon as I stepped out of my car one of them said “You need to pretend to be a stripper.” What had I let myself in for!

As you can probably work out from the photo up there, it was a theme party. A granny theme. A house full of Nora Batty’s! Natalie, the organiser of the party had gone to great lengths to set-up the living room of the house, which you can see in some of the photos below. Full on grannyfication!

The few hours I was there were fantastic and I shouldn’t have worried that I wasn’t going to get many interesting images of a group of girls sat around drinking. Granny sledging, granny 3-legged races & finally, granny trampolining. Fab group of girls, fab night and hopefully, they got some fab photos of it too.

Been a bit quiet on the old blog lately, so here’s one of my July weddings. As you can tell, for once the weather played along and gave us plenty of sun and some great light.

The ceremony was at The Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Mickleover, Derby with the reception held at Horsley Lodge, a 15 minute drive away.

Horsley Lodge has a golf course, which made for a little more awareness when wandering around the grounds taking photos with Kieran & Vicky. At one point we even stopped a couple of the guests from walking right into the line of fire. Luckily, we only managed to annoy a couple of golfers.

The sun shone well into the evening which gave us a chance to grab a couple of shots against the sunset. Typically, we’d been to the venue the week before and the sunset had been amazing. Still, you can’t have everything.