Image by Infinity Photography

1. Is this your full and complete price list (including GST)? Are there any additions or hidden extras to these packages that I should know about? E.g. travel costs, additional page rates, minimum requirements etc..

2. Do I have the option of having a CD of low resolution or high-resolution images? What are the costs to have my images on CD and what size can I print them at 300dpi? Are the images watermarked? The hi-resolution image size will vary from studio to studio which will affect the price.

3. How long do you hold onto the high resolution raw/digital negative files for? Is there a charge to release them back to us after this time?

4. Will you work with us both to help me put together the wedding album/s? After the photographs are ready do I just get a CD to select from? How do you organise this session?

5. How quickly can we see our shots after my wedding is photographed?

6. What is the turnaround on the album after I have chosen my shots?

7. Unlimited Proof photographs – Do you provide actual photographs of everything that is taken on the day in a choice of different sizes?

8. If I decide to add extra pages to my wedding album how much more will I need to pay per page? Can I pre-pay additional pages before the wedding? Are there any minimum spends?

9. How do I secure my date with a photographer? How much is a deposit?

10. Do I need to sign a Booking Agreement or contract when I make a booking?

11. Finally, a question to ask yourself – Is the studio reliable, reputable and established within their industry? Many new photographers pop up from time to time and it’s good to trace back word of mouth feedback with the studios you enquire with.

 Image by Infinity Photography

Keep in mind that prices for wedding photography are largely based on experience throughout our heavily populated industry. A studio with 10 years + of experience shooting weddings, will have an applicable price tag, whereas up and coming photographers who are still yet to gain experience in the industry will have their own style and price structure. Remember when comparing studios, always to compare ‘’’apples with apples’!

We recommend (in order get a more accurate comparison) to compare all packages with albums (of the exact same size) with the same inclusions. A personalised quote that lists every item you both wish to have included in your day will help you understand your package, rather than trying to work it out for yourself from a pricelist. Every package should be personally tailored rather than pre determined.

You are right to expect personal service from your studio, this could include planned out runsheets with sunset times, personalised quotes or even just being recommended the best wedding suppliers in the industry.

Ms Gingham says: There’s so much advice out there about wedding photography. I think this list of questions is really something that you could print out and take with you. It’s practical and gets right to the heart of what are very important issues.

About Infinity Photography: Infinity photography is guided by a passion for beautiful photography, an impeccable sense of style, and a natural, simple down to earth approach. Our style is candid, with minimal posing.

Tags http://www.infinityphotography.com.au/home/ | Photography Wisdom, Wisdom | Comments 1

There is more to a dessert buffet than just heaping a whole lot of sweets onto a table. For this reason, The Party Studio, along with Sophisticated Yum, Spoon & Fork Cookies & Cakes and Zsa Zsa’s Delights are coming together for a one day hands on workshop that will help you create your own personalised dessert table.

This workshop is perfect for those who are on a tight budget or for those who would really like to be involved in every aspect of their wedding.

You will spend the day learning how to make desserts such as cake pops and cookies, and how to style these together on a table with the help of The Party Studio and Sophisticated Yum. Come with your theme ideas as there will be time for you to talk through some of your concepts with these professionals. Class sizes are small to ensure that everyone receives personalised attention. We’re so excited about this event and we hope to see you all there for a day of inspiration, ideas and hands on knowledge.

In the meantime, to get you started on your dessert table creation, here are a few styling tips:

Tip #1: Gather inspiration – use you and your partner’s personalities, your wedding invitations, your reception venue or just a beautiful image for inspiration. Whether it be based on colours, the beach or your love of rock’n'roll, whatever it is, this will help you start with the design of your table.

Tip #2: Sketch – put pencil to paper, or finger to iPad and draw a sketch of how you envisage your table to look. Include different heights on the table and make sure that it balances out nicely on paper.

Tip #3: Collect props – be on the lookout for props wherever you go! It’s amazing how you can find the perfect prop when you least expect it.

Image via Sophisticated Yum

Dessert tables and lolly buffets are one of the trends that have hit the wedding industry in the last year or so. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy a lavish spread of desserts and lollies, carefully laid out to tantalise your eyes as well as your taste buds? These eye-capturing tables are also often used to replace the more traditional bonbonierre as guests are given a little bag or box which they can fill with yummy goodies at the end of the evening. So whether you decide to hire a professional or do it yourself, a dessert table or lolly buffet is bound to wow your guests and bring out the kid in any guest!

Ms Gingham: It sounds like such a great workshop and of course you could use the skills gained here to style your future children’s birthday parties too! A very handy skill believe me!

Pauline from The Party Studio says: “Ultimately, we know it’s not just about “the things on the table”, it’s about creating lasting memories. At The Party Studio, we help you to set the scene, to create the perfect day to enjoy with the people most special to you. And that’s surely something worth celebrating.

Tags http://www.thepartystudio.com.au/ | Styling Wisdom, Wisdom | Comments 0

Image by Nerida McMurray Photography

Couples buying their wedding photography usually have to decide how much reception coverage they should have. Some photographers have an all day only package, some go by the hour and others have options to cover various moments into the reception.

I don’t think there is a hard and fast answer to how long you should hire your photographer to cover your reception, as every wedding and couple is different so something different will suit each couple.

I recommend asking friends who have been married about their experience and expectations. Did they regret only getting coverage until the first hour of the reception? Did they think it was worth it to get the whole night covered? Your friends will give you honest answers and may help you make up your mind.

I also recommend looking at lots and lots of reception photos – and see what you like – do you want dancing shots ? Do you want random candids of your guests having fun? Speeches? Your reactions to those speeches ?

Speeches might be a big part of your evening and on the other hand there may only be a short welcome speech then the rest of the night is an informal party.

Only you can really know what you want your printed memories to consist of, so don’t be swung either way by anyone else.

I’ve had some clients say “I definitely don’t want photos of me dancing – I’m a terrible dancer !” or “We are having a lunchtime wedding and there is no dancefloor in the venue – the cake cutting will be before we sit down so we only need a couple of hours into the reception”… “we will be doing some traditional cultural dancing and traditions at the end of the night – these will make great photos so we definitely want this covered”

Think about what will be happening during your reception, talk to your photographer about what he or she can cover during the various times and you will be able to decide on what you want.

Ms Gingham says: And if it’s a BFGW (Big Fat Greek Wedding) you’re going to want to capture the dancing right up until the end where Uncle Stathi decides to balance a glass of whiskey on his head during the Zorba, trips and twists his ankle. Golden!

Nerida says: “I love weddings and I feel blessed that my job is a significant element of a very special day for people. Giving the couple their photos after their honeymoon, and seeing the delight and joy on their faces as they reminisce over one of the most memorable days in their lives, is one of my favourite parts of my job.”

Nerida is a regular contributor to the Wisdom blog with advice based articles like what to do if it rains on your wedding day. Read them all here.

Tags http://www.neridamcmurray.com.au/ | Photography Wisdom, Wisdom | Comments 4

1. BaroqueAndRoll  - I must admit I am just a little bit of an etsy addict and BaroqueAndRoll has got to be one of my favourite sellers.  I love a stylish 1920s/flapper themed wedding and these handmade hairpieces are absolutely stunning for not only brides but their bridesmaids as well.  With a perfect mix of a bit of bling and stunning feathers these headbands are easily tied in place.

2. The Lemony Cupcake, based in Brisbane, is one of my favourite vendors. Dessert buffets are becoming hugely popular and I just LOVE buffet tables that are themed to tie in with the overall style of a wedding. This really creates a lovely talking point and you can cater for absolutely everyone with a range of small sweet treats instead of being locked into the traditional alternate drop of plated desserts. I always think it is really special when couples choose treats which are meaningful to themselves or their family. The Lemony Cupcake also creates gorgeous wedding and event cakes as well as all of the other yummy treats.

3. ‘i do’ it yourself – I recently found this amazing business who creates printable invitations and stationery. I absolutely love this idea because they have spent the time (and creativity) to come up with some brilliant designs and all you need to do is submit your event specific information and they put it all together and email through the final files. Couples can then print their own invitations either through their home computer or a local affordable printing company. I love that you have the freedom to be able to choose your own paper and have the option to print extra invitations at any time, just in case! They are a fabulous company to work with – I had them create my own special “with comps” cards based on this telegram design to fit with the vintage theme of my business and I absolutely love them!!

4. Rachel Simpson Shoes is a UK based business who creates fabulous bridal and evening shoes. I love that their range includes some really fabulous 1930s style heels that work perfectly with popular bias gowns. As a business who creates authentic vintage reproduction gowns I think it is wonderful to find shoes that match. Along with their stunning heels they also have a collection of shorter heels and flats for brides looking for comfort as well as style! P.S. …. I have heard whispers that her new collection will have a 1920s focus for those who are choosing a flapper style wedding dress! – I can’t wait!!

Ms Gingham says: Shoes! This is a great find! Reasonable prices and beautiful shoes to match your vintage theme and beyond!

Melanie from Silver Sixpence says: “I really love couples who include a lot of personal touches in their day to make it truly special and meaningful to them, such as choosing to get married on their grandparent’s wedding anniversary, using pieces of lace in the bride’s gown from a family heirloom gown, all the little hand made pieces that couples create themselves or taking the time to write quirky personalised vows.”

Tags http://www.silversixpence.com.au/ | Vendor's Favourite, Wisdom | Comments 0

Gorgeous photography is a big passion of mine and I have long been a fan of Western Australia wedding photographer Natasja Kremers of NK Photography. Natasja creates beautiful, soul baring work and I am so delighted to have her join us on Polka Dot Wisdom today to share her thoughts on weddings and photography!

Where and how did you learn your craft?

I studied photography after I finished high school and received my diploma in applied science in photography in 1995 from TAFE.

What is your mission statement for Natasja Kremers Photography?

To give my all to my clients on their wedding day and to produce beautiful images for them at the same time.

What inspires you about Australian brides? Is there a special ‘Australian’ quality about brides from this country?

Aussie brides are not afraid to be different.  They know how to have a good time and it really shows in the images.  I love that they are real and confident.

What should brides look for in a photographer?

Brides should look for a connection with the work of the photographer.  They have to feel something when they look at the images.  If photography is important to them this is what they need to look for. It is of course lovely when you get along with them too but the main thing I think is the connection with the images.

Do you take traditional photographs of brides or do you strive to be different? What sets you apart from others?

I find this a difficult question to answer. I love some of the traditional images out there. The beauty of a classic will never age.  One of the main things I stress to my clients is to let go on the day and to trust me.  I search for connections between people when I photograph.  I want to see the love they share, I want to feel it. You can only capture this if they let go.

I also don’t feel it’s necessary to go out and have hours of different location shoots, I love to focus on documenting and working in the background for my clients. I always feel guilty if we are away on a location shoot for too long because I feel I’m keeping my clients from their loved ones.  One hour in a location with beautiful light is all I need.  The rest should be spent with family and friends, good food and wine.  Those are my dream weddings.

Where do you find inspiration to keep your photography cutting edge and your interest in it fresh?

I think Jesh De Rox told me you need to find inspiration from all forms of art.  Paintings, beautiful music, films and drawings.  My mum is an artist and lately I’ve been pulling away from looking at other photographers work and just spending time with her.

How do you keep on learning?

I have lately realized I need to shoot more for myself, I’ve signed up for Art and the Heart in New York in June and I can’t wait for it.  It’s a workshop run by Dan O’Day and Samm Blake and focuses more on shooting what you love.  You can never feel comfortable thinking you know it all no matter how many weddings you’ve shot, as a person you are always evolving and learning so why should it be any different in your profession.

What is your number one tip for brides when being photographed?

To be themselves and trust.

How can a bride look her best in front of the camera?

By being happy.

What are your favourite wedding ideas?

I love home weddings.  I love making the location shoot a home or someone’s backyard.

What are the biggest mistakes you see brides making?

To fuss and worry about whether it’s perfect.  Let go.  Trust the vendors you’ve chosen for your day and let them take care of you.

And please pick a dress to suit your body shape.

If money were no object, where and how would you photograph a wedding?

I’d LOVE to photograph a wedding in Paris, arrive the week before and meet with the bride and groom to check out all the locations and plans they’ve made.  I am a sucker for a stunning gown and perfect shoes and of course stunning flowers.

What is your dream for Natasja Kremers Photography?

To keep going the way I’m going.  I’m happy, would love to travel more for my work but we will see where the next few years take me.

 Thank you for joining us on Polka Dot Wisdom today Natasja! Visit the NK Photography website to see more of Natasja’s work!

Photography Wisdom, What Would They Know?, Wisdom | Comments 4