Film v Digital used to prompt quite a heated debate among professional photographers, but then digital won the battle and film has been marginalised. Obviously, as a pro shooting to a client’s brief – whether a wedding or commercial – I have to get the shot right and being able to review as I go is a great bonus. Having started my photographic career using (and processing) film and knowing the stress that can be caused simply by not knowing what has been captured, digital offers a huge bonus. BUT it’s hard not to argue that many of the traditional skills have been lost along the way, as photographers have relied increasingly on their camera rather than their knowledge.

After all, why bother with accurate metering or composition if the image can be re-cropped or tweaked in the computer? When I started, we had to get it right in camera; now its possible (to varying degrees) to lick away and rescue / recover / refine the image in the computer.

I see too many examples of wedding photography especially (because it attracts part-time enthusiasts much more than the commercial arena) where the basic skills have been traded for a ‘quantity over quality’ approach.

Digital capture helps us to aspire to a rather soulless perfection, but as Salvador Dali is quoted as saying: “Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it”. And perhaps with that thought, that’s where film starts to come back into contention. It’s a slower process, more thoughtful and considered and less able to hide mistakes and flaws. It doesn’t suit every occasion, but it still has something to offer.

Its greater ability to capture shadow detail and create a softer, more natural image still means that that it can offer a different look and feel. An image captured is more likely to be due to the skills of the photographer. And yes, I know that it’s still possible to bracket shots, still possible to switch to auto and still possible to ‘cheat’ in so many ways. BUT that’s the photographer’s choice and if the photographer wants to take ownership of the image – perhaps using filters or tripods to compose the perfect landscape or handheld meters to measure light – it is still possible to create an image in camera.

I won’t be trading in my digital kit anytime soon, but I have dusted off the film camera and will be testing it over the coming months, ready to shoot weddings on film again in 2014 for couples looking for something different… I’ll keep you posted.

If film capture appeals to you, I shall be hosting a special film photography workshop later this summer, so email me for details. You might also want to look at the book “Film Is Not Dead” or even see Tim Clinch’s article in “Black & White Photography” magazine (April 2013).

Are you looking for the perfect valentine present? Well, look no further, because we have the ideal solution. But first, I have to say  ”look away now” if  are after ‘Page 3 or top shelf glamour’ - this really isn’t the offer for you… ‘Viva Boudoir’ is much more sophisticated; much more about unlocking your inner Goddess, surrendering to lots of pampering and capturing some great images that reflect how you want to be seen. We shoot on location in beautiful settings in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset area. We take the time at the start of the session to listen to what you have in mind, make wardrobe selections and set any boundaries. After that, you are whisked away (although I’m not sure whisks ever featured in ‘Fifty Shades’, though I may be wrong…) by Vicki Waghorn, our brilliant make up stylist, who will ensure you look fab in front of the camera. We then create an amazing set of pictures, with Vicki at hand throughout to ensure you keep looking at your best. And afterwards, you’ll be able to select your favourite pictures to create a stunning album.

We have limited availability if you book quickly, in which case we may be able to have some images ready for you to handover to your partner on Valentines Day. Alternatively, ask us to produce a voucher and we’ll sort out a beautifully gift-wrapped present. Not sure if your partner will be brave enough? Well, firstly, be assured that there is no pressure to reveal – some very sexy images hide more than they show – its all in the posing and choice of clothes. Secondly, we offer a full refund on all vouchers returned before the end of February 2013 – please ask for details. So either way, you’ll get maximum brownie points for effort! Call us know and we can explain the various options.

I know Nov 5th is rapidly becoming a distant memory, but before it fades completely, here is a quick slide show. I’m often asked to take firework pictures at weddings and it’s always makes me slightly nervous. The weather is critical – too much breeze and the crisp lines of the bursts will be lost. Also, before the show its impossible to know whether most of the fireworks will be on the ground – Roman Candles for examples – or a big aerial display. And with long exposures (up to 30 seconds for each firework shot) there isn’t too much opportunity to get it wrong. So far, I’ve never failed to capture a great set of pictures but it is always a massive relief to check the back of the camera and find all is well. In the days of film, when I started, it would have been a week of waiting to know the shot had worked! Hope you enjoy these…

No great story to this blog, except to say that a few weeks back I had the opportunity to photograph a fire juggler – incredible show and I really liked the pictures that resulted. Thoroughly recommended for winter weddings!

So, if you would like to contact us to talk about your Bristol, Bath or Cotswold wedding photography, and would like a quick answer, you may be better off giving us a call on 01761 452084. We will still be able to receive emails BUT only when we get to wi-fi areas to download, which we’ll aim to do each day. But it may mean that it takes 24 hrs before we can get back to you. Apologies for the disruption, but hopefully it will be resolved sooner than expected!

1: Some couples book their photographer with the thought that wedding photography is all about what happens on the day – but great image capture is only the start – how the pictures are edited, post-produced and a keen eye for album design are all key skills worth investing in for the perfect album. So assess the complete offer when comparing different photographers to find what’s best for you.

2. Book a photographer who can capture the essence of your day as great pictures will make a great album – and vice versa of course! We offer a contemporary approach to wedding photography, which means a few formal groups, but more often with the focus on relaxed, informal moments and details – its all about capturing the emotion of the day. We see the role of still photography as capturing incredible moments – moments that stop you in your tracks and that have the power to transport you back to your amazing day.

So think quality rather than quantity. I think some couples have such low expectations of liking their pictures that they select their photographer playing a numbers game – ‘if we get a thousand pictures on a disc, some of them must be good.’ A better approach is to find a photographer whose work you like, with whom you can relax and enjoy the day and work with them to create a beautiful set of pictures with the minimum of fuss – a much, much better way to a stress free wedding and beautiful pictures. Which means you spend more time with guests and less time having a camera pointed at you.

3. Think about the end product that you are after when booking your photographer. We use hand-made albums that offer a choice of sizes, covers, page numbers – basically no two albums that we produce are ever the same. But that comes at a price, so being realistic about the budget is important. The cost price range of premier quality albums is £500 – £1,000. So a quality album is an investment. And yes, there are cheaper options out there. Personally, we think they look cheaper and it feels wrong to put our pictures in them – we have pride in our work and its great to work with couples who value the attention to detail.

4. Ask about how to customise your album to make it truly unique. We want to work with you to create something artistic, creative and special to you – so please ask lots of questions.

Like a fine wine, a wedding album appreciates in value as time goes by. Capturing all the friends and family who shared your day with you is one of the most important family and social records you can own – which is why we invest so much energy in making them so special.

It is almost Valentine’s Day and the pressure is on to find the perfect gift. Something romantic but original (and not flowers / chocolate); something fun but ideally something that lives beyond the moment. In fact, something very much like one of our champagne portrait sessions! We shoot in the best hotels in Bristol, Bath & the Cotswolds and can offer a great experience, even for the most camera-shy. We offer vouchers so you are very welcome to book a date now for when the weather warms up (although winter portraits are beautiful; it is all to do with the gorgeous light at this time of year) or simply buy a gift-wrapped voucher for when you are ready. Contact us today for more details.

We’ve thought long & hard about this and we think we have THE perfect gift for Valentines Day this year. If you’ve just exhausted your present-giving creativity at Christmas and you are looking for something new and original to give to your partner, then our “Champagne Couples” portrait offer could be just what you need to score maximum brownie points. After all, what says “I love you” better than a portrait shoot (well, diamonds or a rolex obviously, but besides these…). We shoot at the most beautiful hotels and can promise you a wonderful experience. Vouchers are gift-wrapped and ready to present to your loved one. For more information complete the contact form and we’ll send you the options available.

This makes a great gift for those with children in tow and can easily be adapted to a fun family shoot; do ask for details.