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).

Kilver Court – a rather beautiful location at which to be married or to host your Somerset wedding reception. A stunning setting and something of a secret garden, Kilver Court is beautiful. And recently, the catering contract has been won by Fosters Catering of Bristol, so now you are assured of great food as well as a great setting. Come along and join us on the 17th – its free entry and a great opportunity to see this designer wedding offer….

Just a quick reminder that we will be using Twitter to promote competitions, wedding tips, portrait ideas and generally “stuff” about Andrew Jackson Photography. Please follow us at AJP_photo. We’ve quite a few wedding shows coming up, plus some new training workshops so sign up and we’ll promise not to be dull. Or tweet too often. Or tweet about dinner plans. Unless they are very exciting dinner plans. Thank you.

This weekend, we’ll be attending the Ashton Court “Classic Weddings” Open Day, with doors open from 11-6pm. We’re big fans of Ashton Court. The main music room (above) is a stunning space, ideal for ceremonies and / or for the wedding breakfast, and with separate bar space and room to greet guests, this is an ideal venue whatever the weather. If you can use the parkland outside the front door there are so many great photo opportunities that you’ll be spoilt for choice. So drinks on the lawn in the summer or cosy, candlelit dinners in winter, its a great choice. Come along and talk to us about your day – we’ve a great offer for couples who book on the day, so come and find us in the Winter Garden bar to find out more.

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.

This year, I’m on a mission to get everyone I know to have some portraits taken. I don’t mind if its me shooting or whether its a DIY shoot, on a rubbish camera, that produces pictures that as a pro would make me weep! That’s not the point – having pictures, capturing those memories, that’s what this is all about.

I’ll be offering some great portrait opportunities throughout the year; in the countryside, some at the beach, some very urban & gritty and maybe even shoots with cream teas to help sweeten the process! Shoots will take place in Bristol, Bath, the Cotswolds and beyond. But if you don’t want to book me, at least promise me that you will dust off that camera and capture some memories of your own – there – a New Year’s Resolution you can actually keep – Happy New Year!

Big congratulations to all the couples who announced engagements over Christmas! It is a lovely time to get engaged as it also starts a year (or more!) of planning. At times it will feel as though you have a jobs list as long as your arm, but we really do recommend that you aim enjoy every moment of the build up. When you look back on your day, all the planning and preparation will be part of the memories, so enjoy the venue visits, the cake sampling, the dress fittings, the pre-wed photo shoots, etc – its all part of your amazing day! Do give us a call to talk about photography; its good to have a conversation before your plans are too set in stone as we have lots of experience that can help your planning & decision making. We are are available for wedding photography commissions across the UK, as well as Bath, Bristol and the Cotswolds – call us now to start the conversation!

- Business closes 5pm, Friday 21 December. Closed 22/23/24/25/26.

- Open Thurs 27 & Friday 28 (usual hours)

- Closed 29/30/331/1/2 and re-opens on Thursday 3 January 2013.

Lots of our couples focus on the spontaneous, fun shots and these are lovely. But we also recommend a few minutes away from the maddening crowd to capture some intimate, more thoughtful images. Sometimes, a moment of stillness can make the most delightful pictures, especially when in a beautiful setting. The perfect wedding album has to blend the formality with informality, movement and stillness, reportage with posed family groups. This picture is almost a trademark shot for me: I love the reflection and thought in the picture, love the lines and the way the building frames the image – and lovely light too. I do love black & white but for me, this has to be in colour, even though the colour palette is quite muted.