Name: Vickerstaff Photography
Servicing: Chester, Cheshire & the North West
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We are extra lucky here at Some Honey today; Jamie from Vickerstaff has dropped in to answer those pesky questions I always want to talk over with wedding photographers. And talk them over I do. Yup, I have something of a reputation for being a wedding planner who goes on and on about wedding photographers. Why? You don't get to see yourself on your wedding day. You only get to see yourself through someone else's eye. You can look your most beautiful best, have expertly applied makeup and styled hair, a dream dress and ideal weather. But if your photographer isn't in it with you, you'll only have memories to prove it after the Big day. That's why its so important to put your wedding photographer right at the top of your priority list and, when thinking about your wedding shots and expectations, to think about the day from their point of view.
We are extra lucky here at Some Honey today; Jamie from Vickerstaff has dropped in to answer those pesky questions I always want to talk over with wedding photographers. And talk them over I do. Yup, I have something of a reputation for being a wedding planner who goes on and on about wedding photographers. Why? You don't get to see yourself on your wedding day. You only get to see yourself through someone else's eye. You can look your most beautiful best, have expertly applied makeup and styled hair, a dream dress and ideal weather. But if your photographer isn't in it with you, you'll only have memories to prove it after the Big day. That's why its so important to put your wedding photographer right at the top of your priority list and, when thinking about your wedding shots and expectations, to think about the day from their point of view.
You want the eye that sees and snaps you to be a professional one, a skillful one and hopefully, a kind one. I've seen enough wedding photos to recognise when the photographer likes the bride....or when they're just getting the job done. That's why I'm so excited about Jamie's portfolio. His work is stunning and sympathetic. You can see that he enjoys what he does and that means beautiful photo results for you.
Jamie has generously answered Some Honey's wedding photography questions with honesty and good humour, so let's grab that cup of something (for me, its a double shot latte kind of morning)and get to know him better.
How did you get started in photography? I've been into photography from an early age but bought my first SLR when I was 19; my whole family are artistic in one way or another and photography just leapt out at me. I love the use of light, creating something unique from something already there, composition is fascinating to me. So when I was 27 and given the opportunity to assist at a wedding I jumped at the opportunity; I was hooked on wedding photography and it’s what I've done ever since.
What’s the best thing about wedding photography? And
the worst? The best thing is working with couples who are organizing their best
day ever, and is essentially a massive party; that I get to be a part of. Doing
something you love is such a rarity. The worst thing would be peoples
expectations that we work just one day and get paid stupid amounts of money for
that one day, it’s silly. We run a business with many many factors including marketing,
accounts, editing, advertising, training and so on and so on, with a lot of out
goings so we charge to cover all this. Photography is just a small part of it.
Do you have an all-time favourite photograph – that
you’ve either taken or which inspires you? It’s tough to choose one
favourite I have a couple that I’m proud to have captured and included those
for you.
Do you have a style you’re
recognised for? What medium do you shoot in?
I shoot digital with a 5d mk3. I’d say I’m still trying to develop my style and
get that “oh that’s a Vickerstaff Photography image” just by seeing it. It
takes a long time to develop; I aim for abstract lighting and imagery for my
portraits and great story telling for my reportage.
What do you think about the “unplugged” trend sweeping
weddings in the US right now? (where guests are asked to refrain from taking
any photography with cameras, mobiles, or other devices)? Do you think the UK
wedding scene would benefit if it took off here? There’s always the right time
to take photos, just sometime it’s best to just put the phone/tablet/camera
down let the professional do their job and enjoy the day through your own eyes.
Times like the portraits the photographer has taken time to set up would prefer
guests refrained from photographing and putting online, even though my version still
creates a wow factor there’s still some magic lost as there was a badly framed,
out of focus & poorly lit version two weeks earlier.
Have guests ever interfered with
your shots? No not really, I’ve had enthusiastic photographers want to follow me.
Usually I just ask them to give us some time alone. I did a safari walk at
Chester zoo a couple of years back and I used it as an opportunity to stop at
locations with the bride & groom but so then did all the guests, two
minutes later they’re on Facebook. It’s disappointing as they see them too
quickly and more often than not at a much lower quality It’s just part of the
modern wedding photographers job.
Videography: outdated,
additional extra or as vital as the main photographer? Video’s can be great and offer
a different perspective of the day shot on a separate medium to photography.
Photographers work in the single image creating questions, voicing emotion and
inciting debate. Video gives the actual picture, the words said in the speech, the
vows said to each other etc. Sure sometimes we clash wanting the same spot to
cover something but at the end of the day we both want what’s best for our
couples.
Do you have advice for couples
considering their photography budget? It’s not for me to say couples
should spend X amount on wedding photography. As with everything else in life
you get what you pay for. So try and get
the best you can afford, look carefully at portfolios, try and see full
weddings; not every picture but a good chunk of photos to give you an idea.
I’ve seen portfolio’s from photographers who’ve stolen images from other
photographers and the stolen ones stand out a mile. If you’re budget is small
quite often photographers in the lower end are much less experienced and just
starting out so just be careful, if you want the best paying £300 isn’t going
to get you that.
If you could only take just one
wedding photo – which moment would you choose to capture? The moment that made them go
wow!
Well, I'm going WOW right now looking over these images and there's plenty more over on the Vickerstaff website too.
Thanks for stopping by Jamie, I've really enjoyed getting to know you and your work better,
