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Visit the Kliq Weddings Website to find out about how we can capture your Wedding Day! www.kliqweddings.co.uk Video and Photographic.

http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk – Leading Essex/UK Wedding Photographer

http://www.vintagethemewedding.co.uk/ - Everything you need to organise and plan your Vintage or Theme Wedding!

Why you should choose a Professional Wedding Photographer

Reasons why you should choose a professional wedding photographer.
Your Wedding location is planned and you think you want a photographer. After racking your brain about guests that can snap images, you recall that Uncle Harry has an expensive camera. Since he will be on the guest list why not ask Harry? Documenting the story of a Wedding day is an art form. It should not be pawned off on anyone that is less than a Professional Wedding Photographer. Her are a few of the reasons why you should hire a Pro. First of all, what is a Professional Wedding Photographer? I have heard other professionals say that a professional is anyone who has accepted money for images. I suggest that you call a Professional anyone who has captured, at least, 50 full Weddings, and I would like to see them capture at least 100+ Weddings. A professional wedding photographer should have been exposed to a large portion of the scenarios during a wedding day. Being able to respond to adversity and handle high stress situations is mandatory. The professional should manage time well and help all parties arrive on time and remain on task. Most of all, the professional is ready to adapt to changing situations and should have the foresight to see changes coming. Professional wedding photographers have multiple backup systems. Having one camera is not acceptable. I prefer to see two cameras on the Pro at all times. You never know when a camera will error out, break a shutter, or the card will malfunction. Most Professionals have backups to their backups. They understand that this is a once in a lifetime event. Backup is not an option, therefore trust a professional. Professional wedding photographers know how to make ladies look beautiful and men look handsome. You can spend tens of thousands of dollars on a Wedding, wouldn’t you want to look your best. Professionals know proper posing techniques and also proper angles of exposure to make the subjects look stunning. Do not trust an ametuer to your hotness. These are just a few of the reasons to book a professional wedding photographer for your wedding day. After you repack your bags and head back to work, your memories will fade but your professional wedding images will not. Please, I beg you, trust only a professional wedding photographer. Get lots of references, check testimonials, ask questions, and see examples of full weddings.
This advice was from US based Wedding Photographer - Paul Retherford

Kliq Weddings Photography and Video

If you would like to talk to Kliq Weddings about your Video or Photography needs then please visit our website or call us on 07549 591069 or alternatively email us.


Other sites you might be interested in:
http://www.wedding-film.co.uk
http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk 

http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk – Leading Essex/UK Wedding Photographer

http://www.vintagethemewedding.co.uk/ - Everything you need to organise and plan your Vintage or Theme Wedding!

Wedding Photography Styles Explained!

We often get asked to explain how modern photography techniques are different from the traditional approach and what options are available. I found this great Wikipedia entry that might help explain some of those questions:

What types of wedding photography are there to choose from?
There are two primary approaches to wedding photography that are recognised today: Traditional and Photojournalistic/Reportage. Traditional wedding photography provides for more classically posed images and a great deal of photographer control interaction on the day of the wedding. A Photojournalist style of wedding photography takes its cue from editorial reporting styles and focuses more on candid images with little photographer interaction. These are two extremes and many of today's photographers will fall somewhere in the middle of these two styles.
A third style that is becoming more popular is a fashion-based approach. In contemporary/fashion-based wedding photography, photojournalist will combine candid images of the events of the day with posed images that are inspired by editorial fashion photography as would be found in magazines like Vogue or Vanity Fair. This style often involves more innovative and dramatic post-processing of images.
A fourth style that is popular in Asian countries, especially in China, is wedding studio photography (Chinese: 婚纱摄影; pinyin: hūn shā shè yǐng). Typically, couples will select a studio in a similar manner as western couples select a wedding photographer. They will then make an appointment with the studio for either in-studio or location shoot, which is becoming popular in recent years, to do "glamour wedding shots". In attendance will be a hair stylist and make-up artist in addition to the photographer and the couple. The couple will go through many changes of clothing and backgrounds in a similar manner to the fashion based approach.
What is contemporary wedding photography?
The term contemporary wedding photography is used to describe wedding photography that is not of a traditional nature. The emphasis in contemporary photography is to capture the story and atmosphere from the day, so the viewer has an appreciation of what the wedding was like, rather than a series of pre-determined poses. This term can be mistaken for meaning any photograph that is not posed or formal. The advent and advancement of digital cameras (and increased use of the internet) means that many people can offer their services as a wedding photographer, but contemporary wedding photography is more than taking informal photographs and involves the use of composition, lighting, and timing to capture photographs that have a strong visual appeal.
However, the landscape of Wedding Photography has constantly evolved, it is a creative discipline and those proponents at the leading edge of the industry are constantly feeding new ideas into the photographic community. As a result trends will develop, mostly based around the core elements discussed. Some will be transitory while others will remain a traditional part.

Kliq Weddings Photography and Video

If you would like to talk to Kliq Weddings about your Video or Photography needs then please visit our website or call us on 07549 591069 or alternatively email us.

Other sites you might be interested in:
http://www.wedding-film.co.uk
http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk 

http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk – Leading Essex/UK Wedding Photographer

http://www.vintagethemewedding.co.uk/ - Everything you need to organise and plan your Vintage or Theme Wedding!

Wedding Videos - Everything You Need To Know!

" I don’t understand my Wedding Video options. What should I look for and how much should I pay for videographers?"

If you find yourself asking yourself this question, you are not alone. The truth is that there is no way to know because each videographer and videography company is different. This is a list of the various factors that determine the type of coverage that you receive:

Style of Cameraman

This is the most important aspect of determining the quality and quantity of your wedding footage. As you watch one sample wedding video to another, pay attention to the aspects below to see that style they have and which style you are willing to pay for (note that the negative and critical connotations are for humour and a more human understanding):

Tripod

One thing that I feel has been a problem over the years is the multitude of videographers that only capture their footage using a tripod. Tripod use (or abuse) definitely has its purposes, which includes steady shots and smooth horizontal panning during the ceremony. However some untrained and inexperienced videographers may only use tripod shots. This can lead to very boring and unemotional footage being captured. The best videographers will use a tripod and remove the camera from its anchor and get quality footage that is only attainable on foot. At Kliq Weddings we always supply two camera operators for every wedding. One operator is on the tripod camera and the other uses the camera off the shoulder.

The Running Man

So why use a second camera? As stated earlier, one static camera can lead to boring unemotional footage, not want you want on your wedding day! A second camera used off the shoulder will be able to pick up the emotion of the guests, the intricate details of your wedding venue, the details such as flowers and decorations, reportage and candid shots and importantly as they are not fixed to a position the second camera has the ability to move with the action and pick the best angles for shooting so nothing will be missed.  The second camera operator often has to move quickly around the venue back and forth to get other shots. If this operator is inexperienced or poorly trained this could be distracting to the ambiance of the ceremony or reception. However, a trained and experienced second camera operator will be able to move around the venue quietly and virtually unnoticed. At Kliq Weddings we only use trained and qualified camera operators.

Sound

One option or feature that you may see on a wedding videography package list or brochure is the use of "wireless microphones." This brings sound into the picture. Many people do not realise how important audio can be to the video, since what good is it having your best man speak words from the heart to the camera with "YMCA" peaking the audio. Again, see actual footage of actual weddings to see what you will get, especially in loud situations such as the reception and important situations such as your vows. Ask the videographer if he is prepared.

One example involved a wedding in a huge hall where there was a full brass band in the ceremony. My audio was peaking and distorting with the sound of the band and the layout was not ideal to pick up the ceremony from the camera mounted microphone. However, we were able to master the audio with effective sound editing and we had also given the Groom a wireless lavalier mic to wear. This made sure that everything could be heard crystal clear. A lavalier microphone is the type of microphone used in interviews, usually attached to the lapel. This also provides two audio streams where we, as the editors, have the option of choosing a mix of the two signals.

Editing

Many videography studios will charge extra for special effects, slide shows, and highlight reels. Again, take a look at final products to see what you are buying. Many editors are not professional editors, using purchased templates to make their final product. This often results in a "cheesy" feel (I have permission to use that word because my clientele prefer to avoid "cheesiness" and use that word commonly). Be wary of paying for special effects where it takes 20 minutes of work to plug in footage into a template. At Kliq Weddings we never use templates. All our weddings are edited from scratch on an individual basis. Every wedding is different and unique, your wedding video should be unique too! We also never have hidden charges, what our packages say you will get!

The final edit should be flowing, emotional and pleasing to the eye. The choice of appropriate transitions is crucial to this (A transition is how a clip moves into another clip). Remember the box and flying transitions from ‘Top of the Pops’ in the 70’s and 80’s? We won’t be using those! Many editors get plug-in packages that include wedding video transitions, for example the video clip morphs into a wedding ring and zooms off. This can cause what I call "effect overkill" and is the result of the person trying to let the editing program's options make the video good by including every possible feature. Here and there you will see photographers do the same, though it is generally tolerated less. A real, professional editor can make the footage look good with simple cuts and then adds special effects to carefully add emphasis to certain moments. Look at any movie that is done well. Most of the cuts and transitions are straight cuts or fade transitions that are well-placed.

Finished Product

The style of a DVD case is often representative of the dedication and style that the company has for its videos, though I would always say to not judge a book. However, the printing of the DVD is important. Adhesive labels will peel off in the years to come and may damage DVD players. At Kliq Weddings we print directly on the DVD.

Make sure that you know how many videos you will receive and how much it will cost to get any extra copies beyond that. If you have the option of getting the video hosted on a website, find out if there are any extra costs and for how long the video will be hosted for (some places only offer this service for six months).

Extras

Extras, like a love story option or slide shows, are great. Just remember that some places offer extras to make easy extra money, while the true purpose should be to give the client flexibility and options to satisfy personal preferences. See if the price justifies the service. Explore the options and flexibility of a videographer, it shows skill and talent to be able to cater to each unique client.

Pricing

The truth: Many studios take advantage of the insane markup on wedding services and price accordingly. The best advice I can give is to pay for talent and skill. Expensive video equipment and pre-paid editing templates do not always justify a budget-tightening price.

So when you are looking at wedding videography package options, try to see what they actually offer beyond flashy terms and "fluff." Many things should come by default with a wedding video package. Be wary of when things are waved around like a banner (like "including 20 special effects") when they have little bearing on the calibre of the production. The best advice I could give is to look around and weigh the price for the end product. Always see actual weddings, instead of flashy promo clips that do not reflect what you will show your loved ones in the years to come.

If you would like to talk to Kliq Weddings about your Video or Photography needs then please visit our website or call us on 07549 591069 or alternatively email us.

Other sites you might be interested in:
http://www.wedding-film.co.uk
http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk 

http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk – Leading Essex/UK Wedding Photographer

http://www.vintagethemewedding.co.uk/ - Everything you need to organise and plan your Vintage or Theme Wedding!

Chief Bridesmaid Checklist!

The chief bridesmaid is usually a sister or close friend of the bride. However, if she is already married herself or if the bride is a widow and is re-marrying, her title becomes Matron of Honour.
The chief bridesmaid will liaise closely with the bride during all the wedding preparations and help look after the other bridesmaids, flower girl and page boys.

At 9 Months

• Help the bride to choose her dress and the bridesmaids dresses.

At 6 Months

• Discuss the plans with the bride, groom and best man.
• Discuss the dress or outfit with the bride, especially if being made. Ascertain who will pay for the outfit.

1 Week Before

• Confirm final travel arrangements with the best man and any other ushers, including the time of arrival at the church or registry office.
• Obtain for the best man a list of family and guests who should be personally escorted to their seats.
• Attend the wedding rehearsal if required.
• Have your hair cut.
• Obtain large umbrellas.

The Day Before

• Collect any hired clothing and accessories.

On The Day

• Ensure bouquets are ready for the bride, bridesmaids and flower girl.
• Help the bride with her hair, make-up and dress.
• Help the other bridesmaids, flower girls and page boys to get dressed and give them any final instructions on their duties.
• Leave for the ceremony 10 minutes before the bride.

At The Venue

• Arrange the bride's dress and veil.
• Follow behind the bride and her father up the aisle.
• Hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony.
• Witness the signing of the register if required.
• Leave the church accompanied by the best man after the bride and groom.
• Depart for the reception with any other bridesmaids and best man after the bride and groom.

At The Reception

• Stand in the receiving line and greet the guests.
• Help to display and record gifts received.
• Distribute slices of the wedding cake to the guests.
• Have the first dance with the best man.
• Help the bride change into her going away outfit.
• Take care of her dress and accessories if required.

After The Wedding

• Return any hired clothing and accessories.

Visit the Kliq Weddings Website to find out how Kliq Weddings can help capture your Wedding Day with stunning Videos and Photography! http://www.kliqweddings.co.uk

Other sites you might be interested in:
http://www.wedding-film.co.uk
http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk 

http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk – Leading Essex/UK Wedding Photographer

http://www.vintagethemewedding.co.uk/ - Everything you need to organise and plan your Vintage or Theme Wedding!

Combined Wedding Video and Photography Package Pricelist!

Save money with a new combined Video and Photographic package from Kliq Weddings! We have two new combined packages: The Classic Package and our top of the line Ultimate Package!

Classic Package: £1650

Video:

Includes the following:

* Start filming at the Wedding Venue

* Arrival of the guests

* Arrival of the Bridal party

* The ceremony

* Signing of the register

* The photo call of Bride & Groom, families and friends

* Filming of the confetti shower

* Bride, Groom & guests at the reception

* The receiving line (if required)

* Entrance of Bride & Groom into the wedding breakfast

* The speeches

* Cutting of the cake

* Throwing of the bouquet

* Video diary (guests best wishes) if required

* Recording the festivities up to, and including the first dance

* Highlights sequence of your day and closing credits.

 * Includes full production with background music of your choice

 *The final production will be copied on to Two DVDs.

Photography:

Includes the following:

* Photos of the bridal party getting ready at home.

* External photos of the venue.

* Guests arriving at the venue.

* Coverage of the ceremony.

* Signing the Register.

* Formal group and individual photographs.

* Coverage of the wedding breakfast.

* Coverage of the speeches.

* Cutting the cake.

* First dance.

* Coverage of the Reception until 8.30 p.m

* A Wedding Photobook or Album of your choice and design

 from our Classic collection.

* A Photo CD of all your photographs taken on the day.

Ultimate Package: £2350

Video:

Includes the following:

* A photo montage to get your DVD off to a good start, this could include

childhood photos or photos from your engagement.

* Filming the Brides preparations

* Filming the Grooms preparations

* Start filming at the Wedding Venue

* Capture the Groom greeting your guests

* Arrival of the Bridal party and arrival of the Bride

* Full coverage of the ceremony

* Full coverage of the signing the register

* Filming the photo call of Bride & Groom, families and friends.

* Filming the confetti shower.

* Onward to reception to film arrival of guests, Bride & Groom

* Cutting the cake

* Full filming of the speeches

* Video diary (guests best wishes) if required

* Recording the festivities including the first dance, throwing the bouquet etc.

* Further recording for the remainder of the evening up to 11.30pm

* Slide show of stills from the day set to music of your choice

* Highlights of your day and closing credits.

* Includes full production with background music of your choice

* The final production will be copied on to four DVDs.

Photography:

Includes the following:

* Two Photographers present for the whole day.

* Photos of the bridal party getting ready at home.

* Photos of the grooms preparations at the venue.

* External photos of the venue.

* Guests arriving at the venue.

* Coverage of the ceremony.

* Signing the Register.

* Formal group and individual photographs.

* Coverage of the wedding breakfast.

* Coverage of the speeches.

* Cutting the cake.

* First dance.

* Complete coverage of the Evening Reception until 11.30 p.m

* A Wedding Photobook or Album of your choice and design from

our Designer collection.

* A Photo CD of all your photographs taken on the day.

* A Photo DVD Montage of your favourite shots set to music of

your choice.

For more info please visit our website or call us on 07549 591069 or email weddings@kliqmedia.co.uk

http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk – Leading Essex/UK Wedding Photographer

http://www.vintagethemewedding.co.uk/ - Everything you need to organise and plan your Vintage or Theme Wedding!

Bridal Shower Planning Ideas!

Traditionally, a shower is a party for the bride and her closest female relatives and friends, where she is "showered" with love, good wishes, and gifts. Where to start to tackle the task? Don't fret. We've got shower-planning basics nailed down to ten easy tips.

Who Plans It

Shower hostess is in the honor attendant's job description -- but she should ask for help from the other bridesmaids, the bride's sis, even the bride's mom. Emily Post types might tell you moms shouldn't plan a shower because it looks like she's trying to get gifts for the bride, but lots of mothers are very involved in helping with this party -- especialy when her daughter is the host. Enlist anyone with the time and energy.

Pick the Right Date

A shower can take place six months before the wedding or it can be the week before. It can be a surprise for the bride -- or not. Up to you. Depending on where most of the guests live, you may need to schedule it far in advance so everyone can make their travel plans. If most people are local, you'll have more options. Once you've picked a date, set up a planning schedule. Brainstorm as a team about the party -- themes, locations, and entertainment -- early on. Divvy up tasks such as getting/sending the invitations, making the decorations, and coordinating the menu.

Decide On the Budget

Before you start fantasizing about a full spa treatment for fifteen, determine who is paying for this shindig and how much it is going to cost. For fancy fetes, it's kosher to ask all the bridesmaids to help out. Be clear about what everyone owes from the very beginning, though. And make sure all dollar exchanging takes place in advance.

The Idea

Is the bride a traditional tea party type of girl? Would she be thrilled about a cozy shower at home, or is she expecting the works in a hotel ballroom almost the size of her reception hall? Does she have specific passions (art, gardening, traveling, the color pink) that might lend themselves to a special shower? Keep in mind that themes often make planning easier -- and more fun, because you can use your imagination to add special touches to the invitations, gifts, food, and entertainment.

The Location

You can be as creative as you want about where to have the shower. A list of options: a picnic in a park or at the beach; a backyard barbecue; an Italian restaurant; a hotel salon; a botanic garden; a bakery. Keep in mind that party spaces get booked early in busy seasons, like during the holidays. Call about availability before you get your heart set on something. And obviously, prices may be a factor.

The Guest List

Everyone invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding. Ask the bride to help out with the shower guest list. If it's a surprise, consult with her mom, groom, or sister. If it's a bridal shower (just the girls), make sure the bride's and groom's close female relatives are invited, as well as all the women in the wedding party and the bride's close girlfriends. If it's a couple shower, make it a coed guest list.

The Gifts

It's a good idea to suggest that the bride and groom register for gifts prior to the shower. In the shower invitations, include information about where guests can purchase presents. (Yes, this is okay etiquette-wise.) If you want guests to bring gifts in keeping with a theme, include special instructions. Just make sure there are related items on the registry so the soon-to-be newlyweds don't get unwanted gear. Investigate any special discounts you can pass on to shower-gift buyers.

The Invitations

Don't feel like you have to go nuts with the invites. They should reflect the formality (or informality) and theme of the shower, but they can be as simple as those cute ready-made cards available at any card store. Make sure guests RSVP to someone (the MOH, the bride's sister) by a date that's at least a few weeks before the shower. If many guests will be coming from out of town, mail the invitations at least two months before the party -- if not earlier -- so those who need to can make travel arrangements. If it's an in-town thing, four to six weeks should be enough time.

Make a Menu

If you're having an at-home shower, think about having the party catered -- food can be anything from a five-foot hero to fried chicken and potato salad to dim sum. If you're doing a theme shower, make the food match. Are the bride and groom honeymooning in Venice? Do an Italian theme with a full-on pasta bar. Don't forget hors d'oeuvres -- be it bowls of pretzels and chips, crudites (raw vegetables and dip), or the bride's mom's famous mini-pizza rounds! For dessert, serve cake, and/or pastries, cookies, pie, ice cream -- either homemade or supplied from the yummiest bakery in town. If you're having the shower in a banquet hall or restaurant, work with the manager/host to come up with a delicious menu. Keep in mind the bride's taste and any special guest needs such as vegetarian or kosher dishes.

The Entertainment

Primary activities at any shower: eating, laughing, and gift-opening. One bridesmaid (often the MOH) should keep track of which guest gave which present, and another should make sure cards stay with the right boxes -- then thank-you notes won't be a nightmare for the bride. Background music (in keeping with the theme, if it lends itself) is a good idea and some planned activities will keep the party moving at a nice pace.


First Published: Bridal Showers: The Basics

Visit the Kliq Weddings Website to find out how Kliq Weddings can help capture your Wedding Day with stunning Videos and Photography! http://www.kliqweddings.co.uk

Other sites you might be interested in:
http://www.wedding-film.co.uk
http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk 

http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk – Leading Essex/UK Wedding Photographer

http://www.vintagethemewedding.co.uk/ - Everything you need to organise and plan your Vintage or Theme Wedding!