Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer - Colin Turtle

Special Offer on Northern Ireland Wedding Photogtraphy

2012-01-27T00:33:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to be able to offer a special deal to celebrate the launch of
my new studio premises.

I still have a limited number of wedding dates available for 2012 so until
March 2012 I am offering all couples who book a wedding for 2012
a free printable DVD containing their High Resolution images.

This offer is made subject to availabailty on your chosen date

Wedding Photographer Northern Ireland
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Choosing a Wedding Photographer in Northern Ireland

2012-01-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

I have recently attended a few Bridal shows and also the SWPP convention .
This has got me thinking a bit about an article I wrote for the Local Brides NI magazine a while back about choosing your wedding photographer. Obviously I have a vested interest in this subject but as always tried to give a balanced view. So I thought that at the start of a new year that this might be a good time to revisit some of the points from the previous post with a condensed few points.

You will probably spend quite a long time planning your dream wedding down to tha last detail of flowers, chair covers, dresses, cars etc etc. But how much do you really think about the photographs? After all at the end of the day the food is eaten and the flowers soon wilt but your wedding photographs will exist in a beautiful album that will endure for many years telling the story of your day.

Now I am a realist and fully appreciate that everyone has a budget (either large or small) but I would say that in terms of picking your photographer it is not a good idea to choose based on budget alone. Generally photography really is one of these areas where you do get what you pay for. A good photographer will have spent many years honing their skills. They will have quality equipment and be able to deal with most situations. Importantly they will have public liability and professional indemnity insurance and a range of backup equipment.

The price normally reflects the quality of the photography and the quality of the albums provided.

It is crucial that when choosing your photographer you have a good look at samples of their work and this
should be a few samples of complete weddings. Nearly anyone can pull together a series of decent shots, but viewing a full wedding album will tell you if they can prodice consistant quality for an entire day.

Have a look at the actual albums , are the good quality or do they seem cheap. Are the well designed and put together and is the photography likely to stand the test of time. Its fine to have a few pics here an there
that are very modern and contemporary. But fashions change and you dont want to look back in a few years
time and wonder what on earth you were thinking. Good photography images can be timeless. Do the sample albums seem to capture the fun and emotion of a wedding, in short do people seem to be enjoying themselves.

Now many people make the choice to just ask a friend/relation to do the photographs but this is not without
its own risks. Unless he/she is experienced in weddings and everything that can (and does) happen it can be
a truely daunting experience. Its a world away from simply taking family snaps and its not just the levels of
equipment and backup kit etc that are required. Its actually knowing how to get the best out of it.

I sometimes use the illustration that just because I own a pair of football boots does not make me Lionel Messi.

So it is important that you should get to know your photographer and byuild up a rapport with them. Only when your photographer knows your personality can they truely capture the emotion of the day and create that individual and unique heirloom album

Wedding Photography in Northern Ireland

Guest Lecturer at International Conference

2012-01-10T01:27:00.000-08:00

Well the panic mode is now officially setting in .

I am really busy at the moment trying to finish the design work for 5 wedding albums in addition I am putting the final touches to my presentation for the SWPP Conference.

Having been invited as a guest speaker last year I am more than delighted that I was asked to take part again in 2012.
The convention runs from 10th-15th January 2012 in London and attracts delegates and lecturers from across the globe.I am heading off to London for a few days and have been invited to give a masterclass .

This is the biggest photographic convention in Europe and I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to take part last year on the first occasion, but to be invited back for a second year running is even better.

The Societies’ CEO Phil Jones has described the agenda as ‘truly world-class, the quality of our speakers is unsurpassed anywhere' ..with comments like that I have to admit to feeling more than a little nervous and intimidated to be taking part especially when you look at some of the world renouned speakers .

I am also very concious that this year I will be the only Wedding Photographer in Northern Ireland who will be lecturing this year so feel a little extra pressure to put on a good show .

Wedding Photography Northern Ireland

Wedding Photography Northern Ireland - Galgorm Resort

2011-11-26T01:45:00.000-08:00

Galgorm Resort and Spa is a beautiful hotel only a few minutes drive from Ballymena. The Hotel consists of two main buildings. There is the main hotelbuilding which has recently been refurbished and includes the bar restaurant and the Spa, in addition there is the super imposing building of the Great Hall and Phantom House.

There are also lovely cottage buildings and red-brick arches and wonderful architecture which provide so many different possibilities for photography that even if there are other weddings on the same day everyone will have plenty of room and great photography.

If the weather is less than perfect there are also lots of places for indoor photography at Galgorm
If your desire is to have a more modern contemporary loook then the newly refurbished areas of the hotel provide a very modern look and the Spa area allows for some stunning backdrops .

Wedding Photography in

Northern Ireland

e-mail: colin@colinturtle.co.uk
www.colinturtle.co.uk

Lissanoure Castle Wedding

2011-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Lissanoure Castle is a privately owned family estate near to the village of Loughguile in County Antrim. It is a stunning location surrounded by lakes and woods and the castle buildings themselves give a spectular background. It is a truely fairy tail venue which offers a plethera of photographic options both inside ans outside.

The Castle Coach Houses has been beautifully and tastefully restored to host weddings with a unique semi circular building and courtyard with entrance hall, and Dinning room and the “Macartney Room”, a very comfortable and relaxed room with seating area with open fire.

It has been said that Lissanoure is one of County Antrims best kept secrets and it is easy to see why because it is very private and secluded in a beautiful setting.

Northern Ireland Photographer
e-mail: colin@colinturtle.co.uk
www.colinturtle.co.uk

RossPark Hotel - Wedding

2011-11-24T04:16:00.000-08:00

The Ross Park Hotel is located in the countryside but it is only about 5-10 minutes by car from Ballymena.

The hotel sits in a 10 acre site and has some nice the scenic, landscaped gardens which can be used for photographs and there are also mature areas of trees and an imposing tree lined avenue. All this means that there are plenty of photographic options and in the event of rain there is at least a bit of tree cover to use unless the rain is really heavy.

Ross Park also have a policy of only booking one wedding per day so there will be no other weddings at the same time as yours thus you get almost 'free reign' and go almost anywhare.

If the weather is really bad there are also some options for photographs inside and there are a number of well decorated rooms available. This includes the 'honeymoon suite' and the conservatory area .

I have a number of photographs from Ross part in the galleries of my home site Northern Ireland Wedding Photography

Colin Turtle Northern Ireland Photographer
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Dunadry Hotel and Country Club - Photography

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Dunadry Hotel and Country Club is a wonderful venue for a wedding .It has in past times been an old mill and so is rich in character and various phographty options. The hotel is a grand hotel with many facilities but yet has a charm and homeliness with open firesand some lovely architectural features.

The Dunadry Hotel and adjacent buildings and gardens been planned to surround the landscape gardens with pathways to the mill-race and Six Mile water river.The landscaped grounds provide a perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs with trees, stone walls, windows, rive and bridges provding many many options . In addition if you are unlucky enough to get a littl rain there are romantic settings inside the hotel, the grand entrance hall, the huge ornate fireplace and majestic staircase. In addition there is the upstairs gallery area .

Another great consideration at the Dundadry is the fact that they have a policy of only hosting one wedding per day. This can be very helpful as it means that you and your guests have the use of the entire site.

They also have a heated indoor swimming pool, spa pool or steam room iof you fancy something a bit more contemporary.Over the years I have covered quite a few weddings and functions at Dunadry and I simply love it as there are so many different variations of photographs that can be tried so everyone can get pictures
that are just that little different rather tha the same shots every time.

Wedding Photography Northern Ireland
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Castle Upton Weddings

2011-11-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

I have a few weddings this year at Castle Upton and so thought it might be of interest to post a brief article about this great location

Castle Upton is situated in the village of Templepatrick, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is roughly half-way between Antrim and Belfast. One side of the main street in the village of Templepatrick consists of the demesne wall of Castle Upton. An imposing fortified gateway in the wall at the centre of the village leads up to the castle.
The stable block is a copy of Roman style fortifications. The family mausoleum is in the care of the National Trust and is open to visitors. The house is currently inhabited by the Kinahan family, being purchased by Sir Robin Kinahan in the 1960s.

Anna Kinahan runs the weddings and aims to make each day special in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Refreshments may be served on the day in the Wedgwood-inspired dining room.

Castle Upton is a real gem set behind stone walls with extensive gardens, it offers a great venue for a couple wishing to get married. In manyt cases couples have the wedding ceremony, drinks and photographs
at the castle and then move to a hotel for the meal. There are many great hotels nearby, The Hilton and Templeton Hotels are both a mere two minutes by car, and the Dunadry and Dunsilly Hotels about five minutes. It is possible however to to have a marquee erected in the gardens. Castle Upton is licensed for both civil and religious ceremonies, and the castle's elegant ballroom with an Italian marble chimney-piece formerly at Downhill Castle in County Londonderry can accommodate up to 100 guests.

The castle has beautiful gardens, surrounded by fields of pasture land, it is indeed a great location for wedding photographs...

Wedding Photographs Northern Ireland
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

New Wedding Album Collection

2011-08-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

I love to shoot weddings in a fairly modern contemporary style simply letting the day flow and capturing the emotion and events as they happen. Obviously I will also take some time for the more traditional classic shots and groups that make up your day. Then for a short time its lovely to take the bride and groom alone for some more intimate, fun and romantic images.

If possible I like to also allow the couple time to just relax and chat with their guests and it is during this time that I will capture many of the subtle details of the wedding. Often couples will comment about all these little things that they never realised were being photographed but which all go togther to make the day individual and unique.

This style of photography means that you will receive large range of shots from a simple details shot of the flowers right through to some very contemporary images , so it follows that the albums should also be able to accommodate a range images .

With this in mind I am absolutely delighted to announce our new range of albums for 2012 and beyond.

Story books offer a modern contemporary album . These are available in sizes ranging from A4 to A3 size
and can have almost as many pages as you can think of. The covers available include Metal , Acrylic, Leather, Cameo and Photographic Wrap.These albums are professionally printed and hand-bound by skilled bookbinders to deliver the best finish available on the professional market. The albums open flat with full double-page edge-to-edge panoramic printing.

Each album is designed especially for you by Colin ensuring that you get a totally individual record of the day.
Smaller duplicate copies are also available in A4 & A5, or A6 sizes.

A Matted album offers what appears to be a more traditional approach but beautiful albums can be as traditional or modern as you choose. Our new range of albums are what we class as 'hybrid' albums. Each album is individually handcrafted for quality and excellence so that your images are presented in a stunning manner and preserved for a lifetime.

Each album page is designed exclusively for you by Colin with page mats and can also incorporate full page panoramic and gatefold pages etc. No-one offers more variety in cover materals, cover enhancements and colours than you can choose from 10 different types of materials (traditional, contemporary and exotic) and over 50 different variations in colour.

Not only that but every cover can be enhanced and personalised in a variety of ways.So you can be assured that your album will be totally unique.

I work with a relaxed, friendly & fun approach which puts everyone at ease, and this shows in your finished photographs. Many couples actually comment that the photographs have actually been great fun and enjoyable.

For further information please contact Colin on 028 25 862312 or 07734794799 or via the website

Wedding Photographer Northern Ireland
www.colinturtle.co.uk

Northern Ireland Wedding Journal Show and New Studio

2011-08-17T00:54:00.000-07:00

Well the year is moving on quickly and amidst the hectic summer of weddings my thoughts are also on forthcoming wedding fayres and we are very busy with developments around the new studio.

By far the biggest bridal show of the year in Northern Ireland is the Wedding Journal Show which will take place in the Kings Hall Belfast from 30th September to 2nd October. This year I will be exhibiting upstairs where you can get a great view of the fashion catwalk and avoid the hectic crush.

If you are planning to visit the show please pop up and say hello and see what we have on offer.

The show will also mark a great significant event for Colin Turtle Photography in that we will be launching our new range of albums. These are beautiful hand made custom designed albums which will ensure that every couple gets something truely unique

I might even have a few sweets !!!

The bookings for 2012 and 2013 are already coming in so dont wait too long to book your date .

Please have a look at the Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer Galleries for a brief taster my work

Wedding Photographer in Northern Ireland
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Orla and Paul's wedding at The Ross Park Hotel

2011-07-18T00:07:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the honour of being photographer at Orla and Paul's wedding. Their wedding was held in St Patricks Church in Crebilly (just outside Ballymena) and was followed by a reception in the lovely Ross Park Hotel.

The weather in the week running up to the wedding was fairly typical of Northern Ireland to the extent that we were all prepared for the worst and had altenative venues arranged just in case. The day for me began with heading into Ballymena to Orla's home and as I drove through the rain I was less than hopeful. However the sky cleared and in fact it was a lovely day with conditions about as good as anyone coudl ask for.

St Patrick Church gives some lovely views over Ballymena and the Ross Park is a great venue for a wedding. The fact that the only have one wedding per day means that you have the entire place at your displsal and the staff are really friendly and helpful.

Not to mention the other benefit that it is only about 20mins away from home so I dont have a long journey when the day is finished. This wedding was also lovely because I was also the photographer at Orla's sisters wedding so soem of the guests were familair and its always nice when a family ask you back . It at least gives me hope that I did a reasonable job for them on the first occasion.

Anyway the following is a brief selection of a few of my initial favourites from the day

Wedding Photographer Northern Ireland
www.colinturtle.co.uk

Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

2011-05-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

After some recent articles in the press and television about some people who have been dissappointed with their photographers I thought It might be an idea to write an articlegiving some advice on my tips for choosing a wedding photographer in Northern Ireland
OK so you have got engaged and have decided on your location, you need to find a wedding photographer. Most importantly you need to find a photographer that suits you. Your wedding day is a unique event and one of the most important days in your life. Your wedding photographer is out there somewhere and there are lots to choose from. Some are part-time, others full-time; some come with professional accreditation others do not There is also a huge variation in fees and charges. How do you decide?

Here are some general ideas to help you choose :-
Choosing a date is just the start of what will likely be one of the busiest periods of your life. Your wedding can take so much work and planning and then it's over in a flash, the day can whiz by so quickly that it is easy to miss many things. That's why choosing a photographer is a crucial part of your plans as it is their job to capture the essence and spirit of the day in an enduring set of images that will last forever. No matter who you choose it is vital to feel relaxed and at ease with your choice

A good photographer will make you look like a star, but still capture the real you.

1. What should I look for in my photographer
Most importantly, when choosing a photographer you should choose someone you feel comfortable with and who produces photographs in a style you like as they are going to photograph one of the most important days of your life.

A photographer who is a member of a professional photographic will be able to produce work to a high standard in any situation. Always ask to view a complete wedding album from a recent wedding, and not just look at the photographers best photos.

Meet with your photographer prior to the day, and ensure they knows the type of pictures you want

2. Photographic Style
Over the last few years, there has been a great change in the range of photographic styles available from the classic traditional posed shots of groups of family & friends, signing the register and the cutting of the cake, etc to totally journalistic shots. In reality what most couples want is a mix but where even the ‘posed’ shots are relaxed and enjoyable.

Black & white images which are well composed and taken have a great timeless quality. Good photography should be about capturing emotion, expression, and of course story telling.

I will continue with some more later
Northern Ireland Photographer
Colin Turtle is a wedding and portrait photographer based near Ballymena covering weddings across Northern Ireland.
He is an award winning photographer and lecturer at The Societies Photographic Convention in London which is the biggest photographic convention in Europe.

Wedding in Broughshane and Templepatrick

2011-05-18T01:22:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I had the honour of being asked to cover the wedding of Laura and John in St Patricks Church in Broughshane. This was a bit of an unusual experience for me because even though I am from the area I dont get the chance to do that many weddings locally.

Add that to the fact that I have known Laura and her family for longer than I can remember and also know quite a few of the guests I am not ashamed to say I was a little bit more nervous than usual.

But I need not have worried...it was a lovely fun day..The weather was cold and damp and there were lots of showers etc but nothing could dampen the spirits and enjoyment we all experienced.

St Patrick's in Broughshane is a lovely old church with lots of character. Following the church service we all headed to Templepatrick and the reception was held in the Templeton Hotel.

The bridal party stopped for a short time at Castle Upton which is just opposite the Templeton.
The castle has some lovely grounds and creates a good backdrop for many pictures and even though the
weather was cold and wet both Laura and John and the rest of the bridal party were undeterred.

We sheltered between the showers and then popped out when the shower subsided to grab the shots we needed.

I will post a few shots in the next day or two.

Wedding Photographer Northern Ireland
www.colinturtle.co.uk

New Studio

2011-05-11T01:21:00.000-07:00

For the past number of months I've been investigating a project that is going to completely transform the way I work.Up until now I have had a small office in my home for my wedding photography where I do all my admin and meet clients.

Well after many months of planning and various steps with appropriate agencies I have finally got to the stage where it is in progress and I will have a decent studio space.This has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember .
I have a decent sized space about 450sq ft with good high ceilings ,lots of work will be required over the next wee while but it is a great challenge to get the building work started and then design the interior space to be both a practical and comfortable area to work in .

I really hope to be fully operational within a short time although I'd rather take a little longer and try to get things as good as possible rather than rush into decisions that might be wrong.

exciting times ahead.

Colin Turtle
Northern Ireland Photographer

Northern Ireland Photographer

The Giants Causeway - Northern Ireland

2011-04-11T00:20:00.000-07:00

The other evening I had the pleasure of a trip to the Giants Causeway with another photographer for a little bit of landscape pjotography and chill-out time . The Causeway is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and its not difficult to see why. It is truely the jewel in the Crown for the County Antrim and indeed Northern Ireland coastline.

Whether you suscribe to the science of the Causeway being the result of volcanic activity on teh Antrim Plateau or prefer the Legend of Finn McCool building the Causeway to Scotland to fight Benandonner, and the ensuing legends.

For centuries tourists have gazed at the wonders of the Giants Causeway. The unique and uniformity of the columns which intrigue and inspire in equal measure.The Causeway demands that you allow your imagination to 'run wild' and think about the myths and legends,you simply cant help it.

This is a few if the shots I took...The light was not the best and there was not a lot of cloud to add to the skies but I am relatively pleased with the results. I also forgot some of my filters so had to improvise which was fun.

Landscape Photography Northern Ireland

2011 Bridal Shows and new products

2011-03-02T15:11:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year again when there are a few Bridal Fayres so I thought I'd post the details of the ones that I have on the agenda for the next couple of months.There will most likely be more later in the year.

Our diary is filling up quickly, especially for 2011…but I still have some dates available.

Ross Park Hotel
The Ross Park bridal Fair will take place on Sunday 20th March 2011, 2pm-5pm

I am delighted that this year I have been invited take part so will have a stand in the Kells and Connor Suite.

So if you are planning to visit pop in and say hello and see what we have on offer. I might even have a few sweets !!!

New Albums
I am hoping to introduce some additional brand new albums to my range over the next few months.These have just been released for 2011 from the suppliers so are not yet available but hopefully it will not be too long. In the meantime I have to make do with some brochure shots of the new albums.However all my current albums will be available to view at the bridal fayres.

I will also be showing the brand new DVD slideshows of wedding imaages which are now available.
We are also offering some new wall art products in addition to the normal framed prints, acrylics and canvas wraps

Wedding Photography in Northern Ireland

2011-02-23T01:13:00.000-08:00

Thisi is just a wee bit of self promotion by posting a link to a short video slideshow showing showing some of my work . It will hopefully give a feel for the type of wedding photography that I do but there is no substitite for actually meeting with your wedding phtoographer and personally discussing all your requirements.

Wedding Photographer Northern Ireland
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Getting Married in 2011 or 2012

2011-02-19T02:06:00.000-08:00

Well I just thought I'd post this wee note to tell everyone that there are still a few dates available for 2011, if you are getting married this year please get in touch for a chat.

A lot of couples have also been in contact for 2012 and quite a few dates are now booked up and there are a few really well orgainsed people who have booked for 2013 !!!

So for all you couples out there who have not yet booked your photographer please give me a call.We can arrange to meet for a chat over coffee and I can show you some fo my work , there is absolutely no obligation.

Wedding Photography in

Northern Ireland

e-mail: info@colinturtle.co.uk
www.colinturtle.co.uk

Happy Valentines Day - Special Offers

2011-02-14T01:30:00.000-08:00

It seems like no time at all since we celebrated Christmas and the New Year and already here we are at Valentines Day!

But romance is certainly in the air and it's a great time to get engaged and with Spring is just around the corner celebrate new beginnings.

Hopefully winter will soon come to an end and Spring sees thing start to warm up for the busy wedding season in Nortern Ireland. I just love to get out there and photograph couples who have either just got engaged, or even those who simply want to celebrate being together in a more original way than buying a bunch of roses...

A pre-wedding or engagement shoot, it's a great way to get to know me and also get to see how it feels to have photography session - a kind of taster before the big day.

If it's a portrait session, it can be an excuse to get close and a bit of fun and flirting in the great outdoors can feel like a bit of a spring clean!

If you book your wedding photography between now and the end of March I am including a free 'lifestyle'
shoot . If booking a couples portrait session I am offering a standard 'lifestyle' portrait session for £100 in a place of your choosing, including prints and a movie slideshow from the day.

If you want to have some fun, have a great day out, and do something a little different, then give me a shout

Wedding Photography in

Northern Ireland

e-mail: colin@colinturtle.co.uk
www.colinturtle.co.uk

Northern Ireland Wedding Venues

2011-02-10T03:27:00.000-08:00

OK folks so we are blessed in Northern Ireland in that there are literally hundreds of potential venues for your reception and ceremony. So I thought I might do a small series of articles on some of them.

These articles are just some basic notes and should not be considered to be any recommendation or otherwise of any particular venue they are simply some information that you might find useful in your quest for your ideal wedding.

So where to start: Well I might as well start close to home and cover the hotels around Ballymena, I will then expend to others in County Antrim and beyond. This is an ongoing project that will run for a few months .

Article on the first in the list to follow shortly

Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

SWPP Convention -- Shattered

2011-01-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

I have just got home on Monday evening after 5 exhausting days in London at the biggest photography convention in Europe.
This year I was honoured to be asked to take part as one of the guest speakers and to give two masterclasses. So I flew over for a total of 5 days .

While there I met with some of the icons of world photography and got to attend several lectures and mastercalsses given by others. I had a fantastic time though have to admit that I am now feeling totally exhausted. Though totally inspired and really looking forward to forthcoming weddings

Colin Turtle Northern Ireland Photographer
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Masterclass at 2011 Convention in London

2010-10-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that I will be taking part in the The Societies’ (SWPP) Convention 2011 which runs for a week in January 10, 2011 in London . I have been invited to hold masterclasses at the convention to discuss aspects of Wedding Photography in Northern Ireland and some of my experiences.

The Convention consists of a trade show, but also a feast of education, workshops and masterclasses.
It’s the biggest photographic convention in Europe so I am absolutely thrilled to be asked to take part.

The Societies’ CEO has described the agenda as ‘truly world-class’, the quality of our speakers is unsurpassed anywhere .

I have to admit to feeling more than a little intimidated to be taking part especially when you look at some of the world renouned speakers. I am also very concious that (to some extent) I will be 'representing' Northern Ireland.

Colin Turtle Northern Ireland Photographer
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Emma And Stephen Lissanoure Castle Wedding

2010-07-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time a few weeks back doing a pre-wedding shoot for Emma and Stephen.
It was a lot of fun and we got to know each other a bit better before their 'big day' which was last weekend.

I really enjoyed this brief shoot and it only filled me with anticipation about what was to come on the actual wedding day.

The venue for the wedding was St Saviours Parish Church in Conor and then this was followed by a reception at Lissanoure Castle. Thankfully the weather held up on the day and we managed to get some lovely shots. Emma and Stephen have received their broof book of images and are now deciding on the ones they would liek to include in their album.

The following is a little sample of what is to come:-

Colin Turtle Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer

http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Tips for your Wedding Photography

2010-06-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

Don't take chances.

You only get one chance at wedding photography so make so make sure you get a qualified photographer who is a member of a professional organisation. Uncle Bob might indeed have a good camera and be a decent photographer but there is a lot more to wedding photography than simply taking the pictures. Also your professional will have experience of several situarions and have equipment to deal with the weather etc. Also he must be fully qualified and insured.

Make sure you see complete albums of weddings and not just the best shot from lots of weddings or
portfolio training days.

Look at how everything is arranged and organised in the photographs. You will be spending a significant amount of money on your wedding and dress and you want everything to look great. Check the pictures for bits and pieced of debris that have not been noticed by the photographer. You want a photographer who notices all these things and address them quickly and properly.

Look at the how group shots are arranged. Inexperienced photographers will often fail to organize groups properly resulting in awkward and unsightly arrangements, or worse some people being hidden.

Consult with your photographer about time. It is better to allow too much time and have some free to spend with your guests rather than having a to rush and perhaps have to miss some of the photographs you wanted. As a general rule you need to leave roughly 3-4 hours from the start of the ceremony to the start of the meal plus driving time. This might seem like a lot but if you take out roughtly 60-80mins for the ceremony and allow for a couple of locations etc it is better to have a little extra time and have a relaxed approach rather than continually watching the clock to ensure you are on time for your meal. It also allows a bit of contingency for trafffic or possible breakdowns etc.

Have a alternative plan for your pictures in the event of bad weather or other problems.
Does your venue provide a room where pictures could be taken etc.

Think of the time of year. Remember in some months of the year it can be dark in early afternoon so the lovely gargens that you saw in August with the great blooms might not be possible if your wedding ceremony is at 1:30. I normally suggest that winter weddingd shoudl be as early as possible to allow for the limited time for outdoor shots.

Ideally the hairdresser and makeup artist to get the bride ready first before anyone else.
There are a number of good reasons for this.
1: You will be ready in plenty of time and can relax.
2: Your photographer will have time for bridal portraiture shots with you while the others are getting sorted.
3: It avoids the scenario where your photographer has to leave for the church without photographs of you ready
4: The photographer can 'stage' a few shots of you 'leaving home' etc

Ask your photographer if he can supply you with details of other weddings he has done that you could contact for feedback, though this shoudl not be a major factor.
(This might not be possible because not everyone will agree to having their details passed on. In addition no-one is going to give details of a reference unless they are fairly sure it will be a good one!, but it is still worth asking)

Wedding Photographer in Northern Ireland

www.colinturtle.co.uk

Orla and Paul at Garron Tower Engagement

2010-05-14T00:33:00.000-07:00

A wee while ago I had a mornings fun with Orla and Paul for a pre-wedding/engagement shoot. I had actually the pleasure of knowing Orla and Paul after covering Orlas sisters wedding in 2009 and must have done something right as they have booked me for their own wedding next year.

Anyway we headed off early one morning during the Easter holiday break to Garron Tower school near Carnlough a bit of fun. The following are a few of the shots that were taken

Colin Turtle Northern Ireland Photographer
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Engagement and Pre-Wedding Photographs

2010-05-13T23:47:00.001-07:00

A pre wedding or engagement shoot is a great way to get to know your photographer better. It is a chance to have a bit of fun and try out a few things so it builds a rapport and really helps you to relax in front of the camera, and have fun!
It also allows your photographer to get a feeling for the type of shots you enjoy and it also allows us to experiment a little and find out exactly what works best for you
Lifestyle shoots are very casual & relaxed and fun. It is a great chance to get out in the fresh air go for a walk and get great pictures!

Normally these would be scheduled as a weekday or evening session.

The location of the shoot is entirely up to you. It could be a garden or park. It might be somewhere that holds special significance to you. There are also a multitude of beautiful locations in Northern Ireland. It might be somewhere you go simply to walk the dog or ride your horse (if you have one) . On that front pets are also welcome (though I draw the line at lions and tigers).
Belfast Castle, Carrickfergus Castle, Dunluce Castle, Glenarm ,Various Beaches, Glenariff, Crawfordsburn, Roe Valley, Mussenden, Bishops Gate, Botanic Gardens, the list is endless.

In terms of what to wear my advice is always to wear what ever you feel most comfortable in and something practical. Casual outdoor clothing. Jeans are great, and sensible shoes. Stiletto heels and forest paths are not a good mix.
Dress according to the time of year and the weather we dont want anyone getting frostbite, it should be fun and enjoyable and it wont be if you are freezing.

Rain is not a problem as we can usually find some shelter and can always use an umbrella. Admittedly if there is a force 10 gale and it is blowing a blizzard we might have to reconsider our options. Dont work we wont do anything unsafe, unless YOU fancy your shots abseiling down a cliff!

Sometimes we also use a picture from your pre-wedding shoot and get a 'signing board' made. This can be taken to your wedding and all the guests sign the mounting board and the result can then be framed thus you have a totally unique picture for the wall with all your guests names etc.

You are under no obligation purchase any photographs from a pre wedding shoot -
unless you are so delighted you just cannot help yourself!

The pre wedding photoshoot is the perfect ice-breaker - and a great deal of fun!

Colin Turtle
Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Fun -Lifestyle Kids

2010-05-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

Kids generally get a bit intimidated and dont enjoy a formal portrait session so I love to simply let them go out and enjoy themselves having fun and then they really do not even notice the camera. Here are a few shot taken 'at play' in the Roe Vally Country Park.

Photographer in Northern Ireland
Colin Turtle
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Avoid the Stress

2009-12-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life and you will possibly have spent months and even years making the plans.
With all the planning etc that goes on it is very easy for what should be an enjoyable fun occasion to become very stressful.

However a little bit of planning and common sense can help ensure everything runs smoothly and as stress free as possible.
Bottom line is dont worry, the hotel,wedding photographer , florist, drivers etc are paid to do that for you.!!

Budget:
It is important to have a rough idea of your budget in mind and work out what you expect to spend in each area.Often this will change significantly but it is a good starting point. There is no point is looking at wonderful exotic flower arrangements for the entire bridal party if it would blow 90% of your entire budget.

Planning your guest list
At the initial planning stage try and work out a rough list of guests. This gives you an idea of approximate numbers attending the ceremony and the reception , this may be a deciding factor on where you have your reception.
Visit your venues and meet with the hotel to discuss your menu options and approximate numbers also agree the costs for each menu to ensure you are remaining within the budget.

Decide on your bridal party bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, ushers, flower girls etc..
This can often be an area of some contention as you dont want to leave some out for fear of offending etc. However you must know who will be on your bridal party before you can start considering the outfits.

The Girls
Dresses can be bought for very little or as much as you’re willing to pay , there are also plenty of places to hire on a limited budget.
Consider the style of the dress as it is important that it suits the bride in particular, however you should also what will look good on your bridesmaids etc.
Not all styles and colours will suit everyone. In all cases the bridesmaid’s dresses complement the brides dress but the brides dress is the most important.

Make-up
I would suggest that you get a professional make up artist for the day , no matter how confident you are it is one less thing to worry about .
A professional will be much more aware of what works and does not for wedding photographs and various skin tones .
It is important that the makeup does not look shiny or this will show up in the photographs. Arrange for someone to carry a small portion of makeup to
allow you to touch it up throughout the day

Hair
Your hairdresser or stylist will be able to make recommendation on a suitable style for you hair for the wedding this wmay also be impacted by the dress you have chosen.
It is worth having a couple of 'trial runs' to ensure you are comfortable with any style.

The Boys
Clothing the men is not really that difficult. Normall the men hire the suits in a sytle agreed with the bride and groom. Sot it is just a case of ensuring htat the correct sizes etc are
got and that the colours are appropriate. If you have decided on special outfits e.g. Highland wear ask the outfitters to demonstrate how it shoudl be worn etc
unless you are confident in this area yourself.

Insurance
I am often asked about my own professional insurance and can confirm that I am fully insured. However it is also worth you considering taking out wedding insurance, it is relatively inexpensive and will protect you in the case of any disasters, which may affect your wedding plans. Many people find it reassuring to have this insurance and there are many different providers who can arrange cover for you.

Colin Turtle
Northern Ireland Photographer
Colin Turtle Photography

About - Colin Turtle

2009-11-26T00:29:00.000-08:00

Even at school I was interested in photography and like most boys - cars. So I loved going to see car rallys and trying to get shots with my little camera. The I moved to SLRS and began to take people and landscapes (they did not move as quickly).

But it was really just a hobby until I got asked to cover a relatives wedding. That then led to being asked to do some others and it has progressed over the years from there . I now cover weddings and portraits as well as having a decent portfolio of Fine Art Landscapes.

All the information is available on my website www.colinturtle.co.uk

I live near Ballymena, Northern Ireland though I am happy to take work throught N.Ireland and beyond.
A wedding is a unique event and every wedding id different .It is a family day and all about the Bride and Groom so I try and make the photographic experience fun and enjoyable for you and your guests. So while a bit of structure is essential to ensure that your get the pictures you want I try and work in a fun and relaxed style and not to take too long. I also try and blend in a lot and take those candid shots that people are often not aware of. The result is a mix of photographs that capture the flow and emotion of your day.

Your albums can be either a traditional type album or one of the modern 'Storybook' style albums however in either case I design each album individually
so that every wedding album is unique.

You can find out more about my Wedding Photography Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer

I am a qualified member of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) and am fully insured.

I also love doing portraiture shots particularly 'lifestyle photography' sessions . This is where we go out on location and take a series photographs in a fun an relaxed manner . These are particularly effective for children where the formaility of a studio can ne a bit intimidating. Let them loos in the park or a woodland setting and they can have a ball resulting in some great images. Colour or the classic Black and white is your choice.
I also have a studion wher eI can undertake classioc portrait shots.

We all love to get out in the country and I love nothing more than heading off with the camer and tripod for some Landscape shots , the weather often does not accommodate. But when you get the right lighting and conditions the rewards can be some stunning fine art landscapes.

My Fine Art Landscapes are available to buy either by contacting me directly or via the website http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/group4783.html

All the various links to my site are as follows:

Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer
Northern Ireland Portrait Photographert
Fine Art Landscapes
Northern Ireland Commercial Photographer

Your wedding Day - Relax and Enjoy

2009-11-25T00:27:00.000-08:00

You will most likely have been planning your wedding day for months (if not years) and everything will have been planned and replanned so It is important to realise some important things.

Murphy's Law states 'Anything that can go wrong will go wrong' ...Now it is very unlikely that this is actually the case .However it is worth bearing in mind that there is a chance that something will go wrong at some point . The important thing is top relax and enjoy the whole day...there is nothing that can be done at this stage to change anything so dont worry about it. If someone forgets their lines or one of your flowergirls etc does not want to wear the dress simply take it with a smile and enjoy the day.

The weather can rarely be depended on but your photographer shoudl be able to get great shots whatever the weather and no-one can control the weather.
It is important to have contingency plans in place so taht if you have decided to go to a lovely Rose garden which is now under 6 inches of rain you have an alternative.

BUT DONT PANIC

This is one of the most important days in your life and it is usually a really busy day, so It is imprtant thay you take time to relax and enjoy the experience.
It is all about the bride and groom so let everyone else worry about things and simply enjoy the experience.

Your Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer will be more than hapy to discuss your requirements and options for your wedding photography

Colin Turtle
Northern Ireland Photographer
e-mail: info@colinturtle.co.uk
WWW.COLINTURTLE.CO.UK

Weddings - Getting Ready

2009-11-25T00:18:00.000-08:00

One of the things that is becoming more popular these days is photographs of the bride getting ready at home before the wedding.
While the thought of a photorapher being around before she has her make-up and hair done fills some brides with absolute terror
this does give your photographer the chance to grab some great candid shots and set the scene for the day.

It is your choice whether or not you wanty the photographer for this and also at what stage you feel happy for him to see you.
However it is worth noting that this is not always feasible as your photographer also has to get to the venue for pics of the groom etc.

Your Wedding Photographer will be able to discuss all this with you and also the timings etc. so that you get the shost you wish but without any intrusion.

It is worthwhile having these conversations as it avoids any embarassing situations for either of you.

The following are some of the shots that help to set the scene

Colin Turtle
Northern Ireland Photographer
e-mail: info@colinturtle.co.uk
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Colin Turtle Photography

2009-11-04T04:31:00.000-08:00

If you are getting married in Northern Ireland and want to find a wedding photographer who will
work with you and your guests to produce an album that captures the emotion and flow of your day
then look no further than Colin Turtle Photography.

Based just outside the village of Broughshane near Ballymena , Colin will happily cover weddings
throught Northern Ireland and indeed beyond.

So for a no obligation consultation just get in touch

Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer - Colin Turtle

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Guest Lecturer at International Conference

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New Wedding Album Collection

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Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

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New Studio

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Masterclass at 2011 Convention in London

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Tips for your Wedding Photography

Orla and Paul at Garron Tower Engagement

Engagement and Pre-Wedding Photographs

Fun -Lifestyle Kids

Avoid the Stress

About - Colin Turtle

Your wedding Day - Relax and Enjoy

Weddings - Getting Ready

Colin Turtle Photography