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/
19 Oct 2010
22 Jul 2010
Emma And Stephen Lissanoure Castle Wedding
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.
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.
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The following is a little sample of what is to come:-
Colin Turtle Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer
16 Jun 2010
Tips for your Wedding Photography
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
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
14 May 2010
Orla and Paul at Garron Tower Engagement
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/
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/
13 May 2010
Engagement and Pre-Wedding Photographs
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/
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/
4 May 2010
Fun -Lifestyle Kids
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/
Photographer in Northern Ireland
Colin Turtle
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/
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