Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

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.

New Studio

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

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/

Your wedding Day - Relax and Enjoy

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