Winter wedding photography

More and more couples are deciding to get married in the winter months which is fantastic for them as there are obvious cost benefits to take into account, but for the poor photographer it can be a nightmare. Gales, dark skies, rain - oh what a wonderful set of images!!

So how do you get around it? Well, for a start, early planning is key. Visit the venue and look for all the sheltered places like archways, decorative doorways, even large tress, all these places are perfect for intimate and sometimes group shots. The crowd will work with you providing they believe you know what you are doing, which is where valuable pre-wedding day planning helps.

Always carry several large plain white umbrellas to act as shelter and these can also be used as props in photos. Experiment and have fun, the end shots will always capture the fun if you are organised.

As a member of The Master Photographers Association, (see: www.creativephotos.biz/weddings.html ) I regularly attend master classes and seminars on the latest photographic techniques, poses, lighting and business practices, and I have just been asked to search for a couple of models for the next meeting. I need a couple to pose for wedding images during the seminar which is on this coming Monday, so if you know anyone who can help, please get in touch.

Razzamataz

Recently we bought a theatre School franchise called Razzamataz and set it up here in our home town of Newton Abbot in Devon. It's been a great success mainly down to us taking charge of how we want to market it and the content of each lesson. We have arranged with various cabaret acts to come in and lecture for us as well as teaching the children social and talent based skills. Our second term started today and already we are the fourth highest earners in the UK business. Our teachers work hard and have some great input and the kids seem to be enjoying themselves - this is always proved when the enrol for another season.
Having just returned from a long weekend trip to Paris, visiting the sights and watching the stylish world go by in a variety of pavement cafes, it was a nice boost to come home and see more business come in for both Razzamataz and my photography business. I have just finished producing the cabaret publicity picture for a new artiste called Craig, who hopes to enter the cabaret circuit next year with his own brand of singing and comedy entertainment.