Peter Thomas Photography: The Blog

As part of the regular ‘Favourite Pics’ series, here are the first batch of my favourite pictures, all taken during April 2009. There are plenty more for part 2 – but I need to wait until the couples are back from honeymoon and give permission!

1. Deborah & Joe
Really enjoyed my time with Deborah & Joe  - here are a few black & whites. I really like this contrasty look. It was also good to catch up with Deborah’s sister who’s wedding I did last year.

2. Louise & Ryan
Another great day at the Dunadry – and probably the most organised couple in the world – the album has already gone to print!!

Above: This is the sort of documentary photo I love to take. It probably won’t make its way into the album, but its a great memory of a bridesmaid opening a gift she just received from the bride.

Above: the choir make a guard of honour on the way out of the church. Another nice documentary style shot.

Above: making the most of the rain – the trusty Peter Thomas umbrella comes into action!

3. Jackie & Joanne
My most local wedding recently (Whitehead & Greenisland), we had good fun down in HazelBank park. Great couple.

Above: men are often forgotten at weddings – and the bride gets all the attention. So at every wedding, I’m now trying to get a few really good pictures of the men. This one is in an interesting location – but I love the urban feel from the old grafitti.

Above: the first dance. Totally unscripted – they look totally in love!

Above: just to show you a fun storybook page layout. Makes you smile – job done!

4. Ian & Lorna
From a local wedding to the opposite extreme – I went through an entire tank of petrol at this wedding in Limavady & Ballybofey! A lovely service and a great location in Browns Gardens in Limavady. We just about beat the rain!

Above: A little bit of a ‘quirky’ image in panoramic – but I have to say I quite like it!

Above: as always the detail shots are important reminders of the day

So there you go – my favourite pictures in April 2009. They are all available for viewing at http://www.peterthomasphotography.com . Hope you like them – let me know! Part 2 coming in a week or two!

Peter Thomas Crymble Favourite Pictures Add new tag, ballybofey, dunadry, greenisland, knockagh lodge, limavady, northern ireland, photographs, wedding, whitehead

If there is one photograph that almost always makes its way into a wedding album, its the signing of the register. It captures that moment where a couple legally become man and wife!

Let me start by saying that when it comes to planning something like the Signing of the Register, there are no rights and no wrongs. Some churches are quite prescriptive and so you may not have a choice. You may also want the table to look a particular way.

The following is simply a few things to look out for, which will make your photographers job a little easier. Of course, a full-time, professional photographer will be able to make a good photograph out of most situations.

So here goes:

1. Watch out for large floral arrangements.

While a large floral arrangement on the table may look good and blend in with the rest of the colours, it can often hide the registry document. If you have flowers, they are often best placed off to the side (like above). If they are in the middle, the congregation often can only see the bride and a large bunch of flowers. The pen and register are completely hidden. This forces the photographer to stand on a chair or take the photograph at an unusual angle.

2. Buy a decent pen!
This is probably one of the most important documents you will ever sign! Quite often the minister / clergy / priest will bring a pen – and you would be surprised how often it is a cheap biro! You may wish to purchase a good quality pen, at least for the photographs. I always try to carry a good quality, silver pen with me to use for the photographs.

3. The Table
There is some personal preference in this – but I find that the best signing of the register photographs are taken when the bride is seated at a table. Many churches do the signing of the register while standing at a bench. This is fine but just something for you to think through.

4. Location
This one is entirely up to you! Some people like to sign the register in the main church, allowing the congregation to watch and take photographs. Others prefer to take a breather and sign in a side room. I’m not going to outline the pros and cons of both – its a personal decision.

5. The Background
Wherever you decide to sign the register, just take a moment and look at the background. Is it a pleasing background? Is there something in the way that could be removed? Often these photographs are taken in minister’s offices – and there are often posters, photocopiers, computers etc. in the background. Often a small change in the position of the table can make for a much nicer photograph.

A plain room off to the side of the church - yet a pleasing image. The bride is relaxed - note the quality pen and brides bouquet off to the side! Photograph by Peter Thomas Photography

And finally….
Don’t worry! Ask your photographer for direction and be safe in the knowledge that a professional photographer has probably seen it all before. Remember that the Signing of the Register is only a small part of the day – so no point in stressing too much about it!

Peter Thomas Crymble Getting Ready - Wedding Photography Tips pen, photographer, photography, signing of the register, wedding

Our new online reprints system is up and running. You can now purchase prints online, in a variety of sizes.

When viewing your wedding online in the Client Area, click on ‘View all photos’. You will notice a small ‘buy’ link below each photograph. The rest should be self explanatory! This system is currently only for prints – if you would like to purchase canvas, framed enlargements, DVDs or other items, simply call us on 0800 6129 569.

Simply click the 'buy' button when browsing your photographs online

All of our reprints are printed by a professional lab – and each one is individually retouched and colour corrected to ensure the highest quality possible.

We can now also accept credit card payments for all purchases up to £400. You can use this facility over the phone or in our office.

Update: version 1.1 is now live – you can now choose the colour of photograph (black and white etc) and we added a comments field.

Update: 05/04/2009 –  version 1.2 added canvas prints and fixed some silly issues with Internet Explorer.

Peter Thomas Crymble News reprints, website

I regularly get asked questions such as ‘what makes you different’ or ‘what makes your packages attractive’?. So this is the first article in a short series which takes a look at answering those questions. Its not based on my perceptions – rather I’ve based it on a simple premise – things which people mention when they ring me up.

Firstly, people often mention ‘The Box’. This little box isn’t special in itself, but I have to say that brides simply love whats inside. Let me explain.

1. 6×4 prints of all the pictures.
I believe that couples should have their photographs in their hands. They shouldn’t have to load up a CD or play a DVD – the good old fashioned way is the best. I print all the photographs (normally 300-350). Brides comment that it helps them when picking their album – its simply easier to pick your favourite photographs when you can put them out on a table and compare. Secondly, after their album is picked most brides put these 6×4prints into a small album of there own.

2. Album mock-up
Relatively unique to Peter Thomas Photography, we spend a great deal of time creating a mock album-layout for you. Its simply our ideas as to what will look good. Its a great start and usually speeds up the process. Of course, you are welcome to change it as much or as little as you like!

3. The DVD Collection
At the moment, the Box includes 2 DVDs. Firstly (and for a limited time only), we are including the actual files on DVD. This allows you to do your own reprints should you wish to. It also allows you to email photos to friends, put them on facebook – whatever you want! Secondly, we include a DVD slideshow of all your photographs to music. Many couples choose a few songs- often the first dance and a few songs that mean something special.

Conclusion
So there you go – you’ve been introduced to The Box! It’s lovely to get something into your hand when you get back from honeymoon. While you choose your album photographs, you’ll still have something worthwhile to show friends and family.

Peter Thomas Crymble Famous little things 6x4 prints, album, dvd, JPG files, wedding photography, weddings

Over the last few years, I have noticed a real increase in the number of people getting married during the winter. In particular, Christmas and New Year weddings have blossomed. There are many reasons to get married in winter including:

• Increased availability – get married more quickly by choosing a winter date, especially mid-week
• Hotel rates are sometimes cheaper – honeymoons may also be less expensive but you typically have to go further for sun.
• Photographs have a distinct winter feel – with crisp sunlight and beautiful reds and greens
• Getting holidays from work is often easier – especially if you are a teacher

I often get asked about the feasibility of winter weddings, so here’s a brief article on preparing for a winter wedding. With a little thought, winter weddings are absolutely great – indeed I got married on a cold January’s day myself!

1. Wrap up warm!
Many wedding dresses are strapless with short arms – not always so practical for a cold winters day. Brides – look for matching coats or wraps, men – ensure you hire a warm suit. You can always take a layer off should you become too warm!

One brides uses a small coat to good effect (Photo: Peter Thomas Photography, Oct 2008)

2.  Location Location Location
While a professional wedding photographer can make the most out of any location and still produce great results, here are a few ideas for your winter wedding. Often hotels with open fireplaces keep the guests happy and make ideal photograph locations. Between November and February there is a good chance the weather won’t be good, so think about the practicalities of indoor photographs. Is there somewhere for group photographs? Are there any unique features? If you’ve already booked your location don’t worry – a professional photographer can make alot out of very little!

3. Check out the Christmas Decorations
Hotels often put Christmas decorations up early – so be sure to ask what the hotel does for the festive season. I often use christmas decorations as seasonal backdrops for my pictures, but you may regard early november as too early for Christmas! If you are having a civil ceremony in the hotel, be sure to ask about decorations in the room.

4. Timing
After the clocks change in October, there is limited time to get your photographs taken outdoors. As a general rule of thumb, light starts to fade around 3.30pm. Having said that, you might be fortunate and have a nice, bright day. If  you want the majority of your photographs outdoors, its often best to schedule your wedding early. 12 noon is a popular time. In late February/March, you will have until about 4.30pm before the light fades. If an early wedding isn’t possible, don’t worry – your photographer can take a few photographs outdoors and leave the rest for inside. If your wedding is later, you might consider allowing your photographer to attend the ‘brides house’ before hand to get some outdoor photographs of the bride, bridesmaids and parents.

New Years Eve 2008 in Belfast City Centre (photo: Peter Thomas Photography)

5. A Cuppa Tea goes a long way
Your guests will feel the cold too – so why not provide a tea or coffee mid-afternoon. Hot punch can work well during the festive season.

6. Think about the bridal party
You will hopefully be pumped with joy and adrenaline – chances are you won’t feel the cold too much! But spare a thought for your bridal party. Ask your photographer if he/she can take the bridal party photographs first, allowing them to go inside quickly. Don’t have them standing around outside for long periods of time. Be especially aware of page-boys and flower girls. It is often a good idea to bring along normal coats which can be removed for the photographs.

Keeping the Bridal Party comfortable results in great photographs (photo: Peter Thomas Photography, Feb 2009)

7. And finally…
Have a great time!! If I’m your photographer, please feel free to call with any questions or comments. If anyone reading this has other ideas or suggestions, just let me know!

Peter Thomas Crymble Getting Ready - Wedding Photography Tips wedding dress, wedding photography, winter

When I twittered last week that I was going out to take a few pictures of daffodils for an upcoming calendar, a few people asked to see the pictures. Well I’m not going to post the one that is probably going into the calendar, but here are a few.

They were all taken using natural light, a reflector and/or diffuser and my trusty Nikon D3. The location is Loughshore, Jordanstown.

Gothic Daffodils - I had some fun with this!

All alone

Some strange lighting on this one! Fun with my new reflectors!

Greenery

In full bloom

Peter Thomas Crymble Random Pictures flowers, jordanstown

Meet our competition winners!

Fabio and Nicola

Fabio and Nicola from Belfast entered our competition at the Kings Hall Wedding Fayre. Little did they realise that they would win our Diamond Package! The prize includes a storybook album and 4 parent books.

I recently met up with Fabio & Nicola, and they were delighted with the prize! The wedding is in May 2010 at Castle Leslie.

Fabio and Nicola look through a storybook similar to the one they won.

Peter Thomas Crymble News carrickfergus, clarion hotel, competition, kings hall, wedding fayre, wedding photography

To celebrate the launch of our new website, we are running a competition to win your wedding photographs!

The lucky couple will win our fantastic Diamond package which includes:

• Full wedding day coverage with Peter
• 6×4 prints of all the photographs taken
• a DVD show-reel to the music of your choice
• a 25×35cm Storybook album
• 4x 10×13cm Pocket Books

The competition is open to everyone – so why not enter here.

Peter Thomas Crymble News competition, kings hall, News, wedding fayre, wedding photography, weddings

Over the next few weeks, I’m attending a few wedding fayres and exhibitions.

Clarion Hotel, Carrickfergus
This Sunday 22nd, we’ll be exhibiting at the Clarion Hotel in Carrickfergus. The show opens at 2pm.

Focus Photography Show
On Wednesday 25th I’m traveling to Birmingham for the Focus Photography show to have a look at the latest albums and products.

Kings Hall
I’m exhibiting at the Kings Hall Wedding Fayre 27Feb – 1st March.

The times are:
Friday 27th February: 3-8pm
Saturday 28th February: 12-6pm
Sunday 1st March: 12-6pm

You can buy discount tickets at £8 from the organisers here

Pop in and say hello!
If you are planning to go to any of them – make sure and say hi!

Peter Thomas Crymble News carrickfergus, clarion hotel, kings hall, News, wedding fayre, weddings

The first of another regular series, we’ll post our favourite pictures of the last 4 weeks. Rather than show some pictures of weddings this month, I thought I’d post a few snow pictures.

Just outside Carrickfergus

Woodburn Resevoir, Carrickfergus

The view from Knockagh, Greenisland

Abstract Snow & Sky, taken in Carrickfergus

All pictures above Copyright Peter Thomas Photography 2009

Peter Thomas Crymble Favourite Pictures favourite pics, snow