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When I saw the photograph of the excited groom above, I knew that I was going to love David West Photography’s work. This has to be one of my favourite wedding images of all time, and believe me, in this line of work – I see a lot!
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This morning, the talented David West Photography shares a selection of his work and talks about his passion for photography, why he loves weddings and why he always packs a spare pair of trousers…
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Yes, you read that right.
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How did you get into wedding photography?
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I spent the last 20+ years as a computer graphic artist, making computer games for the likes of Nintendo and Atari ( remember them?). It seems so long ago now and I guess it was, I’ve been using Photoshop since version 1 and editing digital images for same amount of time. To cut a long story short I rose through the ranks to running the art studio, where I worked on everything from animations to photography.
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Although I loved my job I wasn’t getting any younger and the thought of being stuck behind a desk was just too depressing so I decided to bite the bullet, and move onto something that not only got me out from behind the desk, but got me outside in the elusive sunshine and let me continue being creative… it was a no brainer.
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Why wedding photography specifically?
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Good question… wedding photography was and is by far the most stressful and difficult to master, but once you do, you can do anything. I LOVE to capture emotion – true emotion is quite rare and you’ve got to be in right place to capture it, being a wedding photographer gives me in the best seat in the house.
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What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?
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It has to be seeing everything from such a unique point of view, how many people get to go see what I see? I get to see things no one else is privy to and I get to tell the story in my own words (or pictures). I get to see the bride as she waits nervously with her friends, I see the intimate moments of her with her father, both the laughter and tears. The bumbling groom, as he checks his watch and tightens his lips trying to convince himself and everyone else that he really isn’t nervous at all… and above all else the way now and again, you catch them look at each other in such a way. That’s magic and I actually get paid to photograph it.
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How do you get couples to relax on the day?
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I have quite a strong personality, but equally I know my place. I can fit into most situations and change my persona to fit the mood. I’ll be jolly and friendly, I’ll mix and talk with the guests, I’ll NEVER be bossy and I will offer any advice and help when I can. If we have been on an “EShoot”, they will already be relaxed about the photos anyway.
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Any advice to any brides who don’t like to have their picture taken?
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I would definitely recommend they attend an “Eshoot”, that way we can all become familiar with the the way I work, I get to know what their likes and dislikes are, more importantly their comfort zone and the boundaries of it. When it comes to the big day, they already know me a little more and what to expect, although we won’t exactly be friends we will certainly be friendly and any inhibitions would have faded if not disappeared altogether!
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What sort of makeup should a bride wear to look great in her pictures?
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I would leave that one up to the makeup artist, but a foundation that leaves the skin without a shine is essential to avoid specular highlights.
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Which celebrity wedding would you most like to photograph and why?
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Hmmm… from an aesthetic point of view it would have to be the Beckhams (for obvious reasons!) but for a fun day I would most certainly say Keith Lemon …now that would be a hoot………………POTATOES!
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Any memorable weddings that you have captured?
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I would have to say each have been very special in their own way, although it has been known for me to get a watery eye behind the camera on the odd occasion.
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Are you married?
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No I’m not! Believe it or not, I did propose, but we had just moved in together in our first house and we didn’t have a lot of money, so I gave her the choice of double glazing or marriage. Lets just say we don’t have any more draughts!
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Any funny stories to share?
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Oh dear! Yes, quite recent actually, I was photographing a wedding at Headlam Hall. I was down in the grounds photographing some portraiture shots of the couple when I suddenly saw a shot I wanted from a very low angle, instead of lowering myself down to my ankles gently, not wanting to miss that “must have” shot I decided to get down as quickly as possible: bad, bad idea!
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I don’t know a great deal about physics but the speed I fell to my ankles was way too much for my trousers to withstand, they didn’t tear, they literally burst (mum would be proud to know I had clean underwear on)! A true professional, knowing the show must go on… I continued to shoot, they where Calvin Klein after all which slightly lessened the embarrassment.
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Although the photos I got where not the initial “must have shots” I planned, I shrugged it off and pretended it wasn’t the worse day of my life with a “hey this happens all the time” attitude.
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Both Charlotte and Duncan (the Bride & Groom) were brilliant, they couldn’t stop laughing, resulting in great pictures and VERY memorable day.
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She went on to tell EVERYONE at the wedding breakfast much to their amusement. Oh how I laughed… not!
I do owe a MASSIVE thank you to Headlam Hall who very kindly gave me a pair of trousers (one size to small I may add) for which I am and will be, eternally grateful. Lesson learned, I now not only take a spare shirt with me to every wedding, i know pack an extra pair of trousers too!
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What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
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From I have been told, apparently I’m normal. I have fun , I’m very easy to get along with and I aim to please the couple as well as their guests and not myself. I’m not only a professional photographer but a professional graphic artist to boot giving me the design skills to make beautiful eye catching albums. I know my way around Photoshop and graphic manipulation very well. I wouldn’t say it sets me apart but it does give me an advantage over a lot of others.
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What can a couple who book you expect on the day?
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Bursting trousers! Seriously though, a very personable professional who will strive to get the very best that the day has to offer. I deliver the very best in service and product. Oh,and an ear…. if they need it!
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What is included in your "package"?
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This really depends on what package you go for, I offer everything from DVDs to albums and even an Ipad2 with your images on it.
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Can you give us an idea on price?
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My prices range from £845 for a CD package up to £2000 (subject to change very soon).
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How can Brides Up North get in touch with you or see more examples of your work?
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They can visit my web page www.davidwestphotography.co.uk
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I update my blog on a regular basis (probably the best place to see more current images) www.davidwestphotography.co.uk/blog
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Or email me info@davidwestphotography.co.uk or phone on 07403418356.
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Anything else we should know?
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I don’t have any limitations on my boundaries, I photograph anywhere in the UK and beyond! I don’t smoke and I’m house trained!
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2011 David West Photography
David West Photography is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
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