.
The day outside may not have got any less grey, but it just keeps getting more gorgeous here on the wedding blog.
.
This afternoon, as I mourn the loss of Downton Abbey from the TV Guide (although I hear welcome news of a Christmas special!), I am cheered by chatting to Brides Up North Featured Supplier and fabulous photographer Dominique of York Place Studios about the things that make the brother and sister duo tick and click.
.
.
.
.
How did you get into wedding photography and what are your qualifications?
.
Our grandfather was a huge photography enthusiast and was a massive inspiration in getting us both interested in photography. When he passed away he left me his Canon A1 – my first proper film camera! I pursued photography at college and went on to earn a 1st class honours degree in Photography, Video and Digital Imaging at Sunderland University while Liam studied Interactive Design at Lincoln, also earning a BA honours. I started out more in conceptual photography but when a photographer friend decided to retire and asked me if I would be interested in taking over his studio, Liam and I decided to join forces and set off on a new venture together.
.
.
.
.
Why wedding photography specifically?
.
Weddings are just amazing! I did my first one when I was 16 photographing a friend’s wedding and I just fell in love with them! Studio work is great but there’s nothing like the feeling you get capturing the most important day in two people’s lives. Everyone is so happy, the setting is always amazing and everyone looks at their absolute best; what more could a photographer ask for?! Seeing the look on the couple’s faces when you hand over their wedding album is a truly magical moment, and we love having the chance to capture such important memories in print forever.
.
.
.
.
What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?
.
Getting to work with amazing people and getting to be part of their special day! We like to really get to know our Brides and Grooms and hear their stories and have made some great friends in the process. We also love the creative opportunities that only happen at weddings; the emotion is so high and there are just so many beautiful moments to capture, it’s a really inspiring atmosphere.
.
.
.
.
How do you get couples to relax on the day?
.
We try to get to know our couples as much as we can before the day. Our meetings sometimes last for hours as we end up talking about everything under the sun and more often than not we get far too excited about all their plans! As part of our wedding package we offer an engagement shoot; a mini-shoot before the wedding which helps them to get used to the camera as well as get some more great shots! Also we’re there right from the start of the day photographing the bride and groom getting ready and I think that helps them to get used to us being there and lets them have some fun with us before the more serious part of the day begins.
.
.
.
.
Any advice to any brides who don’t like to have their picture taken?
.
Try to build a genuine rapport with your photographer before your wedding. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with them on the most important day of your lives so it’s really important that you get on well with them well and feel comfortable and relaxed with them. No matter how good a photographer is they are not going to be able to get that killer shot if you’re not happy being around them! Also make sure you’re photographer has the right style for you: if you hate having your picture taken then maybe go with someone who shoots more in a reportage style and blends into the background so you won’t even know they’re taking your picture.
.
.
.
.
What sort of makeup should a bride wear to look great in her pictures?
.
It obviously depends on the sort of style you’re going for and the design of the dress but generally I would say you want to keep it fresh and light, avoiding too many dark colours. Watch out for tan lines around the neck – most dresses are designed to show off and accentuate your neckline so you need to make sure your foundation is properly blended. If you’re not confident or unsure then use a makeup artist; there are some amazing makeup artists around that specialise in weddings and will ensure you look your absolute best.
.
.
.
.
Anything to avoid which might look bad in the wedding pictures?
.
If possible speak to the registrar or wedding coordinator beforehand and have them ask the guests not to use flash photography during the key moments (signing the register, cutting the cake) until the official photographer has taken a picture first. Multiple direct flashes take all the warmth out of the picture, flatten the image and highlight the less flattering features like sweat. Most professional photographers never have a flash pointed directly at their subjects for these reasons and registrars and coordinators are usually more than happy to accommodate this request.
.
.
.
.
Any really memorable weddings that you have captured?
.
We’ve photographed so many beautiful, incredibly emotional weddings it’s unbelievably difficult to pick one out! I guess the one that I found the most touching was an Indian wedding between Shahid and Adeela. Though the three day wedding was a huge and elaborate extravaganza, the actual Nikkah (Wedding ceremony) took place in Adeela’s parent’s bedroom in the house she grew up in, surrounded by their families. It was just such a private, intimate moment and to do it somewhere so personal, witnessed only by the people they hold dearest was something extraordinarily special. The emotion in that room was overwhelming and it was just such a privilege to be there.
.
.
.
.
Are you married?
.
I’m getting married next year and am unbelievably excited about it! My fiancé and I are in the process of getting all our plans together but after all these years being involved in weddings it’s a great feeling to finally be the bride!
.
.
.
.
Any funny stories to share?
.
At one wedding the band were preparing for the bride’s imminent arrival but their drummer had completely disappeared! It turns out he had gone to Scunthorpe instead of Scarborough! He arrived 5 minutes before the bride, and the panicked groom, best man and ushers all dived in to set up the drum kit as fast as they could and it was hilarious to watch them try to figure out what went where! At one point even Liam was getting involved! They finished seconds before the bride arrived but somehow managed to look cool and collected as the bride walked down the aisle to a magnificent sound!
.
.
.
.
What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
.
We absolutely love our job and spend every day perfecting and honing our craft. We strive to create iconic images that portray the true personality of our clients and record perfect memories that they can cherish for the rest of their lives. There’s two of us which ensures that we never miss a moment and allows us the flexibility to try angles and shots we simply couldn’t achieve on our own. We love meeting people, hearing their stories and really getting to know them, helping us to create the most personal, individually tailored images that we know our clients will simply adore.
.
.
.
.
What can a couple who book you expect on the day?
.
We’ll be there right from the start of the day to take some getting ready pictures. There’s two of us so Liam will normally go and shoot the groom’s preparations whilst I shoot the Bride. We’ll be there throughout capturing every moment of the day and (though we’re happy to do one or two posed images and any groups that you’d like us to photograph) we shoot mostly in a reportage style, blending into the background and capturing all the private little moments that happen during the day. Between the ceremony and reception we will normally take the couple off for some private photographs together and we will stay for as long as you’d like (normally the end of the first dance). Above all it’s your wedding and if there’s anything you’d particularly like to do we’re more than happy to accommodate it!
.
.
.
.
What is included in your "package"?
.
All day photography by two photographers, a DVD of high resolution images that you can print and share with your family and friends to your heart’s content, a permanent online slideshow and an engagement shoot. In addition we offer a beautiful range of handcrafted wedding albums to display your cherished memories forever.
.
Our basic package is £1400. Albums start at £295.
.
.
.
.
How can Brides Up North get in touch with you/ see more examples of your work?
.
On our Website: www.yorkplacestudios.co.uk
On our Blog: www.yorkplacestudios.co.uk/blog
On Facebook www.facebook.com/yorkplacestudios
On Twitter www.twitter.com/yorkplacestudio
.
.
Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2011 York Place Studios
York Place Studios is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
.
.
