This afternoon I’m honoured to introduce you to Ben and Lynn Walker, a wonderful couple and a pair of very talented photographers, who work together to capture wedding days beautifully and authentically. Together they make up Walker & Walker Photographers and are joining the Northern Revolution as brand new Brides Up North Featured Suppliers.
I’m busy working behind the scenes on some changes to the blog and wedding directory to make your whole experience here at Brides Up North slicker and prettier still, and I’d love to hear from you with any suggestions or requests to julia@bridesupnorth.co.uk. It’ll still be Brides Up North as you know and love it (there’s nothing more annoying than when your favourite blog gets a complete redesign, I know!) just more interactive, updated and user friendly – watch out for the new look Brides Up North this Autumn.
In the meantime, our newest addition have got some special treats for Brides Up North readers up their sleeves! For anyone wishing to book through Brides Up North for a 2013/2014 wedding they would like to offer an exclusive introduction discount of 10% off their half/full day service as well as a free mounted engagement image signboard for the couple and their guests to sign. Please quote Brides Up North when booking.
How did you get into wedding photography?
Without seeming pretentious, we had a friend who was an amazing and very talented wedding photographer. Whilst being involved with our own photography projects in 1992, we had the opportunity to hang out, watch and learn to really grasp and appreciate his skill. We fell in love with the genre because his imagery involved capturing such joy and we felt we could and wanted to be a part of such wonderful moments. We felt that the attitude of some wedding photographers was lazy and in our opinion, was damaging the reputation and image of the social photographer, so we planned to kick a few people into touch by reinventing the standard and it worked. Everyone in the industry within East Yorkshire definitely tries a heck of a lot harder as we set the standard very high! Those that haven’t evolved have fallen by the wayside.
Why wedding photography specifically?
We enjoy giving those that need it, a confidence boost. When couples feel good about themselves, it opens the door to their heart and souls and we enter without the couple being aware that they’ve given anything at all! It’s a skill that not many people possess but is essential to capture shots with genuine emotion. It’s all about the love, passion and raw emotion and we truly share that through our collective thoughts.
How do you get couples to relax on the day?
Its important to keep a cool calm exterior and be totally relaxed about everything on the day. We usually have completed all of our " Jedi mind tricks", during the engagement shoot where the couple see how we work, what we can collaborate with and how their unique dynamic works. It’s about being able to translate and judge exactly what’s right for them and its a thoroughly enjoyable process.
Any advice to any brides who don’t like to have their picture taken?
Our advice is not to worry. We are very good at extracting your elements. There’s no such thing as a non photogenic bride. It’s all about attitude and faith in our skill and by the end of our journey you will leave the whole experience with a whole new perception of yourself. We work so well with ‘ordinary’ people that we have often been accused of using models (e.g. in a workshop environment) which we never have yet.
What sort of makeup should a bride wear to look great in her pictures?
Personally we don’t mind what makeup is worn as long as the bride is comfortable. Sometimes problems happen when the bride will wear something she’s not used to, for example false eyelashes, which can irritate. We prefer the bride to have their makeup professionally applied as it creates some lovely moments and the bride can relax, but its no problem if the bride wants to apply her own makeup for the day.
Anything to avoid which might look bad in the wedding pictures?
Nothing ever deters us from capturing beautiful shots. We simply evolve and find new avenues. In our years of shooting weddings it has always been the elements that are beyond anyone’s control that can spoil shots, such as the time of day, the nightmare vicar who wont allow any shots in church and of course fluorescent lighting. Another point which we feel is really important especially in non exclusive venues (the ones that are available to the general public) is to make sure that the venue has control of the general public to avoid photo bombers. The general public are our biggest concern, as waiting for them to disappear out of shot can scupper timing and create lots of unnecessary post work or worst case scenario, ruin perfectly useable shots.
Which wedding would you most like to photograph and why?
We like creative, like minded people so artists of any kind would be great. We’re huge fans of naturally gifted people as they bring the most to the table.
Are you married?
Yes we are a married couple and have been since 1995. We have known each other for a long time before we married as we went to the same school and began our relationship in 1992. We had hail, snow, rain and sun all on the same day. Our choice was the registry office as neither of us had been christened and the churches hadn’t relaxed the rules by this point.
Any funny stories to share?
There’s so many and they are usually at our own expense. There’s one from May where we were shooting a wedding at the Charnwood hotel in Blythe. Lynn’s a huge fan of slapstick comedy moments and true to form, in his eagerness to follow the groom, Ben hadn’t noticed a lip on the stairs and tripped in what felt like slow motion, ran face first into a wall. Despite suffering a concussion (and tearing his trousers) he was as pleased as punch that he had saved his cameras from inevitable destruction. Everyone was thoroughly impressed with the golf ball welt on his head and it remained a talking point for the entire day.
What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
We feel what sets us apart is that we are very understated and unsuspecting. We keep true to our style and modest as we prefer our work to do the talking. We don’t strive to fit a photographer stereotype. We are time served experienced. We strive for individuality, not formula to deliver a unique and unrepeatable set of events. All of our clients deserve to be captured looking and feeling like they are the most important people on the planet and we become completely absorbed in the moment.
What can a couple who book you expect on the day?
The knowledge that they have safeguarded the most memorable day in their journey of life as a couple. The work is as close to us as we are to each other and we live for photographing people. It’s a true vocation in the real sense of the word.
What is included in your "package"?
Our package is based on date, time and finished images on a disk. We insist on an engagement shoot and is an inclusive extra. We can produce albums and all the trimmings but are not essential.
Prices start from £650 for a weekday elope or small wedding, half and full day services start from £900 and include travel within England. Travel outside England and UK is on request and extra days can be added. Prices on request.
Can you do a discount for Brides Up North readers?
For anyone wishing to book through Brides Up North for a 2013/2014 wedding we would like to offer an exclusive introduction discount of 10% off our half/full day service.
Our exclusive continuous offer would be for a mounted engagement image signboard for the couple and their guests to sign and is open to everyone who is looking to book us through Brides Up North. Please quote Brides Up North when booking.
Anything else we should know?
We are also commercial and portraiture photographers. This is a good opportunity for prospective clients to see how we work. 90% of our clients who book us for their wedding have already met us through commercial projects or portraiture, or know someone who has recommended us.
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How can Brides Up North get in touch with you or see more examples of your work?
You can get in touch with us at www.wwphoto.co.uk, by email, Facebook or telephoning 07549 531830. Alternatively we can meet up at a time or place which is mutually convenient. If you fancy a trip to the coast to meet us, we would love to meet you at our favourite coffee house and we can have an informal chat. The choice is yours.
Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 Walker & Walker Photographers
Walker & Walker Photographers is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier and this is a sponsored post
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
