This afternoon on the blog we’re delighted to be catching up with one of our fabulous Sponsors, Mark Newton Wedding Photography.
Based in Yorkshire, Mark is super passionate about capturing weddings in a natural and relaxed manner, whilst making sure the bride and groom thorough enjoy their big day without being swept away from the action.
So, if you’re looking a contemporary fine art wedding photographer who takes images in a story telling, documentary style to create memories that will last forever – this is your guy!
Furthermore, as a special Christmas present, Mark is offering Brides Up North readers who are tying the knot in 2017, £100 off his standard package. Just mention “BUN16” when getting in touch. As it’s a Christmas deal bookings must be made before 31st December 2016, so don’t delay!
We’ll now hand over the blog to the main man himself to tell us more about is photography style and what it is about weddings that’s got him hooked…
Tell us a little about your background and how long you have been in wedding photography for?
mark says:
My background is in music and editorial photography; I’ve been shooting portrait and documentary photography for quite a while. My first wedding was for a couple who’s band I had shot a range of promotional images for, and they really wanted someone who was coming with a more modern approach so asked me if I was interested, I jumped at the chance and have never looked back!What initially attracted you to wedding photography?
After shooting my first wedding I was hooked. Every wedding day is so different and reflects each couple, it’s great being able to document such a special day. The fact that no two weddings are the same keeps me telling the story of each couple, capturing what makes their day unique.
And what is it about your job that you love?
I love being able to capture and create memories that will last a lifetime. I want the pictures to remind couples how they felt on the wedding day. It’s wonderful being able to meet so many people and have such an important role in their wedding.
How would you describe your style of wedding photography?
My style is natural and relaxed, for me it’s about capturing the day as it happens. I keep my eyes open for the fun and emotional moments that happen unexpectedly as well as recording the main elements. My way of working lets the couples enjoy their day while still getting the all important portraits.
What do your clients love about your approach, service and images?
The feedback from the couples is great, everyone really likes the relaxed approach and often comments on how many of their favourite pictures they don’t even remember being taken. Everyone loves not only having the feelings brought back in images they remember but also seeing things that they missed on the day as well.
What is the top piece of advice you would give to camera shy couples and how do you help them to relax in front of the lens?
The best piece of advice is to not worry about the camera, on the wedding day you’ll be having so much fun, and enjoying the day you won’t even notice most of the pictures being taken. As part of my package I include an engagement shoot, which is a good way of getting used to being in front of the camera. It’s a little scary at first but five minutes into the shoot you’ll see how easy it is. There’s no stuffy posing, we’ll just wander, chat and shoot some pictures of you both looking ace!
You have just launched a new website, can you tell us a little about it?
I’ve worked on my new website to ensure that the images are showcased. I wanted to make sure that I show my style of photography so couples can easily get an idea of how I approach a wedding. It’s also been a big part to make sure that it works well on tablets and mobile devices so that it’s easy to have a good look wherever you are.
Your website shows that you have captured a diverse range of weddings but are there any in particular that stand out to you?
I’m a big fan of shooting at different locations, and so many stand out for me. I’ve recently blogged Hannah and Dave’s wedding, which was a really good fun day to photograph. They wanted the day to be super relaxed and loads of fun so they went for an outdoor ceremony, and included plenty of traditions, such as jumping the broom, and tying the knot. The reception was in a walled garden with tipis, and a big fun-filled celebration, with plenty of games for people to play, and a massive bonfire that was lit between the band’s set. The day was just as they wanted with everyone getting involved and enjoying themselves with new and old friends.
As a fan of travelling where would be your dream location to shoot at wedding that you’ve not had chance to do yet?
There’s so many to pick from, but being a big fan of urban weddings and Danish design, I’d love to get back to Copenhagen to shoot a wedding. The clean and clear styling would be great to shoot a couple with. I’d also love to get over to Italy to shoot with the beautiful architecture, countryside and stunning light.
Tell us briefly about your wedding day – where it took place and the styling? Were you at all nervous about being on the other side of the camera?
We got married at Victoria Baths in Manchester. Having the ceremony in one of the pools with a selection of mismatched chairs and some old doors and fireplaces at the front (the pools no longer have any water in!), for the wedding breakfast we really wanted to have one long table, luckily the baths is big enough to fit an epic sized single table in. Overall we had a super relaxed day, featuring some posters we screen-printed as favours, loads of our favourite craft beers and even a post meal quiz. For the evening, we moved into another room for plenty of dancing fun and a big cake table for feasting on made by the ace folks over at Thyme Out Deli.
Being on the other side of the camera really brought home how important it is to enjoy your wedding day by spending as much time with friends and family and plenty of the fave pictures are of the little moments that happened that I didn’t spot. I couldn’t not take any photos so did have an old polaroid camera that I snapped a few shots with during the day!
What do you think are the most important elements for couples to bear in mind when deciding on a wedding photographer to capture their day?
I think the main thing to consider is the style of photographer they are going for, and to look at pictures from some different weddings. By looking at images from a few different weddings it’s easy to see what my style is like at different locations and with different people. Don’t worry about asking to see more pictures!
What can couples who book you expect on the day?
My main aim as a wedding photographer is to document a couples wedding day in a natural, relaxed way. I want everyone to enjoy the day and celebrate as much as possible. So to help with this I keep everything super chilled and make sure the day is spent enjoying yourselves with friends and family. I’ll dive in and help out where needed, but mostly I want to document the day naturally. I’ll make sure group shots are as quick as possible to get you back to the fun stuff, and try and find times in the day where the least is happening to shoot the portraits. No taking couples away, I want them enjoying the canapés and drinks!
What is included in your photography package?
With there being so many decisions to be made when planning a wedding I’ve made it so that my package is as simple as possible. I offer one that includes everything couples need from a photographer. That’s full day coverage from bridal preparation through to the evening party, pre-wedding shoot, all the images supplied on a custom USB and well as an online gallery. Although I do understand that people have different needs so I am always willing to put together individual packages to suit couples that might need something different.
Can you give us an idea on price and can you do a discount for Brides Up North readers?
As a special Christmas deal for Brides Up North readers, I’ll be offering £100 off my standard package for anyone getting married in 2017. Just mention BUN16 when getting in touch, as it’s a Christmas deal bookings must be made before 31st December 2016.
How can Brides Up North readers get in touch with you/see more examples of your work?
I’ve got plenty of my work from previous weddings over at www.marknewtonweddings.co.uk and also post work regularly on my Instagram account.
