2011:Weddings in Bristol & Bath

It feels an age since my last blog, which is probably a reflection that I have not been spending enough time in the coffee shops of Clifton - don't you hate it when work gets in the way like that?! Anyway, apologies for the absence of my usual words of wisdom (or 'grumpy old man moments' as they have become known...). Its just that we are making so many changes to the business for next year - stunning new frames, a stylish new approach to the albums, perfect portraits and some great wedding capture changes - that I am failing miserably to keep up with the blog. Just to say, I don't think that will change until after Christmas but watch this space. Next year I am debating whether I can make a new years resolution to update everyday (other than holidays - may not have access to the site then) - so that's not a promise, but might become one.

In the meantime, thank you so much to all the couples who have booked over the past few weeks for next year - we have some absolutely fab weddings to look forward to. There are some spaces left, but for those of you planning September and October weddings especially do give us a call sooner rather than later, as the autumn is even busier than the summer right now!

Charity Donations

I'm just back from a networking breakfast (how many of these posts revolve around me eating & drinking somewhere???) and an interesting thought came up... The breakfast is £9 and the hosts asks that rather than give change that the £1 goes in the pot for charity. Today we raised £50 which seemed a lovely bonus from an event that is not 'fund raising' in the traditional sense. It posed the question whether I should try something similar - if each transaction - each reprint, wedding booking, portrait booking, etc that went through the business carried an optional £1 donation, which my business then 'price matched', we would get to a reasonable size donation without a great deal effort or pain!

But of course, people like the choice of where their money goes and it can put people on the spot if a donation is asked for... so what do you think? A great fund raising idea or best not to mix business and charity / fund raising? Do let me know...

Church Weddings

www.ndrewjacksonphotography.co.uk

As has been pointed out a number of times, this blog is rapidly turning into a tiny bit of a rant; or at least something of "soapbox corner" (think of it as my therapy!) but yesterday I was left wondering what is the next level down from a soapbox? (technically speaking, I guess its the ground, but you know what I mean)...maybe an "Its a Shame" Step...

We shot a wonderful wedding in the Cotswolds yesterday; the couple were lovely, 200 friendly guests and a church that was borderline Catherdral it was so spectacular - really beautiful, indeed everything a church wedding should be.

Except that the vicar refused permission for pictures to be taken during the service....so when the bride & groom look back on their photos the most important part of the day will be missing. The nervous looks, the father giving his daughter away, the exchange of rings, the first kiss, the joy of the occasion all missing. And by and large, it is a C of E issue; Roman Catholics are incredibly welcoming and really want to share the service and experience, Methodist services the same - but venture into a C of E church and it becomes a lottery. Some churches are wonderful, with a ready welcome and are a real joy to experience (All Saints in Clevedon as a great example of the warm welcome extended to visitors) but others are noticeably less so.

Photography in church is always a delicate balance - after all, it is hugely distracting to see a photographer moving around or firing a flash or intruding on the occasion in any way. But those of you reading this whose weddings we captured, will know how discreet we can be - no flash, no moving around and considerable respect for the occasion. So this isn't a rant as such, or even a soapbox moment - but it is such a shame that some vicars don't reflect upon the legacy that images from the service produce and who can't find the a compromise that maintains the integrity of the occasion without depriving the couple of such wonderful memories.