Posing.. ! Do it well do it right!! A photographers insight to getting well posed pictures.

I am a wedding and portrait photographer... And I am starting this blog with a bit of a rant... so sorry in advance!!

I don't mean to rant and I am not saying my work is by any means perfect

( I to am constantly challenging, changing and perfecting what I do).

 I know the time constraints of weddings.. and you don't always have the time to be overly fussy regarding posing... but do you??? ....... should you take more time to make those finer details your finishing touches??

There are some brilliant photographers out there that show documentary photography in a whole new light. They think fast and move fast. But they don't sacrifice composition, lighting or framing. So then why am I seeing this steady flow on badly composed images, positioning, lighting... Grrr! It really does grinds my gears...

While I am  very much pro about training and educating yourself in your craft.. I do know that there are self taught photographers out there that have a natural eye and ability. But unfortunately since the rise of affordable DSLRs, I have started to see influx of images that  totally frustrate me. Because they are poorly managed in both lighting and composition... and yet they could be so much more with a little finesse and patience. So stop clicking your shutter thinking that speed is the key to good photography and really start to look, because photography is not pot luck!.... So you have a camera! does that suddenly make you a photographer??? well... the truth is no... you are what makes you a photographer.. your eye and the way in which you see the world. Translate this well.. and you wont need to tell someone you are a photographer.. they will no through your images! So take the time to find those moments.. be patient and wait and when the time is right, when the light is right.. you will find those images become so much more. Edit them wisely... and you can have a wonderful series of images to be proud of.

Yes I know.. this pose is old skool..  but look at how they are posed, the expression on their faces, along with the way in which there arms, hands and body or positioned. They are flattering to the camera. We have used off camera flash with this image.

Photography is art,  a science and its also maths... I know I sound insane..

OK let me explain my last comment. Photography is more art then anything, but science and math do play a part too. When I first started my training... I was horrified that I was being thrown all these numbers and measurements.... exposures, ratios.... and we even studied physics to understand different forms of light, and their temperatures... I could not be without that level of learning. It has given me a grand foundation that I am in debt to. I also religiously studied the history of photography as well which to was an insight.... I was enveloped in my learning and I still am. I will critic my work till the day I die... and I will give my self challenges to always better what I do.. Looking at photographers who have been and gone and those that are relevant today.. are good habits... why? well you can look at there work, see how the edited there work. Yes some may be on film, but digital editing can work very much the same.

Photographed using available light with a -2 flash fill in light to pick up detail in the shadows.Taken in the later part of the afternoon. Brilliant light for photography.

Knowing your light source is the most important aspect any photographer will need to understand. You need to know where it is in the sky. The suns position and level in the sky will be detrimental to how you images will turn out. Generally most wedding photography happens at the worst time of the day. High noon, when the light is at its brightest and hottest. This can cause  high contrasting images, with over exposure and dark shadows... So again you have to understand the light around you and how to work with what you have.. so understanding fill in flash is essential. Fill in flash is just that... its not your main light..!

Positioning your subjects.. let them in and what you want them to do.. but also allow them to add there bit.. and then you have magic!! Take a sequence of images so that you get a variety to work with later on.

Your work should say WOW! you shouldn't have to sell your self.. your work should almost scream at them.. you want me to be  your photographer! Not I was the cheapest with the poorest quality.. yes you might be getting the work.. but that does not make you a good photographer that just means you are lowering the standard of everyone's work, time and quality to compete with poor quality. Personally I refuse to allow myself to go down that route, because I believe that my clients value what I do.. and that lowering my prices will not achieve make them consider my work to be better. Lower prices devalue what you do, I dont think that you should be silly with your prices.. but I think you carefully calculate your time.   Its kind of like buying something for £1 from the pound shop and spend £10 in M&S... which item will you treasure the most??

Sometimes letting the couple become you main focus, the main feature of their own story! then you can allow others to go wild.... Just like this image... best part every one including me had lots of fun.

Its just not taking the images on the day, there are many factors that make a professional photographer differ from someone who is a amateur ... These are issues you should address, if they come up you answer them in a professional manner.. or you lead these topics...

• Are you a people person?how will you organize the shots? How will you handle someone who is being difficult?
• what will you wear? are you punctual? Time management?
• File management? how will they see the proofs?
• What is your edited portfolio like?
• Are you creative and flexible... are they open to your ides?
• DO you offer good quality service and work for the value they want to pay or what you would like to be paid for?
• How fast do they want your images after their big  day?
• How many wedding/events have they worked on?
• Can they rely on your support to direct them when capturing their photos?

So many factors.... but all equally important to choosing the right photographer for you.

The points that stand out to me are..can you direct/mentor us?

Just because you are posing your clients, does not mean you don't think out side the box.... your final editing can add punch to the final product. But most important for me is that my subjects enjoy their experience and they relive this when they see their images.

This is kind of how I know whether some one is a professional or amateur photographer. Is by the way in which they communicate with their subject. You have to be able to read people, see whats natural to them and work with it. When you see the face of confusion appear, try something else. Why? well at that point the frustration in you and the subject will surface and you wont get the shot you want.

Sometimes its better to move on and try something new and go back to it later. Don't just keep clicking the shutter.

SOMETIMES... you have to direct, and instruct, and make sure every one knows you are about to take the photo.. count them down. I tend to say on 3... but take the picture at 2. This is also when a tripod comes into play. You can set your camera in a fixed position, or angle etc... and move back and forth to your subjects to get the correct positions... don't ever down play your tripod it can be your saving grace.. not all groups or couple shots can be easy. Some times keeping you eye on them with a shutter release can be its wait in gold.

So what happens after the day? well you will upload your images.. make sure you have a back up of those images!

Remember that all you images should reflect their day the best you possibly can. Keep the edits simple for proofing, when they choose what they want you can take it a little further. Just as much as these images are the couples, they are also yours..They represent the work that you produce. In effect they are your ripples in the pond! x

I know I feel bad.. I have ranted on.. but i love what I do so much!! I know you love photography too... so I just wanted to impart some tips to help you. Yes I had a bit of rant, but after working with students both on location and within the studio. I have been someone that positively critics work so that you can improve. I will be offering workshops at Bailey's Studio in Stoke prior. So if you want to learn more, better your techniques in the field or through editing then I'm girl.

If you would like for me to discuss further tips, dos and don'ts.. then please email me at

expressive-marks@hotmail.co.uk

I can then develop a blog post with you in mind.

Fairytale Dreams Promotional shoot.... Eek? Front cover!!

Well it was a seriously busy weekend. Starting with a wedding fair... to then lead into a promotional shoot that had already begun without Em. We rolled in at 4, with Meg my model all suited a booted to go.

I would love to show you the outtakes from this shoot. But all I can show you is the re-blogged post with my twist on the theme Rainbow. So pleased.. as I wasn't especially fond of this image. I decided as it wasn't favorite that it wouldn't hurt to have a play with an idea that was sitting in my head.

I guess you can call me a creative/imaginative photographer. My mind is set in the movies, and is brought to life with briefs such as this one.

Hope you like! xx

Please look at this blog to see my work xx
Fairytale Dreams: Welcome to Fairytale Dreams...:   A big hello and welcome to Fairytale Dreams... My name is Kris Oughton, I am the Director of HB Events & Floral Design Company Li...

The Vintage Booth ....

You may have already guessed that I have a love of all things vintage.

I think my love of vintage stems back from all the movies I loved as a child. Channel 4 was my hero. With stars like

Vivienne Leigh, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart... Danny Kaye, Ginger Rogers.... oh the list goes on!! 

I even styled my wedding on the lovely Grace Kelly...

But what inspires me is the lighting, and ever since studying photography I was taken with Hollywood Glamour books.

I have been studying them ever since. This has led me to attending Vintage Fairs with my 'Vintage Photo Booth'

This Is Baileys Studio, a converted stable based in Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove. Baileys is to become a vintage destination for portraits and location shoots. Being based in the country we have some fab locations.

This is our vintage booth, and makeover studio. We have themed props and backdrops, along with a mini makeover on the day. The next stage is taking the photo and then printing the chosen photograph on site. Each customer can walk away with a printed photograph.

These images were taken from our most recent fair. 

Images taken for a previous fair for Vintage Duo.. based in and around Walsall and Pelsall. 

But you know what I have discovered.. that the men of these Vintage Fairs are reluctant to become part of our photo booth.

So my next mission is to you guys looking like the next Clark Gable?? Not cliche cheesecake.. but elegance and charm rolled into one!!

Next Blog will be based on all that inspires me!! Stay tuned!!

The Lovely Miss Rosie Lea....

I really wanted to share with you a vintage shoot that I shot this Monday with Miss Rosie lea. My self and Rosie had never met till the day of the planned shoot. After a friend request, and then a status requesting photographers to do TF base work... I decided to respond. I am a full time pro photographer, and usually get paid for my work. But I decided I wanted to try my new lights and practice some new lighting techniques.. without the stress of a fixed brief or client pressuring me. This way I could retain my creative freedom and get back to what I love most.

For me this is where the positive side of social networking really excels. Until the days of social media, finding a photographer or particular genre of photography would have been less accessible. But with the advances of technology we can narrow searches and find people in our locality that have similar interests...WOW!! The world just became so much smaller and easier to explore....   research and seeing whats happening around you can be so inspiring and enriching.

Rosie and myself struck up conversation through FB...with reference photographs streaming there way through, we new what look we wanted to achieve.. we were getting more and more excited by the looming shoot. Its always nervous meeting someone for the first time. But being out in front a lens can be even more daunting. So I used my skills and tried my best to make Rosie as comfortable as possible. Making sure that whenever I asked for a certain look, that I explained it so that not only could she see what I asked, but she could feel what I was portraying to.

How to pose naturally in front of the camera 

Posing in front of the camera can be so scary, when you are the subject of the photograph. Putting a model at ease can also be difficult, usually you will find a photographer that fits into one of the two categories. Which ever one you are, my advise to either the model or photographer is research... know your subject, or style. This way you will both be speaking the same language on the day.

Two things can happen...

1. The photographer may expect you to know how to move, waiting for you to find the right angles at which point he will take the image. If you are a professional model with experience that should come a lot easier then someone starting out. Alternatively your photographer may portray a character within a scene so that you can see it in your minds eye. It is then up to you to translate what he/she has asked of you.
2. In this case, you're given clear direction, open communication throughout the shoot, and even physical direction where needed. Generally a confident photographer whom is aware of what shapes they want to create will be ready to show you as well as tell you what they want. They will also tell you when its not working and how to make it right. This is all done with tact and patience. So that the model is at ease the whole way through. The main key is open communication through out. I would also suggest open communication along with research and reference photos prior to the shoot.

My main aim is the later... its took me many years to be confident enough to direct someone. As a comfort or for a sense of security, I would take a fellow photographer friend. In the fear that I would be shooting above and beyond where my own knowledge could take me. Soon I started to feel like I wanted to be on my own, and this actually gave me more confidence talking to my model. I soon came to realize, that we are all nervous and that the model wants you to direct her/he. They cant see what we see.. so therefore we should say what we want, more importantly we should explain it clearly as it leads to less frustration. We should also be brave enough to experiment and to also admit when what we wanted didn't work. At least the model will know its not just them that isn't feeling that particular moment. Don't be embarrassed, Its no different to a artist chucking away a sketch. Its sometimes through the artistic journey that we end up somewhere else.. that suddenly caught our eye.. which in it self can be quiet organic.

My self and another model Vintage Candy have a little joke... as we have worked together many times. Candy knows when I am not feeling the image. But when I do you here a OOO...! and when I say I have the shot... I really do. But that has took me sometime to feel confident about if a image really does work.

For me and Rosie this is what happened. We tried out various poses.. and as she moved I was able to see positions that I wanted to use.. and the shoot became slightly organic. Even  the lighting took on a life of its own as we compensated for the varying heights.  Every body has a angle that works well for them.. and with lighting we can enhance this. Poor lighting can do the opposite and make even the most beautiful look horrible. So careful lighting, understanding the angles of your lighting and the different strengths and ratios can make all the difference. Plus, we must not forget the model. Rosie made my job easy.... I could concentrate on all my techy bits while she held her poses and changed them with simple direction.

I truly love what I do and its a awesome feeling knowing you are meeting unique people. Here is the work that we have produced together thus far.. I do hope that there will be more to come as Rosie works on a career as a Vintage Model.

RESCUED AT THE 11TH HOUR....DA...DAAAAHHHH!  This story starts after a phone call I received on Thursday night, 8th August. I just began to relax with just showered hair, fresh pj's, glass of wine and homemade Chilli con carnie.  I was set for what seemed a relaxing night... little did I know the phone call I was about to receive. As I took one fork of my tasty meal.. my phone rang.  "Is that Em Photography?" came a anxious voice on the other end of the line. "yes." I moved to grab my trusty pad and pen to  make any needed notes. I told the nervous voice, to which he said " you may not want to make notes when you know what I am about to ask!" I have to admit, that worried me slightly...  but something in my heart heard the genuine cry for help, before my brain even new the answer to the problem that might lay ahead. Sure enough I was told the story of how they had been let down at the 11th hour. That they now feared there day would end differently to how they had originally planned. But if I could provide a photo booth for the night all would not be lost. But their fears for the day were deeply in set. "do you provide photo booths to evening events?" "yes. sure do!" "Would you be able to do one tomorrow evening?" "yep, sure can" "How much?" I told them the price.. But as they had planned for a whole year and had been run dry through payments so close to the actual day. They had to seek help from family members. But his father in law, was determined like the groom to make sure that the bride would have her wish. I could hear their desperation.. I waited for the phone call to say yes that my price was within reason..  my nerves began to twang as the realization of the horror unfolded in my mind, filled me with anger of yet another unprofessional person had not lived up to a agreement with their couple. I wont go into every detail, as its not my story to tell, but I will say  this.. being professional is not about what camera you use, or how expensive it is, or how good you are in the studio. Its certainly not how much kit you have or its cost.. or how much your packages are.  Its about providing a service that requires you to be fully trained in what you offer, personable, reliable and trustworthy.They should feel comfortable when you are with their guests taking photos. I love every one of my couples, and I treasure the fact they choose me to record their day down the finest detail. I am proud of how I take care of them from the start, and how I carry this on up to their day and after, whether its me taking their photos or a colleague who I know is professional to. But what I am most proud of is how they react to the work that I produce. I don't skimp on quality for the sake of cost.. I take care of them like I would want somebody to take care of me, or my children when they face their day. I want honesty and sincerity.  Their is so much to tell on this story... but I don't believe in being negative for to long. I don't believe in naming and shaming any one. That's not my place, and in all honesty whats done is done. For Now! And as much as I want to say you pay for what you get.. I feel is to cruel. Because I know how hard my couples work to pay for their big day. Every penny is precious and is a step closer to achieving their final goal. But is by no means the end of the story. They have so much to be happy for.. so many stories yet to be written on their journey through  their life together, I hope that I can follow them on that journey, me and my camera. The lesson that can be learnt from this, is that there will be people willing to offer you unbelievable packages for you day.. no matter the industry or service they cater within. Some will deliver and some wont. It is a gamble, but you have to make sure that those pennies, and all that hard work, preparing and investing is spent wisely.  Don't be blinded by the unbelievable, so you cant see through the trees. Ask questions, do they have testimonials? how many weddings have they worked on? will they be your photographer on the day? Will you get a photographic plan? What are there payment terms? how many years experience do they have? and if you do book them.. get a copy of everything... as well as proof through emails.. don't pay a penny until you do! So what happened on the night? The car was packed to the brim. We every piece of equipment I could fit in the car! As I arrived we saw the guests standing out side the venue. I have to say I hate that bit.. so embarrassing everyone watching! As we unloaded the car, the groom came over. Telling us about the day and how it had gone. I would love to say they were confident, but the fear from the other night had not diminished. What was worse for me, was the other photographer was still there, wasn't sure what to expect at this point if I am completely honest.  Any way, we took all the equipment upstairs and I proceeded to unload and setup. I was working at hyper speed trying to sort everything out.. I got a huge table with all the props, done!! tick! Backdrop and lights, done, tick! Laptop, second monitor, camera tethered done, tick! Arrrhhh.. second monitor not playing ball!!! grrr... Thank goodness two of my phototog friends turned up and sorted my manic panic out!! Thanks Ross and Joan ;) Sometimes you just someone who is not in that moment to think clearly. I have to say I met the replacement photographer from the day, and despite the awkwardness it wasn't to bad. After all it wasn't his fault, despite the connections he had to the main issue at hand. But, as I was being paid for my time and knowing the situation I went off in search of my bride and groom to start what I had came their to do, my job and to do it flipping well!! I met the nervous bride, flustered and tired from the days before and the days activities that day (wow there were a lot of days in that sentence.... anyway.. great time to take them away from everyone, so they could have a breather and refresh in  the cool air) It was a shame about the venue, despite its beautiful interior.. (old cinema with ornate fixture and fittings.. gooorrrggeeeouss.. and the food smelt divine.. gutted I wasn't a guest!!) were surrounded by a lack of luster out side.. this however did not deter me!!  We were limited by our choice of locations, but right in front of us was a run down church.. I was on it like a bee on honey... :o) Posing and positioning them, rearranging the dress and nearly getting run over. But hey!! I wanted that photo and I wanted it for them more than anything else, I wanted them to have something special. I couldn't guarantee someone else's work, but I sure could guarantee what they would have from me... Why am I so committed to providing my couples with the best? I hear you ask... why go so far beyond what you have to.. Well I shall tell you a secret.. I never wanted to be a wedding photographer. When I was 7 I was bridesmaid for my sister. I wasn't a very girly girl at all, in fact I was a clean cut tom boy who never stayed clean for long. Being forced into a dress, not matter how pretty I  thought it looked, my need to explore would take over my need to stand still being forced to have my photo taken.  This did not please the grumpy photographer in front of me.. and boy was he grumpy! That was it.. my mind was made up.. I don't like photographers, and I most certainly did not like grumpy wedding photographers!! I definitely never want to be one of them when I grow up lol.. How ironic.. never planned it, but here I am in love with my profession. So we move on.. past the story of my history and how it changed to where I am today. But let me take you to another moment when I to got married to the man of my dreams. I was 18 years old.. and in all honesty I would have married him in a muddy hole, wearing a sack.. I was unashamedly in love to the tips of my toes to the tips of my hair. I didn't care who was there as long as I got my man. We had the smallest wedding with only 30 guests, close family and close friends.. it was lovely, I was able to speak to everyone with ease. But because I was impatient and due to a lack of funds, I didn't have the white dress... in fact I didn't know where to begin, there was no Google searching in 1997... it didn't exist, and neither did broadband. My choices were limited to what was closest.  I therefore scrimped on my choices. I didn't even have a photographer, just a friend that was capable. I look back now with fondness, I don't regret my choices.. I would most likely do it again.. except I would have the dress! and I would have the photographer.. that's my only regret.. Every wedding I photograph, I re-live my own wedding and the love I feel for my family.. and those moments where I said I do.. I'm still here 16 years later.. that's comitment! lol That's why I treasure your day.. its a tribute to what I sacrificed. I want you to have what I choose not to. I want you to have the best I wish someone would have given me. That is why I am committed to every bride & groom, to every family, to ever guest... to every child. I wont be grumpy, I wont boss you around, I wont be impatient.. I will be there on your day smiling and tearing up as much as you. Because there is nothing more gratifying that seeing two people who love one another, say I do. To all that took the time to read this looooong blog.. You must be mad! But thanks all the same :o) xx Next blog will be about all you mad people from my Silly Photo Booth.... Till next time xx WHAT A MONTH AND ITS NOT EVEN HALF WAY THROUGH!! Oh my goodness... I  have such a busy month and I am not even half way through. August 3rd was Lee & Michelle's wedding..! A whole day of photography.. photo booth and traveling in between.. But as luck would have it, the sun was out.. and it wasn't to hot. As I arrived at the brides home.. I could see the hustle and bustle of suits and brides maids, moving to and fro from cars. And despite this being the obvious sign of where I needed to head, I kept my head down, just in case this was not my family.. as I walked to the front door of the house, I was greeted my happy faces, welcoming me in.  Flowers, shoes, garments... drinks.. were all there being used or left discarded as they rushed to each task. The bride ashamedly admits I spent the whole day tidying yesterday and my house is ruined. Mines like that after five minutes.. when the kids  are off school. With ten people in your house, its hard to keep on top of the normal, enjoy yourself who cares.. today is your day.. no housework for you! She smiled.. As I followed up two flights of stairs, the light from the windows lifted my spirit.. I too was excited by the day in front of me. Seeing Michelle in her beautifully simple yet sparkly dress was a beauty to behold. I place her by the large window, and began to click away.. taking in every details around me. Before I knew it time had gone quickly, it was time for me to leave for the church. A beautifully Gothic Church.. we had a lovely vicar, who basically allowed us to do what we liked within reason. I'm not a fan of flash photography in the church... I like the natural light sources, I feel this is more ethereal.  Between me and my second photographer, we captured all we could from the I do's to the kisses, walking down the isle... to the group shots.. Michelle and lee are both English teachers and have a love of Wuthering Heights, we evoked this feeling by taking couple shots around the church, utilizing the Gothic theme. From the church we had a long drive to Kidderminster, to the Granary Hotel. Beautiful landscapes... I would love to tell you more... but I would like to show you the photos instead.. but as my couple enjoy their honeymoon, I think that they should be the first to see their images. The second stage of my week was organising a shoot for 'Miss to Mrs Magazine'. The shoot was for Daisy Chain Cupcakery, who were being pictured for the front cover and feature. (again cant show you images till the release of the magazine,.... but they are fab!!) This was Friday morning... we were going with mad hatter meets 1950's kitsch garden part.. with a bit of cheesecake pin up thrown in!! very colorful!! But let me take you back to Thursday evening! I received a phone call at 8.15pm... from a desperate groom.. fearing that I would not take the job he was asking me. As his story unfolded my heart broke... his original photography had let him down at the 11th hour.. and despite sending another photographer.. they were not confident in.. they were in fear for the evening they had planned. So.. the conversation goes.. Do you provide a photo booth? yes... How much? £240 with digital book and copyright free disc, 4-5 hours coverage. Can you do tomorrow? Yes Really???? Yes.. really... From there.. with just washed hair, still damp.. me and my husband rushed to their hotel.. and calmed them down showing them my work. Wrote out there booking form.. I was stressed for them hoping that the photographer would perform well. That all this worry would be short lived. In fact I shall tell you more about this... in another blog!! But that was my week Saturday - Saturday!!