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Darren Charles Holloway
Darren Charles Holloway is a professional wedding photographer covering Sussex. For information call 0845 643 2068 or visit www.darrencharlesholloway.com |
Darren Charles Holloway answers all your Photography related questions |
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What if it's windy?
Q. I know most couples are concerned about rain spoiling their wedding photos, but I'm more worried about windy weather. I really want to get some photos taken outside, but I'm concerned that if it's very windy, my hair will blow all over my face, and I'll end up looking a complete mess. Any advice?
A. Darren Charles Holloway says: If your photographer knows your venue well or is very experienced, they will know the best places to take your photos out of the wind. Also, do speak to your hairstylist who can help you work out what style and veil will be best. I have photographed some of my best weddings on a windy day so don't worry unnecessarily; whatever the weather just enjoy yourself. You can't plan for every scenario, but a happy bride and groom will look so much better in photographs than a couple upset by the British weather. |
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Can he change the price?
Q. The photographer was one of the first things we booked after my fiancé proposed to me a year-and-a-half ago. We agreed a price in writing at the time but now, just six weeks before our big day, the photographer is suddenly saying that we will have to pay 2009 prices and VAT. Apart from assuming that VAT was included in the original price, we are really upset that he has increased the cost. I really want to find another photographer, but is it too late in the day?
A. Darren Charles Holloway says: Unless the agreement you have in writing states
that prices are subject to change and also VAT is chargeable on top of the price, then I think you have a strong case to argue. With regards to changing your photographer, I would again check whatever you have in writing; most photographers will still charge you a percentage of your agreed photography package if you decide not to use them.
Ultimately the best thing would be to seek legal advice and show them any written communication you have including contracts signed and emails exchanged. At this stage if the price increase has left you not wanting this particular photographer you are best to check how you can break the agreement without suffering financial loss, then hire someone else. |
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Our photos are disappointing
Q. We had a fantastic wedding day at the end of May - the sun was shining and everything was perfect. We were so excited about seeing the photos when we returned from our honeymoon. Unfortunately the pictures are a huge let down, and really don't capture the day at all. The colours are dull, I don't like the compositions and in lots of them both me and my husband are squinting. The photographer we used was quite cheap, is not a member of a professional body and does not have insurance. What can we do?
A. Darren Charles Holloway says: Unfortunately I hear horror stories like this all the time; brides and grooms use a cheap or inexperienced photographer and the photographs are a disappointment. In this case there is little you can do since you have no fall-back on insurance or a professional body. Every wedding has a budget, but I truly believe cutting back on the cost of your wedding photography is a big mistake. |
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Friendly advice
Q. To save a bit of money, my fiancé and I are thinking about asking a friend to take our wedding photographs. She is a great photographer, but an amateur.Is this a good idea?
A. Darren Charles Holloway says: There are lots of ways of saving money and reducing your wedding budget, but your wedding photography shouldn't be one of them. I have heard many tales from people who are disappointed after their wedding because they did not place enough emphasis on the photography, and so I urge you place it high on your list. The memories of your day need to be captured forever as they will last longer than the bubbles in the champagne and the taste of the wedding cake. |
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Make it snappy
Q. Our wedding venue is stunning with plenty of photo opportunities. I obviously really want some great shots, but I don't want to be away from my guests for hours. Is it OK to dictate to my photographer where I would like the photos taken to cut down on time?
A. Darren Charles Holloway says: Your wedding day is going to be one of the most important and memorable days of your life and so you should enjoy it all and do things your own way. I would suggest having a pre-wedding meeting as early as possible with your photographer so that you can plan out the day, allowing enough time for your photos, but not taking you away from your guests for too long.
A good photographer will easily be able to advise you about how much time will be needed to get the shots you want, as well as where the best photo
opportunities are. The more planning you do before the day, the more enjoyable, relaxed and fun it will be. |
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Too traditional
Q. My mum has said she thinks that my fiancé and I should have traditional photography but we would both prefer a more causal style for our wedding day. As a compromise, my mum has suggested we have both traditional and reportage. I know the difference between the styles of photography, but I don't really know why we would want both. What's your opinion?
A. Darren Charles Holloway says: Both styles of photography can be effective depending on the photographer.
My suggestion would be to speak with your mother and ask her why she is stuck on the traditional style. If it is because she would like certain group photographs done then you could speak to your photographer and ask for these to be catered for in the coverage of the day.
Most reportage photographers expect to cover some aspect of traditional photography and also groups. When choosing your photographer make sure their style will incorporate both so you know everyone will be happy. |
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Not part of the contract
Q. I'm getting married in May and my photographer has just told me that she won't actually be taking my photos and that she has 'contracted' my wedding out to another photographer. I don't feel very happy about this. Am I right to be concerned?
A. Darren Charles Holloway says: Darren says: If you choose your photographer because you liked their photography style and their work and were told they would be your photographer on the day then yes, you have every right to be concerned!
Only under extreme circumstances should another photographer be contracted to photograph your wedding and most importantly this should have been discussed and agreed with you before any moves were made to source another photographer. |
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Kids on Camera
Q. We are having a large wedding and there will be lots of children present. I'd really like to get a group shot of all our guests, but I'm worried that the children will get bored and start to play up. Is there anything my photographer can do to make sure I get the group shot I want with happy, smiling children?
A. Darren Charles Holloway says: An experienced photographer should be very capable of handling large or small groups for guest photos.
Organising your guests quickly and efficiently is the key to getting your groups done before boredom or the frustration of waiting around impacts on them.
All good photographers will have ways to do this, but if in doubt speak with your photographer and ask them how they plan to do this.
With regards to children playing up or getting bored, your photographer needs to make it fun for kids (and all the guests) as it will show in the photos that everyone is having a good time, as well as keeping them in high spirits for the day. |
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Shedding light on the problem
Q. I'm getting married this winter and would really like to have photos taken outside the venue as it's really beautiful. My photographer has said that it will be difficult because of the lack of light at 3pm on a winter's day. This has made me a bit nervous that he may not be a very good photographer (the weddings he showed us when we met him were all summer ones) or may not have the right equipment. Also, if he is worried about the lack of natural light outside, how will he cope taking photos inside the venue? Do you think I should find a different photographer?
A. Darren Charles Holloway says: A good photographer should be able to capture photographs even when the light is pretty low.
I would speak to your photographer and ask them how they are going to tackle the low light issue and make sure they are confident they can do you justice.
If you are left in any doubt you may wish to rethink your choice of photographer. |
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Photophobic
Q. I really hate having my photo taken and so I always look tense in pictures. Can you give me any good tips on how to relax and look good in my wedding photos?
A. Darren Charles Holloway says: Your wedding day will be a unique day and your emotions will be running away with you.
The best suggestion I can make is for you to relax and just enjoy the day.
Photography-wise it is good to meet and speak with your photographer before the big day, that way they won't be a stranger to you on the day and you should be at ease.
Plus a glass or two of Champagne helps relax any-pre wedding nerves! |
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