"Richard & Olfat" Wedding book made by 2exposures with other supplier's materials.Cover only shown. No preview available for that particular order.
I have been asked few times to make bespoke coffee table books from other materials than mine. That is something I never refuse as I really enjoy making them. It is also a good opportunity to see what other photographers do. I recently finished one. It was a very revealing experience for the groom and myself. The wedding took place in central London in some very posh venues. It was a small intimate celebration in three acts. First, a civil ceremony followed by a drinks reception for lunch. Then, drinks followed by diner in a very famous private club with more guests. Finally a small gathering for a blessing ceremony a week later.
I accepted the challenge to build a story from an event I never took part of and the deadline was also tight. I asked my client to explain to me in details what happened and how he wanted it. He gave me a couple of invitations to include and all the images the photographer delivered. I asked him to make a selection of the "must have" ones and a "candid" ones.
First I had a look at the materials...and what a disaster it was! The photographer on duty had no clue what he was doing. I wouldn't even call this person a photographer. Out of 500 images I only counted maybe 3 which were framed, sharp and lighten up properly. None of them had a story to tell. I was appalling photography. Those people should never have the possibility to present themselves as what they pretend to be. I was outraged not only because he ruined this couple's wedding pictures but also because those people are an insult to the trade. That is why I keep on insisting and proposing a body which would dissect, analyze and judge the profession. That body would ban, help and accredit freelancers. But not such thing exists and it will take a while before it happens.
Anyway, my anger gone I started working on the selection, retouching, editing, etc...but I was also thinking that it takes two to tango. And this "photographer" was not the only one to blame. Those people get somehow the job because the clients they are facing have no interest and/or knowledge about what they are dealing with. If you are about to spend a certain amount of money into a service and especially if you decide to use lush facilities, you want it to be remembered in the best possible way then. If you want a good venue, good food, you need good photography, don't you think? Well, it is funny to say that because somehow everybody knows how important the photographer is but more and more often people are reluctant to pay for a good one and spend the money elsewhere. I am not saying that because this is my trade, but after the wedding there will be only one real way to remember all the efforts and happiness then experienced and that would be through the images produced by the professional. And in the end they waste their money, get nothing for it and have to pay more to save the little available. That doesn't make any sense to me I am afraid.
I was a bit concerned a couple of years ago when I was being assaulted by guests who carried an affordable compact digital. Not because they would steal my job but because people's appreciation would go down. I think we got over that and most of us realize that digital is convenient and cheap but it takes a pro to get good pictures. It is about knowledge, education and respect. I will not pretend to be a Dj tomorrow because there is a cheap and easy software that makes me feel like. That is just the surface of things. To make someone special takes many years of learning , experience, taste and challenge.
When I took the challenge to work on that last book order, I knew that the result would not be great but I knew I would do my best to enhance the poor quality and make something tangible from it. That's where digital is great technology if you know how to use it. It could have been much better if in the first place a good photographer would have been in duty.
But bare in mind that the experience I am highlighting is far from isolated. Bad photographers are everywhere and they have developed the digital tricks to make you believe the opposite. Please pay attention, ask for great service, skills in organizing and photographing, simply look for quality. Photography is the most valuable service to book and will always be. I know too many people who are in tears because they have either lost or booked the wrong person. You have to be demanding and involved.
To conclude, if you have your wedding images as digital files and wish to make an album, do not hesitate to contact me what ever quality you have been given. I will do my best to make it look good. You can have samples of them online with Blurb publishing. Enter 2exposures in the top box and click enter www.blurb.com
Or simply click the icon below to have a little perspective of what I do.
