I do get to work with some lovely people.

Woking Freerunners

 I took Aiden to Woking and agreed that he could bring a skateboard and also do some freerunning on the condition that I could take some pictures of him.
He now firmly believes that I am the coolest dad ever.
I have my own motives. I know that street sports are well documented for top flight professionals but for the everyday guy there is limited opportunity for them to get great images of themselves so I would like to offer action portrait shoots for anyone in the Woking area. Between now and the begining of May there will be no charge for the shoot. So if there are any skaters, BMX or trials riders, freerunners or anyone else who can get some air and would be interested in an action portrait shoot and a new social media profile picture, call me. 07718117935

How does one become a wedding photographer

People quite often ask me how I came to be a wedding photographer. I still remember borrowing the family instamatic and taking it on scout camps as a boy.  I remember one christmas back in the late 70s I got a 110 cartridge camera with a stick of 10 single use flash bulbs.
I joined the army at 16 and my first posting was in the far east where cameras were tax free. It was time to move up to my first SLR. Some years later as we settled in Woking Surrey my hobby became a sideline and then a full time career choice.
Back in those days it was quite fashionable to be self trained. I still think self training is valid because it never ends, there is no graduation, there are no laurels to rest on. I was looking on youtube for more training ideas.
I found this video which shows the evolution that most of us can relate to. Enjoy the work of the great French photographer Bruno Mayor as he shows his rise from hobby photographer to one of the top wedding photographers in the world today. Bruno is a very creative person as well as an amazing photographer so accuracy might have been compromised a little for artistic and entertainment value.

A new method of pricing

I had an idea a little while ago and dismissed the whole concept because it was simply one of those silly ideas that creep into my head only to be dismissed once logic kicks in.
 An example of this concept is the one where I thought that it would be a good idea to buy a lorry, have it sign written with full colour graphics and build a large scale mobile studio inside. It would be large enough to remain static but small enough to travel.  If only I could drive a lorry.

Anyway at one time I thought it would be a good idea to offer my wedding photography services but instead of charging a set fee for the day I would invite couples to pay me what they thought it was worth on seeing their pictures. Well I have found a wedding photographer in Seatle trying out this concept,  Nicole of Sunshine Charlie is an amazing photographer who captures the cool and fresh look that is so popular with fashion and wedding photographers. I love her work and I am sure that her clients love her work. She is conducting a year long social experiment and aims to shoot no more than 20 weddings on this basis.
I feel kind of vindicated that this is an idea that has the potential of being good. Either that or she is as daft as I am and it will all go wrong. But somehow I don't think so. I believe that good people attract good people and that the relationship between a wedding couple and their photographer is a strong one built on trust.
I am also convinced that if this concept works in Seatle then it can work here in Surrey because when it comes to hiring a creative professional for your wedding creativity is to be expected.

Nicole's website lays the concept out in simple terms:

How does this work?

1. Book your wedding with a $1000 deposit to hold your date.
2. Upon delivery of your photos I return your deposit in full.
3. Then you pay what you think your photographs are worth.

What are you waiting for?

 

What are they waiting for?, What am I waiting for?

 

Unusual wedding ideas

www.breakthrough.org.uk

When organising your big day we know the list can seem endless. We have some great wedding ideas and favours to help you.

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By choosing our unique pins as pink wedding favours, your guests can keep a special reminder of your day and you’ll help fund life saving breast cancer research. All we ask is a suggested donation of £1 per pin.
Order your pins today
If you’d like any further information we’re here to help and would love to hear from you. Call us on 08080 100 200 or send us your enquiry.
Start your new life together by helping us save lives for years to come.

Ask your guests to make donations to Breakthrough Breast Cancer instead of having a traditional wedding list and we’ll take care of the rest.
We’ll supply cards to make donating simple and make sure everyone is thanked. You can also set up a Just Giving page. While everyone’s celebrating, your wedding donations will help us step closer to a future free from breast cancer.
We’d love you to call us (08080 100 200) but if you don’t have time, fill out this quick form.

Favours that make a difference

Planning your Wedding

Planning your Wedding

If you are planning to get married, here's a list of the things you should start to plan at least 12 months ahead.

Decide what sort of wedding you want.

Do you want a traditional wedding in a church or a civil ceremony in a registry office or licensed wedding venue? We are quite fortunate here in Surrey that we are really spoilt for choice and the right selection of venue will really set the stage for your day make sure you keep up to the minute with your favourite venue's available date someone else might have their heart set on the same day and location.

 When do you want to get married? Have you a special date in mind or have you dates that you need to avoid because they clash with something else? Don't forget the sporting calendar, as a special event could ruin the day. I remember a wedding during the 6 nations rugby tournament. There was a distinct lack of men in a lot of the pictures, but the ladies looked fantastic.

How much do you have to spend?

Work out and stick to a budget, (add a good 10% for contingency for that thing you "just must have"). Allocate a cost to each individual item, eg. dress, reception, music, flowers - you will find some items for less than budget and some over - so be flexible and shop around. Remember each of your wedding suppliers will know other reliable specialists working in the wedding industry and should be able to put you in touch with anyone that you could possible need.

Book the reception

It is always a good idea to visit your venue on a wet and miserable day. Because it can really help to focus the mind and ask yourself what is our bad weather plan.. Your photographer should visit the venue with you at some point during the planning stage as they will always see the location in terms of photo opportunities and they will always be looking for that plan B option.

Wedding Dress/Bridesmaids dress

Start looking at wedding dresses and bridal gowns, also for your bridesmaids. Some dresses need to be ordered at least 6 months in advance so they can be made, and then fitted personally to you.

 

 

 

Photographer

You should book early if you want a particular photographer. The best get booked up early. They should be able to present you with a gallery of their work, and you need to decided if you want contemporary style photos or traditional poses. A mix of the both usually works well - traditional satisfying the parents so they can display photo on mantlepiece, and something more modern and creative to hang on your wall.

Music

Do you want live music,  for the ceremony. Disco for later in the evening. Or perhaps a magician to keep the children amused through the wedding breakfast. If you are getting married on a Saturday, you will need to arrange this fairly early on in your wedding preparations so avoid disappointment.

Visit Weddings in Surrey for some ideas in your area.

How many wedding photographers are there in Surrey?

According to a recent survey it has been estimated that Surrey County has close to 2000 photographers who specialise in weddings. This quite a great number and as a result of this it is quite difficult to find the right person for your wedding. This may actually be one of the difficult steps in the wedding preparation process but it is possible to deal with this obstacle without necessarily going through so much stress. Since there are numerous people providing photography services in the Woking area, then why is it a hassle to find the right guy?
In this case it is not just a matter of choosing a photographer but picking a person who has the passion to bring out the real mood of the ceremony. Wedding planners may not necessary hire the right person for the job but instead just go with someone who they always work with. Getting the right candidate for the job is crucial because if the pictures taken are substandard it is not possible to rewind the ceremony again. The work should be done right the first time and there are some steps that you can take to ensure the vetting process runs smoothly.
see more of my work onlineFirstly you have to ensure that you are dealing with a professional so you need to check out portfolios as well as references. Anyone could operate a camera and claim to be a wedding photographer but by taking a look at a portfolio and speaking to a person, you can tell the difference between a professional and a masquerader.
Once you have made a shortlist of those you think are the best you can look at each of their styles and choose the one that would suit your theme. Taking some time to look for the right Woking wedding photographer may seem like a farce but it is definitely bound to pay off in the long run.
To help you find a Woking wedding photographer, visit the Surrey Weddings directory.
For more wedding tips and advice, as well as a full directory of wedding suppliers in Surrey, visit Surrey Weddings 


I found this interesting article on www.surrey-weddings.com I thought it made some interesting points. One thing that you should be aware of is that it is quite easy to show an impressive portfolio but it is well worth asking to see one wedding from start to finish rather than the highlights of a career. Better still ask for an engagement shoot to get a real feel for your photographer, the cost for this may well be deducted from your wedding photography and gives you some great pictures for your invitations.

Call me for a trial portrait sitting. 01483223823 no charge, I consider it part of the interview process.*
limited time offer.

What if it rains?

People often ask me what happens if it rains? We always have a plan that covers all types of weather. Sometimes we go out whatever the weather sometimes we use the interiors and sometimes we push it to the limit. We know there is a massive downpour coming. We know that as soon as it rains we will run indoors but until that precise moment we will take full advantage of the light. Here we are running in the rain.

Ripley Woking Surrey Wedding Suppliers

Local businesses serving the picturesque village of Ripley and beyond for all your wedding needs.

The Talbot Hotel

ONE OF ENGLAND'S FINEST COACHING INNS - WITH A PLACE IN HISTORY

The Talbot has for centuries played its part in history. It is said to have provided the stage for Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton’s love affair to blossom in 1798, and remains one of England’s finest coaching inns.

Refurbished to an exceptional standard, The Talbot retains many impressive historic features, whilst introducing a contemporary twist. Wonderfully relaxed and welcoming, you’ll find a cosy bar with open fires, real ales and outstanding food. Our restaurant features a stunning copper ceiling and glass wall overlooking the Summer terrace and garden.

There are 39 stylish bedrooms, plus impressive meeting, wedding and conference facilities for up to 120 guests.

The Talbot  is conveniently located on Ripley High Street, just off the A3, less than 2 miles from J10 of the M25 and only half an hour from central London. It is also just 20 minutes from both Heathrow and Gatwick international airports.

We pride ourselves on our friendly, yet professional style and relaxed and informal surroundings and hope to welcome you to The Talbot very soon.
 

 For reservations, please call 01483 225188.

Miss Bush Bridal wear

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The anticipation of stepping into a wonderland of dresses; the rustle of silk; the warm welcome and the glorious surroundings; the shimmer of sequins; the tears of happiness; the swish of a train; the emotional rush of putting on a veil for the first time; the thrill of wedding dress shopping.

These things don't change with fashion; they are timeless. 

Welcome to Genevieve Wedding Car Hire

Based near Guildford, Surrey; Genevieve Wedding Car Hire offer a special service for your special day.
Cherished vintage cars from the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s are offered as your choice of wedding transport. Privately owned and personally prepared - all cars are driven by experienced chauffeurs. Genevieve wedding car hire is celebrating 20 years of chauffeuring brides and grooms to their weddings in comfort and style.
Our wedding cars are our own and are much cherished including three jaguars two of which are almost identical, called Genevieve and Jeanette being Jaguar Mark 1X's made in 1958 and 1960 respectively. These are very popular choice for weddings, one chauffeuring the bride and her father and one to accommodate the bridesmaids and the bride’s mother. They represent the ideal wedding car being very spacious six seaters comfortably accommodating even the most ostentatious brides wedding dress.
The third Jaguar is a beautiful Mark V built in 1950 with blue interior leather and walnut trim christened Katy.
“Beatrice is a 1934 Humber Snipe which in its day was favoured by the Royal Family and dignitaries. She is an imposing and spacious car finished in black over dark blue making a beautiful contrast to a white or ivory wedding dress.
Finally we have Emily, who is over seventy years old is being a 1932 Morris Isis with cream bodywork representing elegance and poise sending the happy couple off in style.
Our wedding chauffeur service operates within a radius of about 30 miles of Guildford and Woking in Surrey. All of our wedding cars are dressed with ivory ribbons, and silk flowers adorn the back of the two white Jaguars Genevieve and Jeanette. As a matter of course the uniformed chauffeur carries out a trial run to the church or wedding ceremony venue to identify any potential diversions or causes for delay, to ensure that the bride gets to her wedding on time.
We offer a personal and professional wedding car chauffeur service and we always like the bride and the brides family to come and see the cars when booking. Prices are tailored to suit individual requirements.

About Bloom Ripley

Bloom Ripley is owned and run by Clare Goddard. Formerly a wedding planner, Clare loans herself effortlessly to flower arranging. A passion she has delved in and out of from a young age, the giving and receiving of flowers never tires her. 'It is so uplifting to give or receive flowers and to be able to design and work with them is a daily treat!'

Her contemporary style and determination for quality and service has launched her flower business to success. Starting with wreaths and dried flower arrangements over 9 years Clare has Bloom Ripleyed to fresh flower designs for weddings, funerals, offices and special occasions.

Not having a shop front to maintain allows Clare the freedom and time to perfect her unique and 'different for every customer' designs as well as offer clients competitive prices due to low overheads.

If you are looking for a floral arrangement with an edge, which speaks quality and doesn't cost the earth…you will find it at Bloom Ripley!

Clover Care Wedding Cars

Clover Care Wedding Cars is a professionally family run business specialising in the supply of classic and vintage wedding cars in Guildford, Woking, Surrey and the surrounding areas. Our breathtaking selection of wedding cars includes vintage Rolls Royces, classic Rolls Royces and Daimler Limousine wedding cars. 
First established in 1994, we are very proud of the quality of our fleet of wedding cars - all of which we own and maintain to an exceptional standard. 

Unbeatable Level of Service

Clover Care's reputation has been founded on our eye for detail, our customer service and of course, our fleet of wedding cars. All of which allow us to consistently deliver an unbeatable level of service on perhaps the biggest day of your life.
We take great pride in the role that we play on this very special day and it is our aim to provide beautiful wedding cars which cover all conceivable tastes and budgets. Whichever style of car you wish to use, we are certain that our collection of classic and vintage cars will contain something which exceeds even the highest of expectations.
Please do not feel as though you have to take our word regarding the quality of our wedding cars though as we are more than happy to arrange an appointment for you to come and view our cars in person. Once you have done this we strongly believe that the decision on whether to use the premier level of wedding car hire Surrey has to offer will be made for you.
We also guarantee to only undertake one wedding booking per car, per day. This ensures that your chosen wedding car will remain with you until it has fulfilled its commitments and will not have to dash away to fulfil another appointment.

A family owned business established over 50 years located in the centre of the beautiful Surrey village of Ripley. Extensive range of giftware including helium balloons. Flowers of distinction for all occasions. Wedding specialists, from bouquets to church flowers.

Alan Knox Wedding Photography
 

 

HIRING A CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL FOR YOUR WEDDING

I found this great article by Meghan McEwen for The Wedding Photojournalist Association

HIRING A CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL FOR YOUR WEDDING

Like many brides and grooms, your wedding could be the first time you’ll be hiring a creative professional. You might think the ins and outs of working with a wedding photographer are as simple as writing a check. What could be so difficult, right? But just ask any talented pro, and you’ll get a grateful explanation of why it’s so important to truly understand their creative process.

Wedding preparation candid

Photo by Alan Knox

How you manage your relationship with a wedding photojournalist can have just as profound an impact on the photographs as the day unfolding before the camera. Luckily, you and your photographer both want the same outcome: amazing photos that capture the feeling of the wedding day.
“One of the best things about being a wedding photojournalist is that....one can capture life as it happens without restraint,” WPJA award-winner David Crane says. “At a great wedding everyone wants me there, wants me to capture those fleeting moments, and will appreciate them for years to come.” Learn how to be one of those couples. Our award-winning wedding photojournalists offer their best advice on getting the most out of your photographer.

FOCUS ON THE CREATIVITY, NOT THE BUSINESS

Wedding photographer Dave Cheung recommends focusing less on the business process and more on the creative one when you’re working with a wedding photojournalist. Of course, you’ll both sign a contract, and ultimately there will be details relating to the types of packages purchased, the number and format of proofs, schedule, costs, and possibly album design, but that should all be secondary when it comes to selecting and working with your creative professional.

Eye contact at the Sacred Heart Wimbledon

Photo by Alan Knox

Cheung advises that when it comes to hiring a wedding photojournalist, one should not get bogged down with comparing the details of various packages. “It doesn’t matter how many pictures you’re going to get if you don’t first understand how he or she is going to capture your wedding day,“ he states. After all, what difference does it make if you’re getting 100 proofs or 500, if you don’t love the photographs?
Once you’ve made your decision, remember to take care of all those pesky business details before the wedding day arrives. Your photographer needs to be truly present, prepared to capture your moments, and not preoccupied with tracking the types of photographs he’s taking or worrying about collecting payment.

FEED YOUR WEDDING PHOTOJOURNALIST WELL

Even the hardest working photographers need to eat. You know that woozy-can’t-think-straight-lightheaded feeling you get when you haven't eaten, and you’re on your feet all day? One of the last people you want feeling this way at your wedding is the person with the responsibility of capturing your most special moments for posterity.
Of course, you’re busy with all of the planning, but remember that your photographer will be with you all day, capturing every graceful move, and unless you think ahead to arrange a hot meal, he or she, or an assistant, may have to physically leave the premises in order to eat. It’s just another tiny detail among hundreds, but this one is worth remembering.
WPJA award winner Matt McGraw feels so strongly about this point that he designed his contract to clearly state he needs time to eat. “I’m with you all day long,” says McGraw. “You might as well give me some food…some good food. Not a croissant sandwich and some chips.” (See “How To Starve Your Wedding Photographer: A Field Guide,” in the September/October 2006 issue of WedPix.)

DON’T DIRECT

This is the biggest pet peeve of wedding photojournalists far and wide: brides, grooms, parents, reception coordinators, bridesmaids, DJs and various other guests who give constant direction about what, when and how to photograph the wedding. “Of course I’m going to photograph the flowers and capture the beautiful sunset,” McGraw says. “It’s my job.”

I knew she would react, Iknew when  I just didn't know how.

Photo by Alan Knox

No photographer likes to be given constant art direction. Remember: you’ve hired a wedding photojournalist, because they don’t style photographs. Not only is it annoying, but perpetual third-party direction also takes away from the creative element of documentary style wedding photography. Directing is the antithesis of the natural, unscripted moment. And, as McGraw adds, the more art direction brides and grooms are giving, the less they are enjoying their wedding—and the fewer natural moments there are to photograph.
When there is too much direction, Crane admits to missing moments. “I approach each wedding with no pre-conceived ideas. I let the day unfold before my lens and capture what happens. If I am backed into a portrait-a-thon it never fails that I see real images unfolding out of the corner of my eyes and there is nothing I can do about it. The clients hired me for my ability to capture those honest fleeting moments and I am missing them because I am shooting every possible combination of bride, groom and family,” he says.

COORDINATE WITH OTHER CREATIVE VENDORS

Often times, brides and grooms don’t think about coordinating the styles of all of the other creative pros they’ve hired to cover their wedding. “Make sure all the creative individuals you’re employing are on the same page. If you like your photographers because they’re behind the scenes, and that’s why you hired your photographer, then make sure that approach is also going to work with your videographer,” McGraw suggests.
If the videographer has a style that involves a lot of direction (like making you put on your dress five times), that may not create the best situation for a wedding photojournalist who doesn’t take any staged shots. The creative pros, says McGraw, don’t need to be able to work together, per se, but they should all have a shared understanding of how the day is going to unfold. He suggests asking your vendors direct questions about their process, such as “Are you going to ask me to button up my dress three times?
He also recommends letting all of your other vendors know about your photographer’s style. That way, they won’t be interrupting or trying to pose shots for her.

TRUST YOUR WEDDING PHOTOJOURNALIST

“We’re not selling a product, we’re selling a promise,” says Cheung, who considers trust the single most important part of wedding photojournalism. “If you don’t trust your wedding photojournalist, then why did you hire them?”
If you’re constantly worrying about the photographers—are they getting good shots; taking enough pics; Do I look good?—then you’re not living in the present. “When you let that go,” says Cheung “the imagery is much more confident, because you’re not thinking about it the entire time. You can’t worry. If you’re being primped and prompted at every turn, you’re not going to enjoy your day, and the photos will reflect that.”
Cheung says you have to be comfortable enough in front of your photographer to cry, and trust them to document that in a beautiful way. After all, he says, you don’t have to look good every second of the day. “You just have to trust that wedding photojournalists are artists and thereby trust their vision of your day,” Cheung says.

YOU CAN’T CONTROL EVERYTHING: ACCEPT IT

Trust is also closely related to giving up control. Part of trusting your photographer is being able to hand over the reigns. Accept that you cannot control everything; that’s why you hire professionals to carry out a shared creative vision. Realize that when you try to control too much, you’re actually hijacking the creative process.
For example, McGraw is not a fan of the list. “The family list is fine,” he says. “But not the lists of all the moments: the candles, the garter toss, the bride walking down the aisle.” McGraw once received a four-page list, down to the silverware on the table. “It was beyond duty,” he says, “And I was just going down, checking off the list.”
If you give a wedding photojournalist too long of a to-do list, it distracts them from what you hired them to do in the first place: shoot spontaneous, once-in-a-lifetime moments that can’t be predicted, and therefore, could never be included on a list.
"I don’t want to think about all these expectations,” says McGraw. “I just want to tell the story.”

— by Meghan McEwen for The Wedding Photojournalist Association

About Sheila ..... Jazz/Swing Duo, Trio, Quartet or Quintet for your UK Event.

 

http://www.sheiladaniels.co.uk/

Sheila Daniels had a background where music was foremost. She loved singing as a child , inspired from an early age by the Hollywood Musicals of the 40’s & 50’s. She now travels throughout the UK delivering some of the coolest jazz, groovin' swing and hottest Latin standards from Hoagy Carmichael, George and Ira Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Rodgers and Hart and many other major songwriters of the Great American Songbook.

Sheila has also been influenced by many great female performers such as Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Judy Garland and more recently Anita Wardell, and Nina Ferro. Her sense of style and with a voice reminiscent of the great swing singers of the Hollywood and Ratpack eras, Sheila is the perfect choice for any private or corporate event.

Sheila grew up in Hampshire and moved to London when she was 19 in order to attend drama school at Drama Studio London in Ealing, where her passion for singing and performing grew. She later formed a band and performed regular jazz nights in the West London area and was regularly booked for weddings, corporate events and private parties. Sheila then teamed up with a pianist and performed smooth dinner jazz in venues such as The Dome Brasserie in Kew, Sidolis Wine Bar in Mayfair and the Athenaeum Hotel on Piccadilly. She also sang in a musical tribute to George Gershwin at the the Fortune Theatre, Covent Garden, London and performed in the musical ‘Nine' at the the Royal Festival Hall, London.

Sheila has a fantastic voice and repertoire and I belkieve she is an asset to any wedding.

Grateful to Google.

I searched for myself online today. Not to boost my ego but really to look and see how well the website is doing at the moment and how my search engine optomisation is working.
I am in the process of having a revamp and renewing the website.
My main keywords have always been

wedding photographer surrey, 

wedding photographer hampshire,

wedding photographer berkshire,

woking wedding photographer,

modern wedding photographer surrey

So I searced specifically for:
Alan knox wedding photography:
and found that my website is listed on lots of wedding directories and on the links pages of many of the wonderful wedding suppliers that I have worked in the past.
I am grateful to all who have linked to me and I will return the favour within the new website which I am aiming to launch March 1st.
This is what I found:
I was the first 3 entries on google

Wedding Photographer Surrey Hampshire Berkshire UK

www.alanknox.co.uk/

Alan Knox Photography is a wedding photographer covering Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire specialising in modern and reportage styles of wedding ...

Alan Knox Wedding Photographer - Links

www.alanknox.co.uk/main/scroller_template.php?... - Translate this page

Alan Knox Photography is a Surrey based wedding photographer who specialises in modern and reportage styles of wedding photography.

Alan Knox Availability Checker

www.alanknox.co.uk/main/availability_checker.php - Translate this page

Alan Knox Photography is a Surrey based wedding photographer who specialises in ... Allowing you to check whether I am free for your wedding date instantly.

This was followed by freeindex and as the price suggests it was a great deal at the time.
I especially like "Alan Knox is transforming wedding photography" I might keep that line.

Wedding Photographer in Ripley, Woking (UK) - Alan Knox ...

www.freeindex.co.uk › ... › Weddings › Wedding Photographers

 10 reviews

Operating from Ripley (Woking), wedding photographer, Alan Knox is transforming wedding photography and taking it to a completely new level.

 Next up was ISURREY and being based in Surrey this seems a good place to have a link

Alan Knox Photography, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6DF - Contact ...

www.isurrey.co.uk/profile/531344/.../Alan-Knox-Photography/

Alan Knox Photography, Wedding Supplies & Services based in Woking - Contact details, direction map, company & website information and local user reviews.


Google plus is free and so I took them up on their offer

Alan Knox - About - Google+

https://plus.google.com/117070293251559119883/about

Alan Knox - Surrey Wedding & Portrait Photographer - Wedding Photographer - Alan Knox Photography - Ripley, Woking, Surrey - Alan Knox PhotographyI am a ...

3Wise designed the current site so there is a link.

Alan Knox Photography in 3wise Internet Solution's web design ...

www.3wise-solutions.com/portfolio-view/alan-knox

Name: Alan Knox Position: Owner Organisation: Alan Knox Photography Description: Alan Knox Photography is a wedding photography company specialising ...

I was suprised with the next one being London although we are only half an hour from there

Alan Knox Photography « Surrey Wedding Photographers « Home ...

www.locallondon-weddingphotographers.co.uk/...Wedding-Photogr...

19 Jan 2011 – Alan Knox Photography is a wedding photographer covering Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire specialising in modern and reportage styles of ...

Rated photographers, I am still the highest rated photographer in Surrey andI am of course quite pleased by this fact.

Alan Knox Photography | Surrey Photographers

www.ratedphotographers.co.uk/.../wedding-photographers.../alan-kn...

 Rating: 10/10 - 4 reviews

My role is to make sure that you get what you want. To tell the story of your wedding with creative pictures that capture the real fun, romance and feeling. I.

The last one on the first page of google is the disc directory where someone has left me a glowing review but I have no idea who it was. Again I am most grateful.

Alan Knox, Ripley

www.thediscdirectory.co.uk/.../photographers/alan-knox-3062921.ht...

 1 review

Have you had experience of Alan Knox and would like to share it, then please leave ... “Alan was our wedding photographer in 2008, he took the most amazing ...

That is page 1 on google I will have a look at further pages and update soon.

How to have your picture taken, well.

Have you ever wondered why some people just seem to be more photogenic than the rest of us? They always look good in photographs while we just look like ourselves but with added disappointment.
 Of course, a lot depends on the photographer, but the subject does have some control too.
You may have noticed that some people – even those not particularly attractive in real life – come out better in pictures than others. What’s their secret?

It’s nothing magical. Photogenic people usually like having their picture taken, and are relaxed & happy when the camera appears. Believe it or not, they have a triggered response and actually do things to make themselves look better!  Just like if you’re used to having bad pictures taken of yourself, you probably get nervous in front of the camera. The good news is that because it’s a skill, it can be learned!

A photograph is a frozen, two-dimensional image of you from one angle. The bad thing is that it can’t show all your good attributes like we see them with two eyes. The great thing is, you can easily ‘trick the camera’ by hiding the features you don’t like. Here are some tips that will help you take prettier pictures:

Wear extra makeup
They say that cameras eat makeup so do not be afraid to use much more than you would normally.Wearing a foundation is an absolute must, especially with modern-day digital cameras that pick up every imperfection. I recommend mascara and at least a semi-sheer lipstick, even if it’s a casual shot. Eyeliner is awesome because it helps define your eyes – without it, features can often get lost. False eyelashes are a good idea. And don’t forget the blush or bronzer – the camera tends to wash out the colours and you don’t want to end up washed out and plain
.
Prepare a flattering outfit & practice posing in it

Don’t throw something on that you think will look good; know what looks good by trying on the outfit beforehand. Practice different poses in front of the mirror and determine which ones work best and which to avoid (different poses look better with different outfits). Pay attention to any problems with the outfit (flap flipping to the wrong side, skirt twisting or riding up, shirt wrinkling in an unflattering way, etc) – so you can keep and eye and fix those during the shoot.

Instant slim-down techniques
There are ways to trick the camera eye into thinking you’re slimmer than you actually are. This has nothing to do with your actual weight, it’s just something you can use to your advantage for more flattering poses. By the way, most professional models employ these techniques as well.

• Turn your body (and face if you want to) 3/4 to the camera. Voila, you just cut your weight by a third!
• Shift weight to one foot – preferably the leg that’s away from the camera.
• If you have any ‘problem areas’ you’re insecure about (hips, tummy), cover them with your hands, props or clothing.
• Suck in your tummy! This is easy to forget when you’re posing, so ask the photographer (or a friend) to gently remind you throughout the shoot.
• Stretch out every single bone in your body – your legs, your torso, your neck. This will instantly make you look taller, slimmer and more confident! When stretching your neck, tilt the chin down a little bit to avoid the up-the-nose shots.
• Wear heels, even if you normally don’t. Heels elongate your legs look and force you to carry yourself in a different, more confident way.

Other tricks

• Determine the source of light and keep your face towards it. Facing away from the light can create unflattering shadows which might work in some cases, but only the photographer will know. Don’t be afraid to ask the photographer which way to keep your face throughout the shoot.

• Lean slightly towards the camera. Doing so adds interest, dimension and a more natural look to a photo.

• Use props! Anything – a hat, a book, an apple! Having something to fumble and interact with will make you more relaxed and make for more interesting pictures.

• Imagine the photographer is someone you are hugely attracted to! That boy you saw last week at the coffee shop? Your old-time crush? They’re behind the lens. Doing this will bring out the natural flirtatiousness in you and light up your face with a smile.

And last but not least: enjoy yourself! :) Getting your picture taken used to be heaps easier when we didn’t have digital cameras, and couldn’t scrutinise every single picture we took. We’d just relax and know that whatever is on film we can look at later. It’s ok to glance at the screen every once in a while just to see if there’s anything that could be improved, but don’t over-focus on it. And don’t expect every single shot to be a masterpiece – even the best photographers out there usually get 3-7 keepers out of 100 images taken. Have fun and don’t be too harsh on yourself, and your photos will turn out superbly!

Action portraits.
Rhys recently bought a new bike so it seemed obvious to include this in his photoshoot.
 

New updated portfolio shortlist

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Royal Wedding: Kate And Harry Mug

Royal Wedding: Kate And Harry Mug
By M@ · March 16, 2011 at 10:08 am · View Comments · News ·
Guandong Enterprises have the surprise merchandising hit of the Royal wedding on their hands. This celebratory mug would make a tasteful addition to any enthusiast’s collection, but for one rather important detail: the groom.

Yeah, it’s probably a deliberate spoof or a cunning marketing ploy but, hey, it’s the royal wedding and we must slavishly report every development, no matter how contrived.
As the company notes: “You are welcome to purchase now to avoid disappointment and regret.”

Royal wedding film: Kate Middleton's see-through catwalk dress scene recreated

by Mark Jefferies, Daily Mirror 16/03/2011

THE likeness is remarkable as an American TV movie actress re-creates the moment Kate Middleton first caught Prince William’s eye.
Kate’s see-through slip for the 2002 charity fashion show at St Andrews cost just £30, while Camilla Luddington’s made-for-TV version is pure Hollywood designer gear.

Kate, 29, and Wills, 28 – due to wed on April 29 – visit Australia this weekend to sample a crocodile barbecue as part of a tour to help raise funds for flood victims.Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/royal-wedding/2011/03/16/royal-wedding-film-kate-middleton-s-see-through-catwalk-dress-scene-recreated-115875-22992174/#ixzz1Gl8kHEGO

Prince William and Kate Middleton have chosen royal harpist Claire Jones . http://ping.fm/DNwiN

http://ping.fm/Fl2er

I have just looged on to ephotozine with a fancy social network app. does it work?

Every day that you wear your wedding dress you reduce the cost per day by 50%

By John Michael Cooper

Trash the dress, also known as fearless bridal or rock the frock, is a style of wedding photography that contrasts elegant clothing with an environment in which it is out of place. It is generally shot in the style of fashion and glamour photography.
Usually brides decide to have pictures taken on a beach, but other locations include city streets, rooftops, garbage dumps, fields, and abandoned buildings.

Some sources claim that the trend was originally started in 2001 by Las Vegas wedding photographer John Michael Cooper.

However, the idea of destroying a wedding dress has been used in Hollywood symbolically since at least October 1998 when Meg Cummings of the show Sunset Beach ran into the ocean in her wedding dress after her wedding was badly interrupted. Since then the style has spread around the world and most notably in the UK, with photographers like Steve Gerrard and Mark Theisinger, amongst others, shoot their unique ideas of Trash the Dress.

A model often wears a ball gown, prom dress or wedding dress, and may effect
ively ruin the dress in the process by getting it wet, dirty or in extreme circumstances tearing or destroying the garment. Although destruction is not always needed.
It may be done as an additional shoot after the wedding, almost as a declaration that the wedding is done and the dress will not be used again. It is seen as an alternative to storing the dress away, never to be seen again.

In a Mass Trash The Dress event in 2009 over 150 women wore their wedding dresses once more and were pictured on a beach in Scheveningen, Netherlands. Fine art photographer Melanie Rijkers (MeRy) initiated the act after she found out about the American phenomenon 'Trash the dress' on the internet.

A mass Trash The Dress event was held in Adelaide in South Australia in February 2011.

We have some great places in this area where we can take some pictures and have a memorable experience.
I promise not to deliberately damage a dress but to cherish it and to get some great pictures. And no fire I'm afraid.