Saturday, September 7, 2013

Wedding Thank You Cards


Wedding thank you cards are cards sent by newly married couples to the guests present at the wedding. These cards gained popularity over the last few years and are considered a great advantage for busy newlyweds.

Wedding thank you cards express thanks to the guests who made the occasion an auspicious and memorable one. It is a way of expressing gratitude and sincere wishes to the friends and relatives for attending the wedding as well as for their thoughtful wishes and gifts.

Generally, the cards are smaller in size and are available as pre-printed or blank inside. On the blank ones, the couple can write or print a note of thanks in the blank space. Some people send handmade cards in order to add a personal touch to the thank you being sent. People even send thank you cards with the wedding photo attached to very special persons who might want a copy of it.

Usually, wedding thank you cards are sent within a period of three months after the marriage. Electronic wedding thank you cards are very much in vogue today. These cards save the labor of card hunting in retail outlets, mailing the cards, and all the related hassles. Moreover, speedy delivery is guaranteed. However, as some may strongly feel, electronic cards cannot give that feeling of warmth and proximity assured by printed cards.

Wedding thank you cards are one of the most appropriate ways to convey thanks to all those who attended the function including host and hostesses of bridal shower, engagement party, and rehearsal dinner. There are a number of wedding shops that sell these cards, but they can also be ordered online.

Wedding Photography Tips for Amateur Photographers, Article 1


So - you love photography and have been asked by a friend to take pictures at their wedding. Why is it that it seems like every professional photographer will recommend you don't do it? Are they a bit biased? Maybe they don't want to be blamed for encouraging you to take the photos if you make mistakes and ruin the wedding photos...

I'm a wedding photographer that realizes every professional started out by photographing a "first wedding" at some point. While I will still recommend you give the couple a monetary gift so they can hire a professional photographer, if you are going to go ahead and do the photography yourself, I want to help you do the best job possible!

I remember spending more than a hundred hours working HARD to prepare for my first wedding. Learning as much as I could online. Buying wedding photography books. Taking practice photos (indoors and outdoors). Visiting the church and reception site. Taking more practice photos. Begging people (family members, relatives, friends) to pose for me so I could practice arranging...

IT IS possible for an amateur to successfully photograph a wedding - but you have to be willing to work really, really hard. And be willing to dedicate a lot of time to preparing for the wedding! And make sure the couple knows it is your first wedding so that they have low expectations. Then you can blow them away with your good results!

LEARN ABOUT LIGHTING

Do you know how to take well-lit photos in a variety of settings? Can you take nicely-lit photos that primarily use natural light while indoors? Or do you use "blast-flash" on all your subjects?

There are three basic settings on the camera that control exposure. Do you know what those three are? If you are a student of photography you should immediately know the three I am referring and should know how they interact!

#1 - Do you know what ISO refers to and what settings work best for various lighting conditions? If you stepped outside for some photos at a wedding, what would you move your ISO to? If you are indoors, what ISO setting will give you a good mixture of quality and light capture? At what ISO setting does your camera begin to take grainy photos? On my Nikon D300 I will shoot indoors at ISO 400 all day and end up with beautiful, grain-free results. If needed, I can go up to ISO 800. I try to avoid going higher than ISO 800 - but will do it if needed (there are tons of Photoshop plug-ins, free and paid, that can be used to lessen the grain).

#2 - Do you know what shutter speed you can comfortably shoot at without taking blurred photos? Four bits of advice relating to this one:

The first bit of advice is to hold the camera as still as possible while taking photos. Sound simple, but it's important! Don't jam the button down, press it gently.

Second bit of advice is to use a tripod whenever possible. I almost always use a tripod during wedding ceremonies that are indoors. Most of the time it is the only way I am able to get natural-lit shots of the wedding ceremony (due to the slow shutter speeds and dim lighting).

Third bit of advice is that, if you can't use a tripod, try to brace yourself on whatever is handy. Lean against a wall. Set the camera on the back of a pew as a stabilizer.

The fourth bit of advice is the industry-wide rule of thumb regarding shutter speeds: you generally shouldn't shoot at a shutter speed "faster" than the zoom of your lens. If you have a 50mm lens (don't forget about digital magnification factors) you would want to shoot at 1/50th or faster. A 200mm zoom would be best shot with 1/200th of a second or faster. But this is why PRACTICE is so important: over the years I have found I can shoot with a slower shutter speed if I am using flash (to find out about my flash lighting techniques, visit my web site which I link to below). I've successfully taken non-blurred images while indoors with extremely dim lighting using ISO 520, f2.8, 1/30th of a second exposure with a 70mm lens and some bounce flash.

#3 - Do you know what aperture setting is best for indoor photos? For outdoor photos? For achieving a blurred-background effect (shooting "wide open", which means a low-numbered aperture, for example f2.8 - with a zoom lens is all that is needed)? For having as much of the photo in focus as possible (a high-numbered aperture, for example f11 or f16)?

5 Simple Wedding Scrapbook Layouts


When creating wedding scrapbook layouts there are so many options you have to choose from.

Here are 5 simple theme ideas for creating a wedding scrapbook

The Engagement

This is where it all began so if you have any photos or memorabilia from the day of the proposal right up to the planning of the wedding, you'll have the foundation for a beautiful scrapbook. Such things could include pictures, menus, concert tickets, from dates, reception venues and any other memorable moments had.

The Wedding-Formal photos

It's very common couples to hire a professional photographer to record the special day, from the mornings preparations right through to the reception in the evening. For many of these photos the happy couple will posing and as such will make a great collection of memories for the couple to remember together.

The Wedding-Informal photos

It's also very common for friends and family to take photos during the wedding. While these photos are not professionally taken, they do provide a very different perspective to the professional photos. They serve as record for what the day was like as an onlooker.

So if you're able to collect these photos from your friends and loved ones you'll be able to remember your special day from a completely different angle. To many people seeing these 'happy-snap' pictures can be even more special than the professional photos. It's for this reason that they can form the foundation for a beautiful scrapbook.

The Honeymoon

There are heaps of things to collect to remember a honeymoon from plane tickets, postcards, maps, menus, souvenirs-to the most important of all; the photos. Creating a scrapbook that includes all of these items can be a great way to remember this very special holiday for years and generations to come.

Ever After

The engagement and wedding are some of the most memorable occasions that two people can have during their lives together, however they are really just the beginning. Creating and 'ever after' scrapbook that you add to over the years can is a wonderful way to build piece by piece the story of special experiences that two people can share together.

-Janette

Responsibilities of a Wedding Photographer


Photographers play an important role in preserving memories of the wonderful events in our life. They take amazing shots of us with our family and friends. Keeping these photos makes us smile just by looking at them especially when we're down. Aside from birthday, baptismal and family reunion, wedding is one of the most awaited and significant events in our life. In this chapter of our life, we will tie the knot with person we love and whom we want to share our life with. For this reason, it is important that we have pictures of our wedding from the wedding preparations to the wedding ceremony and reception.

Not all photographers specialize in wedding photography. So, we have to make sure that we get a professional wedding photographer to take pictures of our wedding. It is also not enough that they know how to take picture but then wedding photographers have different responsibilities that they should be able to perform in order to satisfy their customers and gain fulfillment in being a photographer.

Below are the basic responsibilities of wedding photographers. If you plan to be a photographer someday then you should know ahead of time what your responsibilities will be and for soon-to-be wed couples you should know what the photographer's responsibilities are so you can check if the photographer you hired is doing his job.

1.) Keep equipments in good condition
2.) Know how to use different equipments
3.) Provide correct pricing for photo packages
4.) Setup lights, provide or prepare props needed for each photo shoot.
5.) Know natural and romantic poses for wedding couples and family to execute to make the picture more breathtaking and fantastic.
6.) Choose great background for the shoot
7.) Know where the right and perfect angle is.
8.) Handle customers well. Thus, Good PR is important
9.) Manage processing and editing of photos
10.) Provide proofs and keep photo negatives.
11.) Provide customers with options for editing pictures like enlarging of photos or adding borders/styles.

Getting a wedding photographer that can perform all the above-mentioned duties can surely make your wedding memorable, fun and blessed.

Wedding Picture Thank You Cards - The Wonderful Way to Thank Your Guests


Gone are the days when the newly married couples had to spend hours and even days writing thank you notes to their guests. Today, you can make your guests pleased easily by using the technology. Wedding picture thank you cards are gifts to the bride and the groom who want to thank their guests uniquely. You can create wonders with the photo editing softwares.

Saying thank you to the guests in style can be done through wedding photo thank you cards. All the guests like to know if their gifts have reached you or not. Hence it is better to send them as early as possible. To send them fast, you have to select the thank you cards when you buy the wedding cards. Wedding thank you cards that match the wedding invitations or the theme of the wedding will be definitely unique and are sure to be appreciated.

Sky is the limit for the options of photo wedding thank you cards. The couples can make it themselves making use of their wedding photos. A photo of the guest with the couple will delight the guest. The thank you card will be saved in his scrap book and will be remembered for a long time. You can even have one of your honey moon photos if you are going on a honeymoon immediately after getting married.

The couples are generally too busy with getting settled in their new homes. They may not have time in making thank you cards, but the couples are fortunate to have the internet with lots and lots of ideas and options. The websites are there to help you in all ways. All you have to do is to choose the apt photo for your wedding thank you card with photo.

Photo selection for wedding picture thank you cards depends upon your tastes and needs. They must reflect your personality. If you want to thank the guests on the behalf of the whole family select a photo of you and your spouse posing with your family as a whole. If the cards are meant for professional needs, then avoid using personal photos. Select beautiful pictures of landscapes or other scenery which will give them a professional touch.

Once the photo is chosen, select a website which has the best template which you like at a reasonable price. You can make any customization you like to the templates. You can make changes in the color and pattern. You can choose the wordings available in the websites or write wedding photo thank you notes of your own.

Now you can proceed to upload the photo. Even if you want to make some changes in the photos, the websites will make them for you if you have no idea about photo processing. You can have your color photo to be changed into a black and white photo. You can adjust the color, add borders, have them rotated and do anything with them.

Don't forget to personally thank your guests for their gifts and acknowledge their presence because it will delight both you and your guests. Sending wedding picture thank you cards is a wonderful way to thank the guests.

Motorcycle Wedding Invitations


It is not only the family of the motorcycle club that enjoys the motorcycle theme. Many couples have turned away from the traditional flowers and doves to include a picture of motorcycle on their wedding invitation. Motorcycle picture wedding invitations are now available and unbelievably popular. From the customized picture of the couple to a young boy and girl with a motorcycle they are definitely turning heads. Motorcycles have been the craze for many years so manufacturers have finally decided to take action for motorcycle themes in every arena.

Not only can you purchase the motorcycle picture wedding invitations you can also purchase a number of this type of theme to carry the entire wedding theme. Some couples go as far as dressing in their typical motorcycle outfits that they ride in. The wedding can be centered around motorcycles completely. In some magazines there are pictures of couples actually marrying on their cycle. So it is completely appropriate that the motorcycle picture wedding invitation have become so popular.

Motorcycle wedding invitations can be purchased in a variety of styles and colors. Some may assume that the invitations are more casual, but this is not always the case. Some of the motorcycle picture wedding invitations are the most formal. The invitations can be printed on the finest of paper with gold or other enhanced typeset. They look most beautiful and carry a very classy theme. So the moral of the story is that the motorcycle picture wedding invitations can be dressed up or down, whatever your needs.

Many couples take a professional photo as their engagement photo. What better way to announce to the world your marriage than include this picture on your motorcycle picture wedding invitation? Not only have you announced your love for cycles but also each other. The motorcycle picture wedding invitation can be enhanced with other motorcycle themes such as leather or small sunglasses. Your wedding guests will be in awe of your unique theme!

The motorcycle picture wedding invitation can really show how creative and dedicated that you are to your hobby. For many, motorcycles are their lives, and their spouse is the new addition to their list of loves. This is a great way to compliment the both. Motorcycle picture wedding invitations are a great theme and many are finding out about them. They are no more expensive than the other types of invitations, but much cooler!

If you are looking for a great theme and have always had a love for the motorcycle then consider the motorcycle picture wedding invitation. You can choose from a variety of styles and pictures of motorcycles. Also enhancements can be added as you wish. If you are going all out on your cycle this is a great way to start the trend. Guaranteed to have everyone wondering where you got these classic motorcycle picture wedding invitations. Whether you indulge the information is your business. Not only has a great gift to your hobby but also the coolest motorcycle pictured wedding invitations around.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Understanding Wedding Photo Albums


Choosing a wedding album can be just as confusing and difficult as choosing a wedding photographer. They come in hundreds of styles, covers, colors, sizes, mounting options, etc. Although there are lots of books and articles written for professional photographers about wedding albums, there's almost nothing out there for brides. Sheesh! So here's the 411:

Why do I need an album from my photographer? I've got the digital files, I can make my own prints and put them in my own album.

True, but since professional-quality, custom-made album companies only sell to professional photographers, you will have to buy an off-the-shelf consumer album. That means you either buy the type of album with slip-in plastic sleeves or a scrapbook-type album where you glue photos to a page. Some companies can print simple hardcover photo books. There's nothing wrong with that - these types of options can still be attractive. Just make sure you get albums made with acid-free archival materials so your photos don't discolor or disintegrate over time. However, if you want a truly professionally made, gorgeous album with either flush-mounting or professionally mounted in custom mats, you really have no other choice, you've got to buy one from your professional wedding photographer.

Why are wedding albums so expensive?

You can buy a photo album at the local drugstore for $19.95 and slip in all your 4×6 proofs and bam, you're done! So why is your wedding photographer charging you $2,500 for that album? There are a couple of reasons for this:

(1) Professional-quality albums cost your photographer a lot of money. It is not unusual for your photographer to pay five, six or seven hundred dollars or more for a custom leather album. Custom bookbinding is expensive!

(2) It can easily take your photographer 2 full days to do their file preparation and retouching (on Photoshop) of all the images you've chosen for your album and then to do the design work on the album. You are paying for the photographer's skill and time here, both as a photographer and graphic designer.

What is a flush-mount album? Is it better than a traditional album?

Flush-mounting means that the print itself is mounted all the way to the edge of the page. So the print itself is exactly the same size as the page it is mounted on. Most often, flush-mounting also includes digital graphic design. That means each page is designed using Photoshop or other graphic design software. That makes the design options nearly unlimited. Currently, flush-mount albums seem to be the most popular among today's brides. As for whether or not flush-mount albums are better than traditional, I can't say. It's just a matter of personal preference.

Traditional Matted Albums

This is the style of album that's been around for decades. With a traditional album, prints are placed in individual openings on cotton mats. There is a matted border around each page, so the photo itself doesn't go to the edge of the page. While I love flush-mount albums, there's something so classy and timeless about a matted album. Each image stands out on its own and gains importance.

Coffee Table Books

This most often refers to a book with photos printed on the actual pages. The pages are thin just like a regular book. Some couples prefer photo books to albums because they like the thinner, sleeker look. They can also be just as attractive. However, keep in mind that coffee table book pages will tear much more easily than true album pages, which are mounted on a rigid lining.

Cover options

Cover options are literally limitless. Although leather covers are standard, you can get almost anything you want: plexiglass, metal or fabric covers can be ordered. You can even send in your own fabric and have the album covered with it! Covers can include cover images or not, as well as your choice of text.

How to work with your photographer on your album design

One key consideration is how many images you want and how many pages you want. There are only so many images that will fit before the design becomes busy and cluttered. For example, I prefer a very clean, modern design. This works out to about on average 2 pictures per page in a digitally-designed flush-mount album and about 1.5 images per page in a traditional album. The bottom line here is that you should evaluate your photographer's album design style just as you would their photographic style. Don't be afraid to share your views on album design with your photographer.

It is my sincerest hope that every couple orders an album. In my experience, most people are so busy in their daily lives that they never get around to creating that gorgeous album themselves. This is really an investment in your most important memories. My goal is for you to be showing your album to your grandchildren - of course with tears in your eyes. Think of it this way: if your home catches fire and you have 30 seconds to grab one item as you rush out the door - you're going to grab that wedding album, NOT the china or the toaster. 'Nuff said!

Wedding Photography In Japan


In Japan the wedding photographer is more likely to be an employee or contractor for a Wedding Chapel or Reception Hall rather than freelance. Today many Japanese couples are opting for a western style wedding as it's "kakoi" (Cool). It seems like western culture is really taking root over there with the younger generation of Japanese. These couples like to have many western "Guijin" (foreigners) around just for the ambiance, so the Wedding Chapels tend to employ westerners to officiate at the ceremony. A wedding photographer from a western country has a good chance of landing some of these gigs just because they don't look Japanese! Most of the time even the minister is just an actor saying the lines! Very seldom is he actually a real Pastor. It's both sad and funny at the same time, but very Japanese!

A good way to get into the wedding photography business in Japan is to start as a Wedding Minister. This is a great way to meet the right people and learn how weddings are done in Japan. You don't need to be an ordained pastor and you only need to learn the lines in Japanese. Some people may feel it is wrong to perform a Christian style wedding ceremony, but that is all it is in Japan, just a ceremony! In fact, by the time you are in front of the chapel with bible in hand the couples are already married! In Japan a couple get married by going to City Hall and signing the marriage certificate. A ceremony is not even necessary.

Most wedding ministers and photographers started out with no Japanese speaking ability, but if you do speak Japanese well you will always get the better pay, so if you really want to make a decent living you will need to start learning to speak the language. Sure you can show people how you want them to pose by playing charades, but it is always easier to simply be able to explain it to them!

The pay for a contracted wedding photographer may not be great compared to the US average but it is a great way to learn the ropes and be able to make a decent living in a foreign country. Along the way you will make many Japanese friends and contacts who will help you grow your wedding photography business in the future.

Photography Ideas - Tips For Taking Wedding Photos


Photography is a visual art. Creative photography ideas are important in wedding photography. Taking photos at a wedding venue is a challenge as the activities and light conditions there changes from second to second. Here are some basic photography ideas for a beginner wedding photographer.

How to prepare for a wedding photograph

Preparation from at least from a month before gives you great photography ideas. Getting to know the couple is good to understand their views about their wedding photo album. Ask questions like, where is the venue? How many guests are expected? How many photographers are hired for the ceremony? This will help you plan for great shots.

Know the wedding location

Spare time and visit the venue to get some photography ideas for a wonderful click. Also find a position to locate your self on the wedding day. Check out the reception area and other places of activities like the dance floor

Photography kit

Now you have some photography ideas in mind, and it is time to organize your tools for photography. Make sure you have kept your camera, tripod, lenses, memory card and portable drive. Do not miss out to take an assistant along with you to the wedding venue. Be it your friend or colleague, an assistant can help you arrange things at the venue and share your stress.

The wedding day has arrived and its time for you to be attentive and tricky with photography ideas. If you are asked to take photographs of the bride or groom getting ready for the wedding, be the first one to reach their home. In the church, position yourself in the predetermined place. Do not take too many photographs in the beginning itself, you have a long day ahead with a number of glorious scenes to click. If you are required to take group shots, start with big groups so that you can have combinations of friends and relatives pictures to stick on the wedding album.

You are almost done with the wedding photography. Edit and remove redeye, cropping, etc. Use stunning creative Photography ideas that suit the function and place. Load the photos in a CD or DVD and deliver it to the lovely couple and get your next photography order there itself.

Black and White Wedding Invitations - Where Style Meets Tradition


If you just got engaged and are now starting on the long path of planning the wedding then a black and white wedding invitation is a great way to show off the elegance of your wedding. But don't think for one moment that your invite will be boring just because you are going with a traditional white wedding. Now days there are dozens of different designs and styles of invitations to choose from in the black and white realm so don't be afraid to add a twist to a classic invite and make it uniquely yours.

Here is a list of the different styles you can choose from as well as an example of each so you can make the best decision for your special day.

Traditional - There is nothing wrong with sticking with the classic beauty of simple black and white invitation. A traditional style will have clean sharp lines and elegantly styled lettering.

Tea Length - A tea length wedding invitation allows for slight twist on the traditional by allowing for a long narrow look and feel but offers the same clean lines and elegant lettering you would expect to see on the traditional style.

Vintage Style - A vintage wedding invitation incorporates a little vintage flair by adding a vintage pattern as a border or background in order to give you a unique style and design.

Photo - Just because you went black and white doesn't mean you have to rule out the use of photos on your invitations. Adding a photo to an already elegant design can let you put a little more of your own style into the invitation. A fun idea that many brides do is they have their photo in black and white but add just a touch of color by putting their names or wedding date in color to make it really pop.

Folded - A folded design is not necessarily a style but has to do with the invitations overall size. Unlike a single sided invite a folded invite has 2 panels that fold in to create a perfect square. A folded style is a great choice for anyone that is looking to additional room for additional pictures.

So don't be scared to mix it up a little no matter which style and design you go with you will always turn heads with its timeless beauty and elegance and is the perfect way to announce your special day.

Symbolism of the Jewish Wedding Groom's Glass


The Jewish wedding groom's glass is a crucial part of the ceremony, one that has a significant meaning. After the bride and groom have been officially announced husband and wife, the Rabbi recites the Seven Blessings. The couple drinks from a single glass of wine and then the glass is placed inside a cloth or specially designed bag. With his right foot, the groom crushes the glass and the celebration of marriage begins.

While fun to watch, and one of the most anticipated events of the wedding, the act of breaking the Jewish wedding groom's glass actually has deep meaning. In fact, several meanings relate to this act, some ancient and some modern. The most reverent meaning symbolizes a time in 70AD when the Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed. This temple was a place where the Jewish people went to worship so its destruction was devastating to them. The breaking of the glass reflects both happiness and sadness of the Jewish history, something that should be remembered and honored throughout the marriage, but also passed down for generations.

A more contemporary meaning for breaking the Jewish wedding groom's glass is a symbol of commitment, love, and trust, so as the marriage moves forward, the couple would never experience breaking in the marriage union. Then, some people believe that because the glass has been broken and can never be put back together, it symbolizes that the marriage is complete, a bond of two people that would never change.

If you were to look at photos in homes of Jewish couples, you would notice numerous photos specific to this ritual. Interestingly, while this act is often a part of a ceremony when both bride and groom are Jewish, it is also used when one party is Jewish and the other one not. In a mixed-union marriage, it is common for the Jewish wedding groom's glass to be broken, followed by a ritual taken from a non-Jewish wedding, which might involve the lighting of the unity candle.

Capturing this part of the wedding in pictures is certainly important. However, many people ask what happens to the glass. Today, companies have come up with unique ways of using the broken pieces of the wine glass such as creating gorgeous picture frames. These frames are not just a way of showing off the actual photo of the groom as he steps on the glass but also for displaying various aspects of the wedding that would be enjoyed every day going forward.

The Jewish wedding groom's glass could be any number of things. As an example, some people will use the nuptial or betrothal cup. Some couples choose a high quality wine cup that is quite expensive. To save money, the bride and groom can also choose to break a less expensive "prop glass", which can also be used for making beautiful photo frames. In addition to being inexpensive, prop glass comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns and designs. Best of all, prop glass is much easier for the groom to break than traditional glass so as the groom brings his foot down to crush it, the glass is the only thing that breaks.

If you are planning a Jewish wedding, one of the most important decisions you will ever make is choosing the right photographer. You want a professional that understands Jewish customs so the most important parts of the ceremony will be captured, which includes the breaking of the Jewish wedding groom's glass. Then, for a permanent memory, we recommend that you consider having a picture frame made with the glass, something you and the entire family will cherish forever.

Why Choose Sikh Wedding Photographers?


Do you want your wedding to be a memorable one? Then get a Sikh wedding photographer so that your wedding pictures are photographed by someone knowledgeable in Sikh tradition.

Sikh weddings reflect Indian traditions and values in the most beautiful manner and are comprised of the following religious and cultural ceremonies: Akhand Paath, Engagement, Mehndi, Sangeet, Mayian, Anand Karaj meaning "Blissful Union" or "Joyful Union," and Four Lavaan (wedding vows or marriage hymns which take place during the marriage ceremony). Sikh photographers are sensitive to the needs of families for the most traditional practices and ceremonies and that is reflected best by professional Sikh wedding photographers.

Professional wedding photographers offer various packages from which you can choose depending upon the coverage you desire. It is to be remembered that wedding photography is not just about taking a series of photographs of bride and groom. Any perfect wedding is not complete without covering all the events that take place long before the marriage process begins. Sikh wedding packages can include still photography, videography, albums, CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs in your choice of standard or high definition and can be modified and personalized. Your preferences are always taken into account so that your wedding day and associated events can be preserved for your lifetime.

Sikh wedding photographers, because they are familiar with the traditions and ceremonies, are better able to capture the mood and gravity of the various ceremonies. Sikh weddings are joyous and festive events in which families and friends from both sides are heavily involved. Sikh Photographers understand and respect the ceremonies that take place in the Gurudwara as well as those that take place in the homes of various family members. They are also more familiar with traditional wedding attire and are prepared to adjust lighting and lenses to better capture the photographs that will make your special day memorable.

Sikh wedding photographers are also better able to produce Sikh wedding video DVDs that encompass the various ceremonies and traditions using traditional music and traditional dance and to edit these into movies that you will want to watch again and again.

When choosing any event photographer, it is always a good idea to ask about the equipment he or she uses, the amount of experience he or she has, and to see recent samples of the photographer's work. Once you have decided based on these factors, you need to decide whether you have a desired level of personal comfort with the photographer. If, after all of these considerations, you have decided to contract the services of the photographer, make sure you get a written contract spelling out exactly what services the photographer will provide for you and how much these services will cost. It is your responsibility to let the photographer know the exact dates, times and locations of all events and any special requirements you may have. In addition, you should discuss the payment requirements with the photographer so that you are both in agreement. All of these things should be written into the contract, which should then be signed by both parties and you will then be assured of the best possible photographic services and outcome.

If you would like to cherish your wedding moments for a lifetime, there is no better way than to consider Sikh wedding photographers.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Wedding Photography and the Economy - Is it Really Worth It?


I don't know about you, but I know I was not wise enough to make the right moves to be rich today. My family is not historically financially well off either. Working my way through these down economic times is a tough. If you're getting married soon you might want to read on to help you focus.

The obvious truth is that economics affect the financial decisions you make regarding your wedding. Non of this means you cannot have a great wedding. After all there are many places around the world that do not require a lavish wedding. However, in nearly all of these places you will find a photographer. This is where an experienced photographers come in. Experience to make the less than lavish (and the lavish) look great on your wedding day.

Photographs are items that all of us cherish at one time or another, e.g. baby photos, school plays, graduations,... this is especially true when our family and friends get together for an event such as a wedding. Make sure your wedding photographer is capable of capturing those treasures.

How would you like to be served? You must decide if you want the simple 'stand against a wall and smile with your arms around your family' photographs, OR do you want 'all of the emotion of the day brilliantly captured' photographs. Do you want that photograph of your husband to be with the rare tear on his face to show? He loves you. You want to see that moment everyday you look at your wedding photographs. Isn't it a special moment that would make you tear-up too?

Photographs may not be important to everyone: Honestly, why spend one single dime on photography if your expectations are simple and you are not worried about great moments of emotion being captured in a photo? Just about anyone can get a group of folks standing and smiling in front of the cake with the bride and groom in the middle. An overly dark suit of the groom which you can't see and the bride's dress details blown out so much that it's to the point of only looking like a white table cloth. Heck, you can save some money on the dress too because it'll never be seen to remember in print either.

When Photographs are important to you:
Experienced Professional Photographers...
* will capture the great moments for you.
* will treat you as if you are special to them.
* have access to the best albums in world.
* will have the tools to do a complete service for you.
* will be on time no matter what.
* will be there for you!

We're now in the digital age: Fact of the matter is there are so many "professional" photographers these days due to the advantages of digital photography. You have to ask though, why wasn't photography in so much demand many years ago when film was the only option? My guest is that many did not see it as an easy buck as they do today. Watch out for those who have a business card and website and say they are "professional" photographers; Many of them just picked up a camera at Best Buy on their way to meet with you....their first camera ever. Everyone is trying to find a way to survive in this down economy.

Our economy is hurting you and the photographer you may decide to hire. You want to save money; they want to make a few dollars to help make ends meet. Though you two are not on the same page! You want to save money but you also want absolutely beautiful wedding pictures captured by someone who cares about your wedding day and the work they provide you as a client. Again, they want financial ends to meet.

The unfortunate truth is that once your wedding is over you can not repeat the day to have it professionally captured due to the many errors made by the less experienced photographer.

The nitty gritty is that EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL photographers cost money. There is no other way to put it. You rarely will get away with a quality photography product that did not cost more than you expected. This is because quality is learned over time and effort (training, practicing, etc). It's kind of simple really. People get college degrees and make more money than those without. Even if they do the same kind of work. Why? Training, experience, dedication......or maybe they should go to Best Buy and buy a certificate from the printer paper products section and print a degree. I dunno, but you should seriously consider being true to yourself and think about how you will feel when you look back at your wedding pictures. Do you want to talk about how bad the photographer was or do you want to cry and laugh as you think about the day while looking at great photographs? That's something you have to put your money into.

Inspiration to Print Your Own Wedding Invitations


These days you can create and print your own wedding invitations at home easily. If you've got a bit of imagination and a printer, then you're well on your way to creating your own wedding invitations. There are plenty of simple ideas that can look stunning and here I outline some simple techniques to get you started.

If you're not feeling inspired, you could use a free printable wedding invitation, then all you need to do is sit back, relax and print them out! Now, back to inspiration...

Finding inspiration

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Look around you at how other things are designed. I find inspiration on anything from wrapping paper, magazines layouts, business logos to emblems or patterns on clothes.
I find that even just walking around the high street, I look at how things are designed, the way elements of the design come together and the way that colours are used. One of best places for inspiration for wedding invitations is card shops! I always come out inspired and raring to go!

Try an illustrative route

If you're a dab hand at drawing, then why not try creating an illustration. For my own wedding invitations I experimented with different illustrations and it worked really well. Just keep it simple so that it's easy to repeat over and over again. Some common drawings for wedding invites are cakes, hearts, rings, bride and grooms and doves.

You could draw it out and then scan it into your computer. (If you don't have a scanner, a copy shop will be able to help). Once you've got the illustration on your computer, treat it like any other image. You can then repeat it, manipulate it or re-colour it. Lay it out on your chosen size paper and then print your own wedding invitations! Simple!

Use photos as the basis of your wedding invite

In recent years, we've embraced digital photography wholeheartedly. We 'point and click' our digital cameras wherever we go, storing our pictures on our home computers and tinkering with them to create the perfect crop, smooth skin and ideal framing.

Why not take these skills and put them to good work by using some of these techniques on your wedding invitations? Here are some simple ideas with photos so you can print your own wedding invitations:

- Take of photo of you and your fiancé and simply print it out onto photo paper in colour or black and white and secure it to the front of your card. You could then place some ribbon or other embellishment on the card to finish it off.

- A slight twist on this is to use some of the special effects in a photo package. The oil paint effect, sketch effect and outline effect are simple techniques that can be found on free software like Paint.net. Just add a quote or saying underneath and then print it directly on some card blanks.

- You could use passport photos of the two of you. You can either stick them to the front of your card, or scan them in and then print out your invites on your computer - it'll be cheaper than getting lots of sets of passport photos.

- Use a photo sharing system such as photobox.com where you can upload your photo and get a card made. The finish is really good and it's a great way to print your own wedding invitations. All you need to do is then create the insert and pop it inside.

Experiment with free downloadable images

There are also plenty of downloadable images on the internet that you could use too. Clipart is much better these days and you may be surprised at what you can find. Again, you can either print these directly on to your wedding invitation or print them on to special paper, cut them out and fix them to the front of your invite.

Creating your 'print at home wedding invitations'

You should also think about the invitation format you'll need. Will your intended design look good on a A6, DL or square card? Do practice runs and tinker with the layout or design until it looks just right. So when you print your own wedding invitations they'll be perfect.

Experiment with different card stocks and types of papers. There are literally hundreds of different papers around these days that will go through your printer, so try something different for a unique, individual look.

5 Ideas for a Unique Wedding Guest Book


If you are planning for a wedding in the near future one that that is often forgotten but is very important is the wedding guest book. This is vitally important to the wedding because it is one of the most important treasured memories that you will keep tucked away for a long time to come. It is a record of all the guests that have attended the wedding and there is no better way to remember a wonderful wedding then going through the wedding guest book and reading all the thoughtful comments that were left by guests.

Since this will become such a treasured memory you will want to pick a unique wedding guest book that you will enjoy pulling out. You will find some of the most popular but also most unique ideas for a wedding guest book in the article below.

Themed Wedding Guest book -

Often the first choice for most people is to tie the theme of the wedding in with the guest book. Since this is the first things that guests to the wedding will see it can be your first chance to plant the theme of the wedding in your guests minds. So this is not very shocking but if you have a fairy tale theme wedding with knights in shinning armor and a beautiful white horse etc. Then you will want to pick a wedding guest book that follows along with this magical fair tale theme.

Wedding Guest Book Platter -

For a very unique guest book you can use a specially made ceramic platter or plate. These are very fun alternatives that are very easy to display after the wedding in your home. There are many companies online that make these they are easy to find. However, they make for a unique wedding guest book that your guests are sure to remember.

Photo Wedding Guest Book -

These unique wedding guest books used to be done with Polaroid photos. In fact they still can be, however with digital cameras and small portable digital camera printers this can easily be modernized and updated. This is a very easy yet unique guest book that can create many fun memories of the wedding in a very visual way. Simply take a picture of the Bride and Groom with a digital camera. Print the photo and glue insert it into either a photo album or a regular guest book. They should then put a little message in the guest book to their guests. Something like "Thanks for coming to our wedding, it is a big special day for us and we hope you will enjoy it also." Then leave this out with a Polaroid or digital camera and enough film to ensure that everyone get a few chances to take pictures. As guests come in they can take their picture and place it into the guest book with a little message.

Puzzle Guest Book-

Yet another fun and very unique guest book idea. You can do this by taking a favorite picture of the couple before the big day and turning this into a large puzzle. There are many places online that can easily turn a photo into a large puzzle. Then assemble the puzzle

Monogrammed Wedding Guest Book-

This can add a touch of class to your wedding guest book. Have a custom made wedding guest book that has the monogram of the Bride and Groom.

These are just a few of the many ideas that you can use to make a creative and unique wedding guest book. The ideas are really endless and you can go for something simple to something unique and unusual. It is all up to you and you wedding theme.

Digital Wedding Photo Album Software Free Download - Photographer's Top Secrets Revealed


If you're looking for digital wedding photo album software that is free to download and that allows you to make high-quality, professional photo albums then this article is a must-read for you. Not only is this program very easy to use even for people who have never created a single photo book before, but it produces amazing photo books printed on top-quality award-winning photo paper, professionally bounded with numerous cover options. Cover options for your photo book choices range from a very budget-friendly linen hardcover to luxurious handcrafted genuine leather. These photo books are meticulously finished and crafted to last for years and years.

If you think that you have to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars to get that expensive, one-of-a-kind look for your photography book, think again! Despite the fact that many professional photographers are charging top dollar for handcrafted photo albums, you can achieve the same results for a bargain price, if you know where to order your photo books and what digital photo album software (free is always a plus) to use. In fact, many professional photographers are using this exact program and would hate to share this information with you.

This digital wedding photo album software (free to download and use) is packed with great features that no other software program offers on the market today. You can fully customize your album pages, add personalized captions, make custom cover pages with your own photos and text. The software program has powerful photo editing tools, if you need to spruce up your pictures before putting them in the photography book.

But it doesn't stop there! You can also share your digital photo books online with anybody who has an e-mail address for free. Once your friends receive an e-mail with a link to your photo album, all what they have to do is just click the link in your e-mail, and the smiles begin. Your friends can view your photo book without downloading those bulky attachments. Your digital photo album will look like an online magazine, so your friends will be able to turn the pages, zoom in and out, etc.

If you would like to send a printed photo book as a gift to your friends, you can do so with just a click of your mouse. In fact, your friends can order as many prints of your photo books as they like themselves without downloading this digital photo album software.

You can customize your photo album for each recipient by adding a separate cover page and cover title to make a truly unique and personalized gift for any occasion. Who doesn't love receiving gifts with a nice personal touch? Now you can make yours! And no, these gifts won't come with a huge price tag. You will be shocked how inexpensive they are!

Techniques Used in Wedding Photography


A wedding is a very special day in everyone's life. May it be their own, their friend's or a family member's, a wedding is something that deserves an extra dose of fondness while attending it and even when reminiscing about it through pictures. It is such a special day that every moment is actually memorable.

This is the time that your family and friends are gathered into one celebration of life. Everything is prepared and well-planned. The entourage gowns and suits, wedding decorations, food and drinks, and a lot more are prepared for everyone to enjoy. There is one thing that should not be forgotten, however. Always make sure to contact a wedding photography studio to capture each of these special moments in print. You can take pictures yourselves, but wedding photographers will always be able to do it better. After all, it's their profession.

Professionals of wedding photography can give you insights on how to best capture moments during the ceremony and the reception. The following are contemporary photography techniques they can tell you about:

a. Indoor Photography - As the term implies, this is done indoors such as a church or an indoor reception venue. Pictures are taken only inside where the lights have been adjusted in order to capture just the right hues for every photo.

b. Outdoor Photography - This is often held in parks, the beach and other outdoor venues. Photographers make sure that they get the right angle because they are using natural light this time. However, for evening events, they make sure to have the right lighting facilities to create the best photos during the shoot.

c. Posed and Candid Photojournalism - This is when pictures can be taken indoors or outdoors but the shoot can either be choreographed or candid. Either of the two can look good in print, but it will still be up to the photographer how to capture the emotion of the subjects.

d. Studio Shoot - This is when couples go to the studio to have their pictures taken before and after the wedding. An advantage you get from studio shoots is the availability of all types of photography equipment.

e. Digital Prints and Albums - This is the end result of every pictorial showing activities before and after the wedding. Here, you can make suggestions to the photographer as to how you want the photos to come out. For example, you can give your preferences regarding the layout that you want in your album.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Why Are Wedding Guest Books Important and What Are the Different Types of Weddings Guest Books?


A wedding celebrates and commemorates the union of a husband and wife, in the presence of their family and friends. No other occasion can probably create the same enthusiasm and passion than tying the knot. Capturing all the memories associated with such an event therefore, is essential. This is where a wedding guest book plays a significant role. It is one of those special memoirs that you will cherish for years to come.

This book keeps a written and well-documented record of everyone who shared this special moment with the couple. Captured here are best wishes by the guests, words of advice and maybe even a quote or a few. An essential item for all weddings, it will prove very valuable when looking at it after all the celebrations have died down and you come back from your honeymoon. All you have left now are your memories of what was one, if not, the most important event of your life. There are various types on the market. Here is a quick glimpse of a few:

Specific Themes
If your wedding has a specific theme, then your wedding guest book can complement this. It is a fun and creative way to use guest books and can make a great impression on your guests. There are fairy tale wedding themed books, beach, whimsical, rustic, vintage, garden, and color-themed books amid many others.

Photo Book

Photo books are an excellent idea to create fun memories with a visual impact. The couple can choose their favourite photos of themselves, engagement shoot photos are increasingly popular, and then have them made into a personalized guest book. Their guests can then write their messages in the spaces around the selected photos.

Wedding Platter
A wedding platter is an option for those who want to move away from the conventional guest book. The best thing about this book is that it can be showcased, publicly afterwards.

Quilted
Quilt guest books, usually blankets or tapestries, are a fabulous way to engage wedding guests to form a quilted masterpiece. Using pieces of fabric and fabric pens, people can write their individual messages which then can be sewn into an entire piece later.

Monogrammed
This type of book is very personalized where you can have the book customized with the monogrammed initials of the bride and groom.

Puzzle
A puzzle guest book is another innovative guest book idea. Turn the favorite picture of the couple together or any relevant shape, made into a puzzle, where each guest can write on each piece.

These are the main types of wedding guest books on the market. You can also find them for birthdays, christenings, engagements and other life milestones. You can find them either on online stores, stationery stores and selected specialty stores.

The Problems With Photoshop Actions For Wedding and Portrait Photographers


Photoshop opened up a whole world of possibilities for photographers and image editing experts by allowing them to develop automation within their work flow. No more so than in the areas of Portrait and Wedding Photography.

At the same time though, it created an unprecedented burden on many to learn this new technology and perform like a pro. The trouble has always been that Photoshop is vast in its possibilities, and the task of learning enough of its workings a huge undertaking. Often times, it has become too much for some, and they disappear back into their shells. At least for a while.

My personal experience of this, as a photographer is that I was young and excited and very determined, and years on, I am still learning. Through this I have learnt something about identifying the challenges of specific types of image production, and then how to discover satisfactory solutions to reproduce them easily.

When you look at a beautifully edited set of images from a professional photographer, you'll see that they have had a lot of image enhancements made to them. For most Photographers, this is the primary way to create a noticeable difference between what they offer clients and what the clients can do for themselves. It adds a distinctive value to their work that clients can appreciate and are happy to pay for.

This makes professional image enhancement a necessity for Photographers wanting a successful business rather than just a fanciful luxury.

The challenges with this for Photographers are manyfold. For example, using Photoshop for this process is a given fact. However learning Photoshop requires a long term commitment as it is such a vast piece of software. Once you have learnt the basics, how far should you go with your retouching? What level of editing do clients actually like the best? How much time should you spend on editing the images? How much should you charge? What extras should you charge for? What is now expected as a standard level? Just what are today's customers expectations?

Some of these questions you will be able to answer instinctively. Others will require time and the feedback of your paying clients.

For the majority of Photographers the toughest questions relate directly to the photo editing side of things. Fortunately we have Photoshop, and then perhaps even better, we have Photoshop Actions!

The development of time saving Actions in Photoshop opened up a new arena for photographers wishing to improve the look of their work and compete commercially. These Actions are incredibly useful in Wedding and Portrait Photography, where dozens of images need to be edited in a short amount of time.

Actions are small (usually) bits of software that tell Photoshop exactly what to do to an image. Each Action is named according to its function and they are activated by clicking an onscreen button. These actions and their buttons are listed in a palette (a movable panel) inside the Photoshop work area.

Actions are designed to perform repetitive tasks at the click of a button. The sort of tasks they cope with can be wide and varied. Typically though, they will do things like add soft focus to an image, sharpen an image, add warmth to the colours of an image, or perhaps even to resize an image.

To the portrait and wedding Photographer, this can be a godsend. For example, as a Wedding Photographer, you may have 150 images or more lined up, and they all need work doing to them. Lets say you want to sharpen these pictures, then increase the color saturation slightly and finally bring out detail in the midtones! Phew! Doing each one manually one after the other takes hours as anyone who has tried will tell you.

Photoshop Actions to the rescue! With these Actions, you open one image, press a 'Record Actions' button to then log the changes you are making. When you are happy with those changes, you then easily 'Batch Process' all the other images on Auto with those same changes while you go for a walk or have a cup of tea!

Naturally, there are many tips, tricks and techniques involved with all of this, but in reality, these Actions make it commercially viable to output superb images to all of your clients all of the time.

Unfortunately though, there is a problem with all of this. Regular Actions have their limitations. In spite of what I have said, to edit your images to a satisfactory standard can still take a huge amount of skill and time. Time is expensive, and when you have established the processes you like to use regularly for your own personal style, you will still (inevitably) end up bogged down in tedious repetitive tasks.

So what is the answer to all of this? It seems that a new developer has produced some highly sophisticated Photoshop Action sets that have just been made available. Thes go beyond our normal expectations of what Actions are capable of. Amongst other things, they can be adapted to your personal style of imagery. These Action sets can enhance your images almost on complete auto pilot and they work at blisteringly fast speeds too.

DIY Wedding Photography Guide And Tip's To Doing Your Own Wedding Photos


Firstly I'd like to say that I can't stress enough the importance of this information, especially with wedding photography, because you don't get a second chance!

Preparation

The wedding is probably a good few weeks away now, ideally anyone who you want to be taking photos for you would probably benefit from previewing the location, so give them a call and arrange to all go together and check out the location, don't put it off, if you think you know a good spot to use then go there and take some friends along, take the bride, groom, bridesmaids & best man if you can, look around for good backgrounds, where is the sun? work out where the sun will be on the day when you are taking the group shots, now get your cameras out and take some photos!, use the people with you to pose as the bride and groom, and set up a group, try different backgrounds, different angles, different poses, also something to consider is the ground? It may be OK now, but what if it rains the day before, will the ground still be OK for the bride to stand on in her beautiful long white gown? Find a couple of locations, one with hard standing, like a pathway in front of the grass, or even on the edge of the car park, preferably with no lines, though these can be airbrushed out later.

This is the perfect opportunity to get some practice in! once you've done the shots you then have the opportunity to get them down loaded on to your computer, and in to your editing suit to play with and get some editing done before the wedding day, but keep those shots, they could even be used in the album as a before and after comparison...

What ever you decide to use in the background, look out for things that you don't want in the photo. Is there a car park near by? Look out for cars in the back of your shot, If there is a road near by, watch out for traffic running through the back of your shot, you really don't want a big orange Sainsbury's HGV in the wedding album, look out for path ways in the background, are you likely to get people walking by, kids on bikes, or dogs running in to the shot, the things you see in the background can really spoil a good shot. Though best to get it right first time on the camera, with a basic editing program, most things can simply be removed later.

4 Important Newborn Baby Photography Tips Photographers Must Bear In Mind For Stunning Baby Photos


Newborn Baby Photography Tips #1 - Location Preparation

Keep the location setting simple. It is very much advisable that you use props that are meaningful to you. For instance, your wedding ring, a wedding veil, and a gift you made for your partner during your wedding anniversary.

Do not forget that your main subject is your newborn baby. Hence, we use props very subtly do avoid distraction.

Newborn Baby Photography Tips #2 - Reveal The Newborn's Size

Babies are perfect, yet very small in size.

It is great if you can shoot pictures of your child that reveals his/ her size. Create contrast for this.

For instance, you can photograph the baby cradling on his/ her father's hand. You can also place the child next to an object so that the perspective of the baby is revealed.

Newborn Baby Photography Tips #3 - Baby's Cooperation

There are 2 moments that are the best when photographing a newborn baby:

A) When The Newborn Is Relaxed and Cooperative

It is best while it is early in the morning and your baby has been fed and bathed. By then, most babies will feel relaxed and cooperative - just what you need to conduct newborn baby photography sessions.

Refrain from putting a nappy or tight clothing on your child before the shoot. This helps to avoid indentations or marks on your child's soft skin. The child often might appear look to shiny in pictures if applied with baby oil or moisturizing cream. Therefore, do not apply the baby oil and moisturizing cream on the child before a photo shoot.

B) When The Newborn Is Sound Asleep

Another great time to photograph babies is when they are sleeping soundly. Newborn babies in this situation are easy to mould and pose. Feed him/ her well and snuggle the child until he/ she gets comfortable.

Check if the baby is sound asleep by gently picking up the baby's arm and then gently letting it drop. If the child jerks, you will know that child is not soundly asleep.

Hence, the photo session will not be as efficient. However, if the baby's arm falls readily, it is time for you to conduct your newborn baby photo shoot.

Newborn Baby Photography Tips #4 - Print The Photos Regularly

It is of utmost importance that you regularly print the photos of your newborn baby. Now that we live in the digital world, we tend to forget to print these valuable photographs. When we notice it, these photos will be lost in cyberspace.

I use the Canon SELPHY CP790 printer to print out different sized photos to create scrapbooks and print photos to be put into photo frames that are placed in my bedroom and living room. I also print small sized photos of my loved ones that fit perfectly into my wallet. The Canon SELPHY CP790 prints photographs quickly yet quietly.

Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas


If you know someone who is celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, you should consider giving them a nice gift. This is, after all, a tremendous accomplishment, particularly in today's world. Be sure to choose something that reflects the importance of the event, which is sure to please the wonderful couple you wish to honor.

Think Silver
The 25th wedding anniversary is considered the 'silver' anniversary. As such, this is the best time to give something silver. If you are honoring your spouse on your own anniversary, consider a silver piece of jewelry. Your wife will love a silver pendant with a beautiful diamond on it, and this is the best way to show her your appreciation for sticking with you for all of these years. If you are shopping for your husband, consider a silver-toned wristwatch to show him your love is still strong.

If you are shopping for someone else, not your own spouse, you can still use silver to commemorate the occasion. A beautiful silver picture frame etched with their names and wedding date can make a nice gift. If you can find an old picture from their courtship or wedding, this can add a personalized touch.

Perhaps the couple you wish to honor loves to entertain. Consider buying them a silver entertainment platter they can use at their frequent parties. Again, having it etched with their wedding date will make it a personal, thoughtful gift.

Commemorate the Years
If you have a little time on your hands, consider making something that will personalize and commemorate the event for the happy couple. Purchase a silver photo album, and then collect photographs from family members that cover all of the years from their courtship to the present. Use these to create a scrapbook of their life together. This is sure to be a treasured item for the rest of their married life. Be sure to add stories about the couple from their children, grandchildren, and friends.

You will not be able to include everything in this book, so try to highlight the major events, such as their wedding, the birth of their children, any big trips they took, and the various houses they have lived in, if you can. Consider writing a poem in silver ink to open the book. If you are not a writer, commission the help of someone else in the family who is, or copy an appropriate piece of verse from a book.

Another way to celebrate the years a couple has spent together is to make a wish tree. Cut a large branch off of a sturdy tree and paint it silver with spray paint. Use silver ribbons and ornaments to decorate it, and fill it with the pictures that you might have used in the photo album, highlighting their life together. Include your main present on the tree, which could be tickets to a romantic getaway or even a cruise. Others who wish to honor the couple can contribute to the tree with gift cards, movie tickets, traveler's checks, or gift certificates to restaurants the couple could use while they travel.

Other Creative Ideas
If you want to be creative, consider sending the special couple on a special trip. Places like Silver Springs or Silver Strand Beach in California are perfect for this use. If you are doing an all-inclusive package, try to reserve a silver rental car. After all, silver is the theme of this anniversary.

Be sure to offer the couple a chance to spend time with their friends and family as they celebrate their special anniversary. After 25 years together, they have met and loved many special people. For most couples, spending time with the ones they love is one of the best gifts they can be given, and those who attend the party can wrap their cards and gifts in silver ribbons to help bring honor to the couple.

Photoshop Image Editing for Wedding Photographers


Image enhancement can be interpreted as a technique by which the retouching of images is done based on requirements. Photographers find it is difficult to ensure consistent top-quality images with difficulties such as lighting, shadows, etc., play obstacle to clear live images. Improvising these images can be a tedious job with difficulties such as skin textures, stains, wrinkles, hair, teeth, holes, etc. Photo editing was a procedure that was followed since the dawn of time, only then it was done in the dark room by using air brushes and other tools compiled art. Developer technology has paid dividends to photo editing problems by designing software such as Photoshop.

Adobe Photoshop worked for each event/wedding photographer, making it easy to complete schedules successfully and at the same time gives the end of the image quality for customers. Photographers can also avail external photography agency selected outsourcing if he/she finds it difficult to work with image editing software like Adobe Photoshop. Outsourcing agencies are available worldwide. Photographers have the opportunity to seek good outsourcing agency and the selection of a good agency is based on several factors.

Outsourcing companies are built on the current state of the art infrastructure and software, which means that graphic editors can make use of resources, which provide excellent image editing and improvement of photographic services. Factors, as a photographer needs to look into before outsourcing to companies are:

1) Zero compromise in quality
2) Well trained specialists in Photoshop
3) Quick turnaround time
4) Affordable Prices
5) Available 24/7

Image editing compiles various techniques including image masking, image clipping, image manipulation etc. Graphic editors will glance at the photograph that requires editing and apply techniques like masking to cover portions of images that are disturbed or in-accurate. Masking is a technique in which a vector path is selected and drawn out of images for background replacement. Similarly Image manipulation is a technique in which images are color, contrast, temperature and drop shadow corrected. Wedding photographs have different exposures meaning they will have to be corrected for levels as well.

Special effects can also be added to the wedding images based on client's requirements. These features have widely been accepted by photographers because it helps them keep up with their daily schedules and also helps them buy more time to advance in the field of Photography. This can also mean search for more opportunities to make money or time to spend with family and friends. To sum up, Photo fixing agencies have come to aid photographers on a large-scale and with the ever-growing photo editing needs, agencies put across amazing deals. They also offer a free trial to learn their ways and strategies in the field.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Wedding Scrapbook Ideas for Cherishing Your Memories


The best things that people save are their memories and memories are priceless since they can take you back into the time of your life that even the modern science can't take you to. On top of that, keeping the memories of wedding alive is even more crucial since this is an event of your life that comes just once and changes your life forever. This is the time when your friends, families and other relatives are present in the same moment of time in the same place. Scrapbooking is no doubt one of the best ideas for keeping your wedding memories alive and with internet facility today, we can get several wedding scrapbook ideas online. Though when you are in love with your memories, you can come up with unique ways to scrapbook without even taking any ideas from the outside but looking at some other people who have been doing it for years will always give you more options to choose from.

When you want to start making a scrapbook of your wedding memories, you need to make sure that you have the right items and accessories available with you, and that you know a little use of these accessories. Scissors, cutters, knife, craft scissors, glue, different types of decorating paper and the wedding album are the most important items that you will need. Once you have collected these items, try keeping them hidden from your life partner and start looking for some unique wedding scrapbook ideas on the internet. You can even find scrapbook pages on the internet so you can incorporate different types of pages in the same scrapbook. After you have browsed through different types of wedding scrapbook ideas on the internet and seen different pages for your scrapbook, you can start collecting the material that needs to be put in your scrapbook.

It is not necessary that you only put pictures of your wedding in the scrapbook instead you can put pictures starting from the time when you first met your wife as a stranger. Put all the pictures in an orderly fashion but try making them unique as well. It is not necessary that you start the scrapbook from the oldest pictures instead you can start from the latest and move on to the oldest pictures to slowly transcend into your past. One of the unique wedding scrapbook ideas includes that you start putting the comments given by the guests at your wedding or bridal shower or some other event related to your wedding beside the pictures. Or you can simply cut papers into different shapes and write memorable words and statements from your life partner on those shapes. Once the book is complete, you can gift it to your other half on the wedding anniversary.

Best Gifts For Mum and Dad on Their Wedding Anniversary


Want to floor Mum and Dad with some really heart-warming gifts on their wedding anniversary? The dear old folks have spent a lifetime taking care of you and their wedding anniversary is such a perfect occasion to shower them with some superlative gifts that warm their hearts. Tip: each anniversary year comes with a traditional and contemporary gift list as well the customary flower and gemstone. So that should give you plenty of elbow space to work your way round the perfect gifts.

Here are top gift ideas that are guaranteed to make Mum and Dad go all misty-eyed.

1. Wine and dine mum and dad in style
When was the last time mum and dad went out for dinner -- alone? Can't remember? Well, their big night is when you make sure that they eat at the swankiest restaurant in town. Do all the spadework well in advance -- hotel reservations with a cosy corner table for the two of them. Get a limo to ferry them in style to and from the restaurant. Arrange with the maitre d' beforehand to have candles and a card placed on their private table and order for an anniversary cake to surprise them during their meal. Ask the cheque to be sent to you so that no nasty surprises await the old folks!

2. A photo collage of sweet parenting memories
Anniversary times are sentimental times -- emotional junctions along life's path. Reminiscences rule conversations. Why not put together a collage of some happy memories from all the vacations that you took together as a family? This can be a spectacular gift particularly if you live far away from them and meetings are restricted to once or twice a year. A beautiful mounted frame adds the final flourish.

3. Send your parents on a romantic rendezvous
You may have heard the story of how and where Dad proposed to Mum many times and now it's given you some ideas. On their wedding anniversary, try and book them in a quiet and elegant hotel for a romantic night out near about that place if possible. If the magical moment took place in another city, book them in a romantic hotel there, complete with an all expenses paid weekend getaway.

4. Designer and luxury products
Mum and Dad probably saved and skimped a lot while they were raising you. Denying themselves luxuries became part and parcel of their life. Now, it is your turn to make them feel truly pampered. Splurge on some top-drawer perfumes, after-shaves, deodorants and other bath and body products sets for Dad and Mum. They deserve the bets, don't they?

5. A bespoke poem just for Mum and Dad
Very often, in the hurry-burry of life, we forget to verbalise our feelings and sentiments to those who matter the most to us. Mum and Dad are, all too often, taken for granted. "They know I am rushed off my feet, they will understand". That phone call, that visit just keeps getting pushed to the next weekend which always stays just out of reach. Never mind. Now, let an expert say all that is bottled up inside you. Get a personalised poem written exclusively for Mum and Dad. Let it highlight their many lovable attributes and qualities that made growing up with them so special. Have a memorable photograph of the two of them pasted alongside that personalised poem.

6. Personalised keepsakes
Personalised gifts say as nothing else do, 'You are just so special!' No run-of-the-mill stuff for your old folks. Instead, present them with personalised gifts that they will always cherish- engraved anniversary plates with Mum and Dad's wedding photograph on it; a beautifully hand-crafted personalised photo album for storing photographs; personalised anniversary rings; or personalised mugs with their names on it.

7. Be traditional but creative -- with wine and flowers
Gift-buying can be stressful if you are cash-strapped but still want to pack an impact. There's no harm in doing the flowers and card routine. However, with a little effort and imagination, you can still make these unique and worthy of remembering even years later. Surprise Mum with a huge bunch of her favourite flowers (or those that correspond to their particular anniversary year), with an antique pendant or bracelet cleverly hidden within it. Give Dad a limited edition wine bottle with his name and your message printed on the bottle itself. Give the store-bought one a miss this year and make a handmade card yourself.

8. For posterity's sake...
This one needs some planning and forethought as well as the help of other family members. Lay your hands on a photograph of their original wedding cake and have its exact replica made for the surprise anniversary party that you plan to throw for Mum and Dad. Record what each family member has to say about them and create a video. Put their favourite songs playing in the background. Pack the DVD with tons of special memories -- photographs from their childhood, their dating years, their marriage, a myriad happy moments and let them relive their halcyon days...

It is always worth making an extra effort for Mum and Dad. They won't be around forever, you know...

Characteristics of a Successful Wedding Photography Business


Setting up a wedding photography business is a rewarding career choice. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion and the wedding photography business is therefore more recession-proof than many other business right now. And the job satisfaction you get when you produce images and memories that will be treasured for a lifetime is second to none.

So what are the traits of a good wedding photographer? They are many and various but one main one is their attention to detail. That is a skill anyone looking to become a wedding photographer should develop. It could start by becoming aware of the people around you and how they are dressed. This skill can be honed by improving your organizing skills, since as a wedding photographer, the person will need to be very organized.

Another characteristic of a successful wedding photography business is to educate yourself about weddings! There are many details that go along with planning the perfect day for a bride and groom. The wedding photographer's task is to understand the vision that the bride and groom have for their big day, and capture as many of the details as possible.

So, begin reading as many books as possible on photographing a wedding. Talk to brides who have hired photographers for previous weddings and ask what they found the most difficult dealing with the photographer. Based on their difficulties, think of solutions to these for when your business in wedding photography starts.

A portfolio will be necessary for you to become a wedding photographer. This is one way of proving to the bride and groom that you are able to properly photograph the wedding day for them. Even before the wedding photography business is officially started, spend time helping family and friends photograph a wedding.

Take pictures of areas of the wedding and these pictures can go into your portfolio. For example, helping a cousin choose a wedding dress can result in pictures of her wearing different wedding dresses. Simple activities such as this can create a great portfolio.

When looking to start a wedding photography business, it is a good idea to spend time working as a wedding photography intern. If the person does not have any friends who are wedding photographers, they can contact well-known wedding photographers in his or her area and ask if they would like an intern. Most likely they would say yes.

Working as an intern will give someone the "hands-on" experience of seeing what it is to run a business as a wedding photographer. This is also a great way to pick up on tips that the wedding photography books do not tell you.

It is also a good idea to develop packages based on what you can offer. For example, a simple package could just be of photos arranging the cake, decorations, and flowers, while a full package can be photos of most of the wedding guests, with the limousine, and at the reception. These itemized packages will help the bride and groom choose and see exactly what they can expect for the price they are paying.

Organisation, education and experience are the keys to a successful wedding photography business together with talent, of course.

5 Custom Photo Book Sizes and Styles


These days making your own personalised photo book is as simple as downloading one of the many free photo book software available online and dragging and dropping your favourite photos onto your customised pages. But that's just for you to create an online digital album. What if you want your album printed? How do you know which size to choose? Which cover style would last long and be attractive at the same time?

Photo book sizes:

Basic shapes for digital albums are square and rectangle. Most providers online provide multiple size options for you to choose from. Listed here are 5 highly preferred sizes:

1. Square- The square albums are best chosen for baby albums, pet albums, family holidays' albums etc. where focus areas on the photos cover a smaller area.


  • Medium- 10" x 10"

  • Large- 12" x 12"

2. Rectangle- The rectangle albums are best chosen for graduation day albums, wedding albums etc. where photos capture a lot of people or include long explanatory text like in cook book albums.


  • Small- 8.5" x 11"

  • Medium- 11" x 15"

  • Large- 11" x 17"

Photo book styles:

Many providers online provide high quality handcrafted products in various styles. You can also choose from multiple colour options for the cover. Listed here are 5 highly preferred styles:

1. Linen- Linen covers are textile materials made from plant fibres. They tend to have long individual fibre length and make for a fabric finish on the cover of the printed photo album.

2. Sleeve wrap- Sleeve wrap covers make for a gloss finish on the cover of the printed photo album. This is made from thick laminated paper covers. When choosing a sleeve wrap cover you can tweak the front cover, back cover and the spine with your choice of photos. Sleeve wraps are removable.

3. Image wrap- Image wrap covers make for a matte laminated finish on the cover of the printed photo album. Photos that you choose for the front cover, back cover and spine are directly printed on the cover. Not only are these covers sophisticated to look at, they are also highly durable.

4. Bonded leather- Bonded leather covers make for a matte finish in on the cover of the printed photo album. Leather is a durable and flexible material that offers a rich look.

5. Bonded leather with window- Bonded leather with window cover for photo albums is made of bonded leather and you can choose a photo to be printed on a window carved at the centre of the cover.

Check out MyPictureBook, a photo book publisher in Canada and read about the photo books they offer.

Wedding Dresses - How to Find the Perfect Dress and Have an Intimate Wedding For Less Than $3,000


Although the average overall cost for a wedding these days is around $20,000, is it possible to have a great wedding and a beautiful dress for less than $3,000. I know it can be done because I found my perfect dress and had a wonderful and affordable wedding that included about 20 of our closest family and friends. One friend at the end of the evening even commented that ours was the best wedding she had ever attended. Here is how to do it:

Shop in the junior's dress section of a department store. Like most brides, it took me forever to find my perfect dress. But when I found it, it only cost $50. Even if you don't usually shop in the junior's section, I recommend giving it a try. They do have a great selection of fun and fancy dresses that are perfect for either bridesmaids' dresses or bridal gowns. There was quite a good selection of cream, white, and off-white dresses at Macy's. The one I chose was an off-white knee-length halter-style dress. It had a diaphanous layer over a form-fitting satin dress.

Hold an outdoor wedding. It only cost about $80 to get the permit from the city to hold our beach wedding. We held it at sunset on a cliff overlooking the ocean. There was a small circular seating area at the overlook with built-in benches.

Ask a friend to officiate. Anyone can become a wedding minister through the Internet for less than the cost of dinner. We asked a good friend to officiate and we wrote our vows. It was much more intimate than asking someone who does it for a living who wouldn't have known us as well.

Buy your flowers in bunches from a farmers' market. We actually bought ours from Home Depot but, in retrospect, I've learned that you can get better deals, fresher bouquets, and local flora from your neighborhood farmers' market. It's usually about $5-10 for a very large bunch of gorgeous flowers. Friends sprinkled the flowers all over the ground where we took our vows and tied bunches of them to the railing near the cliff.

Ask a friend to take pictures. My sister-in-law is a professional photographer and she volunteered to take the photos. Her wedding gift to us was a beautiful wedding photo album. Several family members took video of the ceremony. One thing to remember: If you have an outdoor wedding and you want to be heard, rent speakers and microphones. Words can get drowned out by the sounds of nature.

Hire a local restaurant to cater. This will be your greatest expense and something that people will remember, so go ahead and splurge. It can be more interesting than the usual chicken-or-beef fare if you choose your favorite ethnic restaurant to do the catering. We picked a wonderful Indian restaurant that was well versed in catering. They set up a beautiful display on the beach in ornate copper warming plates. We set up a canopy earlier in the day to protect the food.

Make bonfire s'mores in lieu of wedding cake. We used bonfires and tiki torches to illuminate the beach reception so a natural dessert choice for us was s'mores! Of course, the kids especially loved the dessert and it brought out the kid in all of the adults.

Having an affordable wedding allows you to focus less on the material world and more on the reason you are gathering together for this special day. To have a wedding is nice; to begin a life with one you love is life's greatest gift. Consider the words of George Eliot: "What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life - to strengthen each other in all labour, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?"

Tips for Shooting a Vintage Wedding


Retro-themed weddings seem to be growing in popularity by the day (even celebrities are getting in on the act), and so demand for specialist vintage wedding photographers with relevant knowledge and experience is growing with it. While there's no substitute for rolling up your bloomers and testing the vintage waters yourself, it helps to be armed with some ideas so you don't feel like a bemused Marty McFly stepping out of the DeLorean for the first time when you dive into the shoot's planning stage. Here are some tips that will hopefully stand the test of time travel...

Polaroids are People-Pleasers!

If there's anything that makes a vintage-themed wedding more authentic, it's dead technology. Sure, if the wedding is '20's themed, then sourcing a camera from that era is probably out of the question, but Polaroids are still old-timey enough to delight the happy couple and wedding guests alike regardless of the wedding theme's decade.

The trick is to take people by surprise; start by taking Polaroids of people before and during the wedding service and if anyone asks, tell them they'll be in the official wedding photo album. Then, once the ceremony's over and you've snapped the bejesus out of the newlyweds, race on ahead to the reception venue and hang the Polaroids up in an attractive display so people can see pictures of themselves and their friends as they arrive. The delight on guests' faces will make the extra effort worthwhile.

Location, Location, Location

Sometimes the couple will have a location in mind for the post-service photos but often they'll be looking for guidance from the professional (that's you!). Here are a few thought-starters:

  • Heritage-listed buildings - check with your local heritage association or tourist board for suitable places close to the wedding venue.

  • Parks with bandstands - hell, you could even hire a couple of violinists to play while the couple embrace in matrimonial bliss!

  • Old farmhouses and barns - these timeless buildings work for any era.

  • Virtually any building with a weatherboard exterior - a touch of wear and tear on the wood is a bonus.

  • Abandoned buildings - for the more adventurous couples, a disused school or hotel could provide an unbeatable backdrop by tying into the whole time-warp theme. It's not everyone's cup of tea though, so approach with caution!

Don't be afraid to think outside the box but be sure to scout the location ahead of time and for outdoor shoots, make sure you have an indoor fallback in case of inclement weather. Always remember that the couple's interests and opinions are what counts; no matter how in love you are with that old sandstone brewery down the street, it's no use pushing it as a location if the bride's strictly teetotal!

Props Mean Props

Once you have your location locked in, you may just need to throw in something extra to finish off that killer shot. Many companies specialise in hiring out retro gear from a huge range of eras, and you may even be lucky enough to stumble across a bicycle from the right decade (just make sure it fits in your car!). Try propping the bike up against a wall in the background with fresh flowers filling the basket but be mindful of choosing the right colours to complement the shot. If you plan to make a long-term commitment to shooting vintage weddings, maybe even scour local junk shops for a fixer-upper - the added bonus is you get to ride it around in your spare time!

Wedding Gift Ideas


A marriage is a joyous moment in the life of two individuals. A couple shares this beautiful personal moment with their near and dear ones, who rejoice in their happiness. A wedding gift is a tangible depiction of the feelings of the giver for the couple. A gift has to be carefully chosen, keeping the couple's individual tastes, likes and dislikes in mind, if it is intended to serve its purpose. Nothing is more distasteful and insulting than an inconsiderately given gift. A gift's value is not determined by its monetary value, but it must communicate the giver's thought appropriately and adequately.

While the market abounds in numerous gift options and alternatives, selecting the right gift for the couple can be a challenge sometimes. While one can overhaul the market, surf the net and burn a hole in the purse, choosing the perfect gift requires some thinking and a little homework. A giver should always strive to give something unique and different.

Personalized gifts always stand out and make a personal statement on behalf of the giver. A special memento, decorative crystal, or a paired watch with the couple's names engraved in it along with the wedding date is something memorable for the wedding couple.

For very close relatives, a hand-made scrapbook complete with family pictures, or a family tree platter with hand-painted pictures of family members along with their names, signature photo quilts, or customized ceramic plates with the couples pictures and wedding dates etched on it are a few ideal gift options.

In case of a hard-core golf fan, one can give a golf set with the couple's names engraved on it. A Bible with the couple's names and wedding dates engraved on it is an ideal gift for a spiritually inclined couple. It is necessary to be aware and informed about a couple's interests, hobbies, tastes and the like. A gift can be given based on this kind of information. Romantic gifts like photo pillows with the couple's portraits on it can also be given. One can also give gift certificates, home décor items, classic gift items like crystal and silverware, or various wedding mementos like a polymer clay image or metal candles, just right for the mantel and keepsakes.

The choice of exchanging gifts for each other rests on the bride and the groom. Couples can exchange framed love poems, engraved jewelry or even unconventional items like a vintage car, for those who can afford it. A thoughtful gift certificate to a relaxing spa or a recreational resort is just the right way for the bride or bridegroom to express their gratitude and love for their parents. It is the thought that matters, and mere framed poetry or a handwritten letter to the parent is also as valuable, if not more.

Parents can give bridal showers, a party to acquaint the couple to the family, or some personalized gift items, including gift certificates. Thank-you gifts need not be expensive, but should cater to individual taste. It should be given according to the kind of relationship one shares with the guests.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Top Romantic Gift Ideas For Your Wife On Your First Wedding Anniversary


Start as you mean to go as they say so when your first wedding anniversary comes up make a powerful gesture by 1. remembering about it and 2. giving a gift that demonstrates how much you care. Here are some top gift ideas for that all-important first wedding anniversary.

1. Tree Sapling

When you give a tree as a gift and plant it together, it's not just something to pretty up the back yard- it's a symbolic gesture because you can watch the tree grow and bloom just like your marriage!

Bonus points: put some thought into the type of tree: perhaps oak to symbolize strength, or a fruit tree which bears a favorite fruit, or a tree typical of where she grew up.

2. Paper Love letter

Paper is the traditional gift for first anniversaries. If you feel capable of expressing yourself in words then a love letter makes a very thoughtful and heart-melting gift. If you need a little help then you can take a leaf from the great romantic writers, literally by using material from a compilation of their love letters.

Bonus points: use really nice paper, whether that's handmade, recycled paper or the finest, smoothest paper money can buy. It's also worth using a pen with archival quality ink so that your words don't fade with the years.

3. Anniversary Album with 100 pages

The idea with this book is that you take a photo on the day of the anniversary, you add it in to the album and you write a few words about what's happening in your lives. Then every year you add another photo and a few more words. This is a gift with a big future ahead of it and it will get better and better with each year and each page that you add. It's also a very simple gift to start with, all you need is a wedding photo to make the first entry.

Bonus points: make it a heavy, substantial album with plenty of pages- it won't give such a great impression if there are only 5 pages or so!

4. Watercolor Painting Of Her Favorite Wedding Photo

This is another variation on the paper theme. Get a copy of the wedding photo that your wife likes the best and then have a local artist use it to make a watercolor version of it. It's something that you can have framed and that she will treasure.

Bonus points: get an artist who can make the style of painting that your wife prefers.

5. Paper Theme Gift Ideas

Paper is the traditional gift, here are some ideas on how to use it to your best advantage:


  • Fortune cookie with custom, romantic message inside.

  • Tickets to a special show, opera, play, move or other performance.

  • Tickets for a special trip to visit some place romantic.

  • Tickets for a spa, pamper day or other special treat.

  • Jewelry wrapped in paper.

  • A paper message in a bottle.

  • A special book like an autographed edition, a first edition or something romantic.