Time for a workout...!

Like most people I try and get to the gym and work off the excesses of the weekend... But when I was approached by Liam to shoot him on a workout for his portfolio, I realised I probably haven't been working hard enough!

It was certainly a different kind of shoot for me, but still fun.  It was great that Liam had a very definite idea of what he wanted from his shoot and the look and feel of the images were clearly understood.

I think the end results are much better for the fact that the client (Liam) understood what he wanted and really understood the power of good photography and the value of it.  I believe that taking pictures, in a studio, at a wedding or in the gym(!) can be greatly improved if both parties respect each other and come to the 'party' with ideas and a willingness to participate.

I really enjoyed the shoot in the gym and I'm looking forward to working with Liam again, but in more familiar surroundings of a studio.  But wherever or whenever it happens, the emphasis is going to be on working together  to get everything right.

Pre shoot with Gemma and Simon

I met with Gemma and Simon last week for a pre-wedding shoot at their venue in Leeds. Finally, we had great weather and the grounds looked amazing.

Oulton Hall is a beautiful location so Gemma and Simon will be looking forward to a fantastic special day and some amazing photos too.

By the time we finished Simon was really enjoying the pre-shoot! So with a couple of glasses of Champagne on their wedding, I'm sure it'll be even more fun! :-)

For more details go to http://www.garyhibberd.co.uk

Wedding Fayres

I’m often asked if I ‘do’ wedding fayres and as a wedding and portrait photographer  I suppose the correct answer should be “Yes and I love them!”  but the honest answer is “Not often... and they’re ok.”  Let me explain. 

I love meeting new people and wedding fayres certainly give you that opportunity, but of the few I’ve attended I feel they don’t offer you the 1-2-1 time that a couple looking for a photographer truly deserves. 

I attended one recently where I watched as a busy photographer constantly looked around at the people passing by her stall as she chatted to the couple in front of her.  You could see the fear in her eyes as all these potential clients walked by, not wishing to disturb them.  I know how this feels, because I work alone at these fayres so I have to be very much ‘on the ball’, but more importantly I try to focus on one client at a time.  If people are interested and want to talk to me, then they’ll return when I’m not talking to anyone or they’ll take a leaflet and give me a call (well, that’ the hope anyway).

Wedding fayres are great for couples to meet the people who will offer them some great services and make their day special, but I wouldn’t rely totally on what you see at the fayre.  I’d always suggest a follow up meeting in more relaxed circumstances where you can ask the all important probing questions about the packages and the style of photography.

I feel the initial meeting should be enough to make you relaxed and confident that person in front of you is someone you can get along with and work with to deliver what you want for your big day.

If you’ve any experiences (funny or otherwise) then feel free to share them below.

Family Photo Shoot

I was really pleased to shoot a lovely (large!) family yesterday and have some fun along the way with props...

Photo shoots should be fun and whenever possible I like to get people laughing and enjoying themselves, even if it's at my expense sometimes!  But the emphasis has to be on 'fun'.  I'm pleased to say it was fun for everyone and I think the results can be seen in the eyes and the smiles... Priceless.

Photography.. it's not easy you know! :)

With the amount of camera's out there and people taking pictures, it's easy to think that taking photo's and photography is easy. Well, it is.. Sort of.  Let me explain...

Cameras have reached a place now that the vast majority have high pixel ratings (quality of image) with sensitive lenses that can work in varying light conditions.  Even the shutter and aperture are taken care of if you set the camera to 'A' (Auto).  So, taking a picture is easy... But does this make you a photographer?

Does buying a Nikon, Canon, Sanyo make you a photographer?  No, it simply means you are several hundred pounds lighter and the owner of a new camera.

Being a photographer (in my humble opinion) means you are someone who tries to look beyond the picture and into the emotion or 'feeling' of what the image is providing.  It's about capturing the values that the picture is trying to convey and holding that up for the world to see.  It's not easy and I practice every day to perfect the art.  I personally believe this can only be achieved through love, passion, hard work, commitment and honesty. I'm not a hobbyist, this is what I do.

I can honestly say that if I were to win the National Lottery tomorrow, this is what I would do for the rest of my life.  Photography is easy... you just have to want it and love it enough.

When I meet with couples and talk to them about their photography needs it's in a bid to understand them and what they're looking for.  I'm not simply after another commission. That would be easy and I'd soon get bored.  No, what I'm after is to understand why the pictures are important to them and to try and get to know them a little better.

By approaching photography on a personal level I know I can improve my photography... As the saying goes; "Little-by-little, day-by-day, I'm getting better in every way." :)

To see my work please take a look at www.garyhibberd.co.uk