Walking in a winter (wedding) wonderland

I can admit now that I was nervous about shooting Kate and Ed's wedding. A wedding any time between the end of October and beginning of April means there will be limited daylight, and given that my approach is predominantly reportage in nature and I rely a lot on natural light for natural photos, this had the potential to be tricky. Especially considering it was on the 19th December and the ceremony wouldn't be ending until 3pm, with sunset at... oh wait, what do you mean it's already SET?! But we've barely left the church! 

I jest of course. It wasn't quite so extreme; we clung to 45 minutes of moody December rays before all was dark. But the thoughts entered my head beforehand and I knew I'd need to be creative with some off camera flash and make the absolute most of whatever input the sun had to give. It turned out to be a really wonderful, magical wedding and I thoroughly enjoyed very minute. It was challenging, yes, but we turned the limitations into silver linings and caught some moments. 

I only met Kate and Ed over Skype before the big day as they live in Singapore, but I knew it would be a great fit because they were super relaxed and their ideas for a Christmassy-yet-not-cheesy wedding day sounded perfect. They had a church ceremony followed by mince pies and mulled wine, filling the church with delicious aromas and guests' tummies with festive warmth. To make the most of the light and avoid widespread hypothermia, we had a quick turn around of group photos and couples shots soon after the ceremony. I can tell you now that announcing "as soon as we're done you can go and have loads of mulled wine!" is a sure-fire way to put a smile on the freezing faces of a bridal party. The bride, who was the least covered up (aside from a woolly poncho I threw around her in between photos) and outside for the longest smiled gracefully the entire time. And I can tell you, it was COLD. 

The reception and wedding breakfast was held in the garden of Kate's parents' house in Kent, in an enormous 'Tentipi'. It had a rustic, festival feel to it and I was seriously impressed when I got inside: a roaring log fire, Christmas trees, Baby's Breath to match the bouquets and twinkling fairy lights made it magical. I think I wasn't the only one who felt more than a little bit Christmassy at this point, and it wasn't difficult to capture lots of smiling faces in the candid guest shots. Christmas crackers filled with tiny corked bottles of homemade Sloe Gin and massive green Christmas hats for a select few guests just added to the cheer, and I'm sure it's one of the happiest weddings I've attended.

So I don't think anyone needs to be afraid of winter weddings. Granted, not all will be rain-free like this one, but then neither are summer weddings. Make the most of the mood, scatter fairy lights all over the place, use every second of daylight you can and keep your guests' hands warm by a fire and you're laughing.

JNP

Enjoy your body... It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own

Yes that's a line from 'Everybody's Free' by Baz Luhrmann and no it might not be the most profound or intellectual quote, but I listened to it recently and it stuck with me as I was considering writing this blog post. Because for me, doing a boudoir shoot was absolutely about not being afraid of my body. And yes, I did want to realise now, rather than in 20 years, how much possibility lay before me and how fabulous I was.

So anyway, towards the end of last year, I did a boudoir shoot with the wonderfully talented Alex at Ever Photography. It was a bit scary at first, but I'm so pleased I did it. I've encouraged several women since then to have a go because every girl deserves to feel like a model at least once. A few of them were persuaded and are now booked in for shoots, so here are a few tips based on my one experience with one photographer. NB: I'm writing this from a subject's perspective rather than a photographer's, as I'm yet to shoot boudoir myself, so I may revisit this from a different angle once I've been behind the lens.

1. RELAX. It's the most obvious thing in the world, but you'll probably be nervous, and that can very easily show on camera and make you look tense and uncomfortable. To help, let's cut this down to size: you've been on a beach or by a pool in a bikini, right? In front of hundreds of strangers, right? Okay. So this is just that, but you only have to deal with ONE person. And minus the sunshine and sand (probably). And if you haven't? Consider what The Worst That Could Happen is. Which is...what, exactly? A person sees a bit of skin, and takes a few photos? Not so scary, is it? Click. Done. Breathe.

2. FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT. So, I don't know about you but I've certainly had confidence issues in the past and although I've learned to love my body now, I know how hard it is to not feel self-conscious. So imagine you're one of those girls, who, no matter what size or shape she is, just walks around like she's a QUEEN. With people like that, nobody EVER focuses on their flaws. They just think how wonderful it is that they don't give a shit. It's not easy, but visualising it helps, so act as confident as you can, and before long you'll realise the stabilisers came off ages ago and you didn't even notice you weren't faking it anymore.

3. BE A MODEL. Come on, it can't just be me who, in between analysing my body and berating myself for the imperfections, had a little pose in front of the mirror, trying to find the most flattering way to stand or pout or look nonchalant. Now is your chance to dance like nobody's watching. There's no time for feeling embarrassed about arching your back or stand on your tip toes or go a bit Blue Steel. Listen for the click of the shutter and hold a pose long enough, but make little changes along the way. Release your inner poser and don't be shy about it - this is the time to try things out and you'll regret it later if you don't.

4. FOCUS ON YOUR GREATEST HITS. I don't know a single girl who loves every part of her body. But I'm fairly sure most people have a feature or two they feel at least okay about. It could be your boobs/bum/face, or it could be something a bit less obvious like your collar bones or the dimples at the bottom of your back. Either way, make sure your photographer knows what you like about yourself. Sexy doesn't have to be bold: personally I think the subtleties are often more evocative and a sliver of skin on your hip or leg might be the thing to do it.

5. BE CREATIVE. Pinterest was a really good tool before I had my shoot to get an idea of what sort of images and poses I liked. It might depend on your photographer as ultimately they're the creative brains behind the operation but I'm sure they wouldn't object to you sharing a few ideas if you've seen anything you like. Having a browse on Pinterest or picking out a few photographs they've taken of other models might help you feel more comfortable, but remember they're the director so try not to take over.

6. BE PROUD. Finally, you need to be proud of yourself. Whether it's because you've been brave baring all, or that you were already brave but now you can sit back and smile in the knowledge that you've used your body to make some wonderful, creative artwork, be proud. Don't look for imperfections, don't wish you were thinner or taller or bustier, and certainly don't reject the compliments those who might see the shoot will give you. This is the body you have so celebrate it.

Beauty doesn't have to be what society has decided is beautiful; you have the power to make up your own mind. The only opinion about YOU that actually matters is YOURS, so be kind to yourself and make it a good one.

JNP
 

An autumnal wedding in Surrey

I've known Emma for a long time. Our parents used to drive us and our siblings to school every day, and she's one of my sister's closest friends. Emma asked me fairly soon after she and Piers got engaged, and I was delighted. I didn't know Piers at the time and just met him on their engagement shoot, but I knew that Emma was a beautiful and bright person with an infectious smile and I had no doubt that their wedding would be a sunny affair even though it was going to be in late autumn.

We decided to do their engagement shoot at Gatton Manor in Surrey, where the wedding was going to be, which made it all the more special. It was lovely to see how much the colours changed in just over a month as well.

Emma and Piers decided to get married at Gatton Manor in Surrey, at the end of November. You're approximately twice as likely to get rain in November than in July, so if you go for an autumn wedding, I think you've probably already accepted that it might well be rainy and miserable. But, despite the potential rain and definite lack of daylight hours, you can't deny the extreme beauty of the reds and golds all around you. I was like a kid in a sweet shop as I drove down the windy lane towards the golf club, just marvelling at the colours and brimming with excitement to get behind the lens.

The day went off without a hitch (pardon the pun). The rain held off, the bride and groom braved chilly weather and soggy ground to get in amongst the leaves without a complaint, and as predicted, Emma had a massive smile on her face the entire time. The speeches were heartfelt, tear-jerking and hilarious and their choreographed first dance to Imelda May's 'Inside Out' was a masterpiece. I was lucky enough to sample the wedding breakfast as well and I can confirm it was DIVINE.

What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday in November!

JNP

2014: bouncing back from burglary and becoming Joanna Nicole Photography

So. 2014. TWENTY FOURTEEN. God, you've been good to me. At the end of 2013, I had just been burgled. All my photography gear was taken and my house ransacked. Let's just say I wasn't really in the mood for Christmas at that point. But, when New Year came I was determined to make it better. I was forced to bench photography completely for at least 3 months, but I was still taking bookings despite keeping things quiet in case I wasn't able to replace my cameras. I battled with my insurance company for 7 months (YES SEVEN) before I was reimbursed for everything that was stolen, but eventually I got there. I had one camera body and lens by the end of March, when I shot a friend's little girl's christening, and christ was it good to be back behind the lens.

Over the year, I shot 9 weddings myself and second shot one with Heather Shuker of Brighton Photo which was wonderful. At the beginning of the year, I had booked 3. I've loved every wedding and each one has just made me realise even more that this is what I'm supposed to do. It's been hard work, for sure. I work full time during the week so my weekends and evenings are taken up with shooting, editing, website building, business administration, marketing... I've certainly realised how much more there is involved in running a photography business than I did before. It's all been 100% worth it though, and somehow I'm starting 2015 with 11 bookings in the bag. Could not be happier with how things are going. Here are some highlights of my year...

James and Sara were my first couple of the year. We did their engagement shoot in Richmond Park in the late spring and then their wedding was an amazing church and barn wedding in Lenham, Kent, which included a cèilidh - SO MUCH FUN to shoot. 

These absolutely gorgeous kids were the subject of a little relaxed family photoshoot at Polesden Lacey in June. They were full of smiles and an absolute joy!

I went to school with Rhiannon and she'd sent me a message on Facebook asking if I'd shoot her wedding at Manor House School in Bookham, Surrey, where I grew up. We hadn't seen each other in years and only had a chance to meet up just before wedding as she and Rhys now lived in New Zealand. Their wedding was that weekend in July where terrible thunderstorms were predicted (I bought at least 3 brollies and her family had bought a beautiful set of Cath Kidston umbrellas), but it was GLORIOUSLY sunny. I think because everyone had been expecting the worst, we were all even happier!

My beautiful friend Muni had an enormous wedding and I was lucky enough to be invited. I wasn't the photographer (she had about 6 of those!) but I couldn't resist taking a few shots during the day because it was so fantastic and that bride did NOT stop smiling.

Katie and Tom are one of those couples who deal in fun and laughter and not staring-into-each-others-eyes soppiness, so for their engagement shoot we decided to photograph them and a few from their bridal party at Garsons Farm in Esher, where they picked berries for a big barbecue they were having. It was refreshing and lovely, and the photos are totally natural which is exactly what they wanted.

Their wedding saw hundreds of colourful balloons and one of the best sunsets I've seen all year round - or maybe ever. I took an astonishing amount of photos at their wedding but everywhere I looked there was some magnificent to capture. 

Abi and Ally were a bit nervous about their engagement shoot and said they weren't good at public displays of affection, but before long they were absolute pros and forgot about everyone else around. I absolutely LOVE Brighton, so it was great to shoot there. Their wedding was at Sunningdale Park in Ascot, and made for a stunning back drop. The surprise fireworks Abi got for Ally were a lovely way to end the evening.

Jen was my boss, once upon a time, and booked me to shoot her and Paula's wedding when I'd only done 2 or 3 before. It was one of my favourite weddings of the year - they were wonderfully affectionate, Mythe Barn in Warwickshire housed some beautiful light, and bringing their dogs along for a group photo was excellent. There were tears all around during the speeches when Jen's mum, who passed away a few years before, was mentioned, but I've never seen a pair so happy for the rest of the day. I particularly loved that this wedding featured an all female cast for the speeches...YES ladies.

Susie and Greg (Rutherford, Olympian long jumper extraordinaire) booked me to take a few photos at their baby shower about 3 weeks before Susie was due to give birth to their son, Milo. It was a perfect, sunny, relaxed afternoon and I have never seen someone that pregnant look so blood fantastic. 

Kate was a bridesmaid at Rhiannon and Rhys's wedding, and when she emailed me described herself as 'the bridesmaid who couldn't smile' - I beg to differ, Dr Fjelle. Her smile lit up pretty much all of the photos I took. Their wedding was in Shopshire at Adcote Hall which is a private school. The area is particularly nostalgic for me as it's where my grandparents lived. It was a rural dream and we were lucky enough to get some gorgeous autumn light and colours. My favourite part may have been the potato canon filled with confetti being fired during the first dance though - inspired.

Luke and Louise were the second of 3 autumn weddings and had their ceremony at the newly refurbished Burford Bridge Hotel in Dorking, Surrey. Blessed with beautiful light again, was made the most of the golden colours. They had a bit of a superhero theme running though, with a cake that was half wedding half batman, and superhero capes for the kids. You can imagine how much they loved them!

Emma and Piers chose to have their engagement photos at the place they were getting married - Gatton Manor in Surrey. A girl with an infectious smile and the absolute best autumn reds and golds you could hope for, it was a triumph. Emma braved soggy grounds in heels in order to get those photos, and it was definitely worth it. Their first dance, to Imelda May's 'Inside Out' was choreographed perfectly and was really refreshing and fun - I loved their kiss with Emma on Piers' knee at the end!

Kate and Ed. My final wedding of 2014 on December 20th. And to be honest, the one I was most worried about. Limited light is the bane of any photographer's life, and although you can be clever with off-camera flash, it's still hard work and can flatten a natural image. However, this Christmassy ceremony with mulled wine, sparklers and fairy lights galore, was incredible. The weather was fabulously clear and crisp in the morning, and there were some moody clouds after the ceremony but no rain. Success! Their reception was in a Tentipi in Kate's parent's garden near Ashford in Kent, and the log fire and Christmas crackers just made me feel all warm and festive. Kate deserves a medal for hanging out in the bitter cold for so long to get these photos, as well!

So there we are. Merry Christmas everyone, and roll on 2015.

JNP

Wedding photography is for life, not just for... Christmas?

Alright, the 'not just for Christmas' is a tenuous link to say the least because this post has literally nothing to do with Christmas, but I was stuck for a title and I'm feeling festive, and it IS about something lasting for life. So... we good?

A lovely thing happened a few weeks ago. I was on the phone to a couple who, during the call, had decided they would really like to book me to shoot their wedding next year, and at the end of the phone call, they asked this:

“And – it doesn’t really matter anyway, but I suppose we should probably know – what do you charge again?”

Music. To. My. Ears. Not because I thought, ‘oh they don’t remember, perhaps I can charge more!’ or anything like that. It wasn’t even about the money. It was just the ultimate compliment that the money wasn’t the deciding factor in choosing me to be their photographer. YEAH. Which in an ideal world, I think all wedding photographers (or any creative person) would love to be the case every time. To be chosen purely based on your work and know that the most important thing to the couple is also the thing that you put your heart and soul into is a wonderful feeling.

Of course, I’m not naïve; I know that everyone will have a budget, this couple included. Weddings are expensive and obviously couples will choose their budgets for individual outgoings accordingly. For some, it might be that they’re willing to spend more on a dress or a cake, but subsequently can’t spend as much on photography. Those decisions have likely been made quite early on, and will probably affect where the couple look for their suppliers. It goes the other way as well - using the most expensive photographer you can find because you *can* afford it and surely that means they're the best. There are a lot of blogs out there on the cost of wedding photography by photographers who have been doing this a lot longer than me, so I’m not going to get into that, but have a look at this infographic by Francesco Spighi and this blog by Laura Babb which explains everything REALLY well. It’s a topic that comes up a lot, and there is a common misconception that photographers are rich because ‘they earn £100 an hour at least!’ (they don’t. They really don’t). The price of wedding photography is an interesting, and often misunderstood, subject.

What I'm getting at is that your wedding photos are something that will last forever, so the decision shouldn't rest *solely* on what it costs. You know when you spend a bit more on a great pair of boots or a lovely coat, but you can justify it because you LOVE it and it's good quality and think of all the WEARS you'll get out of it... Well imagine how many 'wears' you'll get out of your wedding photos. Think how many times in 30, 40, 50 years you'll pour over your album again and smile and reminisce and feel that nostalgic glow of what a happy day it was. Make sure that at that point, you're not thinking 'well, I don't like them but at least they only cost X' or 'how annoying that I spent XXX and I don't even like the style'. Instead, be preoccupied with your amazing wedding and how you love the way it was captured.

JNP

An all-female cast.

A few weeks ago I shot my first same sex weddings (both were of the female persuasion), pretty much back to back. Beforehand, I was slightly more nervous than usual, in the way I might be if it's a different type of location to what I'm used to or if the groom was super tall and the bride was tiny. You're always going to feel more comfortable shooting a wedding in familiar territory. Other than that, I was quite excited because I want to photograph as many different types of weddings as possible, to keep everything fresh, creatively.

I wondered if I'd need to change my approach for the couples shots, particularly for those which are perhaps a bit more 'man holding woman in protective way'. I thought it might be hard to fit in two lots of bridal prep. But to be honest, as with most weddings, I think about these things but I rarely sit down and decide what I'm going to do. I prefer to just let it come naturally on the day and hope my artistic instincts get me through (they never let me down). Of course everything ran smoothly and there's nothing noteworthy on that front other than the fact that I definitely rely on the groom to hold flowers or help the bride with her dress; when there's two people with big dresses trying to navigate their way around woods/fields/grass it's slightly more tricky! So same sex couples are exactly the same as everyone else: they're completely different. These two pairs in particular were polar opposites; one couple were very cuddly and affectionate, and the other couple were giggly and playful, so the same adjustments in how I get the best photos in any situation applied. 

However, two things I noticed at both weddings and LOVED, were:

1. Women doing speeches. Please can this be done more? In the first, one bride did a speech, and it was lovely to hear things from her perspective. I think women are more likely to be emotional than men (in my experience) and its a beautiful thing to see all that FEELING come out during the speech. In the other wedding, the speeches were done by an all-female cast. *insert women power emoji here*. Both their dads were there, but they didn't do speeches. So we had two sets of bridesmaids and each bride giving a speech, and it was an absolute breath of fresh air. Funny, emotional, heartfelt, personal. You get used to hearing similar(ish) types of speeches from proud dads/grooms and best men trying their hardest to embarrass the groom, but this turned everything on its head. The whole room was captivated and there were tears of every type. So ladies, please don't be afraid of doing a speech. You'll be funny and charming and if you cry it's totally cool.

2. Being gay wasn't A Thing. I didn't expect it to be, exactly, but we live in a world where even the most accepting parts of society will still view this as something to be commented on, however innocent the intention. I mean, I'm writing this blog so effectively doing the same myself, but I have to say it was 100% NOT A Thing at either wedding. I guess it makes sense given that everyone there was presumably someone they know and love, but I wondered if there would be a mention in the speeches perhaps? Nope, it was the same as every other wedding and was about two people who love each other and nothing else. It was like temporarily being in a world where a famous person wouldn't have to publicly come out and for it to be front page news; it was completely refreshing and basically wonderful. 

More weddings where I come away with the impression that they're refreshing and wonderful, please! Okay now I'm off to shoot another wedding of two people who love each other :-).

JNP