Hope you liked :)
Scott
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Tommy and Carole got married at Newby Hall in Ripon, North Yorkshire. Newby Hall must be up there as one of the best venues I've had the pleasure of shooting at. Built in the 1690's Newby hall is stunning both inside and out. The view from the main house to the gardens is timeless, there are no visible signs of the modern world, no roads, motorways or modern buildings can be seen. This has resulted in it being used to film various productions including Season 1 of Peaky Blinders in 2012 and Victoria in 2015 and 2018.
I had a great day with the bride and groom including a highly embarrassing moment...
I split my suit pants right before we moved to the Orangery for the wedding breakfast and speeches!
Lesson learned, wear bigger pants or take a spare pair!
Have a look a the full gallery if you're interested in seeing more from their day.
Scott :)
]]>There's been no weddings, many have been cancelled or rescheduled for next year. All live music performances have been cancelled and rescheduled and there's been no events either so what have I been doing?
Not a great deal to be honest, I've been thinking about what I want to do going forward with my photography. I've also been thinking that maybe this blog should transition to YouTube and become a vlog (more on that in a bit).
I'd just set up a new site called Click Roll Boom along with my son Tyler for showcasing more of our love for music, movies and games. We made a good start and have done some interviews and reviewed some albums along with live performances and the photography that comes along with that. It also helped me gain some contacts within the music industry to assist when applying for photo passes. Then CV19 put a stop to all that. We're still trying to post regular news articles and reviews and hopefully live music will resume soon and we can continue growing the site.
We'd very much like it if you checked it out along with the facebook and instagram pages that run alongside it.
I've also been collaborating with my friend James on our YouTube channel, it's quite rough and ready at the moment but I'll be posting a little more about that in the coming days along with a couple of weddings I've not blogged either.
It's quite funny as after all these years of shooting weddings I can still be surprised. I shot two weddings last year where not only was I the photographer but I was also the witness and needed to provide a second witness also. When I first get booked for these weddings I always wonder what the background is.... some forbidden love or elopement but it always turns out to be something quite normal haha. There's also a couple I'm unable to share on social media for different reasons, where the couple have requested privacy or they want to keep it a secret (shhh don't tell anyone) until they surprise everyone at a later date.
So (lockdown aside) I'm still around I'm still working and taking photos I'm just rubbish at posting updates. I do post on social media a bit more which I've mentioned a couple above but will also link the others below. I'll try to be better :)
Hope everyone is safe and well.
Scott
]]>Built for the Right Honourable, The Earl of Harewood KC, Provisional Grand Master, Yorkshire West Riding by the masons, the Masonic Hall was constructed as a purpose built meeting hall for its members.
The ceremony took place in the Grand Hall, which later doubled up as a nice backdrop for the full group shot as unfortunately the weather had taken a turn for the worse and prevented us from going outside.
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Cheers.
Here's a compilation of my faves.
I really hope I can increase this further in 2019 :)
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If you want to keep track of this years calendar, check back here everyday to see whats behind the next door.
I was recently asked to take part in the first ever "Spectacular Scenes On The Sofa" video. This is going to be a regular video series from Vickie at Spectacular Scenes where she has a discussion with vendors and suppliers in the wedding industry. I was extremely nervous as it's my first time on the other side of the camera so hopefully I don't come across too awkward in the video.
Please check out the Spectacular Scenes website for all your Event and Wedding Dressing needs and I'd love to hear any thoughts or feedback so please leave your comments below.
Thanks
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I have worked with Vickie at Spectacular Scenes on a couple of occasions now and it's always a pleasure.
Spectacular Scenes is a premier Wedding and Event Dressing/Styling Business based in the North of the UK. They offer a full Bespoke venue dressing service including professional Floristry and have an extensive range of wedding props available to hire.
My top 5 tips for wedding photography.
1. Find a style that fits your wedding.
There are lots of different shooting styles and also editing techniques and it’s sometimes difficult to differentiate between them. Whilst you are researching you'll need to have an idea of the style you prefer. To name just a few: Fine Art, Lifestyle, Dramatic, Photojournalistic and Editorial.
However, if too many images are heavily edited in the photographer’s portfolio, this could be an attempt to cover up poor quality shots. Also, be aware that post-processing often follows trends. The faded film or light and airy instagram look that’s all the rage right now might not be in 10 years or even 6 month’s time. Clean shots that have been colour corrected can have filters applied at a later date in line with current trends, which is much easier and more practical than receiving photos with filters already on.
The files your photographer will create are much bigger than your typical JPG, which give a much greater ability to edit the photo. This means it also takes a longer time to upload, process and edit all those files. Each wedding and photographer will vary with the number of shots taken, but it can often take up to six to eight weeks to get images back.
2. Look at photographers with a variety of experience, not just weddings.
Ideally you want someone who has shot weddings before as taking photos is only one part of being a wedding photographer. I have helped make favours, tie shoelaces, adjust button holes and entertain children and pets!
It's highly unlikely you will have optimal conditions for the shots at your wedding (i.e. harsh midday sunlight, indirect natural light, dark ceremony area) so it's worth looking at photographers who are experienced/skilled in the types of environment the wedding will take place in.
To sum it up, having multiple weddings under your belt definitely helps, but relevant experience can also be gained from many other areas such as music, and sports photographers.
3. Do your homework - research the venue and make a list of specific photos you would like to see.
This covers quite a lot when it comes to your wedding and the more you do, the better prepared you will be. Research your venue - have you seen weddings shot there by other photographers? This will give you an idea of what is achievable at the venue. This is even better if you can find some that have taken place at a similar time of year.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential photographers make sure you see a few full wedding albums they have supplied to clients (digital or print) rather than just the portfolio images on their website. This will enable you to check for consistency. Then start reading their reviews and testimonials. Check out their social media pages. Is the feedback from clients positive? How does the photographer respond?
Additionally, if you want specific group shots, make a list of them and collect examples of the types of shots you like. You could even make a Pinterest board to share ideas with your photographer.
4. Choose a photographer you get on with well, this will be invaluable in a dynamic setting and will help deal with any stressful situations.
When choosing your photographer make sure you feel confident and happy with them, ensure they answer any questions, no matter how silly you think they may be.
Do you like your photographer? You already like their work but how about as a person?
They'll be shadowing your every move on what can be one of the most stressful, intense, emotional and, of course, happy days of your life. You want someone you have rapport with, so you can relax and be yourself, as ultimately this will make for more natural images. You want them to be as excited about your wedding plans as you are. The more comfortable you and your other half are with your photographer, the better the photos will turn out.
Also, think of your guests. If your wedding photographer is approachable, friendly and down to earth, your guests will be at ease allowing the photographer to blend in and capture the day as it naturally unfolds rather than it being forced and awkward.
Go with your gut, if something doesn’t feel right then perhaps go and meet another photographer you also liked.
5.Don't let the money be the only factor when deciding on your photographer..
Although price is important when choosing your wedding photographer, it shouldn’t be the main factor. After all, when the confetti has settled and the cake has been eaten, the photographs are what you will have to remember the day by.
Be realistic about your budget, if the photographer’s standard full day package is £2,000 and your budget is £1,000 then you may not be the right match for each other. Equally, remember that there are good and bad photographers in every price bracket, so spending a fortune on the photographer will not guarantee you will be satisfied with the end effect.
BONUS TIP:
The key at all stages is communication: communication with your venue, your florist, your hair and make-up, and especially your photographer. This way everyone knows what is expected of them and all questions are answered no matter how silly you feel they may be.
BONUS BONUS TIP:
I can’t stress this enough - please allow plenty of time for portraits and group photos - these take time to organise, to get everyone together and looking in the same direction! Discuss this with your photographer, who will be able to suggest minimum required time.
It is also often nice to take some time out during the wedding for intimate pictures of just you and your partner as newlyweds - away from the hustle and bustle of it all. This gives you time to breathe and spend a bit of time together while settling yourselves before going back to your party.
I hope this was of use, please let me know your thoughts in the comments :)
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If you want to keep track of this years calendar as I mess around, check back here often to see whats behind the next door.
It was a lovely day until we got to the top of the Town Hall steps and the heavens opened and stranded us up for there for a little while.
Their reception was the following evening at South Leeds Golf Club.
Here's a selection of my faves...
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It didn't anyone having a great time and held of long enough for us to get some great outdoor shots.
Here'd some of my faves from the day.
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Here's the rest... CLICK ME
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This year I put myself forward for The North of England Wedding Awards.
'The North of England wedding Awards in association with The Wedding Guide UK are Yorkshire and North East England’s most prestigious awards for client service excellence. The Awards recognise those businesses which go the extra mile for their customers, providing outstanding service and inspiring their customers to want to actively and positively promote them.'
(source - www.theweddingguideuk.com)
I honestly didn't think I'd get very far but thought it would be a good way to get feedback and see how my business is progressing.
I was amazed when I found out that I'd been shortlisted and was invited to their awards ceremony at York Racecourse. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend and also didn't win an award but I have been absolutely blown away by the feedback my lovely wedding couples left for me.
Here is a selection of their comments...
"Unbelievable day with a friendly photographer who put everyone at ease, listened to what we wanted and delivered. Everything we asked for, we got and had a laugh along the way. Great guy."
"We believe scott should win this award because he truly really listened to what we were looking for. He reflected the day atmosphere and emotions perfectly. Nothing was too much trouble. Even though he travelled a long way to be with us nothing was too much trouble. We walked to several locations for photos all turning out to be beautiful. Everyone commented on what a great bloke he was. We honestly believe he made our day better. We couldn't of asked for anything else. "
"Pictures were amazing very friendly he went above and beyond reasonable rates perfect."
"Professional good customer service..
Lovely guy to work with for all your wedding pictures. A credit to Scott.
It snowed the morning we got married, everything came to a standstill, even some of the roads were closed and airports.
Scott was there well before us and even transported all his equipment on the bus.. "
Thank you so so much, I hope I'm going in the right direction and growing as a photographer and you never know maybe next year I'll be a winner haha.
S.
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After a little car trouble on the way there which got me panicking (thankfully I'd set off in plenty of time) I made it there and had a fantastic time capturing their celebrations.
Here's a selection of my favourite shots from the day.
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There's more HERE
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Here are a selection of my favourite shots from the day.
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There's more HERE
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Things got off to a great start as I was checking out the ceremony room and a helicopter took off in the background.
Here are a selection of my favourite shots from the day.
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There's more HERE
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The print I chose to offer as a high-resolution Alu-Dibond print of one of the images from the nights fights to the winner of the raffle.
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Tayyib won the raffle and here's a pic of him with his prize. Tayyib chose a smaller size print to make sure it would fit on his wall at home. The rest of the images from event can be seen HERE |
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As always the design and ordering process from Saal was top notch and delivery was really fast via DHL.
Check them out at www.saal-digital.co.uk
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Kuba enjoyed splashing in the puddles whilst Natalia provided directions and non stop chatter :)
Once we'd got back and warmed up it was time to bake some brownies.
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Rachel has been encouraging female fighters and promoting womens boxing in Wakefield.
More can be seen here... http://www.scottsmithphotography.co.uk/wrb_rachel_maya
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If you want to keep track of my progress with my new lens, or just want to see some cool Lego models, check back here often to see whats behind the next door.
I first met Paul and Kim at the 1st wedding I ever shot in July 2012. I was lucky I actually got any shots in focus as I was shaking so much!
Paul and Kim were at that wedding and when they tied the knot at Leeds Town Hall in May 2015 they asked me to capture it.
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/bigmouthband/
https://www.facebook.com/ScottSmithPhoto
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Pics taken by me at The New Pot Oil, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield on 2nd May 2015.
Audio by Big Mouth recorded at The Hanover, Wortley, Leeds on 18th April 2015.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bigmouthband/
https://www.facebook.com/ScottSmithPhoto
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Tricky shoot this as I was not permitted to use direct flash in case it startled the walkers. I used an off camera speedlite on a stand to camera right at a fair low power setting to aid with the refresh time. This was angled slightly up and into the unbuilt white bounce card.
All proceeds to maggies to help those with cancer find their way.
The images can be seen on facebook....
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The software is a little daunting at first as it is so comprehensive and has lots of built in templates and backgrounds but I soon got to grips with it.
The whole design and ordering process is simple and the delivery time was great too.
The only slight issue I had was with quality control, upon receipt of the book there was a slight crease in the glossy cover. The packaging was undamaged and due to the location of the crease there was no way it could have happened in transit.
This is super important with a white label service when sending books directly to clients.
Saal's customer service is fantastic they responded promptly and reprinted the book even allowing me to make some small adjustments too.
The 2nd book arrived and looked stunning the paper quality is very good but unfortunately, this too had a damaged cover this time on the front edge. Really frustrating as everything else is so very good.
Again Saal's customer service was excellent and the 3rd book was perfect. I do think I've just been unlucky as I know a couple of other photographers who have used Saal with no issues at all.
I will definitely use Saal again in future but at this stage will get their products delivered to myself before passing on to my clients.
Awesome gig, pictures can be viewed at on.fb.me/1iIQkRm
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The images can be seen on facebook....
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Winding around the streets, uncovering a route steeped in history, art, and culture, whilst gaining exclusive access to amazing buildings.
At each venue, cultural activities and delicious food and drink helped walkers along the way.
The money raised will help to build a new Maggie's Cancer Support Centre in Leeds which will provide support to anyone affected by cancer across Yorkshire.
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Ann-Marie is a UK registered Nutritionist (RNutr) and has been working within Public Health Nutrition for 10 years. She now currently works in nutrition research and teaches undergraduate nutrition students, as well as running AB Nutrition.
Ann-Marie is passionate about all things nutrition and fitness. She therefore not only has an in-depth understanding of nutrition for good health, but also how nutrition can support you to reach your physical goals.
You can find out more about her at http://www.ab-nutrition.com/ or on facebook.
It then took me about an hour to process and put together.
I love it. It's opened up a lot of creative ideas I have and I can't wait to try them out. What do you think?
Have you tried any timelapse photography?
Scott
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