Silver Award at the European wedding portraiture
W.I.A's award of most outstanding wedding photographer NZ
Follow these steps to ensure you have the best photography at your wedding
A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective.
I’ m guessing you ’ ve landed this book because you ’ re getting married (congratulations!) and you re organising a mega party for your friends and family Hopefully, you ’ re thinking of meeting me for a coffee and having a chat because you ’ re wanting something a little bit different and my passionate creative style is just what you've been looking for...
I have been shooting weddings for 10 years now Photography has been a major part of my life and I still can ’t quite believe that this is my job As well as shooting weddings, I’ m lucky enough to work with fashion and portraiture photography, creating images that have featured in bridal and fashion magazines
steve brown CEO and Founder of www blackdiamondphotography co nzMy name is Steve Brown and I am a multi award winning wedding photographer based in Omokoroa having just this week been award silver in the “Wedding Portrait Awards for Europe” an international photography competition
I am very lucky to be able to photograph weddings all over our beautiful country but I have also got to photograph weddings and fashion shoots in 12 other countries and 22 cities around the world
My career began with hunting and fishing photography however I chose wedding photography over other genres, it made sense with Jackie my wife being a celebrant hence I changed my focus (pun intended) from wildlife to weddings, winning the WIA’ s award “NZ’ s most outstanding wedding photographer” was the icing on the cake!
To say that I am passionate about photography is to say BIG BEN is just a large watch on a stick I am in love with it, I dream it, every waking minute of my day is absorbed by it I cannot drive down the road without seeing a reason to stop and photograph the beauty around me, every day I try to learn and perfect new and exciting ways to enhance my photography.
As well as weddings I have been capturing portraits and group shots and would love the opportunity to produce images of your loved one thus creating images to last a lifetime
Portrait shoots/family shoots $150 $300 (dependent on location)
Wedding packages from $2800
Let's talk 021378261
STEVE BROWN CEO and Founder of www BLACKDIAMONDPHOTOGRAPHY CO NZ
You only get one chance to get this right, there are no “Do overs ” or “It doesn’t matter” shots These images will represent your memories of the most important day of your life FOREVER
These photos will be seen by generations to come, so in a hundred years ’ time and your decedents are looking at your beautiful day, why not have them be amazed at the beauty and emotion that I have captured for you
Your budget should reflect this, out of all of your vendors, your wedding photographer's images will be there long after your wedding venue has closed its doors, the food and drink that your guests have consumed has gone, the beautiful wedding gown you dreamed of, that will never be worn again is hanging in the wardrobe the gorgeous bouquets of flowers that are dead and the wedding cake is just crumbs
As a professional wedding photographer, I not only take world class images of your beautiful day but I create breathtaking pieces of art using the world’ s leading lighting equipment in conjunction with the unrivalled natural beauty of our stunning country, all combined with my unique artistic imagination
You spend a lot of money on your wedding, and I want you to spend all that time with the people that matter; your family and friends
My unique style is a combination of Photojournalism and Directional approach, which means you can do just that, while I tell the story of your day through, emotion driven photographs
So much happens on your wedding day. As a creative wedding photographer, I will create the Wow shots but not forgetting all the essential bits in between
The little looks, the smiles, the nods and winks, the hiccups and the tears and joy All photographed with honesty and integrity
Weddings are all about love, and I want that to show in your wedding photographs
I'll tell the story of your wedding through the eyes of a guest, and you will see all the emotions from your day.
You will look back on each image in years to come and remember the love and laughter that your family and friends experienced
ALLOWING YOU TO ENJOY YOUR WEDDING DAY WITH THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY . CAPTURING THE LOVE . THE LAUGHTER . THE EMOTION .
.
Steve Brown is an award winning wedding photographer based in the Bay of Plenty. He photographs weddings across New Zealand, Australia, Pacific Islands, Europe, USA and South East Asia
He has an insatiable appetite for creative photography, and when he’ s not photographing weddings, you can find him running workshops, mentoring, and presenting his other passion of design for the World of Wearable Arts
Steve has won the silver award at the European Wedding Portrait Awards, and also voted by the Industry Awards New Zealand's most ng photographer fe Jackie Brown, is one of New Zealand's brants and often works alongside Steve n incredible team
STEP 1
Look for the light that will convey the story you wish to tell.
Try and match the location to the story you wish to tell while maintaining the correct light
The pose, give them an excuse to be in this pose. How they embrace or interact with each other will further tell the story I am not concerned with their facial expression yet, just that they are in the right light with the desired location
This is where the technical part comes in, correct exposure, the desired depth of field and the appropriate shutter speed to fulfil the parameters of the image
I then make my final tweaks in the pose I call that “expression” because of where the face is, the eyes, the hands that is all expressive.
Then I evoke the emotion A pose without emotion is just a pose A pose with emotion is a beautiful moment
Having spent years associated with the fashion industry, I have an eye for detail, ....is your neckless straight? which side does the button hole go on? When should I have my hairdresser and makeup artist start? How is the wedding dress laced? the list is endless, but I am here to help you, to guide you and to make your wedding day run smoothly.
Weddings are truly one of the most special moments in a person ’ s life There is so much emotion all around and people seem to really put away their differences (for the most part) and come together to celebrate as a family
Being surrounded by all that love and warmth is something I really enjoy. The way a mom ’ s eyes mist up when she sees her son all grown up ready to start his own family, that instant when a dad realises that his little girl is not so little anymore, the first kiss between a married couple!
What can I say I am a hopeless romantic at heart and really enjoy being part of someone ’ s special day. There is always something going on and each wedding I photograph is different from the previous one
I get to spend the day capturing romance, laughter, joy, anticipation, excitement, and many other photographic moments for my clients
As a wedding photographer, I find myself wearing so many different hats throughout the day. I am working through many different styles of photography like candid shots, family portraits, food and florals
And I’ m also using soft skills like relationship building, emotional support, coordinating family dynamics, easing last minute nerves and problem solving in a fast paced environment
Sometimes bridal flowers don’t arrive on time or the bride is missing her shoes and cannot remember where she put them A lot is happening and often at the same time
My multi tasking skills have definitely vastly improved since I became a wedding photographer.
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wedding photographer
You reach out to me here on my contact page and tell me about your fabulous upcoming wedding or portrait session!
I will respond to your inquiry within 2 business days with details regarding my availability for your date and send you my portrait or wedding guide so you can see exactly what services I offer. Take your time to look it over & think it over!
You can then pick a convenient time to schedule your 60 minute complimentary consultation with me.
So, it looks like you ’ ve scheduled your consultation! This is exciting This consultation helps put faces to names and lets us get a feel for one another as we chat about your photo needs and vision for your special day! In this consultation, we get to know one another a bit more We will discuss photo packages or á la carte options that suit you best I like to make sure we are a good fit for each other in terms of style and vision, so we can create the most beautiful images possible. I also want you to feel I am a good fit for you When we are both comfortable, the images are MAGIC
After our consultation, you may need more time to think over what photo coverage you ’d like. Or not! You may be so excited you reach out to me the day after and tell me you ’ re ready to book! Either way, let me know where you ’ re at Hopefully, you ’ ve taken a look at my website, pored over my images and checked out my photo collections, and you ’ ve decided you ’d like to move forward in booking me as your wedding photographer *Happy dance time* Check that off your mile long to do list and take a nap!
Ok, we ’ re really doing this thing! I will then send you a proposal this proposal includes which photo collection or session you have chosen, a contract, and an invoice for a 25% non refundable deposit If it all looks good to you, you will then sign the contract, and pay the invoice electronically via bank transfer, or carrier pigeon Signing this proposal and paying the invoice officially books me & holds your date!
In the months between making your deposit and your big day, we'll exchange a few emails here and there as I check in and see how wedding planning is going and if I can answer any questions you may have If you ’ ve booked me for any portrait sessions (engagement, bridal, etc ), we will schedule & shoot those!
About 1 month out from your wedding, I will request a preliminary timeline of your day I will also send you an electronic spreadsheet for you to enter your photo list into No pressure though this can be just a "bare bones" schedule! We will work together in the following weeks to make a timeline that keeps both the lighting and the time needed for optimal photo coverage in mind
It's finally here! I come to the bridal house and my 2nd shooter (if you bought that collection joins the boys getting ready and CARPE DIEM With our game (and party) faces on, you float through your amazing day and I make you feel like the king & queen that you are We dance, we laugh, we cry happy tears, and we create incredible photos that you will LOVE!
In the 2 3 weeks following your wedding, I will be meticulously editing and perfecting your photos, one by one. When they're ready, I will send them to you on a USB or download them to dropbox
remember the file size is HUGE, each image is big enough to fill a poster so sending them via email is not at all viable.
We get asked a lot about second shooters and when they’ re needed and what they do. So here I am, about to give you the WHOLE rundown of the second photographer's job
A second photographer is another experienced photographer who works side by side with me on your wedding day to capture different angles, happenings, and moments that are there They use professional gear that matches mine so everything is consistent and I always make sure they are trained in my shooting style
Unlike most photography companies, I have second shooters that are trained and on “staff. ” I work with the same second shooters, They are talented caring people whom I trust, so I can focus on you and not have to direct a “stranger” second photographer!
Depending on how tight your timeline is and how large your guest list is, here are some jobs of the second shooter on your day:
Document the getting ready of one spouse while I’ m documenting the prep of the other
Shooting the line up before the ceremony, the back of the bride walking down the aisle, and capturing the “wide” shots from the back of the ceremony while I’ m kneeling at the front of the ceremony capturing everyone walking down the aisle + facial expressions
A backup photographer during the first kiss just in case one of us might miss the moment!
An extra hand to go grab a forgotten bridesmaids bouquet, pin on a tricky boutonnière, or run and grab that stray family member that wandered off before formal pictures were done
They can head to cocktail hour/reception early while I finish up portraits. They’ re able to capture all the details of the reception that you worked so hard on before guests sit down and mess up the table settings and set their coats/purses at the tables
Focus on the candid shots while I focus on the “bigger” moments!
Capturing guest interactions This is where they can really make a big difference!
Since my second photographers are well trained and used to working with me, on average a gallery with a second shooter delivers 20 30% more than one without about 200+ photos depending on the busyness of the day!
You and your wife are were both award winners?
Yes I was Wedding Industry Awards wedding photographer of the year and Jax celebrant of the year for NZ 2016
Are “Bay of Plenty Weddings” actually based in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand?
Yes I live & work in Tauranga & have done for the past 15 years prior to that I lived in Taupo
What is the difference between Black Diamond and Bay of Plenty Weddings? Black Diamond is the commercial side of the business, where I do shoots for magazines, advertising and websites, I also do a great deal of boudoir photography, corporate shoots and portrait work Bay of Plenty weddings is the wedding component along with my wife, Jackie Brown.
How long have you been a professional photographer? I had to think about this one, but it's just coming up to 12 years doing weddings, prior to that I photographed wildlife
What’s your style at “Bay of Plenty Weddings” when you’re photographing weddings?
I’ m very much an interactive photographer talking to the guests, finding out who’ s who etc I find that I get better photographs that way I have been told that my entertaining manner encourages those who dislike having photo’ s taken feel at ease.
What sort of photographs do you take? My style is to take a combination of casual, informal and directed shots capturing the story of the day and to that extent, most couples just let me get on with it leaving them to enjoy their day! The requirement for group shots varies I always like to do one of the whole group plus any others that are wanted (tip: make a list so you don't have to make it up on the day!) It’ s usually best to get them done with as much expediency as possible The volunteered (or otherwise!) assistance of a brother, usher or best man always helps to speed up the proceedings, otherwise you may find your guests heading for the bar!
Where have you photographed weddings?
Most of the major venues in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui plus Rarotonga, Fiji,Auckland, Waihi, Ohope, Whakatane, Kati Kati, Invercargil, Keri keri Oamarua, Opononi, Taupo, Reperoa, Warkworth, Napier, Wellington, and even one on White Island shot on a volcano! And prior to the borders closing shoots in Thailand, Cambodia Las Vegas,New York San Francisco, England, Italy and Paris!
How many Collections are there to choose from?
At “Bay of Plenty Weddings” there are 3 collections to choose from based on the amount of time you need photographic coverage
OK, so how much do you charge? If you ’ re like most people, you probably look for the best deal.
But this is NOT the time to cut corners Think of what you have invested into your wedding day already, why ruin it with sub standard photographer? Remember you only get ONE chance to get this right Wedding photography is like nothing else
The price is reflected in their experience, equipment, their creative skills and how long you need them for
Whether it's just for a few hours or your entire wedding day the price can be from $900 $3500
Things very often do not go according to plan An experienced photographer is able to quickly adapt to unexpected circumstances, and not freak out because the lights have been dimmed in the church 30 seconds before the ceremony begins There are no "do over ’ s" at a wedding, so you want to make sure your photographer is prepared to get it right the first time.
Consider the longevity of these expensive services. The alcohol, food, and cake get flushed down the drain (quite literally) The venue and accommodations will serve as faint backdrops to your memories. The flowers will wilt and decorations tossed away The entertainment will be a ringing in your ears the following morning. Your makeup will be washed away and the hair slept on Your wedding dress will remain, but there will never again be a practical occasion to wear it of all these unnecessary, impractical, and conspicuous expenses, the photo‘ s holds the most utility. Their value increases with time, having an inverse relationship to your recollection of the day
It’ s hard to compare photographers based on price, because so much of what you ’ re paying for is about the quality of service and personality of your photographer It’ s worth investing in someone who’ll not only take great pictures but help you have a fantastic day
“The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.”
– Andy Warhol.”
Award winning photographer and wearable arts designer STEVE BROWN
Bridesmaids and other family members at brides’ location
Brides’ departure “to” , and arrival “at” ceremony
Accessories (cufflinks, ties, shoes, etc )
Groom & groomsmen portraitures
Grooms family members at grooms ’ location
Groom
Do you photograph many couples who have been married before? Yes I’d say at least 50% of my weddings are “2nd timers” . I guess the nature of the New Zealand venues lend themselves towards the smaller, more personal weddings which are typical of couples getting married for the second time
What time do you arrive? For all the Collections (excluding the Blue Diamond) I arrive at the bride’ s location about an hour prior to her departure for the ceremony, so that I can get those final moments of preparation Celebrant arrives one hour before the ceremony to chat to the guests arriving (maybe a bit earlier if it’ s a larger wedding)
Of course...I always take photographs during the proceedings; the ceremony is paramount since this is the part of your day where your faces and the faces of your friends and family will show many emotions Working with my wife, as the celebrant, it is always an advantage since I know when she is going to move, where she is going to stand and she is happy for me to tell her politely of course “get out of the way!!!
Since Jackie will have written the ceremony with you, I will know the sequence and the timing of emotive words However I am always conscious that although the ceremony is important, I will endeavour not to get in the way of your audience, consequently, many of the ceremonial shots are taken from inconspicuous areas in an effort not to block any one's view
In Church weddings, the amount of photographs taken can be quite restricted it’ s down to the discretion of the Vicar (they vary considerably in their attitude to photography) I suggest that YOU bring the matter to the attention of your Vicar if it’ s particularly important to you to have photographs taken in the church
As a rule of thumb I sugge
Pre shots of bride’s prepar Pre shots with the Groom Ceremony 45 minutes
Kissin’ and a hugging’ afte minutes
The large group shot of ev family and friends shots 1 h
Main Bridal Portraits 1 ½
(I always suggest we leave if it is just in a quiet locality to an alternative setting ta time there and back)
So I always reckon on 4 ho walks down the aisle to the reception
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I ALLOW FOR PHOTOS ?
1. I will arrive at bride’s location at 11am to capture accessories / dress/flowers... etc
2. Hair and Makeup Artist to be finished by 12pm
3. Bride dressed by 1pm
4. Bride and mother of bride’s portraits completed by 2pm
5 Ceremony start at 2pm and finishes 2 30 2 45pm approximately
6. Congratulatory, large group photos and family photos completed by 3.30pm
7. Bride and Groom start the Main bridal shoot at 3.30 and complete it by 5.30.
8. Entrance to reception at 6pm
9. Dinner served at 6.30
10. Cake cutting
11. Speeches finished by 8pm
12. First dance 8.15pm
Second photographer.
1. Second photographer will be with the groom at his location at 11am
2. After completing the Grooms coverage, they will go to the ceremony at 1.30pm to welcome guests.
3. Coverage of ceremony, friends and family photos.
4. Assist in Main bridal shoot
5 Entrance into reception
6. Cutting of the cake
7. Speeches
8. First dance
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
I will arrive to the BRIDES place at 11am
Hair and makeup for ALL the girls to be finished by 11.00
Bridesmaids dressed by 11 11.30
Bride dressed by 11.45
Bride and bridesmaids’ portraitures
Leave to meet groom and groomsmen for “first look” at 12.30pm
Main Bridal portraiture 12.30 2.30pm.
Groom to go to ceremony by 2.30 to greet guests
Bride arrives venue 3pm Ceremony 30-45min
Whole group shot and the list of family members and friends.
Finish by 5.45pm
Bridal shots around location 30-45min
Bride and Grooms entrance to reception by 6.30
Cutting of the cake and First dance
I will then leave you.
This time frame will be the same for the second shooter
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
I will arrive to the BRIDES place at 12.30pm
Hair and makeup for ALL the girls to be finished by 11.00
Bridesmaids dressed by 11 11.30
Bride dressed by 11.45
Leave to meet groom and groomsmen for “first look” at 12.30pm
Main Bridal portraiture 12.30 2.30pm.
Groom to mingle with guests
Bride arrives at the ceremony 3.30pm
Ceremony 30 45min
Whole group shot and the list of family members and friends.
Finish by 5.30pm
Bridal shots around location 30 45min
Bride and Grooms entrance to reception by 6.15
Cutting of the cake
Finish by 6.30pm ( total of 5 hours)
I will then leave you.
A “first look” is a newer but popular wedding tradition in the U.S.A and is starting to become a trend here in Aotearoa. Sometimes also called a pre-reveal, a “first look” is when a couple on the morning of their wedding break with the old tradition of not seeing each other until the bride is coming to the aisle, to share a little time together before making their way to the ceremony. Weddings can often go past like a whirlwind for the bride and groom and they often don’t get to have much time to themselves on the wedding day itself.
Any stress or pre wedding nerves will be gone before the actual ceremony You will get to have some precious alone time that you may otherwise not have been able to get Best of all, you will be able to enjoy the ceremony more, as it will be easier for you to take it all in For emotional brides and grooms who might shed a few tears on seeing each other for the first time, you will be able to freshen up before the ceremony.
You will able to share the moment of seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day without the usual sea of people taking photos on their phones and tablets
This will be one of the emotional parts of your wedding day which means you will also get awesome photos from your wedding photographer Real, emotional moments like this create the perfect opportunity for great photos and you will feel more comfortable than you will later on in the day when it is likely you will both feel a little tired and emotional after the ceremony.
What are the advantages to having a first look?
So, what is a first look?
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choosing, I would take you back out (and the wedding party if they were still around) and do some additional shots at no expense to you (assuming you live in the Bay of Plenty region)
So if it does rain on your wedding day what can you do about it? Here are a few of our tips for Bride and Grooms along with some of the things that we do to make the most of a wet day
1. Bring a brolly Even during periods of good weather we assume it could turn at any time and so we take gear to weddings that will help us with wet weather Rain umbrellas and lighting gear for interior group shots often don’t get used but it's reassuring knowing that we have them with us For Bride and Grooms renting or buying a white umbrella for your wedding day is definitely one of the most prudent purchases you can make.
2. Be Flexible – A Summer wedding doesn’t guarantee you good weather but one thing it does guarantee you more of is daylight and that in itself gives you a better chance of having some photographs outside because it rarely rains solidly all day and our full day coverage ensures that we are there with you to take advantage of breaks in the rain to grab photos outside
3. Accept that your wedding dress will get dirty Whether it’ s a wet or dry day, if you have a full length wedding dress that trails on the floor it’ s going to get grubby at the bottom no matter what you do On a wet wedding day it’ s going to get a little bit wet as well as dirty but if you accept this at the start of the day and don’t fret about it or let it restrict you then you will enjoy the day more and get photos that show this enjoyment
4. Use the inside areas Many venues have great interior areas that can get overlooked for photos if the weather outside is good, so wet wedding days are a great excuse to make the most of these areas for some different photos.
5. Have fun with brollies – We are always happy to shoot outside in the rain so if we get a Bride and Groom who are happy to join us outside it’ s a good opportunity to have fun with brollies which are a great accessory for photographs
6. Have some spare shoes on hand If you have a full length gown then the shoes won ’t show in the photos so if the grounds wet and soft underfoot consider having some alternative shoes or even wellies to walk around in when outside
This option is an additional $600; this is a shooting at a later date Some call it “Trash the dress” . A Rock the frock photoshoot can simply be a way to get those artsy shots you simply couldn’t squeeze into your wedding day schedule. Or, it can be the beginning of something totally audacious paintball, jumping in the waves, mud stomping, whatever appeals to you to create a disk of stunning photos that celebrate how beautiful you feel while wearing your gown.
I believe I am unique in the way that I provide these inspired and artistic shots. I can provide some props for this entertaining day; we have a leopard skin Chaise Lounge to take to a location that is accessible and a vintage grocery bike that has been adapted to seat the bride on the front!
If you book Red or Black Diamond I will do an engagement shoot, free of charge, for your “ save the date “invitations (once again this is for those who live in the Bay of Plenty region)
I employ a number of specially selected 2nd shooters that I have personally trained, this means that on the Red and Black diamond collections he/she can go and take the photos of “the boys” as they get ready
Yes if going for the "Black Diamond Collection" This collection comes with a handcrafted leather album designed and built in Italy at the world famous GRAPHISTUDIO but the other two collections are albums on request to accommodate the small & medium sized weddings typical of New Zealand, and at the request of many clients who just want professional quality images saved to a USB
The handcrafted quality of Graphi albums is second to none Each wedding album is individually designed just for you. The quality of ‘Made in Italy’ . Refined materials, special solutions such as our internationally patented seamless binding, the perfectly lay flat opening and the extreme attention to the finishing are the distinctive marks of the Graphistudio Wedding Book: a memento guaranteed to preserve unaltered through the years, the charm and the emotions of the most beautiful story in the world
We can also get your favourite wedding photos printed on glass which creates an amazing work of art for your interior
Having a USB containing your wedding photographs (supplied with unlimited reproduction rights for personal use) gives you choice and flexibility These images a FULL resolution
You will receive all the photographs taken that are not duplicates and are correct Any that are not up to standard will be removed
I certainly do! Part of the process of digital photography is editing (sorting) and enhancing the images that require it
which is a very time consuming but essential procedure Enhancing is the process of optimising the images on the ware usually Photoshop, is VERY time consuming ken, add contrast, increase very best out of each as possible
Some photographers charge less than you - how come?
Photography is not just a hobby to me, this is my profession I continually seek to improve my photography knowledge I attend international workshops with the leaders of the photography profession to enhance my skill level, our computers and software programs that we use are the market leaders and our cameras and lighting equipment are the best in the world with the latest features, I carry 2 professional camera setups with me to ensure there will be no equipment failure creativity and knowledge are worth your money
How many photos am I likely to get with each “Bay of Plenty Weddings” package?
This is dependent on the collection you have chosen but on an average whole day wedding between 500 700 finished images ready for print
true! When photographing a wedding it’ s easy to “click away ” and take otographs many photographers do it sounds good to of images. However, it’ s not the quantity that’ s important. e skill of the photographer to take photographs that are eaningful, rather than the “if I take enough I’ m bound to h Also, as I mentioned above, editing & enhancing the VERY long time Photographers offering many hundreds lmost certainly not carrying out this essential computer produce the very best quality prints.
Yes although all the photographs are taken in colour, they can also be produced in black & white,
Quite often I will choose a few appropriate images from your wedding photos and supply them in black & white, just to add that extra something!
Do you only photograph weddings in Bay Of Plenty, or do you travel further afield?
Being called "Bay of Plenty wedding photographer" you can guess that many of my weddings are in the Bay! However, I'm more than happy to travel to further venues (around New Zealand and in the past 3 years I have shot weddings in 8 other countries
Do “Bay of Plenty Weddings” charge mileage if the wedding is outside of the Bay of Plenty Wedding area?
It depends where exactly, and of course which package you select; if for example, it is Auckland (2 5 hour drive) I would charge petrol only approximately $150NZD and for Hawke’ s Bay (4 hours drive) $250, Wellington (7 hour drive) $450,
For the following areas I do not charge any petrol: Waikato, Taupo and the rest of Bay of Plenty regions
Are “Bay of Plenty Weddings” happy photographing Civil Ceremonies? Absolutely!
I read that “Bay of Plenty Weddings” teach us to do our first dance?
Jackie and I both do “Ceroc” and although we are not professionals we have been learning for quite a few years, and assuming you live in the area we are more than happy to teach you a few moves that will make you look spectacular for your first dance (this is a free service) it is always a nice surprise when the audience is just expecting the old two step shuttle!
Do you visit the venues before the wedding day?
If it's a venue I haven't photographed at before, I will usually pay a visit before the wedding day to familiarise myself All the Tauranga/ Mount Maunganui and Taupo venues I know quite well by now, so it’ s not usually necessary
To secure a booking we will require a non refundable deposit of 25% Balance of payment is made IN FULL one week prior to your wedding
Prices are subject to change, however once a deposit is received your price is locked in.
I could get a guest to take some photos - why should I pay you?
Of course, some couples do get a guest to photograph their wedding, and I’d be lying if I said they were all disasters However I have spoken to & heard of quite a few couples who, having gone down this route and wished they hadn’t! Think of all the time and money you have invested in your wedding day why risk not capturing your precious memories The reason for this primarily that the quality of the pictures are awful and you can not expect anything better than that, this is not their full time job. If you ’ re a guest and asked to “take a few photos” you have a conflict of interest A “guest is a guest” and is invited to your wedding to do “guest stuff" A professional photographer attends just as that a professional photographer. My sole purpose is to take photographs using the unique skills and professional equipment of a nal wedding photographer that’ s it, nothing else, just photos! rofessional photographer has acquired the ability to interact types of people to get the best shots, as well as detailed ge of the local venues Read on about Uncle Bob
We like Uncle Bob We really do He’ s a great guy and everyone loves being around him. He tells great jokes and can even do a few magic tricks at parties. He’ s the guy we all look forward to seeing at birthday parties. Uncle Bob rocks.
But what do you say if he offers to photograph your wedding?
It sounds pretty good. He has a really expensive camera, and he says that he won ’t even charge you It will be his wedding present!
Awesome It sounds too good to be true! And it’ s totally understandable to consider it After all, who wouldn’t like to shave a few thousand dollars off their wedding budget?
Takes wonderful pictures of flowers and his kids at the playground
Brings his camera on holiday Took a community college photography workshop about 5 years ago
Favourite camera setting is Auto. Enjoys discussing the comparative merits of various cameras on internet message boards
Doesn’t see the need to spend $2000 for an external flash because his camera has a pop up flash
Has attended a few family weddings. Loves dancing to We Are Family. ” Tends to takes snapshots only of friends and family that he knows If the wedding pictures don’t turn out, oh well
Averages 3,000 to 10,000 images every week
Knows how to shoot in all situations: dark caves, sunny beaches, large churches, in the rain, and in the snow.
Can quickly adjust camera settings blindfolded. Adept at using ambient light, bounced flash, fill flash and off camera lighting.
Understands the principles of photojournalism, portrait photography, creative posing, and composition
Is up to date on modern wedding photography styles and techniques
Belongs to professional photographic organisations like the Royal photographic society Lives, breathes, and sleeps wedding photography
Shoots 30 to 50 (or more) weddings per year Can show you multiple examples of wedding galleries from past clients
Has enough experience to help your whole wedding day run smoothly
Has dealt with a myriad of wedding scenarios including churches backyards castles ballrooms beaches, and parks
Has shot small weddings, large weddings, traditional, modern, unconventional, offbeat, and everything in between Knows the flow of a wedding day and can anticipate where to be, what to capture, and can adjust to the unexpected
Can provide valuable advice on your timetable and recommend family group shots
Realizes future livelihood relies on delivering high quality images
Uncle Bob:
Oftentimes will have a new top of the line pro camera, but hasn’t fully explored (or understood) all of its features
Has one or two consumer grade zoom lenses
Might have a flash, but always uses it pointed straight ahead, set to Auto of course
Has shot a couple of hundred images with it
Uncle Bob: Cell phone camera
Could borrow a point and shoot from another guest in a pinch
Uploads the images to his Facebook account
Some of them are crooked or not exposed properly
Burns the images to a CD
EH?????
Gets his prints from The Warehouse
Unlikely to provide a book
Has invested $10′s of thousands of dollars in multiple pro camera bodies, an extensive collections of lenses, flashes, battery packs and other peripheral equipment. Has shot hundreds of thousands of images and knows the equipment inside and out. Refreshes all equipment on an ongoing basis Has all equipment cleaned, adjusted, and calibrated on an annual basis
Carries at LEAST one complete pro level backup kit (camera/lenses/flash) in case of equipment failure Most pros carry triple or more redundant systems because THEY KNOW THAT s***T HAPPENS!
Has invested $10′s of thousands of dollars in multiple pro camera bodies, an extensive collections of lenses, flashes, battery packs and other peripheral equipment
Has shot hundreds of thousands of images and knows the equipment inside and out
Refreshes all equipment on an ongoing basis Has all equipment cleaned, adjusted, and calibrated on an annual basis
professional
Provides a consultation which outlines all relevant facts on the services and products provided, and at what cost to the client
A good consultation will help to reduce any misunderstandings between what the client thinks is included (8 hours, prints, album, etc ), and what the photographer promises to provide
Has access to the highest quality professional photo labs They also offer more options for print finishes and surfaces
— Eve Arnold
“If a photographer cares about the people before the lens and is compassionate , much is given. It is the photographer, not the camera, that is the instrument.”B R O
Steve Brown is a member of the Royal Photographic Society London and is at the cutting edge in Wedding, Fashion & Event Photography Based just outside Tauranga New Zealand, Steve travels on location throughout the country, and also has his own studio creating stylish images blended with a mix of creative lighting techniques alternative poses and a plethora of mood inspiring props
Steve Brown's photography is driven by a passion for creating unique images and pushing boundaries in photography he is one of Tauranga's leading wedding photographers
With a natural eye and non intrusive, friendly style, Steve's photographs capture emotion, passion and life in a unique way
