On the job learning with Peter Prior
One of my good friends is exceptional
photographer Peter Prior based out of Eastbourne. Peter has a relaxed
photojournalistic style and a background in traditional photography and I have
assisted Peter in the past observing how he works to improve some of my
photography. Today we agreed to meet up and I again assisted Peter at a lovely
wedding in West Sussex at Upwaltham Barns - a venue which I last photographed at
in December 2005 and was not able to make the most of the stunning location as
the weather and lack of daylight restricted what was possible.
Some people think that professional photographers
don't speak to each other and certainly wouldn't share information - in most
cases this couldn't be further from the truth. Pretty much all of the modern
professional wedding photographers will only take one wedding a day to ensure
that they devote all of their attention to telling the complete story of their
clients special day without worrying about heading off somewhere else - and in
this case we can all only work with one client per day - with summer Saturdays
and popular dates getting booked months and even in excess of a year ahead.
Better therefore to have a strong network of colleagues with whom you can pass
referrals (and receive) and rely on should you need their
help.
One of my good friends is
exceptional photographer Peter Prior based out of Eastbourne. Peter has a
relaxed photojournalistic style and a background in traditional photography and
I have assisted Peter in the past observing how he works to improve some of my
photography. Today we agreed to meet up and I again assisted Peter at a lovely
wedding in West Sussex at Upwaltham Barns - a venue which I last photographed at
in December 2005 and was not able to make the most of the stunning location as
the weather and lack of daylight restricted what was
possible.
We spent just over 8 hours
photographing everything from the bride getting ready to the release of some
Chinese lanterns and the first dance. For the majority of the time I was able to
focus on how Peter used the lovely light, and location to get beautiful images
without interrupting the bridal party and guests who were enjoying themselves.
We were also fortunate to get some time alone with the bride and groom in the
small garden available to the wedding party for some lovely romantic shots and
cool images of the bride.
Just before
we left we were able to get 5 minutes with the bride and groom and tried out
some images with a video light casting some dramatic lighting across them, and a
feature barn wall. Having bought the light last year I had been keen to use it,
and this was my second opportunity so it was great for Peter to ask me to use
it. I have seen the images on the back of the camera and they look amazing - and
I'll be looking for some opportunities on my own weddings to create something
memorable for the couple.
No images in
this post, as they are not my clients, although I did shoot some frames whilst
the Chinese lanterns were being released and both Peter and I were capturing the
moments.
Now it is time for me to
digest the learnings and inspiration from the day and put them in place for my
next wedding.
Posted: Sun - April 8, 2007 at 10:24 PM
