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Author Archives: Gautam Narayanan
Abbeywood Estate Wedding Photography
Here are some photographs from a recent shoot at the lovely Abbeywood Estate.
Salford Wedding Photography
Zoe and Alex got married at the Swinton Registry office followed by a reception close to their house in Tyldesley. It was a truly enjoyable day filled with emotion and happiness. Here is a selection of images from the day..
CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMAGES FROM THIS WEDDING
Wedding Photography in Manchester
I photographed this wedding in November 2012 and it was superb day and venue for photography. Both the bride and groom spent the night at the venue the night before and were there first thing for some shots of them getting ready. The day went through perfectly and even for November, it was a very mild day.
Wedding Photography Statham Lodge Warrington
Gemma and Ste got married at the Statham Lodge in 2012. Statham Lodge has a really stunning Gazebo and if the rain had stayed away on the day, this wedding was to take place outdoors.
Styal Lodge Wedding Photography
Amy and Simon got married at the end of August at a Church in Heald Green and then had their reception at the lovely Styal Lodge. My day started with me photographing the lovely bride at her parents house. Amy’s parents live just round the corner from the church so it didn’t take long for me to get there. After introducing myself to the priest I took some pictures of the groom and his best man.
Styal Lodge Wedding Photography for Amy & Simon
Town Hall Wedding Photography
Earlier this month Nicki & Adam got married at the amazing Town Hall in Manchester. At about 9 am I met Adam at the Gentry Grooming Co in Didsbury village and then followed him and his mate for a glass of champagne at the venue for the reception, ’11 Didsbury Park’. Once they had started their day with a cold glass of bubbles they cycled back to Adam’s. I had a chance to take several shots in the morning of Adam, his sister and future brother in law getting ready.
Worsley Marriot Pre wedding shoot with Karen and Jon
Last week I met Karen & Jon at the Worsley Marriot for their pre wedding shoot. I first met them both at the Gmex wedding fayre last year. At the time they had just gotten engaged. I then met them again at the Trafford Centre fayre where they decided to book me. At the shoot last week we had a chance to talk and get to know each other. I found out that they had first met each other at the Worsley Marriot many years ago, therefore it is a most fitting venue for their upcoming wedding. Needless to say they think the place is special. It was my first visit to the hotel and golf course and I was very impressed with the set up.
Wedding Photography Salford for Gemma and Mike
Gemma and Mike got married at the most fabulous St Mark’s Church in Worsley. As has been the norm this summer it was a very nice day day indeed. I had met them close to the church for their pre wedding shoot in March and yet again they looked great.
Wedding Photography at the Didsbury House hotel
Tahara and Saq got married at the lovely Didsbury House hotel last month. We’ve been truly blessed with the summer this year and they had a fabulous day. The day for me started early as I drove to Tahara’s house to get images of her getting ready. From there I drove to the hotel to photograph Saq and his family awaiting the arrival of Tahara. The ceremony took place at the Didsbury House Hotel but we also went to 11 Didsbury Park for some pictures. This post has great examples of wedding photography at the Didsbury House Hotel.
Wedding Photography at the West Tower Aughton for Sarah and Chris
On Friday the 29th of June 2013, the Doctors, Sarah and Chris got married at the wonderful West Tower in Aughton. It’s set in the beautiful Lancashire countryside and has won several awards as a top wedding venue. I had been to the venue once before to meet Sarah and Chris for their pre wedding shoot. As their wedding photographer West Tower, I was very pleased with the results.
Abbeywood Estate Wedding Photography for Lisa and Jake
On the 1st of June 2013, the lovely Abbeywood Estate in Cheshire was the venue for Lisa and Jake’s wedding. The wedding itself took place in the delightful glasshouse but the day started a bit before that for me. I met Lisa and her bridesmaids just after noon at the cottage where they were going to get ready.
Wedding Photographer in Ramsbottom and Prestwich for Melissa & Ian
Melissa and Ian got married on the 18th of May 2013 in one of the most wonderful churches in Manchester. This church is just down the road from Melissa’s parents house and they have a very strong connection to it.
Engagement shoot in Castlefield with Nicky and Adam
I met Nicky and Adam in Castlefield, Manchester for their engagement shoot. Although Adam is originally from Australia he lives and works in Manchester now and they particularly like the canals and bars Castlefield has to offer. We met at about 7 pm to shoot these images.
Pre wedding Photography at the Fletcher Moss Park in Didsbury with Lisa and Jake
Lisa and Jake chose the lovely Fletcher Moss park in Didsbury as the location for their pre wedding shoot. This is a park where they often go to and has special memories for them. As their wedding photographer, I wanted to make the most of this opportunity to photograph them and to do this in a location they are used to was the best thing.
Salford pre Wedding Photography with Gemma and Michael
On the 5th of May I met Gemma and Michael close to the gorgeous church in Salford they will be getting married in next month. They love the area close to the church and we did some photographs there before going to another spot for more shots.
Pre Wedding Photography at Heaton Park with Melissa and Ian
On a very cold April evening I met Melissa and Ian at the fabulous Heaton Park in Prestwich, Manchester for their pre wedding shoot. They chose Heaton Park as the venue for their pre wedding photography as this is where they usually go to walk and have seen many a concert there. It’s one of Manchester’s largest parks with an animal centre and many other family activities.
West Tower Pre Wedding Photography – Sarah and Chris
On a cold end of March day, I met the two lovely Doctors at their exclusive hill top wedding venue. The West Tower is located in beautiful Lancashire countryside and is a very romantic spot indeed. Sarah and Chris looked lovely for the pre wedding photo-shoot in blue. Although I had met them both before, this shoot really gave us all an opportunity to find out more about each other. I found out how Chris proposed and what their future plans are, so it was a success. The venue and surrounds looked gorgeous with some recent snow on the fields next door. We had a quick look inside and the West Tower looked every bit the top wedding venue it’s reputed to be.
Haigh Hall pre Wedding Photography
This weekend just gone, I met Zoe and Alex for the first time after they booked me through my website. It was lovely meeting them and getting to know about them and their little one. We had a walk through the fabulous Haigh Hall country park and did some pictures that I am sharing with you here- Please enjoy !!
Wedding Venues
Although by the time couples book me they have usually booked their venue. However here is a list of my favourites in the city centre. There are several fabulous venues across Cheshire and Lancashire that are unbelievable about which I’ll post another time..
1: Midland Hotel Manchester- This is a top hotel in the centre of Manchester and has one of the finest old buildings in the city. Its easy to get to for guests and all the rooms are fantastic.
2: Town Hall Manchester – Another stunning building in the city centre of Manchester. Loads of easy transport links for your guests and has been established as a wedding venue for some time now.
3: Manchester art Gallery – Also situated in the city centre and is close to many hotels. This is another gorgeous building that allows weddings.
4: Old Trafford Football or Cricket Grounds – I have put these together as you can choose which one you prefer according to your sport. Both hire rooms for weddings.
5: Ordsall Hall – Situated in Salford, about 5 minutes in the car is this little gem. Superb looking building with very helpful staff.
6: Great Jon Street Hotel : This has superb views of the city centre from the fabulous roof garden. A lovely hotel on a quiet street minutes walk from the city centre.
7: Monastery in Gorton – This is a few minutes drive from the city centre but is one of the most popular venues.
These were venues situated in the city or close by. There are several Wedding venues situated in the countryside which is only a few minutes drive by car or on a train.
Here is a list of more venues –
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200067/marriages_and_civil_partnerships/3724/venues_available_for_your_wedding_or_civil_partnership/1
http://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-venues/manchester.htm
I will be visiting more venues in the next month or so and be updating this page more regularly.
Venue for a Pre wedding or an Engagement Photography shoot
So how do you decide which is the right venue for your pre wedding or engagement shoot ? Let me try and answer this for you- I always suggest that we shoot at a place that is most familiar to the couple as this will usually make them feel comfortable. It also means that they are in a place they have been to before and have some personal connection to the venue. If in case couples want me to suggest a venue I suggest the following-
1: Fletcher Moss – This botanical garden in Didsbury is an ideal place for a pre wedding shoot. It has one of the best collection of exotic plants in the city and is next door to Parsonage gardens. I feel you can photograph a variety of photographs in the area. There is also a pub close by to have a coffee and relax for a chat.
2: Heaton Park – This is an absolutely massive park with loads of different spots for beautiful photography. There is a boating club, old trams and animal park.
3: Haigh Hall – Situated in Wigan this is another top spot for photography. Great woods and a train tack. It also has superb views of the Welsh valley with amazing sunsets.
There are several more parks and gardens in the Greater Manchester area and I always like to leave the final decision to the couple, as after all its their pictures and they need to be happy with the choice of the venue.
You can get more information from the following links –
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200073/parks_and_open_spaces
http://www.visitmanchester.com/what-to-do/attractions/parks-and-countryside/
Carly & Paul’s Wedding at Ordsall Hall
Carly & Paul got married on the 2nd of February at the fabulous Ordsall Hall. The day for me started when at about 11:30 am, I got to the lovely Midland Hotel in Manchester to photograph Carly getting ready. She was helped by her mother, sister and her very helpful make-up artist.
What kind of Wedding photographer should you hire ?
There are many things for the couple to sort out! One of the most important things on the lengthy to-do list is choosing the right photographer for you. I am going to try and give you some insights into the world of wedding photography which might help.
There are several thousand wedding photographers out there. Only some of them are full time wedding photographers and of that group, only some are any good and (again!) of that group, only some are people you will get on with or want to have at your wedding. Also there’s the issue of the budget. So, who do you choose when the options are endless? My advice is to go with a photographer whose work you like. By that I mean their style of photography and the products they are offering. Also, try and stay away from weekend photographers as they often only shoot weddings for fun and are not professionals. I have written about this previously on my blog so won’t go on about it again but you need a professional full time photographer as the day can’t be recreated.
I have noticed some very good photographers offer a very poor standard of wedding albums. There is little point in spending a small fortune on your wedding pictures just to find out later that your album is not the best. I offer Queensberry Albums and these are widely perceived as the best ones around. I also offer albums from Sim2000 which also has an excellent finish and is easy on the pocket.
You should try and speak to, or even better, meet your wedding photographer before the wedding day. I offer a pre wedding shoot and consultation a few weeks before the wedding to meet the couple and get to know them. This also gives us a chance to agree on the kind of images they want and together we create a wedding photography schedule.
Furthermore, you must check if your photographer has proper professional equipment and insurance. You should ask about back up cameras and lenses as, like any other machine, cameras can pack up in the middle of a shoot. Another thing to look into is the wedding photography contract to know exactly what you are getting into and most professional photographers will sign a contract with you.
Ultimately, you will only be satisfied with the photographs if you get top class images, an amazing service and a great album to remember your special day. So choose your wedding photographer very carefully and enjoy the process of creating quality images with a professional. A slight cliché is that wedding photography is an investment and not an expense. Your wedding pictures done by a professional are more likely to give you the joy you deserve.
Carly and Paul – Pre Wedding photography at the Alberts Shed/Dukes 92 Castlefield Manchester
This Saturday, I met Carly and Paul for the first time after they booked me in October. We sat and had a quick drink at Dukes 92 and then went out and shot some fun pictures in the Castlefield area.
Winter weddings
There is an increase in the number of winter wedding year on year as the wedding venue offer big discounts. So I have a pre wedding shoot coming up in January and Weddings in February along with 2 fayres over the next 2 months. You can can come and see me at my stand the Mecure hotel in Bowden on the 27th of January 2013 and then the big one at Event city on the 16th and 17th of March 2013.
Photographing a wedding in the winter months takes a special kind of understanding of lighting. I try and use an assistant when I can for these shoots. You should always have a good quality flash and if possible get the flash off camera to give your lighting a different and international look.
Posted in Wedding Photography
Tagged People getting married in winter
Wedding Photographer Manchester and Cheshire
If your’e thinking about why you should hire a professional wedding photographer in Manchester then let me try and give you a few reason why…
Your wedding day is one day you need someone who is a professional to take your pictures. I’m sure all your friends have amazing cameras on their phones or even great point and shoot cameras. Some of you might even have a very enthusiastic uncle or aunt or friend with a several thousand pound camera willing and offering to shoot your wedding photographs for free. They probably will even do a reasonable job, but the main reason to hire a professional is that this is their job. They will have solid professional cameras, at least 3 different lenses, a back up camera, a professional flash gun and most importantly they will know how to process your images. A person who lives for his craft will no doubt have the knowledge and ability to handle most unusual situations thrown at them.
One of the other reason is that a good amateur might have a descent eye for photographs but experience is very important in a high pressure situation like a wedding. There is no chance of re shooting the photographs. Processing images is a very tough and important part of the job. This is what you pay most of your money for as this takes the most amount of time. I for one use 3 different software’s to post process images. This would typically take me over a week per wedding. There are wedding photographers who would just process images in batches but attention to detail makes images special for a long time to come and stand out. If I used filters, like some wedding photographers then all my wedding photography would look the same. Most importantly it will not look the same as another wedding photographers work, its truly unique. One more thing, if your cousin or uncle had a £1000 pair of scissors would you let him cut your hair ? You hire a professional for an important job, simple.
Posted in Wedding Photography
Tagged wedding photographers in Manchester and Cheshire