Brandshatch Place Hotel Wedding

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I had the pleasure of photographing Jill and Stuart's wedding on Saturday at the Brandshatch Place Hotel near Fawkham. The gods were smiling on us and the rain held off - very fortunate considering that it had rained all week and that it tipped down yesterday too.

Stuart's uncle and auntie filmed the proceedings, and were an absolute pleasure to work with, as was toastmaster Barry Simms who organised the groups for the formals - always a relief when somebody else takes care of that duty!

I've already finished processing their photos. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Little Silver Hotel Wedding Photos

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images with EXIF data from Nichola and Andrew's wedding, photographed last Saturday at The Little Silver Hotel in Tenterden. Please check out their wedding gallery.

1/250, f/1.8, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The ladies were on top form when I joined them in the bridal suite. There was an empty bottle of champagne on the table....

1/200, f/2.8, ISO 400, +1/3 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A bit different!

1/500, f/2.5, ISO 200, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Nichola's sister had a very expressive face and I didn't need to wait long to get this. I tried to use natural light wherever possible.

1/500, f/1.2, ISO 200, 0 EV, Did not fire, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Nichola told me that she didn't like having her photo taken when I first met her - does it show?Probably 80% of English brides say the same.

1/125, f/3.5, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Since they were moving about I stopped down to f/3.5 to give a bit of forgiveness with focus.

1/125, f/3.5, ISO 800, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 23 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The light level outside had dropped significantly and I couldn't position them all in the small area of good light in the room. Time for some diffused flash.

1/1250, f/2.8, ISO 250, -1 EV, 200 mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

Over to the 70-200mm medium telephoto lens for candids. Notice the negative exposure compensation (EC) due to the predominantly dark tones in the image.

1/1250, f/2.8, ISO 250, -2/3 EV, 148 mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

1/80, f/2.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 27 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The light in the ceremony room was poor and so I had to use diffused flash. It's relatively discreet - I've never had a complaint from registrars.

1/200, f/1.8, ISO 800, -1 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

She was in a nice area of soft window light.

1/320, f/1.8, ISO 1000, -1/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

1/100, f/6.3, ISO 400, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Most hotels have a regular spot that they use for the big group shot. It invariably means hanging out of a first floor window.

1/200, f/3.5, ISO 500, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The lawn was so damp that I had to position the groups on a hard surface. The ladies shoes were getting stuck in the mud!

1/500, f/1.8, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, EF35mm f/1.4L USM

Again, notice the negative EC.

1/125, f/1.8, ISO 640, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Andrew was very uncomfortable in front of the camera but by giving him a bit more space during the portrait session we managed to get a few good shots.

1/320, f/1.2, ISO 400, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

A few candids before the guests went in for dinner.

Comments and queries are most welcome.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Little Silver Hotel Wedding

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

On Saturday I tootled down to the Little Silver Hotel in Tenterden to photograph the wedding of Nichola and Andrew. Although it's been a bit like monsoon season recently, the weather was good when it needed to be - it only started raining shortly after we'd finished the group shots. If only it were always like this!

I started with Nichola, her bridesmaids and mum in the rather lovely bridal suite. There was no shortage of laughter and larking around which yielded some terrific images. I then joined the chaps for a few shots, who were slightly less comfortable in front of the camera, but had probably had less to drink than the girls ;-), and then it was on to the ceremony, followed by the formal group shots and then a few candids before dinner. All very civilised.

I've already finished processing their wedding and a selection of their photos are now online. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Wedding photos from Leeds Castle

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from Claire and Dominic's wedding on Saturday at Leeds Castle with EXIF data and shot analysis. To see a larger selection please check out their wedding gallery.

HDE (-2, 0, +2), f/4, ISO 400, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The weather was diabolical when I arrived at the castle but, fortunately, it stopped raining shortly afterwards - it was still very windy though. To capture the detail in the sky and the bright highlights from the reflected sunlight on the castle I decided to go for a high dynamic range (HDR) shot. 3 exposures, handheld, and then combined in Photomatix Pro.

1/60, f/2.8, ISO 1600, +1 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I was pleased to see such a big window in the room and the make-up chair facing it. There's even plenty of space to get in behind the table. This has been set-up with the photographer in mind - a real rarity! Positive exposure compensation (EC) corrected for the bright backlighting.

1/125, f/1.4, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I asked Claire to strike a pose in her curlers, dressing gown and stilletos! Notice the coolness of the daylight and warmth of the tungsten lights.

1/200, f/1.2, ISO 500, -1/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

The wonderfully soft, out-of-focus background (known as bokeh) produced by shooting at f/1.2 is very useful in minimising distractions. Very accurate focusing technique is required for these shots - the lens is unforgiving at this aperture.

1/160, f/2, ISO 320, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

I've heard the preparation mirror shot being described as 'cliched' by other wedding photographers. But it's not cliched for your clients, who don't spend all day looking at wedding photos!

1/160, f/1.4, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Negative exposure compensation corrects for the dark background.

1/250, f/1.4, ISO 200, -4/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

As soon as I saw the beautiful Arabella in her lovely fluffy white coat I knew the shot I wanted - and I got the opportunity to do it too! Look at the lovely catchlight in her eyes from the window behind me. Negative EC prevented her from being overexposed.

1/400, f/2, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/80, f/1.4, ISO 1600, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Milo demonstrated his Michael Jackson-styled moves for me. A natural entertainer!

1/160, f/1.4, ISO 400, -1/3, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Back upstairs for a few more shots of Claire. I asked her to stand in a pool of soft window light.

1/80, f/2.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The light in the ceremony room was not great so I decided to add some softened flash. Shooting at wide aperture, high ISO and dialling down with FEC means that people don't even notice the 'kiss of flash' that you add, but it means that you get good light on their faces.

1/80, f/2.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, -1 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I decided not to gel my flash. I do sometimes correct its colour temperature to match the ambient light but I liked the warm, cosy feel that I was getting. There are no rules!

1/125, f/2.8, ISO 2500, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 29 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Always nice to make the signing of the register a bit more fun.

1/40, f/2.8, ISO 2500, 0 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A wonderfully witty song about Claire and Dominic was performed after the ceremony. Have a good look at the faces in the audience.

1/100, f/1.4, ISO 3200, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Milo again. I saw him take up a good sniping position and occasionally peek over the table. I was waiting for him. Look closely at the exposure settings - it was dark!

1/100, f/1.4, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

When shooting candids I generally do a quick sweep of the room to identify areas of reasonable light and then try and spot the more animated guests. Ideally I try and match the two and then take up a good position to watch and wait. Good candids do not come about by randomly shooting guests!

1/30, f/4, ISO 3200, +2/3 EV, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I was with Claire and Dominic for only 4 hours so there was no point in setting up all my Speedlites to light the group shot of everyone. I just went with the ambient light. I deliberately overexposed to reduce digital noise in the shadow areas - this technique is often termed 'exposing to the right'. The slight overexposure is easily adjusted in post-processing.

1/40, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

It seemed a pity not to get a few shots of Claire and Dominic with the exterior of the castle so we braved the elements for a few minutes. It was still a bit gusty - check out the dress.

1/60, f/1.4, ISO 1600, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The flash was softened with a Lastolite micro Apollo and mounted on a Custom Digital Pro-M Bracket. Really handy for these close-in portraits.

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 2500, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The E-TTL II algorithm has no problems balancing ambient and flash light when the background is lit.

1/60, f/1.4, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The flash is obviously off-camera for the shot above. I'm holding a Speedlite in my left hand (set to 105mm) and triggering it with an ST-E2 on camera.

1/100, f/1.6, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The Speedlite is still in my left hand for this shot, now with a StoFen Omnibounce attached.

1/125, f/1.2, ISO 3200, +1/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Light levels in the banqueting hall were low. No problem for a 5D Mark II paired with the 85mm f/1.2L lens though.

1/100, f/1.2, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 85 mm, EF85mm f/1.2L II USM

1/40, f/2.5, ISO 2000, -2 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I couldn't resist taking a few shots of Leeds Castle as I wandered off into the night. Notice the strong negative EC.

Any comments or queries are welcome as ever.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Wedding at Leeds Castle

My website: Kent wedding photographer

I had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on Saturday photographing Claire and Dominic's wedding at Leeds Castle. The weather was diabolical though, with 80mph gusts of wind and fierce downpours. I packed all my gear into a huge waterproof suitcase and put on waterproof hiking gear - just to get from the car park to the castle!

I joined Claire and her entourage first for some bridal prep shots. Claire looked stunning even though she was only wearing rollers and a fluffy dressing gown when I arrived. I managed to take a few shots sans rollers before then heading off to join Dominic and his crew.

As you might expect, the team at Leeds Castle are incredibly slick and very helpful. Clearly, we were going to be doing all the group shoots inside - they even asked me where I'd like to do them and if I needed anything to be moved.

During the ceremony Dominic entertained us with his dry wit,

Registrar: I have a question for you Dominic. The answer is 'I will'.

Dominic: Well, it's not really much of a question then is it.

And after completing his vows,

Registrar (in a slightly patronising tone): Well done Dominic.

Dominic: Thank you. You're doing very well too, by the way.

After the ceremony, two of Claire and Dominic's friends performed a song with wonderfully witty lyrics which had the audience (and myself) in fits of laughter and then everyone piled out for champagne and canapes. The group shots were completed in about 20 minutes and then I whisked Claire and Dominic off for a bride and groom portrait session. We braved a few shots outside and then explored a few nooks and crannies in the castle.

Dominic is a keen drummer (like myself) and had hired a troupe of drummers to entertain the guests as they settled in for the wedding breakfast. After Claire and Dominic had been drummed in, I stayed to photograph the speeches (thank goodness I had a 5D Mark II which produces good results at ISO 6400 and an f/1.2 lens - yes, it really was that dark) and then headed off into the night. At least I didn't need my waterproofs again.

I've finished post-processing their photos and a selection are now online to view. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

Exporting metadata from Lightroom

For further photography-related information check out my tips for photographers.

I used to publish a selection of photos from every wedding with associated EXIF data but had to give up as I was doing it manually and it took ages. I subsequently received many e-mails from people asking if I could reinstate this feature so have been looking at a more efficient way of doing it.

I quickly found a method for doing most of what I wanted to do with Apple's Aperture. Using the wonderful Automator software that comes with the MacOS it's easy to extract some of the metadata from shots in Aperture's database. However, this doesn't include the lens used to take the shot nor the flash exposure compensation - even though this data is accessible in Aperture under extended metadata. Shutter speed also comes out as a decimal so I had to export it to Excel to convert it. Not very slick.

I really wanted a method that works with Lightroom, my software of choice, but couldn't find anything. I therefore contacted Jeffrey Friedl, whose Export to Facebook plug-in I use, to see if he knew of anything. He pointed me in the direction of The Photographer's Toolbox which features plug-ins written by Timothy Armes and includes LR/Transporter which is exactly what I required.

It only took a couple of minutes to set-up and get the output looking like this:

1/1250, f/1.6, ISO 200, ‒ ²⁄₃ EV, Did not fire, 85 mm, EF85mm f/1.2L II USM

Unfortunately there's a small gremlin currently corrupting the exposure compensation data (it should read -2/3 above). I've contacted Timothy and am waiting for a response.

The only data I get regarding flash is did fire/did not fire as Lightroom is unable to extract flash exposure compensation. Please add this feature Adobe!

So at the moment some manual input is still required but it's a lot quicker than it used to be. As a result, I'm steadily working my way back through blog posts and adding EXIF data and some shot analysis.

I've already received lots of positive feedback on this so I'll continue!

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

Father and son

A shot of Oliver, who's now 4 months old, with his daddy (me!)

I've been so busy with weddings recently that I've neglected the family photo sessions. I'll have to make up for it over the winter months.

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

Lympne Castle Website

Lympne Castle have just updated their website and now feature a couple of my HDR images on the homepage and include me in their list of preferred suppliers. It's one of my favourite venues in Kent and I shall be photographing there twice this December.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Photos from a Faversham wedding

My website: Kent wedding photographers

A selection of images from Candice and Johnathon's wedding, photographed last Saturday at Ospringe Church and Boughton Golf Club. Please check out their wedding gallery.

1/200, f/2.8, ISO 400, 0 EV, 115 mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

An even-toned (mid-grey, 18% reflectance) exposure - the exception at a wedding! No exposure compensation (EC) required.

1/500, f/4, ISO 400, -1 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/125, f/2.8, ISO 1600, +5/3, 25 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

This is a situation in which I'd normally employ flash but, since I was under strict instructions to get myself into position for the ceremony with the minimum of fuss, I decided to go without. There was just enough light being reflected on to their faces to allow me to get a good exposure with positive exposure compensation (EC) of almost 2 stops.

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 3200, +2/3 EV, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Look closely at the exposure setting - this church was dark. This is why it really helps to have fast lenses in your bag and a camera that can provide good results at high ISO. People often claim that they get good results with lower spec cameras at high ISO but this is typically under 'good' lighting conditions. The light in the scene above was in low quantity and of low quality - really murky. You need good kit to deal with this.

1/60, f/2.8, ISO 3200, +1/3 EV, 23 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

1/25, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 30 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Shooting with a wide-angle lens allows you to use slow shutter speeds and get pin-sharp results (provided that your subject is not moving). These were just piled up in the corner of the church.

1/100, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 31 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A kiss of flash to brighten things up. Close subjects with dark backgrounds are challenging for the E-TTL II algorithm - negative FEC is required.

1/100, f/4, ISO 640, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

'Toad' the pug. This little fella was not camera shy!

1/1250, f/1.4, ISO 250, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The day started off misty (it was Halloween after all) but the cloud cleared the ground during the ceremony. There was still a little haze to soften the light which, combined with the sun's low position in the sky, gave fabulous lighting conditions. The couple are side-lit in the shot above.

1/250, f/1.8, ISO 200, +2/3, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

And now contre-jour (aka 'into the light' for the less pretentious amongst us!)

1/80, f/8, ISO 1600, +2/3 EV, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Ospringe Church is a lovely spot. Stopped down to f/8 to keep everyone nice and sharp.

1/500, f/1.2, ISO 200, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

A nice little candid shot as the couple share a quiet moment.

1/200, f/1.4, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Off for the bride and groom portrait session.

HDR (+2, 0, -2), f/2, ISO 400, 35 mm, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM

I don't often do HDR shots of couples - it's difficult enough keeping myself still between shots (I hand hold rather than setting up a tripod) - but it paid off in this case. We all remained stationary. Because I shot wide there was significant chromatic aberration around the church tower which I reduced in post-production. This is unavoidable with a dark object on a bright background but diminishes as the lens is stopped down.

1/125, f/1.8, ISO 400, +1/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Plenty of soft reflected light reached them under the lychgate. No flash required.

HDR (+2, 0, -2), f/3.5, ISO 400, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

After the couple departed for the reception I gave myself time to take one final HDR shot. It was so tranquil - a fabulous spot.

1/100, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The reception was Halloween-themed and allowed for some unusual shots!

1/100, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The couple's entrance to the wedding breakfast. I generally use flash for this (softened with a Lastolite micro Apollo) to have a predictable light illuminating their faces.

Any comments or queries are welcomed, as ever.

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

Wedding photos from Cooling Castle

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I've been so busy for the past 6 months that I've been blogging on automatic pilot. Now that I've only got 9 more weddings to shoot in 2009 (3 in November and then 6 in December) this gives me a bit more time to lavish attention on the blog.

Let's start with a selection of images from Deana and Lee's wedding, photographed last week at Cooling Castle, and include some EXIF data and shooting detail. For a larger selection, please check out their wedding gallery.

I'm now using Tim Armes Lightroom Transporter plug-in to export metadata automatically (more about this in a future post).

1/200, f/1.4, ISO 800, +2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Exposure compensation is an absolutely key skill to master as a wedding photographer. Here the +2/3 adjustment prevents underexposure due to the bright window in the background.

1/640, f/1.4, ISO 800, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I love shooting at wide apertures for the resulting shallow depth of field. Looking at the images that I include in my blog you might think that I only shoot at wide apertures, but I do stop down (honestly!). Often I'll shoot at a range of apertures, from the widest to about f/8, for a particular shot or scene. Even though I could reduce the ISO speed at the wider apertures I'll often not bother changing it (unless it's above ISO 1000 when image quality tails off a little) since it makes me more efficient and gives me a better opportunity to 'capture the moment'. As a result you'll often see some fast shutter speeds. I don't like the auto ISO function on the 5D Mark II as the shutter speed often drops down to 1/focal length. Not ideal when shooting people with a 35mm lens.

1/100, f/3.2, ISO 800, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Notice the catchlight in her eyes. If you can position your subjects facing towards a light source (in this case a window) then you'll automatically get one!

1/250, f/1.4, ISO 400, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The room had a mix of light sources (natural, tungsten & fluorescent) making it impossible to achieve an overall white balance for the image. Conversion to B&W is one way of dealing with this conundrum.

1/250, f/2, ISO 800, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/250, f/2, ISO 800, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

In a colour image the competition between natural and tungsten light is obvious.

1/100, f/2.5, ISO 800, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The bathroom was sufficiently bright to allow us to turn off any artificial light sources - no colour casts here.

1/60, f/2.8, ISO 400, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A nice little grab shot whilst he was larking about with his chums.

1/320, f/1.4, ISO 400, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/80, f/8, ISO 250, -4/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Stopped down to f/8 to give sufficient depth of field. Notice the negative exposure compensation required due to the low-key nature of the shot. Letting the camera expose here would lead to burnt out highlights with the shirts and the lit side of the faces.

1/200, f/2.8, ISO 250, -1 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/200, f/1.4, ISO 800, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/125, f/1.4, ISO 800, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Notice the exposure - not a particularly well-lit ceremony room!

1/800, f/2, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Out with the 85mm prime - ideal for the bride and groom portrait session when you've got a bit more room to manoeuvre. The minimum focusing distance is about 1m which can be limiting in enclosed areas. Again notice the negative exposure compensation. The camera can easily get it wrong and blow the highlights in the dress.

1/400, f/2.5, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

1/1250, f/1.6, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

1/100, f/8, ISO 800, -1/3 EV, 17 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Group shots of this size can present a problem since there are too many people for a single line. A bit of time is required to position people and in this case I was also able to stand on a chair which allowed me to see the people in the back row clearly.

1/250, f/2.8, ISO 500, -1/3 EV, 26 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I generally stage manage the confetti shot. Two rows on either side of the couple with well-timed confetti chucking!

1/200, f/1.6, ISO 2000, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

1/40, f/2.2, ISO 2000, 1 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Good camera-holding technique will allow you to shoot slower that 1/focal length.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or queries.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Weddings in Faversham

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from Candice and Johnathon's wedding, photographed on Saturday at Ospringe Church and Boughton Golf Club, are now online. Please check out their wedding gallery.

The image above is high-dynamic range (HDR). I'd got the shots that I wanted so thought I'd try something a bit more risky - a handheld HDR shot comprising 3 exposures (-2, 0, +2 stops) and featuring human beings (who have an annoying tendency to move!) I asked them to keep as still as possible and then rattled off 3 exposures (I set the ISO speed to 400 and the aperture to f/1.4 to give me fast shutter speeds at all exposures). Amazingly the image was pin-sharp - my hands were steady and they remained still. Because I'd shot at f/1.4 there was a lot of chromatic aberration around the church tower (a dark object against a bright sky is the classic scenario for this) but this could be reduced in Lightroom.

My website: Kent wedding photographers