How photographers and videograhers work together?

Often couples will pick their photographer and videographer separately based on style and price, however, the truth is it’s not always easy for the two to work together so you want to make sure they are compatible.

It’s a balancing act. Both are being paid to create their best work for you. Most importantly, this isn’t something you want to be worrying about on the day. My partner Karl offers videography services alongside my photography packages. Couples tend to feel more reassured hiring a team or duo that has experience working together and knows how to produce the best results for your special day. We have put together key points to consider when looking for your videographer and photographer.

DO THEIR STYLES MATCH

Are their styles candid (natural) or posed, or a mix of both? Does their work resonate with what you’re looking for and can you see yourself enjoying the process of working with them? Are you drawn to the way they edit their work, do you like the colours and tones? If your photographer’s style is to capture candid photos using natural light but your videographer wants to use a video light then the two are going to have a hard time working together.

HAVE THEY WORKED TOGETHER BEFORE

Don’t be afraid to ask both vendors if they have worked together before. If they haven’t worked together previously, perhaps ask if they would be willing to both meet with you for coffee so you can get a feel for how well they communicate. Your videographer may want to set up a tripod or sound equipment that could limit your photographer’s angles, they will need to establish some boundaries so both can get the right shots.

WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOU

Establish what’s most important to you. There might be a particular moment that you’d like photographed but you’re not too bothered on video, or vise versa. Make sure you communicate this to both vendors so they know who takes priority.

Are you looking for candid and un-posed wedding photography?

Not into posed and formal photos for your wedding? I’m with you on this! Candid and natural photos are a personal favourite of mine. My second shooter and I make sure our approach is subtle and like a fly on a wall, so you don’t feel awkward or even know we are there.

A lot of couples are turning away from posed and polished wedding photos. Instead it’s all about interacting with guests, lots of laughing shots and those in-between moments. A great opportunity for these types of images is during your ceremony and straight after when your guests are congratulating you. There are often some tears and lots of hugging going on. Then again at your reception when you and your guests are mingling.

You can still have a bridal party shoot. I will often give directions which makes everyone laugh and relax. I will suggest things like “now everyone walk towards me” or “look at each other and chat/tell a silly joke”. These shots are more about hanging out with your best friends, as opposed to standing in a line and smiling.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! What kind of photography are you looking for?

What's in my camera bag & how i prepare for a shoot

I have never been one for needing the highest quality camera or the latest technology. I learnt how to take photos on a 35mm film camera and then upgraded to my first digital camera which was a Canon 500D.

Sometimes I will hear people say “you must have a really good camera”. The truth is, my current cameras (Canon 5D Mark II) are still pretty basic and there are now 2 newer models on the market. I was taught to make the most out of the equipment I had because my skills and knowledge would be what makes a great photograph. I still stand by this. I also have a 40k student loan and Degree backing me (the most expensive piece of paper I own but it was worth every cent).

If I’m shooting a wedding or family photos I will have two Canon 5D Mark II bodies on me. I use a handmade leather harness made in NZ by The Knot Leather, not only does it look cool but it has been a life saver for my back and shoulders.

I’ll choose my lens depending on what I am shooting and what I want to achieve. My go to lens will be either my Canon 40mm f/2.8 or more recently Sigma Art 35mm. I’ll then have a 50mm or 135mm on my other body. I use my Canon 135mm for candid photos of guests at weddings, it allows me to put some distance between me and the person I’m photographing (I’m like a fly on a wall). My Canon 50mm f/1.4 I mostly use for freelensing which is a technique I use for details or more creative shots.

My main focus when using this gear is being consistent with my style (using a wider aperture, usually around 3.5 -4.5) but maintaining sharpness where it’s needed (usually around peoples faces/eyes) and avoiding movement (I try to keep my shutter speed at 1/200).

Getting to know my couples or families before a shoot is how I prepare the most. If I can help people feel reassured and comfortable before they meet me it makes it easier for them to relax on the day of the shoot.

If I am photographing at a wedding venue which I haven’t been to before I will do some research first and see what spots other photographers have used. I will often turn up to a venue 10 minutes early so I can scope out some good spots. I’ll be looking for covered spots on a bright sunny day, otherwise the light is too harsh and creates unflattering shadows on the face. Sometimes it comes down to making decisions on the spot because of weather conditions or lighting which can change in a second.

Sometimes I will have a second shooter with me for weddings. We try to not plan our movements too much, otherwise, our shots start to feel too forced and don’t often go to plan. It’s best to let events unfold in front of us. At the start of the day I will be with the girls for preparations and my second will be with the guys. We work around each other and sometimes have a key focus, for example, I might ask my second shooter to mainly photograph candid photos of the guests or get the parent reactions.

There you have it! I definitely don’t over complicate things when it comes to gear. I am all about the people, capturing emotion and documenting the occasion!

Planning your wedding - How to choose the right wedding photographer

Researching wedding vendors can be a lengthy process. It can also start to feel overwhelming when it comes to making your final decisions. When picking the right photographer for your wedding day there are a number of things you can consider. I’ve put together some key points that will hopefully help make this choice easier!

PHOTOGRAPHIC STYLE

Think about the kind of photos you want and ask photographers what their style is. There are different approaches when it comes to taking photos. Traditional or formal photos are often planned or posed by the photographer. They can also be ‘looking at the camera’ images. This approach is usually used for family photos and group shots.

A documentary approach is used for capturing candid moments as they happen naturally. This is when there is little to no engagement with the camera. This can capture emotion and real moments throughout the day.

For some couples it’s mostly about capturing the memories, for others there can be a stronger appreciation for photography as an art form. Look through examples of work and pick a style that captures your eye. It could be the colours, the creativity or composition of an image. Every photographer will have a different style, look for something that speaks to you.

BOOK EARLY

Turning down clients because I’m already booked on their day isn’t a great feeling. Once you have secured your date with a venue, start looking for your photographer. Or even better, get the conversation going before you finalise your date. It can be worth enquiring 12 - 18 months before.

RESEARCH

Check out a number of websites and social media accounts. When you see a style that connects with you, start to look deeper into who that photographer is. Their website should be easy to understand and tell you further information on the services they are offering. Testimonials and Google reviews are a good way of checking feedback.

GET IN CONTACT

Next get in contact and get a gage on their personality. See how they interact and respond to your emails, when I respond to emails I do my best to stay authentic, I talk to people because want to get to know more about them (which is genuinely true, not because I only want to sell them my product). Do they make you feel comfortable and have they listened to you?

MEET FOR COFFEE

I like to meet couples for a coffee (or wine) before they book. This makes it easier for people to see who I really am and gain extra trust. You want to make sure your photographer is a match for your vibe.

PRICE

I’ve saved the hardest one for last. Budget will be something you need to consider. Getting married isn’t cheap, but shopping around for the cheapest deal might leave you disappointed with the results. It comes down to one simple question - is photography something that is important to you and do you want awesome wedding photos? Anyone reading this will probably answer YES. It will be an investment if you want a photographer with higher skills and experience.

The price tag isn’t how many hours your photographer is with you for on the day. A photographer needs to consider their travel costs, paying their assistant, the 6 (or more) hours it takes to edit a wedding and then have enough for their bills and costs of living at the end of it (lets not forget that hefty student loan).

If you find a photographer who is perfect for you but you can’t justify the price you could continue looking for someone who has a similar style, or ask that photographer if they have payment plans available. We are all human and the chances are they will want to make it work for you!

It’s a long conversation! Start talking it through with your partner and reach out to a few different photographers. See who sparks the best interest and connection with you from the get go. Better yet, get in touch, I’d love to answer any questions you may have.

Planning your Wedding - Wairarapa Wedding Venues

Picking a venue is usually one of the first things to check off your wedding planning list. We are so spoilt for choice here in New Zealand, especially if you are wanting an outdoor wedding!

The Wairarapa is a popular wedding destination for couples. It’s only a short trip over the hill if you live in Wellington, it usually feels a bit warmer and often gets better weather! If you’re a lover of wine, even better because there are a number of vineyards in Martinborough.

Here are a few of my most popular venues that I often photograph. This is only a small handful of what the Wairarapa has to offer. If you want to know more about my experiences at each venue, get in touch, I’d love to help you find the perfect venue.

POPPIES VINEYARD MARTINBOROUGH

Located in Martinborough is a venue called Poppies. This venue is surrounded by vineyards and offers two spaces for your wedding - an outdoor courtyard for your ceremony as well as an indoor space for your reception. The grounds are well kept and very picturesque!

THE LANDING AT HOMEBUSH

If you’re needing a venue wth accomodation for your morning preparations make sure you check out The Landing at Homebush located 5 minutes from Masterton. There are a number of spots for you to choose from for your ceremony such as the chapel vineyard, ivy archway or the gazebo.

MARTINBOROUGH TREE CHURCH

I recently discovered Martinborough Tree Church. If you want to get married in a chapel but also dream of an outdoor wedding then this is a venue worth checking out. The Church walls are made of hedging and large glassless gothic windows.

TARUREKA ESTATE FEATHERSTON - BARN WEDDING VENUE

If you’re looking for a barn wedding venue check out Tarureka Estate in Featherston. There are a number of different spots at this venue including gardens, a historic homestead, cottage and barn which is made up of two levels.

LACEWOOD AT TUHITARATA ESTATE

Lacewood is located in South Wairarapa and is surrounded by rural scenery. This venue is elegant and has a lot of history dating back to the 1840s. There are a number of different buildings consisting of a homestead, cottages and a large restored barn.

The Landing at Homebush wedding - Marie & Matt

Everything about Marie and Matt’s day was the ultimate photography dream! It was also really special having my sister and her partner as guests at the wedding, as well as my talented partner Karl who was shooting video. Marie looked stunning and The Landing at Homebush was the perfect location for photos.

A little snippet of Matt & Marie's special day! Filmed on the 30th of March 2019. Crafted by Traveller Audio + Visual for Jaymee Photography.

Video: Karl Mooyman
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Make up: Charlotte Wilson Beauty
Hair: Kirsty Macrae
Catering: Blue Carrot 
Groom Suits: Barkers Menswear 

Martinborough Tree Church Wedding - Rachel and Edward

Rachel and Edward travelled from Auckland to Martinborough to tie the knot. I spent the morning with the girls at Rachel’s family farm. I always love being out in the country since I grew up on a farm and instantly felt inspired by my surroundings. Rach and her bridesmaid’s looked amazing! The forest green bridesmaid dresses were a great colour, earthy tones are always good.

While I was with the girls, my second shooter Ana from Moonflower Photography caught up with the guys before heading off to Martinborough Tree Church for their ceremony. Thanks for spending the day with us Ana! This was my first wedding at Martinborough Tree Church, I always enjoy being at a new venue. 

Ata Rangi vineyard was the perfect venue for guests to chill out and play some games. Another detail which caught my eye were the flowers used for the reception decor. Rachel hand picked these from Holbrook forest Garden in Carterton. This added a personal touch!

Thanks to all the wonderful vendors involved, it is always a pleasure working with you and bringing the day together.

Flowers: Beverly from Tree Top Flowers Martinborough 
Flowers on the tables were picked by Rachel from Holbrook forest Garden in Carterton 
Make up: Emily Bertram from Masterton 
Dress: The Kate Moss designed and made by Jane Yeh Auckland 
Mens Suits: Barkers 
Food: Salt street food
Celebrant: Reverend Steve Thomson
Band: The Relatives and Uncle Monkey Wellington 
Ceremony venue: Tree church Martinborough 
Reception: Ata rangi vineyard  

Planning your Wedding - Helpful tips for creating a timeline

Have a chat with all of your vendors about a timeline for your wedding day. This will help things run smoothly and you’ll be able to relax more on the day. Here are some tips to keep in mind for your photos.

PREPARATION PHOTOS

Get your girls together and open the bubbles! I like to allow 2 hours of coverage, starting 2.5 hours before your ceremony, for preparation photos. Talk to your hair and makeup stylist about the best time to start your preparations.

For preparation photos with the guys I allow 1 hour of coverage, starting 1.5 - 2 hours before the ceremony. If you want photos of the guys suiting up, hold off putting your suits on until your photographer arrives. Sometimes an activity like throwing a ball around or a game of cards can look great in these photos, but if you just want to share a glass of whiskey with the lads that's cool with us too. 

CONGRATULATIONS

Allow some time (maybe 20 minutes) after your ceremony for guests to come up and congratulate you, before jumping into family photos.  This is a special part of the day and your guests will want to hug and congratulate you!

FAMILY PHOTOS

Family photos can take longer than expected and sometimes it can take 5 minutes per group. Write down a list of the different family members in each group. Start thinking about this sooner than later, it can feel overwhelming writing this the night before! It's also a good idea to send a list of the group shots to your MC so they can help with finding guests on the day. 

BRIDAL SHOOT

It's becoming popular to have a 'first look' and your bridal shoot before your ceremony. This is definitely something to consider, I'm all for it. It's less traditional which might work for you, it also calms your nerves leading up to the ceremony.

I recommend allowing 1-hour minimum for your bridal shoot. Take into consideration adding on travel time if you are traveling to a different location. 1-hour might seem like a long time for photos, but I promise the results will be worth it!

Let your caterer know what time you’ll be starting the bridal shoot as this may be helpful if they are preparing food for the bridal party to bring along. At the start of the bridal shoot, you can all relax, catch up and have a bite to eat. 

Highlights from Second Shooting with Jenny Siaosi

I sometimes team up with Jenny from Siaosi Photography. I love being a second shooter,  it's a chance to shoot from a different perspective (which can be challenging at times) and get creative without so much time pressure. Plus I get to meet even more amazing couples! 

I usually bring a second shooter along to my own weddings at no extra charge. You receive a lot more coverage and it's great just having that extra hand to help the day go smoothly. 

Here are some of my favourite moments from the previous season with Jenny. 

Rosewood Estate D.I.Y. Wedding - Jane and Jake

Jane and Jake married at Wellington's newest wedding venue Rosewood Estate. I loved the D.I.Y. wedding decor, including their teepee entrance into the reception marquee which later on turned into a photo booth. Check out a few of my favourite moments! 

D.I.Y Rustic Bohemian Wedding at Tarureka Estate - Kristen and Glenn

Back in January I photographed this gorgeous wedding and I have been patiently waiting for the right moment to share it with you all.

Kristen and Glenn met in high school and started dating at 17 years old! They decided to get married in Wairarapa at Tarureka Estate.

Their inspiration was rustic, bohemian and D.I.Y, I loved this aspect of the day.  Kristen put so much thought and creativity into her wedding, it felt special to document the efforts she had gone through. The bouquets, cake, reception decor (including the beautiful dream catchers), hair and makeup was all done by the wonderful bride herself. 

I loved the vibe of this wedding. The whole day felt relaxed and fun. We had a bridal shoot before the ceremony, this was all about the bridal party hanging out and having a good time in a beautiful forest setting.