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What You Should Do Before Picking Your Wedding Photographer

  • Bride and groom under gum tree

Picking Your Wedding Photographer

Weddings are incredible events. You’ll put on a carefully selected dress or suit. You’ll be surrounded by close family and friends. You’ll be in a place or venue that holds some special meaning for you. Everyone will enjoy the evening partying and toasting your love for you and your partner. The entire occasion will be filled with memories that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your married life.

For a day that requires so much careful planning and preparation, you definitely don’t want to forget how special it is. That’s why it’s so important to pick a capable wedding photographer as you’ll be entrusting them to immortalise your memories.

Wedding planning can be extremely stressful. You might be tempted to book someone just to check this item off your to-do list. However, your photographer will have such an intimate role in your wedding day that it pays to do some research before settling on one.

Wedding cake

What You Should Do Before Picking Your Wedding Photographer

Here are five crucial things you should do before picking your wedding photographer:

1. Figure out your expectations

If you’ve never worked with a photographer before, you should know that one photographer does not equate to another. Everyone approaches their work in a different way and using their own personal styles. Do you prefer more candid photos? Do you want to achieve a certain look? If you’re not clear about what you want, it’ll be hard task picking your wedding photographer.

Try and find a photographer that utilises a style and has demonstrated the ability to form your vision of your wedding photography, and try to stay away from ‘directing’ them too much with requests that may not be a part of the photographer’s usual way of doing things. If you do their work will probably not what you’d expect.

Paxton winery wedding from the air

2. Ask for a referral or two

A good photographer will have many happy clients. Some may have worked at your family or friend’s wedding. A trusted contact will give you an honest review about how they felt about a photographer’s services and if they were able to meet or exceed their expectations.

Reading reviews online help too – but make sure you know what you are reading. Reviews on Google and Facebook can be faked (but not always) and other reviews like those collected by ABIA tend to be more accurate as each review is vetted by a committee.

laughing

3. Review albums and portfolios

Photographers will publish their portfolio and recent work online. If they haven’t, you can definitely ask for one. Each photographer has their own style and technique. Check if their previous work aligns with your taste.

When you meet, try and make a point of viewing an entire wedding album – one they have presented to previous clients as completed work. That way you get a better understanding of the quality of their work, and not just the ‘hero’ shots they might publish online.

They are the ones behind the lens, and they’ll be interpreting the event through their own eyes. If you aren’t a fan a photographer’s work style, it’s best to take them off your shortlist.

Digital Deluxe Album

4. Meet with your shortlist in person

Photography is a highly personal and creative undertaking. You’ll be able to tell more about the person by meeting them face to face. Ask about their work ethic and how they can work discreetly but efficiently. A friendly, approachable, and—most of all—professional photographer will put you and your guests at ease and create a good atmosphere for making memories.

grooms first look

5. Evaluate packages

Ultimately, you’ll need to find someone who falls within your budget. Give yourself time to find options. Some wedding photographers offer engagement shoots and additional services like video montages.

The wedding will only last a day, but the photos will last a lifetime. If you don’t set about picking your wedding photographer carefully, you won’t be able to do a do-over. However, if you’ve done your homework well, you’ll be able to find someone who will help you capture the day’s moments as authentically as possible and give you photos that you’ll be happy to look back on for years to come.

We offer professional wedding photography services in Adelaide and all over Australia. Get in contact, and let us know how we can help you capture your special day!

Semaphore Beach Sunset
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5 Reasons Why You Should Have a Family Portrait Taken Today

  • Walking together as a family

 

Have a Family Portrait Taken Today

At present, the power of what a smartphone can do continues to become overwhelming. You can now capture memories with just a few clicks, upload them online, and keep them on the internet for as long as you wish.

As the digital world continues to evolve, the use of traditional documentation has dwindled. The presence of film photography and framed photos have become less needed since all your photos can be kept in a small handheld gadget. Yet despite this there is still the very real connection one had to a properly printed and framed photo on the wall that glorifys a specific moment in your life.

Viewing a photograph on a screen simply cannot compare to the viceral feeling of viewing a physicial print on the wall as a work of art.

For those who still believe in the essence of printing photos and preserving memories in the way that lasts forever, read on further below to find out why exactly you still need a family portrait taken today.

5 Reasons to Have a Family Portrait Taken Today

They Help Preserve Moments

Life goes by faster than expected. And before you know it, your kids have all gone off to college, or worse, someone has passed away unexpectedly. One of the best ways to keep memories alive is through family portraits. It’s an important part of capturing moments as a reminder of the good times.

Depending on your preference, family portraits can be done on location, in a studio, or your very own home if you prefer a genuine touch to it. So the next time you come across your family portrait, you will remember that exact moment when you had the people you love come together for theat fleeting moment.

Family portrait

They Turn Your House into a Home

Aside from filling your house with decorations and ornaments to bring colour into the rooms, there’s nothing quite like the presence of a family portrait to make your place seem more like a home that’s lived in.

Seeing pictures of your family all lined up on the wall or by the staircase warms people’s hearts, along with the feeling of nostalgia for the good times. They remind you where you came from, where you belong, and who you love.

Family photography Adelaide

They Add to Your Family Bonding Experience

No matter how many or how little you are in the family, getting a portrait done consists of having everyone reunited in one place, deciding outfits and the location, and practising the perfect smile. This becomes an enjoyable experience that will bring out the laughter and familiarity of having everyone complete again.

The idea of having a family portrait shot every few years or so requires finding the perfect day to fit into everyone’s busy schedules. It also serves as a way to keep the members together and prove the authenticity of each portrait shot over the years.

The best time to start a tradition like this was yesterday, but the next best time is to have a family portrait taken today!

Family on couch

They Construct a Vivid Timeline

Family portraits include capturing all of the family members’ best memories. Moments like your child’s first birthday, their first day at school, and their graduation. Time does go by fast, so the best way to make it stop is by recording your best memories through photographs.

When it comes to having a baby, an Adelaide newborn photographer can help you capture your child’s first moments better, so you have something to look back on with your child the moment they’re all grown up.

Baby Smiles

They Serve as a Permanent Way to Document Your Memories

Despite the countless ways you can save your photos and videos digitally, there’s nothing like having your family portrait professionally shot, printed out, and framed on your living room wall. Only an expert photographer can truly capture the essence of a family portrait.

The fact of the matter is that computer hard drives are only rated, and expected to survive for up to 5 years of continued use. Flash drives are what we use as professional photographers to supply images on as they tend top be rated at up to 10 years. The point is that these numbers simply pale in comparison to a properly printed and framed piece of art on the wall. Also make sure you back up, multiple times any digital files you may have!

It also serves as a time capsule that you can look back on every time you feel like all the kids have grown up and have gone to start their new lives. With the help of an expert, your present moments will be perfectly exhibited.

Family photography

Family photography in Adelaide has become an important part of keeping the legacy of a family intact. Professional photographers make sure to produce portraits of the highest quality to preserve your memories which you will have with you forever. As such, it would be a great idea for your family to have a family portrait taken today!

Sven Studios offers wedding photography services, including family and newborn photography in Adelaide. Get in touch with us now! We’d love to work with you.

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List of Different Newborn Photoshoot Ideas and Concepts

  • kiesses for baby

 

Newborn Photoshoot Ideas and Concepts

Keeping photos of your baby and viewing them will never fail to pull on your heartstrings. Whether they’re a newborn or a toddler, capturing early moments of their lives and keeping them close is always a good idea and wonderful to look back at as they get older.

What’s great about photographers today is that they have numerous toddler and newborn photoshoot concepts available to capture the best moments of your baby’s life. If you’re still unsure about what kind photoshoot you want to have for your child, then here is a compilation of different photoshoot ideas in the market based on your child’s age.

List of Different Newborn Photoshoot Ideas and Concepts

Posed Newborn Photoshoots

If you see those cute baby photos showcasing them in adorable costumes in equally cute poses, then you’ve unknowingly experienced the products of posed newborn photoshoots. These types of newborn photography shoots happen in the studio, to make use of the lights and heating system to make sure your baby is comfortable throughout it. Some photographers may also opt to go to a client’s home so that it’s even more convenient for the family.

This type of photoshoot is often suggested to parents if you have a less than two-week-old baby. This is because the baby is often asleep and more settled in, thus making it easier for the photographer to pose the baby in different positions.

Newborn Photography

 

Lifestyle Baby Photoshoots

In lifestyle baby photoshoots, the whole family gets involved. With family photography shoots, the location of the photoshoot can be in your home or even outdoors! The idea of this photoshoot is to show the connection of each family member with the baby. In these shoots, the photographer will usually give artistic direction with regards to how you’ll pose, what you’ll wear, and where to look—all to streamline the process of granting you beautiful photos to remember your family by.

The age range for this photoshoot concept is not fixed, therefore, you can even have this type of photoshoot even when your child is already a toddler. For baby photoshoot purposes, however, it’s best when the baby is aa little older and used to being outdoors.

I have a cake!

Documentary-Style Photoshoots

This is the most natural type of baby photoshoot concept you can choose. The photographer won’t give you any direction and would just take photographs of your baby in their most natural state. This approach is excellent for capturing candid moments and is among the top newborn photoshoot ideas when you want to look back on your baby’s early days.

With this type of concept, the photographer usually does not have a fixed age range. This photography concept is meant to be more natural than the previous types, mainly because it is created to capture your baby’s precious “organic” moments.

Mummy cuddles

Sitter Session Photoshoots

Sitter Session photoshoots are best for children who can already sit up—but not crawl! This photoshoot is usually catered towards children who are between six to ten months of age. The photographer will have your child sit in an upright position with costumes and props and start taking pictures from there.

Usually, at this age, your child will be able to clap their hands or even laugh—making these photos even more adorable!

In a basket
In a basket

First Birthday Photoshoots

One of the most monumental periods of your child’s life is their first birthdays, and what better way to commemorate this special event than to have a cake smash photoshoot! With this type of photoshoot, your baby can be positioned in front of a cake that they can devour and play with, or with a balloon or toy.

Usually dressed in cute costumes and flashy props, this is a common go-to concept for parents who want a fun first birthday photo for their child.

Happy bub in the grass

Remembering the special moments of your child’s life is important. While you can always capture these moments with your own phone, having a professional photographer do it for you will help make it more special and memorable.

All you have to do is enjoy watching your baby in their newborn photography shoot and receive the finished product! Hopefully just looking through these newborn photoshoot concepts sparks some sort of idea of what can come out of your own photoshoot!

We offer quality newborn photography, family photography, wedding photography, and other photography services in Adelaide as well. Book a photography session with us today!

 

4 Tips for taking group photos at a wedding

  • How to Take the Best Wedding Family Photos

Taking group photos at a wedding

No matter how unique you plan your wedding ceremony to be, you’re more than likely still going to dedicate some time taking group photos at a wedding. That will ensure that you have photos of friends and families aside from the other parts of your wedding as a record of who attended years down the track.

Taking group photos at a wedding would have to be one of the traditions during a wedding that just cannot be overlooked – no matter how tedious it sometimes can be!

Bridal group

4 Tips for taking group photos at a wedding

Even though a group photo session might seem simple, planning is vital to ensure its success and to make sure it doesnt eat up too much time on your wedding day. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to take the best group photos.

  1. Keep it small

Taking group photos don’t have to include everyone at the wedding in one frame. Ideally, there should not be more than around ten individuals per shot. That is because the more people to participate, the longer the time it will take to finish the session. Plus, everyone is going to have a photo of themselves anyways because that’s the photographer’s job.

What I usually like to do on a wedding day as a wedding photographer is take one big group shot of everyone attending – usually using my drone so that it’s a bit of a novelty, and captures everyones attention while taking the photo, and then peeling off for taking group photos in smaller groups.

Group shot
  1. Look for helping hands

Help is always appreciated, especially when you are trying to gather people to take photos. For this reason, do spend some time looking for people who can help. You can ask a family member who most likely knows most of the guests, which means they can get things done a little better.

Your photographer will not know anyone there, so they are usually limited to shouting out names blankly if you’ve given them a list. If you gave a list to someone who is natually good at rounding up people, this process will be done much quicker. I usually say it’s best for your parents to do this job.

Helping Dad get ready
  1. List the shots that you want

Create a list of all the shots you want to take on your group photo session. Doing so will allow you to announce who is coming up next and ensure that those who are going to take multiple pictures do not have to leave so often. For example, if one person were to show up in the first shot and then again four shots later, they might have already disappeared after the first.

It’s often the case that people don’t like having their photos taken in a group like you’re often forced to on a wedding day so they might run off – conveniently be hiding in the toilet, or taking an ‘important’ phone call. Try to have those people you know will try to avoid you have their photos all at once.

A big hint I like to point out is try to organise it so that elderly and children go first so that once they are done with taking group photos, they can go sit or play about. Also have your parents go last! They will be your best hellp in rounding up any groups who have not yet had a photo taken!

When you list the shots and organise properly, you ensure that the time where you’re taking group photos goes smoothly, and no one’s going to be missing.

group photo at Ekhidna Winery
  1. Talk to the photographer

You should always talk about your plans with your photographer. That is because they are the ones with the experience in photo taking and generally know what will work best. For example, if you have a place in mind for the session, tell your photographer about it. They will work with you to set up the area for proper lighting or suggest another place that may be better for the group photos.

If you want some help in this regard, I’d be super keen to have a chat, you only need to ask!

Close up portrait

Group photos on your wedding day can take up a bunch of your precious time if not correctly planned. They require plenty of planning to ensure success, and you will need to put in the effort if you want it to be so.

However, taking group photos on a wedding day generally just can’t be skipped as you’re likely to have family and guests in attendance that would rarely be seen together otherwise.

The photos and the memories you will capture from this will be ones you will cherish for the rest of your life, your group photos will help you remember when Uncle John accidentally tripped on Aunt May’s dress, spilling his champagne everywhere!

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Why Family Portraits Are Important for Your Children

Why Family Portraits Are Important

Flipping through albums of pictures when you were young and reminiscing about how life was is something you can enjoy when you age. Many parents can get pretty hands-on and document much of their children’s lives so that they have something to look back on years later. I know I personally love seeing old photos or video of when I was younger pop up in family conversations!

The question of why famly portraits are important can only be answered by your own personal experience with your own family and the memories and sense of nostalgia you feel when you see a photo of a relative.

Family photography is important because these photos are what your children and the next generation will look back on. Additionally, these photos help give your children an idea of their development and understand the importance of family.

 

Family shot

 

Why Family Portraits Are Important for Your Children

Here’s why you need to hire a photographer and take beautiful family portraits to help with your child’s development:

It’s a great way to show them their growth

One great way to show a child their growth and development is through visual representation. Photographs are an excellent way to show your child how they looked before and compare them to how they are now. It’s an intimate way to educate children on what growing up means and the physical changes they go through.

As a former primary school teacher, and a still registered teacher, this is the sort of activity that really allows for students to connect with what they are doing in class and is often a very popular task to complete in the classroom. The kids with the nicest, professional family photos always stand out amongst the rest!

Looking at your family photography is also a fun activity to do with the whole family. Laying down all your family portraits and comparing how they looked throughout the years can trigger sentimentality and nostalgia. It’s a good reminder that you and children are getting older and that spending more time together is essential. It’s a big reason why family portraits are important.

ooh

It teaches them family values

When you place a family portrait in a visible part of your house, it’s a great reminder for your children that this is where they belong. Instilling proper values and reminding them that they belong to a loving family will ultimately help in their development.

The same goes for when they visit other family’s houses. When they see their friends in their family portraits, it gives them the idea that this is their friend’s home and family.

Looking through family portraits can also remind them of how beautiful their family is. It can affect their behaviour and help them as they get older and interact with different people. Family photography is a great reminder to your children about the importance of family.

Little Family 🙂

It lets them know that they are part of a legacy

Family portraits bring people back in time and remind them of the values and lessons that have been passed from generation to generation. In time, your children will be curious about your mother’s mother or father’s late grandfather. Family portraits are an excellent way to show family members they have not met.

That is also an opportunity to educate them that they are a part of your family’s legacy. Someday, they can contribute to the stories that the generations of your family have collected.

Proud Grandpa

Family portraits don’t only take you back in time but can also educate your children about their growth, the importance of family, and their legacy. Not only will this benefit your children, but family photography will also help you. It will be a constant reminder that you have a loving family and that you are continually growing through time. This is why family portraits are important for your children!

 

Do you want you to start keeping memories of your family? Hopefully these reasons why family portraits are important for your children has sparked a little bit of inspiration for you to have your own family properly photographed? Sven Studios is a professional photographer in Adelaide. We offer expert family photography, wedding photography, newborn photography, and other services. Let’s capture memories together! Get in contact today!