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Wedding History – Why Do We Throw Confetti at Weddings?

There are plenty of ways to welcome the bride and groom to their new life as a married couple. Besides standing up and giving them a round of applause, one of the most popular ways to recognize the union is by throwing confetti. However, how did this practice come about? and why do we thow confetti at weddings? Or failing that rose petals, or bubbles or even leaves?

Why Do We Throw Confetti at Weddings? – History

This practice was actually something that began in Italian weddings two centuries ago. Nobles used to throw candies and flowers during the parades while dames threw eggshells filled with essences and perfumes. In Italian “confetti” is actually not what you throw at celebrations; the term itself refers to candy-coated almonds that you hand to guests as party favours – Also known as dragée or comfit. The thing you throw is called “coriandoli.” The English language simply adapted the term despite being a misnomer. 

The throwing of confetti relates somewhat to the act of throwing rice at a wedding. This is a tradition that is still being practised to this day for couples that want a family. It is a symbol of fertility and luck for the couple as parents. 

The first paper confetti was produced for the Carnivale di Milano with the intention of celebrating joyous occasions. The British then adapted this and introduced it to a wedding in 1875. 

Throwing confetti is laced in a rich history of taking inspiration from one culture and adapting it to a new one. Wedding traditions from various cultures around the world have overlapped and combined and intertwined to such a degree that it’s not unheard of to see confetti in weddings around the world. 

Why Do We Throw Confetti at Weddings?

It’s Fun!

Confetti was meant to bring life to celebrations and memorable festivities, so why can’t it be at a wedding? The bright colours of confetti celebrate joy and can make the ceremony more beautiful. 

Some of it will get on your hair, the veil, the dress, and the suit, but that is not really something to worry about. Seeing your spouse’s suit or dress covered in it can bring a big smile to your face, which is always a great thing when you leave the aisle together as newlyweds.

Bridal exit from their ceremony

It Makes Great Wedding Photographs

It’s okay to think about how the photos will turn out. Confetti brings a great visual element to your photos, bringing in bright specs of vibrant colours into the frame. Many liken the confetti to petals falling from the sky, especially when beautiful colours are chosen.

Getting good shots with confetti in the air will be tricky. It’s probably not something that your friend with no photography experience can capture on their phone. To make sure that these come out right and perhaps even more stunning than you would ever imagine, you need a professional photographer to do the job for you on the day of the ceremony.

Bridal exit

Confetti is however not great for the Earth as it’s often made of plastic, or coloured paper that will not biodegrade well – so many wedding venues will actually charge a cleanup fee in order to allow the use of confetti or not allow it at all! Some environmentally friendly alternatives include rose petals, gumleaves that have been hole punched, bubbles, or if at night time, sparklers!

National wine center wedding Exit under sparklers

Whatever reason you want to have confetti at your wedding is valid. It’s a fun idea that is laced in many great customs that anyone can adopt to make their wedding day special. It’s a celebration of love and great joy, so go ahead and incorporate it into the ceremony if you want to. The wedding photos after will be filled with amazing colours as you walk up the aisle as newlyweds.

Make your memories last with the best wedding photos to remember them by. For the best wedding photography services in Adelaide, get in touch with Sven Studios. We capture moments as they happen, bringing the joy of weddings through our photos. Contact us now!

We also have a whole heap of other wedding custom origin stories along with the answer to why do we throw confetti at weddings?, so feel free to get in touch for a bit of a chat! We love talking wedding!

 

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6 Important Things to Do Before Your Newborn Photoshoot

Things to Do Before Your Newborn Photoshoot

There’s nothing more perfect than seeing and holding your baby the first time. That moment is unbeatable, and it instantly fills your heart with such ecstatic emotion. Most parents say that babies grow insanely fast and that you should cherish those newborn moments so you better take their advice and capture every detail while they’re still a tiny little bundle!

Before you know it, they’ll soon become toddlers and teenagers that won’t fit in your arms anymore. Their tiny toes, wrinkly skin, heart-melting yawns and tiny little bodies will soon be just a memory. For this reason, you should make those memories vivid, and that’s where a photoshoot becomes essential for your newborn baby. 

Newborn Photography

Preparing for a Newborn Photography Session

Now, before heading out to the studio and meeting your photographer, you should ensure that you and your baby are ready. You wouldn’t want to go there without knowing the right things to prepare. This big occasion will be memorable for your whole family, so it involves proper planning and preparation, so heres a simple little list of things to do before your newborn photoshoot.

6 Important Things to Do Before Your Newborn Photoshoot

To help you prepare for the main event, here are some of the things to do before your newborn photoshoot.

  1. Schedule the Photo Session in Advance

Keep in mind that most photographers prefer to do newborn photography sessions when infants are between 5 and 14 days. During this time the little one is easier to move about with getting too upset about new surroundings, and would be easier to time a period while they are asleep.

Even if your baby is not born yet, you should already schedule their photoshoot. This appointment will give you and the photographer ample time to arrange everything you need before the shoot. In addition, you wouldn’t be worried that there will be no photographer available during the first 14 days of your baby because you have already booked ahead of time. 

It is advisable to source out or advise your preferred photographer while you’re in your second trimester. Let them know of your due date so they can block off their calendar for your baby’s photography session.

Newborn Photography
  1. Keep Your Baby Awake Before the Photoshoot Starts

While it may be good to capture photos of your baby while they are awake, you may have a hard time if their mood is not so great. A great tip to make the photo session as calm and easy as possible is to keep your baby awake before it starts. This way, they’ll doze off during the shoot. It’s better for a photographer to capture your baby’s peaceful, adorable state instead of their enraged, red-faced, just-finished-crying face. When they’re asleep during the shoot, you’ll have photos of a peaceful and charming baby in cute poses.

Baby in a basket on wooden floor
  1. Ensure Your Baby Is Full 20-30 Minutes Before the Session

Again, a baby crying out loud during the shoot is a bad idea because the pictures may not turn out the way you want. Keeping them full before the shoot will help avoid this kind of situation, and it will also help them sleep while the photoshoot is happening. You must feed and burp them right before the session so they’ll cry less, sleep better and create a calm studio environment for everyone involved during the shoot. Feeding your baby 20-30 minutes before will also help them last a two-hour shoot.

baby feet
  1. Dress Them in Easy-to-Take-Off Clothes

Most photographers prefer a naked baby while doing the photoshoot to allow them to get every angle of their tiny body. As a parent, you must choose easy-to-take-off clothes before you head to the venue so it’ll be less of a hassle when it’s time for their session. Easy-to-take-off garments will also help to not disrupt their sleep cycle and avoid crying. Aside from that, you can change your baby’s nappy into a loose type, so when the photographer undresses them, they won’t have diaper marks on their skin in the picture. 

Baby Turtle
  1. Advise Your Photographer Regarding the Location of the Shoot

Usually, photoshoots are held in a studio, but some photographers conduct newborn photography sessions wherever you feel most comfortable as a parent. Perhaps, you want to hold the shoot in your own home for convenience or have a preferred location out of town. 

Whatever the case, you must tell your photographer in advance so they can prepare proper lighting and setup according to the location. When you decide to choose an outdoor location, elements will be less controlled since the weather can be unpredictable. There are only specific times when they can utilise natural light. By informing them of your location preferences ahead of time, they can give you high-quality rendered photos of your baby. 

baby mirella
  1. Trust the Photographer 

It’s normal to feel nervous and anxious while your baby is doing the photo session. However, you don’t need to worry because a professional photographer knows what they’re doing and is good at doing their job. Let them take care of your baby while on the shoot, and trust them to handle your baby well during the session.

If you cannot ease your mind, it’s better to reach out to the photographer and let them know your worries. If you still feel uncomfortable at any point during the shoot, let your photographer know right away because, after all, it’s still your baby, and it’s crucial that you both feel comfortable. 

baby ellie on shoudler

When it comes to photoshoots for newborn babies, timing is everything, and safety always comes first. In order to have a successful session, ensure your baby is safe and comfortable so you’ll also feel relaxed during the shoot. In addition, having incredible newborn photographs is all about having the best photographer behind the lens. Your photographer will significantly influence how you can make the memories of your newborn fresh in your mind even after a long time. They will be the ones to tell the story of your precious newborn through their photography skills. 

At Sven Studios, we ensure that our years of experience translate in the way we do each baby photoshoot. We offer a professional newborn photography service that allows parents to remember their baby’s infant stage through perfectly captured images. hopefully this little list of things to do before your newborn photoshoot was helpful, and we invite you to schedule your newborn photo sessions in Adelaide with us today! 

 

5 Tips for Photographing Your Newborn At The Hospital

  • baby ellie on shoudler

 

Photographing Your Newborn At The Hospital

The birth of a newborn is one of life’s most wondrous moments. Perhaps nothing can compare to the feeling of watching a beautiful smile stretched on a newborn’s face, or the little movements they make. Such special moments bring a sense of love and affection among partners. Therefore, capturing such momentous time becomes imperative.

Looking at the first photo of your newborn can be overwhelming yet exciting. You and your partner would love to share a glimpse of your little one with the world. However, most photographs captured in the hospital end up blurry or not suited for printing and putting on display.

If you want to capture the best baby photographs, consider following our tips for photographing your newborn at the hospital. This article will help you understand how to capture beautiful photographs of a new baby at the hospital.

5 Tips for Photographing Your Newborn At The Hospital

  1. Think about the lighting

When photographing your newborn at the hospital, it’s often the case that lighting in your room isn’t the best. Open all the blinds in the room to let in the natural light. Most photographers understand the importance of natural lightning during a baby shoot because it helps capture some of the best shots. Apart from natural lighting, turn off all the other lights in the room. The combination of natural lighting and artificial lighting can be quite ugly – however this does not mean you can’t experiment. Make the most of this combination to capture the best first newborn photograph.

baby mirella
  1. Plan The Shoot After a Feeding

As much as you want to take out your camera and start capturing every possible moment of a newborn, we recommend you don’t. Birth is tiring for both mom and newborn; giving enough space and time to both can help you capture the best newborn photos with mum. One of the best ways to do this is by planning your shoot after a feeding session. A well-fed baby will be calm, content, and happy. Most newborns are calm right after a feeding session, and they tend to sleep right throughout the photoshoot. Besides, you will be able to capture some adorable shots of newborns dreaming the day away.

Baby Smiles
  1. Basic Clothing

A newborn photoshoot should be comfortable for both the little one and partners. Therefore, we recommend new parents bring an extra pair of basic clothing. You can choose to wear something plain and simple – preferably earth tones or whites – during the shoot. Avoid wearing bold patterns or clothing with big logos as it may cause unnecessary distractions in the photo. The same tip could be applied to the newborn. Choose plain onesies for your baby to let their outfit blend in with the hospital setting.

Daddy hugs for baby Max
baby mirella and parents

 

  1. Choose The Right Angle

Newborn photography is all about angles. Clicking the photograph from the right angle will ensure you achieve the best shot of the newborn and mom. Make sure you position the camera slightly higher so that your angle is not showing up the baby’s nostrils. By doing so, newborns’ nostrils will barely show up, allowing you to achieve beautiful images. If you want to add an extra element to the photograph, consider trying different angles and welcoming new parents in the shoot. Simply keep the right angles in mind.

Newborn Photography
  1. Focus on Details

For newborn photography, always focus on small details. Consider focusing on capturing their tiny hands, feet, fingers, ears, and cheeks. You can also choose to capture a shot from the top of their head showing small baby hair. New parents love watching through such tiny details of their newborn.

baby feet

Also consider memorialising the moment with models of your little one’s feet and hands – it can be a lot of fun getting them made and they look amazing on the wall!

Hand and feet moulds

If you are looking for the best newborn hospital photography in Adelaide to capture the first-ever smile of your little one, call us on 0401403080 today.

 

 

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6 Things Your Wedding Photographer Might Not Say, But Should

  • Exchanging wedding bands in front of Hobart Harbour

 

Things Your Wedding Photographer Might Not Say, But Should

When it comes to photography, it’s not easy to be a wedding photographer – there are plenty of astonishing photographers out there that simply won’t touch weddings simply because of the stress that comes along with it. In fact this was precisely how I began as a wedding photographer – a friend of mine didn’t want to do one and palmed it off to me!

Sure, it is often fun and exciting to witness the clients’ happiest day, but it’s not all happy and magical every time. The pressure is on to produce the most fantastic wedding photos because they are going to be lifelong mementos of that very special event.

But some unforeseen circumstances can get in the way of what’s supposed to be a perfect shoot. And sometimes, there are things your wedding photographer might not say.

6 Things Your Wedding Photographer Might Not Say, But Should

Here are some of the things your wedding photographer might not say, but probably won’t.

  1. “If you want the most beautiful and most dramatic shots, have the wedding outdoors.”

Do you want those gorgeous wedding photos posted on social media with dramatic lighting? They’re mostly shot outdoors. Natural lighting is flattering to all skin tones, and elements like the bright blue skies or the glowing sunset make for an amazing backdrop. However, you can’t always get that indoors with artificial light.

The epic wedding photos taken inside that you might love from social media are usually taken at venues that may be out of your budget, and in Australia they tend to be few and far between. That said though if you have the budget, so for it – they can be some very unique shots.

Out on pride rock

  1. “Please do not look at me or the camera.”

For some studio shots and yearbook photos, the subject is always asked to look straight at the camera and people are trained to do so from a young age. But for engagement and wedding photos, the more candid the images are, the better!

Don’t look at your photographer unless instructed to do so for those traditional portraits, and just interact with your new spouse and all the guests as natural as possible and let the photographer capture those special moments.

Gallop bridge Wedding photo

  1. “If you want to get the best shots, trust the photographer.”

Couples who get those out-of-this-world wedding shots are the ones who tell their photographers, “We’re down with anything you have in mind.” Granted, that gorgeous wedding dress is probably going to get dirty, but they’ll result in photos you’ll be proud of. They’ll even make the funniest behind the scene stories that you can tell the kids in the future!

Kangraoo Island Elopement photoshoot

  1. “If you see me resting for a bit, it doesn’t mean I’m not doing my job.”

As much as photographers love capturing every moment in a wedding, standing for hours and lugging heavy equipment can drain anyone’s energy. A wedding day is often 10-14 hours long for a wedding photographer which not much of a break, or even food in between.

So, if in between the major parts of the wedding you see the photographer sitting down, know that it’s just a quick break, and rest assured that no heart warming moments will be missed!

intimate First Dance Photo

  1. “I don’t have the superpower to control the weather.”

If the couple and the entire family are hoping for nice weather on that special day, trust that the photographer does, too. No one wants to have a rainy wedding day, but if that happens, know that photographers are professionals who will still be able to take gorgeous pictures, especially if you’re willing to be more playful and use the rain to your advantage. 

Lightning

  1. “I do encourage honest feedback.”

For many months, you and your photographer have been exchanging ideas about how the wedding coverage should be done. Every photo is thoughtfully captured to ensure that it reflects how special those moments are in your life. So, from the time of the delivery of the wedding photos, know that your photographer is waiting for honest feedback.

Do share your thoughts, whether you are ecstatic about them or have some constructive criticisms. As a client, know that your opinion is always valued! It’s a big reason why I run my annual wedding photo of the year contest!

Bride and groom amongst the trees in Hobart

The photographer plays a big role in your wedding, being the person responsible for the highlights of the ceremony and the reception and those sweet and funny, candid moments. And while there are some things your wedding photographer might not say, these are things that should already be known.

Wedding photography is not as simple as you might think; it takes creativity, an innate instinct, and an eye for detail through experience. If you give the photographer the freedom to be as creative as they can, they can surprise their beloved clients with wedding photos that reflect the true beauty of that wonderful day!

If you are looking for wedding photographers you don’t need to look elsewhere. Sven Studios can capture all the best things about your wedding––your special moments, the joy that your loved ones share, and yes, even the emotion that fills the air on your big day. Contact us today to know more about our photography services!

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5 Tips To Achieve Perfect Wedding Photos Without A Photographer

5 Tips To Achieve Perfect Wedding Photos Without A Photographer 

Planning a wedding is perhaps one of the most exciting journeys in one’s life. The joy of sharing such a milestone with the person you want to spend the rest of your days with is quite an experience you wish to intimately remember in more ways than one. However, a wedding is also a bed of roses that consists of challenges you need to overcome as a couple. 

Among these challenges would be the financial burden that a wedding can painstakingly take its toll on you. Even if you want the best for your special day, the budget can restrict you from having the best and the most expensive things. But of course, there’s no way you’re letting the burden get the best of you. Instead, you have to think of ways to achieve the wedding of your dreams on a budget. 

Wedding Photography 101: Sans The Photographer 

Naturally, your instinct would be to make a list of wedding preps and effects that you can downgrade or possibly get rid of so you can save more money. For sure, not hiring a professional photographer has crossed your mind, especially after knowing the typical rates of such services nowadays.  Capturing wedding photos without a photographer is sure to save a chunk of money!

Personally as a professional photographer myself, I’d always advise against foregoing such an expense, as the photography you receive as a result of your wedding often represents the only memories you will retain going forward with your life. However I am also realistic with the notion that photographs are not always the most important items on people’s checklists. Hence this blog post! This may also help you realise how valuable having someone who has the experience is!

Wedding Photos

If you’re wondering if you could make it work, here are some tips you can try to achieve the perfect wedding photos without a photographer: 

  • Invest In A Good Camera 

You may think that this isn’t a practical tip since you still have to shell out money to purchase your first camera. However, if you think about it, investing in a good one won’t only mean having the ability to take beautiful and high-quality photos for your big day. Even when the day is over, the camera stays with you, and you can use it for other special memories you want to capture as you embark on your married life.  

Moreover, there are several digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras in the market that you can consider based on your budget. They’re fairly easy to use and won’t even require professional skills to operate them. Alternatively, you can consider buying a second-hand camera that can serve the same purpose.

  • Know What Accessories You Need 

To make sure your camera will work as expected, you might want to consider purchasing additional gear and accessories for an ultimate setup. A tripod, for one, can greatly help in stabilizing the camera. Hence, you won’t need to worry about blurry or out-of-focus shots.  

Having a tripod also makes it possible to get photos of you and your spouse together, mainly if no one else knows how to use the gear. Group shots are also achievable because of this incredible accessory.

Just make sure you learn how to assemble and attach the timer so you won’t have a hard time navigating it when the day of the wedding comes. Also, find out how to set the camera’s timer, which will be greatly useful when you’re taking group and couple shots. 

  • Make Use Of Beautiful And Natural Backdrops 

If you’re having an outdoor wedding, you won’t run out of beautiful and creative ideas for a backdrop. Trees and flowering plants will suffice if you want to capture candid and romantic photos of yourself and your partner. If you can’t find such options, you can also take pictures in the venue with a stunning view or setting. 

If you know you won’t have enough natural backdrops to utilize, you can prepare a dedicated corner in the venue where you can set up a photo booth of some sort. You can then adorn it with artificial or fresh flowers, depending on your budget. 

  • Ask Your Guests And Friends 

Although you can try, it’s nearly impossible to do all the picture taking yourself. There’ll be times when you need to entertain your wedding guests, so it’s also a good idea to ask your friends if they can hold the camera for a few minutes and start snapping away when you’re too occupied to do it. 

If you have friends who are good with cameras, try to ask for their help. Just be sure not to burden them entirely because, of course, they also want to enjoy the day as much as everyone else does. 

You could also host a bit of a ‘photo hunt‘ with your guests using a QR code based photo collection app like Selfbooth. This gives your guests a bit of a gamified reason to head out and take photos for you during your day, and with everyone with a smart phoone on them these days should result in a lot of photos.

Wedding photo hunt invitation encourages guests to capture and share memorable moments using a QR code, with a list of suggested shots to photograph.

  • Seize The Lighting 

If you don’t know it yet, certain times of the day are considered the best times to take amazing photos. The golden hour, for example, is when the sunlight is less squinting and can look naturally beautiful when taken at a good angle. To achieve perfect wedding photos, it’s recommended you start your pictorial at least an hour before sunset.  

You can use the camera’s flash to avoid getting annoying shadows on faces, especially if you’re doing the shoot outdoors. Additionally, pay extra attention to everything around your image. Eyesores can easily get captured in your photos, such as garbage cans or a tree branch obscuring your face.

Wedding photos in album

Final Thoughts 

Wedding photos don’t have to be expensively taken for them to be beautiful. Sometimes, all it takes is a good eye and enough preparation on your end. If you want to save chunks of money on your wedding day, consider taking your own photos. Just be sure to consider some of the tips above so you can have perfect photos.

I’m not going to lie, being your own photographer and shooting wedding photos without a photographer is going to be tricky, but it probably can be done!