Digital photography like most things has pros and cons.

On the plus side digital offers instant results which removes the cost of having your pictures developed
with sometimes disappointing results. It allows you to change the sensitivity of the sensor at the click
of a button, while auto white balance produces balanced results in tricky lighting situations, plus you can
take as many images as you like. So why with a multitude of programmes do the results lack a professional look?

On the downside technical knowledge has been hidden behind camera programmes to make photography look easy,
but like any automated system it has limitations and your still left with a problem of what to do with your
images when downloaded to a computer.
This brings me back to my original point that photography is a vast and complex subject and this is where i can help.

Summary

You won’t achieve the results you’re after by keeping your camera in programme mode.

I teach photography using two different methods.
1) Through one to one or group courses from the basic foundations to complex scenarios.
2) Cost effective step by step advice and demonstrations on a chosen subject via PDF downloads.
You must know the basic in photography before advancing to higher levels.You would be surprised how often the basics
apply even when using advanced techniques.

Click on “courses“  from the menu bar (top of page) then ”select a course” and choose the right photography course or PDF download for you and please contact me if
you need advice.

In the near future I will be adding video clips, free tips and sharing trade secrets.

You can view my portfolio via the wedding and portrait sections and visit
www.hughnicholas.co.uk to see samples of commercial photography.

Every image you see is from a paid commission.
If i can do it so can you.

Professionalism is a must and a good personality is important, this person will be sharing your day and interacting with your relatives and friends. Hire a photographer for their quality of work, not their price! Remember, you only get married once. If you want to share your pictures with friends on Facebook etc, you might need to purchase digital images separately so be aware. Choose a photographer that you feel relaxed with, this will help you on your wedding day. Your wedding day can be a bit overwhelming, and a good photographer does not only take your photos but helps you remember what the day is really all about. Make sure you see work from more than just one wedding they’ve done and they aren’t just shooting the same tired old shots at every wedding. Your wedding should look as different and unique as you are.

Wedding photography is an art.

You are not just paying for a package, you are INVESTING in an entire experience, a service and a final product that will last years, if not a lifetime.

Summary
Experience Level - Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun? Are they a full time professional photographer?
Photographic Style - Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? There are “buzz” words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic candid, and so on. Do you want a mixture of black and white, toned or only colour photos?
Truth in Advertising - Is this the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they send in whomever is available. Don’t be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine. Be certain that you know which photographer is going to be there and that you see HIS/HER work.
Appearance - Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. Is this person well groomed?
Offering - Whether it’s a la carte or a package, do you understand what you are getting? Is there any room for changes and will it cost to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he/she spend? What if you need more time? Make sure that you know what’s coming.
Equipment level – Does the photographer have backup equipment and is it the same quality as the primary equipment, professional equipment costs thousands of pounds, there is a reason for this.

Lastly I was kindly given a reference which sums up what a want to say.

Dear Hugh
Just a quick note to say a very big thank you for all the lovely photographs. We have made copies for all our family and friends and all we hear is how nice you were and how impressed they are of the quality of pictures we have. We have told family about the book were going to have and we can’t wait to show them when it’s ready.
Many thanks again.
Leonie & Cliff

You will see this in action at a wedding. Good photographers have the knack of getting the right people together and making them feel at ease. They can sum up a shot within their heads and visual how the finished item will look. The best photographers, however, go one step further. They are not only seeing the present moment, but also what is about to happen.

They use this knowledge to prepare themselves to take a photograph at the exact moment when the perfect photograph is right there – in front of the lens. Incidentally, it takes about 10,000 hours of practise to be able to do this.