A Glastonbury Wedding | A Reportage Wedding Photographer In Somerset
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 3:20PM | in Feedback, Somerset, Style and approach, Wedding photography | 16 Comments I’m finding I’m doing a lot less post production to my image files, perhaps because of the quality of the camera equipment in use but I like to think that photography is finally going full circle, or at least that’s the direction that I feel has more merit.
I keep my post processing simple, apart from a few areas where I can really improve on image quality. In a sense, I aim to shoot and process to similar parameters that I encountered during my film and dark room days – a digital workflow with very traditional influences. I feel that this ensures my images stand the test of time more so than if they have too much post processing applied, or perhaps more gimmicky effects such as textures.
All images featured in this post have had very simple processing applied to them, first in Lightroom and then Photoshop. Several are pretty much straight out of the camera – a testament to the power of making a good image to start with. This process of image making, in my view, hugely outweighs mediocre images taken that are then masked by often faddy post production, which will only date the images within as little as three or four years.
The image, and ultimately the moment, must be good to start with and not rely heavily on post production or ‘airbrushing’, as some people like to call it.
I documented Ciara and Will’s wedding in Glastonbury, Somerset and although it rained for the early part of the day it really made no difference at all. I’m thrilled with the images – it was an elegant and relaxed wedding at a venue I’ve now worked at on several occasions and love – Orchardliegh House. Below are a few words from the couple and some of favourites from the day.
We were struck instantly upon finding Allister’s website by the beautiful quality and personal touch of his photographs. We wanted our day reproduced authentically, in both the big and little moments. This is exactly what he does best. From first contact, we received an immediate response which was both helpful and friendly and also flexible with what he could offer, our decision was made.
When we met with Allister for the first time at his studio we were instantly made to feel welcome and at ease. He showed us some of his portfolios and talked us through his style and approach to wedding photography. We also went through all of the ideas and desires that we had for the day.
It was obvious from this meeting that, although Allister has so many ideas and concepts, he wanted to understand from us exactly what we were looking for. We both left feeling absolutely positive and extremely happy and excited about our decision. We couldn’t wait to see the images that Allister would produce on our day.
The big day arrived and we were so happy with Allister’s professionalism and ability to move through the day discretely. He was, as always, friendly and approachable and able to put everyone at ease on what was a nerve-wracking day, even helping us on occasions where we were unsure on certain formalities.
The day finally arrived for us to return to Allister’s studio to preview our photographs and we were not disappointed! In fact, they were better than we could have possibly hoped for, we will always treasure them as a beautiful and honest reminder of our day.
Thank you Allister and best wishes for everything you do in the future.
Ciara and Will
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Reader Comments (16)
Last two images are special... Thank you for sharing.
Lovely work as always Allister......no wonder they were pleased. Interesting to see how another photographer approaches a venue I'm very familiar with.
A quick question/observation. Image number 7 in particular has that kind of "pinkish" warmth that I've noticed in a few of your images. Is that something you do in Lightroom? Or does my monitor need recalibrating?!
Thanks for the interest Paul.
My images are almost always on the warm side - both monochrome and colour work. With daylight images I will often add a little more warmth in certain hues with Lightroom and Photoshop, tungsten images are usually warm enough.
This particular image was toned to achieve a more nostalgic quality, yet still fit in with the general style of post production.
Great set of shots.
Thanks Nicola, much appreciated:
Love everything from Allister RT: @allisterfreeman: post processing, what's your style? http://ow.ly/2aMkO
I agree with your thoughts on modern DSLR's Allister, I find RAW files, with the correct profile applied need only a little tweaking! I'm glad we seem to be returning to a market that appreciates good imagery and not computer generated gimmickry.
Thanks for the interest Martin:
RT: once again agreeing wholeheartedly with @allisterfreeman http://ow.ly/2aMkO
Excellent work as always Allister. That last image is wonderful - the timing, with the replication of action in the painting on the wall - just perfect.
Great work.
Lovely images Allister - I'm finding myself doing less PP these days and agree with you when you say it needs to stand the test of time!
We want the couples to treasure their wedding photographs for their lifetime and pass them onto their children.
Your images have that timeless quality that will look just as good in 20 years time.
Right with you on this Allister. Assuming I've got the exposure right, when I'm producing a colour output, I really only do enough to compensate for the sensor and the output medium - contrast, vibrance, sharpening (and white balance). I think that's consistent with a documentary style, as well. There's a whole debate here but I take a stance that documentary photography should reflect "truth" and that extends to the final output.
Allister,
These images are amazing they capture so much emotion.
Truly inspiring
Roger
[...] A Glastonbury Documentary Wedding | Fine Art Documentary Wedding … [...]
I was a Nikon user, became a Canon user when Nikon's long long journey toward full frame became eventually too frustrating. Not sure I would switch back again, well just yet anyway, but can understand by this set of images and your description of the pros and cons why you did so yourself. Great photographs.
I stare at your black and whites as they are so full of contrast and depth they encapsulate the viewer (well in my opinion anyway). I really love the expressions you have manged to capture in the images, the little boy, the older gentleman with the camera and the bride in the first dance shot; they really do make you wonder what they where thinking.
Another fantastic set of images!
Thank you for the interest Lesley.
I've been working on my black and white processing a lot this year, especially mid-tone contrast and the correct amount of toning to suit my colour work - I'm really, very pleased.
Lovely work again Allister but would expect nothing less from you!
Love the expression of the boy in picture nr 5 and the emotion captured in pictures nr 19.
The couple should be rightly thrilled with their pictures if this taster is anything to go by!