Wedding Photography Articles

Visual Bride meets PR Wedding Photography

Full Name: Peter Rear

Company Name: PR Photography Ltd

Position: Director

When and why did you decide to move into the wedding photography business?

Starting our company in 2002, the industry appeared to have stagnated. Companies predominantly used film and the style of coverage seemed mainly contrived, producing boring traditional images, with little creativity or flair. We found ourselves asking the question “Surely people want more from their wedding photography?”, and sure enough they did. Of course we were not the first or the only people aware of this but we realised that we could establish ourselves at the forefront of what was going to be a major overhaul of the whole industry. Still at University we were young twenty year olds with big ambitions.

At the same time professional digital cameras had finally reached a level of quality at least equal to 35mm film and soon after exceeded this. As highly competent, computer literate students we were able to fully explore the advantages of the new digital medium. The ability to offer our clients convenient proofing of all their photos on one disc, process every file additionally into black & white and sepia from colour, create DVD slideshows with background music and password protected web galleries for friends and family were just some of the services that set us apart. These are currently considered industry standards, but at the time they were innovative and fundamental to our early development and further success. In December 2003 we were cited as “Digital Pioneers” by Practical Photographer Magazine. We were also one of the earliest adopters of the digital photo book and are now the largest single provider in London and the UK for the Graphistudio range.

Photographing events for early commissions, our main focus was to capture the fun and atmosphere of the occasion. Experimentation with more artistic techniques and developing our skills in capturing things as they happened rather than staging them, a style termed ‘Reportage’, were key in defining our modern style and approach.  Soon after launching a dedicated weddings website (www.pr-weddings.org) we were quickly asked to photograph couples’ weddings who wanted more ‘life’ from their photos with each wedding generating an enormous amount of work from recommendations. The studio has experienced phenomenal growth over the last couple of years, with a new central London premises from January and more than 150 wedding bookings for 2007.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Photographing my first weddings at the age of 22 was a thrill in itself, with constant remarks from guests on my age. Fortunately I received an equal measure of compliments of my work afterwards. I absolutely love my job and find photographing weddings extremely rewarding with the opportunity to capture each couple’s day with creative, original photographs. I like to form a close working relationship with the couple and it is this very personal approach that all our photographers take, which is central to the studio’s ethos.

In addition to this, other major highlights have been our international bookings. Flying out for my first wedding to Mexico in October 2004 at the age of 23, then shortly after on my 24th birthday to Hong Kong on the 5th of December. To date I have also photographed weddings in Dubai, New York, Dominican Republic and each has been a fantastic assignment. I love to travel and see the world but the international trips also give the opportunity to do location shoots with the couple in scenic surroundings, wheres I have created some of my best work. A wave crashing over the top us on a cliff top in Hong Kong was an experience(!) and the photos were described as “as breathtaking as the wave” by the couple.

What makes PR Wedding Photography standout from the crowd?

In the UK most photographers typically work as independent operations completing every aspect of the work themselves. At PR Photography we have scaled up the whole process to introduce experts working at every stage to refine each to the highest standard. Before making a booking the couple is invited for a consultation at our studio to meet their photographer, see their individual work and talk through ideas for the day. This ensures that every expectation is not only met, but exceeded. At this point we offer the possibility for their package to be individually tailored to their requirements, rather than being restrictive to set options.

After the wedding each photo is then edited and adjusted by our dedicated editing department and presented on disc for selection. Once chosen the couple are invited into the studio to meet the designer of their album, giving the opportunity to discuss ideas, editing and design styles for the layout. Each page is custom designed to the photos and not to templates giving each album a truly unique quality. Some couples even come in to the studio to select their photos using our large proofing screen and we are at hand to offer advice for selection. Before the album is produced a digital preview is then sent to the couple giving them the opportunity to make alterations. Our highly professional setup at the studio also enables us to offer phenomenal turnaround times with photos presented back for selection within 10 working days of the wedding and albums produced in a matter of weeks not months. Couples also benefit from the safety of strict backup procedures and copies kept multiple locations.

At the studio we have a team of dedicated photographers who thrive on just getting to do what they do best, take photos. Constantly learning from each other, our work and shared experiences, our collective approach has an enormous positive impact on creativity.

How would you describe your style?

Our style is best described as a truly modern mixture of all wedding photography genres, with the emphasis on atmospheric image making. Blending reportage coverage, artistic shots of all the wedding details, natural spontaneous coverage of all the day’s events from bridal preparations before the wedding till the evening after the first dance, contemporary portraiture of the couple and the more traditional shots of family and bridal party. This approach has come to define our company style, whilst what truly makes us unique is the opportunity for the couple to tailor the emphasis of the coverage towards their desired approach.

Throughout the day we aim to be as discreet as possible and capture things as they happen without interfering with the proceedings. Photos are typically taken with the subject unaware, often working with telephoto lenses. Not only do people look more natural and relaxed in this type of photo but they feel more comfortable and can be left to enjoy the occasion.

What is your favourite part of the wedding day to photograph?

Without question the ceremony is both the most challenging and pleasurable part of the wedding to photograph. Emotions and tensions run high whilst low light in churches and the need to photograph with absolute discreteness make coverage challenging. It also gives so many opportunities for great photographs from so many angles.

Any posing tips for bride & grooms?

If you feel uncomfortable posing for a photographer, tell him or her as it will show in the photos. Don’t do anything you don’t want to for the same reason and don’t forget it is your wedding day - make sure you enjoy it! Don’t be bossed around by an old fashioned photographer but more importantly don’t choose one for your wedding!

Trivia

Favourite meal?

Tuna Steak seared on a BBQ served with Caesar Salad washed down with a fine glass of Bourgogne Rouge.

What's in your CD player?

Giles Peterson Worldwide Volume 3

Have you ever won a prize?

Have been too busy to pursue competitions but will hopefully find some time soon. I think its time PR Photography got a PR consultant!

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