Robert Lawler Photography

Bridal Photography

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:24:00 +0000

The other day I attended a wedding with a particularly humorous best man; his speech went down as well as any I've seen before. It's a perk of my role as a London wedding photographer that I often get to see some interesting speeches, songs, poems, eulogies and even comedy sketches. The best man I encountered the other day made several quite cutting jibes at the wedding couple, choosing to ignore the tradition of humiliating the Groom only. I gathered throughout the day there that he was a close friend to both members of the couple which is probably what allowed him to get away with one of the lines in particular which played on the similarity in sound between "bridal" and "bridle". It probably won't work as well in this article as it did on the day but I'll try my best to do it justice here now.

Best man: "When the Groom's mother originally telephoned around to find a photographer for the wedding we found it tough to find one from the many operating in London. Eventually we knew we'd found the perfect one when he suggested that he specialised in bridal photography; after all it seemed he already knew what a horse-face our Lisa is ...!"

On a personal level it was nice to get a mention, although the conversation between myself and the wedding party was of course a piece of artistic fiction. I don't only specialise in bridal photography, though it is an important part of the portfolio (some would actually suggest THE most important), any wedding photography package is only as successful as it's individual parts; I definitely make it my mission to remember this as I start each wedding.

Reportage Wedding Photography

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:56:00 +0000

Reportage is simply the act of reporting news or information of general interest. So how can this term be applied to wedding photography then? Does it refer to a particular style of photograph or can it be taken literally to mean that at the end of the day you will have a wedding portfolio which reports the news or story of the wedding? Do we even need to delve any deeper? I mean wouldn't most people be happy with a set of wedding images which do exactly that?

There is another definition of reportage wedding photography which is more suitable, or it goes into more detail at least. It is centered around the idea that reportage refers to an "eye-witness genre of journalism". I've already talked about photojournalistic wedding photography on these pages, and perhaps the two are linked. Certainly reportage wedding photography describes a process of observation and a fly-on-the-wall approach to achieving results. "One of the greatest tricks the devil ever pulled was convincing people he didn't exist" (an idea conjured up by Baudelaire and popularised in the film, 'The Usual Suspects'); far be it from me to suggest that I should ever be compared to a being of supreme evil, but I like the idea that I could convince wedding guests that there had been no photographer present throughout the ceremony and reception, yet still produce a portfolio which the Bride and Groom can be proud of. This is something I strive for and something I pride myself on.

It takes practice and experience to work in a reportage style, and in a way it's an almost contradictory position to be in; on one hand it is a prerequisite that all guests should be represented in the finished pictures, yet no-one wants to have a camera pointed at them when they're trying to relax and enjoy the day. As you may have read in my mission statement my primary mode of working is in the reportage style so if this is something you are interested in please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your requirements.

Contemporary Wedding Photography

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:22:00 +0000

On the 3rd June I wrote a beautiful piece of nonsense on modern wedding photography. I think it must have been one of those afternoons where I'd loaded too many grounds into my cafetiere and not eaten enough that morning. Nonetheless, looking back at my previous post the stream of consciousness I tapped into did contain some fairly impressive points. Well in my opinion anyway. I am sitting here now looking at the screen and wondering whether the same thing is about to happen whilst I discuss the world of contemporary wedding photography. I mean, really it amounts to the same thing. Contemporary and modern are words which can be interchanged. Maybe I'll check the difference in their definitions to see if that adds another dimension to the concepts.

OK, so to make this absolutely fair I'll use the same dictionary for both words and I'll take the 1st definition in the case of several being offered (not that I'm claiming this to be a particularly scientific investigation). "Modern" then is defined as being "of or pertaining to present and recent time, not ancient or remote". "Contemporary" is listed as "of the present time".

Well there you go. No need for further investigation really. The two words are interchangeable. So if you want your wedding pictures to be of a current style then feel free to use contemporary wedding photography or modern wedding photography. I'll know what you mean. Having said that one of the things I do as part of my service is to meet with the Bride and Groom before any pictures are taken so we can discuss exactly what you want to achieve with your portfolio.

Wedding Photography Packages

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:40:00 +0000

There are certain things which are expected to be included within wedding photography packages. By that I mean there are particular shots, or scenes which the happy couple will usually want in their portfolio. Of course not everyone wants to see the same wedding images but having a basic template is useful when I'm discussing it with the bride and groom.

I am always happy to chat with the bride and groom about the wedding photography packages I offer. I have split my services into 3 different options, all of which are priced the same, but which offer different presentations of the images from the day.

I prefer to organise my day based on being with the bride an hour and a half before the service so that I can get some introductory pictures of the key people whilst also allowing them to get used to my being around with the camera. Some wedding photographers suggest getting some pre-ceremony images of the bride with her mother, her father, then both parents, the groom with both parents etc. I do find it useful to have these ideas in mind on the day but I wouldn't say I limit myself to this rigid a structure as I think this limits the success of the finished package.

I do have some detail of my photography packages here if you want to learn more.

Modern Wedding Photography

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:55:00 +0000

Modern wedding photography can be considered an art form. It's difficult to know what makes something modern, or how anything becomes zeitgeist. Is it calculation, foresight or luck? By it's very definition modern or contemporary wedding photography means that it relates to recent times or the present, which is somewhat confusing. How can a newly taken photograph ever be anything other than modern? It can't do anything else except relate to the present. Perhaps this is taking the word "modern" a little too literally, but it is a concept which could be discussed openly for hours.

If we were to loosen the reigns on our definition of modernity a little then we could think about the style of photography, as opposed to judging the pieces themselves. In this case, modern wedding photography must then refer to a body of work which reflects current methodology as dictated by those at the forefront of fashion. Of course we could now get into a discussion about the difference between art form and fashion. After all, my opening gambit was that modern wedding photography is an art form. Is art, in it's truest sense, subject to the rules of fashion? Those people who profess to be artists would, in general, prefer not be associated with fashionable institutions. Art to them is about expression; success is based on parameters relating to the finished work itself, not in context with anything else in the world. They would not consider art to be successful solely because it appeases a sense of modernity. That would be shallow, derogatory and show a distinct lack of heart.

Despite all of this there is a certain amount of expectation among some people, a desire to be part of the times in which they live. Every now and then humans flirt with retro fads, and kitsch items, but for the majority of time we take comfort from being involved with what's hot. As such when one searches for modern wedding photography, what one is looking for is a photographer who will create a portfolio of wedding pictures which will conform to the latest stylistic nuances of the time.

As a professional wedding photographer, Robert produces pictures true to the atmosphere and spirit of the day, and will be happy to discuss the style of portfolio you want to create.

Photojournalistic Wedding Photography

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:25:00 +0000

You could be forgiven for not being entirely sure what the phrase photojournalistic wedding photography means. How does this differ from ordinary run-of-the-mill wedding photography? Search for photojournalism and you'll find definitions related to a collection of images which form to tell a story. Which is a good start I think; perhaps photojournalistic wedding photography is the medium by which the story of your fairytale day is told ... well that's the soppy approach covered at least.

The history of the photojournalist begins during the late 1800s, although restrictions on the way newspapers were printed meant that it didn't really peak into it's so called "Golden Age" until the start of the 1930s. This halcyon period remained until the end of the 50s, with a large majority of the big news publications of the time making their name principally through the stark and illuminating images which accompanied their stories. Of course this correlated with the time when the world was at war, and much of the photojournalistic work regarded as classic from this period reflects this fact.

There is a stark contrast, then, between photojournalistic wedding photography and it's war-torn origins. So how can photographs taken under such threatening conditions be at all related to the field of wedding pictures? Well there is actually an association of Wedding Photojournalists who describe their members as having a "candid, documentary approach" and "a distinctly artistic vision toward wedding photography".

So I guess we can assume that photojournalistic wedding photography implies a certain dynamic style, one which tells a story, in a truthful and honest fashion. The results will not be the frozen poses which seek to create a mood artificially; rather they will reflect the mood of the day. Your wedding photographer will act as a fly on the wall capturing the guests, the conversations and the events as they unfold. If you want a document of your wedding, a frame by frame retelling of your marriage story, then this is the best type of photographer for you.

Professional Wedding Photography

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:19:00 +0000

I recently read an blog article extolling the virtues of getting a friend to take the pictures at their wedding. With the increasing quality (and reduced cost) of digital cameras more and more people are opting for this route, which is perfectly valid and the best option for many. However in response to the article I read, I felt it necessary to reply in examining why some people might prefer to employ a professional.

Professional wedding photography does exactly what it says on the tin. It provides wedding photography which is professional. Lets just examine that phrase more closely. What does it mean to provide a service which can be called "professional"? Why would someone choose to pay someone to take their wedding pictures as opposed to asking a friend to do it?

Wikipedia describes a professional as being "a person in a profession" ... which doesn't really shed too much light on the issue. However they do go on to describe a person whose role requires skills which can only be gained via formal training or education. Alternatively they state that "sometimes it is also used to indicate a special level of quality of goods or tools". Dictionary definitions talk about technical or ethical standards, and about the attitude of the professional - courteous, conscientious, businesslike etc - which brings something else into the equation.

Having listed some definitions of a "professional" how can we apply this to professional wedding photography in regards to helping to answer our original question (you'll have to bear with me here, because I have a feeling that this could get quite philosophical)?

Professional wedding photography:

1. A person in a profession - not much more to say here. Anyone employed as a wedding photographer is a member of the profession.
2. Skillset, formal training - we could get into nature versus nurture, innate versus taught but we aren't likely to solve anything on these blog pages to that end; I think most people would agree that the success of any artistic endeavour is a result of a combination of both natural ability and education into the principles and history of the form. Having both is essential to getting the best results.
3. Special level of quality - as you might expect, professional wedding photography will produce pictures of a higher quality due to the points above, and the equipment being used.
4. Ethical standards, and courteousness - this could be the most important factor to most wedding couples. A trained wedding photographer will abide by certain quality standards when it comes to actually taking the pictures, creating the least intrusive approach allowing guests to enjoy the day, with the least amount of interruption.

The final point could just be that you want all of your party to enjoy the day without the responsibility of spending the occasion strapped to a camera and constantly doing the rounds. Leaving it to the professional means everyone is free to have fun, and you can relax in the knowledge that your photographer will create a professional portfolio of pictures.

Digital Wedding Photography

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:58:00 +0000

Digital wedding photography wouldn't exist without the invention of the television in the 1950's. In the first year of that decade the video tape recorder was created to capture live images directly from television cameras and convert the information into electrical impulses which could then be stored as information on magnetic tape. This was the first example of digital camera technology in action.

Key moments in the build up towards digital wedding photography being adopted as the popular choice include the use of digital imaging by NASA during the moon missions of the sixties. A feature of this use of digital photography was that NASA would also use computers to improve the images they were seeing; something which is now almost common practice. Furthermore the American government would use digital imaging in their spy satellite, which also played a role in the development of this technology. It wasn't just governmental organisations who would play a role though, as commercial enterprises such as Texas Instruments kept things moving along by introducing a camera which required no film, and latterly Sony would produce the first camera which took electronic still images, although this was not strictly a digital camera as the pictures were actually freeze frames from a video camera.

Kodak would also invest into the creation of digital camera technology throughout the 1970s and 80s creating the first megapixel camera, as well as products for taking pictures, saving them and manipulating them, much in the way that we might do with current "Photoshop" style software. Today digital wedding photography and digital cameras are used by wedding photographers everywhere. Of course with new technologies there are always detractors who prefer to use more traditional methods, at least until the new way is proven to be infallible.

If you are interested in having your wedding pictures taken by Robert using digital wedding photography and are interested in his approach to your portfolio then feel free to contact him.

Wedding Portaits London

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:25:00 +0000

Creating wedding portraits which leave people awestruck is not blind luck. The portrait work Robert undertakes throughout London is performed according to a mixture of innate feel, an eye for detail, and a wealth of knowledge on producing quality prints over and over again. This article will look at a some of the aspects of portraiture which play a part in creating a portfolio to amaze and astound. Of course every wedding photographer has their own methods, their own unique style, and as with any art form, the science behind the art can only be applied into a fully realised work of art by someone with the vision, the flair, and a natural ability for the art.

1. Preparation.
You need to know what type of wedding portraits you want to achieve. The finished images maybe the most beautiful you've seen, but if they are all head shots and you would have preferred more of the body on show, then you have missed the point. As with most things in life, preparation is key. Fail to prepare ... prepare to fail.
2. Bear in mind the subject.
A mis-match between the setting and the subject can cause problems with the finished look. Backgrounds and props should be chosen according to those which suit the person in the portrait.
3. Lighting.
Searching for help or tips in taking good quality wedding portraits will no doubt provide a wealth of information on lighting, and how important it is to the finished product. And this is no coincidence. A change in lighting can change the entire expression of a person, or cause the portrait to emphasise the wrong features, and can often render the subject unrecognisable! There are various methods of lighting, including different variants in the number of lights used.
4. Equipment.
Achieving the best wedding portraits is only possible with the right equipment. This doesn't just apply to the camera you use. Tripods, light deflection and umbrellas, as well as the various light forms, as mentioned above, all play their part.
5. Setting/Background.
Placing the subject against the right background is critical to the success of any portrait. Whether this be the correct colour choice, adding props or including a backdrop. Great care should be taken when making this decision.
6. Pose.
There are various essays and techniques on the subject of pose, but it is so important in creating the desired image. A good wedding photographer needs good communication skills (as well as patience) in manipulating the subject to the right positions.
7. Mood.
Creating the right mood for the picture is of paramount importance to producing beautiful wedding portraits. Not all portrait sessions will be about reflecting beauty, but with wedding portraiture setting a relaxed mood will be best in order to create natural and charming photographs.

The tips presented here are really just the tip of the iceberg, but they provide an idea of all the elements a wedding photographer in London must be aware of, and account for within the short space of time they are given for each session. You can see examples of Robert's wedding portraits London via the portfolio pages on the web site. If you have any questions at all about the service on offer, then please don't hesitate to contact Robert.

Portrait Photography UK

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:37:00 +0000

Hello again and welcome to the latest Robert Lawler blog article. This afternoon I thought we'd have a quick foray into the world of portrait photography; partially because some of the techniques involved play a part in the wedding photography work Robert undertakes, but also because portrait photography is a service Robert offers throughout the whole of the UK.

The aim of portrait photography is to capture a good and flattering likeness of the subject, but more than this, a good portrait will often depict something of the mood of the person at the exact moment the picture was taken. Developed from the traditional portrait paintings of earlier centuries, the beauty of contemporary portrait photography is that it is capable of capturing a moment in time and preserving it forever. A painting depicts only the physical; a blurred generalisation of a person's outward appearance. Through his work in the UK Robert is able to produce portrait photography which provides an insight into personality and character. This is evident in his approach as both a wedding and a portrait photographer. In his mission statement Robert describes images which are "individual to each wedding" and work which is "true to the atmosphere and spirit of the day".

Portrait photography, both in the UK and globally, has been on the increase since the camera was invented. Original portraiture was popularised in the 19th century by Louis Daguerre, inventor of the daguerreotype method of photography, which although expensive and long-winded is still something practiced by enthusiasts and artists to this day.

In it's strictest sense, portrait photography undertaken in the UK is usually performed in a studio setting, giving the photographer full control over the lighting for the picture. However it can also be practised in less formal circumstances such as at weddings or other functions.

Use the links at the top of this page to browse Robert's portrait photography work performed at many weddings and parties throughout the UK. Should you require his services, don't hesitate to contact him.

Commercial Photography London

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:47:00 +0000

Apart from the wedding photography work Robert undertakes he is also active in the field of corporate commercial photography in London and the surrounding districts. Having had a feature in the British Journal of Photography and completed projects for corporate clients such as O2, Arup and the Science Museum Robert is no stranger to the commercial side of photography.

Commercial photography comprises of different factions, each of which determine the style a photographer must use. This means anyone working as a photographer in London will have to be flexible, have the ability to adapt and the skills necessary to complete the job.

A photographer might be employed by an advertising agency to help produce an image as part of their latest marketing campaign. Although the company themselves will already have in mind the kind of finished image they want, they may have to rely on the expertise of the photographer to help them achieve this result.

A more obvious form of commercial photography, especially in the big cities like London, is fashion and glamour photography. And for those people who always wondered what the difference between the two was (and indeed if there WAS a difference), well fashion photography emphasises the clothes or products on display, whereas glamour photography focuses on the model themselves, who is sometimes but not always shot in the nude.

You may not have considered this before but a commercial photographer in London may also be employed for crime scene photography; taking pictures of evidence on location of such crimes as murder or robberies. This is a specialist field, often with the need for infra red cameras in order to accurately capture the details necessary.

Other aspects of commercial photography include food photography, often for the depiction of the item's packaging or label; editorial photography or photojournalism, which are there to help readers visualise something related to the news article it is connected to; fine art photography, which is usually commissioned by the purchaser to fulfil a particular purpose, often artistic; and finally wildlife photography which is self explanatory.

You can view a portfolio of Robert's commercial photography work via the main web site.

Wedding Photographer London

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:04:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to part two of our brief look at the history of wedding photography. The technological advances which have been made over the past century or so have made it possible for someone like Robert Lawler to become a wedding photographer in London so it is interesting to document what occurred when, how and why.

The previous article ended at the turn of the twentieth century with the wedding photographer in London becoming a more popular, and indeed more regular, attendee of the ceremony itself. By this time it the technology for colour photography had been developed, however it was largely too expensive for the majority, and being a new development was still considered a less reliable method. So wedding pictures were still captured in black and white.

By the end of the Second World War it became common practice for a London wedding photographer to capture the ceremony as an event, and not simply to immortalize the bride and groom in their post-vows happiness. Compact flash bulbs had been invented by now which made mobile wedding photography much easier in respect to creating good quality pictures. This often led to people turning up on the day as budding wedding photographers, capturing the couple on film and then simply selling their pictures once they had developed; a practice which almost forced wedding photographers themselves to ensure they were present throughout the ceremony, and not simply staging studio photographs at a later date (although this was still often performed as part of the package).

During the 1970s technology was such that it allowed a wedding photographer in London to easily record a wedding day in pictures without intruding on the day and without the need for bulky equipment. It was this decade which really set the template for the wedding day photographer approach we know it to be today.

If you are interested in hiring a wedding photographer in London or the surrounding areas then please don't hesitate to contact Robert Lawler. Click here to visit the main web site where you can view some of his wedding photography work, learn a little about the various packages on offer and find the contact details for you to discuss your requirements.

Wedding Photography London

noreply@blogger.com (searchfirst) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:14:00 +0000

Welcome to the blog pages of Robert Lawler, Wedding Photography London. Over the coming weeks and months I will be updating this page with articles and news all dedicated to the world of photography. As with the majority of the web site, these articles will focus mainly on wedding photography, whilst also dipping into areas of commercial photography, portrait photography, and publicity shots for events or personalities.

As this is the first article it seems logical to start at the beginning; by that I mean the origins of wedding photography, and trace the line forward to the present and modern day digital wedding photography.

Since 1826 and the invention of photography itself couples began to use the services of wedding photographers to record their happiest moments. Interestingly there is speculation that in 1854 Queen Victoria herself went to great lengths to re-enact her wedding day from 1840 whilst employing the services of a wedding photographer in London specifically in order that she would have something to remember it by. This was something of an exception at the time however; a luxury available only to those who could afford it. Certainly it wasn't until the late 1860s that couples would pose for wedding pictures in their actual wedding clothes. Prior to this a couple would have a photograph either before or after the wedding, whilst wearing formal wear as opposed to their wedding dress or suit.

During the 1800s wedding photography in London was mostly performed in a studio as opposed to the actual wedding venue simply because the equipment required was rather too big and heavy to be mobile, and it was far easier to control the lighting conditions in a studio environment. As technological advancements were made it became easier to for wedding photography to be performed on the day, although it was still common practice for the happy couple to only have one portrait picture taken. By the end of the century pictures of the wedding party and the gifts started to become more popular.

I will continue the story in the next article, but for now please feel free to browse through the portfolio available on the rest of this web site. Robert Lawler provides wedding photography in London and the surrounding areas and would be more than happy to discuss your requirements. You can view prices and examples of previous work on the main pages of his web site.