Category Archives: Wedding

Easy Aperture 3 Workflow For Photographers

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Aperture 3 is an all-in-one work flow software which allows photographers to work without having to go into various programs during their work flow process. I’ve been using Aperture since it was released, I can more or less complete entire work flow all in one program.

From import to output, Aperture delivers a simple work flow solution for photographers, specially for someone like me who wants to work in a single program as much as possible. The quality of the output files is uncompromising.The best feature is the ‘non-destructive’ way the images are processed so the images always ‘as shot’ if I ever need to go back to my originals.

Here is a typical work flow for my wedding or portrait shoot:

Downloading / Importing / Renaming Images
Importing images is quick and easy. Images can be imported from a camera, card reader, DVDs, hard drives or from iPhoto. At the point of importing, you can add copyright, keywords and other meta data all in one go. From a wedding, I may need to import about 600-700 images and as soon as I start import, I press P which gives me the Quick Preview of the imported images and I can immediately start to cull images which are not good. I shoot with 2 camera bodies and the first thing I do is to sort the images by time order. So after the images have been imported, I sort by time order and then rename them.

I’ve created a ‘Custom Name with Counter’ for my images. All I do I select all the images and ‘Batch Change’ all the names which takes a few seconds or so to do. Stacks is a handy tool which automatically group images shot in a sequence, this helps browsing a wedding with lots of images to really speed through the whole shoot. So once all the images have been selected to show case to the couple or client, I then proceed to adjust / enhance the RAW files.

Adjusting / Enhancing Images
Once I’ve sorted and renamed my files, I’ll go through them and apply any adjustments if needed. Simple tasks like fixing white balance, enhance colors, straightening, cropping and improving exposure are all done non-destructively. I’ve made presets which I apply on the fly.

If there is a batch of images shot under the same lighting conditions, then only one image is adjusted and the settings applied to this image ‘lifted’ from it and ‘stamped’ on all the rest of the images in one go. Then I export them as ‘versions’ and saved as high quality JPEGs.

Presenting images to clients
This is where Aperture 3 (and Aperture 2) comes on to its own. When a client books an appointment to either come and see my work or to preview their wedding / portrait images, firstly the images are shown as a slide show with music, all available in Aperture 2 & 3. I have a dual-monitor set up as a 30″ & 23″ Apple Cinema Displays. To fully take advantage of Aperture, you’ve got to work with a dual-monitor set up. This really does speed up the work flow.

The selection process
This process takes around an hour or so for a wedding (400 images) and about 15-20 minutes for a portrait (60 images) session. Multiple images are selected and displayed at a time and the ones which the client love are rated as 1 star. Once we’ve gone through all the images, I do a quick search for all 1 star rated images, this brings up all these images. Now if we need to take some images out of this selection, then I just press ‘2’ and rate the images as 2 star which are definitely selected for the package. This way I can quickly go between the first & second selection if need be.

Event Photography: Need for Speed
Event photography is a big part of our business. When we need to print images on-site at an event, we really did struggle to find a decent program on the Mac. However, all that changed when Aperture 2 arrived. We download, sort, rename, print contact sheets and then print the images from our Mitsubishi dye-sub printer to whatever size we require up to 9×6″. No matter how big or small the event is, whether it is a corporate ball for 100 couples or an equestrian event for 600 riders, Aperture 3 (and 2) effortlessly & painlessly handles our work flow. Even tethered camera support is also available, allowing the images to go straight from camera into Aperture.

Case Study: Corporate Event
Images of guests are shot as they arrive. Using wi-fi, the images are sent to a ‘hot folder’ which Aperture keeps an eye on and import images directly into its library. This is real-time and as soon as the images are shot, the couple are requested to view their images on the monitor. The Mac Book Pro has an additional Apple display attached to it on which only the full screen image is shown to the client without any palettes or the Aperture interface. We can also display multiple images to the client at the same time so they can see which one they like.

There are preset sizes saved under the print window. So if we need to print a contact sheet of 9 images as thumbnails, we just select the images and select the 9-up Contact Sheet or when a customer’s 9×6″ print needs to be printed, only one image is selected and then the 9×6″ Print option is clicked. It is a straight forward way of printing on-site.

Case Study: Cross Country Equestrian Event
A very busy event where we really do need our work flow to be at 100 mph!! 600 riders, 4 photographers shooting 4 different jumps, 6000+ images, all in a day’s work!!!
This is where we make use of the ‘Smart Folders’ in Aperture 2. One Smart folder is created for each photographer, the criteria usually used is the photographer’s name as a keyword. Upon receiving the CF from say Photographer 1, this is entered as a keyword and all images from that CF card are imported. These images will automatically show in the Smart Folder named ‘Photographer 1’. Now to make contact sheets of all the images as small thumb nails so clients can see their images and select the ones they like.

All the images are selected and then to print preset of ‘9-up Contact Sheet’. This will print 9 images on a 9×6″ printer. Once the printing is done, press ‘1’ with all the images selected, this will rate all these selected images as ‘1’ star. Now the next CF card comes from the same photographer, the images are imported with the keyword ‘Photographer 1’ and they all go into the Smart folder of Photographer 1. Only the new images need to be printed as contact sheets, so a quick search of ‘unrated’ images is done, this shows up only those which are not rated ‘1’ and are unrated. All these images are selected, printed and then rated as ‘1’. The same is applied to all the other photographers. A very sophisticated work flow with a simple solution.

In my opinion, I don’t think there is any other professional work flow application which offers such ease for managing, editing, sorting, previewing and outputting in a very user-friendly interface. There are loads and loads of other powerful features which I have not even discussed but are there in Aperture 3 to make our workflow a lot more easier.

Director Sporting Events
With most indoor sporting arenas (not at international level), the lighting is not ideal and in many cases not sufficient. Tungsten lighting is usually used at these arenas which gives a very ‘orangey’ cast to the images. Once all the images are shot and imported into Aperture 2, we correct one of the image, lift the settings from it and can apply to either dozens or even hundreds of images at the same time with the ‘Lift’ and ‘Stamp’ tool saving invaluable time and no need to correct each and every image individually.

Aperture 3 only works on a Mac, so if your are on a PC, what other alternatives you may have. The first product which comes to mind is Lightroom by Adobe, but you don’t have the video editing feature on it currently. The other obvious comparision is to Photoshop, but Aperture is not meant to complete with something like Photoshop. Aperture can work alongside Photoshop’s PSD files but it will not work with individual layers. Photoshop is more of a creation tool and Aperture is ideal for workflow and is a digital darkroom on a Mac. Most professional photographers will use both Photoshop & Aperture 3.

How Much Does A Wedding Planner Cost

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Knowing how much it will cost to hire a wedding planner is a bit like asking how much a house costs. It all depends on exactly what you”re looking for, the size, quality, and location. Except for the size, the cost of a wedding planner is exactly the same. It depends on exactly what you want. Wedding planners have different methods of charging for their services so be sure you know how much they charge as well as how they charge. The five methods below are the most common.

1. Consultation fee “” Some wedding planners charge for an initial consultation while others do not. Depending on where you live, whether in a rural setting or a metropolitan area, this fee can range from $150 to $500 for a full 3-hour consultation where you preliminarily outline details for the wedding. If you want more than just an initial consultation, this cost can be included in the entire package price.

2. Percentage of the wedding budget “” This is probably the most common method used in hiring a wedding planner. The typical wedding today costs $28,000 and the typical percentage for a wedding planner is 10-15%. Some experienced wedding planners can charge as much as 20%, depending on their clients and reputation. Based on the average wedding cost example, a wedding planner charging 15% would cost $4,200.

While this may seem like a lot of money, keep in mind that wedding planners often negotiate the vendor costs down to compensate for their percentage of the wedding. You would want to ask about this at your initial consultation but if they do negotiate vendors down to a lower price, you might not even notice the cost when factored in to the whole wedding.

3. No charge to client — Occasionally wedding planners will not charge their clients anything but instead, will take their pay from the vendors they hire for the wedding. Some clients take issue with this method, considering this “kickbacks” from vendors. Just be sure you ask if the wedding planner tells you there will be no cost to you.

4. Hourly fee — If you are looking for a wedding planner to complete certain limited tasks for you, this could be a good option. Because wedding planner hourly wages vary, make sure you know their hourly rate before agreeing to this pricing structure. Fees can range from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on what you need done.

5. Flat fee — Occasionally you’ll find a wedding planner who will work with you for a flat package fee. In this case, make sure you have a written contract to clearly outline what the wedding planner will do and what they will NOT do. (The “not do” is more important than the “do” because it eliminates all confusion later.) This fee can range from $500 to $5,000 and cover many responsibilities.

Also remember that most of the time wedding planners require a deposit at the initial consultation with the remainder due on the wedding day or sometime shortly before or after. Also, if you are planning the wedding 9 months or more in advance, they might also require monthly payments. So be prepared when you go for your initial consultation to provide some form of payment, based on your previous arrangements.

No matter which payment option you choose, you should know in advance how much it will cost you and have a written agreement spelling out exactly what will be done and when. This will make your job easier and give everyone involved a clear outline of their responsibilities.

Fireman Wedding Cake Toppers

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If you have started planning a fireman wedding then you might be thinking about black, red, yellow and brass of fireman regalia and fire trucks. If you are going to marry in the fire hall, then ideally a fire truck could be your topper to the ceremony. Fireman wedding cake toppers will show your penchant about the profession. For this classy treat, such settings are built with gorgeous neo-classical flair. To make this even more charming, along with the cake, you could further look for fireman-related ornaments in the form of hydrants, dalmations, Maltese crosses or matchbox-style fire trucks. To feel the authenticity, wrap attractive copper or silver wire around the middle of the ornament, then bring up and form into a simple coil to create your own place card holders.

The bride dragging her fireman groom as a fireman wedding cake topper is a fabulous choice. In this topper, scratch marks made from the groom and it is great for the groom cake. Climbing fireman with bride wedding figure is a perfect fireman wedding cake topper in which each of the figures is fine porcelain. You might get helmet which comes with figures and there is an insert on the groom that attaches to the cake. Climbing fireman to bride wedding figures and no frills fire bride dragging fireman are some better example of fireman wedding cake toppers. In both these figures, the fireman bride is dragging her fireman groom.

In fireman helmet wedding cake topper, bride wears a black helmet and extinguisher in hand with scratch marks made from the groom. This could be an alterative fireman wedding cake topper for those not wanting figures on their wedding cake. Fire engine wedding cake topper is a gold plated fire engine adorned with sparkling swarovski crystals. In this figure, wheels really work and it could be a great birthday or retirement gift. Mini fire heart axe type of fireman wedding cake topper contains wooden handle. It encompasses heart in the middle of the black blade.

Things You Should Know About Moissanite Rings

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In recent times, diamonds have appeared below fire because the oppressive ways that sometime obtained. The word blood diamond comes up in terms of the kid labor also violent diamond cartels which exist over Africa that offer diamonds industry. Additionally, diamonds are notoriously high priced and then for young partners looking for an engagement ring, this great price can be incorrect and hard to pay off. It can be for these factors that synthetic diamond selections have become in reputation in past times years.

Moissanite ring is among these better known diamond options. Moisssanite is really a gem stone found in Arizona in 1893 through Henri Moissan. Moissan first mistook the stones for diamonds but around 9 years later, noticed his mistake and also the stone was titled after him.

Moissan’s mistake is easy to understand but the stone is not just like diamonds. You will discover benefits and drawbacks to using moissanite rather than diamonds. If moissanite was released in to the marketplace, several jewelers were tricked into considering that the stone was really diamond as it has very similar chemical substance qualities to diamonds (specially, the thermal qualities are just about the exact same), nevertheless, on close examination moissanite is not everything the same as genuine diamonds.

Initially, moissanite has whether yellow or maybe gray color into it. It’s not possible to produce a genuine white moissanite ring but this kind of property is mainly clear beneath direct sun light. After that is usually an impact named anisotropy. Which means that the stone’s visually qualities are doubly refractive and it has a really uncommon visual impact which makes it look great. Lastly, moissanite features a dispersive impact that is second and a one half times more efficient than the usual genuine diamonds. Even though this is regarded as a greater amazing impact for some, it is seen as an indication of fakeness which it is a small excessive.

The principle benefit to moissanite rings would be the price they appear in a portion of the cost of genuine diamonds. Moissanite still could be high priced, however a modestly sized and also well cut stone can be bought at under $1000. Likewise, you can make sure that moissanite has not been obtained in the methods made the need within the diamond market place reduce once the blood diamond info arrived.

If you have been thinking of buying a moissanite ring, to your wedding anniversary or maybe for your engagement, you need to know all your choices. Even though many diamond substitutes can be found, nothing at all can totally and correctly replace an all natural diamond. For some other choice, you can find plenty one from the much better alternatives develops from a company referred to as Diamond Nexus generates synthetic diamonds having authentic qualities with an incredibly low cost. Even in the interests of tradition, several may select diamonds over a number of the much better diamond alternatives.

Also, when you along with your lover are happy with the chance of getting a diamond alternative, there are numerous available options which will make you with a few extra money to pay in other places. One of many choices is certainly, the moissanite rings.

Couple Renew Their Vows Ten Years After Wedding In Barbados

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A couple from Doddington have renewed their wedding vows ten years after their original wedding in Barbados, at their local parish church where they were surrounded by family and friends.

Angela and Dave Stocker enjoyed a tropical wedding in Barbados ten years ago with a small group of guests including Angela’s parents who lived on the Caribbean island. When Dave lost his wedding ring two years ago while the couple were on holiday, Angela came up with the idea of proposing to her husband on their ninth wedding anniversary.

Angela explained: “I took him away to Leicester for the weekend as a surprise for our anniversary and in the evening I asked him to marry me.”

Instead of planning another wedding in Barbados, the couple decided to tie the knot for the second time in their local church where they could be surrounded by family and friends who were unable to make their original wedding abroad.

Over 100 guests crammed into the parish church, including Angela’s parents who had flown over to the UK especially for the happy occasion which took place just three days after the couple’s 10th wedding anniversary.

Angela added: “We did it here this time so all our friends and family could be there. It got a bit out of hand but it was superb. I wanted it to be all different.”

What was originally planned as small celebration soon became an event on a larger scale and the couple’s wedding reception took place in Doddington Village Hall.

The wedding cost approximately 1,300 and Angela managed to find most of the dresses, including her wedding dress, on EBay. Angela’s original bridesmaids also wore dresses which amazingly matched the dresses from the wedding in Barbados ten years ago.

As many couples struggle with the decision of getting married abroad or tying the knot in their home country, this couple have proved that you can do both and it doesn’t even have to be expensive.