THE BEST WEDDING ADVICE
Industry experts have come together to help you have the perfect wedding day. Their secrets into what you should know is below. Just click on the link below.
You can be assured that we will work with you to capture the images that you have always dreamed about and we guarantee that! This site has been put together to give you a brief insight into Hollywood Studios and why we are different to any other studio in Sydney.
Your wedding dress
Photography
Warning! Facts about the Wedding Industry
Wedding Cars
Secrets &Tips to a Perfect Wedding
Your Wedding Dress
(by The Bridal Stylist)WARNING !
DO NOT TRY ON ANOTHER WEDDING DRESS UNTIL YOU READ THIS!
Are
you getting married?...Are you frustrated with all the
choices when it comes to picking your wedding dress?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to walk into a Bridal Shop and know exactly
what dress would look fantastic on you?
Look no further...
The Top 20 Mistakes Brides Make
When Looking For A Wedding Dress And How You Can Avoid Them is a MUST for every bride. The intimate tips within this report will allow you to enjoy your experience of searching for your wedding dress. It will save you time, money and your sanity.
Go to the www.majstro.com.au or view the video trailer at www.youtube.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
(by Hollywood Studios)What are your photos really WORTH?
Story: A
phone call I received recently from a bride I photographed a few years
ago informed our studio that she had lost everything they owned in the
bushfires in country NSW. She said, " Ray we lost all our memorabilia
and photo’s- including our wedding album. What we lost was priceless".
If we think about our own old family photos, it is a historical part of each person’s life. Many would say you could not put a price on those photos and the memories that go with them. The emotional value of one of the best days of your life, your wedding day, deserves to be photographed by people whose profession is Photography. For most brides & grooms it is not until after the wedding is over that they realise the value and importance of their wedding photos.
Why choose a Professional Photographer?
Your wedding photographs are in some way the only vivid record you’ll have to keep. Entrusting someone inexperienced to capture your big day is an enormous risk. Of course the interpretation of your day will vary depending on who you decide to take those pictures.
Consider your choices of photographers at the moment:
(1) Uncle Fred.- whose interest is cameras and took some great pictures on holidays.
(2) The plumber, who on weekends photographs weddings as a second job.
(3) And the Professional Photographer.
One would say that they all take Pictures. Yes, that’s right, but if your expectations are high and you want something original, you need to choose very carefully, with open eyes, rather than facing disappointment after. Remember, a professional photographer has made his/her life’s dedication to photography, just as a Doctor or a specialist would commit. You have ONE chance only to capture your day. The cheapest photographer does not mean you have the right person for the job!
Recent statistic's show that near 10% of wedding couples end up at the Department of Fair Trading - don't be a statistic!
Facts about the Wedding Industry
Sadly
10% of wedding couples in NSW end up at The Department of Fair Trading
unhappy with their wedding day. Research into the wedding industry
has uncovered that the biggest problems for couples were with Photographers,
Video Producers and Wedding Car businesses.The main issues with photographers
and videographers ranged from not turning up on the day, taking the money
and running, sending someone else and bad workmanship.
Current Affair programs on two stations recently said ‘couples were lured in with offers too good to be true and businesses either had no ABN or had other complaints.’ One couple said “recently we thought something was up when all phone numbers from our photographer was disconnected and they had all our money. This has been a nightmare for us, we realise now we didn’t look hard enough into photographers.”
How membership of the AIPP protects you against cowboys
The
Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) was formed to
represent professional photographers in Australia. A key aim of the Association
is to maintain the highest possible standards in photography. When looking
for the services of a professional photographer, choose one who is a member
of the AIPP, it’s your guarantee of professional quality and ethical
conduct. www.aipp.com.au
What does an Award winning photographer mean?
The AIPP run State and National Awards for photographers who want to test their images against other photographers' work. Silver awards are given for images that are above professional standard and Gold awards given to images that are exceptional. Technology has now made it easy to become an award winning photographer with 95% of photographers in the AIPP an award winning photographer.
Some couples really want the best photographer and what you need to look for is photographers that have won the overall category. e.g.. Wedding Photographer of the Year. For a photographer to win Australian Wedding Photographer of the Year, he/she must enter a body of their work and this will be judged against all the wedding photographers from around Australia. This is a more accurate way of getting the best wedding photographer for the job.
So, do ask a photographer "what do you mean by Award Winning Photographer? "
If your searching for the best photographer a good tip is to Google 'Australian Wedding Photographer of the Year' or 'NSW Wedding Photographer of the Year'. This may save you time.
Choose a photographer like a friend?
If you think about your wedding photographer, he/she will be with you
the most and the longest on your day. He/she will be with you at some
of your most intimate moments. Unless your a model, that gets paid to
perform in front of a camera, you would agree that it is crucial that
you get on extremely well with him/her, otherwise, if you’re feeling
uncomfortable, it will show in your images.
Having
good people skills is an important quality that a good photographer should
possess. They will help the average person, who hates having their photos
taken, feel relaxed and enjoy the experience. Some bridal parties have
a lot of fun when having their pictures taken and that’s the way
it should be. Besides taking pictures, your photographer is there to control
your time schedule and keep your day flowing. He/she is there to help
you.
A GOOD photographer is an Artist.
Just as a brush and canvas is to an artist, so is a camera and film to a photographer. A GOOD photographer paints with light and can make images come alive. He/she has the job to make the bride and groom look their very best and see their day like no other person there.
A GOOD photographer will use different types of films, different cameras and lenses and will photograph with no flash for 70% of the time. Digital photography has also come a long way with many using this medium. Computers allow for many effects or enhancements. Some photographers can now retouch anything unwanted in their images, giving them total control.
Good photographers’ works are stamped with their own style, so chose the photographer and style that best suits you.
I want great pictures! HOW?
Photographer : Choose him, his/her style and presentation.
Time : You need time to make your wedding happen. The more time you give, the more you will get out of your photography. 60 to 90 min. is normally a good amount of time to start with.
Co-Operation : Your photographer will be there to photograph
your day as it unfolds. At times he/she will need to direct all in the
bridal party for important shots. Co-operation and an understanding of
what is happening can only help your day move along as
planned. A good tip is to organise a schedule or plan that you can give
out to parents and bridal party before your wedding. No excuses for -
"I didn’t know"!
Location
: An important design element of wedding photography is
the location. It will create texture, feel and contrast. If you want your
pictures to look different, it is important to do something different.
A GOOD photographer will get a feel of what you like and will have some
great location suggestions.
Light : This is an important element for a photographer. Light puts the magic in your pictures. To be in the right place at the right time will help to create soft, warm, romantic or strong contrasting contemporary shots. Your photographer will guide you to what he/she needs, to make it work for you.
SUNSET TIMES 2007
Make sure you have plenty of time to make your wedding day happen. Considering sunset times is important, as light is what a photographer will use to expose your photography.
| JANUARY | 6 | 8.10pm | JULY | 7 | 4.58pm |
| 13 | 8.10pm | 14 | 5.01pm | ||
| 20 | 8.09pm | 21 | 5.06pm | ||
| 27 | 8.06pm | 28 | 5.10pm | ||
| 8.02pm | 5.15pm | ||||
| FEBRUARY | 3 | 7.56pm | AUGUST | 4 | 5.20pm |
| 10 | 7.50pm | 11 | 5.25pm | ||
| 17 | 7.42pm | 18 | 5.30pm | ||
| 24 | 7.34pm | 25 | 5.34pm | ||
| MARCH | 3 | 7.27pm | SEPTEMBER | 1 | 5.39pm |
| 17 | 7.17pm | 8 | 5.44pm | ||
| 24 | 7.08pm | 15 | 5.49pm | ||
| 31 | 6.58pm | 22 | 5.53pm | ||
| APRIL | 7 | 5.49pm | OCTOBER | 6 | 5.58pm |
| 14 | 5.40pm | 13 | 6.04pm | ||
| 21 | 5.31pm | 20 | 6.09pm | ||
| 28 | 5.23pm | 27 | 6.15pm | ||
| MAY | 5 | 5.15pm | 6.21pm | ||
| 12 | 5.09pm | NOVEMBER | 3 | 7.28pm | |
| 19 | 5.03pm | 10 | 7.34pm | ||
| 26 | 4.59pm | 17 | 7.41pm | ||
| 4.56pm | 24 | 7.48pm | |||
| JUNE | 2 | 4.54pm | DECEMBER | 1 | 7.54pm |
| 9 | 4.53pm | 8 | 7.59pm | ||
| 16 | 4.53pm | 15 | 8.04pm | ||
| 23 | 4.55pm | 22 | 8.07pm |
Note : Daylight savings time ends on March 28th and recommences on October 31st.
Questions to ask when choosing your photographer?
If you’re ringing around for photographers don’t be surprised if they don’t talk about price on the phone. Most would invite you to their studio so they can discuss your needs and quote you better. This is the only way to compare apples with apples. Each photographer has their own style, so you need to find the one that suits your taste. At the end of the day go with your heart, if you love what you see and the price is right, he/she is the one for you.
When you make an appointment to meet with a photographer, don’t be afraid to ask questions:
Important
Is the person at the interview the one who will photograph YOUR wedding and will they commit themselves in writing?
* Are you a full-time photographer? A full time photographer is committed
7 days a week.
* Is the Photographer a member of the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional
Photography)?
* Ask to see a complete recent wedding or two. Check for consistency and
creativity. Ask yourself "would I be happy with this?"
* Do they have back-up facilities for bad weather conditions?
* Will your images be printed by a Professional Lab or just a mini-lab?
* Will my album be designed and made in Australia?
* Does the wedding album come with a ‘Lifetime Warranty’?
* Check for ethical business dealings & no complaints at Dept. Fair
Trading.
* Do a Google search for their name. You may find out good or bad information.
* How long has the business been operating successfully?
* Is there a 100% GUARANTEE on all workmanship. Make sure it’s in
writing!
* Is your quote fixed as soon as you book. Check to make sure that everything
promised is in writing.
These are just some pointers to think about. I’m sure at the end of the day, like all couples, you want to have the best memories and experience for your wedding day. Choosing the right suppliers and professionals will make your dream come true.
Ask to see thank you letters!
A great hint is to ask a photographer if he/she has any thank you letters or cards from happy and satisfied couples. A GOOD photographer should have a number of testimonials for you to read, which will verify what the studio is guaranteeing you. If he/she has no such thank you letters - be wary!
Please read our testimonials from our happy couples, we are very proud of them.
A critical link: the photo lab
Only
a professional lab understands what it takes to produce a photo to the
highest standard. They understand that wedding photographs have to last
a lifetime. Because of this, a professional lab will custom print your
negatives according to the photographer’s strict and exact specifications.
This can include the use of professional papers (that are stronger and
last longer), and chemistry that will help to faithfully reproduce the
images that have been captured on film. Beware, there is only a hand full
of PRO labs in Australia and many 1000s of 1 hour mini labs. Don’t
get caught with prints that are the same quality as your guests’
shots!
When should you book a photographer?
A GOOD photographer is always in high demand and should be the next thing on the list after booking the reception and church. Don’t be surprised if they are booked 12-18 months in advance. To secure a booking it is normal to have to pay a booking fee of about 25% of the total package price.
Contracts - very important.
Like anything you do for your wedding, you need an official agreement
between both parties. This should happen as soon as you are ready to book
your photographer. Do not rely on "I’ll remember" or scribbles
on note pads from anyone.
Contract should include :
1. - booking fees.
2. - time of coverage.
3. - locations being photographed.
4. - photographer’s name.
5. - when deposits and final payments should be paid.
6. - package details and price.
Contracts
will protect you and the photographer, it makes good sense.
A GOOD photographer is not cheap!
Providing a professional service has its price. Some studios employ a number of specialists with the aim of providing the best photography and efficient service. We all want the best product in a reasonable time frame. Remember, for a photographer, taking pictures on the day is only 30% of the job. The planning, communication, meetings and organising your Album, takes up the rest.
A GOOD photographer should supply a total package. Time and album will vary with each package, so be prepared to pay between $2500 and $3500 to begin with.
Secrets to a Perfect Wedding and Perfect Photography
1. If you have a VISION of your dream wedding, write it down. This becomes
the foundation for planning.
2. Keep a wedding organiser.
3. Choose only dedicated professional wedding photographers - this will
become your guarantee.
4. Organise your time schedule for your wedding day ASAP - your photographer
can help.
5. Allow plenty of time to have fun (your memories will be so much more
vivid).
6. Create Plan A for a normal day and Plan
B for alternative wet weather locations.
7. Print a time sheet of the day and give this to your bridal party, parents
and anyone you hire on the wedding. A plan and time sheet is something
we can help you with.
8. Consider sunset times so you can have sufficient daylight in your
pictures (often couples forget about daylight savings, starts November
- ends March). See sunset times above.
9. Check weather forecast in advance go to http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw/
10. Weather Radar on the day http://mirror.bom.gov.au/products/IDR032.loop.shtml
11. Take a picnic basket with drinks and nibbles for the park. This will
keep your bridal party happy, content and relaxed.
12. Keep all the players in your wedding posted with progress or changes.
13. Have a mobile number of all the important people you hire with you
on the wedding day. Just in case you need to call them.
14. In the last weeks leading up to your wedding day confirm, confirm,
and confirm details!
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your wedding photography with us, please call Hollywood Studios on Phone 02 98960955
Wedding Cars- What to look for (by Classic Bridal Cars)
Classic
Bridal Cars have been in the wedding industry for many
years so I asked them to share some advice and secrets to choosing
the best hire cars and operators. I would recommend to you, that
when you finish with this section, that you get onto the Classic
Bridal Cars website for a more comprehensive look into choosing
wedding cars for your big day.
You Should Personally Inspect the Vehicles
Don't risk it. Take a little time and let your feet do the walking and personally inspect all of the actual vehicles that may be used on your wedding day. You will also be able to "try them on for size" to determine how easy/difficult they might be when entering/exiting them. Then ask how can you be guaranteed that these vehicles will be the ones that turn up for your wedding.
You Should Act Sooner Rather Than Later.
If you want to book the best cars, then you should start looking now. The reason for this is that in NSW there are approximately 35,000 weddings performed each year. The problem is that there are only approximately 600 licensed wedding cars to fill the demand. As a result, many couples miss out on the best cars. This is particularly the case when you are looking for cars that have unique characteristics or are in short supply, such as classic motor vehicles.
You Should Ask References for and Testimonials
Any reputable hirer will have references which will validate and verify
the promises made by the hirer. (Yes, we have written testimonials from
our past customers for you to view. I also have been finalists in the
Hills Shire Small Business Awards for 12 years, and rate as Highly Recommended
in the Australian Achiever Awards the last 6 years along with a Special
Commendation in 2007, and have been finalists in the Australian Bridal
Industry Awards for 7 years).
If the Bridal Car Service is Cheap, There Must Be Something Wrong.
Think about it. A quality motor vehicle costs a lot to maintain. This is particularly the case with classic motor vehicles. If a bridal car company is offering their vehicles for a low price, then it stands to reason that they will not have the margin to maintain their vehicles at a high standard. If that is the case, then anything could (and sometimes does) go wrong.
Questions to Ask
* What Happens If Their Vehicle Breaks Down?
This question is extremely relevant, and as we have discussed previously,
the issue of spare cars is not the right solution. That’s why we
spend a fortune restoring & maintaining our cars. Their beauty is
not only skin deep. Sure, our cars look great, but fastidious attention
to detail, when it comes to the mechanical condition of our cars, is of
paramount importance.
* How Long Have They Been Trading?
Here today, gone tomorrow could be an apt description of many businesses. Wedding cars are largely somewhat of a part-time cottage industry: Sometimes it seems that anyone with a car wants to set up as an operator. Unfortunately reality sets in soon enough - eventually they run out of money and close their doors. When that happens people are going to get hurt. So when you choose a wedding car service, look for longevity. You’ll be pleased to know I have been in the industry now for more than 18 years and run a very successful business.
* How Experienced Are They With Weddings?
I
am the wedding specialist. I know about all the little things that can
be the difference between making your day an outstanding success or a
dismal failure. Another point to consider: I am a full time operator,
but still a family business. I mention this because many bridal car operators
are part-time hobbyists and have less to lose. They haven’t made
the ultimate commitment. On the other hand, I have made the commitment.
To say I am very motivated to ensure your experience with us is ‘just
perfect’ is an understatement. My future is dependent on it.
* How Reliable Are They?
By all means, check out other car companies. But make sure they are reliable and will keep their promises. Ask to see their references from happy customers. Have a look at their cars. Are they in pristine condition? If the cars haven’t been well maintained, then you could experience a problem on the day. Ask if they are full time operators (a good way to tell is to ask if you can inspect their vehicles on week days).
After all, you haven't booked your reception with a part time reception house, or bought your dress from a hobbyist. So why jeopardise your wedding day by engaging cheap or dubious bridal car operators?
For information and help about wedding cars call Classic Bridal Cars on 02 9894 6266 or go to www.classicbridalcars.com.au