Xpressions Studio Photography Blog

It was a long weekend at Central Milton Keynes wedding fair run by Central Exhibitions, and although it was great to see and meet old and new brides and friends it was difficult to be missing out on the last of this years sun.

Thanks to the couples who booked with us during the show, we look forward to covering your weddings in 2012, and to those still thinking about it don’t leave it too long before coming back to us as we have had lots of enquiries and booked appointments this week so dates are starting to get snapped up. We have already turned 3 couples away for the 15th September for instance as this was booked early in the year.

It was once again a shame to spend Friday fighting off other photographers trying to take our leaflets and going through our albums, these guys and girls can’t seem to think for themselves. It was also a shame to hear of couples who had had their photographers go out of business or not be able to supply any decent after sales services or disk only. One lovely couple even told us how their photographer had moved back to Poland, another was worried about their photographer and where having second thoughts, not a good sign this early on.

We were even told by some of the venues we work with how they had had some weddings returning for re-shoots due to failings and another how their plasterer had decided to do weddings in his spare time. It’s sad but it’s a sign of the times and something that seems to crop up at every show we do.

It pays to seek out a full time professional with many years of experience and weddings covered. Never, ever go on price alone it will cost you more in the long run and your day will be ruined. We have  a list of questions on our web site to ask a potential photographer before booking, check it out.

We have also noticed alot of photographers in the area are saying “award winning” at the moment but non state their awards, ask to see them, they might not even be photography awards. We heard of one guy who used his dentist credentials as his awards and qualifications., another uses third place rankings in a monthly forum competition as his achievements, it’s hardly an award!  Don’t be embarrassed to ask lots of questions and seek proof in any claim made by your photographer. If there is one thing we hate at Xpressions Studio it’s fake photographers ripping couples off so beware.

With the finals of the International Master Photographers Association Photographer of the Year 2011 coming up this weekend we are keeping our fingers crossed with our 7 entries that got through to the final stages. Not bad out of 6000 and if we don’t win it’s a fantastic achievement for the first time of entering.

Our second studio will be opening soon so it’s all very hectic here at Xpressions Studio and with Christmas only around the corner portraits are booking in fast, don’t leave it until December if your looking for framed portraits as it may be too late, although vouchers are always available last minute and are a great alternative gift.

Now back to the camera, got clients to shoot and images to edit.

We are really pleased to have found out today that seven of our entries have made it through to the final stage of the International Master Photographer of the Year awards being held in Newcastle later this year.

This is the first time we have entered this prestigious competition and to get to this stage is a great achievement in itself and testament to our work and clients alike.

At the beginning of the year here at Xpressions Studio we set a target to have our work seen more and compete at the highest level. It is awards and photography skills that set you apart from other photographers in what is already a grossly over saturated industry.

With our 13 regional MPA achievements two of which were Commercial, and Pet photographer of the Year won in June, and the 7 entries into the finals of the internationals, we feel we are certainly hitting our target.

Our images will be on view at the awards evening and also on the Master Photographers web site where they can be viewed and voted on. This year we understand internet votes and judges votes count towards becoming the MPA photographer of the year. We will keep you posted on how you can vote.

Fingers crossed we will have more good news in October. Although we hope to have some good news shortly regarding Serenity……

It’s been another gruelling week in the studio, and it’s not letting up for the weekend either.

I needed a short break from working on photographs today so thought I would work on another photograph, lol. It’s my way of having a coffee break.

We are blessed with some wonderful couples and most importantly the most stunning of brides. Thanks to you we stay at the top.

We will be at Horwood House again this weekend but this time exhibiting our work as part of their open day. Sunday 21st 11:00 -3Pm

This year we have had the privilege of their support and have attended a large number of weddings there with many more to come this and next year.

Thank you Horwood House and to the wonderful couples who have booked there and with us. It’s one of the best venues we visit and highly recommended for large or smaller weddings.

It’s been yet another busy month here at Xpressions Studio. Weddings, portraits, PR work and lots of orders coming in since the launch of our new web site. Our online store is finally open so it is even easier to order frames and albums online whilst viewing your images.

We had a couple of weddings again this weekend both in Milton Keynes so not too far to travel for our wedding photography assignments. Good luck to the happy couples Carly & Adam and Amanda and Colin, you and your families were fantastic and we thank you for letting us share your day. We will have your photographs online for you very soon.

In the mean time we are catching up on our backlog of orders and entering the MPA awards. No time to put our fee