End of the season…..nearly

2015 wedding season is almost at a close. I have had the pleasure of meeting some lovely families and had the joy of experiencing couples tying the knot right in front of my lens.  It always makes me feel humble as in most cases I have only known the couple for a short period, anything between weeks and sometimes a year or so. But in that time we will often have conversations about all manner of things, from dress to location. The weather does come up alot, but truthfully it is the ONLY thing we have no control over. But saying that we can have every contingency for bad weather. That is why it is so, so important that we consider where to take the photos, it will test a photographer’s mettle when working in adverse conditions but it is always the sign of a good professional.

My life has been spent in photography, not just on the odd Saturday sometimes seven days a week both in commercial photography as well as wedding photography. It has taken me to some wonderful places both in the UK and abroad. It is challenging but very rewarding. i see a number of new photographers on the block who undersell their services mainly because they are not very good. They will pick up work because they are cheap and unfortunately not experienced in some of the areas I have mentioned and it can all go very wrong.

So it is always good to find a venue that is workable both indoors and out. Also work with professionals who have the experience and knowledge to carry out the work and perform on the day. With all of those things in place your wedding will be everything you imagined, maybe more.

I will be at Luton Hoo wedding Showcase today from 5-8pm 22nd October in the mansion house. Come along and have a chat.

Nigel Crump Photography

What finer place to have your wedding?

Horwood House Wedding Fair

This Sunday 11am until 3pm I will be at Horwood House Wedding showcase for the Scannappeal Cancer Fighting Fund for Stoke Mandeville Hospital. It will be another opportunity to come and see how Nigel works. You could be saving money and help raise money for such a worth cause. A donation has already been made to the appeal. If you come and book Nigel as your photographer an additional donation will be made. Horwood house is wonderful venue in winter and summer.

Luton hoo Hotel, Spa and golf THE venue in Bedfordshire Live like a King… or Queen

Nigel Crump Photography is proud to announce that we are one of just three selected photographers that are endorsed by the Hotel. That means that they are confident that we are professional, experienced and capable of working within this wonderful venue. My association with the hotel exceeds its period as a hotel. Luton Hoo has played a large part of my life, in my work and my family life. I worked with Mr and Mrs Phillips who lived in the great mansion house, photographing treasures and history articles from the connection with the Imperial Russian family. It was a dark, cold building full of tales to tell. Then in 2007 Elite Hotels opened its doors so that all could wander in the splendour of this iconic building and Capability Brown designed gardens. Several millions was spent to bring the building up to today’s standards. When you arrive you will experience five star standards as soon as you come through the door. Imagine a wedding in these surroundings. It will be magical, individual and memorable beyond belief. You can contact me on 07976 220017 where we can meet for a coffee or tea and enjoy for a short time live like royalty. Nigel Crump can also be contacted <shoot@nigelcrump.co.uk>

New for 2015 Preferred supplier to Luton Hoo, Missenden Abbey and Dorton House

This year is very exciting for Nigel Crump photography. I am now on the preferred suppliers list to Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa, Dorton House and Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden. All three locations are very different, but all in their own way amazing venues for both corporate events and weddings. In the coming weeks I am preparing display albums for potential clients to see and appreciate how having the knowledge of the location is so important. It ensures that your chosen photographer achieves the right results and makes best use of the facilities.
All photographers will tell you that they love working at new locations, but familiarity will always help make the day go a lot smoother.

Luton Hoo is a grade one listed mansion house amongst beautiful Bedfordshire countryside boasting a five star hotel, eighteen hole golf course and luxurious spa complex. It also features Warren Weir that can host corporate events and wedding shows. I have had the pleasure of working at this venue for over 15 years, even before it became a hotel. It is truly a wonderful venue and rather special for your wedding day.

A stroll to the house

 

 

 

 

 

Dorton House is situated near Chilton in Buckinghamshire.
Conventionally it is a preparatory school Ashfold School but during the school holidays it opens its doors to bridal parties. It also has St John the Baptist Church within the grounds. It has an old staircase that can transport you back to Charles Dickens Oliver Twist and Tom Browns school days.
The personal service that Jamie offers makes your wedding day unique . Not one thing is too much and that makes you feel special. It is within easy reach of Thame, Aylesbury and Bicester.

 

 

 

 

 

Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden offers a twelfth century Abbey and Conference Centre mixing character and sensible practicality. It houses a mix of surprises and beauty. Plenty of space but personal enough to make it feel cosy. Efficient and friendly staff will help you impress your guests and offers lovely walks down to the River Misbourne, idyllic on a warm summers evening.

Nigel Crump Photography is more than happy to work with you at any of these venues or many more in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire offering the knowledge and experience that comes with attending weddings over many years.

<www.lutonhoo.co.uk>

<www.missendenabbey.co.uk>

<www.dortonhouse.net>

Buckingamshire Wedding photographer

Recently Nigel Crump Photography attended three wedding shows, two in Aylesbury and one at Luton Hoo. There were a large number of brides looking at getting married in 2017. Many of those planning for 2016 are looking for venues, so until such time they cant book the services of a photographer. I am constantly asked if I know of any good venues. My knowledge of venues is extensive BUT I have very little knowledge of prices and packages. I always consider the venue in terms of locations for photos. Also whether there are areas indoors where we can photograph if the weather turns for the worse. Also if it is a venue that I have regularly worked at I know the staff and how the operation of a wedding is handled.

There are many very good venues in Herts, Beds and Bucks and I have photos and comments for any couples wishing to preview before they commit. Of course there are many things to consider apart from the price and what they have to offer in terms of a package. Some venues do not have accommodation, some offer really good incentives to book rooms as part of the package. There are some venues where I would definately not work at again…

Nigel Crump Photography at Luton Hoo Hotel and Spa’s wedding showcase this Sunday and special offer!!

This Sunday, 26th of October, Luton Hoo Hotel and Spa, located in Bedfordshire, will be holding their wonderful Wedding Showcase, in the beautiful chapel, once again. You are promised a great range of talented suppliers offering their expertise and services to all who visit them. With a perfect selection of perveyors to choose from, whether you are looking for inspiration or to book them for your wedding day, I’m sure you will find what you are looking for.

The setting of this event is in one of the most magical venues Nigel Crump Photography has worked in. Set in stunning grounds, Luton Hoo Hotel and Spa is certainly a luxury venue that will have you in awe. From the grand staircase to the fountain set in the incredible gardens, designed by Capablity Brown and the ideal setting for some beautiful photographs, the whole building is certainly a place to be seen. Nigel certainly knows the ins and outs of the building and grounds after working there, as a wedding and corporate photographer, for over 10 years; even before it became a hotel.

Also, for a show special, Nigel Crump Photography is offering a FREE parents album if you book with him from visiting the Nigel Crump Photography’s stand at Luton Hoo Hotel and Spa’s Wedding Showcase.

So why not come along and visit Nigel Crump Photography, along with some other suppliers, to have a word as well as look at more of Nigel’s work on Sunday the 26th of October from 11.00 am till 4.00 pm. For more information visit the official webpage: http://www.lutonhoo.co.uk/luton-hoo-wedding-showcase

Aylesbury Gateway Wedding show Sunday 19th October

This Sunday Aylesbury Gateway open their doors to another Wedding show. Nigel Crump Photography will be there and after the success of Aylesbury Waterside Theatre it should be another fantastic turnout. With the wedding season coming to a close for 2014, it has to be said it has been an amazing year, surpassing all others. My last wedding of the year actually starts in 2014 and goes through to 2015, so it both my last of this year and my first of next year all in one. It takes place at Essendon Golf Club which is another new venue for me.

In between time I am at The Woburn Hotel formerly the Inn at Woburn, Wrest Park and Luton Hoo.  On Sunday 26th Oct I will be showing at Luton Hoo for the Wedding Showcase this for preferred suppliers to exhibit their skills. This last couple of months I have worked at Chicheley Hall, Newport Pagnell, Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden, West Lodge Hotel, Aston Clinton,  St Mary’s Church, Old Linslade and my own church here in Wingrave.

Orders for albums have been trickling in and parents albums have been particularly popular this year. I know it is going to be a rush to get orders out for Christmas, but I will try. So heres hoping for a busy 2015, I am already getting bookings for 2016, it seems so far away.

 

Nigel

 

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre wedding show 2014

What a great turnout again yesterday at The Waterside Theatre Aylesbury. I must have spoken to over 40 new brides to be. The trend was for August and September 2015 weddings, but some were looking further ahead.
All commented on the beautiful albums on display and we chatted about the aspects of their chosen venues.
With packages starting at £595.00 there was something to fit everyone’s budget. They loved the idea of a pre-wedding portrait to get ‘comfortable’ in front on the camera. It also allows both parties the time to chat about the venues first hand and see the best areas for pictures.
2015 again looks like a bumper year and it was great to see so many lovely couples coming through, all very excited about the plans for their wedding. When they make contact with me we arrange a meeting at their home and go through all the aspects of their day, we then arrange another meeting at least 6 months before their wedding to take some portraits at the venues and then its a countdown to the day. I always recommend making use of the dedicated spread sheet which has all of the standard photos on, they can then add or subtract the pictures they want and I use this on the day to ensure we get the majority of them done in the time.
Of course time is a precious commodity and it does go very quickly on the day.
If you want to make an appointment please call 07976 220017 or email shoot@nigelcrump.co.uk

Weddings for 2015

It not really that long until Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Wedding show kicks off another season ( Sunday 7th September). It has set a precedence for all other shows to follow. Great advertising, incredible turnout by both suppliers and public alike and all in all a great show. Now under the careful wing of Les Nunn we are all hoping it will be as successful as it has been in the past. Im really looking forward to it. It is a great source of business for Nigel Crump Photography and you get such a buzz from the day. This is followed by Aylesbury Gateway wedding show on Sunday October 19th.2014 has been an amazing year, not only with the number of weddings, but the increased demand for good quality albums. In addition to the upgraded size for all of my clients this year ( I hope they have noticed!). They get a 12″x12″ album instead of an A4 for no extra cost. They also get a portrait sitting, a mounted print for guests to sign at the reception, (that has been a real hit with my bride and groomsmen). 50 Thank you cards, a DVD and a proof book with all the images taken on the day. This comes as an incredible package. There are new additions of parents albums too in sizes from 7″x7″ upwards.

Again in 2014 I have worked at even more new locations, which gives me a great insight to how venues work. Experience of a venues is invaluable when selling your services. This year has also seen an increase in school proms, which I offer at a set price supplying just a DVD for multi-copies. This helps keep the price down for both the school and the kids, who incidentally always look amazing. I have already been booked for three proms for next year. I have finally completed all of 2013 wedding albums, it always needs a bit of chasing down couples to get their orders in, but this last one was the biggest I have ever done 60 page 12″x12″ album which includes 270 photos!! Quite an achievement.

So with another 15 weddings still to go this year it is all hands to the pump to get the albums designed for my bride and groomsmen, an average album with 40 pages takes around 12 hours to design and complete. I hope I may see you at either of the forthcoming wedding shows or just contact me through my website.

How much does wedding photography cost?

If I had a pound for every time someone asked me how much for wedding photography? I posted something recently on Facebook “What would you expect to pay for a wedding photographer?”  There were a number of people that came back and said they paid around £250.00 and got a really good job. I am not doubting them one bit or questioning their integrity. There are always going to be cheaper, cheaper venues, cheaper dresses, cheaper cakes. You are buying not only the product but the person, we buy from people and if you want to feel confident and secure that you have purchased more that just the product then thats your answer.

Its not just about the day either, but the run up to the day. When I have an enquiry form come in via email, I reply with a email and then a follow up call. Meeting couples is far better than conversing over emails because, in my mind, its making that connection that is important. We all agree that there are many good photographers out there, but quite frankly, there are also many bad photographers. People claiming to be professional photographers, who are not, they may not be spending more than one or two days a month taking pictures. They may not even be insured, they may not be part of a body of people or a federation.  This can be damaging if, for any reason, the photographer does not produce what he or she claims initially. Finally having that reassurance that, god forbid your booked photographer falls ill or worse that they have someone in the industry to call on.