About Nicholas James Photography

Nick was interviewed at his home in the Cotswolds for a professional photography magazine. Here, he gives candid answers to questions about himself and wedding photography the Nicholas James Photography way.

Have you always wanted to be a wedding photographer?

I didn't set out to become a wedding photographer. In fact, I couldn't think of a worse direction to take my photographic talents. For me it was always, photo journalism in a war torn country with the odd assignment for National Geographic.

But with little (actually it was "no") money in the bank I had to pay for my aspirations in some way.

I set about my first wedding as a journalist (something that I still do today) and the results were extraordinary (their words, not mine).

I soon realised that a wedding day is probably the greatest news story that can be told in pictures.

Everyone is interested! The Bride and Groom, the Parents, the grand parents, family, friends, colleagues, the neighbours that have hardly talked to you for the last ten years, even complete strangers who happen to be passing will stop and look.

The Bride will look more radiant than ever before, the groom will be as nervous as a mouse in a cattery, the brides' mother will cry at the drop of a hat, the father of the bride will burst with pride until it's time to make his speech, the grooms parents will be thinking about names for their future grand children. There will be tears, laughter, hangovers, over eating, over excited children, over excited adults, nerves, joy, happiness and a million other emotions flying around.

I can't think of a better backdrop for a photojournalist and that's exactly where my passion for wedding photography comes from.

I set out to become a photojournalist and that's exactly what I've achieved.

So how do you feel about wedding photography now?

I love it to my bones, can you think of a better career? I work with people who are about to celebrate one of the biggest days of their lives and I am an integral part of that day. How exciting is that!

Is wedding photography just a business or is there more to it than that?

It is a business that just happens to have taken over my life. Even on holiday I stop to watch weddings, it drives my wife nuts but she has learnt that to try and drag me away is pointless. I think that she is proud of the way the business is run and how passionate about successful wedding photography I am.

How would she describe your photography?

Stunning. Then again, she is my wife and loyal to the core.

So you have to build relationships with the bride and the family to achieve success?

Lets face it, if you are a technically good photographer with a good eye for composition you will do a good job. But not a great job.
The photographer has the longest standing relationships with the bride out of all the wedding suppliers. The best photographers will get involved from the initial meeting, engagement shoot, possibly a boudoir shoot, the pre planning of the wedding, the wedding day, the post production and album design, a trash the dress shoot,  maybe studio shoots when the bride and groom have a family and also see them at their friends weddings (all because you did a good job at theirs and were recommended). So the answer to your question is, no you do not have to but I always have.

So are your relationships with brides all the same and doesn't that get a little boring?

You must be joking, it's a high. Some relationships are like "mates" you know what they are thinking before anything is said. Others are like siblings quarrelling, they both want the same result and are looking out for each other but both need to express themselves. Name any type of relationship and you will find it at the run up to a wedding. But relationships are important to me and I work hard at making them work.

What if the bride wants to go in a different direction?

It's rare, they have chosen me because they admire my work, so most of the time it works out well. On the odd occasion I will shoot in the direction that they are taking me even when I disagree with it but I will also shoot my way. This is why it is so important to build a relationship with the wedding party and in particular the bride, all of these issues should be ironed out well in advance.

You mentioned Boudoir photography, what's that?

In effect it is a little teaser for the groom. Normally the bride (and a friend) will turn up at the studio or location for a photograph that is aimed at putting a smile on the grooms face. It can be almost anything. On one occasion the bride was shot coming out of the sea in a wet shirt, another in lingerie and even one in the bath at the local rugby club with all of his team mates. I must add that the shot in the bath was not all it seemed, they all had swimwear on, it just looked like they didn't.  It really is for fun.

Do you really "Trash the Dress"?

It's up to the bride. Tradition says that part of the bridal gown is later made into christening gowns, but in most cases brides who have spent a small fortune on a wedding dress are disappointed that it gets worn just the once. This is an opportunity (normally after the honeymoon) to wear the dress again and get all of the shots that you would not dare to pose for on the day itself. We've had brides coming out of the sea, riding horses or motorbikes, in the woods and getting down and dirty. It's up to the bride and groom to how far they go but in most cases the dress can be cleaned afterwards.

Sounds like fun, are both boudoir and trash the dress photography popular?

Getting more so by the day. As with most things, it started in the USA and is now taking off here.

You mentioned getting involved in the planning of the wedding, how so?

I have talked to photographers in the past about planning and they answer with a list of charging batteries, making sure they have enough memory cards etc. That is not planning it is stating the obvious.

Planning to me is about being prepared for the day. Making sure you have discussed group shots, visited the location of the ceremony and the celebration afterwards. I cant give you an extensive list of things that I do because we would be here all day but here are three examples.

Visiting the locations is important to me (preferably once on a bright day and once on a dull day). Knowing the layout of a venue will save time on the day. Talking to staff will generate the best locations for a shoot. Vantage points will become obvious. Lighting problems can be sorted. All manner of things that take time and would be too late come the big day. I have heard of photographers that say that they do not visit locations before hand and prefer to shoot from the hip. I prefer to be forewarned of any potential problems. It also helps to talk to the person conducting the ceremony. So many times I've heard that photography was not allowed during the service but in most cases they just need reassurance that the ceremony will not be disturbed, the wedding party not distracted and that you will not make a general nuisance of yourself.

I take very few formal group shots but think that some are necessary. I will discuss this at length with the bride and groom. Knowing about divorced parents or family members that don't get on can make it much easier. Having a dedicated helper is a bonus. Most people at a wedding like to help out but don't want to be tied down for the entire day. If I have a volunteer to point out exactly who aunt Bessie is, the formals will be over much more quickly.

We always talk to the other suppliers for information on their products. For example; if the cake is ready, why not photograph it before the big day, in a light tent? Of course we will still take photographs of it in situ, but you cant beat  having extra time to take the details.

What if they don't want formal photography, does that make your life easier?

It would make my life easier but I try my best to talking them out of it. I take very few formals any way, maybe 5 or 6. Some brides say that they don't want formal shots but in my experience they are disappointed later on that they didn't have just a few. I try to make it as quick and painless as I can. So often I have seen photographers prancing about thinking that they are the most important person there whilst everyone else is getting bored and restless.

So you prefer a reportage style of photography?

It seems that everyone who is a keen photographer is saying that they shoot in a reportage style when in fact the vast majority do not. In my opinion it would be impossible to get a true coverage of a wedding in this way. You see a lot of photos of 5 people in a line, black and white, urban street, all jumping in the air or the groom and his ushers all wearing dark glasses and the photographer calling this reportage - it is not. They may be great photos, I like to take them myself because they're fun, but to be true reportage it has to be a spontaneous event. How often have you seen 5 people walking down the road and suddenly (all at the same time) jump in the air.

So what would you call your style of photography?

I don't really have a single name that I can adopt to describe my wedding photography, it's a mixture of different styles with my stamp put on top. I certainly take reportage photographs (without calling myself a reportage wedding photographer),  I also put into the mix, contemporary, unobtrusive, candid, fun, traditional, street. You name it and it's in there. I suppose that I should call it the Nicholas James Photography style.

During the day, with all the pre planning done and the few formal shots over, I go into a quiet mode, taking pictures that reflect the day and those involved. I do not direct events, I record those that happen. That said, a bit of fun photography, which is normally a little set up, usually happens.

That's what makes this business so great to wok in. This can all be achieved and, done correctly, people will still think that I am just another guest.

What are your thoughts on flash photography at weddings?

In truth I hate it but know that on occasions it is a necessary evil. I work on the basis that first choice is available light. If needed I bring in reflectors and as a last resort I will use some artificial light.

Whilst I am known as an available light specialist, I would not compromise the shoot trying to be a purist to my art etc.

What about the detail shots?

The last thing a bride wants on the morning of the wedding is for me to start arranging shoes and rings and the dress etc for close up shots… they are normally on a tight schedule so I normally visit her before the day so that we can spend some time getting the right shots.

Is this necessary?

Not necessary but desirable. It can take time and I don't want to be rushed. The images may never appear in the album but as a record shot they are very important. A bride spends an extraordinary amount of time (I'm a man so it's hard to understand) getting the shoes and dress just right so making sure that they will be recorded for her, her children and future generations is in most brides opinion imperative.

Future Generations, that's going a bit far isn't it?

Not at all. We have all looked at pictures (that were in a draw) of great grand mother as a teenager and thought about her life but because it is just one picture it is a fleeting moment. I produce wedding albums that will become family heirlooms, they are a full record of the day, printed on archival paper and protected in a case.

What if this album were destroyed or damaged in some way, could you help out?

Yes of course. Following the wedding a protection of the images process is started. Every single image that is taken is backed up to an external hard drive. Two copies are made on archival quality disks and these are kept in two separate locations in fire proof data safes. They are kept indefinitely.

Is there such a thing as a Bridezilla?

There must be because they make TV programmes about them but I've never had that sort of problem. It's all about relationships built on trust.

Have you ever turned down a wedding assignment?

Yes, on a very few occasions. I feel it is better to be honest from the start and if I believe it is not going to work out ( for whatever reason) I will discuss this with the bride and withdraw. I would never do this at the last minute, these issues can always be seen from the start.

Isn't that a bit Prima Donna type behaviour?

Not at all. It has two effects. The first is selfish, I am protecting my reputation. The second is being protective of the bride, if I cant produce the results that she wants I will be letting her down.

Do you give a list of the photographs that you will take to the bride before the wedding?

There is no point agreeing to take a picture of Aunt Bessie, in the church, crying, only to find later that the said Aunt Bessie remains dry eyed throughout. Short of putting an onion under her nose and most people find this offensive. The brides are fully aware beforehand of what we hope to achieve and that their ideas have been taken into account.

Have you ever taken on a wedding photography assignment without meeting the bride?

Twice, on both occasions it was because they were getting married in the UK but were living abroad. However we did spend a lot of time on the telephone and email. In both cases I was recommended by their friends and they had seen my work.

I know that you are highly regarded as a wedding photographer but is there any other type of photography you are involved with?

Yes.

I am a portrait photographer as well but stay away from high street type  photography. I only take on clients that want great photos for no other reason than they want them or for commercial advertising. I will not take images of the new golf club captain sitting behind a desk or will I attend events where all they want is a picture of every Tom , Dick and Harry in a dinner suit entering the venue.

I also take stock photographs for worldwide distribution.

Do you admire, look at the work of, other wedding photographers?

Nearly everyday I look at other photographers work, it keeps me on my toes. What is new, what to avoid etc is all out there on the net.

As for wedding photographers that I admire, there are plenty. I think that he is a bit of a self publicist but I like the work of Jeff Ascough. The Lovegrove chaps are very good too. There are plenty, but I wont harp on because who I find interesting is irrelevant.

Do you use photoshop in post production?

Yes. There are only two types of photographers who don't use photoshop. Liars and idiots. Used correctly photoshop is a fantastic tool. Used badly it is a nightmare.
There are photographers who will say "I prefer to capture it correctly in camera", they must be missing out on a hell of a lot of good images.

Good photographers will have their camera set up correctly and should be able to move effortlessly from one setting to another. Photoshop is not about that, it is simply to enhance an image. Making the good into great and the great into outstanding.

I have nothing bad to say about photoshop only bad practitioners.

What do you mean, bad practitioners?

I believe that less is more but some is a necessity. If you over photoshop or airbrush an image it can look unreal or at best unnatural. Correctly done, no one except the experts will know it has taken place. Bad practitioners are the ones where the changes are obvious.

Do you carry out all of the post production work yourself?

No, I control everything but have help.

Most of the enhancement, colour correction work is done by a consultant. He is young, good looking and extremely talented (I should hate him), but because of his extraordinary ability I let him stay.

Album layout is carried out by my wife, she has a degree in fine art and a fantastic eye for both detail and aesthetics.

Printing is carried out at a specialist printer under our supervision.

How has your business changed?

The first big change came when I moved from film to digital. A little scary at first but I have never looked back. I don't even own a film camera now.

The second was moving my business to the Cotswolds from being a London based business. I wanted a quieter life but this has not happened. My business is now expanding back up to my London workload but I have to admit that living in the middle of nowhere and having my business grow is perfect for me. Busy and tranquil, how good is that?

So you only shoot weddings in the Cotswolds now?

Not at all. The Cotswolds is ideal for carrying out a wedding photography business in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Oxfordshire but I also cover weddings across the UK and abroad. Living in the Cotswolds does not cut me off from the rest of the world, we have electric and everything.

Do you photograph civil partnerships and weddings at a registry office?

Of course but I must stress that I only cover registry office weddings on week days unless by special arrangement.

So how far in advance does a bride have to book your services?

Well the last 18 months have been different because of moving the business and turning a lot of work away last year to concentrate on the move. But now it's all steam ahead again.

I would say, contact me as soon as you can, it costs nothing to talk or meet up.

There are a few dates in 2010 available so check with us by using the contact form.

Why is your telephone number not on the website?

I would prefer for potential clients to fill in the contact details on the contact page. They only have to give their name, email, contact number and event date I will call them back as soon as I can. The reason I have omitted the number on the site is because of the great number of sales people that call on a daily basis. My full contact details are given to all prospective clients.