Dentist Dad with gaps (before)

The art of post processing is to make the images look great and natural, after all a wedding is a wedding not a Vogue photoshoot. Some photographers fiddle and photoshop their images to death. The images become so arty that they become far removed from the reality of the couple. The other issue is the clients who think photoshop is the magic and cure all for everything. I had one bride say to me last year “I didn’t go on a diet before my wedding because I knew you could slim me down”.

Dentist Dad without gaps (after)

The reality of post processing for me is that I’m quite fussy about the way my images look. The final images always look real, if not a bit colourful which is my personal preference, but they aren’t processed to death. I tidy up blemishes and hide shine and sweaty bits, but I don’t turn my brides into Angelina Jolies or my grooms into Brad Pitts! One day when I shoot for Vogue (P.G) my style might change, but until then….

Avenue at Holiday Inn Express Golders Green North

The style of the venue speaks volumes about the type of celebration your guests can expect. It’s the place where you will spend most of your day and where the party and maybe even the ceremony will take place, so it’s crucial to get it right. Whether you choose a stately home, museum, hotel, or your favourite restaurant there are plenty of choices within the Greater London area.
If you’re having a religious wedding, the general rule is that your venue should be no more than 20 minutes’ drive from the church/synagogue, so that your guests don’t have too far to travel between the two. The same rule applies if you’re having a civil ceremony in a register office.
If you want a traditional sit-down wedding you will need to find a venue with a function room that is large enough to accommodate all your guests. A buffet-style reception can be held in a smaller room or series of linked rooms but this kind of event is unusual for the kind of weddings that Hayley Lehmann photographs.

The Ballroom at The Landmark Hotel London

If you are planning to have a very large wedding you can create extra space with a marquee if the grounds of the venue are suitable.
Remember that if you are planning any outdoor elements to your function, that sufficient space should be available indoors as British weather is notoriously unreliable.
As you look around the various rooms that are available to hire, think about the number of guests you are inviting. If you are hosting a small reception, you need a room that creates an intimate atmosphere. An overly large room, however impressive, will feel as though half your guests haven’t turned up. Be guided by the banqueting manager as to the number of guests that can be accomodated comfortably in your venue. There is nothing worse than tables being jam packed in and guests being knocked and bumped around in their seats as waiting staff stuggle to get through tight spaces. An empty ballroom will always look much bigger than it really is by the time there is a stage for the band, dance floor and beautifully laid tables.
You may need the following rooms:
1. Ceremony
2. Drinks reception
3. A space for family photos
4. Dinner and dancing

Chuppah Thames Suite Riverbank Park Plaza

Many couples already have a firm picture of how their ideal wedding venue will look, so you need to make sure the setting – and the staff – are capable of working with you to fulfill your dream. As you view each potential venue, try to imagine your colour scheme. A room with little decoration will provide an exciting challenge for imaginative, but often expensive, decoration whereas a beautifully decorated venue may stretch your budget but will need little extra adornment or lighting.
If the venue is spread over several floors, please consider stairs and access for the elderly or disabled. And will you have exclusive use of the venue?
Most hotels and function rooms offer a variety of catering packages from a formal sit-down meal to a buffet, often with a specified amount of

Renaissance London Chancery Court Hotel

drinks included. The price per head should include the food & drink, and hire of tables, chairs, linen and staff. Alternatively, you may just hire the venue and bring in your own caterers. Some venues prefer you to use their recommended suppliers and may charge you for bringing in someone else. You’ll also be charged a corkage fee if you want to supply your own wine and champagne. Make sure you know exactly what’s included as the extras can quickly add up.
Expect to pay a deposit at the time of booking with the balance due a few weeks before the wedding day once final numbers have been confirmed. Now sit back, and start thinking about the menu and seating plan, and remember that on the big day to relax and enjoy yourself leaving all the details to the proferssionals employed to look after you!

These are just some of the venues that recommend the services of Hayley Lehmann Photography;
Avenue which is a very new and wonderful Venue at Holiday Inn Express Golders Green North. Contact Denis Agagjysi on 020 8371 6060 as their website is not live yet. Say that Hayley Lehmann suggested you take a look! Suitable for weddings or barmitzvahs.
Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel
The Landmark Hotel
The Park Plaza Riverbank

Barmitzvah Portrait

Tonight I dusted off my winter moth balls and photographed Avromi’s Barmitzvah at The Hendon Hall Hotel.
I discovered just what a gorgeous young man Avromi really is when he called over Reich the Caterer and thanked him for serving such delicious food to all of his guests.
A fun time was had by all with separate dining and dancing for the men & women.
I even wore a skirt, which for those who know me well is a rare event!

Batmitzvah Invitation

A wedding or barmitzvah invitation will sit on the fridges of your guests for quite a while so put the effort into a great design. Off the shelf invitations are generally at the cheaper end of the market, while handmade invitations are next in line. Bespoke invitations are the most expensive but are the first glimpse that your guests will have of your wedding or barmitzvah style. Don’t forget that postage costs can add up quickly, so if you are sending out a lot of invitations (and reply cards) this should also be accounted for in your budget.
When looking for stationery try to consider the paper type, the style of printing, embellishments such as ribbon & bows and whether you want every invitation uniquely addressed to each of your guests

Wedding and barmitzvah invitations are not the only items of stationery that you will need.
• Save the date cards especially useful when the event is abroad.
• The invitation & envelopes
• RSVP cards
• Order of service
• Table plan
• Place cards
• Menus, toast & speech cards
• Thank you cards

Barmitzvah Invitation

If you are having a particular colour or theme for your function, this will really help you narrow down your choice of invitations. Or you could pick a photograph for your invitation that has special memories such as one taken by Hayley Lehmann at an engagement or studio portrait session.
Whatever you choose for your wedding invitation make sure that it is unique to you. And be sure to keep a copy for us to use in your album.

These “full-service” catering companies specialize in organizing wedding and barmitzvah parties and nothing else. They design and customize your function and manage every meticulous detail of your party from inception through to fruition. With the help of a specialized team, you have the opportunity to relax and let them make your doo an exciting, memorable and successful one.

What does the term Kosher mean?
In their most “biblical” form, Jewish Dietary Laws state:
Pork, rabbit, eagle, owl, catfish, sturgeon, and any shellfish, insect or reptile are non-kosher.
Other species of meat and fowl must be slaughtered in a prescribed manner to be kosher.
Meat and dairy products may not be made or consumed together.

A kosher food that is processed or cooked together with a non-kosher food, or any derivative of a non-kosher food, becomes non-kosher. For example, food coloring derived from a shellfish and used in a cake makes the cake non-kosher.

While Jewish Dietary Laws originated in the Bible (Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 17), they have been codified and interpreted over the centuries by rabbinical authorities. Likewise, definitions of kosher have evolved in response to changes in the food industry, the Jewish People, and world culture.

As Jews lived in and adopted food traditions from different countries around the world and as different denominations of Judaism developed, Jewish definitions of kosher have become more varied over time. There are different Jewish ethnic cultures, different branches within Judaism, and various Jewish kosher certifying authorities in the United Kingdom that certify “kosher” based on rules that vary from each other.

Some Jews today consider Jewish Dietary Laws to be ancient health regulations that are no longer necessary as a result of modern methods of food preparation. Others are not knowledgeable about kosher laws. And others yet, who may view Jewish Dietary Laws as important but may chose not to observe them because of the added expense and inconvenience their observance can entail. However if you are planning your wedding at a United synagogue, they will not usually allow the chuppah to take place unless the wedding party itself is a kosher affair.

Whether you opt for kosher, or kosher-style (non-offensive) catering, you will find some venues have exclusive contracts with one or a selection of caterers, so this is worth checking out before you decide on a venue.

Natural Bridal Makeup

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, and every barmitzvah boy’s mother wants to feel young and beautiful again like they did when they first got married. It’s only natural to want your other half to think “Wow!” when he sees you all dressed up in your finery.
And, let’s not forget, your celebration will be captured for posterity in your photos, so it’s more important than ever to look your best – all day long.

Hayley Lehmann Photography know all the tricks of the trade to make you look great in the photos. Lighting is essential for flattering photographs. Pictures taken in bright midday sun can create harsh black shadows under the eyes and chin so it’s often better to wait for an overcast moment or to move to a shaded area. Studio lighting is much softer than flash on camera for those all important family portraits.
Angles are also important too if you’re to look your best. Instead of standing with your shoulders square to the camera, turn your body by 30 to 40 degrees – you’ll look half a stone lighter. Try the supermodel trick of tilting your face at a 45-degree angle to make your face appear slimmer, although beware of creating a double chin. And remember Hayley’s signature posing which includes “Happy hands and sexy feet”.

If you have minor skin problems like blackheads, clogged pores, dullness, or dry patches, then it’s best to start having a once-a-month facial at least three months prior to the wedding or barmitzvah. A good beautician can help you with a skincare regime to get your skin into top condition.

Eye colour applied by a professional makeup artist

To look your best we think your makeup should aim for a more polished version of your everyday look. It’s a careful balancing act – looking natural without appearing washed out, looking well made up without appearing like a drag queen. We can only make the best of people that we have in front of our camera. We cannot correct poorly applied makeup, or create a natural look when the makeup has been plastered on.

You’ll probably experience some last-minute nerves on the day of your celebration, so it’s worth thinking about having a steadier hand apply your make-up by hiring the services of a professional make-up artist like Laura Leaman (no relation to Hayley Lehmann). Most professional makeup artists include a consultation as part of their pricing. Bring a swatch from your dress and pictures of how you will be wearing your hair. Doing so will give the makeup artist an idea of what he or she will be working with on your special day. Avoid going for a dramatic new image, but rather stick to a more natural effect, so that you’ll look like yourself – just a slightly more glamorous version.
Try to define your features as much as possible, but avoid the hard lines of eye pencils and liquid liners. The key to a flawless face is having a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. There is nothing worse than the face being one colour and the neck another.
Pinky-brown lipsticks whiten teeth whereas orange or red can make them look yellow. If you have very pale skin, a cherry red lipstick can look harsh. Steer clear of overly pale or pearly lipstick. Put Vaseline on your front teeth. This trick will stop lipstick from getting on your teeth, which can ruin photos.

If you’re having black and white photographs take extra care with your make-up. Dark red lipstick and heavy-handed blusher will look even darker in black and white photos, while pastel colours can fade out completely.

Choose natural makeup including waterproof macara

Make sure you invest in a good waterproof mascara – just in case you get a bit tearful.

Avoid shimmer as it catches the light and will look too harsh if you overdo it. It also rubs off and shows on men’s suits. Keep the shimmer out of your foundation or blush. Slightly matte skin is better, so you don’t look too shiny in pictures. Keep shimmer soft—a highlight on the brow bones, or a touch in the center of your lips is all you need. A little well-placed shimmer goes a long way. Overdone the shimmer can make you look hot and sweaty in photos.

Treat yourself to a professional manicure as your hands are likely to be the focus of many pictures. Try to avoid weird and wacky nail art as this might make you cringe when you look back at the photos in years to come.

Talk to your makeup artist about timings and tell them that you need to be ready half an hour earlier than you actually need to be dressed. From our experience many makeup artists run late and cause panic on the day. Those we work with regularly know the importance of running to time.

Carry a touch-up kit in your handbag with concealer, pressed powder, lipstick or gloss, lip liner, tissues, mints, and a mini sewing kit (for emergency clothing fixes like a dropped hem or popped button).

Links:

Laura Leaman (no relation) www.lauraleaman.co.uk 020 8421 9246

Hayley Lehmann LBIPP

We recognise that your choice of photographer is a very personal one, driven by a host of factors from chemistry and instinct, desired style of coverage, reputation and value. We also know that the process of choosing can feel like a chore, with many photographers appearing to provide very similar services, making it hard to justify choosing one over another. The purpose of this guide is to help frame some of the issues that we feel, with the benefit of our wide experience and knowledge of professional photography practice, should be fully considered when determining who to select. We are not intending to undermine other photographers through this guide, being satisfied that whoever you select has been chosen with a full understanding of the pros and cons of each offering, leading to your piece of mind and ability to relax and enjoy your big day safe in the knowledge that its images and memories are properly protected.

What is a professional photographer?
A professional photographer will have studied photography in depth, developing a thorough knowledge of posing, use of reflectors, natural light, studio light, highlighting and blurring, choice of lens; all this will be combined with a demonstrable breadth and depth of experience gained through years of practice. They will have achieved professional accreditation from a recognised industry body such as BIPP, SWPP or WPPI, and will conventionally have this certification on display. They will also have undertaken CPD (Continuous Professional Development) programmes on a regular basis throughout their careers. Do not shy away from asking a photographer to elaborate on this.

Why use a professional photographer?
Your special day is a one off, never to be repeated event. The responsibility for capturing the key moments, people, and flavour for posterity is in the hands of one person – the photographer. Long after the band have stopped playing and the meal been consumed, the need and desire to relive and recall this day over and over across a lifetime is served by the quality and enduring nature of the images captured by the photographer. Poor photography, borne of lack of technical knowledge or inexperience on the part of the photographer will leave a bitter taste that never goes away. Over-reliance on post-capture computerised manipulation – the crutch for the untrained enthusiast – can only partially mask these failures.

What commercial security is provided by the photographer?
Booking a photographer is often a long term commitment, frequently covering a period of two years (sometime longer), between initial meeting and final hand over of an album. What is the financial stability of the photographer? How long have they been practicing? Are they resident in the UK? What is the real level of confidence that they will be around from start to finish? Consider performing some basic due diligence via Companies House or a credit reference agency.

How am I covered in the event that the images are unsatisfactory?
Regrettably things do go wrong on occasions, even with the most supreme professional. Professional photographers invest thousands of pounds in their equipment to create commercial-quality images. The provision of very expensive duplicate equipment in case of mechanical failure whilst shooting an event will never be found in an amateur photographer’s equipment bag. You should ensure that that your photographer has a comprehensive risk management programme of their own, involving as a minimum, a full set of duplicate photographic and lighting equipment which will be present on site at the function, to mitigate against equipment failure.

Is my photographer adequately insured?
You should be provided with additional financial peace of mind in the form of the photographer’s Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance cover, which should ensure that poor quality does not go unrecompensed due to the photographer’s own financial weakness. Always ask to see an up to date certificate, and ensure that it is valid on the date of your function. A professional photographer will also carry public liability insurance. Additionally, many venues require a minimum of £5m public liability insurance, carried by the photographer, to cover the risk of liability for causing any physical injury whilst covering a function.

What safeguards exist around the long term storage and retrieval of my images?
After the event, a professional photographer will ensure that your images are duplicated, stored and backed up in several places which means that they will not be lost if a single computer‘s hard drive went down. These images will always be stored and retrievable.

What are the pros and cons of buying an album package versus a set of images on disc?
Professionals have access to unique and personalized products such as acrylic blocks, albums and wedding books from companies like GraphiStudio or Jorgensen. They will handle all aspects of the retouching, design and product ordering process for you. Clients who buy into a disc of images as their final presentation forgo the retouching skills and beautiful album designs that are only available from professional photographers; occasionally they will order prints at High Street labs which are poorly printed, or worse still print out their precious images on plain photocopier paper at home. If a professional photographer produces your album, you can be assured that the quality will be high. This is because the final product is an expression of their art. Professionals don’t skimp on processing and merchandise – they go with the best that they can find which will give you products that you will treasure forever. Through your proudly showing these to family and friends they secure their next bookings. Designer albums, bespoke framing, canvas printing, acrylics, and high-end prints, reflect the pride that they have in their work.

What issues do we need to consider if we employ a party planner to organise photography?
Many people employ party planners to organise a function. In many cases they will agree an all-in budget with the party planner, covering all services to be provided including the photography. However, unless non-financial criteria are set down alongside the agreed budget, including stipulating that the photographer to be provided is a qualified professional with a proven quality track record, there is a real prospect that the party planner will source the cheapest photographer available, or maybe the one who is going to give you a disc, without emphasising the need for the quality or style of coverage. In the long run, of course, you will pay the price, not the party planner, for the disappointment that follows.

Today I had the privilege to photograph Yasmin’s Batmitzvah at The Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel in Holborn.

Yasmin and her family are beautiful people, and the ballroom had been decked out with the most amazing production lighting by Uptown Events so that it looked like a pink paradise. There were LED uplighters on the columns, pin spots on the tables, assorted multicoloured lighting effects behind the band and even a pink LED dance floor.
The food was delicious and presented by a new arrival on the Kosher circuit called Silva Catering. The family had brought the Sun Band over from Israel who hardly stopped playing for a minute, and wowed the crowd with sets of Israeli, Arabic, Rap and other contemporary music. The guests hardly sat down all evening, and Yasmin’s father and his former school friends danced the night away with so much energy it was as if they were still teenagers.

But the biggest surprise of the evening for Yasmin and her Mum was a guest appearance by Ruth Lorenzo who was their favourite star from X factor 2008. This was a top secret surprise planned by Yasmin’s Dad. Ruth sang all the songs from her X Factor debut, and the partying crowd became frenzied with excitement.
Yasmin’s friends screamed, and if the party wasn’t hot enough before Ruth Lorenzo arrived, it gave me the most wonderful photo opportunities.