The photos should have been stunning images which they would treasure forever. Instead Thomas and Anneka were devastated with what they received.

So why did this happen and what can you do to ensure the memories of your special occasion are captured perfectly.

Hayley Lehmann from Hayley Lehmann Photography Ltd is a truly experienced and skilled professional photographer whose clients rave about the quality of her work and the images she delivers. Here’s Hayley’s take on what went wrong …

“The article in the Mail shows the poor quality of photography and highlights several key problems:

• Why you shouldn’t buy on price alone
• Well meaning amateurs who reckon they’re professionals
• Reportage photography catering to clients who want natural, unposed images.

Why you shouldn’t buy just on the price

In America couples are often told to budget 10% of their wedding spend on photography. For Thomas and Anneka this would have meant £1400 instead of the £750 they actually spent.

On this occasion, the photographer’s camera developed a fault, but a true professional would take a minimum of two camera bodies to a wedding just in case. I have had the misfortune to have two camera bodies develop faults at a wedding, but the client never knew as I switched to my third body.

Full-time, professional photographers like me will have crossed the VAT threshold of £77,000 turnover per annum. So if your photographer is VAT registered this provides a clue as to whether they’re running a decent business operation.

And what about their photographic equipment?

For a wedding shoot a true pro will take about £15,000 worth of kit. Add on insurance, computers, storage, software to process the images and the value of a photographer’s time and you can see this can’t be funded by clients only willing to spend £750 for a full day of photography.

Amateur Photographers who reckon they’re pros

It’s so easy to take digital pictures, many people with a decent camera and a £35 website make out that they are a professional photographer.

Photography is the number 1 hobby in the UK. Amateurs pick up a camera and see the cash rewards of being a wedding photographer. They enter the industry and charge low prices and within a year or two when they realise how hard this business really is, they give up and go away.

I equate photography with playing the piano. You might have talent, but unless you practice you will never be any good.

How do you pose family groups when it is raining cats and dogs outside? What do you do if the bride weighs 10 stone more than the groom? These are all situations that I have faced and am adept at handling.

A skilled professional, who you can trust, will have years of experience behind them backed up by the quality training they’ve undergone.

For example, I have been working as a professional photographer for almost 20 years, taken an HNC in design photography, an HND in digital imaging, done a six year apprenticeship, attended literally hundreds of courses and continue to do so. I am a highly skilled retoucher, and my knowledge of computing, software, camera and lighting skills are first class and the reams of testimonials I’ve received give a big clue to my professional skills.

Make sure the photographer you use has this too. If in doubt, check it out.

The problems with Reportage – the natural unposed look

Wedding photographers have tried to cater for the demand for natural photos with a photographic style called Reportage. This means capturing events as they happen without any disturbance or intervention from the photographer.

So what’s wrong with reportage?

I’ve seen many brides crying. Not because they’ve used my service, but because they didn’t. They bought into a completely reportage coverage and subsequently discovered that there wasn’t one photograph of the bride and groom together to display in a photo frame. Read that line again. I didn’t say that there wasn’t one photograph that was suitable; I said that there wasn’t one photograph at all.

Without any guidance from the photographer a couple may socialise with their guests throughout their wedding and find that their paths hardly crossed. The photographer snaps thousands of “reportage” images, but the essential elements are missed.

I use reportage as a tool for much of a wedding, but it is not the only creative style which I employ so my clients never miss out on those special and essential posed shots from their special day. Even posed images can look natural and be great fun.

Quality, attention to detail, talent, professionalism, creativity, empathy and photographic equipment, all comes at a price. Wedding photography is not a buy one; get one free type of product.

So please don’t take a chance on the photography for your special occasion. Book a professional photographer you can trust.

And if I am already booked on your date, there are half a dozen local professional photographers who I know and trust to recommend.”

VAT: HMRC’s position following the First-Tier Tribunal decision in the case of Harrier LLC

This brief is to confirm Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) position following the decision in the case of Harrier LLC in the First Tier Tribunal. The case concerned the liability of photo books. The Tribunal found against HMRC with regard to most of the items in question and upheld Harrier’s appeal that the photo books were zero-rated. HMRC have decided not to appeal the decision.

Readership

Businesses who supply photo books.

Background

Harrier provided customers with a photo book that comprised a number of photographs taken by the customer. Typically, the customer uploads his or her photographs and other images of text, drawings, handwritten text and so on to a third party website. The customer chooses the particular photo book template they desire and can arrange the layout of individual pages. Once the customer has completed their action they can then place their order. The order is electronically transmitted to Harrier who then produces the photo book using printing presses.

Harrier claimed that the photo books were zero-rated for VAT purposes as they fell within the definition of book under the law.

The decision

The Tribunal decided that the majority of the items in question were books and dismissed HMRC’s argument that the photo book was ancillary to a supply of services.

In making its decision the Tribunal took support from the High Court case of Colour Offset Ltd [1995], where it was found that a book has the minimum characteristics of having a significant number of leaves, usually of paper, held together by front and back covers usually more substantial than the leaves. The book must also be designed to be read or looked at.

Two items were found not to be books because they consisted of spiral binding and the pages had the quality and appearance of individual photographic prints.

HMRC policy going forward

Subject to the exception below, HMRC accept that a photo book which possesses, as a minimum, several pages, a cover stiffer than its pages and is bound, will qualify for zero-rating as a book. The book must also be designed to be read or looked at.
HMRC would not see a photo book as falling within the zero rate if either:

• the photo book’s pages have the appearance and quality of individual photographic prints; or
• the photo book that is held out for sale is capable of being dismantled, with individual pages that are removable or where individual pages can be easily removed without damaging the binding (for example, spiral binding).

This decision does not affect supplies where there is a predominate supply of services such as those where the customer is paying for and receiving photographic services that then result in the production of a ‘book’. An example of this is in the Tribunal decision of Risbey’s Photography Ltd, Digital Albums Ltd (decision number 20783) where it was found that Risbey’s provision of a wedding package which consisted of making arrangements for photography, taking and viewing of photographs and a wedding book displaying a selection of photographs, was a supply of services and not one of goods.

We consider that in these instances the photographic service is the dominant supply and that the wedding book is ancillary to the supply of the services. Accordingly, there is a single supply of standard-rated services.

Issued 5 March 2012

Thank you. Such an important phrase, and so fundamental to the way we interact with others in society. It elicits satisfaction and pleasure from both the giver and the recipient. We are taught to say “Thank you” almost at the same time as we learn to say “Mum” or “Dad”. It might even be shortened to “Ta” but the meaning is the same. Thank you.
My customers frequently say thank you to me. The messages come by e-mail, phone message, hand written cards and verbally. These votes of thanks are very gratefully received because a thank you inspires me to go on and create wonderful images for my next client in the firm knowledge that what I have done before made my previous client happy.
Now and then some clients go the extra mile to say thank you…
I photographed Louise and Neil’s Wedding at De Vere’s Ponsbourne Park Hotel, Nr Hertford in October. I had previously photographed Louise’s sister’s wedding at The Plaisterers’ Hall at One London Wall in 2005 so this was a family I knew and loved. Louise told me that she didn’t have strong opinions one way or the other about most of the wedding arrangements, but when it came to photography she stood her ground and said that she wanted me and none other. How flattering! And given the divine but unseasonal weather the day of Louise’s wedding I was able to create images that really delighted and excited me too. But Louise went the extra mile to say thank you. She came to see me, and presented me with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers.
So, as this New Year begins, I would like to take this opportunity to say the following; To all of my many past clients a heartfelt “Thank you for the business”. And to my new and returning clients who have booked me to record their functions this year and next, a big “Thank you for trusting me to create lasting memories for you.”

In my planning meetings I always ask if parents are together or not. If not, I enquire about new partners, how my bride and groom feel about their step parents, and whether or not the divorced parents are amicable.

When photographing family groups I aim to get a photo that will keep everyone happy. Bride and groom want photos with their birth parents. Divorced parents want photos with their new partners. I swing birth parents and their new partners in and out of my groups as I build them up so that no one feels left out. This is a skill that I have developed over many years of working as a photographer, and family groups are summoned from memory and without any lists in front of me on the big day.

Luckily for me this Sunday, Mitchell’s parents and their new (well….not so new) partners were extremely amicable. In fact Mitchell’s Dad made some very tasteful and amusing references in his speech to how both his ex-wife and his new wife were both smiling and happy to be together today, and how happy he was to be sharing the day with his ex-wife’s new husband.

This contrasts starkly with some weddings where ex’s won’t even be in the same room as each other, let alone sit on the same table or be in the same photograph. This is the rich fabric of life which I am privileged to capture as I photograph my way through my clients functions. It is also something that I will be mindful of when one day my two beautiful daughters get married! Did you hear that Fred?

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….

By contrast, photographing a friend’s wedding is one of the accepted ways a new photographer gets into the industry. It always amazes me that a young couple will save a few pounds by trusting their once in a lifetime memories to a friend who is just starting out.

I also have couples say to me that they have a friend who is a very keen amateur photographer and do I have any objections if they take a few photos. As long as he or she isn’t a professional and they don’t get in my way, I have no problem. I always add that if their friend takes a wonderful photo that they want to use in their album that I don’t have a problem with that either. The big day comes and one of three things happens. The friend sidles up to me and wants to talk about cameras and equipment. Yawn! The friend smiles sweetly all day and summons enough courage at the end to ask if they can be my next assistant. The friend takes pictures all day like a pro, gets in my way and yet when I enquire of the couple afterwards how the friend’s photos came out and was there anything usable, I get vague whimpers and eventually the answer is no.

In July I was invited to a family reunion which was tied in with a silver wedding anniversary celebration. I was very good all day until the appointed photographer took the reunited group shot. Fifteen people were organised into a long “conga line” and shot with a wide angle lens. My heart sank and I spent the next hour twitching until I finally asked the host and the photographer if they would mind if we took the shot again. It turns out that it was the photographer’s first professional job, and he was really grateful to learn. The group was reorganised around a bench to get a really compact composition. The camera was set up on a tripod and the photographer took the shot. Yes that’s me at the back feeling uncomfortable the wrong side of the lens. And as I was leaving I caught a quick shot of the tall lady at the back who was missing when we took this shot and I “photoshopped” her in later. The digital file was sent to the photographer so that he could include it in his coverage.

So in summary all I can say is that I love what I do, whether I know the celebrants or not. And next time I am invited to a celebration as a guest rather than a photographer could you please send some handcuffs to keep me tied to my chair!

One photographer I know takes all the bookings he can for the same date without letting his clients know that he is already booked. On the day of the wedding he tells the clients that his mother-in-law has died and that he will be sending a substitute. At this late stage the couple have no alternative but to accept the situation. Although he sends along very reputable substitutes nothing can mask the disappointment of the families concerned that they are not getting who they booked.

I have always strived to be extremely ethical but often this has resulted in tears, some being my own. Let me illustrate this with 2 examples:

Many years ago two couples came to see me about the same date. I didn’t tell them about each other and used the principle of first come first served. Trouble is they both came back to me at exactly the same time. I felt like a property waiting to see who could get the surveyor in first. Both brides were in tears, and I had their mothers on the phone trying to sort the mess out. After that I decided to try something different.

I decided that I would always tell prospective clients about the status of other clients so that they should know exactly what was what. And if I was booked and I had a second or third enquiry for the same date I would try to sell the services of one of my other photographers rather than using the dead mother-in-law trick. If the prospective only wanted me, then I wasn’t wasting their time or my own time by courting them with examples of my work. Everyone knew what was what.

This week I had two couples make appointments to see me about the same date. The first one came on Saturday. They went away to think about it and left a message on my answer phone on Monday morning to say “We love your photography and want to book you but just need to discuss a few things first”. The groom was from a family whom I had worked with before. I photographed his brother’s wedding in 2002. It felt lovely to be back with a family for a second wedding. I tried to call the first bride back twice that afternoon but only got her answer phone. Just before the second couple were due to come and see me on the Monday evening I phoned the groom in desperation to clarify whether I was booked or not. He said that he was in a meeting and could he phone me back? If he had been in a meeting why had he answered his mobile phone? I said very quickly “Could you kindly confirm that you wish to book me because I have another couple coming to see me now for the same date”. He confirmed, and when I saw the second couple I told them that I had just been booked and showed them the work of my colleague. After much phone tag during the week the first groom phoned today to cancel their booking. In essence the groom didn’t like being interrupted in his meeting when he’d asked if he could phone me back.

So what is the moral of this story? I guess like in the world of the estate agent, a man’s word is not his bond. Unless a deposit is received and a contract is signed, a booking is not a booking.

Last Sunday I photographed Lara & Daniel’s wedding at The Jumeirah Carlton Towers. I always tell prospective couples that money spent on “production” not only transforms a room but forms the backdrop for many of my photographs. The ballroom looked very elegant with the addition of lilac mood lighting and crystal chairs. Everyone always thinks of the flowers, but production can incorporate everything right down to tablecloths and crockery. I have been working with Great Expectations for many years, and with the right budget have seen them transform the blandest of ballrooms into something exquisite.

My heart sinks when I ask a prospective couple the “Who is the toastmaster” question and it is answered with “we don’t want a guy in a red coat so a friend is doing it”. Luckily for me, Lara and Daniel employed the services of another Daniel called Daniel Stollar as the “toastie”, and although he did indeed wear a red coat, the toastmaster doesn’t have to if you would prefer a black jacket or a DJ. David Collins one of London leading toastmasters even told me that at one barmitzvah he had to dress as an accessory from James Bond!
The toastmaster is the one who makes sure that the timings keep on track, and if not, reorganises things to ensure that the event runs smoothly. A good “toastie” will work with me if an extra few minutes are required for family photos (although I rarely run late), and he will also ensure that the photographer and videographer are in place before introducing a speech or other event. Other toast masters I frequently work with are Howard Robins, Steve Warwick and Simon Green.

 Most of the weddings I cover are Jewish weddings. Inevitably the coverage is twelve hours from the bride getting ready until the end of the party. Logistically that means that I eat breakfast and generally don’t get to drink or eat again until the guests are having dinner. So imagine….it is 8.00pm, I am starving and my energy levels are dropping. The guests are tucking in to a banquet which looks and smells divine, and the caterer considers that the vendors are just a nuisance and will be fed when there is time. Remember that the client has paid for the vendors to eat, and contractually they are obliged to offer me a hot meal when attendance is in excess of six hours. They eventually serve us diner but we can’t eat it because we have to go and cover the next set of dancing.
Carol Sobell was the caterer at Lara & Daniel’s wedding. She really spoilt the vendors with food which was exactly the same as that served to the guests. Sometimes we get a “carbohydrate” buffet of lasagne & chips from other caterers. Carol doubly spoilt us because she served us all three courses.

Naturally I can only create good party photos if people are having a blast. Wayne Hart produced the musical entertainment for Lara & Daniel, and his band kept the crowd moving and grooving all night.