Wedding Photography | Best Wedding Photographer Directory | ISPWP

Real Wedding | Ukai Toriyama | Tokyo Wedding Photographer Tomoko Nakagawa

Joe Milton — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:11:09 +0000

Wedding Photographer: Tomoko Nakagawa, Tokyo Wedding Photographer
Ceremony and Reception Location: Ukai Toriyama, Tokyo, Japan
Wedding Date: October 9, 2011
Client Names: Osami & Mamiko

Real Wedding Description
The wedding was celebrated in the beautiful woods at the base of Mt. Takao (countryside of Tokyo). During the fantastic party it was a wonderful time for the bride and groom who were smoothed with a lot of smiles and unforgettable meals, sweets and wine. Even though time will pass quickly for each in its own life, in all likelihood, it will be an unforgettable memory for everyone. I’d like to say them “Congratulations!”

Wedding Photographer Contact Information
Tomoko Nakagawa | Tokyo wedding photographer, ISPWP Member
Website: EastereEgg Bridal Photo Service | Email: nakagawa@easteregg.co.jp | Phone: 03-3796-1085

Real Wedding | Westfields Golf Club, Clifton VA | Baltimore Wedding Photographer Dennis Drenner

Joe Milton — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:44:29 +0000

Wedding Photographer: Dennis Drenner, Baltimore Wedding Photographer
Ceremony Location: Centreville United Methodist Church, Centreville, Virginia
Reception Location: Westfields Golf Club, Clifton Virginia
Wedding Date: October 13, 2013
Client Names: Stephanie and Billy

Real Wedding Description
Stephanie and Billy were married on a perfect October day at the Centreville United Methodist Church with a reception at the Westfields Golf Club. The pastor was a family friend, which made the ceremony particularly special. At the reception, Stephanie and Billy showed off some impressive dance moves (Stephanie used to dance professionally).

Wedding Photographer Contact Information
Dennis Drenner | Baltimore wedding photographer, ISPWP Member
Website: Dennis Drenner Photographs | Email: dennis@dennisdrenner.com | Phone: (301) 437-6972

Real Wedding | Chadeau De Canon, Mezidon-Canon | Brussels Wedding Photographer Ivo Popov

Joe Milton — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:18:10 +0000

Wedding Photographer: Ivo Popov, Brussels, Belgium Wedding Photographer
Ceremony Location: L’église du Sacré-Coeur, Le Havre, France
Reception Location: Chadeau De Canon, Mezidon-Canon, France
Wedding Date: June 23, 2012
Client Names: Jennifer and Jesse

Real Wedding Description
This was one of the most amazing destination weddings i have ever shot! We had a beautiful weather and the reception was at the magnificent Chateau de Canon in Mezidon-Canon, France. The groom, Jesse Bonanno, a very good singer wrote the song for the first dance. So nice! The church ceremony was held in the city of Le Havre. I am truly honoured that they chose me to be their wedding photographer!

Wedding Photographer Contact Information
Ivo Popov | Brussels wedding photographer, ISPWP Member
Website: Ivo Popov Photography | Email: ivo.popov@gmail.com | Phone: 0032 483 043 233

Israel Wedding Photographer Arnold Szmerling | ISPWP Member Spotlight

Joe Milton — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:09:43 +0000

For today’s ISPWP member spotlight, we feature Israel wedding photographer Arnold Szmerling of Arnold Szmerling International Photographers.

Arnold Szmerling Bio:

After having been trained and mentored by Australia’s elite photographers Arnold became the youngest most highly awarded photographer by The Australian Institute of Professional Photographers. With a no compromise attitude, Arnold has been and still is motivated by giving the best, with full heart, to those whom appreciate that photography is a true art form. As a result of his strict discipline to remain true to himself, he has pursued clients with the same passion for great photography.

How did you get your start and why did you choose wedding photography as a career?

Since I remember I have always loved photography. I came across this photo recently and realized I was destined to a photographer from an early age. I received my first camera at the age of 7 and remember taking it to my first summer youth camp, where I captured moments depicting life over the summer. During my teens my father gave me his SLR and this was the catalyst to develop my technical skills and experiment photographing various subjects. At the age of 16, I received my break and joined on a casual basis, the most successful wedding & portrait studio in Melbourne, Australia. This was my entry into the wedding industry. I commenced assisting predominately in the film department and later became the first assistant for the principal Michael Warshall. In no time I was surrounded by top photographers in the industry attending various seminars, training sharing ideas with them. Michael took on the role as my mentor and educator. In a very short time I was appointed the cinematographer for the studio and concurrently trained as a stills photographer under Michael. He would often refer to me as his protégé. After submitting prints at the annual AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photographers) Awards I became the youngest most highly awarded photographer in Australia at 22. In 1995 I commenced my own photography business and in 2008 launched our business in Israel.

What are some of your favourite local venues?

Moving to Israel became the springboard to increasing my international clientele. Jerusalem is a magnet for weddings and I take pleasure in photographing them in the holy city. I love Jerusalem’s ancient architecture and streetscape of action and diversity of visitors. Jerusalem has some very swank hotels such as Mamilla and the great icon The King David Hotel. The King David recently underwent renovations and their rooms have an art deco feel. The wedding of Lihi and Tomer is a great example also featuring the YMCA across the road. Soon to be completed is the Waldorf Astoria which I am looking forward to photograph in. Tel Aviv is the total flip side of Jerusalem, a modern city on the sea rather than an ancient city on a hill. Lonely Planet has included Tel Aviv as one of the world’s top ten beach cities. There is Old Jaffe on the south side, which is a very popular destination for bride and grooms to be photographed, and at the north end is of course the trendy Tel Aviv Port. There are many reception venues and hotels in the area and which also make a great combination for photographic possibilities. Here are some examples of weddings in Jerusalem: Tiia and Joona, Justin and Mark. Other weddings I have captured as an Israel Wedding Photographer also can be found in a galleries section.

What advice would you give a bride who is looking for a wedding photographer?

As far as the photographer’s technical abilities are concerned make sure you are shown a variety of complete weddings from beginning to end, not just a folio of images across a selection of different weddings. Make certain the photographer is forthright with exactly what you are receiving. Once these things have been satisfied it is imperative you have a connection with your photographer, as he or she will be spending the whole day with you. Personally, if I feel I haven’t connected with a couple I will not take on the assignment.

What kinds of weddings do you love to photograph?

I enjoy the variety of clients and their unique weddings so it is difficult to narrow what I prefer. I do enjoy more intimate events without the “rent a crowd” some people may have with over 600 guests.

How important is it to hire an experienced wedding photographer?

It is more important to hire a skilled photographer who has mastered his craft.

Do you do “destination weddings?” If so, what are your favourite destinations?

I have photographed destination weddings and look forward to increasing this side of the business. When I lived in Melbourne, Australia one wedding, which stands out, took place in a popular resort called Sanctuary Cove which is very close to Port Douglas in Queensland. It was a three-day event where Pip Mushin, actor, director and film producer married Bindy Edelman a portrait photographer at the time. We took pre-wedding photos at the spa resort the day before. The ceremony the next day took place on the beach in the shade under these huge palm trees. The following evening they held an intimate dinner on the beach for their guests whom all flew up for the event. The atmosphere during the entire time was utopia. Now living in Israel it feels I am 24/7 at a “destination” location. As an Israel Wedding Photographer I now find many of my clients are flying from around the world to be married here. Living in such a central location I see opportunities to photograph in Europe while remaining competitive in pricing.

How would you describe your style of photography?

My repertoire expands from the Rembrandt classic, the Hollywood glamour, Lifestyle reportage and the popular Pure Candid grab shot. This stems from learning classical portraiture and over the years incorporating my own interpretation through experience and further training. A common attribute and theme you see in my images is the ability to capture my subjects “Neshama” which is one’s spirit, soul or inner-self. When you look at my wedding stories you quickly absorb who the bride and groom are.

Do you offer albums? If so, describe the albums you offer and why you think it’s important to provide albums.

We do offer albums and photo books as part of our complete service. Our products are sourced from different countries to enable us to offer our clients’ the best albums worldwide at various budgets. I also developed the worlds’ most exclusive “Platinum Album”, inspired by the Cinema viewing experience. We recently sourced a close alternative for budget minded clients.

I feel it is important to offer a complete service and our clients have piece of mind they will end up with a quality artistic album stress free. All they have to do is choose their favourite images and we will do the rest. Some clients even prefer us to choose the images particular for their second or third functions (not weddings). Also statistically, I have found couples who only receive files never do anything with them. Photography was always intended to end up in print form and I believe it still applies today.

What (or who) inspires you?

No doubt cinema is a huge influence for inspiration for both composition and lighting techniques. I have always considered myself a movie buff and approach my locations as a movie set.

I frequently refer back to the greats including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Doisneau, Jeanloup Sieff, Horst P. Horst and Helmut Newton.

I also have to mention my artistic mentor and friend Peter Van Der Veer whom nurtured my talent to the level it is today. Peter was a student of Athol Shmith together with Bill Henson. Peter’s level of understanding and knowledge is a rare find.

What would you say was the biggest reason for your success?

My initial success has been attributed “to the jobs I didn’t do”. With a no compromise attitude, I have and still am motivated by giving the best, with full heart, to those whom appreciate that photography is a true art form. As a result of this strict discipline to remain true to myself, I pursue clients with the same passion for great photography and enjoyment of life.

What are the biggest challenges facing wedding photographers today?

I believe the major challenge to wedding photographers applies to all photographers in general. In most countries to work even as a plumber or electrician, one has to be licensed. The photography industry has no such filter mechanism and anyone with a camera can call himself or herself a photographer and believe it.

With the advent of digital technology, some skills relating to post production has become accessible to the public and no longer monopolized by professional photographers. Instagram is one example of this.

The upside: photography has become more cool then ever before and people’s appreciation of photography as an art form is at an all time high.

In my opinion, the middle market has wasted away and photographers are enjoying success both in the mass volume end and exclusive markets.

The key for success is to specialize in a particular area of photography and identify one’s own niche.

How do you think or would like people to describe you?

He is serious about his profession and committed to excellence. Easy going, gentle natured, loves life and caring. Just a good guy.

Why do you think people turn to you to photograph their weddings?

No doubt they love my work. However, I feel it is much more than that. My clientele’ seek quality and value for their investment. I am not the only photographer offering this level of service. So it really comes down to the connection I make with my clients. In a nutshell they “get it”, that I am only interested in servicing their best interests first. At the end of the day, you are only as good as your last job.

If you weren’t a wedding photographer, what would you be?

A photographer. I feel this was my destiny. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

How has your extensive experience in wedding photography helped you in difficult circumstances on a wedding day?

Sure, it’s quite normal for the families to be a bit nervous on the wedding day. Participants may have mixed emotions and sometimes not everything goes to plan. I often am able to bring calmness to the situation and assist because of my experience. I also offer a photography concierge service to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day and the pressure is taken from the bride and groom and their respective families.

Examples of what we have done is last minute dress making repairs, diffusing misunderstandings, coordinating with other vendors so everything plans on time in a smooth fashion.

All in all, we want to make it the most enjoyable experience for our clients.

Thanks for the interview Arnold! Use the comment section below to ask him a question or leave a comment.

Contact Information:
Arnold Szmerling, Israel Wedding Photographer
Website: Arnold Szmerling International Photographers | Email: pr@asip.co | Phone: +972527342775

Real Wedding | Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl, St. Moritz | Milan Wedding Photographer Franco Milani

Joe Milton — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:19:43 +0000

Wedding Photographer: Franco Milani, Milan, Italy Wedding Photographer
Ceremony and Reception Location: Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl, St. Moritz
Wedding Date: October 8, 2012
Client Names: Jennifer and Derrick

Real Wedding Description
A wedding in a picturesque Swiss landscape.

Wedding Photographer Contact Information
Franco Milani | Milan wedding photographer, ISPWP Member
Website: Franco Milani Photographer | Email: info@francomilani.com | Phone: 0039 035370302

Real Wedding | Bucharest Wedding Photographer Relu Calota

Joe Milton — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:57:32 +0000

Wedding Photographer: Relu Calota, Bucharest, Romania Wedding Photographer
Ceremony Location: Calarasi
Reception Location: Bucharest
Wedding Date: July 24, 2012
Client Names: Mihaela & Marius

Real Wedding Description
Even wedding photographers, when getting married, are photographed. Mihaela and Marius, my good friends and photographers at PhotoONE, were brave enough to entrust me with the task of photographing their wedding, for a real reportage. And I was stubborn enough to photograph differently, meaning I would only shoot reflections on different surfaces and refractions through various environments. I initially intended to obtain a story of their wedding with this new approach but then realized it was not 100% doable. However, it can stand as an example, based on images from only one wedding, for the difference between reflection and refraction.
What we see and any photograph that we take are the results of refracted light. When we try to photograph through a window, through a curtain, through any other environment…that’s refraction, the light pushes through that environment.
The reflection is the return of light from a surface.

Wedding Photographer Contact Information
Relu Calota | Bucharest wedding photographer, ISPWP Member
Website: Relu Calota Photography | Email: info@fotonunti.ro | Phone: +40 723214869

Real Wedding | Koh Samui, Thailand | Tel Aviv Wedding Photographer Yaniv Sofer

Joe Milton — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:01:40 +0000

Wedding Photographer: Yaniv Sofer, Tel Aviv, Israel Wedding Photographer
Ceremony and Reception Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Trash the Dress Session: Koh Samui, Thailand
Wedding Date: July 24, 2012
Client Names: Miri & Haim

Real Wedding Description
Miri and Haim were an amazing couple. In Thailand we took trash the dress photos and the wedding was in Israel. 450 guests danced till morning.

Wedding Photographer Contact Information
Yaniv Sofer | Tel Aviv wedding photographer, ISPWP Member
Website: Yaniv Sofer Photojournalist | Email: weddings@yanivsofer.com | Phone: +972506110611

Wedding Photographer Contact Information
Yaniv Sofer | Tel Aviv wedding photographer, ISPWP Member
Website: Yaniv Sofer | Email: weddings@yanivsofer.com | Phone: +972506110611

Real Wedding | Far Eastern Plaza | Taipei Wedding Photographer Vincent Ng

Joe Milton — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:40:29 +0000

Wedding Photographer: Vincent Ng, Taipei Wedding Photographer
Ceremony and Reception Location: Far Eastern Plaza Taipei
Wedding Date: December 23, 2012

Real Wedding Description
This was a very classic wedding in Taiwan nowadays. You can find all the elements of a “Good” wedding for wedding photography. Fun, emotion, diversity, the love between parents and their children. It very much touched my heart.

Wedding Photographer Contact Information
Vincent Ng | Taipei, Taiwan wedding photographer, ISPWP Member
Website: Yan Mu Photography | Email: vin313@gmail.com | Phone: +886-0922-566302

Real Wedding | Hilton Resort Bora Bora | Tahiti Wedding Photographer Helene Havard

Joe Milton — Sun, 12 May 2013 09:05:22 +0000

Wedding Photographer: Helene Havard, Tahiti Wedding Photographer
Ceremony and Reception Location: Hilton Resort Bora Bora
Wedding Date: April 4, 2013
Client Names: Mr and Mrs Chersakov

Real Wedding Description
A simple traditional ceremony organized by the hotel.

Wedding Photographer Contact Information
Helene Havard | Tahiti wedding photographer, ISPWP Member
Website: Helene Havard Photography | Email: helenehavard@hotmail.fr | Phone: (+689) 325 801

Real Wedding | Casablanca Manor, Pretoria | Gauteng, South Africa Wedding Photographer Darrell Fraser

Joe Milton — Sun, 12 May 2013 08:01:24 +0000

Wedding Photographer: Darrell Fraser, Gauteng, South Africa Wedding Photographer
Ceremony and Reception Location: Casablanca Manor, Pretoria, South Africa
Wedding Date: February 2, 2013
Client Names: Gianna and Wynand

Real Wedding Description
Gianna and Wynand le Roux’s wedding took place at Casablanca Manor Wedding Venue in Pretoria South Africa. Gianna got dressed at Mooiplaatsie Country Estate very close to the wedding venue early Saturday morning.

Wedding Photographer Contact Information
Darrell Fraser | Gauteng, South Africa wedding photographer, ISPWP Member
Website: Darrell Fraser Photography | Email: info@darrell.co.za | Phone: 27823798370