Archive for the ‘Advice and Information’ Category

From A Different Viewpoint: The Wedding Caterer

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

I like to invite trusted wedding vendors and suppliers to write guest posts on the blog, offering something other than photography for brides to be planning their wedding celebrations. Today Ally Dow from Glasshouse Hospitality has written a few words giving more of an insight into the role of wedding caterers – it isn’t just about the menu! Glasshouse Hospitality are a superb Edinburgh based company with a wealth of experience in organising, planning and delivering stunning weddings, parties and corporate events throughout Scotland. I first met Brian Galbraith, who launched Glasshouse Hospitality, on a ship in Dundee! Brian was onboard organising the ship’s official launch party and events which were to take place the following week in Aberdeen over three days; and I was onboard visiting work colleagues from my previous life working on subsea construction ships in the oil industry.

Photograph of detail from a wedding breakfast table

I was immediately impressed with Brian, the way he works, his passion for delivering the best possible experience, and the care he has for his company and clients. Since that first meeting I have learnt more about Brian’s business and have no hesitation in working with Glasshouse Hospitality and recommending them to my own clients. They plan and deliver superb weddings and events from the small to the extravagant. Each wedding is tailored so that every desire is met and catered for, be it an Asian wedding or a marquee wedding, matrimonials in a castle or on a clifftop. So enough from me, here are a few words from Ally at Glasshouse Hospitality.

From the a different viewpoint: the wedding caterer

The term “wedding caterer” seems somewhat inadequate in describing the reality of what our job actually entails. Far from just dealing with dietary requirements on the day, by the time a lot of our couples tie the knot we feel we know them, having spent hours in the weeks, months (even years) before the wedding helping them choose chair covers and linen, organise flowers, decide on timings, menus, entertainment, venues…

Wedding cake photographed by Louise Beattie Photography

It’s all leading up to one thing, ”the big day” – the wedding. Recognised as one of the most important days of your life, our ultimate role is to make sure everything is perfect so that couples can relax and enjoy it.

Great Hall set for a wedding breakfast

However, once the dancing ends and the whirlwind of wedding madness is over comes the opportunity to relax and reflect on the big day. I think this is where the role of the photographer really complements ours – we aim to create great memories, the photographer aims to capture them. That way great memories can be relived again and again, and all the effort is worth it for the best day  of your life.

Photograph of beautifully covered chair at wedding

I hope that this has given a bit more of a different perspective when planning your wedding. Please let me know what subjects you like for future posts in the comments below.

If you would like to know more about the wedding photography services offered by  Louise Beattie call 01241 815655 or e-mail studio@louisebeattie.com

Do your eyebrows shape up? | Joining forces with Cosmetology in Broughty Ferry

Monday, May 10th, 2010

May promotion with Cosmetology Beauty Salon.

It’s often said that your eyes are the window to your soul. For something so beautiful wouldn’t you want the frame to be perfect?

That’s why Louise Beattie Photography have joined forces with award winning beauty salon Cosmetology of Broughty Ferry, Tayside.

Throughout the month of May, any Cosmetology client that books a course of eyebrow shaping treatment will be entered into a prize draw to win one of my fabulous lifestyle portrait sessions and wall art – with a value of £300 inc. Everyone who books a course of eyebrow shaping treatments will entitled to a 50% reduction on portrait session fees so even if you do not win this fabulous prize you can still enjoy an afternoon with Louise Beattie Photography.

I am passionate about creating stunning portraiture, and producing masterpieces that will become family heirlooms, and would love to photograph you and  your family.

Please take a look at my website  www.louisebeattie.com to view the beautiful and evocative images. If you would like more information call 01241 815655 or e-mail me at louise@louisebeattie.com

What Makes A Great Location For Portrait Photography?

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

What makes a great location for portrait photography?

Just about anywhere! People can be surprised at what makes a great location for portrait photography. I often say that I do not need much space and not to worry about the background as the first thing I will be looking for is the light. It is the light that can make the difference between a good image and a great image. Of course a great setting as well is always good, but there are ways to minimise the background in an image.

Portrait of young woman by Angus based photographer Louise Beattie

What makes a good background? Well that all depends. If we are in a location that has significance or meaning for the client then I will look for ways to incorporate the location which tells that story. From the details that can have so much significance to the bigger picture. If on the other hand we are in a location that has been chosen for other reasons then I will look for texture and and ways to include the location that add to the image in some way – be it graphically or for the beauty of the setting. At the end of the day there are no set rules and the important thing is to show the personality of the subject.

In this image I used a billboard as a background to add interest but it is Lynda’s personality that shines through.

Portraits taken at City Quay, Dundee by photographer Louise Beattie.

Portrait Photography at City Quay in Dundee

Dundee has some great locations for portrait photography, and City Quay is no exception. It is also a good place to visit as it is close to shopping, tourist attractions and good places to eat.

Portrait photography taken at City Quay in Dundee, ScotlandWith a range of locations that can be used to add interest and variety (all of the images in this post were taken at City Quay), I really enjoy taking photographs here and there is a good choice of places for a hot chocolate!

Lynda was a lot of fun to work with and I think that her personality really shines through.

Portrait photography in TaysidePortrait photographs by Angus based photographerPortrait photographer, Louise Beattie, based in Arbroath near TaysideCity Quay, Dundee - a great place for portrait photography

Black and white portrait photograph by Tayside photographer Louise Beattie

If you have enjoyed the photography here you can see more of my work in the portrait section of my website. If you would like to know more about my portrait photography or other photography services give me a call on 01241 815655 or click here to contact me.

Recharge Those Bridal Batteries – Guest Post

Friday, January 15th, 2010

The Wedding Planner

Today I am really happy to introduce a guest blogger. Alison Tinlin, is a wedding planner whose company Plans and Presents is based in Glasgow. Alison offers a wedding planning service throughout Scotland and the UK and has received some great testimonials from very happy brides. After planning her own wedding she realised that she had a flair for organising weddings and events so Plans and Presents was born.

As Alison says “We are all unique and so each event should be unique. I believe that you, the client will benefit form my one-to-one personalised, friendly approach and that fact that your best interests will always be at the forefront. I hope that is reflected in my motto – Your Day, Your Way”.

Tayside wedding photography

So without further ado, I will hand over to Alison….

Recharge Those Bridal Batteries

Sometimes we get so caught up with the finer details of our wedding day that we forget the reason why we are doing it in the first place.

Wedding photography by Tayside & Perthshire photographer

Sometimes there is so much pressure to compete or be unique that love gets forgotton a bit, anyone seen BRIDE WARS ? All our nerves can get frazzled now and then and we can say things in anger, stress and frustration that we don’t really mean.

  • Give yourself time to take stock every now and then.
  • Sit down with your H2B, and just have you and him time.
  • It might be a night out at the cinema, it might be dinner, it might be a cuddle in front of the telly.
  • Its not important where, its just the doing it.

And when we are on the subject of taking stock, take time to consider yourself too.
Bridal and wedding photojournalism by Angus, Dundee, Aberdeen and Perth wedding photographer
Sometimes in the hustle , bustle of party and wedding planning , we sometimes forget ourselves too.
We get so carried away with arrangements and the busy busy busy that we don’t take enough time for ourselves.

I will give you the advice that anybody would , in that it is important to eat well, drink plenty of water, take a little light exercise if you can, and if you think you need it, take a multivitamin.
Once a week, take a night out for you [like you would with date night] and just chill.

Bride and groom relaxing at a European destination wedding

Run a bubble bath, give yourself a home manicure and pedicure, put on a facemask, exfoliate and paint those nails.
Light the candles , have a glass of wine, put on your favourite music and read that trashy romance novel.

Like taking a step back and prioritising the importance of your relationship, you need to do the same thing for yourself.

Bridal photographer Louise Beattie Photography also photographs in the Highlands of Scotland

So much of what Alison says is true, and I can definitely recommend using a wedding planner to help you with one of the most important days in your life.

To find out more about the wedding services offered by Plans and Presents visit the website or contact Alison on +44 (0) 1418806710 or +44 (0) 7969 690 832 and by e-mail: alisontinlin@plansandpresents.vpweb.co.uk.

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, so please leave a comment below or contact me or visit my main website at www.louisebeattie.com

My very own iPhone App

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

I am really excited as today my very own iPhone app went live! And it’s free on the iTunes store. You can now keep up with this blog, my twitter feed and YouTube channel right on your iPhone.

Click here to download the app now.

iPhone app of Louise Beattie Photography

Louise Beattie Photography on the iTunes app store

I have a whole series of videos planned to upload to my YouTube channel so this will be an easy way to keep up with videos from my wedding and portrait photography.

Loading screen of Louise Beattie Photography iPhone app

Louise Beattie Photography app loading screen

It works on iPhones and iPod Touches so head on over to the iTunes store and download it now for an easy way to keep in touch with everything that is happening at Louise Beattie Photography.

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, please leave a comment below or contact me or visit my main website at www.louisebeattie.com