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Continuing our Exposure series, this issue
we chat to Kate Barnard of Cowbridge
who tells us a little about her life and
passion for photography.
EXPOSURE
What’s your background?
I’ve loved photography for many years
and because friends knew of my
passion I was constantly asked to take
photographs at their weddings or of
their children. I am so lucky to have
turned my passion into my job
I cover weddings, model portfolios and
lifestyle portraiture, the latter includes
the popular ‘baby and bump’ sessions.
What do you do differently from
other wedding photographers?
The quality of the bride and grooms
experience is paramount and having
beautiful pictures taken on your
wedding day should be fun and
enjoyable. By offering a pre-wedding
shoot clients get to know my friendly,
efficient way of working, confident
they will receive images they love
without missing out on their party.
Even when we go to a venue I am
familiar with, I work hard to ensure the
couple have unique, distinctive
photographs which are then displayed
in a fabulous, modern album.
Do you follow the latest trends?
I think it is very important to move
with the times. I make regular trips to
Annabel Williams for contemporary
photographic training. I am also greatly
inspired by the work of Damien
Lovegrove and Brett Harkness, both of
whom I have also trained with.
Trends in wedding photography are
very much influenced by the USA,
the latest of which is something
called ‘Trash the Dress’ where the
bride literally trashes her dress!
Understandably most brides are
reluctant to walk into the sea or rip
their designer gown, so I have toned
this down to offer the ‘Post-wedding
shoot’ which is proving very popular.
This gives the bride a chance to wear
her dress again after the honeymoon
and have a series of images taken that
we simply wouldn’t have time for on
the wedding day. Beaches, castles,
fields, woodland and favourite cafés
are popular location choices.
This service is free to clients or I offer
it at a small charge if I was not the
wedding photographer.
Any other trends we should be
looking out for?
Pregnancy photography is very popular
at the moment and being a female
photographer helps here for obvious
reasons! Clients are never asked to do
anything they are uncomfortable with
and always comment on how good it
makes them feel about themselves.
This is then followed up with pictures
of the new baby in the first year, all in
the comfort of your own home.
Tell us about your lifestyle
photography.
I offer clients a choice as not
everyone wants studio photographs.
Being outdoors or at home tends to
make people more relaxed and the
images more natural and individual.
I love working outdoors – it can be
challenging but very rewarding –
and we are certainly spoilt with the
variety of locations here in the Vale.
When is the best time for a lifestyle
shoot?
Many people think you should wait
for the summer, but with deserted
beaches, a low winter sun, woolly hats,
scarves and children in wellies, we can
get some really lovely pictures at this
time of year.
I am very excited about the bookings I
have for families in bluebell woods this
spring. Any time is fine if you want
something different.
What if the weather is bad?
The weather in Wales can be difficult,
however the only time I had to
reschedule last year was in July! The
weather is rarely so bad we can’t do
photographs at all. I only do one shoot
a day. This way I can be flexible on
timing and give the client my undivided
attention.
What is your work motto?
Exceed client expectations.
What are your plans for 2008?
Hopefully moving as I need more
workspace and a studio as my business
expands. Spring is looking busy with
some special offers – see my website
for details.
Kate Barnard Photography
01656 890202
www.katebarnard.co.uk
Winner in category Child Portraiture
for SWPP monthly image competition
October 2007. |
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