How should an American photographer go about getting wedding business in Ireland?

I am an American children's and wedding photographer. I would love to shoot a wedding (actually many weddings!) in Ireland, but I am not sure how to go about advertising. Any suggestions?

How should an American photographer go about getting wedding business in Ireland?
Well before you look into advertising %26amp; all that you have to look into how you can legally work in Ireland. You had said you were American rather than someone holding dual American %26amp; an EU nation citizenship so as such you do not have automatic rights to work. Look into this first, it would be terrible to spend lots of money on advertising only to find out you couldn't do it!





If you are only planning on going over occasionally to shoot rather than moving over completely it may not be to bad but definitely for your own sake look into it first.





Good luck!
Reply:So I guess you want to move to Ireland... First get a visa. It won't be easy to get a job with a photography studio so I suggest you set up your own business.


Register your business name - you can do it online on www.cro.ie.


You'll have to open a bank account and you'll need your passport and a proof of address (a utility bill for example). So make sure that if you rent a room in an apartment at least one utility bill is on your name.


Then register for tax - form TR1 downloadable on www.revenue.ie.


You can start a website for half nothing - there are plenty of web hosting companies at very competitive rates (just google it) and if you can't do it yourself have a professional design a brochure website for you. An average rate is 50 euro per hour.


Then start advertising online... search engine optimization is free, you just need to optimize your website (there are plenty of books on the topic if you don't know anything about it). You can also go for a pay-per-click campaign with AdWords and AdSense in Google. Advertise on sector magazines (both online and in print)... just see what's available at any newsagents, or google it. You can also try to make deals with hotels that host weddings. In Ireland people have their wedding party in hotels, so they could recommend you, or include your service as part of the package.
Reply:Make sure you check this website





http://www.entemp.ie/
Reply:we don't need the competition , stay at home, :)

practice dance shoes

How many sizes can a wedding dress be taken in without messing it up?

I'd like to go down a size or two before my wedding. I've already bought the dress. How much can it be taken in? It's a sleeveless dress that's fitted around the chest and waist area.

How many sizes can a wedding dress be taken in without messing it up?
I think if you've already bought the dress then don't lose too much - you must look beautiful in it as you are otherwise you wouldn't have wanted to buy it so much.
Reply:Most likely if it is just a size or two then it should be just fine.





Since it is your wedding dress (which is probably the most important dress ever!!!) you should take it to a place that does alterations, and have them look at it so you can get a professional opinion.





Wherever you do take it, CHOOSE WISELY, I have heard horror stories of ruined wedding dresses b/c of the seamstress messing it up with the alterations. Try taking it to a bridal store so you know you are getting experienced help. I do know that when my friend got her dress from david's bridal they had a seamstress on site to do her alterations, so check out some bridal shops or places that specialize in formal attire.





Also make sure you will get it back in plenty of time for the wedding, you wouldn't want to be trying to go get it the day before and find out something is wrong with it! I say give it week at least.





Best of luck for your big day!!!
Reply:I'd say 1-2 sizes is fine. Mine was taken in that much. You may want to take it to a good tailor and try it on for her and ask her. It will depend on the dress.
Reply:Two words - custom tailoring. The only way to get clothes that really fit, darling.

I am singing in a wedding next year and am looking for song suggestions. Any ideas?

It is the wedding of a close family friend and i would like to sing something really beautiful. My voice is a mezzo-soprano/alto, and ANY ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou.

I am singing in a wedding next year and am looking for song suggestions. Any ideas?
Elton John - My song


When you say nothing at all


One hand one heart - west side story


Ave Maria


All I ask of you - Lloyd webber


The rose


The wind beneath my wings


Love changes everything - Lloyd webber


an you feel the love tonight - lion king


Evergreen - Will Young


Someone to watch over me - Gershwin


Embraceable You


The Man I Love


Come what may - Moulin Rouge


A whole new world - aladin


Unexpected Song - broadway musical song


Tonight - west side story


Music of the night


Out of my dreams


How do I live?


Kissing You (Love Theme Romeo %26amp; Juliet)


Because You Loved Me


Everything I Do, I Do It For You


Bridge Over Troubled Water
Reply:DONT SING AVE MARIA. How about "O for the Wings of a Dove" by Stainer?
Reply:How lovely. Find out what their favourite romantic song is and sing that for them, they would love it!!
Reply:If the wedding is in a church why not sing the Hymn 'shine Jesus Shine' it is one the most beautiful hymns. For the music you could ask the organist and he should be able to provide you with both the music and the words - and obviously play the music for you.
Reply:There are more good songs than I could possibly list.





Are you singing at the ceremony or the reception? Does your friend prefer classical, contemporary, standards, etc?





You need to get your friend's choices. Then find one that works well with your voice.





Good luck.
Reply:Well, it might help if I knew, or you knew your friend's music preferences. I think that, despite voice description, you could sing anything. My suggestions are Keeper Of The Stars,


Lifestyles Of The Not So Rich And Famous (both are by Tracy Byrd), Had The Time Of My Life (from the original Dirty Dancing), Pink Flamingos, The First Step Is The Two Steop (both are by Tracy Byrd), and I'll Be There. Forive me, but the original singer's name, is eluding me. But I know it.
Reply:This is why i'm hot by Mims.
Reply:'Where did you get that hat'?
Reply:The songs "You raised me up"


or "I don't wanna miss a thing"





lovely dongs ecpecially for a wedding
Reply:I love I do off the dreamgirls sound track
Reply:"L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole


"Lost in This Moment" by Big %26amp; Rich


"Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley


"A Love That Will Last" by Renée Olstead


"A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson


"The Power of Love" by Céline Dion





Hope this helps!
Reply:Wonderful tonight - eric clapton
Reply:If it's in a church, why not sing a hymn. "Fight the good fight" perhaps.
Reply:i will always love you
Reply:`The impossible dream` from the man from lamancha





`lord of all hopefullness` 8th century irish hymn, most haunting and very beautiful.





Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,


Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares can destroy,


Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,


Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.





Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,


Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,


Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,


Your strength in our hearts, Lord at the noon of the day.





Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,


Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,


Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,


Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.





Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,


Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,


Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,


Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.
Reply:that's how you know it's love...deana carter it's really pretty and i am not even a country fan
Reply:milkshake
Reply:when you say you love me, an amazingly romantic song by Josh Groban, have no sound on my computer so i hope this clip is right
Reply:Amazing Grace
Reply:Well it depends what sort of wedding they want to have, also it's based on there personalities and what types of music they like, i recommend songs about love and happiness something like Kelly Clarkson's 'Since U Been Gone' probably won't be appropriate. How about Avril Lavigne 'When Your Gone' or Wet Wet Wet 'Love is all around me' %26lt;--- I definitly recommend that one, i can always send it to you if you can't get ahold of it. Another good site to go to is


http://mag.weddingcentral.com.au/music/s...


How about I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU by Whitney Houston Leona Lewis (eck) or Dolly Parton


Many suggestions on the website
Reply:well try something romantic, look in google for love songs.


www.romantic-lyrics.com click on wedding songs on the left hand side. they have songs such as a moment like this etc.
Reply:A Moment Like This By Kelly Clarkson / Leona Louis
Reply:we've only just begun (carpenters)
Reply:I used to love her, Guns and roses.
Reply:this is maybe not the right sort of song your looking for but Time of Your Life (Good Riddance) by Greenday is a really nice song i would sing that probably if it was me..emm cant think of anymore atm but if i do ill answer again later





good luck! xx
Reply:Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler)


For All We Know (Carpenters)


West Side Story-One Hand, One Heart
Reply:nice!


1. All that I need - boyzone


2. Because u loved me - Celine Dion


3. You are so beautiful - Joe Cocker


4. I could not ask for more - Edwin McCain


5. From this moment - Shania Twain


6. I do, cherish you - 98 degress


7. Grow old with you - Adam Sandler


8. I finally found someone - Barbra Striesand
Reply:Ask the wedding guest to join you in "Onward Christian Soldgers"

How can I take professional wedding photos?

I've been asked to take photos at a friends wedding reception. I'm not a professional photographer, but I do enjoy photography and have a Canon 20D camera with the standard 18x55 Canon lens, and a 28x200mm Zoom lens. I don't have any additional flash equipment, just what I stated here. The reception will be at dusk/night time. I want to get mainly candids, but I'd like them to be as professional as possible. Any tips or suggestions to think about?

How can I take professional wedding photos?
Shooting at dusk/night is a hard task for a novice wedding photographer.. It is very unlikely that you will get images that look truly professional, but you can give it your best effort. Just make sure the couple understand what they are getting, and make sure your friendship will be all right if the photos aren't.





First. get a Canon flash, and a bracket if you can to reduce red eye. If you can't afford a fast f/2.8 zoom, then use the lenses you have. The 18-55 will probably be the most useful and have the best image quality, although I am not familiar with Canon lenses, but definitely the 18 end will be necessary.





Is it indoors or out? Visit the venue before hand if possible. Take someone with you and practice a few shots. Note the camera settings and chimp for adjustments. If the reception is outdoors, you can practice anywhere at the same time of day. Make lots of shots and learn what setting make the best looking picture. The key here is practice. Learn how to meter for the sky and compensate your flash output.





If indoors, learn about using bounce flash and practice that. (You will have to have an external flash for that, the built in won't bounce.) You might also want to research diffusers, but you will need some practice with those, too.





Learn about a technique called dragging the shutter and practice that as well. A good resource is www.photo.net. Go to the wedding and social event forum and search the archives for first time and beginner threads.





Vary your point of view. Get some wide and some close. Don't forget to take some pictures of the details, the flowers, cake, special touches. Be careful when taking pictures of people eating. No one looks good while stuffing a forkful in their mouth or chewing. Also watch the table clutter.





If you are comfortable using manual, then do so. If you are not certain what settings do what, then you will probably be better off using the program mode. Be aware, program mode with direct flash equals deer in headlight snapshots that any guest with a point and shoot will be able to deliver.





Wedding photography is partly about gear and technique, but it is also about timing and capture. If you get some great emotion captured in your images, then you can consider your first wedding venture a success on that level. I have seen many "pro" images, although perfectly lit and executed, that have no life or emotional impact.





Good luck !
Reply:I assume you are doing this for free. If so, let your friend know that with the equipment you have it is not possible to get the best photos because of light. I don't know what a professional photographer would cost but you could ask your friend to pay you half the difference of a professional photographer if they want better pictures. You can use the money to buy the equipment (try used equipment). I personally would not volunteer to do it because it puts a lot of pressure on you and it takes away time for you to enjoy the wedding. If you really want to do this, maybe because it gives you the opportunity to test your skills out or you really will enjoy doing this, then just set the expectations out clearly to your friends so they are not disapointed and you are not blamed for it if anything goes wrong. good luck!
Reply:The above posters gave you lots of advice on whether or not you should be the primary photographer. I would like to give you the information you need to make it an awesome shoot, regardless of your inexperience or equipment limitations.





There are a few different ways to shoot a wedding. One of the more familiar is the traditional shoot, where the photographer takes specific shots (bride down aisle, bride %26amp; groom @ altar, exchanging of rings, first kiss, etc.) as well as posed portraits and group photos of the bride, groom, party %26amp; family.


With the surge in digital photography, as well as the variety of wedding styles, more couples are moving towards photo-journalistic styles for wedding photography. This involves the photographer mingling with and blending into the event %26amp; capturing all the moments.


This style can also incorporate some of the posed portraits %26amp; group photos, but they may be looser in composition.





Given your equipment %26amp; experience listed above, I would suggest that you take photos in the photo-journalistic style. Speak with the couple ahead of time %26amp; find out what specific moments they want captured. Get a schedule of the ceremony %26amp; events so you know what is happening when %26amp; can plan on being there to cature it. In addition, find out what the couple would like done in regards to the posed photos. Many times friends %26amp; family are in from out of town, and specific shots are hoped for.





I personally shot photos at my fathers wedding last year. His wife's nephew took the pre-determined portraits %26amp; group photos, %26amp; I walked around capturing the 'moments'. The resulting photo album I was able to put together was wonderful, and really told the 'story' of the day. (my camera was a Rebel XT with 18-55 mm %26amp; 75-300 mm, on-camera flash, %26amp; iPhoto basic editing post-shoot)





My tips to you:


1. Make sure you have an editing software that you can use to tweak, fix and modify the images. If you dont have any, an affordable product is Photoshot Elements, if you are shooting JPEG.


2. If you have the memory capacity (no less than 2G, 4G preferred), -and- you have an editing software that will support it, I would suggest you shoot in the RAW format. This will give you far greater control over the exposure of the images and can help to compensate for some of the lack of/intensity of the lighting conditions. (If you want to take a large number of pictures in order to capture it all, you can use RAW for the important shots, such as the ceremony %26amp; JPEG for the numerous shots of everyone @ the reception having fun.)


3. I was able to make some of my photos very professional looking with simple tools such as a tight crop post-shoot, or desaturization of the image into a B%26amp;W.


4. When I had time, I walked around %26amp; captured unique shots of the ceremony %26amp; reception locations, such as the flowers, cake, windows.





In addition to this, take some time to go to the bookstore or browse the internet for tips %26amp; examples of wedding photography. You will be amazed at all the different ways you can successfully shoot a wedding!
Reply:Make sure to take a sturdy tripod, that way you can take the evening shots and capture the ambient light without using the flash.





You can take romantic shots with the sun going down maybe if your lucky to catch it low in the sky you can have them kissing with them in the center of the sun with the firery colors surounding them.





As you said your hobby is photography as is mine so you already know that the most important elements are how you use color and light to your advantage.





If you have some filters you may want to use them like a defuser to make the pictures dreamy, if not you can use other things like jell paper for colours, a nylon ( real nylon not pantyhose) over the lens, it creates a prism effect of the light and doesn't distort the subject, there are all kinds of things you can use, look around the house and play with them over the lens before the wedding date so you know what you can bring to enhance the pictures.





I have the Canon Rebel XT so I don't know you yours has the same features as mine but mine has built in filters, one is sepia and another is black and white, and a few more, you can use them also. Black and white can be very dramatic for a wedding photo as can sepia. Just play around with things before the big day, you will be fine.





By the way, you may want to look into the cokin filters, you can use them with multiple lenses, it comes with a holder for each lens size and the filters drop into the holders so you only need one set of filters, they are amazing.





Happy Clicking!
Reply:Weddings, as said before, are not just about candids. Im doing my first wedding coming up, and if you go to your local barnes and nobles, theres a book about professional wedding techniques...it gives you MANY MANY ideas about what shots are needed/wanted at weddings. Also, talk to your wedding couple and see what pictures THEY want...YOU might want candids, but I'm pretty sure they would enjoy some nice portraits of them with their family.
Reply:Get a BIG external flash such as a Metz, the Canon flashes don't have nearly enough power to photograph a wedding reception unless it's a very very small wedding. You will need an add-on diffuser on the flash to soften the light so you don't get harsh shadows, and it requires a lot of flash power to give enough diffused light to cover a group of people. Also get a flash bracket that lets you reposition the flash when you shoot either horizontal or vertical format so the flash is still beside and above the lens.





Shoot in RAW mode so your photos can be adjusted to get the best results possible. Anyone who shoots weddings in jpeg is shortchanging the bridal couple, even if they don't charge for the photos.





I agree with the answerer who suggested you decline the invitation. This should be a once-in-a-lifetime event for the couple, and it is a shame to not have a professional with experience shoot the wedding.
Reply:hey man....it should be easy enough...sounds like you have a professioonal enough camera...but the flash is going to be the biggest thing..you need to get a high powered flash...which really shouldnt cost more than a couple hundred...





the most expensive part might be if yoiu set up the individual photo area...for this u might wanna look on ebay and see if you can find the whole light and background set-up....
Reply:Without flash equipment, plus without wedding shooting experience, you would be doing the bridal couple a favor by declining. Wedding photography of any kind isn't just about shooting candids: you need to be able to know exactly how weddings and receptions are officiated and run. Plus the fact that you've got to have the equipment and the experience to do the job. It's not just about where you point the camera. You have to know how to get the subjects at their best during what is, at least, a very trying and difficult day.


Best to get a professional, and watch carefully what they do. After watching about 5-10 weddings and the photographers, you MIGHT be ready to start shooting on your own.
Reply:My guess is that your friends are too poor to afford the $5000 to get a professional photographer to shoot their wedding.





Get one of Canon's new flash units and put it on your 20D. Take both lenses with you and you will be able to cover all the shots.





When I shoot events, I sometimes turn off the flash and set my ISO to 3200 and shoot that way. The resulting images catch the lighting as it is and can make some nice candid images because your flash will not be going off and people will become less aware of a camera getting photos of everyone.





The best case is to work for a wedding photographer as an assistant for a while to learn all the shots that are expected by brides and their mothers.

What to wear to a wedding just 12 days after delivering my baby?

We will be flying just 8 days after I have her, and the wedding is 12 days after. It will be hotter than i am used to in FL, I have no idea what to wear. I defently wont feel very attrictive no matter what I wear.

What to wear to a wedding just 12 days after delivering my baby?
I am plus size and went to a wedding about 2 weeks after my daughter weas born (in April). It was horrible trying to find something to wear and I swore that I would have a crappy time because I'd feel so uncomfortable. BUT, I did end up finding something (a flowy, light tunic and linen pants) and EVERYONE commented on how great I looked for just having a baby (and truthfully, I didn't look THAT great haha).





I would try to find something light and flowy. You (obviously) don't want anything too tight, but you want something that is stylishly loose so you don't have to be concerned about things poking, sticking or bubbling out. Haha. I am a BIG fan of tunics, because they do just that and there are TONS that are very stylish and classy. I also would wear kitten heels. Just a little something to add some height will make your posture straighter and really make you feel more confident.
Reply:Halle Berry wore spanx to an event under a dress she had on and it slimmed her tummy beautifully....He tummy still pouches b/c she is breastfeeding exclusively, and was seen earlier that day with her tummy and breasts in fullness....Which was nice...She is a new mom too like any other women!





However, if you want to take your baby out thats your business, but I wouldn't leave the baby! Also, people will understand that you just had a baby and will be amazed if you are already out and about!





Also, don't be disappointed if you do not feel well enough or eager enough to leave after you have the baby...it is a nesting time and sure your baby will be fine on the trip, but for yourself, just remember to take it easy....its just a wedding...however, you will just have birthed life!





AS far as clothing, empire waists, yes are very flattering....but I definitely recommend spanx....unless the baby is with you people may think you are still preggo (But DO NOT be offended if this is the case)...EVERYONE makes this mistake from time to time.....it takes a while for uterus to shrink from the size of a small-medium watermelon, back to the size of a baseball......whether you are brestfeeding or not...Hopefully you will to increase the process....Try to have a vaginal (vs a selective c-section), or all bets are off!
Reply:poor you!! if that was me I'd be wearing a house coat!! I'd wear a maternity skirt and top!! something form when you were 5 months should fit then!! unless you are super lucky and you lose all your baby weight fast and I hope you do!! But you really wont be thinking about how attractive or unattractive you feel cause you are going to have the most perfect baby to ever grace this earth with you! and you get to show her off, no one will even notice what you are wearing!! you could go to family dollar in florida (they have them everywhere) and buy a decent outfit for cheap, and it will suit the weather!! good luck and congrats on the baby girl...soon





ps make sure you pack a nice fluffy pillow to sit on for your flight!
Reply:stick with the same style you wore while you were pregnant (just not quite as big), I know a lot of people that wore their maternity clothes for a bit after they gave birth.


Get something that is light wt material and flowy, not warm and clingy.


oh and wear great heels and get your hair and makeup done so you feel really good. Even visiting the spa for a facial and nails or massage the day before may help you to feel more attractive even you are still holding on to some extra weight.


Have fun!
Reply:Do you HAVE to go to the wedding?? Flying with an 8day old is not the best idea. If you do HAVE to go...wear a light summer dress. Nobody will care what you are wearing. Just the fact that you traveled so soon after having baby will impress (or scare) them. You should ask your doctor if this is a good decision for you and baby!!
Reply:Honestly, I would just wear a maternity dress. Your belly will still be out of shape and this way you can hide it all under the loose material.





Also, I highly recommend getting a pair of Spanx (best spandex undergarment ever made) to wear under your outfit.
Reply:Try wearing a body shaper. It will give u a temporary fix and alot of time it will slim u down at least two sizes in ur midsection. You can find them as low as 20 buck at tjmaxx or marshalls. Or if you have enough time Look up squeen body shaper online, it will actually help reshape your form after the pregnancy. Good luck, and remember you have a new blessing so your beautiful no matter what!!!
Reply:Well since your going so soon after having a baby..I would suggest still a maternity dress or a nursing dress...a simple sun dress would be okay with some flat shoes...





http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do...


Something like his would be good for FL heat(I live in central FL)find a nice pair of flats to go with it and your good to go
Reply:I would wear something like this: http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do... and then a comfy, flowy but nicer top like: http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do... with some ballet flats.
Reply:I wouldn't go to a wedding a week after I had my baby. No matter who it is, they should understand that. Are you planning on taking your newborn on an airplane?
Reply:you cant take a week old baby on an airplane..... but anyway, wear something loose and comfy
Reply:Empire waist, something flowy and that has thin straps. Also, Spanx work wonders after having a baby.
Reply:Anything with an empire waistline or princess seams is very flattering. And you can get support briefs or hose.
Reply:if you have or can get a straight dress...like a tunic style...that would be very flattering.

sports shoes

Where can I buy a wedding album that professional photographers use?

My in-law's wedding album cover is ruined. I want to get them a new wedding album as a 50th wedding anniversary present.

Where can I buy a wedding album that professional photographers use?
I purchase from Perfection Distribution. But a wedding album is not just a wedding album. There are literally hundreds of styles and page designs and photo mount types. My honest opinion is to go to a professional photographer, (who does weddings), and show him / her what you have and let them take it from there. It may be the only way you have to do this right... and will certainly be the best way from a quality standpoint.





But anyway, here is the link to Perfection Distribution:





http://www.perfectiondistributing.com/Me...





steve
Reply:Look on this site.





http://www.rangefindermag.com/index2.tml





There are adverts for those things.
Reply:You can go to a camera store, they sell things like that.
Reply:The best albums are from Art Leather (I've used them for over 30 years). Expensive, but worth the price.
Reply:pat catan's

How long does a wedding planner need to plan a wedding?

I am in the process of developing my own wedding planning business and have got many things worked out except for timing. Just a few questions - how long does a wedding planner need to plan a wedding? Is there a specific amount of time the wedding planner should plan the wedding in? How often should the planner meet with the client and over what length of time? Just anything at all about timing and wedding planning would be great. What is the best way to do it? Also, I am going to be a more budget-friendly planner, not charging heaps so any marketing advice would be helpful too. Anything you know is much appreciated. Thanks!

How long does a wedding planner need to plan a wedding?
I only know based on how much time it took to plan my wedding. I had about 200-250 guests, and 3 months was perfect. This was also while I had a full time job, so that is probably a good gauge of how long you should give if you are planning multiple weddings at a time. However, if it's the only wedding you are doing, then you could probably do it in half the time. I did everything myself from food to flowers to decorations, everything.


I would meet with the client once a week at first, when you have a lot of things for them to look at. Then when you get all your questions answered, maybe every 2 weeks.
Reply:Depending on the clients, weddings can be planned in as little as three months. This link is an example of what not to do as a wedding planner. She is from theplanninghouse.com.





http://www.myfoxla.com/myfox/pages/Home/...