Blog

It’s all about Perception.

THE SITUATION

In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

 

About 4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

At 6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At 10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent – without exception – forced their children to move on quickly.

At 45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.

This experiment raised several questions:

*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?

*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . ..

How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

Enjoy life NOW .. it has an expiration date.

Aug 04, 2011 | Categories: Insights, Ramblings, Viewpoints | Tags: , ,

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT »

Additional lighting : The ‘Salt & Pepper’ to a great image.

I recently attended my third mentoring session with Damian McGillicuddy. It was a strange photography workshop in that I didn’t take a single photo. Instead we talked. Words are good.

Every month we are set homework. Tasks to perform, designed to help us put what we have been told during our session into practice. However more often than not, my homework creates more questions than answers. This month was no exception. During the morning, Damian very patiently answered all the questions that had been unearthed by our recent travails.

More often than not I try desperately to write things down or photograph something – worried that I will forget what I am being told. However, I am understanding that occasionally it’s best to just stop.  Sometimes it’s possible to learn just by speaking and exchanging ideas. It’s brave to just listen.

The characters in our group vary greatly, not only in our levels of expertise and experience – but also in confidence. It would be safe to say that I am rather vocal – but also particularly insecure. I want to learn quickly – whereas others are blessed with patience. Damian recognises this.

This month we are understanding how to modify light; making it harsher or softer, moving it about  and controlling it – you get the general idea. It’s all about manipulation. In doing this successfully we therefore need to equip ourselves with the right tools. The box of tricks seems to grow and grow in correlation with our in-exhaustive desire to learn. Triggers & reflectors, flashes & lightstands, snoots & softboxes, beauty dishes & light meters. I need all this to help me develop my photography and to push the boundaries.

However, I have always stated that I wanted to be a natural light photographer. Secretly this is only because I am terrified of flash. ( There! I said it ).
So, to help me out of my comfort zone, Damian used an analogy to help me recognise that I needed to embrace artificial light – baffles and all.

I am a cook. I have pots & pans, blenders & whisks, knives and umm, a microwave. All of which help me create dishes of varying degrees of complexity and tastiness. However, Damian suggested that if I remove all these accoutrements that assist me  to my culinary greatness and leave me with just the said microwave, I can still feed people. I would be able to provide meals – just not very exciting ones.

As a photographer, natural light allows me to capture lovely images. It is beautiful and in my opinion the most flattering light – but flash and additional light sources tend to add the extra dimension to an image. This is why I attend workshops and mentoring sessions. This is why I read blogs and scour the internet for flashes of brilliance ( s’cuse the pun. )

… and here is my Aha! Moment …

I want to be better at taking photographs and I want my images to be more inspirational …. I don’t want to be a ‘Microwave Photographer’.

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

 

Jun 27, 2011 | Categories: Lifestyle Portrait, Personal Work, Photographers, Ramblings, Training | Tags: , , ,

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT »

Photos to treasure – of your ‘Little Treasures’.

I have a problem … I cannot think of the right word to use. Let me elaborate …

As you are all well aware, I am a Mum of two fantastic teenagers – who, come September are flying the nest and embarking on a new phase of their lives. I am really excited for them … but I am being left behind and will miss them terribly. Don’t get me wrong I am not going to allow myself to crash and burn – I fully intend to embrace my new found freedom. Poor Mike won’t know what’s hit him.

However, I feel that I need to mark this stage in all our lives – so yup – you guessed it – I am going to  photograph it … though I might need some help with the ‘family’ element of the photo shoot.

Like many genres in this industry – we are taking our lead from America, where photography of High School Seniors is a big business. Needless to say, it’s an area of photography that is very close to my heart. Interestingly, many of my clients are thinking along the same lines … having professional photos taken of their offspring, before they officially leave home. It’s an area of photography very much in vogue.

I love creating images like this. I want my ‘seniors’ to look back and realise what an amazing time in their lives this is.  In my portraits, I aim to show not just how these ‘seniors’ look, but also their personalities and how they live. The world really is their oyster with possibilities and opportunities aplenty.

It’s exciting, and ( if I am honest ) a little bit scary.

Personally speaking, I don’t have great images from this time in my life. In fact, the most awful picture of me from such a family portrait session, sits at the back of my parents side board. I had an awful 80′s perm, a raging hangover and what can only be described as a victorian backdrop – complete with potted palm. ( One day, I will pluck up the courage and scan the photo – to prove my point ). That aside – I do wish I had better photos of when I was that age.

I believe it’s important to document the start of the young adult’s journey into the new episode of their lives. ( Rather like the High School year book I guess ). Not just for the present, but for those who follow and want to look back; their children and their children’s children. I take this responsibility as a photographer very seriously. The young person that I am photographing today, will, in time be a parent and a grand parent. Scary huh ?

In some cases, the parents of the teenagers I am photographing do not want to be photographed themselves, using the excuse that they look tired or that they are carrying a few extra pounds. I encourage them to cast aside their own inhibitions, as what ought to be acknowledged, is that these kids want ( some ) pictures of their parents to remember them by. The wrinkles and the extra weight are not important.  What is important is the emotions and the relationships behind these people.

I am here to record a part of history – for everyone.

But I have digressed … again.

The quandry I am in … is what so we call these kids ? As we now know – Americans refer to these youngsters as Seniors. Over here – this name conjures up images of Grandparents – reaching their twilight years. So what are they called ? ‘Teenagers’ to me  says  13 – 18 year olds. I want a name for the kids spanning from 16 to 20. ‘Student’ I think is too narrow a band. ‘School Leavers’ is close – but not quite there …

The closest I have got is ‘Inbetweeners’ ( like the TV programme )  … My daughter Alice, loves it and my son Jack, just cringed. Seems you can’t please everyone !

Please leave a comment if you feel inspired !

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

 

 

Jun 05, 2011 | Categories: Family Portraits, Lifestyle Portrait, Portrait Photography, Ramblings, Teenager portraits | Tags: , , , ,

2 COMMENTS LEFT. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THEM OR ADD ANOTHER »

Quick Guide for Wedding Guests.

Wedding etiquette is a funny thing. As many of us know, planning your perfect wedding can become a full time job. For a bride, there is a wealth of information out there. There are websites galore advising you on all the wedding essentials, from when to start booking the venue and photographer to how many canapes you should budget for, or advice on this season’s colour.

 

If allowed, it can become an absolute nightmare for the happy couple. Tip toeing through the protocol, in the bid to desperately getting it all perfect for their special day.

I am not even going to start giving the bride advice, as there are many other websites and blogs that dedicate their time to helping the bride negotiate this minefield.  In fact there is a list of the Top 100 UK wedding blogs recently drawn up by www.EasyWeddingSearch.com. They have listed these sites as the top 5 ( I suggest you have a look if you are looking for Advice, Ideas and Inspiration )

Rock n Roll Bride - Rock n Roll Bride is all about the charm and unique nature of ordinary people’s, extraordinary weddings.

Rock My Wedding - Rock My Wedding aims to bring soon-to-be-brides a wealth of ideas through fresh and innovative content, daily real wedding eye candy and access to the Industry’s most desirable vendors.

Love My Dress - Love My Dress is a UK Wedding Blog and Style Diary full of beautiful wedding inspiration and vintage glamour.

Staggered - Weddings. Blokes. Sorted. From before the proposal to after the honeymoon, we bring you everything you need to know about weddings.

Beyond Beyond - Delicious, inspiring and awesome wedding treats.

HOWEVER, very little thought has been given to the humble wedding guest. Statistically speaking we are likely to fulfill the role as Wedding Guest more often than we are becoming the bride or the groom unless of course your name is … Mickey Rooney ( 9 times ), Zsa Zsa Gabor,  Elizabeth Taylor ( 8 times ) or Frank Sinatra ( a meagre 4 times ).

It’s a jungle out there for those trying hard to choose the right gift for their hosts; and woe betide the guest who arrives in an outfit that upstages the bride’s mother. It’s not surprsing that many of us dread the gentle thud as the most recent wedding invitation hits the door mat. I too was guilty of stuffing the envelope with maps, hotel brochures and wedding gift lists. ( I got married ‘in the olden days’ before emails and helpful websites. )

Being a guest can be a costly adventure. There was one Summer that I attended 8 weddings – which when you include travel, hotels, new outfits, gifts etc … I am surprised that I wasn’t taking out a second mortgage !

So how do we take the drudgery out of being a wedding guest ? How to we inject that fun again and ensure that we are a hit ?

Here are a couple of pointers to help you become the ideal wedding guest.

1. Choose the perfect gift.

Invariably the wedding list now is held and managed in a particular store. ( My poor mother was the designated go-between when my list went out. She maintained it all on her computer and had learnt how to use Word just for the occasion. No wonder I received 3 fondue sets. ) Consult the list and send the gift to the couple’s home. Best not take it to the wedding itself. I had a vase that lost it’s label and it took me 5 years to finally establish who the benefactor was.

If you are looking for inspiration, away from the list ( like the donor of the aforementioned vase ) then why not consider photography vouchers?

If budget is an issue why not offer your services? Perhaps you have the skills to maintain the couple’s website or suggest walking their dog for the next year.

2. Just do it !

OK – so this might be the fifth wedding you are attending in as many months – and OK invariably you will be with many of the same people – BUT no-one likes a killjoy. So leave your work woes at the door. Forget your money issues. Get your dancing shoes on and party. Weddings are all about having fun and celebrating with the Bride and Groom. They will love you for it.

3. Remember : Love is in the Air.

If you are already married, take the time to have a smooch on the dance floor rather than propping up the bar. Remember the vows that you and your ‘beloved’ took together and how happy you were on your big day. I love doing this at weddings. So, I have gained a few pounds and Mike’s hairline has disappeared a tiny bit more – but I love him dearly and I believe that this has to be celebrated whenever we get the opportunity.

If you are single – then grasp the opportunity. There are bound to be many other single people there as well. They don’t have to be ‘The One’ … but you never know ! Go out there and have a blast. Strut your stuff  - because you never know who is watching.

4. Smile.

If you are having your photo taken ( professional or not, ) then have a flirt with the camera. It’s all in the eyes. Make sure that they have your best side. There is nothing worse than a guest being captured sightly worse for wear looking bedraggled and miserable. More often than not, these pictures will end up on Facebook. Make that positive impression.

5. Be that Social Butterfly.

Try and be the guest that everyone wants at their table. We have all seen them – the guest who seems to be the life and soul of the party. If you are a little bit shy – then hide behind your camera. It’s a great way of introducing yourself to others and appearing to be the centre of the action. Just spare a thought for the professional photographer and try not to tread on their toes ;o)

If all else fails – remember that by wearing a bright colour you are likely to stand out from the crowd and draw attention to yourself … just try and be mindful of the fact that you will be easily recognised – so behave yourself !

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

May 30, 2011 | Categories: Insights, Viewpoints, Wedding | Tags: , ,

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT »

Fabulous photographs in this awful weather.

In every  profession it is important to stay ahead of the pack. Photography is no exception. Anyone who seriously wants to progress has to address the need for training. So on Thursday I did just that. I attended a training course run by the SWPP ( Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers ).

John Denton was our trainer and put us through our paces.

The aim  - “Getting the Best for our Brides”.

We were in for a treat. A day of contemporary wedding photography. Not only were we taking photographs, in wet and windy conditions ( typical Northern Irish weather )  in a car park on an industrial estate, but also a tile show-room. This was a great experience – as not every wedding venue is blessed with manicured lawns and decorative swings!

John was terribly generous with his time and advice – touching on the business aspects as well as the art of taking fabulous photographs.

Our model, Fredau Hoekstra, who has rapidly made a name for herself in the photographic modelling arena, enlightened us by giving us her insight into pose and direction, from the model’s point of view.

Training, in my opinion, has to feed the heart and the head. It is so important to add to your skills base. To throw away the comfort blanket and to push the boundaries a little bit further each time. We can only improve by being open to new ideas and influences – and this is what I achieved under John’s watchful eye.

Those who stop learning – stops growing.

I was able to test new kit, to ask questions and to correct mistakes. Training takes the guess work out of decision making because you are drawing on experience and knowledge.

The bonus for me was that this training session was held on my doorstep, in Bangor, County Down. Fran Duff kindly opened his doors to host the event – and I am secretly hoping that this is the first of many photography workshops ;o)

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

 

 

May 28, 2011 | Categories: Personal Work, Training, Wedding | Tags: , , ,

4 COMMENTS LEFT. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THEM OR ADD ANOTHER »

6 ways to reclaim your weekend.

I have been very busy – well I guess we all are. It’s a good thing – right ?

In the last fortnight, I have hardly had time to sit down. I have been multi-tasking and wearing many hats.

I have been a photographer, artist, golfer, trainee, mother, wife, chauffeur, daughter, counsellor, friend, patient, listener, worker … well you get the point.

However, I needed also to be an exerciser, blogger, customer, supplier, and a better friend / mother / blah blah.

A couple of days ago I went to a funeral. More importantly a service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for the life of a dear friend who had died suddenly in a tragic accident. She was still in her 40′s and left behind a wonderful family with two beautiful daughters. Her children are younger than mine. This just wasn’t right. It’s not how it’s supposed to be. I made a conscious decision in that church to start ‘living’ life more and appreciating what we have more rather than dwelling on what we do not have. It’s that old cliche – you just don’t know what’s around the corner. But it’s true and should be recognised.

My life is frenetic and I only remember things when my phone beeps at me.  We all need to stop filling our days with junk minutiae. However, I have tried this approach before and quite frankly it did not work. The detail IS important and we cannot glibly rule it out. Who else is going to run my daughter to each of her exams ? Who else is going to take my photos to the framers and print off this months invoices or update my Facebook status ? I/we have to learn to slow down – but effectively.

There are longer hours now and higher expectations. For many of us our weekends are becomming an extension of our working week.  This cannot be right. If we keep going at full pelt – what’s the point ? When do we have time to stop and smell the roses? Time to enjoy the simple things in life, like a country walk or a warm baked cookie ( that isn’t just grabbed at Starbucks whilst rushing from one meeting to the next ).

I have decided that my weekends are no longer going to fill the gaps of my missed weekday goals. So there we are – last Wednesday I made this my new mindset. I have started to explore ways to reclaim the gentler pace of a traditional weekend.

1. Have some exercise.

Heaven knows why – but last February I decided that it would be a good idea to play more golf. I do need to improve. So to encourage me to do this, I joined every competition being run at our club. Mistake number one. The chickens are now coming home to roost. Trying to fit it all in. I awoke on a very grim Sunday morning at 7am and was ready to tee off in the drizzle at 8.30. Actually I really enjoyed myself and the weather was very kind to us. Had it not been a match, I know that I would have looked at the forecast and cancelled. As is was I had 4 hours in the fresh air catching up with a great friend of mine. The down side is that I now have 8 baskets of ironing to tackle.

2. Bake something Yummy.

I don’t bake. Simple as that. But I know a girl who does. Alice. This solution to easing our chaos was rather pre-mediated of me. But, I ensured that we had all the appropriate ingredients in the larder for the weekend. She and I had been on a baking course a couple of weeks ago. I knew exactly what was to be on the menu to enable me to unwind fully. Friands. ( Wee gooey buns with smatterings of raspberries and blueberies ) and Alice has them off to a tee. Baking ( I have been told ) is a fantastic antidote to the fast-paced week and a great way to take stock and slow down. Alice needs this as much as I do – she is in the middle of GCSEs. So you see – it’s not just me being selfsih – I am doing her a service.

3. Enjoy a quiet night in.

Perhaps there is an expectation that we should socialise at the weekends. Making a positive choice to stay in and enjoy some time alone can have enormous benefits. ‘Positive solitude can give us a sense of inner peace and make us feel more in control of our lives,’ says Dr David Gershaw of Arizona Western College.
I agree to that. Having dropped Jack off in town, I returned to my sanctuary to watch a DVD – Zack Arias : One Light. Not quite a chick flick – but it did the job.

4. Abandon the Lie-in.

‘If you need a lie-in at the weekend, you’re probably sleep deprived,’ say experts. Apparently there are studies that show that if you sleep in for an hour longer than your weekday alarm call then you can disrupt your body clock; leaving you feeling disorientated and lethargic. Actually I know what they mean. I now try and get up at a more suitable time – and funnily enough I am achieving a lot more. ( However with this ‘Lazy Weekend’ approach I must ensure that the time is not spent catching up on missed weekday issues ! )

5. Learn to relax.

This, I find really hard. There is always something else that I should be doing. However I did feel that following 18 holes of golf on Sunday – I had earned the right to collapse in a heap. I sat down with a cup of tea ( and a couple of Alice’s friands ) and sifted through some of my  magazines that have been collecting dust  due to neglect.

6. Be adventurous.

We all know that time flies – but this is especially true if we tend to ‘waste’ it. By doing something new or exciting – we tend to focus on the moment. Our day tends to feel more stretched when we pack it full of interesting things. Research suggests that adding a degree of newness can give the illusion of slowing down time. I guess this is right. By leaving my ironing ( and boy there is loads of it ) and my work related tasks till Monday, my weekend time was more available to me to enjoy and appreciate.

 

However, it wasn’t all plain sailing. Dreams of  drifting around in my jammies feeling at one with the world and reading classic novels wasn’t quite what I achieved. Alas no. Meet Arthur Price – my new model. I spent the best part of Saturday, training – learning more about flash lighting and completing some homework for a mentoring course that I am signed up to. Working out lighting reciprocals was enough to fry my brain – but I got there in the end. Arthur didn’t complain once.

For you photographers out there – I know that there is too much spill from behind – but that’s what training is all about. Right ?

So – I guess I am on the right track. Not a perfect 10. But I would say that it was a fairly successful weekend. We just need to remember that the weekends are all about enjoying the company of family and loved ones. It’s a sad state of affairs when we now have to make the effort to regain these precious moments…

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

 

May 16, 2011 | Categories: Family Portraits, Insights, Ramblings | Tags:

4 COMMENTS LEFT. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THEM OR ADD ANOTHER »

The Royal Wedding : No toasters for William and Kate

Prince William and Kate Middleton have opted not to accept the traditional gifts for their wedding. Instead they have asked guests and well-wishers to make anonymous charitable donations.

Others feel that perhaps it’s just best to accept the gifts with the goodwill that they were intended. Hoping beyond hope that Great Aunt Maud does not drag some atrocious figurine out of her bottom drawer. Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer received a £1 million gem-encrusted model of an arab boat – how on earth would that sit in one’s drawing room without looking slightly out of place next to the aspidistra? The Queen and Prince Philip received a racehorse from the Aga Khan. Surely you would have to decline such a gesture? It’d scare the living daylights out of next door’s cat when it pops over the fence to foul up your flowerbed!

These days, many couples have already set up home. Those who are living together have already all the trappings of domestic bliss. Others who are have their own places before they get married will already have a toaster and a kettle ( each ) – who needs to add to the collection ?

If, there is no room on your mantlepiece either, then there is an alternative …

An increasing number of couples choose not to have a wedding list, but welcome gifts or financial support toward the costs of their wedding. Gift vouchers can be a great way for parents of the bride and groom, family, friends and work colleagues to contribute toward the cost of photography of your wedding day, or wedding album.

Gift vouchers are available to purchase from Cai Graham Photography in denominations of £25 or more and can be posted as you require.

If you would like to place an order, please contact us including your name, name of the recipient and the value of vouchers you require.

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

 

Apr 28, 2011 | Categories: Celebrations, News, Wedding | Tags: , ,

1 COMMENT LEFT. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ IT OR ADD ANOTHER »

Girls on Film

These Wonderful ladies met at school and have been friends ever since. They don’t see very much of each other, but they do make an effort to meet up twice a year.

This time around they took a cottage in County Fermanagh and I was asked along to join in the fun.
There were no rules. We were lucky enough to have a beautiful day and the four friends went for a walk and just had some fun in front of the camera.

The portrait session lasted a couple of hours. We had a walk in the beautiful countryside and let the portrait session unfold. No Studio – No Boundaries.

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

Apr 25, 2011 | Categories: Portrait Photography, Slideshows

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT »

Wedding Dress Tips : Fit for a Princess

One of the largest decisions that you have to make as a bride is what wedding dress you are going to wear on your big day.

Rumour has it that Kate Middleton has three weddings dresses on stand-by just in case the press manage to leak any of the details before next Friday when she marries Prince William. Alas, this is a luxury that no mere mortal can afford.

Wedding Dress

Many traditions and superstitions surrounding the choice of wedding dress originated from ancient times :

THE WEDDING DRESS

1 )  It is considered unlucky for the groom to see the wedding dress before the actual wedding ceremony.

2 ) A bride should never help to make or sew her own wedding dress. If a bride does contribute any sewing to her own wedding dress, it is thought that the number of stitches she sews will be the number of tears she will shed during the course of her marriage. ( I doubt the future Princess Catherine is going to have to worry about this one. )

3 ) To bring good luck, the last stitch in the wedding dress should not be stitched until immediately before the bride walks down the aisle.

4 ) Some brides have several hairs sewn into a wedding dress for good luck. ( Okay – each to his own. )

5 ) It is considered the utmost in good luck if a bride finds a spider nestled in her wedding dress. ( If memory serves me right this means money ! )

6 ) One of the oldest superstitions states that it is bad luck for the finished wedding dress (including all accessories) to be worn before the wedding day. My dress maker left half a dozen dress-makers pins in the dress and instructed they be removed on the wedding day and placed in a pincushion made from the same dress material. ( Good marketing ploy if you ask me )

7 ) It is also deemed bad luck for the bride to look at her full reflection in one mirror. ( When I was having my wedding dress fittings – I remember the designer had placed one mirror above another – so that the brides could see their full reflection – but in two mirrors. )

Bride with billowing dress

WEDDING DRESS MATERIAL

  • Silk is considered the best fabric for good luck for a wedding dress.
  • Satin material is considered bad luck and should not be used.
  • Velvet material is connected to future poverty.
  • It is considered bad luck if the wedding dress fabric has a pattern.
  • Vines and birds within a fabric pattern are considered especially bad luck.

Bride on stone steps

WEDDING DRESS COLOUR

Most brides today marry in white which symbolises maidenhood. This tradition started by the rich in sixteenth century. The tradition was given a boost by Queen Victoria who chose to marry in white instead of silver which was the traditional colour of Royal brides. Before the white dress brides wore their best dress. The colour was a matter of preference. The following is a traditional rhyme offering advice on dress colour:

Married in White, you have chosen right,
Married in Blue, your love will always be true,
Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl,
Married in Brown, you will live in town,
Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead,
Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,
Married in Green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in Pink, your spirit will sink,
Married in Grey, you will go far away,
Married in Black, you will wish yourself back.

A green dress is thought to be unlucky unless the bride is Irish. The old expression that a woman has a ‘green gown’ was used to imply promiscuity, the green staining being due to rolling in grassy fields.

So there you have it – a few handy tips to help any bride-to-be in the etiquette involved when choosing her gown or gowns – whatever the case my be.

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

Remember that Cai Graham Photography offers all brides the opportunity to wear her wedding dress again for another photography session. What better chance to dress up like a Princess once more to feel special. This lifestyle shoot will allow you to celebrate your dress. Sometimes known as Treasure the Dress / Don’t Diss the Dress / Trash the Dress.

Apr 22, 2011 | Categories: Celebrations, Ramblings, Trash the Dress, Wedding | Tags: , , , , ,

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT »

My Parents still love each other :o)

Today my Mum and Dad have been married for 48 years.

Dad proposed to Mum 11 days after they had started dating.

They said that it would never last.

 

Pensioners or grandparents

I just hope that my marriage is as strong and as loving as theirs after 48 years.

Mike and I have been married for 22 years ( together for 29 years ) Gordon Bennett – that’s not bad going either.

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

Apr 20, 2011 | Categories: Celebrations, Ramblings | Tags:

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT »