David & Yulia - Wedding 17.10.2008

Hello All!

On the 17th of October 2008, the very beautiful 'Yulia', married the very handsome 'David' at the 'Botanical Gardens' right here in Old Sydney Town.

It was a gorgeous day for our happy couple, which left Nathan (photographer) & Karl (videographer) rubbing their hands together in delight. After a touching ceremony in front of family and friends, we join the happy couple as they have their photos taken around the gardens and over in Mosman.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to film this wedding. However, Nathan assures me that David & Yulia were a delightful couple to work with and were willing to trust his judgements and artistry , which I think shows in the outcome of their photographs and video.

I hope you all enjoy the clip, as much as I enjoyed piecing it all together.

David & Yulia... on behalf of the team here at 'Two Fish', we wish you both all the very best for your future lives together!

Photography by: Nathan Van Put

Videography by: Karl Sylva

Post-Production: Craig Powell

What time of year do couples prefer to Marry?

Selecting when to get married is not always a simple process. Many factors need to be considered. The weather for starters, not that you can guarantee the outcome, but do you want a wedding held in the warmer months or would you prefer something a little cooler? Many have to juggle work commitments, so don't always have the luxury of choice. Others work their wedding date around their honeymoon, for example, if they wish to honeymoon through a European summer, they might consider a wedding during the winter months. Another factor might be cost. Holding a wedding during the less popular months, you may be able to negotiate better deals with wedding suppliers.

Below is an analyis based on the information provided by around 5,000 couples married in the last few years.

Month of the Year and % of weddings held during this month

January 8%

February 8%

March 12%

April 10%

May 6%

June 4%

July 4%

August 4%

September 11%

October 13%

November 13%

December 6%

Q & A - Nicky Myers - Head Photographer

Nicky Myers, co-founder of 'Two Fish Photo & Video Productions' talks to 'Blogger' about photography, wedddings and all the bits in between.

Blogger: Nicky... How did you first get into photography?

Nicky: I can't remember a time when I didn't have a love of this craft. I was always with camera in hand & clearly recall my first 'real' camera, a Pentax ME-F, which I purchased at 16 directly from Pentax Japan, when a friend visited for AU$600.00... it took me ages to save for it but was well worth the effort. She was my best friend for years & I still have her today. Her leather case is looking worn but is a reminder of all the fond memories we made together.

Blogger: A great deal of your business is Wedding photography. What do you enjoy most about shooting weddings?

Nicky: I love the laughter & fun surrounding a wedding along with all the wonderful people we meet and all their uniqueness. People are what make anything special, especially weddings. Being a part of such an intimate moment in someones life is such an honour & privilege and one that I don't take lightly.

Blogger: 'Two Fish Photo & Video Productions', is still a new business. What exciting things do you have planned for the future?

Nicky: Due to our vast knowledge & experience within the 'wedding' industry, we have now expanded 'Two Fish' to include our own 'Wedding Planning' service which offers a variety of services to assist you as you plan your big day, from full service wedding co-ordination, to the increasingly popular day of service. Alternatively, you may need us to run through a check-list with you to make sure that everything has been done and to fill any gaps where we can. I'm really looking forward to this aspect as it intensifies the personalisation of our products and the relationship with our clients. There hasn't been a wedding I haven't done where I don't get involved in this sector of the day & can't wait to fully explore it further.

Blogger: As you are now offering in this service... Are there any hints or tips you can share with your clients or prospective clients, that will help better the outcome of their photos?

Nicky: Remember, there's hardly a more creative, emotional & intense journey than the planning of your wedding day, and the photographs are no exception.

You will get out of your photos what you put into them... by this I mean that you have done some research on what type of shots you like, the 'feel' you would like us to capture, and most of all, that you & your bridal party are prepared to have fun and be photographed all day... this manifests in the photos, so if you and your bridal party are 'not into it', this comes through and really changes the 'mood' of your photographs.

Blogger: Black & White or Colour?

Nicky: Definitely Black & White as it's so classic & timeless!

Blogger: Where or how do you get ideas for wedding photos?

Nicky: Alot of my ideas come from the personality of the couple & their bridal party, the mood they have created for their day & the surroundings in which we have to shoot. Other than that, brain storming with our other photographers or just looking at other media options.

Blogger: Funniest moment on location?

Nicky: This would have to be an over-zealous bridesmaid at the bouquet toss where she literally 'took out' the flower girl in her frantic attempt to secure the bouquet... she slid across the dance floor on her face, knocking out everyone in her path... there were legs & bits of flowers flying everywhere!! Despite the screams & tears, it was very hard not to laugh at the chaotic scene she created, particulary when she did a 'lap of honour', showing off her prize, oblivious to the havoc she created while everyone else tried to 'clean up' & gain some form of dignity.

Joe & Kate's Wedding - 06.12.2008

Hello Everyone!

Just a quick post to show you some photos of Joe & Kate's wedding. We filmed & photographed this wonderful wedding back in December 2008.

'Big' John photographed the stunningly beautiful, Kate and the very handsome Joe, on their big day with the help of Nicky who was only several days out of hospital. That's dedication for you!

Kate & Joe were married in the very picturesque town of Camden. 'St Johns' church was the scene of the marriage ceremony and allowed us to grab some great photos and video. We then moved onto 'Macarthur Park' for formal photos. It was the perfect spot for the Bride, Groom & the bridal party to relax after the ceremony. This beautiful location allowed John & Nicky to take some wonderful shots of the bridal party.

Kate & Joe were really relaxed and down to earth, which really allowed us to get personal with them. Ultimately, this allowed us to get some great photos as the Bride & Groom feel as if you are part of the 'gang' and not outside intruders.

We were really happy with the outcome of the photos... I hope the happy couple are too.

Kate & Joe,

We hope all is going well for you both in Cairns. Take good care of each other and say 'Hello!' to Mal & Trish for us!!!

Q & A - Craig Powell (Video Co-ordinator)

Craig Powell was one of the founders of 'Two Fish Photo & Video Productions', back in March 2007. We've interviewed Craig so that you may get to know him and his work a little better.

Blogger: Craig, how did you get into videography?

Craig: My Mum & Dad bought me my first video camera when I was about 13-14 years old. It was constantly in my hands and I fell in love with it. I can't even remember what brand it was, but geez that old thing got a work out!

Blogger: You are now filming weddings alot of the time... Why Weddings?

Craig: Weddings are such a happy ocassion... Yes! They can be stressful at times, but over-all they are really happy and up-lifting. We are always proud and very honoured to be asked to be a big part of some-ones special day. It's quite a thrill to be there with a camera in your hand knowing that what I'm filming is going to be passed down from generation to generation. I always find it to be quite a 'buzz' immortalising a couples wedding day!

Blogger: How do you stay enthusiatic and excited about filming weddings week in week out?

Craig: The trick is to always keep it new and fresh. Even though 85% of weddings run to the same format, we are always striving to keep every video original in design and content. Once you get stuck in a hole and every video starts looking the same, that's when you start to run into trouble. I always look at other peoples work, whether it be wedding videography or just watching movies and documentary's. You always find new and exciting ideas and I am constantly saying, 'I can't wait for the next wedding...', to try out my new ideas.

Blogger: Where or who do you get the most inspiration from...?

Craig: Funnily enough... I get alot of ideas from a televison show called... 'Most Haunted', which is shown on Foxtel. I'm a big fan of the way they shoot and edit the program. Other than really enjoying the show for what it is, 'spooky', I love the way they film it!

Karl Sylva, our other Videographer also gives me alot of new ideas, both on location and in the editing studio. It's always great to have some-one that will push you to new ideas and concepts.

Blogger: Is there anything new that your clients can look forward to in the up-coming months?

Craig: Yes... Nicky has started a new off-shoot to the business. We can now offer our customers a wedding planning and co-ordination service. 'Two Fish', is really starting to become a one-stop shop.

Other than that... Karl and I are hoping to introduce camera cranes and steadicams into our film shoots shortly. You'll never see wedding videos like ours with this new equipment!!!

Blogger: Any hints or tips that you may be able to share with you clients or prospective customers, that will help to better the outcome of their video?

Craig: Yeah... a couple actually. 1. I know it's easier said than done, but always try to act as natural as possible in front of the camera. It's daunting at first I know, but my clients always say that they get use to it after the first half hour or so. Try to not look directly at the camera, unless otherwise instructed by your videographer. Also... don't be afraid to speak. Most of the time we edit music over the video anyway. Alot of people are scared that everything they say will be heard on the video.

2. Where possible, if there is an option for a second videographer, take it! This really ensures that EVERYTHING is captured. It also enhances the final edit, as we can swap between angles. It really gives that professional edge to it.

Blogger: Finally... Your funniest moment on location?

Craig: Hmmm, there's been a few... but I would have to say when we were in Coffs Harbour filming a wedding and one of the guests, after a few to many champas, accidently walked straight through the in-door pond/waterfall. Unfortunately, I had just turned the camera off and missed it!!! Rule No.1, always keep filming!

What's in a Name...?

We are continually having people ask us...

What an interesting name... How did you come up with that?

Well... the answers not really that deep & mysterious, although somehow, it is suiting.

You see, Nicky (Head Photographer) & Myself are both Pisceans! Ah, Yes... That's right the Fish! The symbols for 'Pisces' is the... Two Fish.

Pisceans tend to be extremely gifted artistically. Even when we are unable to express ourselves creatively we have a greater than average instinct for, and love of, beauty in art and nature.

Welcome to the 'Two Fish' Blogspot!!!

Hi Everyone...

Welcome to our blogspot, which I have just started creating. I'm hoping to share with you all the latest in news from within the 'Two Fish' ranks, along with all the up-coming events, some pics of the month from our photographers and all the bits in between.

It will also give us a chance to invite you into our own 'special' world. You'll be able to learn a little bit more about the crew and our business without all the formalities of our website.

Stay tuned for more posts coming soon! - Don't forget to visit our website:- http://www.twofishphotos.weebly.com/

Until next time... Check out the amazing photo Nicky captured of 3 very special little Monkeys!

- Hear no evil, see no evil & speak no evil!!!