Your wedding day is a beautiful reflection of your love, and every detail deserves to be just right to make it as unforgettable as possible. While online inspiration can spark great ideas, there’s something truly special about meeting your wedding suppliers face-to-face. Whether it’s your Bath wedding photographer, cake designer, musicians, or venue team, these personal meetings will give you the confidence that your big day will be everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
Meet Your Bath Wedding Photographer - Beata Cosgrove Photography
Hi, I’m Beata, a Bath-based wedding photographer, and I’m here to capture the essence of your wedding day, turning fleeting moments into memories you’ll treasure forever. One of the things I always recommend to my couples is meeting up before the big day. This gives us a chance to connect, talk through your vision, and explore how I can capture your love story in a way that’s true to you.
As one of the best-rated wedding photographers in Bath, I want to make sure you feel completely at ease with me. We’ll chat about the timeline, your must-have shots, and any personal touches you’d love to include in your photos. It’s all about building a relationship so you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to shine in front of the camera on your special day!
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact Beata at: [email protected]
Confetti shot at Bailbrook House Hotel in Bath. Credit: Beata Cosgrove Photography
Bailbrook House Hotel. A magical wedding venue in Bath.
And while you're reviewing the wedding suppliers list, why not check out these recommended suppliers:
Beautifully designed cake by Sarah's Sugarcraft.
According to the vet charity PDSA, 27% of adults in the UK own a dog. So by my reckoning, that means that roughly one in ten weddings in the UK involve one dog owner marrying another dog owner. This raises the question of what marrying couples actually do with their pets during the wedding day itself. While many doubtless call in their local dog-sitter, one couple whose wedding I photographed recently had a rather different idea. When K and J got married at MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel last year, they decided not just to bring their dogs, but to invite their guests to do so too!
The idea worked brilliantly, as all the dogs were extremely well-behaved, and were happy to pose for pictures with their humans....
I particularly loved the rather fetching apparel the dogs were sporting!
Squatting down enabled me to get a dog's eye view of the wedding in progress and I loved it :-)
All in all, the wedding was an absolutely wonderful celebration of the couple's love for each other - and their four-legged friends.
]]>Here's a selection of some of the more festive images.
'When was Bath Abbey churchyard so deserted?' I hear you ask.... well actually, it wasn't, but a super-long exposure makes passing pedestrians vanish, leaving the illuminated Christmas tree standing in glorious isolation outside the Roman Baths.
Above is another shot of the Christmas tree, this time at dawn. Dawn and dusk are the best times of the day by far for photography, and the great thing about winter is that you don't have to get up early to catch the best light!
But Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a snowy scene, and Bath is one of those places that knows how to wear a jacket of snow with style. I love how we just get a glimpse of the nearest bits of Bath here from Alexandra Park, with the distant skyline gradually receding into a blanket of white......
This is just a little taste of the range of the BathPhoto Prints available for order. They'll arrive in protective card packaging when ordered from the website. Alternatively, if you'd like a framed photograph, do please contact me and let me have the details, and I will be happy to arrange supply and delivery for you.
Have a very happy Christmas!
]]>There is a question!
It's about time to start this small beautiful wedding!
Bride arrival from the Botanical Gardens to the Temple of Minerva.
Smiles and happiness filled up the Temple of Minerva!
Congratulations to the happy couple!
If you are looking for a professional wedding photographer in Bath who is enthusiastic, love working with people, uses nature as the background in her pictures and has lots of new ideas please contact her at [email protected]
If you are still hungry to see more images why not visit her wedding gallery?
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First up is Elmhay Village, a suite of lodges and cottages for guests, set around a fine courtyard (below).
The wedding venue itself (Elmhay Park) is in a fine walled garden, dominated by the light-filled Orangery (below).
Ceremonies can take place in the Italian Garden (below) with a covered space that is open to the outside.
Having done a comprehensive recce of the place, I can say with confidence that there are a number of perfect locations for photographing groups of wedding guests, as well as signature shots of the bride and groom.
If you're looking for a wedding photographer for your wedding at Elmhay Park, do please get in touch. Feel free to send me an email, and I will let you have full details of my Elmhay wedding photography packages.
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Orchardleigh House, Frome, viewed from the south east. Picture by Beata Cosgrove Photography
The main house is hidden away, well off the main road, so you could easily drive past without even realising it's there at all. But when you get in and go down the long winding driveway across the estate (now converted into a golf course) you realise you're in very grand surroundings indeed. The driveway brings you to the north of the house, with its pointed towers being reminiscent of the Scotch Baronial architectural style. The whole house is available for the use of wedding guests, with indoor banqueting for up to 160.
Main approach to Orchardleigh House from the north. Picture by Beata Cosgrove Photography
Standing on the terrace on the south side of the house, you look down over elegant, carefully manicured lawns and towards the lake. You can just make it the lake in the photo below - it's just beyond the cows! If you have to look hard to see it, well that just gives you some idea of the scale of the place!
View towards Orchardleigh Lake, showing the balustrade, a favourite romantic spot for wedding shots of the bride and groom. Picture by Beata Cosgrove Photography
Tucked away behind a clump of trees over on the right, is St Mary's Church, and although you can't really tell from the pictures, the church is actually on its very own island, as you can see here from Google maps. Lots of people dream of being whisked off to a romantic island for their wedding - well, who knew, you can do it right here in Somerset!
The Church of St Mary, on a little island on the Orchardleigh Lake. Picture by Beata Cosgrove Photography
All in all, Orchardleigh is a stunning, romantic location for a truly memorable wedding, and if you're interested, you can browse more of my photographs of Orchardleigh here.
Orchardleigh House, wedding venue in Somerset. Image by Beata Cosgrove Photography
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I'd like to share some images of a lovely wedding I photographed recently at the Temple of Minerva, in Bath's Royal Victoria Park, one of the city's Heritage Park venues.
The bride's father and sons clearly felt it was time to get started!
Here comes the bride!
Numbers are limited to allow for a safe distance between guests from different households, and open doors allow free movement of fresh air.
Here's the happy couple after ceremony, in the ever-colourful Botanical Gardens.
Whether you're planning a lockdown wedding or would rather wait until restrictions are lifted before holding your big day, do please get in touch to ensuite about my availability and wedding photography packages. You can also read another blog post about wedding photography in Royal Victoria Park, or visit my weddings gallery, and gallery of wedding venues in the Bath area.
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Picture taken by Beata Cosgrove Photography
It's set in acres of glorious parkland, and is a fine example of an English stately home.
Picture taken by Beata Cosgrove Photography
The beautifully manicured grass is perfect for group wedding shots, with leading lines drawing the eye in towards the building!
Picture taken by Beata Cosgrove Photography
Handsome trees in the stunning landscaped gardens along with the house itself would provide a fine backdrop for group shots at an event or wedding.
When I am taking someone's portrait, one of the first things I need to do is put the subject at ease, A great way to do this is through the use of props. A prop is essentially anything that appears in a portrait alongside the human subject, and a whole range of things can be used as props, as you'll see in this blog post. A carefully chosen prop can enhance the photo as a composition, and it can also help to tell the story about who the person in the photo really is.
The first example I'd like to show you is this lady who designs and makes wonderful colourful hats. Everything she makes is produced by hand, and so in this shot I have actually placed two additional hats over her hands to accentuate the connection between her hands and her creations.
The couple in the next picture (below) were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary when they came to my studio for a shoot. They brought along framed black and white portraits taken on their wedding day 60 years before, which I photographed them with, underlining the link between then and now, and sixty years of happily married life in between.
From a wedding anniversary to a pre-wedding shoot at the venue, and I couldn't resist positioning this couple in front of a sign saying 'Keep off the grass'. It provides a bit of cheeky humour which I like.
And now an actual wedding. You'd never guess it, but the couple (and many of their guests) are keen cyclists, and had the lovely idea of walking through a tunnel of bike wheels held aloft as they braved the confetti shower.
An unusual viewpoint can make a photo really attention-grabbing, but in the picture below, the balls make clear that a game of boules has just finished.
Most of us live and work in spaces which are full of stuff - homes have radiators, windows, bookshelves and so on, while our workspaces are full of desks, windows, files, photocopiers and the like. While all of these things are invaluable in their own way, none of them is likely to enhance a photo in which they feature.
It's for this reason that professional photographers are fond of using backdrops - coloured rolls of vinyl or paper which are suspended behind the subject, giving an uncluttered monochrome background. Here's an example with a vibrant marigold coloured backdrop.
The clear background serves to make the subject more prominent and focus our attention on the face. It's for this reason that firms tend to go for this kind of set-up when getting headshots of their staff, with many feeling that a sombre neutral colour such as grey creates the right kind of professional feel for corporate portraiture.
Many of my customers opt for this kind of background paper when getting a photo taken for their LinkedIn profile. Others opt for more vibrant colour, making for an attention-grabbing and very Instagrammable look, such as this sky blue:
Damson seems to work well as the colour of love, as shown by this couple who I photographed on their wedding day:
It's important to consider the clothes a subject is wearing at a photo shoot, and I often suggest that my customers bring a few alternative outfits, to ensure a wide range of picture types from a one-hour session. It can be effective and eye-catching to have outfits and backdrops that contrast strongly with each other:
For a different effect, I also like to achieve the harmonious look when similarly coloured clothes and backgrounds almost blend in to each other, such as this couple, who I photographed on their wedding anniversary:
I rather like the way the couple's clothes almost replicate the hue and tone of the backdrop, with the man's suit slightly darker than his wife's dress.
Stronger colours of clothing and backdrop can also mirror each other with striking effect:
Here, the similarity between scarf, sweater, lipstick and backdrop complement each other, and help to focus attention on the lady's gaze and smiling eyes.
Green provides a compromise between some of the brighter colours (maroon, marigold and blue) and the more neutral shades of grey.
Patterned backgrounds can work too, such as wallpaper, or, as in this case, an old modesty screen:
As you'll realise having read through this blog, I have a wide range of photographic background papers. They're 2.7 metres wide, and so work for small groups and families, as well as individuals and couples. If you'd like to enquire about arranging a photography portrait session at my studio in Bear Flat in Bath, or if you'd like me to travel to your home or workplace (all the equipment is portable), then do please get in touch.
And if you've enjoyed reading this blog, I'd be delighted if you could like or share it, or if you'd like to leave a comment.
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But I also find that many couples approach me wanting to have photographs professionally taken of them in a range of the city's locations, either on the wedding day itself or during the run-up to the big day, which feature locations other than the party and event venues. Here are some locations which have proved most popular with my customers.
Alexandra Park
Shakespeare Ave, Bath BA2 4RQ Click here to see Alexandra Park in Google Maps
Bath is full of spectacular vistas, but this viewpoint has to be the best of the best. Set on a dramatic hillside, the park's north-east corner commands a wide panorama over central Bath, with Bath Abbey standing tall in the heart of the city. Road access is via Shakespeare Avenue in the Bear Flat area (up the A367 from the city centre). Or it's a steep but rewarding climb via Widcombe of Holloway up through the Beechen Cliff woods.
Wedding photography at Alexandra Park, Bath. Beata Cosgrove Photography
Prior Park
Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH Prior Park in Google Maps
Prior Park is an oasis of spectacular countryside just a mile from Bath city centre. Instantly recognisable with its landscaped lake and Palladian Bridge, it feels as though it was laid out 200 years ago with engagement photography in mind! Prior Park is owned and managed by the National Trust, and permission needs to be obtained prior to undertaking professional photography on the site. The most direct (and flattest!) access from central Bath is along Church Lane in Widcombe, but there is no parking, so a taxi is probably going to be your easiest way of getting to the Park. But it's definitely worth it!
Feel like a Jane Austen character in Bath's romantic Prior Park. Photo by Beata Cosgrove, reproduced with the permission of the National Trust
Royal Crescent
Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS Royal Crescent in Google Maps and the best view of the whole Royal Crescent from the lawns just uphill from Royal Avenue
The world-famous facade of Bath's Royal Crescent is an ideal backdrop for wedding and engagement photos. Because of the unusual shape of the building, the best vantage point if you want to get the whole building in is from the public lawn and footpath by Royal Avenue, where the photo here was taken.
Bride and groom in front of Bath's Royal Crescent, designed by John Wood the Younger, and built 1767-1774. Copyright Beata Cosgrove Photography
Bath Abbey
Bath BA1 1LT Bath Abbey in Google Maps
Regardless of whether your ceremony is in Bath Abbey or not, this magnificent gothic building looms large in central Bath. It's just a stone's throw away from the Guildhall and Victoria Art Gallery, which are two of the city's finest wedding venues, and so a short walk can be enough to guarantee that the abbey features in your photos too.
A happy couple on their big day outside Bath Abbey. Beata Cosgrove Photography
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If you're planning a wedding anywhere from Bath to Botswana, you might be interested to read my blog post on questions to ask your prospective wedding photographer before you engage them.
On my website, you'll also find other blogs featuring photos from weddings I've photographed, including this recent one.
You can also browse a selection of photos from Bath and Bristol in my main weddings gallery.
And do please feel free to contact me if you would like to ask for a quote for wedding, engagement or other photography work.
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No excuse now for guests to turn up at the wrong hotel!
The hotel's rolling grounds and gracefully landscaped gardens provide several ideal places to take some engagement shots. One of my ideas was for them both to each produce a drawing showing how they see the other, which caused a great deal of laughter!
Bailbrook House is a handsome Georgian building, and its front entrance provides an imposing backdrop for group photos.....
... and confetti shots:
...as does the garden:
with its majestic trees just asking to be sat on!
The interior also contains some fine period features for wedding photos in a classical style:
Immediately after that, it was on to the Roman Baths, where Jim and Rea had booked the sunrise slot for their wedding ceremony, giving them exclusive use of the 2,000-year-old building before it opened up to the day's tourists.
With the flame torches lit up, The Roman Baths looked spectacular, providing an ideal location for portraits of the whole group of guests.....
... the bride and bridesmaids....
... and of course the happy couple.
Coming out of the building onto the street, the guests provided quite a confetti shower!
Next, it was off to Royal Victoria Park, one of Bath's many romantic photo locations. But why walk....
... when you can go by horse and carriage?!
The umbrella wasn't just a photographic prop by the way, it really was chucking it down! Just a minute away from Royal Victoria Park is one of Bath's most iconic pieces of Georgian architecture, the Royal Crescent.
Small groups of onlookers wished Jim and Rea well as they posed for the camera, although not all of them were quite so camera-shy!
Next on the itinerary was the Parade Gardens, which fortunately features a covered portico, providing an intimate backdrop for the group, and some very welcome shelter from the rain.
The final destination was the magnificent hotel at Number.15 Great Pulteney for the wedding feast.
And
Congratulations to the lovely couple!
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I've been through the comments systematically and have identified the top seven reasons why my customers choose and are happy to recommend me. So here's the countdown on the top 7.....
The top 7 reasons why my customers recommend me as a photographer
Number 7 Speed of service: 'a quick turnaround'
I know that once you have engaged a professional photographer, you will be keen to see the results ASAP. Each photograph is individually edited, and I do this as soon as reasonably possible after each shoot, so that you will have your photos very promptly.
Number 6 An enjoyable experience: 'lots of fun, relaxed atmosphere...'
I love the job I do, and I'm confident that comes across when I work with people. I always want people to enjoy being photographed, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by making my portrait sessions fun, whether I am photographing children or adults!
Number 5 Value for money: 'And all for a great price'
I ensure that I provide top quality service and photographs at a reasonable price. If you're interested in hiring a professional photographer in the Bath area, do please get in touch and let me know your requirements, so that I can quote you a price.
Number 4 Fully meeting customer needs: 'she managed to adapt quickly to each request'
No two briefs are the same, and I always make sure I have a clear idea of what kind of pictures you are looking for, whether for personal or business use.
Not everyone is entirely comfortable having their photograph taken, and I fully understand that...
Number 3 Establishing a rapport: 'she worked really hard to make me feel at ease'
One comment that comes up over and over in my reviews is the way in which I am able to make people feel relaxed when I take their portrait. My style is to chat and engage with people when I photograph them. This is both because I am a sociable person and enjoy meeting and working with new people. And it's also because I appreciate that some people feel slightly anxious about being photographed when they come to me to have their portrait taken, and it's only when they feel more relaxed with me and in front of the camera that their personality really emerges. My aim is to put you at ease so that I can take photos which show you as you really are.
Number 2 Professionalism:
As well as having high-end professional Nikon equipment and Profoto cableless lights, I always ensure that I am well prepared for any photo shoot, and will always have prepared ideas for locations, poses and props in order to meet and exceed my customers' needs and expectations.
Number 1 Quality of photographs: 'superb results'
Many of my customers, like D in the review shown here, have been delighted with the photographs they have commissioned me to take, and I pride myself on the composition, quality and variety of images I take for my customers.
But rather than just taking their word for it, do please look for yourself through my portfolio, where you can view galleries of portrait photography including family groups, professional and corporate portraits taken in my studio in Bear Flat in Bath as well as at other locations, wedding photography in Bath and Bristol, event photography in Bath, Bradford-on-Avon, Swindon and Bristol, architectural photos of Bath and much more.
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Reviews from customers are an excellent way for a photographer (or any other business) to let prospective customers see what past customers really think of the business. And they're an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to hire a photographer to make an informed choice about who to choose.
You can read for yourself my reviews on Google here.
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When couples hire me as their wedding photographer for a half or full day, I like to offer an engagement shoot as part of the package. I don't charge extra for this, and it gives me an opportunity to spend some time with the couple in a more relaxed setting. This means that the couple can get to know a bit more about their photographer, and I can find out in more detail about their plans for the big day. Holding the informal engagement shoot at the wedding venue also gives an opportunity for us to scout for suitable locations for pictures of the whole group, as well as more intimate pictures of the bride and groom together on their big day.
So when A & A approached me to be the photographer at their wedding, I immediately arranged for the three of us to meet at Homewood near Freshford, just outside Bath, in order to meet and photograph the couple and to find out more about them and the wedding day.
We walked around Homewood's gorgeous gardens, and had no difficulty identifying several locations which we agreed would work well for larger group shots for the actual wedding, the next time we were to meet was the wedding day, where I also took some heart shaped group pictures.
One of the first things I learned about A & A is that they are huge cycling fans. So much so that they had in fact themed and planned their wedding to reflect this passion. At one point after the ceremony they emerged from the hotel to walk through a sabers' arch.....
... made entirely from raised cycle wheels, as the confetti rained down over them. So how could the groom and his best man resist posing for the camera as if on bikes too?!
And the guests too!
I find that different groupings of people work well in a variety of settings.
Homewood's porticoed entrance also provided an attractive architectural backdrop for wedding group photos.
In fact, the whole building is gorgeous, and you can see more of my photos of Homewood here.
After the photo sessions, it was back indoors for a fabulous meal and speeches.
Congratulations to the lovely couple!
Do feel free to browse my weddings gallery to see more examples of my work.
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Immediately after that, it was on to the Roman Baths, where Jim and Rea had booked the sunrise slot for their wedding ceremony, giving them exclusive use of the 2,000-year-old building before it opened up to the day's tourists.
With the flame torches lit up, The Roman Baths looked spectacular, providing an ideal location for portraits of the whole group of guests.....
... the bride and bridesmaids....
... and of course the happy couple.
Coming out of the building onto the street, the guests provided quite a confetti shower!
Next, it was off to Royal Victoria Park, one of Bath's many romantic photo locations. But why walk....
... when you can go by horse and carriage?!
The umbrella wasn't just a photographic prop by the way, it really was chucking it down! Just a minute away from Royal Victoria Park is one of Bath's most iconic pieces of Georgian architecture, the Royal Crescent.
Small groups of onlookers wished Jim and Rea well as they posed for the camera, although not all of them were quite so camera-shy!
Next on the itinerary was the Parade Gardens, which fortunately features a covered portico, providing an intimate backdrop for the group, and some very welcome shelter from the rain.
The final destination was the magnificent hotel at Number.15 Great Pulteney for the wedding feast.
And
Congratulations to the lovely couple!
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Royal Crescent Hotel
Occupying the central portion of architect John Wood's stunning 1774 terrace, the Royal Crescent Hotel is in fact surprisingly spacious, with secluded garden on the convex side of the crescent itself (pictured below). With the feel of a stately home, the hotel has several event spaces, including a wedding garden (for up to 30 guests for al fresco dining) and the Dower House Restaurant for up to 50.
Follow the link if you'd like to see more photographs of the Royal Crescent Hotel
The Roman Baths
Probably the single most iconic location in the whole of Bath, the Roman Baths provide an event and wedding venue like no other. Where else can you sip champagne on 2000 year-old paving stones, while gazing at the reflections of flickering torchlight reflected in a Roman pool? In fact it won the accolade of Best Historic Venue in 2017's UK Wedding Awards.
Click for more photos of the Roman Baths
Holburne Museum
At the end of Bath's most complete Georgian street, Great Pulteney Street, is the Holburne Museum. For a wedding photographer, the museum presents a wide range of gorgeous backdrops, from its Palladian west facade (below) to the artworks inside and elegant Sydney Gardens immediately to the east.
The Guildhall
The Guildhall is one of several historic wedding venues owned and run by BANES (Bath and North East Somerset) Council. Wedding ceremonies can be held in a range of rooms ranging from the intimate to the grandiose. For wedding receptions, the Banqueting Room can accommodate up to 360 in style.
More photos of Bath's Guildhall are available to view here.
You can view a selection of photographs featuring weddings in Bath I have taken photographs of at these venues and others on my Weddings page.
]]>One thing I love about working as a photographer is that no two jobs are the same. I can be 'creating' a portrait in the morning and then covering a corporate event in the afternoon. I was recently contacted by a guy who wanted to choose a romantic location in which to propose to his girlfriend. He'd selected Bath, found my details online and wanted my help in identifying a suitable location. One of the great things in the Bath area is the wide range of really top-quality venues, as well as gorgeous country pubs and glorious architecture as possible backdrops. We decided on the secluded garden of the Royal Crescent Hotel, and arranged that I would get there early and hide behind a bush (no, really!!) only to emerge after he'd popped the big question.
I must admit I got a few funny looks from other hotel guests as I crawled into the undergrowth and took up my position. Before long, the couple appeared, and just as planned, C took out the ring. I was out of earshot, but it was immediately obvious that he was proposing.
And I'm delighted to say that she said yes!
If you are thinking of a romantic surprise (and you'd like a photographer present!) do please get in touch.
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Here's the photo chosen to illustrate the article:
And you can read the rest of the article at
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/20/children-special-needs-downs-syndrome-day
]]>by Beata Cosgrove, event and portraiture photographer in Bath, Bristol, London
One of the unexpected benefits of becoming a professional photographer in 2014 has for me been the opportunity this presents to help a wide range of good causes to gain exposure and raise much-needed funds. I'm pleased to have been an active supporter of several charities in the Bath area over the last few years, including Julian House (above) Dorothy House, Help for Heroes and the Cleveland Pools Trust.
Many of these events have been enormous fun to attend. The Bath Half-Marathon (above) is a case in point, where participants raise thousands of pounds for charities. The same is true of Dorothy House's annual Santa and Elf Run, which takes place in Winsley, just outside Bradford-on-Avon (below) - the next one's on Sunday December 2 2018 by the way, and is guaranteed to be a laughter-filled day!
Needless to say, I am happy to offer my services free of charge for these and other charities. One of the worthiest causes locally in terms of promoting and safeguarding Bath's architectural heritage is the Cleveland Pools Trust, and I've covered several of the events they have hosted to help raise valuable funds in order to reopen Bath's fabulous Georgian Lido. I also donated a framed print of one of my photographs, which the Trust offered as a raffle prize.
If you are involved in a charity in Bath or the surrounding area, do please contact me for any enquiries at [email protected]
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It's important to find out about a photographer and the way they work before choosing to hire them to photograph your wedding. Here are some of the key questions which you should ideally ask before making that important decision.
1 Can I see some references from previous clients who you’ve shot weddings or other events for?
It’s essential that your wedding photographer has a proven track record of high quality work, and can demonstrate this with a string of testimonials. If they say they have photographed lots of weddings, but are unwilling or unable to provide testimonials, then this should set alarm bells ringing. You can read some of my reviews here.
2 How would you describe the style of photos you take?
Many photographers specialise either in posed, formal pictures, or in reportage style candid images. My preference is to go for a mixture of both. The whole group pictures take a bit of time to set up, but it’s great to have some pictures showing all the guests who were there together. It can be useful to see how other people describe a photographer's work, rather than just how they describe themselves. For example, here's the link
3 Do you provide a contract for wedding photography, and if so, what’s in it?
The contract is your guarantee that the photographer really is going to show up and do what was agreed for the price that was agreed. You can see an example of a contract for wedding photography that I use here.
4 What equipment do you have? What is your second camera?
As you want to get some really good quality photographs of your wedding, it’s worth checking what camera the photographer is using. Ideally, the photographer should have a professional quality camera, such as a Nikon D810 (which I use) and a range of lenses. It’s also worth checking if your photographer has a back-up camera, as even the best cameras in the world are prone to occasional failure. In case of backup, I have another Nikon camera and a Canon 60D. I’ve never had to resort to using them, but it’s good to know they’re available just in case.
5 Do you have lighting equipment, and if so, will you bring it?
Serious photographers will have a quality flashgun (also known as a speedlite), and use this in preference to the camera’s rather weedy pop-up flash. I use a Nikon SB910, along with a diffuser, in order to get a softer light. I also have top quality Profoto studio lights, which can be brought to a wedding venue (if agreed in advance). One great thing about these is that there are no cables to worry about.
6 What happens if the photographer is ill on the day?
I’ve never had to miss a shoot due to illness (tough wood), but you never know. Every photographer needs a backup plan, and mine is my husband Anthony, who would be available to cover the wedding, so there would be no need to rearrange anything.
7 Do you shoot in RAW or JPEG?
Without getting too technical, RAW photos contain more detail but need more editing afterwards, when they will be saved as JPEGs. To get the best results, it’s recommended that photographers shoot in RAW mode (which I do). Any serious photographer is very unlikely to take photos in JPEG mode, but it’s worth checking before you choose a photographer, in order to be sure of getting the best results.
8 What's the point of having a pre-wedding meet-up between the photographer and the couple?
This is a great opportunity for the couple to meet up with the photographer at the actual venue. As well as providing a chance for us to get to know each other a bit, it allows to scout for suitable locations for photos to be taken on the actual day and discuss the must-have shots to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
9 If it’s a long shoot, how often will you need to take a break?
Photographers are only human, and will need the occasional comfort break! Some weddings can last 8 hours or more, and it’s worth clarifying before the event what, when and where the photographer will eat, for example. For longer shoots, I bring a snack with me, which I keep in the car, so I wouldn’t be expecting the couple to provide me with food. Feeding the guests is a hefty cost as it is, and I have no wish to add to that!
10 How long will I need to wait after the wedding until I can see the photos?
This is worth clarifying with the photographer. I would expect to have the edited digital files ready within a week of the event; any printed photos would take longer.
11 Do you have a website which family and friends can order prints, albums etc from?
Yes, I use a platform called Zenfolio, which enables me to make digital files available for download, and for prints and albums to be ordered.
12 Can the guests take photos too?
Yes of course, it’s natural that your guests will want to take pictures, and I’m all for that. I do just ask though that precedence is given to the professional photographer, and guests ensure that his or her view isn’t obstructed.
13 There are some shots and groupings of guests that I’d really like pictures of. Is that possible?
Absolutely. And the pre-wedding meet-up at the venue is an ideal time to go through these must-have shots. It's really helpful if there's someone (like an usher or bridesmaid) who can help arrange the groupings, especially if this person knows a lot of the guests.
Anyway, I hope that is helpful. If you would like to enquire about hiring me as your wedding photographer in or around Bath, or about anything else, then do please get in touch.
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Here are some of the different options I submitted to Bath Life:
And here's the finished result:
Bath Life Magazine issue 342, with cover photography by Beata Cosgrove
I'm looking forward to picking up a copy soon!
]]>With so many really competent professional photographers in Bath, I'm really pleased to have been chosen by the ThreeBestRated website as one of the top three photographers in Bath.
Unlike many web directories, ThreeBestRated doesn't publish recommendations in exchange for payment. Instead, they closely scrutinise the work of photographers (and driving instructors, plumbers, accountants etc). They check for evidence of consistently high quality work, customer reviews and satisfaction, reputation and value for money, and I am delighted to have been chosen by them as one of the top three photographers in Bath, as judged against their stringent criteria.
Screenshot showing ThreeBestRated's recommendations for Bath's three most positively reviewed photographers, including Beata Cosgrove Photography
Here's the link: https://threebestrated.co.uk/photographers-in-bath
And here are some reviews of my work, which have enabled me to get this recommendation: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=beata+cosgrove+photography&oq=beata+cosgrove&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j35i39l2j69i60l3.6096j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x48718118303084e1:0xca52fd40ab1838b9,1,
Clearly, having a strong online presence is key to a photographer just as it is to any businessperson, and I'm really glad to also be featured on the Wedding Secret's webpage:https://www.theweddingsecret.co.uk/beata-cosgrove-photography-wedding-photography-bath.html
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Research carried out by LinkedIn shows that just having a profile picture on your LinkedIn page makes you 14 times more likely to have your profile viewed. Your photo is one of the most important parts of your LinkedIn profile, and your photo says a lot about your personality and – how presentable you are, how approachable and professional you appear, and so on.
Given all this, it’s imperative that you do include a photo in your LinkedIn profile, and that you use one that does you justice. It goes without saying that by using a low-quality photo, perhaps a selfie or one taken with your computer’s built-in camera, you may well be selling yourself short.
Here are some tips from the local photographer near you for getting top quality pictures for your profile:
1 Dress professionally
When having your profile photo taken, wear the kind of clothes that you’d wear when at work. This helps you to look the part and enables the person viewing your profile to image they’re meeting you in your professional role.
2 Use an uncluttered background
If getting a photo taken in your home or workplace, do be mindful of background clutter which might be visible behind you. You might not have noticed that pile of washing up behind you or your colleague’s jacket strewn across a chair, but anyone looking at your picture almost certainly will. As a professional photographer, I often use rolls of white or grey background paper for this. Alternatively, a clear wall (without pictures on) works well, as does a background with a simple regular pattern such as stone or brickwork, perhaps out of focus, concentrating attention on the subject.
3 Spend time getting the job done properly
It’s common for people to use the same profile picture across all their social media accounts. So they paste their Facebook profile picture into their LinkedIn profile. But consider for a moment your social traits that define what you’re like as a friend or how you interact with people at a party. And then think what it is you can offer people in your professional life. The odds are that you identified two very different sets of characteristics. This reflects why it’s probably worth having a different profile picture for your ‘professional’ social media page from the one you use when you’re liking dancing cat videos. It takes a bit more time and effort, but should be well worth your while.
LinkedIn themselves recommend getting a photograph taken professionally. Beata Cosgrove Photography in Bath can do this for you, delivering great pictures at very reasonable prices. You can see more of Beata's portrait photography here or contact Beata directly.
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Here are my 5 favourite spots for night-time photography in Bath.
1. Bath Abbey
This sturdy, late Gothic structure is lit up in the evening, which is an ideal photo opportunity for dusk photographers. With a tripod and an obliging motorist, you can get a light trail leading into the photograph, as I've done here. I always think that vehicles' rear (red) lights make for a more interesting photo than the front (clear) lights. In Bath's labyrinth of one-way streets, it's worth bearing in mind which way(s) the traffic will be heading if you want to capture a light trail in your picture. This photo is taken by the A3039 outside the imposing structure of the Empire Hotel on Grand Parade.
In fact, this spot really is a BOGOF, because if you swing round 180 degrees, you come to spot number 2.
2. Pulteney Bridge, Bath
You need to be careful and sensible of course becaue it's quite a drop, but you can get a great view of the weir and Pulteney Bridge, which is remarkable for being one of only four bridges in the world flanked by shops on both sides all the way across. It was designed by Robert Adam and completed in 1774 to connect central Bath with the flourishing new suburb of Bathwick.
Ironically for such a spectacular city, Bath has a limited number of truly impressive riverside structures to tempt the photographer. Pulteney Bridge is the best known, but there is another just round the corner that is often overlooked.
3. Riverside buildings on Lower Bristol Road, Bath, photographed from across the river, close to Avon Street car park
With the River Avon on one side and the Lower Bristol Road and railway on the other, these structures are very reminiscent of another Bath, which was once a thriving industrial town as well as a genteel spa. With a tripod and ND filter, the water is smooth and mirror-like, creating harmonious reflections.
But don't get too comfortable - as there's a steep hill to climb for the next location!
4. Alexandra Park viewpoint, Bath
There are likely to be other photographers up here during the day, but when the sun goes down you'll probably have the whole place to yourself. I think this has to be the best panoramic view of Bath and its surrounding hills, and well worth the climb. If you spot a light glowing different colours on the other side of the city, there's a good chance that'll be our next and final spot.
St Stephen's Church, Lansdown, Bath
Occupying a commanding spot on the north side of the city, St Stephen's Church is one of Bath's finest Gothic buildings, and its abundance of pointy towers make it a good subject to photograph.
Anyway, happy photographing - and remember to take a tripod!
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The confetti shower was really spectacular - I'm pretty sure confetti must have been invented by wedding photographers, as it's such an eye-catching event!
And there was a classic automobile to whisk the happy couple off to Bath Spa University.
It was a joy to be part of this great day and to photograph this lovely couple and their guests at a really joyful wedding. Congratulations to you!
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One of the things that made this wedding unique for me was the use of two languages, Polish and English, during the ceremony.
The picture above shows the happy couple after the wedding ceremony about to go outside to be showered with confetti and congratulations (below)!
As so often happens at weddings, the younger visitors couldn't resist performing for the camera!
After the service, it was off to the Globe at Newton St Loe for a lovely big meal - but only after the photographer had captured the group shots and pictures of the happy couple that she wanted to get!
I was delighted to be asked to photograph this christening at the weekend in one of Bath's most beautiful Victorian churches: St John's.
The building is a pleasure to work in with its sombre colours, elegant lines and soaring Gothic arches, but it also has good levels of natural light, enabling me to work unobtrusively during the service without flash and still capture natural vibrant colours.
Having said that, I was glad to have my Profoto B1 off camera lights and softbox to capture some group shots after the ceremony itself, and these were actually taken in the darkest part of the church at the west end.
I love the colours in this shot of the west door - the deep reddish brown of the door, and the complementary shades of blue in the clothes. I think they'd planned and co-ordinated their outfits!
Anyway, the event was a real pleasure to photograph.
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One of my favourite events to attend locally is the Bath Half Marathon. 2017's was the best-attended ever, with so many taking part that the organisers ran out of medals for the finishers! It provides a great opportunity for photographers, as long as you follow two golden rules:
- Get there early
- Choose a good vantage point
Both the family fun run (above) and the full half marathon attract runners working on behalf of a range of good causes such as Marie Curie (below).
Many photographers stay for the whole event, but for me, the best pictures are in the early stages, with runners still in good spirits (below) and expectations high!
Will definitely be back in 2018!
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Cleveland Pools, Bath. Beata Cosgrove Photography
Find Another Bath exhibition at 44AD Gallery, 4 Abbey Street Bath until November 20 2016
I'm excited to be a part of this collaboration involving a group of artists and photographers living and working in Bath. It explores some of the less obvious and less-known aspects of Bath, both present and past. It's at 44AD Gallery, 4 Abbey St, Bath BA1 1NN. The exhibition is free and on until Nov 20.
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National Champagne Week. Fry-Day with posh fish and chips. At the Roman Baths Kitchen. What a splendid idea!
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Bath Autumn Book Festival 2015.
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child photo session
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My name is Beata Cosgrove. I am a local mother with a 4-year-old daughter called Julia. I have been living in Bath for several years now, and I'm a photographer.
I love to take pictures which really capture children’s personalities, and show them having fun. I also love to portray the natural and spontaneous interactions between people. I often work as an event photographer for Bath Life and at festivals such as Bath in Fashion 2015. I also take class and individual portraits on behalf of local schools.
Trips around Europe, India and South East Asia have provided ample inspiration and subject matter in recent years. Some of my travel and street photography will be on display in my home studio in the Bear Flat area of Bath, as well as some unusual views of Bath and nature photographs. The exhibition will be at Newbury, Beechen Cliff Road, BA2 4QT (venue 4 on the Bear Flat Artists’ Open Studios trail, 23-25 May 2015, 11am-5pm).
During the Open Studios event, I am offering Bath Mums readers an opportunity for your child to have their face painted, a professional studio portrait taken and a hi-res photo emailed to you, all for just £10 per child.
Additionally, I am offering 20% off my usual prices for all portrait bookings made and paid for during May and June 2015. Further details of this promotion are available here, or you can contact me directly at: [email protected].
Do please feel free to bring family and friends to the exhibition and photo shoot. No need to book, just turn up, and I look forward to meeting you.
Bear Flat Artists’ Open Studio offer – Terms & Conditions
- £10 covers the face painting and photograph of one child
- £10 photo shoot (with face painting) available 23rd - 25th May 2015, 11am-5pm
- Studio flash will be used
- High-res photos will be emailed to customers within a week
- Timing of photo shoot is at the photographer’s discretion
May / June 20% discount – Terms & Conditions
- Available from 26th May – 30th June 2015
- Payment must be made by 30th June 2015; the offer must be claimed by 20th December 2015
- Bookings can be made as gifts for other people
- The discounted prices can be viewed on my website: beatacosgrovephotography.com.
Women in Fashion.
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A traditional mbira song & dance from Zimbabwe. Amazing performance.
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Would you have stopped?
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Have we stopped talking to each other?
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