Hello and welcome to my blog!
Friday, 10 July 2009
:: No Access To Email ::
Hi all - I will have no access to email from now until Sunday 19th July, but I will reply to enquiries and orders on that day.
Sunday, 5 July 2009
:: Rachel & Brendan Rock Mudeford ::
Well, last weekend I met up with Rachel and Brendan prior to their August wedding at The Christchurch Harbour Hotel. We had a good catch-up session, going through all the finer details of their big day (including the dress, once Brendan was out of ear-shot!). Then it was back to one of my favourite locations for their pre-wed shoot - across to Mudeford Sandbank via the ferry.
I first met up with them both last Sept.... when August 09 seemed such a long way away...but it's amazing how quickly time flies by and here we are, about 6 weeks away from the main event. They've both been super busy finalising their plans and sadly, due to tide restrictions, Brendan won't be arriving by jetski (that would have been a Townsend-first I can tell you!). However, that hasn't stopped the creative juices from flowing and they both have some rather special touches up their sleeves. I'm 'keeping Mum' about them so as not to spoil things, but put it this way, I'll have plenty of scope for creativity that day!
The weather was boiling hot and so the beach was quite busy. We had quite a laugh with some of the beach hut owners as we 'borrowed' the brightly coloured 'walls' for backdrops and if I had a £1 for every cute dog I wanted to smuggle home with me.....!!
Anyway, here are some of my personal favourites - if you'd like to see more, then please contact Rachel or Brendan directly for the Gallery login details...
PS Top marks for the frequency of blog posts these days don't you think??!!!
I first met up with them both last Sept.... when August 09 seemed such a long way away...but it's amazing how quickly time flies by and here we are, about 6 weeks away from the main event. They've both been super busy finalising their plans and sadly, due to tide restrictions, Brendan won't be arriving by jetski (that would have been a Townsend-first I can tell you!). However, that hasn't stopped the creative juices from flowing and they both have some rather special touches up their sleeves. I'm 'keeping Mum' about them so as not to spoil things, but put it this way, I'll have plenty of scope for creativity that day!
The weather was boiling hot and so the beach was quite busy. We had quite a laugh with some of the beach hut owners as we 'borrowed' the brightly coloured 'walls' for backdrops and if I had a £1 for every cute dog I wanted to smuggle home with me.....!!
Anyway, here are some of my personal favourites - if you'd like to see more, then please contact Rachel or Brendan directly for the Gallery login details...
PS Top marks for the frequency of blog posts these days don't you think??!!!
Friday, 3 July 2009
:: Five Absolutes When Choosing Your Wedding Photographer ::
I like to keep up-to-date with what my fellow Photographers are up to .......... okay, okay, I admit it ......... I blog-stalk the competition!!!
Anyway, during a recent stalking session I came across this GREAT article written by Grant Perry! I'm sure you will have read many, many hints and tips on how to choose your Wedding Photographer, but I think this one sums it up perfectly.
I know that if I were choosing, I wouldn't care what kit they used or how many images they took.
I'd want to know that they were in love with my Wedding as much as I was; interested in every detail.
I'd want to be sure they were in love with Photography; not the paycheck.
Above all, I'd want my Wedding to be special and unique .... not follow a set formula applied to 100's of other Weddings before mine.
So, have a read and see what you think.........
So you're meeting your prospective wedding photographer for the first time. You found them on a Google search, and their site seems nice enough. But how do you really know they are the best for you?
The easiest answer is also the most ridiculous; in 30 initial minutes you can't. BUT ... there are a few things you can look for to become more comfortable with your decision.
1. Relationship - Relationship - Relationship
The absolute most important aspect to you reaping the results you desire from your final wedding photography is that you fall in LOVE with your wedding photographer(s). And by LOVE I don't mean you'd ebay your rings, cancel your date and marry them - but I do mean you feel so comfortable that you'd be able to brag about them to your closest friends or have them over for dinner at your house.
A wedding photographer worth hiring doesn't take pictures, and that sounds totally weird, I know. A great wedding photographer isn't really a photographer at all but an artist who uses a camera and lens to paint and CAPTURE MOMENTS in digital files filled with emotion and passion. Their images - each and every one - CAPTURE a narrative or story that with one glance creates an emotion from the viewer; namely you. ANYBODY can take a picture, especially with the advances in today's geeky low-priced digital cameras. But only true wedding photography ARTISTS can capture your story with passion and emotion.
Someone who is bestowed such a precious and significant task as being your ONLY wedding photographer must be someone you absolutely love and admire. In fact, a true wedding photography artist will almost always be easy to be comfortable with because they themselves are depending on building a strong relationship with you so they may better understand what is important to your final outcome.
2. Passion
Ask your prospective wedding photographer if they take their cameras with them to family birthday parties or if they shoot pictures of their niece's soccer games. Only someone passionate about their craft integrates that passion into their lives - and a great wedding photography artist always integrates their passion into their lives.
When you're sitting across the table from them, how do they make you feel? Are you getting excited about your day as they talk about their involvement? When they talk about their product, do they exhibit a kind of giddiness or are they just selling? What adjective comes to your mind to describe them if you were asked 5 minutes after you've left the appointment?
Passion HAS to at least be a likely adjective you could choose. If not? Run - do not walk - to the next photographer.
You see - any great wedding photography artist is in the "game" for more than just the coin. They are always - and I mean always - looking to become your wedding photographer because they are passionate about painting your special story with the lenses of their camera that tell the story through fine art photography. In fact, a passionate wedding photography artist will always be a remarkable artist.
3. No new stress - please!
The wedding photographer sitting across the table from you has no idea what your plans are for your upcoming fairy-tale day. In fact, just because they've taken pictures for hundreds of brides before you, there are no other weddings even close in style or substance as yours, period.
If your prospective wedding photographer isn't asking the right questions of you, questions pertaining to your day, how YOU plan it to unfold, how many bridesmaids, groomsmen, the venue, is there going to be dancing, will your dad walk you down the aisle, who your maid-of-honor is and who she is to you ...
If they are insisting on showing you their previous work, and how awesome they are, and who they've photographed before ever asking about how YOU envision your day? RUN - do not walk - to the next prospective photographer.
The most counter-productive and stressful situation is to have your wedding photographer not clearly understand your time line. And the best scenario in this situation is to have a needy, whiney, and question ridden person running around taking pictures creating more stress. The worst scenario? They don't ask and subsequently don't GET the pictures you envisioned. In either scenario? Stress and disaster.
Actually, the absolute BEST scenario is a wedding photographer who sits across the table and interviews YOU. That's right, you've invited them to the table to choose them - but what you really want is someone who wants to work with you because you both click. Someone who asks you a bunch of questions, and diligently writes down YOUR answers about YOUR day as they interview YOU. Why? Because when they truly understand YOUR day, and how it will unfold, you have found someone who doesn't need to create stress on your day (or before), you've found someone capable of discovering and understanding what you want prior to your day. Someone who can click with you (and hopefully - FOR you - wink).
4. Show me your stuff
More than likely, you've seen a lot of your prospective wedding photographer's work (and probably their best work) from their web site. And having a look at an album or prints or canvas or ... is a good thing too. But understand this, nothing they show you across the table is going to be what you get - ever. You are seeing a compilation of work from perhaps their best work, which is understandable. But even on a perfect day, no two weddings are the same, nor are any two wedding albums, or prints, or ... the same.
Obviously your wedding photographer needs to be able to nail their focus, and exposures, and all of those technical photography details in order to even be considered. But, going back to the number one "must" - other bride's relationships with your photographer have got to be great.
Ask your potential wedding photographer to give you a couple of brides you can contact. And when they provide those names, call those brides and ask one question; "What do you remember most about Photographer xx?" That's it! You'll get the whole story from that one question. And the best part? You'll also get your answer overall from that question.
5. It's gotta be fun
Ask the wedding photographer this question; "So what do you do for fun?" Not that you need to care WHAT they do for fun - but you do care if they do anything that IS FUN.
Just because your wedding photographer will be working as a "vendor" on your awesome day does NOT mean they have to portray it as work. They have to have fun at it - and you've got to have fun at it - and that does NOT mean it's up to you to make it fun. THEY have to make it fun - the whole day. It may be 98 degrees in the shade or 2 below zero - but THEY have to be able to roll with the punches or change direction at any given time and still make it fun and stress-free for your entire party.
And there is really no way to know if that person you just met is that person other than to know they know how to have fun on their own, hence "So what do you do for fun?"
Fun = happy. Stress = ugly. Which do you choose?
Anyway, during a recent stalking session I came across this GREAT article written by Grant Perry! I'm sure you will have read many, many hints and tips on how to choose your Wedding Photographer, but I think this one sums it up perfectly.
I know that if I were choosing, I wouldn't care what kit they used or how many images they took.
I'd want to know that they were in love with my Wedding as much as I was; interested in every detail.
I'd want to be sure they were in love with Photography; not the paycheck.
Above all, I'd want my Wedding to be special and unique .... not follow a set formula applied to 100's of other Weddings before mine.
So, have a read and see what you think.........
So you're meeting your prospective wedding photographer for the first time. You found them on a Google search, and their site seems nice enough. But how do you really know they are the best for you?
The easiest answer is also the most ridiculous; in 30 initial minutes you can't. BUT ... there are a few things you can look for to become more comfortable with your decision.
1. Relationship - Relationship - Relationship
The absolute most important aspect to you reaping the results you desire from your final wedding photography is that you fall in LOVE with your wedding photographer(s). And by LOVE I don't mean you'd ebay your rings, cancel your date and marry them - but I do mean you feel so comfortable that you'd be able to brag about them to your closest friends or have them over for dinner at your house.
A wedding photographer worth hiring doesn't take pictures, and that sounds totally weird, I know. A great wedding photographer isn't really a photographer at all but an artist who uses a camera and lens to paint and CAPTURE MOMENTS in digital files filled with emotion and passion. Their images - each and every one - CAPTURE a narrative or story that with one glance creates an emotion from the viewer; namely you. ANYBODY can take a picture, especially with the advances in today's geeky low-priced digital cameras. But only true wedding photography ARTISTS can capture your story with passion and emotion.
Someone who is bestowed such a precious and significant task as being your ONLY wedding photographer must be someone you absolutely love and admire. In fact, a true wedding photography artist will almost always be easy to be comfortable with because they themselves are depending on building a strong relationship with you so they may better understand what is important to your final outcome.
2. Passion
Ask your prospective wedding photographer if they take their cameras with them to family birthday parties or if they shoot pictures of their niece's soccer games. Only someone passionate about their craft integrates that passion into their lives - and a great wedding photography artist always integrates their passion into their lives.
When you're sitting across the table from them, how do they make you feel? Are you getting excited about your day as they talk about their involvement? When they talk about their product, do they exhibit a kind of giddiness or are they just selling? What adjective comes to your mind to describe them if you were asked 5 minutes after you've left the appointment?
Passion HAS to at least be a likely adjective you could choose. If not? Run - do not walk - to the next photographer.
You see - any great wedding photography artist is in the "game" for more than just the coin. They are always - and I mean always - looking to become your wedding photographer because they are passionate about painting your special story with the lenses of their camera that tell the story through fine art photography. In fact, a passionate wedding photography artist will always be a remarkable artist.
3. No new stress - please!
The wedding photographer sitting across the table from you has no idea what your plans are for your upcoming fairy-tale day. In fact, just because they've taken pictures for hundreds of brides before you, there are no other weddings even close in style or substance as yours, period.
If your prospective wedding photographer isn't asking the right questions of you, questions pertaining to your day, how YOU plan it to unfold, how many bridesmaids, groomsmen, the venue, is there going to be dancing, will your dad walk you down the aisle, who your maid-of-honor is and who she is to you ...
If they are insisting on showing you their previous work, and how awesome they are, and who they've photographed before ever asking about how YOU envision your day? RUN - do not walk - to the next prospective photographer.
The most counter-productive and stressful situation is to have your wedding photographer not clearly understand your time line. And the best scenario in this situation is to have a needy, whiney, and question ridden person running around taking pictures creating more stress. The worst scenario? They don't ask and subsequently don't GET the pictures you envisioned. In either scenario? Stress and disaster.
Actually, the absolute BEST scenario is a wedding photographer who sits across the table and interviews YOU. That's right, you've invited them to the table to choose them - but what you really want is someone who wants to work with you because you both click. Someone who asks you a bunch of questions, and diligently writes down YOUR answers about YOUR day as they interview YOU. Why? Because when they truly understand YOUR day, and how it will unfold, you have found someone who doesn't need to create stress on your day (or before), you've found someone capable of discovering and understanding what you want prior to your day. Someone who can click with you (and hopefully - FOR you - wink).
4. Show me your stuff
More than likely, you've seen a lot of your prospective wedding photographer's work (and probably their best work) from their web site. And having a look at an album or prints or canvas or ... is a good thing too. But understand this, nothing they show you across the table is going to be what you get - ever. You are seeing a compilation of work from perhaps their best work, which is understandable. But even on a perfect day, no two weddings are the same, nor are any two wedding albums, or prints, or ... the same.
Obviously your wedding photographer needs to be able to nail their focus, and exposures, and all of those technical photography details in order to even be considered. But, going back to the number one "must" - other bride's relationships with your photographer have got to be great.
Ask your potential wedding photographer to give you a couple of brides you can contact. And when they provide those names, call those brides and ask one question; "What do you remember most about Photographer xx?" That's it! You'll get the whole story from that one question. And the best part? You'll also get your answer overall from that question.
5. It's gotta be fun
Ask the wedding photographer this question; "So what do you do for fun?" Not that you need to care WHAT they do for fun - but you do care if they do anything that IS FUN.
Just because your wedding photographer will be working as a "vendor" on your awesome day does NOT mean they have to portray it as work. They have to have fun at it - and you've got to have fun at it - and that does NOT mean it's up to you to make it fun. THEY have to make it fun - the whole day. It may be 98 degrees in the shade or 2 below zero - but THEY have to be able to roll with the punches or change direction at any given time and still make it fun and stress-free for your entire party.
And there is really no way to know if that person you just met is that person other than to know they know how to have fun on their own, hence "So what do you do for fun?"
Fun = happy. Stress = ugly. Which do you choose?
Sunday, 28 June 2009
:: Multi-frames By Design ::
You may remember the Lifestyle Portrait shoot I did with Jon, Denis and Shannon last year....well Jon recently got in touch and asked whether I could design up a huge multi-frame for his lounge with some of his favourite images! My answer was 'of course!' I LOVE LOVE LOVE design!
So, using Jon's favourites of the two kids together, I got to work creating an eye-catching layout that summed up the fun we all had on the day. The end result was a 23" square frame made with an oak moulding to match the look & feel of his lounge furniture - well he said he wanted it large!! I must admit, it looked stunning!
So, it just goes to show that you don't have to limit yourself to multi-frames of two or three images - anything is possible!
So, using Jon's favourites of the two kids together, I got to work creating an eye-catching layout that summed up the fun we all had on the day. The end result was a 23" square frame made with an oak moulding to match the look & feel of his lounge furniture - well he said he wanted it large!! I must admit, it looked stunning!
So, it just goes to show that you don't have to limit yourself to multi-frames of two or three images - anything is possible!
:: Queensberry - Albums of Choice ::
In years to come, you want your wedding album to look as beautiful and perfect as the day I delivered it to you.
You want it to be timeless - representing the love and emotion from your special day.
That's why I toiled endlessly on your behalf to find THE best album-maker in the world. End result? Queensberry of New Zealand! No question! "Every album a masterpiece of love"
At Queensberry we have taken great pride in creating beautiful albums since 1972. We are conscious that every book we make is an expression of love and family pride.
It takes many skilled specialists to create a Queensberry album: designers, image retouchers, colour correctors, printers, and teams of page-makers, mat cutters, assemblers and bookbinders.
Our skilled craftspeople hand-make your albums to order so that we can customise them to your personal requirements and truly reflect your personal style.
Design is a poetic balance between beauty, craftsmanship and functionality. Our attention to detail and classic approach will ensure our albums retain their appeal and integrity down the generations.
You can look forward, with confidence, to reliving your special day when you see your Queensberry album for the first time.
I couldn't have put it better myself! I have been working with Queensberry for a while now and I find their service and products to be second to none.
Of course, albums aren't just reserved for weddings - with many sizes, cover materials and layouts to choose from, you can commemorate any occasion. They make fabulous gifts for grandparents and parents alike.
If you would like to see samples of all the various options available to personalise your album and fully appreciate the outstanding quality for yourself, please get in touch and I'd be happy to wax lyrical about them!
You want it to be timeless - representing the love and emotion from your special day.
That's why I toiled endlessly on your behalf to find THE best album-maker in the world. End result? Queensberry of New Zealand! No question! "Every album a masterpiece of love"
At Queensberry we have taken great pride in creating beautiful albums since 1972. We are conscious that every book we make is an expression of love and family pride.
It takes many skilled specialists to create a Queensberry album: designers, image retouchers, colour correctors, printers, and teams of page-makers, mat cutters, assemblers and bookbinders.
Our skilled craftspeople hand-make your albums to order so that we can customise them to your personal requirements and truly reflect your personal style.
Design is a poetic balance between beauty, craftsmanship and functionality. Our attention to detail and classic approach will ensure our albums retain their appeal and integrity down the generations.
You can look forward, with confidence, to reliving your special day when you see your Queensberry album for the first time.
I couldn't have put it better myself! I have been working with Queensberry for a while now and I find their service and products to be second to none.
Of course, albums aren't just reserved for weddings - with many sizes, cover materials and layouts to choose from, you can commemorate any occasion. They make fabulous gifts for grandparents and parents alike.
If you would like to see samples of all the various options available to personalise your album and fully appreciate the outstanding quality for yourself, please get in touch and I'd be happy to wax lyrical about them!
Thursday, 30 April 2009
:: Much Needed R&R !! ::
Hi all
A quick note to say that I will be 'out of the office' from Friday 1st - Sunday 10th May.
Feel free to drop me emails or leave messages on the answerphone and I will pick them up when I'm home.
Until then......Bon Voyage To Me !! :o)
Karen
A quick note to say that I will be 'out of the office' from Friday 1st - Sunday 10th May.
Feel free to drop me emails or leave messages on the answerphone and I will pick them up when I'm home.
Until then......Bon Voyage To Me !! :o)
Karen
Thursday, 23 April 2009
:: The Rea Family ::
I know, I know, I have been fairly lax in my blogging of late, but I aim to redress the balance over coming weeks as I have lots to 'show and tell'. Starting with....
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting the Rea family last week as they'd travelled from around the globe to help Brian and Barbara celebrate 50 years of marriage. As always, I'm obsessed with the weather and was avidly checking the forecast for days beforehand. After weeks of glorious sunshine, I was disappointed to see that we were due for heavy rain on shoot day, but luckily it held off and we were blessed with pleasant sunshine. So off to Highcliffe beach we trotted....
It was a joy to get to know Brian and Barbara and of course, I couldn't help but ask what their secret for 50 happy years of marriage was..... Brian told me that it was a case of him spending his time at one end of the house and Barbara spending hers at the other!! Barbara's reaction proved that he was obviously pulling my leg and he went on to explain that it was a case of sharing interests, but also taking time out for yourself once in a while. Sounds like a recipe for success to me!
The kids were impeccably well-behaved and there was much running around and 'high-fiving' going on - goodness knows where they got their energy from, but it made for some really great shots (even though I do say so myself!!). In fact, we had so much fun, that we all met up again a couple of days later at The Royal Bath for another session in their 'glad-rags'....including exquisite dresses made by Barbara's own fair hand.
Anyway, I hope you all got back to your various corners of Europe safely and here are a few of my favourites as always....
Friends and extended family can contact either myself, George, Johnny or Jason for logon details to the full gallery.
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting the Rea family last week as they'd travelled from around the globe to help Brian and Barbara celebrate 50 years of marriage. As always, I'm obsessed with the weather and was avidly checking the forecast for days beforehand. After weeks of glorious sunshine, I was disappointed to see that we were due for heavy rain on shoot day, but luckily it held off and we were blessed with pleasant sunshine. So off to Highcliffe beach we trotted....
It was a joy to get to know Brian and Barbara and of course, I couldn't help but ask what their secret for 50 happy years of marriage was..... Brian told me that it was a case of him spending his time at one end of the house and Barbara spending hers at the other!! Barbara's reaction proved that he was obviously pulling my leg and he went on to explain that it was a case of sharing interests, but also taking time out for yourself once in a while. Sounds like a recipe for success to me!
The kids were impeccably well-behaved and there was much running around and 'high-fiving' going on - goodness knows where they got their energy from, but it made for some really great shots (even though I do say so myself!!). In fact, we had so much fun, that we all met up again a couple of days later at The Royal Bath for another session in their 'glad-rags'....including exquisite dresses made by Barbara's own fair hand.
Anyway, I hope you all got back to your various corners of Europe safely and here are a few of my favourites as always....
Friends and extended family can contact either myself, George, Johnny or Jason for logon details to the full gallery.
Monday, 24 November 2008
:: Denis and Shannon Battle The Winds of Mudeford!::
So, once again, I battled against the gusting winds of Dorset and dodged the showers to meet Denis and Shannon with their Dad, Jon, at my favourite Lifestyle Shoot venue, the Mudeford Sandbank.
I'd never met Denis and Shannon before, but there was plenty of time to get to know them as we walked along from Hengistbury. They both have eclectic music tastes, much like their Dad, but I was relieved to hear that High School Musical is a firm favourite!
We had to dodge the showers; sheltering near the beach huts and sand blowing in our eyes was a bit of problem sometimes too, but they were both real troopers and I got some great shots. I even managed to persuade camera-shy Dad to have a few shots taken too!! We finished off the session with a warming hot chocolate, together with calorific whipped cream and flake - fantastic - then hitched a ride on the Noddy train back to the car!
Anyway, here are a few of my personal favourites as a taster. Friends and family can contact Jon or myself for logon details to see the full gallery.
Until next time....and don't forget to leave your comments below :-)
I'd never met Denis and Shannon before, but there was plenty of time to get to know them as we walked along from Hengistbury. They both have eclectic music tastes, much like their Dad, but I was relieved to hear that High School Musical is a firm favourite!
We had to dodge the showers; sheltering near the beach huts and sand blowing in our eyes was a bit of problem sometimes too, but they were both real troopers and I got some great shots. I even managed to persuade camera-shy Dad to have a few shots taken too!! We finished off the session with a warming hot chocolate, together with calorific whipped cream and flake - fantastic - then hitched a ride on the Noddy train back to the car!
Anyway, here are a few of my personal favourites as a taster. Friends and family can contact Jon or myself for logon details to see the full gallery.
Until next time....and don't forget to leave your comments below :-)
Saturday, 22 November 2008
:: The Crotty's Do It In Style! ::
Well, after much excitement and anticipation, the big day finally arrived! Imagine my disappointment for the lovely Anne and Nick, when I peered out the window in the morning to see grey skies, gusting winds and torrential rain which was obviously set in for the day. Still, nothing was going to dampen our spirits.
Anne looked absolutely stunning in her beautiful wedding dress, hand-made by Michele at Society Brides here in Christchurch. The greens and blues of the shot-silk were captivating and it suited her to a tee. I was impressed at how relaxed she remained throughout the preparations as she was obviously soaking up every moment.
Nick looked equally as fetching in his Armani suit with co-ordinating tie also from Society Guys in Christchurch. Unfortunately, however, nerves may have got the better of him and the result was a cut lip....nothing a bit of Photoshop magic can't sort out though ;-)
Despite the weather, it was the perfect day. All those carefully-planned details came to fruition; the cake was gorgeous (both to look at and to savour!), the Swarovski crystals on the tables for the ladies were a constant talking-point and Anne's orchid bouquet by Parkwood Florists was exquisite.
Thank you, dear friends Anne & Nick, for inviting me to be part of your truly special day.
A few favourites below (click on image to see a larger version) and the full shoot can be viewed here (username/password details available from Anne, Nick or myself).
Enjoy and feel free to leave comments - always nice to read!
Anne looked absolutely stunning in her beautiful wedding dress, hand-made by Michele at Society Brides here in Christchurch. The greens and blues of the shot-silk were captivating and it suited her to a tee. I was impressed at how relaxed she remained throughout the preparations as she was obviously soaking up every moment.
Nick looked equally as fetching in his Armani suit with co-ordinating tie also from Society Guys in Christchurch. Unfortunately, however, nerves may have got the better of him and the result was a cut lip....nothing a bit of Photoshop magic can't sort out though ;-)
Despite the weather, it was the perfect day. All those carefully-planned details came to fruition; the cake was gorgeous (both to look at and to savour!), the Swarovski crystals on the tables for the ladies were a constant talking-point and Anne's orchid bouquet by Parkwood Florists was exquisite.
Thank you, dear friends Anne & Nick, for inviting me to be part of your truly special day.
A few favourites below (click on image to see a larger version) and the full shoot can be viewed here (username/password details available from Anne, Nick or myself).
Enjoy and feel free to leave comments - always nice to read!
Sunday, 19 October 2008
:: Anne & Nick at Knoll Gardens ::
I recently met up with Anne and Nick for their pre-wed shoot at Knoll Gardens; a place which has special memories for them. It was a bright, sunny day and the Sunday morning dew was still glistening on the grasses, which are a speciality at Knoll.
Anne and Nick are dear friends of mine and I was truly honoured when they asked me to be their wedding Photographer. Sometimes photographing friends and family can be tricky, but they were a joy to work with and very relaxed. It's heart-warming to see that romance is still alive even after the 19 years they've been together!
They get married shortly at the stunning Harbour Heights Hotel in Poole and I can't wait. Anne, a gal after my own heart, has organised every last detail (although I understand Nick is taking credit for arranging the Photographer!!) and it's certainly going to be a day to remember.
As always, here are a few of my favourites from the shoot....until next time.
Anne and Nick are dear friends of mine and I was truly honoured when they asked me to be their wedding Photographer. Sometimes photographing friends and family can be tricky, but they were a joy to work with and very relaxed. It's heart-warming to see that romance is still alive even after the 19 years they've been together!
They get married shortly at the stunning Harbour Heights Hotel in Poole and I can't wait. Anne, a gal after my own heart, has organised every last detail (although I understand Nick is taking credit for arranging the Photographer!!) and it's certainly going to be a day to remember.
As always, here are a few of my favourites from the shoot....until next time.
Thursday, 7 August 2008
:: Dream Weddings Cover Shot ::
If you're in the planning stages of your wedding this year, essential reading will undoubtedly be a copy of 'Dream Weddings' magazine.
And, you've guessed it, the reason for this shameless plug is that yours truly has the cover shot for the Autumn/Winter edition! It's packed with tips on how to plan your special day with a great feature on cakes and flowers. More info to be found here.
Friday, 1 August 2008
:: Introducing....Multi-frames! ::
I thought I would introduce you all to an increasingly popular product that I offer - the MULTI-FRAME!
For each shoot, whether it be a pre-wed, a wedding or a lifestyle portrait session, I always shoot with the design of multi-frames in mind. As I'm sure you'll appreciate, simply putting a selection of your favourites together, doesn't always produce the wow factor! Therefore as part of the presentation of your images from the day, I will design a selection of multi-frame options for you. Of course, I am happy to advise if you want to swap an image out for an alternative.
You can choose from 3, 4 or 5 images - in a horizontal or vertical format - square or standard images...the choices and possibilities are endless.
Standard frame choices are the solid beech or pewter finish - prices start from £100.
I also offer a bespoke service, if you'd like to match the frame to a specific colour or finish - POA.
Here are some recent multi-frames I've produced for clients and they create a real focal point in any room.... (click on the image to see a larger version).
Until next time...
Monday, 21 July 2008
:: Molly's Baptism ::
Having previously got to know Molly on her Lifestyle shoot earlier this year, I was delighted to be invited to her Baptism. However, this was no usual church Baptism; we all congregated down at Southbourne beach while Revd Jenny Nightingale from St Barnabas church conducted the ceremony.
After a few rainy days, it was great to see the sunshine out again on this special afternoon. Armed with car rugs and picnic baskets we set up camp down near the water's edge and joined in prayer and song (no mean feat while you're trying to hold a camera I can tell you!).
Then the main part of the ceremony took place in the sea itself. The congregation all huddled in the shallow part, trousers rolled up to their knees, whilst Mum, Dad and Molly joined the Revd in deeper waters. Being the UK, the water wasn't quite warm enough, so Molly's Baptism outfit was a rather nice mini-wetsuit as she'd opted for the 'splash' rather than the, I quote, 'full dunking'.
It was great to be part of a very traditional ceremony performed with a modern twist; a truly memorable day for all involved.
A few favourites below (click on image to see a larger version) and the full shoot can be viewed here (username/password details available from mum Lisa or myself).
Enjoy in the dry...!
Monday, 30 June 2008
:: Emma and Ali Wedding ::
Emma looked stunning and I think you'll agree that Ali scrubbed up rather well too! It was a glorious day and I enjoyed every minute - they call this work?!
All nerves had been previously banished during their pre-wedding shoot and so it was easy for them both to relax on the big day. Emma was especially keen to try some poses that Kate Moss would have been proud of, but there was still a relaxed element to the day and everyone agreed it was a day to remember.
Ali has a subtle, but rather wicked sense of humour and I think it definitely comes across in his pictures. Thanks to you both for asking me to share in your amazing day.
A taster below.....
Monday, 23 June 2008
:: Kate, Freya and The Windy Day! ::
Yesterday I had the pleasure of Kate and Freya's company on a Lifestyle shoot, but my, what a WINDY day it was!!
We all boarded the Mudeford ferry across to the Sandbank and had to hold onto our hats - quite literally! Where has summer gone?! Despite the challenging weather, Kate and Freya were good sports and we had lots of fun, using the wind to our advantage. Never let it be said that I don't relish a challenge!
I think Kate, who is rapidly approaching teenage years, enjoyed the more adult poses I asked to her to play around with and what results! She looks amazing and you can see I've used one of the shots in my main website.
Freya used her creative streak to draw pictures in the sand and make glamorous ladies out of seaweed, shells and driftwood - watch out for this girl in years to come - Picasso eat your heart out!
Anyway, as always, I've added some of my particular favourites below for you to see (click on each image to see a larger version). Friends and family can view the whole shoot here (contact mum Joanne or myself for username/password details).
Until next time....enjoy!
Thursday, 5 June 2008
:: Sarah and Paul's Wedding with a Touch of Nature ::
I was truly honoured to be asked by my cousin Paul to travel to Canada to capture his wedding to the beautiful Sarah....family weddings...no pressure eh?!
Sarah and Paul were adamant that their wedding would be a relaxed event with the emphasis on friends and family rather than pomp and circumstance. Guests from all corners of the globe arrived in the preceding week (including myself) and everyone rolled up their sleeves to help with table settings, flowers, decorations, cakes - you name it, we made it! A very natural feel was the order of the day and for me, it was the special touches that added the wow factor.
The ceremony itself was set on the banks of Cultus Lake with the stunning mountain scenery as an impressive backdrop. I know I'm obsessed with the weather (us Photographers have to be clued up), but the week was the wettest (and coldest) they'd seen for some time....however, about an hour before the ceremony was due to start, the clouds disappeared and the beautiful summer sunshine shone through.
There are so many to chose from, but here is a small selection of my favourites....
Thanks Paul and Sarah for an amazing week.
Monday, 26 May 2008
:: Sarah and Rob's Wedding At Highcliffe Castle ::
I always enjoy weddings at Highcliffe Castle mainly due to the great light- all those windows - a photographer's dream! It makes a great venue and the expertly manicured gardens are a beautiful backdrop.
Sarah and Rob are a fantastic couple and it was such a shame that the Great British weather let them down. Just as Sarah arrived, looking beautifully serene, the heavens opened and the wind whipped up a storm. Wedding Photographers try to deal with every eventuality, but sadly we are yet to work out a way to guarantee perfect weather...one day!
Anyway, as we all reached the reception at The Old Vicarage the sun streamed through the clouds and everyone was able to gather on the lawns to raise a toast to the happy couple.
A few to whet your appetite...(click on the image to see a larger version).
Sunday, 4 May 2008
:: Emma and Ali Pre-Wed Shoot ::
I recently met up with Emma and Ali for their pre-wed shoot and what a great morning it was too! They brought their inquisitive son Jacob along with them and as you'll see, he couldn't help but sneak into some of the pictures!
Emma seemed perfectly at ease in front of the camera, but Ali was a bit unsure initially. However, after the first few shots he relaxed completely and by the end of the shoot I had a hard job packing my camera away! It just goes to show what a great way to relax even the most camera-shy of clients a pre-wed is. I recommend them to all my couples and we never fail to have fun and get great results.
A few of my favourites below and I look forward to the 'main event' in June....(click on the image to see a larger version)....
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
:: Molly's Lifestyle Shoot at Moors Valley ::
Yesterday I met up with 3 year old Molly for her Lifestyle Portraiture shoot at Moors Valley Country Park - a great place to keep kids occupied. The weather was overcast with the odd burst of sunshine, but luckily the rain held off and we were able to explore the park together.
Molly took to being a photography model like a duck to water and we had a great time; she even came up with a few poses of her own! She was a joy to work with and one of the most polite children I've ever encountered - she even apologised when dropping my cuddly dog prop in the dirt!!
Here are a few of my favourite shots from the morning, including one of mum Lisa joining in at the end (click on each image to see a larger version).
Friends and family can view the whole shoot here (contact Lisa or myself for a username/password).
Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
