"... So, over Blackfriars Bridge we all ventured, and in the middle of fun this image, to my mind, summed-up their whole attitude to the wedding..."
Read moreFrom The Archive... #30
I love the energy in this shot - it just shouts 'party!!' at you.
It's just one of a series of full-throated sing-a-long images taken during a lovely summer wedding at Kew Gardens. This frame also confirms that any wedding is most definitely a people day. It really could be anywhere and it's timeless, something I try very hard to get across in any given set.
And if you're wondering about the track, it's a classic. Let's just say Freddie Mercury would be proud...
From The Archive... #29
Some fun and a little expectation. Even though this is a simple, quiet shot, there is a lot going on here...
The increasing popularity of the wedding reception photo booth creates many zany and oddball opportunities for shots. When such a facility is present I tend to skulk quietly in the shadows, recording some of the fun and games. By this time of the evening people think of me as part of the day's furniture and I'm thankfully ignored - which is perfect.
I really like the expectation the pointed finger creates as the lady in question urges the last photo to appear. Her gesticulation suggests the final shot is maybe a sight to see and possibly the one in which they 'went for it' ... we'll never know.
From the archive... #27
"In silhouette it's simple and striking, cutting an interesting outline against the window. In reality it's one of the ushers making a very bad fashion choice..."
Read moreFrom the archive... #26
"I'm also sure I overheard one of the service staff suggesting he should just have water - because he'll easily be able to turn it into wine..."
Read moreFrom the archive... #25
"Out of the taxi we hopped, to be met with an empty road. Quite amazing. I have never, ever seen a bridge in London appear to clear of traffic, seemingly on-demand..."
Read moreFrom the archive... #24
I love that the Sydney Opera House is something you always see from the side and at first glance appears to be one building (not so). So come Tom & Kim's wedding day, during a warm Aussie Easter, it was nice to try and portray the sheer scale of this spectacular building.
Designed by Dane, Jorn Utzon, in the 1950's, and opened in 1973, it comprises numerous huge pre-cast 'shells' (in some cases over 75m high) and covered by over one million tiles, dominating Circular Quay in central Sydney. I'll feature the wedding at a later date, but for now I really like this alternative view of a world famous landmark, with the happy couple giving it some scale.
For me this wedding was unique... much more about that soon...
From the archive... #22
Photographs are pure, honest memories. They transport us back to times we've recorded and (hopefully) enjoyed.
While the same applies here in this simple, quiet shot of Julia's morning preps at The St Pancras Renaissance, there's a second wedding which pops into my mind - that of the make-up artist, Elisa.
Quite by chance our paths crossed again without warning and after a double-take (on my part) as soon as I entered the room, it was a lovely surprise to recall her commission three years ago. Small world.
On a pure photographic level I like the picture very much. The loose composition on the 50mm lens leaves space for the bloom of the desk lamp, and the mirror feels to me like a doorway, where in actual fact the girls are to my immediate left, not in front of me. If I stare at it hard enough the lampshade in the background would begin to bother me - but such is life!
I also see it as a kind of distant cousin to From the archive #21 - you'll see what I mean...
From the archive... #21
Sometimes a memorable photograph is all about what you can't see. And what nobody can view in this shot is my sheer relief, because I'm on the cusp of a brief sit down and bite to eat following 8 hours solid photography at a shoot in central London the day after Boxing Day.
As the guests seated in the ICA's stunning Nash Room for their wedding breakfast, I just loved the way the light hit the walls and overall quiet nature of the shot. Of course, wander back into the room and you would be hit with chat, music and atmosphere - but from only a few feet outside it's a much calmer scene.
About 90 minutes later the room would erupt to the sound of applause and laughter during the speeches - but by then I'd had my sandwich and espresso and all was once again right with the world...
From the archive... #20
If you live long enough, you see everything... women wearing canapés! Yum?
This shot was taken at a recent commission at One Marylebone where my role was to shoot a pretty lavish birthday party. The design and planning of the evening was undertaken by the terrific Cranberry Blue Wedding & Events.
I'm hoping to write a little piece about the detail and superb look of the main dining room itself, but in the meantime imagine the welcome drinks being livened-up by pretty girls displaying nibbles about their person, in this case via a two-tier 'neck brace'.
If that isn't a thought to keep you warm during a cold weekend, then nothing is...
From the archive... #19
Kids at a wedding: honest, unpredictable and always great value for a photographer.
This little fella was getting itchy pants awaiting the bride and simply wouldn't keep still. I hesitate to use the word 'stalk', but I did track him around the church in a weird game of 43 year old cat and 4 year old mouse. The old cat won...
This image is also a perfect example of where monochrome really brings more to a shot than colour. A bright background and low-light foreground emphasise contrast, and in this situation colour would soften the effect and lessen the moment.
From the archive... #18
It's not just social media obsessed teens who love a good selfie! #grandma #fun
From the archive... #17
Morning preps are one of the nicest parts to shoot of any wedding day. It's a gentle hour of detail and quiet shots which virtually nobody else sees.
This little scene is my vantage point through a connecting door to one the grand suites at The Renaissance Hotel, St Pancras. Hair is virtually done and the donning of the dress is minutes away - so I kept my distance to ensure the moment wasn't lost.
I think of it as a 'doorman's eye view'...
From the archive... #16
Enough said...
From the archive... #14
Only three weeks ago I shot this simple frame at Hampton Court, on a windswept day full of dawn-to-dusk rain showers.
Zoe pulled up in the car (looking amazing), glanced at the deluge, then simply got on with her day. A brilliant approach; the only thing on her mind was getting married.
Seemed an apt first post for 2014. Happy New Year everybody!