"Standing a few feet away from Ben while he performed his groom’s due diligence with the best men, I was amazed at his coolness when it transpired the wedding rings had been left at the hotel..."
Read moreHappy Christmas memories, and not a mask in sight...
"... It doesn’t take much to figure out I relish working in low light. A flick through the blog posts and portfolio reveals the majority of content in shadows or lamp-lit rooms - the intention to emphasise atmosphere and feeling - key elements of any wedding day..."
Read moreWedding photography at The Shard...
So I donned my tux and switched on the cameras, the rest was laid out before me to record. What a great job this is...
Read moreTrasierra...
Nestled in the hills north of Seville it's the most amazing place to spend some time. It is owned by the wonderful Charlotte Scott, a Brit who arrived in Andalucía in the 1970s and spent several decades turning a crumbling old Manse into a very special boutique hotel.
Read moreWedding Photography at Loseley Park...
"...A lovely day with good people - it's why doing this job is a pleasure..."
Read moreWedding photography at The Mayfair Library
I love small weddings. They suit my style and attention to detail and I like the feeling of being able to concentrate on specific emotions of a select number of people...
Read moreWedding photography at Fulham Palace...
So, there's an Orthodox Armenian church in Kensington - who knew? And what a stunning space it is. Small, atmospheric: perfect for Emma & Ted’s September wedding...
Read moreWedding photography at Kew Gardens
“… This wedding was a blast t shoot. Great summer light, a lovely and fun group of people, and a wonderfully happy married couple who just went with any small changes to the plan, not letting it get in the way of savouring the day. Bloody good for them…”
Read moreMaria & Paul, Wedding photography in Cyprus
“… I hadn't been to Paphos for several years and the town remains the ideal place to enjoy some great seafood under endless blue skies - and a stunning location for a wedding…”
Read moreWedding photography at Fetcham Park...
"Whether in her traditional Chinese dress during the morning, or in her wedding dress, she was the epitome of a calm and happy bride, savouring the company of family and friends..."
Read moreNot just Santa who’ll Be busy...
While Father Christmas plans who’s been naughty and/or nice, I’m keeping very busy, finishing off what's been a terrific year. I've been lucky enough to enjoy a long list of great commissions stretching in to the winter and several reflect an evolving trend for more and more reportage coverage for corporate clients.
In times past, a request from a corporate client to shoot a Christmas function would have filled me with dread. This would mean endless 'grip and grins', leading to very staged results, devoid of any feeling or creativity. But in today's marketplace companies have loosened-up and allow photographers to shoot what they see, recording something really atmospheric and genuine. This appeals to employer and employee - and allows photography to be interesting for internal use and social media.
I believe variation is key to keeping your work fresh and remaining stimulated. And there's absolutely no reason to moan about shooting at Claridge's, Scotts, Battersea Park, Somerset House and Fetcham Park, to name but a few.
So, below is a handful of shots which I think sums-up winter and the festive period...
Wedding photography at the Kensington Roof Gardens
“… Anybody who has been lucky enough to attend a Jewish wedding knows that, frankly, these guys have celebration down to a fine art. Jacqueline and Len's day was quite simply joyous - it's the only suitable word…”
Read moreChristy & Derek, Wedding photography at Syon Park
“… Then just when the guests think it can't get any better, people are directed to wander around to the Great Conservatory, which for me is the real jaw-dropper…”
Read moreWedding photography in Lisbon...
"A vintage Lancia. White tie and tails. Trams. Dusk ceremony and Portugal in the Spring. Throw them all in a pot and voila! The wonderfully atmospheric wedding of Pierre and Oliver..."
Read moreWedding photography at Royal Hospital Chelsea...
The reality of shooting weddings, or any function which includes outdoor activity in the UK, means for 365 days a year you’re exposed to a potentially grumpy British climate. I guess it’s the fact that there's no control that leads to the constant concern over the elements, but I’m going to try and show why it needn’t be that way...
I can recall days in mid-November which felt warmer than those in June, and by the same token viewing forecasts which never mentioned rain, but soon after became a little soggy. We've all been been there, it’s all part of it. In my opinion, though, it really shouldn’t affect the proceedings too much if you have a good team on-board. Just such wedding days are really rare, trust me - they are, and when the skies close in all you can do is roll with it.
Introducing Lucy & Graylyn, who just laughed at the skies and got on with it. What massive credit they’re due. More to the point is Lucy knew it was coming, all the apps called it correctly, but even then she smiled and just focused on the fact she was getting married, the joy of which cancelled out any negativity.
After the lovely ceremony the State Apartments of Royal Hospital Chelsea, we all set off (senses of humour intact) for the short walk through the Ranelagh Gardens and the reception. The rain just kept coming, but RHC’s Sarah Preston and her team kept the day perfectly on-track and in such a situation how could anybody not have a blast.
Thanks to Mr & Mrs Loomis for allowing me to use some of their shots. I love working at the venue and always look forward to going back wearing either my wedding or corporate hat. It’s a little slice of idyl amid the streets of Chelsea…
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