"... 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 moreWedding Photography at Loseley Park...
"...A lovely day with good people - it's why doing this job is a pleasure..."
Read moreEngagement photography in Paris...
“… I don’t like to over plan any day of photography; an approximate outline with plenty of room to breathe is my preferred MO and it’s usually the same for those who employ me…”
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 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…
(Click any thumbnail to view)
Through the lens: The Bedeken...
... I didn’t reveal to them just how nervous I was to get this right. Capturing the tone of such a personal family time can be tricky. Get this wrong and you’ll stick out, get it right and you have a little bit of gold, the significance of which galvanises over time.
Read moreWedding photography at Temple Church
"... this amazing location - tucked away off Fleet Street near the river Thames, is steeped in some of the richest memories in British history..."
Read moreBlackfriars Bridge at midnight...
"... 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 moreIntimate table detail at The Connaught
I'm being commissioned more and more to shoot smaller weddings in venues with a very intimate feel. It might be a private dining rooms in a luxury boutique hotel or a lovely residence with a family party feel. Yet in every case, the events are very specific in their design and attention to detail is of paramount importance.
One such recent shoot was at The Connaught hotel in the heart of London's Mayfair. This stunning venue dates back to 1815 (when it was called The Coburg) and, in its various incarnations, has always been frequented by the great and good.
Katy and Jonathan had chosen to hold their small wedding ceremony close by - at The Mayfair Library - before they and their party walked through the gardens behind Farm St Church and into Mount Street.
After a relaxed drinks reception the 30 or so guests were treated to a sumptuous meal in The Carlos Room, and it's here we photographically pick up the day, because the detail was absolutely stunning...
Entirely lit by candles, Katy's vision was brought to life by suppliers operating at the very top of their game. I recall walking into the room and being struck by the soft orange hue. The light whispered pure luxury while still being inviting and comfortable - the perfect combination which allowed this tight-knit group of family and friends to enjoy themselves to the full.
So, in the hope the photography reflects the scene, here is a little corner of The Connaught in all its romantic glory.
Below, as usual, are only a few from the set. Click any thumbnail to enlarge...
Wedding photography at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel...
"With drinks over, I shadowed the wedding party all the way to check-in for Paris..."
Read moreLa La Land... fun and dance
"... This is a film that I think will forever change my approach to shooting dancing at weddings..."
Read moreWedding photography at Fulham Palace
I distinctly recall Christina’s tone. It was almost cautious. “The chapel will be candlelit," she said. "Will that work?”. Of course it would...
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