For a photographer who is at his most stimulated when shooting people, the opportunity to float around the periphery of a bunch of people who totally ignore you is manna from heaven...
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 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 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)
Wedding photography at The ICA...
"As soon as Becky and Nick rocketed around the dance floor like complete pros, I was unsure whether I could capture the movement and energy of the routine..."
Read moreFrom 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.
Behind the scenes at One Belgravia...
"... I spent an hour, just me and best buddy my 50mm lens, prowling around like a clumsy cat trying to capture the creative chaos of Chantal’s crack team of floral ninjas..."
Read moreWedding Photography at The Ace Hotel...
"Ros and Greg’s laid back Christmas week wedding at the Ace Hotel will act as a fitting opening chapter when I pen my Manual Of Hip…"
Read moreWedding photography at Kew Gardens...
"This church has a truly fantastic heritage. It is said that flames from London’s Great Fire of 1666 came with 100 meters of the building before the wind changed direction..."
Read moreFrom 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...
Engagement portraits on Box Hill
There is something wonderfully romantic about winter weddings. Their cosiness and candlelight make a lovely change to the brightness and light of summer season shoots.
Preme and Phil will be married just before Christmas at the lovely Fetcham Park, and to underline the winter theme we set off to Surrey's famous Box Hill one morning to capture some simple and atmospheric shots.
It takes a brave couple to head out into the November cold for their engagement shoot - and this was a really awful day of weather. Mercifully, Preme and Phil's 'can-do' approach ensured a lovely set of shots, completely capturing them as a couple, in my opinion.
I'm a great believer that 'fortune favours the brave' with photography. It can be over-thought and excessive planning often hampers the moment. By all means, have a rough idea of what you'd like to do, but leave as much as possible to chance - it brings nicer results. In this case, the steady drizzle, low light and mist swirling around the last of the Autumn leaves merely added to the final pictures.
Below, as usual, are only a few from the overall commission. Click any thumbnail to enlarge...
