Charlie and Nick - pre-wedding shoot

This is a shot from my first shoot of 2012 - Nick and Charlie's pre-wedding shoot.

They're getting married in a few weeks at the gorgeous Gorton Monastry. I did a bridal shoot there a few years ago and fell in love with the building and the people who worked there...it's one of the best wedding venues in the North West already, even though it's not been open long. I can't wait to shoot their wedding there, from what they've told me it sounds like it's going to be brilliant!

2011 - in weddings, portraits and music

2011 was...memorable. It was the year I established myself as a wedding photographer, the year I met some fantastic people, a year I spent with good friends old and new and, in spite of all that, a year I'm pretty darn happy to see the back of and welcome 2012 with open arms.

I've been a bad blogger this year and have a ton of weddings and shoots to blog in full, so what follows is both a review of what I've shot, and a teaser of what is to come here on the blog!

 

 

My first 2012 wedding is in a few weeks - and I can't wait to get started on what is shaping up to be one of the best years ever!

Quick update - weddings, engagements and a campervan!

I realised the other day that it has been a long old time since I did a blog post. Not because I'm being lazy, or haven't been working all summer...the complete opposite! This November/December the plan is to get up to date with all the weddings, engagements and shoots that I've done this season but until then I thought I'd post a few sneak peeks from the last few months.

Full posts on all these and more coming soon!

 

Steve Gerrard workshop - Birmingham

Last month I headed down to Birmingham for the day for a wedding photography workshop with Steve Gerrard.

The day began with Steve taking us through an introduction to his work and style - just as he would with potential couples. We then moved on to looking at how he would work on a wedding, from the initial contact to how the day goes and what he takes along with him (including some pretty cool lighting tricks)!

After lunch we met up with Leanne and Dave who were to be our models for the afternoon and headed out onto the streets of Digbeth.

One of my favourite things about Steve's photography is his fantastic portraits of the couple, and how he can find a backdrop out of seemingly nothing. He also had some brilliant tips for breaking the ice with a couple who may be a little camera shy and how to get some gorgeous natural reactions and expressions from them without forced smiles or awkward moments.

and of course we had to end the shoot with the famous 'Steve Gerrard traffic cone' shot!

Thanks to Leanne and Dave for being such fantastic models, and putting up with a dozen photographers on the streets of Digbeth!

Massive thanks to Steve for his time and patience with us all, and for putting on such open and honest training. To any wedding photographers, established or otherwise, out there I would 100% recommend a day with Steve, it's truly "special".

Rock Factor - Lytham St Annes

Those people familiar with the rather genteel seaside town of Lytham St Annes will know that the title is a bit of a juxtaposition...'Rock Factor'? In Lytham? Hmmmm.

Trust me though, there is a lot of musical talent out in the Fylde judging from the bands onstage, including the awesome Rae Morris and Bad Penny.

and the winner is...Next Stop Atlanta who will be supporting Status Quo at Lytham Proms in August.

Charlotte and Colin - sneak peek!

On Saturday I photographed Charlotte and Colin's gorgeous Scottish wedding just outside Duns on the borders. These two photographs were taken the weekend before when I went to meet them for their pre-wedding shoot.

We managed to dodge the frequent downpours and headed to a barley field (which is right next door to their house and yes, it does make an appearance again in their wedding photos) and into the village of Edrom to get some shots.

Gorton Monastry - bridal shoot

Just before Christmas I got together with some good friends, and fellow wedding photographers, Sam Clayton and Katy Lunsford for a shoot at The Monastry, Gorton.

The Monastry is a beautiful, Gothic building that has been recently restored and now plays host to functions, conferences, weddings and even music gigs (the day we were there they were setting up for a Tinchy Stryder concert)!

With the gig set up going on we weren't able to make use of the incredible main hall but instead we got to use the Private Chapel which had stunning stained glass windows and original stone walls.

Our two 'models' for the day were Smita and Kay. Neither are professionals but did a great job, and made our job very easy! Smita is also responsible for all of the beautiful, handmade jewellery in the photographs. Her company, Mara, makes bespoke wedding jewellery specialising in freshwater pearls, crystals and semi-precious stones.

We made full use of the stunning windows in the Chapel, and the great wintery light that was flooding through them that day!