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!
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!
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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".
]]>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.
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.
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!
Sneak peeks from both are below - congratulations to you all and enjoy your honeymoons!
Following their late night conversation these two ladies got together and asked a load of bloggers (including me) to put a post out today to spread the word and see if between us we can encourage more people to donate.
Now some people already give blood. However, those who don’t, like me, tend to fall into one of two categories: too squeamish or too forgetful. Both reasons are totally understandable, conquering a phobia of needles or blood is a huge thing to ask, as is scheduling the time for a regular appointment to donate.
It is an astonishing fact that only 4% of the population provides donations of blood for the rest of us. That’s a lot to expect of so few people. Especially when this is one of those times when you really can have a massive impact on the lives of others, by doing something so simple.
So, why are we all campaigning for this? Many of us have been affected first-hand by the importance of having a ready supply of blood, and realise how very different life could be without it. Just stop for a minute and think what might happen if you couldn’t get the blood transfusion that you take for granted will be there. This is the perfect forum to bring it to the forefront of people’s minds, especially those who have been contemplating donating blood but just haven’t got round to doing it yet.
If you’re physically able to give blood do please try to make time, it can literally make you a lifesaver. We would love it if donating blood became a regular habit for you, something that is done on a regular basis without giving it a second thought. If you can’t donate then please continue this campaign by asking all those you know who can to make an appointment – ask them to do it now… today, not when they get round to it.
Once you've finishing reading this please read the associated posts from all of those involved in this campaign. There will be some very personal stories that we hope may open your eyes to how important blood donors are and how you never know when you may be the recipient of the blood that these wonderful people give. The stories I've heard have certainly opened my eyes and made me book that time in.
If you feel that you are ready to donate blood, please go to the Give Blood website to find your nearest blood donor session. And thank you.
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And seeing as I can't really end a post without putting a photo up here is the pretty awesome Sarah (and the equally wonderful Joe) on their recent engagement shoot...
A few sneak peeks of the shoots are below...
