Darren Webster Photography Ltd

Kelsey's model portfolio

2012-02-08T04:52:00.000-08:00

With a run up to my wedding season well on its way, I had the time to carry out other photographic work in the form of updating a young models portfolio.

Kelsey wanted some new images for her portfolio and as there was no specific brief, we worked on some basic studio style head and shoulders and full length shots indoors. Afterwards we went outside to get some eye catching "magazine" type images.

We got some great images as the January sun was setting allowing for some very dramatic skies which just adds to the effect of the images.

If you want some images to update your portfolio, or just want some portrait shots with a bit of a difference, give me a call or send an email.

Below are just some of the many we shot during the afternoon.

Eight Feet High band shoot

2011-12-18T05:27:00.000-08:00

Recently I had the pleasure of taking some images for a newly formed band called Eight Feet High.

They cover Indie and Rock music and play songs from Kaiser Chiefs, Kings of Leon, Oasis, Stereophonics, The Killers etc.

They are all experienced musicians coming from all walks of life. They emailed me with a specific style of shot they wanted for some promo posters and flyers and we played around with some different poses, but still maintaining the simple gritty black and white style they wanted. We had a limited amount of time as they had to be elsewhere for a soundcheck but we got the shots we wanted.

Check out their web site and if they are playing in a venue near you go along and support them.

www.eightfeethigh.co.uk

Portfolio shoot

2011-11-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

It was good to pick up my camera last week and do a portfolio shoot. I have been so busy with weddings and now that I am finally in my new office it was a very pleasant change.

Alex is a great model, starting out on her chosen career path. She is so professional and just understands where the light is falling and how to move to get the best images. I have includes some images form the shoot for you to have a look at. We were on location at a farm of all places, but the place was just full of areas for photography.

We were lucky with the weather, the day went very quickly and I soon found myself back in front of the computer to edit the results.

Next assignment is a image session with a band who want some images for promo material. The challenge comes from the exact style of images they want, so it should be interesting. I will post the results here.

Jonathan and Ashley. Monk Fryston Hotel

2011-09-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

It doesnt seem like two minutes since I first met Jonathan and Ashley back in July last year, but as it always happens, the big day soon comes around and after a great afternoon a couple of weeks ago on their pre wedding shoot the big day had finally arrived.

Ashley was getting ready at their house and as I arrived, everything was relaxed and calm.
Calm turned to into a frantic last ten minutes before Ashley set off from their house and took the short journey to Monk Fryston. I, on the other hand was a little behind schedule but soon made it up and spent some time with Jonathan, best man Ashley, usher John and Jonathan's Dad, Eric taking images in the hall gardens.

It wasnt long before Ashley was arriving in style in Daisy, the 1930's style tourer driven by the chauffeur Paul from Romantic Classic Cars.

The ceremony was over in a flash with not a dry eye left in the house (including yours truly who is definately getting sentimental in his old age.........)

The gardens were a lovely place for everyone to sit and after some group shots and the confetti pictures whilst the sounds of a saxaphone drifted through the air, it was off for a drive in Daisy for the bride and groom and a well earned time on their own. I followed along and got some nice images of them in a few different locations.

After arriving back it was just enough time to get the more intimate family group photos taken before the wedding party sat down for their meal. The toastmaster Mr Mike Smith was excellent at keeping the day running like clockwork and proved to be an able assitant to me throughout the day. Speeches followed with an emotional speech from Jonathan.

Again, in next to no time it was time to gather around the dance floor for the first dance of Mr and Mrs Dilks.

I wish them every happines, and if the rest of their life together is as happy as their wedding day, they wont go far wrong.

I have included a taster of images on here and also on my facebook page, please bear with me whilst I edit the rest of the 500 images. The bride and groom would also like to view the images before anyone else, so there will be a further delay, but rest assured, I will inform everyone through my facebook page when they go online to view.

Thank you to everyone for your assistance, it was a truly wonderful day and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.

Wedding Fayre. Abbey Leisure Centre, Selby.

2011-09-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came to visit my stand at the wedding fayre today at Abbey Leisure Centre.

I was in Derbyshire this weekend and didnt get back to Selby until late this afternoon, but my Dad did a sterling job of looking after my stand for me.

As many of you who know me I can talk........ alot. But I think my Dad can give me a run for my money, so I hope he didnt talk too much :-)

To anyone who took away some information, please get in contact with me and I can arrange a meeting to go through my albums and prices and have a chat about your big day.

To everyone else that visited, good luck on your big day.

Jonathan and Ashley Pre Wedding Shoot. Monk Fryston Hall

2011-09-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

On Friday I spent and enjoyable afternoon with Jonathan and Ashley having a wander around the grounds of Monk Fryston Hall. We spent the time discussing their impending big day and also getting some images as a practice for the big day. They are a great couple who enjoy each others company and we had great fun as we walked around the lovely grounds. Of course the weather helped and it was a lovely late summer afternoon. Fingers are well and truly crossed for similar weather on the 24th. I have included some images.

A pre wedding shoot is a great way to get used to your photographer before the big day and is also a lot of fun. It can make the wedding day less stressful.

Katie and Nathan. The Kyte Hotel.

2011-08-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Well I have had a bit of a technology nightmare since spending the afternoon with Katie and Nathan. First I moved my office, which caused my computer to go on a go slow, and then my internet packed in leaving me disconnected from the wide web world..........

I think I may have solved the problem but as I am in hereford at the moment, I won't find out until Monday so fingers crossed. In the meantime I loaded the images from Katie and Nathan's wedding and can post them from here.

I spent a lovely afternoon in the warm sunshine at Katie and Nathan's wedding at the Kyte hotel. Its a first visit to this hotel for me and I was greeted by friendly staff and a lovely boutique style hotel. Nathan was calm and collected before the ceremony, unlike Katie who's room was rather busy with flowers, relatives etc visiting on regular intervals.

However Katie finally got in to her dress and looked every bit the bride being given away by her brother.

The ceremony was over and done with and then straight outside for the photos.

Katie's mum managed to stay in her heels all afternoon and everyone had a lovely time on the grass enjoying the sun and having a drink or two.

I have included some images from the afternoon. The rest are been posted on my web site. Contact Katie or Nathan for the password.

Internet speed has not allowed my to post anymore so I will put some different ones on my Facebook page. Just type in darren webster photography.

Hopefully I will be able to post all the images on my web site by this evening.

Thank you to Katie and Nathan for your patience, I meanwhile have been ready to throw my computer out of the window.......:-)

Gavin and Amy, Waterton Park Wakefield 10 June 2011

2011-06-12T04:31:00.000-07:00

Gavin and Amy contacted me in the summer of last year and booked me to record their special day. I knew straight away that this was going to be a great day as you could tell they loved to be together and were just so enthusiastic about the wedding day.

Well I wasn't wrong. What a great day I had. I hope that everyone enjoyed the day as much as Gavin and Amy. Even torrential rain couldn't dampen their spirits and as if by reward, the sun made a well deserved entrance for a lovely evening.

Amy looked stunning. Gavin's arrival............. Well what can we say about that apart from nearly the whole of Wakefield heard him arrive in the American police car. Apologies to all the golfers who's score card was ruined by a duff tee shot on the first as Gavin and Juggy (got it right Justin) went passed with sirens blaring. Granddad's speech during the ceremony was just right with humour and sadness. There was not a dry eye in the room (including, I admit myself).

The venue is truly superb and be it rain or shine, the backdrops to the photographs are just spot on.

As you probably all know, I have taken alot of images. Some will make the final cut, others will not, but it will take me a while to edit them all. The full set should be available to view on the web site around Thursday evening. In the meantime, although it has been a tough choice to put a sample set on line, here are some teasers of what was a fabulous day.

Thank you again to Gavin and Amy and family and friends.

Mark and Simona, The Roxburgh Hotel, Kelso, Scotland

2011-06-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

I got home from Saturdays wedding and uploaded all the images onto my computer and straight to bed as the next day I was packing the car to head up towards my next wedding in Kelso in Scotland.

We managed to squeeze a few days in one of our most favorite locations in this country and stayed in a little cottage in Northumberland.

But work calls and I found myself up early on Thursday and on the road to the borders. Driving through the stunning countryside told me that this was going to be something special, and it didn't disappoint. The Hotel was set in grounds that were gorgeous and the small church where Mark and Simona got married was tucked away in rolling countryside.

The wedding was a small family affair with close friends enjoying the fantastic sunshine. It ran with military precision (not suprising considering Mark and Simona were both ex RAAF and also a few of the guests :-) but still came across as being very relaxed and intimate.

The day was spent smiling, laughing, getting very red in the unexpected sunshine,and just spending time with two people who are enjoying being together. Isabella and Owen did a great job as bridesmaid and Page boy. The best man Dave was in top form, even though his role got a little hazy at one point ........ was he best man or photographer :-)

The fly past of a lone Tornado was very welcome, if a little early for both me to get a photo, and for everyone to see it in its full glory (Mark still insists he had booked it. I dont think he convinced anyone)

Thank you to Mark, Simona, Their families and friends for a very enjoyable day in the sun. Check out the full set of images around Wednesday/Thursday on www.darrenwebsterphotography.com . Please use the password supplied.

Sara and Louis

2011-06-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

Well it seems like a lot longer than a week since I was arriving at Sarah's mum and dad's house to photograph the start of their wedding day preparations. A lot has happened in that time. I have seen two couples get married and managed to squeeze in a few days holiday with my family.

Anyway back to the main story...........

When I arrived at the house the bride was nowhere to be seen as a longer than expected visit to the hairdresser was putting us at risk of being seriously behind schedule. Never mind, nothing I have seen before and suitably supplied with a sausage sandwich from Sarah's dad meant we were very relaxed by the time Sarah arrived back.

The weather had really threatened to be awful but apart from having to take some group shots in the church we had a lovely sunny day when we went back to The Rock in Halifax for the reception.

So a great day was had by all. Sarah and Louis looked like they just had fun throughout. It was lovely to see the family again as I had photographed Sarah's brother Gareth and his wife Vicki's wedding last year (again, thanks for the story Vicki.....:-) )

I met some really nice people, had a lovely meal (thank you to Sarah and Louis), and of course the laser clay pigeon shooting was brilliant (just a shame I didn't win).

If anyone is looking for something different to entertain their guests at the wedding, this is brilliant idea and safe. Check out their web site at ww w.classlaserclay.co.uk

Thank you to everyone for their patience in waiting for the images to be edited. Rest assured I am now on to it and should be on my web site around Wednesday. Click on www.darrenwebsterphotography.com go to private galleries and use the password supplied. In the meantime I have put some on here as a taster.

I may have been quiet on the blog..... but

2011-05-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

I must apologise for the been so quiet on the blog. I have been quite busy even though I havnt been posting any weddings. I have had the end of my year so it means frantically making sure that my books are all up to date. I have been doing some portrait sittings and also doing some personal projects. I think I have mentioned before that I am a failed landscape photographer (cannot get up early enough). However I love the time of day around sunset, when the shadows get longer and the whole landscape has more defined colours. Its a great time of the day and I love to photograph it when I can. Although the images are not technically brilliant I love to just mess around with the camera. Something you dont get to do when you are recording a wedding. I have included a few below.

I am also trying to organise a move of office and that is this years project away from the photography.

But of course the weddings come first, and its back to normal service again on Saturday for a second visit to The Rock for Sarah and Louis wedding. Then I cross the border into Scotland for a wedding in Kelso (Does Scotland count as being international? Can I now say "internation wedding photographer".........) whilst incorporating a few days away with the family in Northumberland (chance for a bit more landscape stuff.......) Then back home for Gavin and Amy's wedding at the picturesque Waterton Park. So a busy few weeks and some regular updates on the blog.

About time I hear you shout :-)

Gemma and Paul, The Rock, Halifax

2011-04-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the privilege of spending the day recording the marriage of Gemma and Paul at The Rock in Halifax. It was an extra special day for me as I have known Gemma's family a long time. Her grandad and my dad worked and helped each other for many years.

It was a long and tiring day but every minute of it was enjoyable. The weather was great, the location is very nice, the company was excellent (I still cannot get my head round who was with who with one group of guests.......and I gave up trying :-) Everyone stuck to the agenda done by Gemma........... Well almost everyone.........

After the ceremony, meal and speeches, came the band to play Gemma and Paul's first dance. This was made even more special as it was Gemma's brothers band "Last of the Sirens" check them out as they are very good http://www.facebook.com/lastofthesirens they were also joined on stage by Gemma's dad (is there any end to the talent in this family I hear you ask.......)

Overall a great day, and again I hope I have done justice with my images. There are so many to choose from, but I have posted a few just as a sneak preview. The rest will be ready towards the end of the week and will be posted on my web site in the private galleries.

Diamond Back eXtreme Tryout

2011-04-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent the afternoon in York city centre photography kids trying out a new mountain bike eXtreme track. This had been set up by Get Cycling which is a community interest company set up to promote cycling. It puts on demonstrations and events up and down the country for people to try out bikes

This event was to promote a wooden mountain bike track based on those found on the Vancouver North Shore and allowed participants to tryout their skills. They also got coaching from National 4X champion Martin Ogden and former downhill professional Duncan McCann. It was in partnership with Diamond Back who when I was a kid was THE bmx bike to have.

My son went along as well as he was on school holidays and gave it a great thumbs up and really enjoyed it

Overall it was a great afternoon spent with some really great people who are passionate about cycling and getting their message across. Not even a slight downpour could dampen the enjoyment that the kids had from wizzing up and down the track. Now if I hadnt been working I might have had a go myself............:-)

Check out their web site for more details http://www.getcycling.org.uk/index.php

Back to normal on Saturday for the wedding of Gemma and Paul at The Rock in Halifax. I might just cycle there...........

Perigee Moon

2011-03-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

I am sure most of you saw or heard of the perigee moon the other week. There have been some amazing images posted from around the globe on to the internet. Unfortunately the moon over Hirst Courtney wasnt as amazing. However it was very bright and as I had never attempted to "shoot the moon" before I thought I would have a go. The trick is not to treat it like a dark photograph, so crank up the ISO, and slow down the shutter speed that you would do in a very dark situation. The moon is like a lightbulb (ok quite a large lightbulb), so lower the ISO, speed up the shutter and under expose so you will get the darker grey areas of the moon (I believe they are "dry sea's")

Anyway here is my first attempt at "shooting the moon". I like it :-)

Lesson over........ :-)

Sunday morning walk in the woods

2011-03-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I spent a couple of hours with two families who wanted a relaxed portrait session with their children and dog. It is to be a present for their mother so I am sworn to secrecy at the moment but suffice to say we had a great time running around Brayton Barff and climbing trees.

We got some great images and I hope they are very happy with the results. As the shoot was top secret I cannot show any images here except maybe one which really doesnt give the game away, but to me sums up the fun time we had. It came at the end of the shoot and we went for something abit different.

Adam and Jane Westwick.

2011-03-13T05:44:00.000-07:00

"Groom arrested on wedding day"........ could have been the headline yesterday when I spent the day with Adam and Jane on their wedding day. Fortunately the policeman who turned up outside the church was a friend of Adams and was just wishing him good luck on his special day. It did take me by suprise for a second though....... :-)

This was always going to be a very laid back wedding as Adam and Jane were so relaxed on my meetings before the wedding with the only brief for me being to capture the wedding day as it happened.

Well I hope I did. I have posted some images here for you to look at until the rest of the images are edited and put up on my web site. Some will also be posted on Facebook so check out my page.

Adam and Jane jet off on Monday to Egypt so enjoy your honeymoon and thank you again for an enjoyable day.

Normal service is resumed

2011-03-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

Back to normal again after a bit of a break from behind the camera.

On Wednesday I travelled down to the NEC in Birmingham to the Focus on Imaging show. This is where all the main camera manufacturers and photography suppliers come together to show what they have to offer. Its a great time to catch up with suppliers and see whats new in equipment. It was nice to meet with Lisa at Sim2000 who are my main album supplier. I also met with the people at Colourworld who do photography printing, checked out some other deals from suppliers and had a look at some very expensive pieces of kit from Nikon (If my wife is watching, I only had a look.....promise)

I met Richard and his wife who are photographers I worked with last year from Wakefield which was nice and also spent some time on the Society of Wedding Photographers stand of which I am a member.

All in all a tiring but enjoyable day.

Now back to the serious stuff and its over to Monk Fryston tomorrow for Jane and Adams wedding, followed by a reception at The Wentbridge. Come rain or shine (or wind) it will be a great day. A very funny and laid back couple who will enjoy every minute of their day.

Wedding Fair at The Owl, Hambleton

2011-03-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

Today I spent a very pleasant afternoon at The Owl in Hambleton for their first wedding fair. It was nice to see Martin and his wife put in a lot of effort to showcase what is now a splendid location for a wedding and it was nice to be asked along, together with a hand picked selection of wedding suppliers including the wedding shop in Selby. I look forward to forging a strong association with all of these suppliers in the coming months.

As usual, it was great to meet the couples who came through the door and especially nice to talk to Meesha and Mike who booked me there and then to record their special day next year in May. Meesha's enthusiasm and ideas were infectious and we will have a great day (I promise I won't ask you to climb a tree.......:-)

Also very nice to meet James and Diane who I had met previously and had booked me for their special day next September at Selby Abbey.

If you met me today but are still undecided, please have a look at my website and if you like my style get in touch for an informal chat over a cup of tea :-)

Wednesday is a trip down to Focus at the NEC so I will report back after then.

What no photos........!!!

2011-03-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

A bit of a break photo wise whilst I catch up on business. Today I was doing portrait shots for our local school in Hirst Courtney which I think is a brilliant school (anyone thinking of which school to send their child to should have a look at our school), and then I take a bit of a break from behind the camera.

Sunday I will be at The Owl at Hambleton for a wedding fair which starts at 12 till 3. Come along and say hi if you can.

Then on Wednesday I will be making my annual trip down to Focus at the NEC in Birmingham. This is a massive trade fair for all things photographic and is the place to check out the latest equipment, speak to suppliers, watch demo's of photographic technique and maybe even buy some new kit (don't tell my wife.:-)
I am really looking forward to talking to the album manufacturers that I am associated with and look at the new things they have on offer.

I may get a few photos taken whilst I am down there and post them next week.

Then its a busy period for me with Jane and Adam at Monk Fryston church followed by The Wentbridge Hotel. And then the week after Andrew and Helen at Monk Fryston Hall. Fingers crossed for sun.

Emma and Chris. Riccall Church and The Pavillions

2011-02-20T14:27:00.000-08:00

When I opened the curtains yesterday I was shocked to say the least..... The weather forecast was right for once and snow was coming down quick fast. Ok..... so today will be a white wedding in more ways than one.

I met Emma and Chris some time ago now, and spent a hectic but fun time with them on a pre wedding shoot in the autumn of last year. It was now time to spend their special day with them (how time flies. It always amazes me how quickly the big suddenly comes around).

Anyway, the snow stopped but the drizzle kept on which made it difficult to do exactly what we wanted to do, but the vicar was fantastic, allowing us to come back into the church to have some nice group shots done. And of course the Pavilions at Fulford is great for getting some very nice indoor shots.

Thank you to everyone who came outside for the group photograph. Sorry it took so long for me to get out on to the balcony........ the safety lock completely baffled me and I had to get a staff member to open the door (and no it wasn't a child lock.........)

Thank you again to Emma and Chris who are a lovely couple, to Emma's dad who made me a cracking cup of tea, and of course to Emma and Chris's family and friends who helped make their day extra special. However I cannot end without special mention to Chris's Grandma who still has a sparkle in her eye.

I have included a small selection of images from the 500 + images I am now editing down so that the best can go on my web site at the end of the week.

Thank you for an enjoyable day

2011-01-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

Well the first wedding fair of 2011 for me was today in Selby. A great local event which is always very well supported. Today was no exception and a steady flow of couples and relatives came through the doors.

It was a pleasure to meet many new people and some people I had seen at previous fairs. I hope I didnt talk too much, but gave you enough information to make the best choice of photographer.

If you liked my style of photography, please do no hesitate to get in contact.

All the best for your special day.

Regards

Darren

Another year........

2011-01-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

What a difference a year makes. As we say goodbye to 2010 and hopefully all the snow, ice and freezing weather that we experienced in December. I was looking back at some images I took in our village this time last year. We were snowed in with thick snow and ice. If I remember it didnt last as long and it certainly wasnt anywhere near as cold but it still made the UK ground to a halt........... I remember that my first wedding last year was all geared up to be a white snowy wedding, but the thaw arrived very quickly and we ended up with no snow and a bit of rain.

I am looking forward to another busy year and spending some great days with some great couples. Lets hope everyone has a fantastic year, oh and roll on summer.............. :-)

Last wedding of the year

2010-12-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

This Friday, I spent a great two days in the company of Tom and Nicola when they got married in Huddersfield. This was a very special wedding for me (of course all weddings are special to me), but this was extra special. It was the last one for me until next year, but also it was my stepson's special day and of course my future daughter-in-law. The light faded fast, it was blinkin cold, the snow arrived in a blizzard, but we were warm inside. The ceremony was great, the meal lovely, the speeches emotional and the dancing tiring, but a great time was had by all. They now jet off to warmer climes early in the new year while we freeze in the temporarily closed UK. I wish them health, happiness and all the love in the world.

Practice makes perfect

2010-11-21T09:11:00.000-08:00

No body can truly say that they know everything (although I bet everyone knows someone who thinks they do....). Training is an essential part of every photographers year. Its a chance to meet other togs and swap ideas and try out different techniques etc. I spent a very enjoyable day in York on a course set up by the Society of Wedding and Portrait photographers (SWPP) of which I am a member. The day was very cold, blustery and raining for most of it, but we managed to get out in the grounds of the hotel and spend some time with the lovely Viv who was our model for the day.

Have a look at some images I have posted. If you are getting married next year (or 2012) please get in touch or come and see me at Selby leisure centre in January for my next wedding fayre and say hi.

The best job in the world

2010-11-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

Some say that doing something you enjoy as a job is the best it can get. That is very true and when I see the reactions of bride and grooms and guests after they have seen the images from their day it is a fabulous feeling. However what you also cannot beat is working for your favorite group of musicians that you have grown up listening to their music.

Alot of people will not have heard of Marillion. Some people will have and say "oh I remember them, scottish band with a six foot lead singer". Well that was true a long time ago. Fish left the band and a new lead singer, Steve Hogarth "H" took over. The band changed and moved with the times. They have a huge following who are passionate about the music. The music press say "they are music's best kept secret". I say they are truly superb and I have had the ultimate pleasure of photographing them on two european tours. It doesnt get any better than being in the "pit" whilst photographing your favorite band. Two hours of very hard work, and a large amount of full memory cards later the huge smile is still on my face.

Check them out at http://www.marillion.com/ You can get a free sampler cd of their music and its well worth a listen. Four guys who really know how to write and perform music.

For me..... Roll on the next album and of course the next tour. If you become a convert (or already are) you never know, you might see me in the pit doing the best job in the world.

Everybody needs to get away from it for a while.......

2010-10-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

Kids and weddings are a great combination. They seem to give a wedding a different feel to them, and as a photographer they can be a joy to capture. They have that knack of being able to get away with things that the rest of the wedding party cannot get away with. I bet the bride wishes she could have got under the table and get away from the hustle and bustle of the day, if only for a couple of minutes. The images were taken on a lovely warm afternoon at Waterton Park. A great wedding venue which lends itself to great photography. I have been a bit quiet on my blog recently and I am aware that I need to update my flickr site and I will.............. Promise :-)

Recording your special day as a story

2010-09-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

One of the things I pride myself on is being able to record a couples special day as a story. I like to step back and watch things unfold, recording them as they happen.

Lyn and Adam got married at the Black Swan in Helmsley. When they contacted me, they wanted a photographer who they could "get on with" as their day was very intimate (only about 15 guests), and that they were having their wedding reception on the North York Moors Railway.

What a challenge and what a day. We had a great time. The rest of the guests were fabulous company and they made me feel very welcome. The food was plentiful, the wine free flowing (of course not for me). But when it was time to wind down slightly on the return journey. There was no milk for the tea. What does any steam railway waiter do when he doesnt have a mobile phone (this IS a steam railway, got to keep the authenticity). He leans out of the window to inform the next station that he needs milk. Of course recorded for the day by the intrepid photographer (leaning dangerously out of the window and getting covered in hot ash......). All in a days work for a photographer who goes to ANY lengths to get the shot..... :-)

Weddings can be exhausting.........

2010-09-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

The life of a wedding photographer can be very exhausting sometimes. I haven't updated my blog as I have been photographing weddings, designing albums, attending wedding fayres and meeting bride and grooms in the evening.

However, I am not complaining. To be a good wedding photographer, you don't just need to be able to take good photographs (although it helps....) you also need to have a passion for meeting people and enjoying their company, because it is a three way thing. The bride, groom and photographer need to get on together, so that on what could be a very stressful day turns into a fun time that is reflected in the photographs. I love meeting people and talking about their big day (to those people reading this who have already met me, they are probably thinking I need to shut up sometimes.....:-)

Joking aside, it is very important. Some photographers I meet are in it just for what they can get out of it and go through the motions without any passion. You might get good images, but they will not be great images.

I spent the day talking to couples and their families at Selby wedding fayre the other weekend and loved every minute. It was great to listen to their plans for their big day and maybe get involved, so thank you to all that I met and look forward to talking to you soon.

I promise I wont leave it so long before my next blog, and maybe post some different images other than weddings.

Pimm's as far as the eye can see, but not a drop to drink...

2010-08-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

Well, not exactly :-).

One of the down sides of being a wedding photographer, is being at a celebration where everyone is sat in a lovely hotel garden, on a fantastic sunny day in summer, drinking Pimms (my favorite drink) and you are working..... Well this Saturday I had the pleasure of spending the day with Lara and Piet to record their special day. The day was fantastic and the weather far exceeded expectations. Everyone had a great time and the bride and groom just enjoyed the whole day.

To me it was like meeting old friends, as earlier this year I spent the day with Lara's brother James when he married Kirsten and recorded their special day. Many of the guests were at both weddings and it was nice to have a chat with some of the guests.
The gentleman who recorded both weddings on video did a sterling job on both days. I dont know who got in each others way more, me or him :-)

I have included a small amount of images, as I now have the task of editing down the five memory cards I have......

Oh, and I did sneak half a glass of Pimms and Lemonade..... and it was lovely :-)

VJ Day

2010-08-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

Before I switch back in to wedding mode and prepare for Lara and Piet's wedding in Pickering on Saturday, I thought I would post some images of my most favorite aeroplane of all time. I thought the timing was apt as well being the anniversary of victory in Japan, marking the definite end to WWII. As some of you will know, I spent four proud years in the RAF Regiment as an auxiliary with 609 Squadron. They have a room at the Elvington air museum honoring the heroes of our squadron, both in the second world war as a fighter squadron, and more recently with personnel on active service in the Gulf. This Spitfire proudly sits outside the squadron room and is painted with 609 squadron markings. I would highly recommend a visit to Elvington for a very pleasant day out. It is very child friendly, plenty of space for them to run around, areas to climb around some of the planes and in the summer holidays war veterans are on hand to describe what it was like. My kids sat intently listening to a bomber rear gunner tell his tales of missions and how having his finger shot off saved his life. Now there's the start of another blog if I ever heard one.... :-)

My new web site

2010-08-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to announce that my web site has been updated with a new look and new images. It even has a picture of me (well almost.....:-) )

And to celebrate the launch, anybody who books a wedding in August and September for 2011 will get a free pre wedding shoot to compliment the wedding images together with a signature mount. Just quote "blog" when enquiring. Busy times are ahead with many dates either booked or got enquiries against. If you have a date in mind, get in contact, I would love to have a chat about your special day.

Tuesday..... a strange day for a wedding!!!

2010-08-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

Tuesday.... A strange day for a wedding! That's exactly what I said, but all became clear when it turned out to be the anniversary of when Mark and Helen met. That was definitely guaranteed an Ahhhh as the speeches got under way and the reason for the unusual day for a wedding was revealed. The Palace Hotel in Buxton is a great wedding venue. The sun shone, the rain stayed away, and everyone had afternoon tea and cakes in the impressive dining room. The walk through the town to get some nice photos in the park was great and the bride and groom put smiles on every ones faces and even got a round of applause from the day trippers. Thank you to Mark and Helen and two great families. I left them partying into the night after a very enjoyable day.

New web site a step closer

2010-07-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

I am very excited, as my new web site is nearly ready. After quite a long time and my web designer Lee being very patient we are almost there. Just need to pick the photos to go on each page and a few final tweeks and we are there. Look out for a special web site launch promotion going out on my blog and twitter.

Hello and welcome

2010-06-30T13:39:00.001-07:00

Hi and thank you for looking at my Blog. Blogging is very new to me but I am sure I will pick it up as I go along. On here is going to be my comments on the journey through my photography career, from weddings, portraits, music and fashion photography. I hope you come back often and check out my updates.