Monthly Archives: August 2009
A trip down memory lane | wedding photography Hertfordshire
Mark and Natalie’s wedding at Holy Trinity in Bengeo with a reception at Ware’s Fanham’s Hall is a commission that stepped right back into my youth ‘billingi’ years ago. I grew up in Hertford’s little known satellite town called Bengeo, a place by the way my Tom Tom refused to give me an ETA for as I edged up from Berkshire passing every motorway maintenence vehicle that’s ever been built. I’m sure they store them all on the M25 for personal humour. Some shots from the day with running commentary.Mark just ahead of guests arriving. I haven’t been to this church since I was a boy scout, so it was strange to tread the carpet (which I swear they haven’t changed) to the alter.I shot this twice. This was the initial (and better) grab shot as I emerged from the reception venue car park to find Mark and Natalie still in their vintage Rolls Royce. I was worried about excess motion blur and the loss of groom in the background so tried to set up a technically better documentary scenario. As always the reconstruction was a poor relative, so I stuck with the one my insincts initially got excited about.
Chantmarle Manor wedding photography
Chantmarle Manor in Dorset is, simply, beautiful. I’m being careful how I ‘pen’ this blog, as the bridegroom is an English teacher and a very good one at that. Too many commas so far Ben? But none before the ‘and’ word. I do love a comma. Ben and Yeri’s wedding is one that I would not have missed for the World. Take this at face value readers, but let’s be honest, a sunny day in Dorset in a country home with history dating back to the thirteenth century reminds me why I’m so darned (Americanism) proud to be British, or dare I say, English! Every couple I meet has a story and that’s what makes my job all the more special. Ben and Yeri are about to emigrate to Korea for a couple of years, so understandably emotions ran high. Some images from yesterday’s wedding. Subtitles by ‘emotion.’First shot of the day.Second shot of the day, but this one was screeeeeeeming for black and white treatment.I know a few fellow wedding togs read this blog. Isn’t it about time ‘chaps’ we wrote to clergy with a reason why we like to stand at the front? Because, this, is what can be achieved. REAL emotion. Again I had to negotiate with the vicar with regard to being allowed to stand in a place where I could witness expression. The initial command was a resounding ‘no.’ I would be in the view of the congregation. Heavens? Am I that unattractive? I beg those that wish to be wedding photographers doing this as a weekend occupation to consider… (Ben, inappropriate use of three dots?) be subtle in church. Don’t jump across pews. Don’t rest your lens on a priest’s shoulder! (True, people do this!) Practise a subtle approach and you’ll enjoy a better relationship with clergy – and so, as a full time professional living off the actions of those that practise before me, will I!
Notley Abbey wedding photography
Quite a story on this one. If I had a penny (etc etc), the most popular question asked about wedding photography is; “What happens if it rains?” Seeing that we don’t seem to be constantly bathed in sunshine in the UK, it does present an issue a few times during the year, though my ‘It can’t rain forever’ mantra rarely bites me on the proverbial. And so the Saturday just gone I was Thame bound to photograph Sean and Laura’s wedding at Notley Abbey. Despite the weather forecast not being the kindest, I thought we’d entered Sunshine valley as I drove up the impressive tree lined drive that leads to Notley’s front door.You know me, sucker for a window lit shot. And there was plenty of sunshine around during the morning to provide it.We had a lot of fun on the prewedding shoot, the ceremony followed the same line. The reason for their smiles? It was an outdoor ceremony and as one of the ushers started his reading, a horse started to join in in the background.And then, the clouds started to gather!We got through the ceremony before the heavens opened. This is probably one of my favourite shots from the day and it shows something very important. If you accept the rain as part of your day, embrace it and enjoy the occasion, you get magic all day long.Being a headlining dancer on the Take That tour, the evening studio brought a few surprises…”Greatest Day” the first dance.
Wasing Park wedding photography
The weather wasn’t perhaps the kindest feature of Saturday’s Wasing Park wedding, but (trying to avoid cliches like dampen the spirits) that did little to cast a cloud (dash, did it) on proceedings. Fab day guys, one of those occasions where as a wedding photographer you have to be at your best when it comes to banter. There was a distinct Australian flavour to the day, groom Nick being an Aussie. He even grasped the opportunity to put the English crew to rights when it came to where the Ashes really belong. Did you manage to finish that whole hog roast Nick? Remember the challenge?
