Laura & Dans Portraits

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:09:23 +0000

Laura & Dan are about to be married at the beautiful Waterton park Hotel near Wakefield.

Today we braved the freezing cold to venture out and get some pre-wedding portrait photos.

Just above freezing, there was a real need to cuddle up! It was a nice shoot, and plenty of time to chat about the wedding plans too.

Thanks for the coffee, just what I needed to get me back on the road afterwards.

Kirsty & Pauls Wedding

Sun, 8 Jan 2012 15:21:24 +0000

I gotta admit, its very rare that we get rain at one of my weddings!
For the first three years I managed to avoid any rain-soaked weddings at all, which for a photographer is wonderful.
But in recent years it would appear the luck has started to run out. Even so it is a rare event.
Kirsty & Pauls wedding it bucketed down, all day!!
Luckily we were at Rogerthorpe Manor, one of our regular venues, and the staff there went out of their way, as usual, to help us out.
Sadly all the photos had to be done inside. I would have loved to get Kirsty and Paul into the beautiful gardens at Rogerthorpe, but it didn’t stop the party atmosphere and the day was great.
Congratulations to the happy couple!

Whitby Goth Weekend

Sun, 6 Nov 2011 23:12:06 +0000

I have often walked down this street before, but I’ve never been here during Goth Week. Wow was that an experience!
Today, myself and Bob Newall from Photofit spent the day capturing portraits on the streets of Whitby.
I was amazed by the amount of effort people put into their amazing appearances.
The costumes were outstanding, the people were all (without exception) warm, friendly and accommodating.
Everyone wanted to be photographed and we had a great time.
Thank you to everyone who posed for us, you were all great. Whitby rocks!!
Click here for the photos.

Catherine & Billy

Sat, 5 Nov 2011 22:06:48 +0000

Occasionally we drop in a “behind the scenes” photo, just in case you got the feeling that wedding photography was easy!!

It might be that the bride looks beautiful, and she is positioned so that the background compliments her and provides a setting which adds to the story of the day. But often, to get that image, we have to put ourselves in precarious positions.

On this occasion I was a bit too close to the fountains, and when they started up I got quite a shock, not to mention wet shoes and socks

Luckily, having two photographers on location meant the moment was caught. Thanks Debbie! x

Mikey

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 22:32:38 +0100

Home portraits made easy!
I often think it would be nice to photograph a family throughout their life. Occasionally it happens and when it does, its lovely.
Today I went back to photograph a couple whose wedding I worked on, to capture images of their newborn son, Mikey.
Seems like such a natural progression in the circle of life.
Maybe one day I’ll be photographing Mikeys wedding, though there may be his older brother Logan to do first (can’t believe how much he has shot up since the wedding)!
Anyway, today was great. Mikey was very good and modelled perfectly, and he is such a beautiful baby boy.

Kirstie & Paul Pre-Wed

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 21:20:37 +0100

Today was another chance to visit Rogerthorpe and take some pre-wedding portraits for Kirstie and Paul.
They have opted for the McDonnell Images Signature Print for their wedding, so we had to capture some sparkling images.
Easy enough to do with such a nice couple!
Had to keep nipping in and out though, it was a bit cold!

Jeans 80th

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:04:13 +0100

Jean was celebrating her 80th birthday in Chapeltown, near Sheffield. her daughter Alison asked me to photo the event, which was a great occasion.

Jean looks terrific for 80, and still has the matron-like control of her children and grandchildren, which is lovely to see.

Catherine & Billys Pre-wedding Portrait

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:59:31 +0100

It was a lovely warm weekend, with the forecast for the rest of the week just getting better. Hopefully it will stay this way for the wedding in a few weeks time.

Had a slow stroll down the daffodil lane at Wentworth towards the church, and then spent some time in the older church grounds where there are some great shots to be had.

Vicky & Gareth’s Wedding

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 22:06:03 +0100

I love the sense of humour Vicky & Gareth share. They seem just right for each other.
When we arrived for the brides preparation photos Vicky was very relaxed and confident.
Gareth was somewhat more nervous, as I think most men are on their wedding day. We really don’t like all that attention!
But they looked good together, and the day went really well.
Surrounded by family and friends, all looking their best and having a good time.
The sun shone better today than yesterday, and the photos look wonderful (but I would say that, wouldn’t I).

Natalie & Wesley’s Wedding

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:58:51 +0100

I have said it numerous times, but I never tire of weddings. I love them dearly.

Todays wedding was in Huddersfield. The marriage vows were said with deep sincerity and it was a joy to watch the look of love in Wesleys eyes as he put real meaning into every word.

But what really summed it all up for me was later in the evening when, during a quiet moment, he stood beside me watching the room and said:

“Just look at that - my boy is happy, my new wife is smiling and I’ve got my friends around me. What more could a man want”. Well said indeed. He is in a happy place right now, long may that continue.

Liz & Dom’s Wedding

Sat, 6 Aug 2011 20:53:41 +0100

Wow, after several “muggy” days where there was no air to breath, today turned out to be super hot, sunny and with a nice fresh breeze.

The bridesmaids and younger children were mad excited, and the whole day was filled with laughter, tears and lots of warm sentiment (oh, and a few drinks along the way).

It was wonderful to be invited to the meal by Liz’s father, and we were very grateful to be treated to such a feast.

What struck me most about this wedding was how much Liz and Doms faces lit up just by looking at each other!

Back at Rogerthorpe again on Friday for about the fourth time in the last couple of weeks. Hope car park man hasn’t gone on holiday . . .

Karen & Richard

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 22:00:53 +0100

Karen and Richard have been friends of ours for a number of years and we were honoured to photograph their wedding in Rotherham.

After 21 years together everyone thought they would never get married, but Richard decided that now they have two beautiful daughters the time was right.

I have to say the whole day was exactly as it should have been. It perfectly matched the couple and their outlook. Warm, intimate, friendly, easy going and fun.

There were a couple of moments where the emotion showed through. I didn’t expect Karen to shed a little tear during the ceremony, and I’m sure I got a glimpse of wet eye from Richard during his lovely speech.

All in all it was a great day, and we enjoyed being a part of it.

Rebecca & Richard

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 21:23:53 +0100

I like Rogerthorpe Manor for a number of reasons. It sells a great Black Sheep pint for us real ale fans, the food is excellent (Debbie and I usually pop into the restaurant after a shoot and have a bite to eat before we head off home), and the staff are friendly and helpful.

From a photographic point of view, the Manor itself is stunning as a venue, being over 400 years old and boasting some terrific gardens.

So, once again, we found ourselves here. This time we were photographing Richard and Rebecca, both teachers enjoying their long holidays. I must admit the teachers at my school never looked like this. I might have paid more attention if they had!

As always, it was a great day. The sun managed an appearance despite the gloomy forecast, and I’m sure this lovely couple will have a fab evening while I sit here slaving over the photos!

Sally Anne & Richard

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 22:33:47 +0100

Sally Anne and Richard chose Graves Park in Sheffield for their pre-wedding portrait (see earlier blog entry), along with Eadie, their beautiful daughter.

Today was a lovely family event which, as usual, included tears. I often think I am in the wrong job because I cry like a baby at most weddings! Luckily I have a camera to hide behind.

The sun was shining today, as yesterday, when we needed it.

Richard is a big man with a big heart and Sally is a laugh a minute! It has been a long week, but very enjoyable. Next week we have three weddings, so no let up just yet.

Jenny & James

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 22:20:13 +0100

Weather update - The forecasters said it was going to be cloudy and dull. Wrong!

Well, it was cloudy for a while, but us photographers don’t mind that. The clouds are like a giant natural diffuser and the photos always look good on cloudy days (mine always look good anyway, of course).

But later in the day, right on cue, the clouds burned away and the sun popped out to say hello.
Jenny said she had ordered it. I like to think it was her mum smiling down.

I always enjoy photographing people at weddings, and one of the nice things about all weddings is the range of emotions the day invokes. Note to self, don’t start blubbering on the job.

Sophie Hussain

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:41:58 +0100

I had the privilege of visiting Sophie and her family at their beautiful home in Bradford. Her dad had arranged as a surprise for em to attend and do a series of portraits just before she celebrated her 21st with family and friends.
Sophie wasn’t expecting me, so I have to admit to being a little unsure how it would go.
Pleased to say, Sophie was ever so graceful and soon warmed to the camera. We managed to get some lovely photos.

Moira & Mark

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:32:40 +0100

From the moment I arrived there was a buzz about this wedding! The bridesmaids were all very excited about the vintage car collecting them. And they all looked stunning in their dresses and tartan sashes.
Moira was stunning in her dress from Olivia’s in Barnsley.
And Mark also looked every bit the gent in his very smart outfit.
One of the highlights of the day for me was the piper - I love bagpipes!
It was a hectic, busy day and I sweated more than usual, but all went well, the weather held out for us, and it was good.

SallyAnne & Richard pre-wedding Portraits

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:01:02 +0100

This morning we met up with Sally Anne & Richard at Graves Park for their pre-wedding portrait session.
As with most men, Richard was not very happy about having his picture taken (I must admit I’m not keen on it either, which is why I stay behind the lens!).

But this is exactly why we have these sessions. So everyone can sort out what is going to happen on the day and get to know each other a little.
Despite the rain we persevered and got some wonderful results.
The wedding is in the near future at the Kyte Hotel, so I am looking forward to going back there.

Moira & Mark

Sun, 3 Jul 2011 22:02:20 +0100

This was a last minute booking and we only arranged todays shoot at very short notice.
Had a lovely day in a very simple location - the park across the street!

Just goes to show, you don’t need exotic locations on distant shores to get beautiful photographs.

Whats key is having a nice person in front of the camera and a photographic nut like me behind it!

Wesley & Natalie

Sun, 3 Jul 2011 21:57:00 +0100

Wesley & Natalie are getting married in Huddersfield and having the reception at one of my favourite venues, Rogerthorpe Manor near Pontefract.

Today we spent an hour (probably a bit more!) wandering round Bretton Hall admiring the giant rabbits and other bizarre offerings.

Had a good time, bit too hot to be working though. (Working? This isn’t work!!)