Right on the River Trent, down the road from Castle Donington, is the Priest House Hotel. A lovely country house Hotel and the setting for Paula and Chris' wedding just after Christmas. I love Christmas weddings. I love the moody light, the decorations, the whole atmosphere is perfect. Paula, like most people, hated the idea of having her picture taken. I think you'll agree though... She's an absolute star!
So another successful event at the Novotel in Hammersmith came to an end courtesy of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers. 8ooo photographers from around the world gathering for seminars, competitions and trade shows. I caught a wonderful lecture from top Brit/Aussie David A Williams who showed his family shots from his birth to five years old. A couple of things stood out. His father was a photographer and the quality of the pictures wouldn't look out of place next to pictures taken with todays high tech equipment. Proving that it's not the equipment that matters, it's the person clicking the shutter. The second thing of note was how few pictures of his mum and dad with the two kids there were. (Because Dad was taking all the shots) This is probably true for most of us. David pointed out that we are not true owners of our pictures but more like custodians for the next generation... Love that phrase.
Galaxy Radio Loved our wedding shots so much they chose us to cover their big showbiz bash at The Butterfly Lounge at 12 Park Place, Leeds. Partners weren't allowed so everyone really got into the spirit of things. Here are some of the party pics.
A lot of people ask so here's our take on Formals. We do them. In fact we love them. Ask yourself this question.. How many pictures do you have of your family together? You, your brothers and sisters and mum and dad? More often than not, one of you is taking the photograph. We're not owners of our pictures, we're custodians for the next generation. Now ask how many of these pictures show the love you had for one another. The whole family interacting, showing their love, enjoying one anothers presence. This is what we'll love looking at decades from now. Not just a lineup of grimacing faces documenting who was there but a group of real people with real character. This is how we take our group shots. People pictures with passion.
That poster in the first picture was a comission we completed for Park Plaza Hotel. I fancy nicking it for the studio!
When we cover a wedding in the centre of Leeds I lose sleep... I love shooting in the city so much, my mind is awash with great picture ideas. If I've got a bride who's totally into what we do, then magic happens. (To be honest, we tend to make it a policy to make sure that brides totally understand what we're about. Otherwise we always refer them on.) Weddings are amazing family theatre. Real joyous celebrations and in this country, we often get so wrapped up in formality that we forget the fun side. If we're in the centre of one of the most exciting cities in the UK, why not show it off in the Wedding pictures? Spend 45 minutes to an hour with a group of friends and walk round the Corn Exchange, The Victoria Quarter, The Town Hall, Millenium Square and see what amazing pictures you'll get in your wedding album. Something to cherish forever.
Speaking of the Great Victoria, we're going to be exhibiting at their first wedding fair. Come and see us. Sunday 3rd February.
Finally got the Graphistudio book of Nicola and James' Wedding. You can see the full layout in the galleries section of the main site. You may remember we were asked to cover the Galaxy Radio Dream Wedding. Galaxy is the big player in Radio in Yorkshire and they arranged a competition to pay for Nicola and James' entire wedding.Hirsty, Danny and Jo Jo from Galaxy's breakfast show, Hirsty's Daily Dose were there of course. Jo Jo was a bridesmaid and Danny, best man. Everything was taken care of from the food and drink to the dress, venue, flowers,honeymoon and of course the photography from us. The ceremony was at the Great Victoria Hotel in Bradford (Part of the Tomahawk Hotels Group) and then moved on to the National Media Museum for the reception. Special mention to Simon Whitten at SMW Photography who helped out at the last minute and produced some amazing pictures. Simon, let's work together sometime.
I love this venue for the little pools of light, the secret inner courtyard, the helpful staff and the fact that I got married here myself. A wedding photographer's choice. Daniel, thanks for your support. It also brings out the natural poser in all the brides. Here is the lovely Natasha...
