Caroline Lavelle-Nicholson Photography

Let it snow!

2012-02-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

So the weather reports were right - all yesterday I was hoping for snow - and mother nature delivered today! My whole day has been spent having fun in the snow with my family and I'll share some of the images in the next few days. Suffuced to say, we had a great time, and there's nothing better than a 'Snow Day'!

WIN your engagement shoot!!

2012-02-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

Yep, you heard it right - today I launch something really special, something I know you are going to love...

Over the years my engagement shoots have become more and more popular and are included in all my top price packages, but this year, in celebration of the most romantic day of the year - Valentines Day - I have teamed up with my colleagues at one of my favourite venues in Kent, The Ferry House Inn, to offer one lucky couple their very own engagement shoot - on me! No strings attached.

You heard it right, I love engagement shoots, they celebrate everything exciting about getting engaged and give a couple who may not have had professional pictures taken before, time in front of the camera to learn some tricks, face their fears, and 'rock it' in front of the camera.

The prize includes a one hour shoot with me at a mutually agreed time at the Ferry House Inn, who very kindly will be including a a lovely romantic lunch after your shoot*. I'll be including up to twenty five high resolution images from the shoot that are yours to use for your wedding stationary, just as prints, or just for yourself to show off on Facebook - the choice is yours!

So if you're newly engaged (in the last 6 months) and planning to get married in the next two years, all you have to do to enter is head over to my website and leave your details - that's it. No catch - you'll just need to provide your own transportation to the venue.

So - get entering, tell any friends you know that are newly engaged and the draw will be done, picking a name at random, by the lovely staff at the Ferry House Inn on the 31st March 2012 (full terms and conditions on the website). All you have to do is wait and find out if you've won.

I can't wait to meet whoever wins, so get your entries in!

Caz.

*gift voucher to the value of £25 that can be used for food and drink.

A Wedding Celebration - Nick and Atsuko

2012-02-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me, will know how much I LOVE snow. So given right at this moment, I'm getting snow updates from my friends on Facebook, as it heads towards me in Kent, I thought what better time to share some 'Winter' images.

If I could live in the snow and ice all year round, I probably would, so several years ago, on one of the first really snowy days we'd had in years, I ventured out at about 7am, armed with my camera and rather precariously made my way to Rochester Castle, a local venue I love to photograph.

It was absolutely beautiful and very quiet - perfect in fact. I'd gone there to snap some images for a 'Winter' theme at the camera club I was part of and was getting some images I absolutely loved. Trouble was, they were lacking a subject, I love to photograph people in my favourite places, but I was alone, that was until this little guy bounded up to me...

He got to me very quickly :o)

That was Biggles - isn't he cute! For some reason Biggles took a bit of a shine to me, only a puppy then, he seemed fascinated by my camera, so I snapped away, finding my 'subject'. I got chatting to Beryl, his owner, and promised to send her some images of her new precocious puppy, and we exchanged contact details.

Fast forward a few years later and I get a call. It was Beryl, asking if I would photograph a last minute and rather unusual wedding celebration. When I heard the story, I agreed instantly, if the bride and groom wanted me, I'd be there. Thankfully, they did.

Meet the absolutely wonderful Nick and Atsuko. They married exactly a year ago today in Japan (Happy 1st Anniversary!), and began their lives as Husband and Wife. Devastatingly on 11th March 2011, disaster struck and the world could only watch when the Tohuko earthquake and tsunami hit Japan destroying everything in it's wake. It was the most powerful known earthquake ever to hit japan and one of the five most powerful earthquakes in the world. With that, all the celebrations Nick and Atsuko had planned, understandably, went on hold. That was until just before Christmas, when finally, the newly weds decided it was time to share some joy.

Nick and Atsuko wanted to celebrate their marriage and chose the stunning Eastwell Manor in Kent to hold their 'Wedding' here in the UK. Rather unusually for the weddings I normally cover, there was no formal ceremony this time, which gave me the unique opportunity to do a proper photo shoot with the Bride and Groom, well before any of their guests arrived. We took full advantage of the stunning buildings of Eastwell Manor, the grandeur of the biggest Christmas tree I've ever seen, as well as the beauty of the stunning grounds in the Kentish winter.

I told you the Christmas tree was enormous!!

As with many of the weddings I capture, there were so may beautiful personal touches, everything from the cake, that they made and decorated themselves, to the stunning head piece Atsuko made to match her beautiful vintage inspired outfit, as well as the stunning artwork to send a message to friends and relatives in Japan.

We even had the magic of snow!! (It seems Beryl must be my snow angel, as everytime I mention her, it snows!)

This is when I joked with Beryl that she must be my snow angel

And Beryl had a surprise for the Bride and Groom. She had contacted a lovely lady called Kerry from Boogie Babys who makes the most amazing personalised cake toppers, I used her for my own wedding topper, and was so delighted she was able to help Beryl out at the last minute.

This wedding really was special in so many ways. It was so personal and had so much meaning behind it. Small, intimate, unique and festive. And much to my excitement (and Atsuko's) we had snow! Perfect.

If you'd like to leave a message for Nick and Atsuko on their 1st Anniversary, just leave a comment. From me - おめでとう Nick and Atsuko. It was an absolute privilege to cover your celebration. May you have many very happy years ahead (and thanks Beryl for remembering me and my camera out in the snow all that time ago!!).

Caz.

2012 - A Year Of New Starts!

2012-01-29T12:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2012! I've been looking forward to seeing you!

Well it's safe to say that 2011 was a challenging year. At a time when the barriers to entering the world of photography are probably as low as they are going to get, I'm immensely proud to have been booked by so many fantastic people and of all the bride and grooms, bumps, babies, and locations, that I have have been privileged enough to capture.

Beautiful Elena - from one of my favourite 2011 family portrati shoots

Taken at the amazing Jasmine Star Workshop - One Marylabone - 2011

Jessica and Daniel - from one of my favourite weddings last year.

On a personal note, I've had a little time away from the business as my world had become rather crowded. 2011 saw my husband and I enter the perilous world of house moving, and we very unsuccessfully tried to sell our home. Sadly for us, we didn't get to move into our dream home for Christmas as we planned, and spent the holiday period rather down trodden that we weren't getting the new start we so desperately wanted.

My only decorations this christmas - the rest were in storage - next year will be very different!

Despite that, we entered 2012 determined. Determined to get the home of our dreams, determined to succeed, determined to make this year better than the last, so we could continue to build our lives together and plan our future. For me, I have several things I want to achieve this year. Firstly, my commitment to my business has been renewed, and I'm planning big things for this year, so watch this space. On a personal note, my house move will be one of my top priorities, and likewise, I want to massively improve my health and fitness - once and for all, no more messing.

For as long as I can remember I've been one of those women who has yo-yo dieted and it's a vicious cycle. One of the biggest things that struck me recently was that I try desperately to show other people how fabulous they are and make them see what I see when I look through my camera, and how amazing my clients really are, and yet, I find it almost impossible to do the same for myself. So this year, it changes. This year I'll be asking one of my very valued colleagues to do a shoot for me, so I can experience the other side of the lens - something I haven't done for a really long time. If I'm brave enough, I might even share the images.

Hubby did some pics in the summer last year, but my self conscious self didn't want to share them.

One of the other things that I want to continue with from last year and that will be sharing with you on here, was cycling. As a child I was never off my bike, I even used to ride my bike wearing my roller boots, but for a great many years, I forgot the joy and freedom I had when I cycled, and this year I'd love to get more into it, especially now as I have 'Bob' the foldie, who goes pretty much everywhere with me now - isn't he fabulous!

I've got some big things going on this year in other area's too. After the fabulous wedding of one of my oldest friends in Spain, this year sees one of my other best ever friends, Sarah, getting married too, and I'm so very excited that she's asked me to be her photographer! Not only is this the most terrifying job I'll ever do, but i think potentially the one of most enjoyable and rewarding. We're still working out how I'll get totally glammed up and still be able to shoot, but we'll work that one out as there's not a chance I'll miss out on my opportunity to glam up for my best friends wedding!

One of my best friends Joanne, on her wedding day, Spain 2011

At the end of last year I had some great shoots that I can't wait to share with you, and one of them included photographing a bona fide Knight of the realm! One of my other favourites was a celebration that some of you may have seen on the Facebook page - the story behind this one is just lovely, and I'll be sharing it soon.

Nick and Atsuko in the snow - December 2011

So watch this this space, I've got lots more images to share with you, and hope you won't mind me sharing some more of my personal achievements, goals, battles - whatever they may end up being.

Much love...

Caz.

'Simply the Best' Wedding

2011-12-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

There are an awful lot of weddings that take place every weekend, but this one was special, this one had so many personal touches, and it was my pleasure to capture them. The day was a perfect blend of tradition mixed with fun and personality - in abundance - from the groom's serenade, to the delicate butterflies dotted around, and the custom artwork, so many personal touches that made Liz and Nic's day, their own.

They were both nervous when we met for our engagement shoot some weeks back, but I've come to expect this from new couples i meet. I love watching them get used to the camera, and bring out their personalities. Liz and Nic did just that and on their wedding day, I got to the see the couple I wanted to shine in their wedding pictures - and they were so fabulous...

Liz had been hoping for a dry, but perfect winter day, and for once, the British weather didn't let us down. It was cold, sure, but there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The day started off with the usual flurry of activity, rushing around and everyone trying to get ready on time. I arrived in Essex with a few hours to spare in the morning, so i could check and re-check my planned routes, make sure i met up with my second shooter (the fabulous Claudia) and meet Father Robert who would be performing the ceremony. Then off to my bride, the gorgeous Liz.

Liz began getting her hair and make-up on and I grabbed the essentials of the day, her beautiful Coco Couture gown, her hair piece, those fabulous glittering shoes.

There was lots of texting trying to make sure everyone and everything were in their places, and soon enough the bride was ready - I love that i get to see her before most other people - a perk of the job.

The ceremony was a traditional church wedding, with a rather unusual sermon from the priest, Liz was asked to marry her 'wife' - she promptly corrected and gained her 'husband' much to the enjoyment of the guests, and proceeded down the aisle to the theme tune from Police Academy - Genius - not your usual bridal march!

Nic kept me entertained with these faces all day!

Liz marrying her 'wife'

Finally it was off to Gaynes Park, we were running a little behind, but we whizzed through the group pictures so people wouldn't get cold. The rest of the afternoon and evening were perfect, full of personal touches, the custom place settings courtesy of the grooms brother, the cupcake tower made by Nic's sister in law, the birdcage centre-pieces, the little hanging hearts I kept finding all over the venue and the sky lanterns, that didn't quite go to plan, but made for great evening entertainment, and who can forget Nicolas' serenade of 'Simply the best!' to his new wife - Nic, I stand by it, you were 'Simply the best' Groom!

Nic with his excellent rendition of 'Simply the best'

Hop you enjoyed Kenya and Mauritius Mr and Mrs Prior, and thank you for the honour of sharing your day. I hope you'll treasure these memories forever.

Caz.

Martha-cat - Plus Mum and Dad

2011-10-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

It's that gorgeous time of year again where the leaves start changing, there's a definite chill in the air, and i get to head out with my camera for some autumnal fabulousness.

Yesterday was such an occasion when I got to photograph Nicola - who very quickly became my poster girl in her gorgeous vintage dresses last year - and her beautiful family. With her Husband Ben, I got introduced to the scrumptious Baby Martha.

Being Halloween weekend, Baby Martha had a very special outfit - meet Martha-cat...

...but of course, the main point of us meeting up was to get some proper family portraits. I loved the shoot, we went locally to a park that's not far from where I live, and given Ben (who is normally rocking it out on stage in his band) doesn't have his photo taken everyday with the cutest of babies, I'm sure you'll agree he did pretty well. Nicola is an old pro at this now, and is obviously an absolute natural at motherhood.

It was a delight to photograph this lovely family, so here's a little taster of our session.

then we headed out for some family pics...

So scrumptious!

Happiest. Picture. Ever.

Nature baby is back!

...and so our session ended - but not before Martha-cat made her feelings known about her outfit - :o)

"Really mum... seriously??!"

Liz and Nic - A Gaynes Park Engagement

2011-10-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

When I met up with Liz and Nic the first thing I realised was how much they love to laugh and they are both loads of fun, that's why I can't wait for their wedding, as Far as the groom is concerned, I've been given free reign with what i ask him to do - now there's a challenge!!

This weekend I was absolutely delighted to meet back up with Nic and his gorgeous Bride-to-be Liz at their stunning venue - Gaynes Park. I'd previously met Nic at the wedding of Hayley and Chris a few years ago, where he was fantastic doing his duty as a Best Man.

Now it's Nic's own big day and he becomes the groom, so I was delighted to be asked to be their photographer. Here's a quick preview of our morning at Gaynes park. There'll be more to come, along with their own website soon.

See you in a few weeks guys, I can't wait for your big day.

♥ Caz ♥

A Ruby Wedding To Celebrate - Happy 40th Mum and Dad!

2011-09-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been pretty quiet of late, that's mainly because it's been manically busy and I'm afraid the blog has taken a slight hit, of course I'll catch up and share all my shoots (you know how I love to share), but between trying to move house, possibly breaking my wrist, and working, life has gotten in the way.

That's why, this weekend, I'm taking time out - time out to share and celebrate two remarkable human beings - two people I'm proud and delighted to call my parents. Today, 40 years ago, my Mum and Dad - June and Mick to the rest of the world, got married in St Johns Church, Gravesend - the same church I married my husband in, and 40 years later, they are still together, still the most amazing couple, have two children, three grand children (yes mum - I know - you'd like more!), and are the perfect example of two people made for each other.

Mum and Dad - you are utterly brilliant, and we love you both so very much, we can only hope that in 40 years time, we are such great people. (Mum will kill me for sharing this, but look how beautiful she is! - Dad doesn't scrub up too badly either), this is my favourite shot.

(apologies for not crediting the photographer, but we don't know who it was)

...and the one we almost replicated - same door way - 37 years apart

Mum and Dad

Me and Peter - and yeah, I did age the pic just a little bit

Happy Ruby Wedding Anniversary Mum and Dad from all who know you, but especially from your family!!

Mum and Dad with their family - We love you loads. xxxxx

OK, before I go, I couldn't let today pass without remembering that day 10 years ago that changed the world we live in. That day was Mum and Dad's 30th Wedding Anniversary, and any plans for celebration they had went out the window as the world went on lock down. Peter and I had only just got back from New York when the towers were hit and everyone watched in horror as the events unfolded. I still remember that feeling of how lucky we were to have seen New York before the terror struck and how lucky were to have not been in the city at the time. New York is still my favourite city on earth and no matter how many times I go there, I always find more to love. Today I remember all those who were affected by the terrible events that happened in New York, and I pray the day passes in respectful remembrance.

These were taken on very old 'point and shoot', but they remind me of a much happier time for the city of New York - I can't wait to go back and see the new World Trade Centre

Here's just a quick sneak peak of what I've been up to the last few weeks - pop back soon to see the full posts...

How cheeky is gorgeous little Lily?!

Jasmine Star and the London workshop

2011-07-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

We were meeting everyone at the Sanctum Hotel in Soho, and frankly I was terrified, so much so, I made my wonderful husband Peter come with me. On Tuesday night I was going to meet one of my photography idols and total legend - Jasmine Star and her partner in crime, husband JD.

I knew this workshop was over subscribed, so the people on it, got in there first - just like me, and they really wanted to be there. Not only that, this workshop was organised by one of the most prominent wedding bloggers in the UK - Kat Williams from Rock 'n' Roll Bride - I've been reading Kat's blog avidly for a very long time, and happily had some work featured by her, but I was still massively intimidated going along to something like this.

So, our meeting with everyone passes and thankfully loads of the other workshop attendees admitted they felt exactly as I did - phew - I could finally breath a sigh of relief. We all met Jasmine, JD, Kat (thankfully I managed to not make a complete idiot of myself) as well as all the other photographers and suppliers who were contributing to the workshop. All I can remember from meeting all these hugely talented individuals was how genuinely kind, welcoming, and completely down to earth they all were - especially Jasmine, someone who is so well known and successful in our industy, and yet she was so humble, and friendly, it was a delight to meet to her.

Next morning I was raring to go for our workshop, held at the beautiful One Marylebone in the heart of London, but I had barely slept all night - part excitement and part nerves - yes still, but I soon woke up!

I'm not going to rant on about how amazing Jasmine is, (which, frankly, she is, but then I've told you that before) whether you like her style or not, anyone has to acknowledge that she has achieved so much in such a short time. The workshop was truly fantastic. Every year I invest in a few selected workshops to help me improve either my business, or my photography, so it was fantastic that this covered both. Jasmine and JD shared as much as they could with us in the time we had, and I learnt a lot. I'm not giving away any secrets - you'll have to go to one of Jasmines workshops for those, but as a result of the workshop there are going to be a few changes in my business over the coming months, some you won't even notice, some you will, but they will hopefully all make for a better client experience, and a better way of life for me too.

Next was the bit I'd been really looking forward to. The Shoot. We had our gorgeous couple Rachel and Dan. Rachel wore a stunning Daniel Fielden dress with a crystal head piece, both of which I'd happily steal given the chance! We had the expert help of Severin of The Hepburn Collection to do our Bride's hair, the lovely Elbie Van Eeden doing make-up, and then floral venue decoration from Pollen Nation. And the icing on the cake was literally from http://janetmohapibanks.com/, and Restoration Cake.

Most of the credit for the set ups has to go to Jasmine and my fellow photographers on the course

Walking on air...

My fellow work shop attendee's Delia and Leo helping us with a set up

For fellow photographers, it was fantastic to see how easy Jasmine makes a shoot - don't get me wrong, there is a huge amount of hard work going in, but she appears effortless, controlled and very dynamic, she works so quickly, and her relationship with JD only improves her ability to do this. She admitted that she's not quite so composed on the inside, but if that's true, I certainly didn't notice it. JD is always right there in step with her - the perfect team. Put it this way, if I was doing my wedding again - I'd be booking Jasmine and JD right now, even if I had to carry her bags and walk her dog for a year to get her!

It was wonderful to see, and I know there are an awful lot of things I have taken away from the shoot that I know will influence how I progress, yes Jasmine's style may not be to everyone's taste, and she's cool with that, personally I find her enthusiasm and outlook on life infectious, and can only aspire to have a portion of the success she's attained. When I booked this course, there were a lot of people asking about the financial outlay, this wasn't a cheap workshop by any means, and in answer to the question, was it worth the financial commitment - absolutely! Without question, to see someone like Jasmine shoot first hand, to meet so many other like minded individuals, industry professionals like Kat Williams and still have loads of fun - for me, it was absolutely worth it, it might not have been useful to everyone, but I'm not everyone, I'm just me, and for me, I'm hugely grateful to have had the opportunity - So Jasmine, JD, thank you, sincerely, for coming all this way!

Finally, I must say a huge thank you to all those who gave their time and expertise to make our workshop great...

Venue: One Marylebone http://www.onemarylebone.com/ (Alicia is super helpful)
Flowers: Pollen Nation http://www.pollen-nation.co.uk/
Cakes: Restoration Cake http://www.restorationcake.co.uk/ (mini cakes) and http://janetmohapibanks.com (large 'rose' cake)
Furniture (chairs/tables/screen/sofas): Great Hire http://www.greathire.co.uk/
Caterers: The Recipe http://www.the-recipe.co.uk/
Hair: Severin Hubert of The Hepburn Collection http://www.hepburncollection.com/
Make Up: Elbie Van Eeden http://elbiehairandmakeup.wordpress.com/
Behind the Scenes Video: Richard Wakefield of FX Films http://www.fxfilms.co.uk/

You can view Richard fantastic video here - you might even spot me in there somewhere...

Jasmine Star - The London Workshop, July 2011 (Wedding Photography Training) from FX Films on Vimeo.

There were just too many images I wanted to share from this workshop - again credit for most of the set-ups must go to Jasmine, and my fellow photographers - Kat will be providing links to all the other blogs from the other workshop attendees. With that in in mind though I took the opportunity to build a plus site, it's only my second one, and it's purely just so I could have a play around with using the software.. If you want to have a look, or want to leacve a comment, feel free, just click on http://www.rachelanddan-onemarylebone.clnphotography.co.uk/ and check out more images from the workshop.

Finally huge thanks to Jasmine and JD - you are truly lovely, generous, talented people, it was an absolute honour to meet you both, I have such huge admiration for you both and I hope our paths will cross again in the future. You have left me inspired to do great things, so watch this space...

Much love...

Caz xxx

Jasmine Star - Workshop Preview

2011-07-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

*** UPDATE - you can now see the full post and images here - Jasmine Star and the London Workshop!! ***

On Tuesday this week, I was literally so nervous I thought I was I was going to pass out, thankfully for me, I didn't! Instead, I met up with the people who would be sharing a workshop with me and met one of my photography idols. On Wednesday I attended the first UK workshop held by the amazing Jasmine Star. If you've been reading my blog for a while you'll know who she is - but if you don't, just check out her blog - I warn you, you'll be there forever reading it - you'll also know how much i admire her work.

Lucky for me then, that Kat at Rock 'n' Roll Bride likes her just as much as I do, and she manged to get Jasmine and her wonderful husband JD to come all the way over to the UK, and I was right there, listening intently at One Marylebone!

I'll be blogging all about it tomorrow, but in the meantime, until tomorrow, I'll leave you with these...

Jasmine in action - "now listen up guys - I'm talkin' " (she so didn't say that!)

Our stunning bride - Rachel

I was 'technically' second shooting for Jasmine!! (but then so were 19 others)

Dan having a giggle.

The fabulous Kat Williams - rockin' that Pink Sofa!

Jasmine and JD proving why they are the cutest couple in Photography! - You guys are amazing.

Meeting Jessica and Daniel

2011-07-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

'I told her she had a rubbish bike' said Dan - that's how Jessica and Daniel first started their relationship, when they were 10 years old and Dan used Jessica's 'rubbish' bike as a way to talk to her. 'She even had a basket on the front - I had a Raleigh lizard!' he said with pride - ahhh the days when only your bike or your roller boots were all that mattered.

They lived a few streets away and as the years went on, Jessica and Dan went from insults as children to an engagement as adults, that's where I came in. This weekend I had the very great privilege of meeting them both a few weeks before their wedding. We met at the Ferry House Inn, on the Isle of Sheppey to go through the details of the day and do a few shots to get this lovely couple used to being in front of a rather big camera. I always love meeting my bride and grooms, especially when they book me without even meeting me, like Jessica did - it's a huge compliment. It became apparent that Jessica had taken the lead on all things wedding - a good thing considering Dan's confessed that his one job - to find his suit - still hasn't been done - chop chop Daniel :o)

Anyway, they handled the it all like complete pro's, and as with most of my clients, by the end of the shoot, they were rocking out some poses like they'd be doing it for years. We went through all the events of the day, worked out a great way to work and got some fab shots that they were happy to share.

I hope you love them, and I can't wait to shoot your wedding - See you in a few weeks Jessica and Dan.

Oh and as a little extra - I've built Jessica and Daniel their very own website to show off their pictures - check it out - http://www.jessicaanddaniel.clnphotography.co.uk/

Sisters and little people

2011-06-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

So sometimes I get the privilege of photographing people more than once, and this was another of those occasions. A few months ago i got to photograph Tasha and her growing bump it was a great shoot and I love that i got to go back and meet Tasha and James' beautiful baby boy.

The added bonus was getting to meet Tasha's Sister and her equally beautiful family.

This shoot was only a quick one, less than two hours, but we had a lot of fun, and Little Olivia was the greatest little girl. Vicki, Tasha - I'm always happy to photography your beautiful families...

Gorgeous George

2011-05-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

Well, a little while ago, I had the great privilege of meeting Samantha and Paul. They were just about to become parents and Sam was looking absolutely gorgeous, as was her bump.

Fast forward a few weeks and welcome to the world the adorable George. George is just fabulous, he's a big baby for his very young age, and utterly endearing. At first glance he looked just like his mum and was sleeping in his bouncer, but as soon as he woke and and we started 'entertaining' him (yes this is code for trying to keep him from napping through the whole shoot) you couldn't help but notice in his expressions how he turns very quickly into his dad's absolute double. Every expression was just like Paul and George is a little heart breaker.

Samantha and Paul were so at ease with their new roles as Mum and Dad, and they made such a beautiful little family.

Samantha and Paul, thank you for asking me back, and for the honour of capturing George's first portraits. Hope you love them.

Caz. ♥♥

Polka dots and bluebells

2011-05-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

So, given the fabulous weather we've been having, I've been taking advantage of some great locations locally, this week I've returned to a local nature reserve to check out it's bluebell offering (yes I am a little obsessed - but they are so beautiful) and I wasn't let down.

There's also nothing I love more than when I get to photograph people and families I've photographed before. I first photographed Beccy and Kyle and their beautiful daughters just over a year ago for some family portraits. Last time we had so much fun, and this time was just the same. Although I have to confess there was a minor incident with a stinging nettle that had us all in little Elena's bad books.

So, we headed to the woodland, and proceeded to look for Tinkerbell (yes I did say Tinkerbell - it's a kids shoot remember). We let little Elena play for a while and then got shooting. Unfortunately little Elena got stung, but we managed to sort things with a magic leaf (dock leaf to us grown ups) and all was well. Baby Leah was just happy to be a Daddy's girl and was glued to Kyle - just take a look what happened when she was removed from his arms - I know, heartbreaking - fret not though, Kyle was a mere 3 feet away! Suffice to say we didn't try that one again...

Beccy, Kyle - your family is just gorgeous, it never ceases to amaze me how stunning your girls are and you are a truly beautiful family. It was my absolute privilege to capture some more images for you. I hope to see you again soon and I hope you love your photos.

Searching for Tinkerbell - think this is one of my favourites...

Another of my favourites - little Elena is so beautiful

You've gotta love those polks dots - my blanket went down very well!

Little Leah - there are no words for how cute she is...

...there's always time for jumping...

...and face pulling!

Babies and bluebells

2011-04-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

OK, so I love bluebells, i can't help it, i just love the colour and when you hit a field of bluebells, they are just stunning, so this time of year I'm taking advantage of them.

Yesterday i had the absolute pleasure of meeting up with Gary and Kelly at their beautiful home. I had known Kelly and Gary in the online world through a wedding forum, but we hadn't met until yesterday - they had the most beautiful wedding around the time peter and I got married. and Kelly had a dress to die for - I was seriously jealous!

Since then Kelly and Gary have had this little lady... beautiful baby Lily, and she's a real cutie - loads of character and she has the unique ability to completely ignore literally everything that is going on around her when she wants to - made getting pictures of the little one slightly challenging, but so much fun, she was just adorable.

Kelly and Gary, your daughter is just beautiful, the perfect blend of both of you and it was my privilege to capture some images for you. I hope you love the photo's.

Fairytales and broken legs...

2011-04-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

When Vickie contacted me about wearing her dress again, I immediately thought of a whimsical, woodland shoot, full of gorgeous colours and spring flowers, bluebells and blossoms, and Vickie running through beautiful fields....

When Vickie said she loved the sound of that, I was positively gleeful. She had given me a link to her beautiful wedding photo's from her wedding to the wonderful Marcus last year (and her really is wonderful - you'll find out why in a minute). She had the most beautiful wedding full of rich purples and a Cinderella dress fit for a princess. She was happy with my theme and so we got her booked in.

Just a few days before the shoot, she contacted me again to say that she had badly hurt her leg/foot and was going to get checked out. It turned out there was a nasty break and she would be on crutches and in plaster! So, I assumed I wouldn't be seeing Vicki for a good while - but I assumed wrong!

Not only was the fabulous Vickie still happy to go a head with the shoot, but she was still happy with the theme and woodland and whatever else she could manage - that lady is trooper!

We had to adapt what we were going to do slightly and had to take things a bit easier than we would have done before, but Marcus came along too, to help Vickie get about. He was an absolute gem, drove Vicki to meet me and even lugged my stuff around whilst I was helping Vickie get about for her pictures. What a diamond, and such a lovely couple.Vickie, I really hope you get weel soon, and thank you for being so much fun!

So here are her pictures - I'm sure you'll agree she looks like a she's in a Fairytale - broken leg and and all, Vickie - you are stunning, and it was my pleasure to meet you.

We did some trickery with this one - can you spot it?

We got some rather strange looks from the passers by...

Vickie - you are simply stunning!

Such a beautiful dress

Definitely one of my favourites

And there's that cast again :o)

...and here's more proof - this lady is a legend!

We hit upon a beautiful orchard, so we nipped in for some pics...

Another of my favourites...

...and the weather just got better and better...

Fun in a field with your wedding dress and a broken leg - of course!

Love this one!

The detail on the that Cinderella dress!

Inspirational Stuff!

2011-04-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

So the week before last, I had a break from shooting (although my ability to leave my camera alone tends to falter after a day or two), but last weekend I was absolutely delighted to be able to take advantage of a fantastic event.

You may remember my post about SHUTTER ROCK UK, well in that, I also mentioned my admiration for a certain person - Lady Jasmine Star (I've here by given her a Lady-ship as she's so awesome - and erm, no, I have no power to do it - but hey - dream BIG, right?)

Well, Jasmine is part of a new wave of photographers that happily share their expertise and their knowledge for the good of the industry, in that hope that we all improve by sharing. That's how SHUTTER ROCK UK came about, a desire to build an event accessible to all that embodies everything that is good about our industry.

If you haven't seen Jasmine and JD's work ~~where the hell have you been!~~ you can find it on Jasmine's blog, which believe me - once you start reading - you won't stop until you've read EVERY post. Don't get me wrong I admire so many other photographers from all over the world, but Jasmin's story struck a chord with me.

Getting back to the subject though, Jasmine took part (for the second time) in a CREATIVE LIVE workshop. The first time she appeared she was brave enough to let the world shadow her as she shot a real wedding. The event was amazing, and apart from anything re-enforced that what I was doing already was really similar to how Jasmine shoots - I was just missing the finesse. If you want to see a real pro in action you can buy the course here.

Creative Live is another resource that is just amazing - a total gift to people who love to learn and share, with a community associated with it, that is just phenomenal - fellow photographers, if you've not been on site, I urge you to, J*'s second appearance on Creative Live was a workshop all about the business of photography, and there were some real gems. I should point out that to watch this live is completely free (yes I did say FREE) - you just have to be a freak like me and stay up until 2am to watch it all if you are in the UK (flippin' time difference, booo!). I should also point out that Creative live doesn't just cover Photography, it covers loads of other creative disciplines, so you don't just have to like photography to get some use out of it.

Anyway, what's the point of my little story? well the point was, at one point Jasmine invited people to post questions, this is a regular part of Creative live, the ability to interact with those hosting the event, via twitter and the online message board i signed up to. I thought why not, I'll ask Jasmine something that I hadn't really heard her discuss, and among the hundreds of questions on those boards for some reason the lovely Susan Rodderick (tweets as @behindtheLIVE) chose MY question to ask Jasmine - all the way from across the Atlantic - THE Jasmine Star, the lady whose blog I'd read from start to finish and whom I admire so much was talking to ME! me... this was - in the word of the Internet - EPIC!

So what was my question I hear you ask? I asked - 'Jasmine, since you started out, what - if anything - has been your biggest mistake?' I'm still not sure why I asked it, perhaps because Jasmine and so many other really talented individuals make it all seem so simple and so perfect, I guess I needed to know that they had things they had to overcome when running their businesses. I guess I wasn't prepared for the answer because it rang so true with me, and really made me think. Jasmine said this...

"I was afraid to take bigger risks - my biggest mistake was not taking the risks I should have"

This rang so true, with my photography, I played it safe for many years, last year I stopped that, but still had a shockingly rubbish website, I was afraid to indulge in having someone design things for me, in case it all went wrong, and I was afraid to be me, I thought I should conform to the norm, have everything written in the third person, be the consummate professional online, not invest in anything I didn't absolutely need, not get involved in the industry as a whole as I felt like a total outsider, and like I didn't have a clue what I was doing some of the time. I didn't want to risk being me, even my website colours were boring, nothing like what I wanted.

So you know what I did - I thought, and I debated with myself - and then I took Jasmine's advice and immediately started to turn this around. In the last two weeks I've signed up for an entirely new website - it's a massive commitment for me to have a fully integrated - completely new website but I love it, it's me and I'm taking a risk that having something so reflective of me will be a winner - watch this space, it's coming very soon.

I'm more involved in the industry than I ever was before, and am now even the official 'Tweeter' of @ShutterRockUK, which I am massively chuffed about and I'm interacting with a massive community of photographers, and to top it off, I've just signed up to my first ever wedding fair - this year is going to be big people - HUGE!

It's all been like a whirlwind and with so many shoots, and events coming up - all I can think of are Jasmine Star's words to me 'TAKE BIGGER RISKS!' - I'm doing it Jasmine - I'm taking the risks - hopefully one day i'll get to meet the likes of Jasmine and JD and all the others I admire so much, but until then, I'm just going to 'Keep It Real', learn as much as I can - when I can and become the best I can! I hope you'll join me for the ride!

Brotherly Love

2011-04-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

Alex is a wonderfully precocious little guy. He's full of bundles of energy and is such a handsome little chap and I'm so proud to be his God-mother (although not a fairy godmother which would be altogether cooler!). Ethan is just as fun, with a huge smile and enormous chocolate brown eyes. I just melt every time I see these two gorgeous brothers and I can't wait to give them cuddles.

Alex and Ethan are the sons of one of my oldest friends, Danielle and her husband Adam. We practically grew up together, meeting when we were 11 at secondary school. So many years have passed and it's so amazing to see how beautiful Danielle and her family turned out, I still can't quite believe that after all these years she still puts up with me, but she does and for that I'm truly grateful.

So last weekend I had the absolute privilege of capturing a few images for Danielle, we'd been meaning to do it for ages, so I'm so pleased to be able to share these with you now. The boys had just had their haircuts (don't they look smart!) and we headed out to a local riverside playground, the boys had a play in the sand and on the usual kids toys, then we had a run about near the riverside (got icky with the seaweed - love it!) and had a bounce on the bouncy castle - all topped off with chips from the cafe. It was pretty much a perfect morning!

Happy Mothers Day Dani, I hope you love your pictures. xxxxx

Happy Mothers day!!

2011-04-03T03:42:00.000-07:00

In this world there are some truly wonderful people, most of the time everything they do gets overlooked or forgotten, because they do everything so well, people only notice when something doesn't get done - which, frankly, sucks. So today, I say Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers I have photographed, to all the mothers I know, to all the mothers-to-be who's bumps have been captured with my camera (you can see them here, and here and here and here - you get the idea), but most importantly, Happy mothers day to MY mum!

I snapped this one with my phone on my wedding day - not my usual standard - but she's so fabulous it doesn't matter.

My dad took this one for us, pictures of me and mum together are rare for some reason - something I plan to change!

Not only is she utterly fabulous, and glamorous (way more glamorous than me, I might add!), but she has been the best role model a girl could ask for. She has been the most wonderful mum to both me and my brother, and continues to share her motherly care with my husband, my friends, our extended families, and her fabulous grand-children.

She's always on hand for baby cuddles - all babies automatically love her! And I mean all babies, there's not one that doesn't gravitate towards her and my Dad - it must be something in their genes.

She's always supremely fabulous...

And anyone who knows her loves her, especially her family...

Not only that, but she can cook! She's the best cook on the planet (no one leaves my mum's house without being fed first - ask anyone!), and she bakes, and she can knit and sew, and has the best garden in the world (I kill anything plant based - literally anything - even a cactus!), oh and she's Irish, which makes her extra cool.

Mum and Me before the Queens Garden Party - taken on my phone - no cameras allowed!

Frankly - she's pretty stupendous! Mum, I love you to bits and we're very lucky to have you as our mum. Your kindness and caring are something that has shaped who I am, and one day I hope to be just as good a mum as you.

Happy Mothers Day Mum, from all your family - You rock and we love you!

My world is expanding - fast!

2011-04-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

Wow! The mental, crazy world that is my life just continues to get busier and busier, and frankly I love it! I've always thrived on being busy, just ask my husband I'm a nightmare when I'm bored, that's why I'm so pleased to be involved in something so fantastic. You may have seen my post about SHUTTER ROCK UK (if you didn't just click the name and you can see it). I'm already involved in the planning stages and it's fantastic, the group of people that have shown enthusiasm, ideas and a commitment to making the UK Photography industry the best yet, are just fantastic. And Jaz Ampaw-Farr, well, what can I say... your slightly mental - but in such a good way, your enthusiasm is so infectious, can't wait to work with you more.

I have a confession though, for a long time I've felt like an outsider in many ways, at school I was always in the geek classes, bullied massively and always on the outside, at University I often still felt like I didn't quite fit in too, and before my work as a photographer, I guess the same thing still applied, but all of a sudden I've been thrust into a world of new friends, like-minded, hugely talented individuals that inspire me on a daily basis. For some time now I've been involving myself in the world of Twitter and a fabulous Facebook group of UK photographers, and last night I met up with two friends that I met some time ago on a Photography training course, Vitty Robinson and Mandy Burns. Something just clicked on the way home from meeting up with these lovely ladies, and weirdly (at the age of 30) I finally felt I fitted in somewhere. Cheesy, I know, but finally after years of doing photography, when I finally stopped being afraid of the industry or worrying that my work wouldn't match up to that of others, it clicked, I don't have to match up to the work of others, they don't have to match up to me, I just have to do what I love and do it the best I know how. Finally I realised I don't have to fit in, and oddly, that's made me feel like I do!

We discovered my hubby had some shooting skills!

I'm just me, Caroline, with a Geordie Dad, and Irish Mother, a family I adore, and a husband who, frankly, is way out of my league on the hotness scale. I have a niece and nephews that are so scrumptious I could eat them!

Photo by Harrison White

I LOVE anything sparkly, I've got way too many designer handbags that took far too much of my savings. Pretty much every accessory I have is hot pink and and anything small is automatically cute to me. I still have teddy bears from when I was a child that I will never give away, and I will always have a sweet tooth that knows no bounds! I will always love the sound of the ocean and I will always spend too many hours looking at photographs that I have looked at a thousand times.

Photo by Harrison White

I'm just me, and it's only me who can make my business great, it's me who can capture a brides day like it was my own, it's me who can make kids chuckle by being a proper idiot around them, it's me who can make sure your experience with me is truly unique (who else do you know who can cause a pregnant lady to spontaneously do the robot?!) I'm me, and that's all I can give you and my images reflect that, and the love I have for what I do.

Everything I've done in my life and everything I am now has finally led me to this point, a point where I can truly say 'You know what, take me as you find me', hopefully you love what I do too, that would be fantastic, but if you don't, c'est la vie, I'm not for you - each to their own I say.

I can hold my head up high and say I don't know everything there is to know about photography, I've got an awful lot still to learn, but I know now that there is a huge group of people out there who think just like I do, that want to share their experiences, their knowledge, their expertise in order to make our industry and ourselves the best ever. I'm really proud to be part of that and I genuinely can't wait to take my business to the next level. So thank you, to all the new friends I've made, especially on Twitter, and the Facebook group, but also to the great group of people I met on a course in the lakes, it was because of fellow photographers like this that I continued with my dream. To Vitty, Mandy, Steve, Dierdre, Jonathan, Gina and Mike (it's so cute you guys hooked up!!), thanks so much for staying in touch and for being a huge inspiration and support. There is no doubt I would have given up shooting if it hadn't been for that course (and my husband insisting I go - thank Peter!), little did I know I would make some really great friends too.

(Photo courtesy of my rather hot hubby!)

Well, I figure that's mushy enough for one post, but if any fellow photographers, or non photographer for that matter, ever feel the same as I have done, drop me a comment, I'm always in the market for new friends! Oh and wait around and I might just chuck you some more images too. These little guys will be in the next post.....

Shutter Rock UK and a preview

2011-03-30T05:06:00.000-07:00

Busy. Busy. Busy! Always without enough hours in the day, sometimes I wonder how anyone gets anything done, when the days are so short??!!

Anyway, this last week has been absolutely jammed solid, with learning, shooting, processing, networking, admin work, and goodness knows what else, but I feel like these last few weeks has been the start of something BIG!

The thing I'm most excited about is the possibility of being involved in something potentially huge. For many years I've found influence and inspiration from some amazing photographers, many of them based in the UK like Annabel Williams, John Swannell, Brett Harkness, Julia Boggio, Damien Lovegrove, Steve Gerrard (and so many others too numerous to list, but I've always found myself drawn to an amazing bunch of photographers, most of whom are based in the states, the likes of Annie Leibovitz and her Vanity Fair portraits, but more recently the likes of Jerry Ghionis, Jasmin Star, David Jay, Jose Villa, Dane Sanders, Zach & Jody Gray to name but a few. I follow their blogs religiously and just love their style, their attitude to business, the images they produce, I could go on forever but I'd just sound like a freak (so i won't!)...

All of these people have influenced me in one way or another and for many years I'd kept purely professional on things like my website and blog, but for a while now I've wanted to do things differently, do things like all those people that have inspired me, so I am! As I mentioned in the last blog there are exciting things coming up and I'll be using my blog to let you more into my world.

Last week I was hugely privileged to meet up with some other amazing UK based photographers to look into the possibility of bringing many of the names I mentioned over to the UK and I am so ridiculously excited about the possibility of being part of something this huge! The event already has a name, and now even a website - for fellow photographers, wedding professionals or any one who's interested in finding out more you can find the details HERE - SHUTTER ROCK UK!!.

Jaz Ampaw-Farr (who is an absolute force of nature and I knew straight away would be just my kinda girl) is the fabulous lady who decided to voice what I and many other photographers had been thinking for a long time, that it's time for a kind of revolution in the UK photographic industry, time for there to be an ever better community of like minded people, time to share skills and view our photography businesses more as a lifestyle choice rather than just a job. For most of us photography is our life, our art from, our form of expression, and we do it because we love it, but for many it's remains a means to an end and something that pays the bills or something that started off as a dream and quickly turned into an admin nightmare. Jaz has summed up the things we worked on at our first meeting as follows if you are interested:

BRAND VALUES/CULTURE
PASSION
CELEBRATION
ATTITUDE
POSITIVITY
INSPIRATION
COMMUNITY
FUN
JUICY
FESTIVAL FEEL

WHO?
Professionals who care to share and Photographers who dare to dream
Exhibitors who are interested in engaging with their clients e.g. moo.com, Photojojo
New Wave of photographers (UK, Europe and Worldwide)

Fresh, positive attitude
Focused on client experience
Looking for encouragement, ideas, inspiration
Wanting practical ideas in setting up and running their business
FUN and with a UK edge/quirkiness
A natural home - a community

I firmly believe that without finding absolute joy in being a photographer, you don't get the images that are truly your best work, and every time i shoot i strive to get the absolute best out of all the people i work with, my clients and myself. I'm always overly cirtical of myself and fret over how the images turn out, but i think that helps me continually improve. Now I've found a group (an absolutely massive group) of like minded photographers to share my business life with and i'm absolutely delighted to hear that so many are just like me, share the same worries, enjoy the same moments and are just generally interested in making the industry a better place to work.

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I LOVE organising things, so I'm absolutely delighted to part of Jaz's group helping to make this happen. I genuinely can't wait and am so pleased to have met or connected online with such a fantastic group of people! You guys ROCK (see what i did there?).

And just because every post is better with a few images, here's a preview of a post coming to the blog very soon...

Have a great Day!!

Rockin' a bump - Baby Betham

2011-03-22T04:23:00.000-07:00

I first met Natasha and her husband James at another friends wedding, I was photographing the reception. We all knew each other through a wedding forum and all had Hawaii as our common interest.

Beverly and Tasha were both getting married just before me, in Hawaii (what a dream come true) and my husband Peter and i were honeymooning in Hawaii (another dream come true). We'd shared each others run up to our big days, the fun, the excitement, the laughs, the stresses (boy were there a few of those for all of us) and the friendship with each other that we established online whilst planning our weddings.

That was a few years ago now and since then we've got married (not to each other... obviously), had honeymoons, lived our lives and stayed in contact. Tasha and James even jumped in front of the camera for me last year, Tasha wearing her stunning Essence of Australia dress (utterly gorgeous I'm sure you'll agree) and her very handsome hubby James, donning his finery for me to take a few snaps at Ingress Abbey.

Only a month or two after that shoot, Tasha told me the fantastic news that she was expecting their first baby, and booked me in for a bump shoot. I was absolutely delighted for them. I adore children and if I wasn't such a scaredy cat, would probably have had some of my own by now, but alas life and businesses (and me being a scaredy cat!) have gotten in the way. I couldn't wait to shoot Tasha and her bump.

So the months went by and Tasha let me know she was ready, but 'could I do anything with a hippo!'. I hear this kind of thing so often and I can tell you know there is nothing 'hippo' like with any of the people i photograph. I know Tasha was just joking with me, but I know from what mums to be have told me that pregnancy can be rough on your self esteem, hey, it's bad enough maintaining confidence when you aren't pregnant (believe me, I'm the worst one for throwing a pity party about how i look) so I wanted Tasha to have some really lovely photo's just to prove my point that even if she wasn't necessarily feeling her best she was certainly looking amazing. And of course she did, she looked so very beautiful and pregnancy really suited her.

For some reason, we felt it was appropriate to do the robot! :o)

Tasha found this rather entertaining :o)

Tasha and James, I can't wait for your baby to arrive, and thank you once again for the privilege of photographing you. James - thanks for putting up with us girlies and our wardrobe demands!

PS. I still LOVE that sofa!

Mood Boards and Best friends

2011-03-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

Recently, I attended a course, it was purely a business course, and I met a really nice lady who had a look at my blog. For a long time I've merely used my blog to document the photo's I take and the people I've met, but she said something that really made me think.

She asked why I didn't put more feeling into the posts, more detail about what goes through my head when I'm shooting. She looked at the pictures of Baby Isaac that I blogged a few weeks ago and loved them. But whilst I was describing how I ended up getting this image, how he was completely innocent, with no inhibitions and no preconceived ideas about how he looked...

...she asked why on earth I wasn't putting all the things I was telling her in the posts. It struck me that I had no real answer, other than I guess I'd never really thought about doing anything other than describing what I'd done. The more we talked, the more I realised I really should include the 'how' and the 'why' and my thoughts when I shoot, because that's what makes me who I am and dictates how I work, and the images I produce.

So from now on, I've decided to use this blog as more of a way to welcome you to my world, my thoughts, my feelings, my life, and all the influences that lead me to work the way I do. I'm going to include the things I love and the people I meet, whether I'm photographing or not, these posts will be your access to me, in the hope that it will give you a better understanding of who I am.

With that in mind...

This week I have embarked upon three very exciting things. The first of them is a complete re-branding, and a total online overhaul. I firmly believe I've been 'playing' at this business for long enough, I have years of experience and loads of delighted clients, so it's about time I had the website and online presence I've always dreamed of. I'm working with the very talented Melissa Love and will be creating my new online presence through a fantastic company called Showit.We've already started the process and I thought it might be cool to show you the 'mood board' I created to give to Melissa. Having never created one of these before it was quite daunting at first, but my task was to incorporate all the things I love, that inspire me, that make me think, that give me peace, anything that has an influence in my life went on there, so I thought I'd share it with you.

If you click on it, you can see it full size.

I'm hoping that with the help of Melissa, I'll be able to create something amazing and give me the 'store-front' I really want. Watch this space folks, it's going to be great!

The second 'project' is with the wonderful and award winning Chez Bec. Rebecca, was kind enough to ask me to do some photo's for her, as she wants to wear her dress again, she is local to me, and we're hoping to include as much of her beautiful jewellery in the shoot as possible. I've sourced a local venue (it's a secret though), some fabulous transport (that's a secret too) and I can't wait for our shoot, I have so many ideas buzzing through my head, I'm amazed I can sleep at night.

Thirdly, and definitely most importantly, this week I've had the absolute honour of being asked to do the photography for 'My Best Friend's Wedding'.

Sarah and I, right before my own wedding

I've known Sarah many years, since we were Students at University, working in a cinema to cover our costs. We were an absolute dream team, up in the 'Gallery' - the posh bit of the cinema. The place ran like clock work and we became the very best of friends. She has been with me through some very tough times, and some truly wonderful times, and all the while we've always laughed like crazy people, behaved like children, and shared loads of hugs. She is truly a wonderful person, so when I found out her wonderful boyfriend, Steve, had proposed to her in beautiful Malaysia, I was absolutely delighted!

One thing you should know about Sarah though, is that she is just like me in so many ways, we are both clean freaks, we both love order and neatness and we both LOVE to plan! We always joked that we'd start up our own wedding planning business one day, and whilst we both have very different business (Sarah owns Lustre Consulting with her business partner Matt) I knew the minute she got back from her holiday, the wedding planning would begin. Little did I know, that it had started almost the second she got back (and i have a sneaky suspision there might have been some online planning before she got home) - I should have guessed it might!

Sarah almost immediately asked if I would like to do her pictures and for about a week we've text, chatted, emailed and wondered about what we were going to do. Initially I didn't know what to say. Part of me wondered if she only asked because she didn't want to upset me or because we had been friends so long, of course I would never want that, and another part thought this would be the most perfect present I could ever give my best friend. For the whole week, we nattered about the fact she didn't want me to feel pressured, that she still wanted to consider her bridesmaids, that she wanted me to be a guest (I can't deny being an actual guest at a wedding would be a novelty) and that she wanted me to enjoy the day.

For the whole week, I told her that there are always better people around than me, that they both had to be happy with me, that I don't think I could bear someone else doing her photography, that I knew she would be more comfortable in front of the camera with me behind it because I know her so well (she's modelled for me before and was amazing), that I know i'm the best person for the job, btu that I would also love to 'just be a guest' and gett all dolled up....

The nattering and the thought process went on and eventually she told me that she really wanted me to be her 'best-friend-guest-photographer' and the deal was sealed!

I'm so delighted to be doing this for her adn Steve, there are no other plans in place at the moment, but I know she is going to have the most beautiful wedding. And the best thing about it, I get to be with her pretty much all day to capture every moment!

Sarah and Steve (Fraggle and Bodge!) I can't wait for your wedding and I can't wait to be such a huge part of it. I'm absolutely honoured, I'm ridiculously excited. I'm utterly terrified that I will let you down, but I know I wont (if that makes any sense), and I know you will have such a gorgeous day.

Congratulations to you both, I wish you the most wonderful wedding and lives together, and I thank you for including me in it.

My, hasn't he grown!

2011-02-18T04:47:00.000-08:00

One of my most favourite aspects of my job is the ability to re-visit people I've photographed before, and with this particular family I've been especially lucky, I started off photographing their engagement...

Then I was lucky enough to cover their beautiful wedding....

Then baby Isaac came along, and guess what - I got to take his picture too!!

So, it was my absolute pleasure to be able to go and see Baby Isaac again for some more photo's, and boy is he cute. His mum Hayley had just been for a walk with him when i arrived, and given how windy it's been this week, he was a little windswept with some seriously Rosy cheeks.

I couldn't quite believe how much he'd grown since I last saw him, and he's such a little character. One of the most noticeable things was how perfectly Hayley and Chris had settled into parenthood, it just seemed so natural for Isaac to be with them. Thank you to Hayley and Chris for letting me snap Baby Isaac again, and even bigger thanks to baby Isaac for all the yummy cuddles! Here's some of my favourite pictures of his royal cheekiness. Enjoy.


Look at those baby blues! - love this one.


This one really made me smile!

A beautiful Bump

2011-02-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

Well hello there. So I'm back in the full swing of things now. The bookings are coming thick and fast which I'm tremendously grateful for, but we've still got lots of time to book up for portrait shoots and a few spaces for weddings, why not even put gift voucher on your wedding or birthday list and treat yourself to a fun day and some unique pictures.

This week I had the great pleasure to meet a lovely couple. Samantha and Paul had heard about me from this lovely lady, and I'm so pleased I was able to share such a special time with them.

Samantha is in the last stages of her preganancy and like so many mothers to be, wanted a record of such an important time in their lives. I've found more and more that pregnancy or 'bump' photo's are almost as important as those first new born pictures or the first family images. Documenting the time when a baby is very nearly here is so beautiful and for me, it allows me to build up a relationship with a couple which very often carries on as their child grows up, for me it's just wonderful to see the family take shape, and to be able to save those memories in an image is even more fantastic.

So it was with great pleasure I went to meet Samantha and Paul at their house. Normally I like to work outside in the open, but this week the weather has been so cold and windy we decided it would be better to stay at home and use Samantha and Paul's beautiful home.

As with all my shoots where I meet clients and work from their home, there is always loads of places to make the images look really special and because it's your home, they are completely unique to you and your family. Samantha was a little nervous and uttered those famous word I hear so often 'I'm not very photogenic', and how wrong she was, whenever I hear a comment like that, I can't wait to prove that she just hadn't been photographed by the right person yet.

As you can see, she looks stunning, with the neatest bump. Whilst the wind died down we went into the garden, we didn't stay long, but I always love just a few outdoor pictures if it's feasible.

We even managed to convice father-to-be, Paul, to come and join us...

After heading back inside, I couldn't resist a look at the nursery, it was so beautiful, warm and welcoming for the new baby...

Finally we headed to Samantha's room for the last few shots, Samantha was absolutely beautiful, we did a few with her bump revealed, and I'm so glad she did, whilst not everyone would be willing to reveal their bump in front of a camera, it's completely down to what each mother is comfortable with, I think you'll agree she's absolutely gorgeous. I the later shots we went for a 'studio' look just for something a bit different.

A huge thank you to Samantha and Paul for allowing me to share some of their very special images with you, and a huge good luck for the birth. I hope everything goes perfectly and I can't wait to meet your baby!