Image of the Week ~ 26

This weeks image is taken from Chris & Jessica’s Wedding this February. I had wanted for a long time to photograph the Bride walking down the isle from a balcony persecutive, so when we went to the church rehearsal, I  knew this was my chance. When I asked the priest if I was o.k to photograph from the balcony he said that it was closed off to the public. I explained to him that it was a perfect photographic opportunity for the Bride whom had been part of the church her whole life. I then reassured him that I would be as quite as a church mouse and only up there for a matter of minutes so he kindly agreed. And thank goodness, as I know that this shot is a personal favourite of the brides. You see, that is as much as my job as actually taking the pictures, finding different angles and perspectives, giving my customer not only a visual diary of what they remember about their big day but also seeing it in ways they had not seen it themselves.

Image of the Week ~ 19

I am on my way to photograph a Wedding Day! I’m really looking forward to capturing beautiful moments as they happen. I’m starting at the Bridesmaids at 9:30 am and will be shooting for about 12 hours. That’s the full day package which includes approx 450 edited and cleaned up images on disk and a big square photo storybook in a presentation box. The ceremony takes place in a Catholic Church with red carpets and stained glass windows with a choir performing. The rehearsal to today’s wedding, though very different, reminded me a little of this wedding pictured here. It was the hottest 1st October on record and in Jersey, the island. It was such a beautiful day. Today shall be wonderful, as I am honoured enough to be friends of the couple (my last 4 weddings I have not known the couples at all!) and so pleased to be apart of their big day!

Image of the Week ~ 17

I rarely pose my couple’s in wedding photography because my style commands me to follow the energy of the day rather than dictate it.  I want my couple to look at their Wedding Photobook and be filled with happy memories and to see things they did not see happen themselves and to feel emotions.  This is one of the main reasons why I stay away from posing as with the memory of them images, it is to be posing on the step “and remember how cold it was…” for example.  This photograph is from Sheena and Adam’s beautiful Wedding last May, 2012 in Wigan, U.K. They did not mind to pose, so I always work with what my couple enjoy so after the ceremony and the meal, I noticed that the sun was going down and knew this would be a perfect few minutes to get some time alone with the couple. I simply asked them to walk slowly up the path towards the Hall and to completely ignore me. The light is so beautifully highlighting the couple and the strong shape they create as one.

Image of the Week ~ 16

This image is from Katie & Graham’s Tuscan Wedding. This was after the marriage had taken place and all the party were back at the Villa. A Italian buffet was served in the garden around the lemon trees and everybody was starting to relax after a very emotionally charged service. This image is about the close relationship between the father of the bride, who is beaming with pride and joy, the bride who is taking it all in her stride and the bridesmaid who share the same snack.

Image of the Week ~ 13

Just Married!

For me, as the photographer, this image encapsulates what I spoke of in ‘Image of the Week ~ 8’ were I explain,

“I like to start a job, in the background, behind the scenes. For me, that way I am firstly capturing the whole scene and therefore setting it for the visual viewer. I work my way closer in as time goes by to capture the details and hopefully by the time I need to do this, for example, the ceremony, the couple and guests (as I very rarely know these people) are comfortable enough with me that they have almost forgotten that I am there, so I am able to capture real images of the real emotions.”

This image was taken after the confetti throwing (at this wedding the italian traditional rice was used) and all the guests had started to make their way back to their transport to take them back to the villa, were the celebrations would continue into the night. This image was captured in a small private moment shared between the couple and my camera. It was not staged or acted, it was a real moment of shared excited joy with a spice of cheekiness! I felt honoured as the photographer that I was allowed to share that private moment with the fabulous couple and they were now that comfortable with me around, they could just really enjoy each other and their big day.

Image of the Week ~ 12

” Thank You!

We have been to weddings before where the photographer appears to be in charge of what happens and guests are arranged into tableux like poses.  We did not wish for this and neither of us particularly like standing in front of a camera. You were understanding of this and made us feel comfortable in front of the camera, we didn’t even notice the camera for the duration of the Wedding!

You were always in the moment as they unfolded for real.  There were no rehearsals and no pretending. You were able to capture what actually happened and your Photo Book reads almost like a story book.  Each image tells a tale and is thought provoking.  Real and true emotions were captured as they happened and although our special time was over far too quickly, the memories and the joy are fully depicted in your photographs, forever for us to keep.

You were very professional yet friendly, efficient and reliable.
The quality of your Photography, Design and Presentation are both representational and evocative.

Love

Katie & Graham X “

Image of the Week ~ 10

The Dress. The one thing (beside the actual groom) that all little girls dream of. We fantasise from a young age, as we play ‘dress up’ of the day we turn from princess to Queen in our beautiful gowns with our princes. The Bridal Dress symbolises both the leaving of her old life, her single life, and entering a new life as a courtship or partnership. When the dress is put on the bride-to-be she suddenly is transformed and ready to commit her life to her partner. The most powerful and beautiful dress that we get to wear in our lives!