Anna's Photography Journal

The Quickest Qualification!

2012-03-07T01:23:00.001-08:00

Choosing a wedding photographer who has recognized qualifications in wedding photography is a way of ensuring you get someone who knows there craft.

There are different levels of qualification, as well as qualifications in different genres of photography. Not everyone can work well say under the pressure of a wedding, with all of the time constraints, and variable shooting conditions, you need to be confident and adaptable, and able to think fast!

Having only recently jpoined the Guild, I am pleased to say I am now a Qualified Member for weddings. The next step? Getting my Craftsman, which I hope to do this year.

2012-02-23T01:47:00.002-08:00

Check out one of my weddings featured on this vinateg wedding blog below:

http://underthevintageveil.com/2012/01/a-pastel-pretty-spring-wedding/

Guild of Photographers

2012-02-21T03:41:00.001-08:00

Excited to say I have just become a member of The Guild of Photographers.

Apart from giving potential clients the reassurance that they are choosing a professional, and qualified photographer, the guild is also an opportunity for me to start entering my wedding images in for competitions, something that is long overdue! Workload usually hinders the time needed to follow through this dream, but this year I am determined to see what I can achieve on a personal level in this field!

Watch this space!

Check out this site

2012-02-21T03:15:00.003-08:00

just had a good look around this site, and especially enjoyed reading the photographer interviews! Great stuff, and really nicely done! I think a creative person can definitely see,recognise and admire anothers talent. Makes me want to get married again,...and again,...but to the same guy of course!

Have a look at this site:

Wedding Photographers Directory - Wedding Photography Select. Finding A Wedding Photographer Made Easy

2012-02-06T04:42:00.000-08:00

Just orderd some new images to update frames both in my office, and for a shop window display at 'Bash Inspiration' in Fleet. Think the colour one is my favourite, but its always sooo difficult, especially when you have a bride as gorgeous as this!

PS went for the fairy 'theme with the oversized mushrooms in the groiunds of Frensham Heights. Great venue!

2012-01-30T05:32:00.000-08:00

Vintage Wedding? It seems to be a key trend to go back to the old, embracing quality and good value. 'You get what you pay for'...type of Ikea mentality.

Better to invest in a sturdy piece of wooden furniture, and breath into it a new lease of life...!?

Where am I going with this?

Well, it also applies to my industry. It seems, or so both myself & my colleagues are hearing from our customers, that perhaps the cheaper, free Cd providing photographers, are somewhat lacking in the ability, or experience, to provide the basic groups and planning that hold a wedding shoot together, and only concentrating on the 'reportage' element.

Fine if you or your groomsmen know how to organize a crowd in a friendly manner, or choose the best location for light and background to make your couple look stunning, but isn't that what you pay us professionals to do?

It seems that there is a growing knowledge that yes, anyone with a decent SLR can get good shots at a wedding, but that after all is only a small part of what a good wedding photographer needs to be able to do.

Make sure your photographer has the confidence and experience to organize, anticipate and plan, or it may well ruin your glamorous dreams...

2012-01-24T05:08:00.001-08:00

Image collage just put up on my website.

2012-01-12T02:47:00.000-08:00

At the moment I am doing my usual January job of going through images to choose which ones to update my current brochure with....well, not trying to blow my own trumpet or anything, but its hard to choose!I have thousands!

I do have to say I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful job that comes so naturally, my eye for photography is a gift that I recognise and am very grateful for. Just one or two out of about 200 that I am trying to narrow down!!..

Childrens portraits Farnham Surrey

2012-01-11T03:23:00.000-08:00

A few recent portraits taken in farnham Surrey in the run up to christmas. Kids move, and I like to keep that energy in the photos! Have a look below...

Chosen by Chanel 5!

2011-12-16T05:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, celebrity wedding planners from BBC 1's The Apprentice chose me to photograph their couples wedding in November!

Raef Bjayou and Stuart Baggs were put in charge in the latest celebrity show, organizing an entire wedding for couple Nicole and Luke.

I had a phonecall, not long before the wedding, asking if I would do their wedding photography. Not quite your normal day at the office, with teams of camera crews everywhere, but it was certainly great fun! Both taking part, and watching the filming take place.

The venue was Northbrook Park, kept a complete secret from the couple, and the programme will be aired in January on Channel 5.

A sneak preview of some of the images from the day are below, and can also be seen on my online albums page.

Its not the first time I have taken part in a TV programme and hopefully not the last. Great priveledge to be chosen really! Thank you guys!

Debbie & Ben's beautiful wedding

2011-12-15T07:02:00.000-08:00

Debbie and Ben got married at Cain Manor near Grayshott. It was a late wedding, so not much light, but plenty of atmosphere!

A beautiful wedding, held under tragic circumstances, but everything went smoothly, and most of all there was laughter, as well as tears.

Debbie you looked stunning! I wish you both many happy years together.

For more information on weddings click here

Farnham Herald Baby & Toddler Competition 2011

2011-12-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

I was asked by my local newspaper The Farnham Herald if I would do the photographs for their annual Baby competition. This took me 'on the road' for three weeks visiting local stores such as Sainsburys, Tescos, The Entertainer toy shop and M&S to name but a few.

In total I photographed 320 babies and toddlers, plus then any sibling groups that parents wanted! Despite the huge numbers of children, I still wanted to give a great product and clean image, with a variety of poses. One of the shots is of my set-up that I toured with, thanks to my husband for the loan of his bricks catering van!

Just a sample of shots are shown below!

My portable studio, set up in The Entertainer Haslemere

Where did the summer go!

2011-09-13T04:24:00.000-07:00

Wow! That went fast! I feel like i blinked and time flew! Have been busy though, and they say time flies when you are having fun.

Another mix of images, just to keep you up to date with all I have been doing workwise over the summer!

So, in no particular order!...

More to come, I'll keep you posted!

Anna & Chris's wedding at Farnham Castle

2011-07-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed Anna & Chris's wedding. Lots of laughter, sunshine at most of the right moments and a whole lot of fun and laughter. What every wedding should be all about!

Phew!! Too much fun!

Networking Portraits

2011-07-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

As business networking seems to be the way to go these days to get your name known in the business circles, it was very apt that Jane should come to me for some portraits for just this reason.

She had in fact had two recent portrait sittings done, but didn't feel they portrayed her warm approachable personality. This time shes got it!

See a few samples of some of the many images below!

See all images from Jane's location portrait sitting

2011-07-01T01:48:00.003-07:00

Kevin & Nicki

2011-06-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

Despite the threat of rain, this turned out to be one of those glorious days!

An inspired choice of venue, a beatifully dressed marquee and gardens, and just the lovliest couple in love!

Now Kevin, like alot of people, doesn't like having his photo taken, so scroll down to see how brilliantly he did! Thank you Kevin for persevering!

Check my website in the next few days for all of the photos on my 'online gallery'.

Wedding of Lucy & Matt at Tithe Barn Petersfield

2011-06-09T04:28:00.000-07:00

Naheem Portraits

2011-06-09T04:26:00.000-07:00

Holy Communion portraits

2011-06-09T04:25:00.000-07:00

Child portraits of little Theodore

2011-06-09T04:23:00.000-07:00

Pet portrait of Chewie, and young Jamie

2011-06-09T04:21:00.000-07:00

Wedding at Gorse Hill Woking

2011-06-09T03:39:00.000-07:00

One BIG Post!!

2011-06-09T03:36:00.000-07:00

Its been a while....the good news is there is so much to see!!

I may not have been blogging, but I have been doing lots of shoots, and developping the portrait side of my business further....Lots of new and exciting promotions coming this way.

And the key point, portraits you can afford to love! (instead of talking yourself out of them...)

There are lots of images to follow, some weddings, some portraits, but I will let the photos do the talking (they do it much better)!

Alana & Will at Foxhills

2011-04-05T04:21:00.000-07:00

This is the second time I have been to Foxhills recently! Just a lovely venue, and saturday was gorgeous!

We had a bundle of groups to get through at Alana & Wills request, but we still had plenty of time for drinks, laughter and the all important candids! It can be done, mixing both more traditional, and modern reportage styles. Leaves me pretty exhausted at the end of the day, but elated!

I really enjoyed the whole day, have a sneek peek at some of their images below!

Portrait parlour

2011-03-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

Now that my youngest have started school, I am looking forward to taking more portraiture again, alongside my weddings.

The photos themselves are a relaxed studio style, and as I am basing the sessions from my 'parlour' in our edwardian home, i have for the time being dubbed them with the name 'portrait parlour' still part of the Schutters style and brand...!

A few images from the weekend...let me know what you think!

young Joshua......he came to play with my girls, and before he knew it was thrust in front of the camera for some trial shots. have to say he had a great time tho! (and his mum was thrilled by the surprise!!)

and also the gorgeous Alexia...

.................my eldest! 8yrs going on 13!

Lindsey Southworth

2011-03-04T05:35:00.000-08:00

This morning I photographed some of Lindsey's fab vintage retro style Wall art! See below for a few taster shots...

Lindsey specializes in Bespoke Bouquet paintings of your wedding flowers (done from a photograph). Lindsey can be contacted on
southworthlindsey@yahoo.co.uk

Wedding at The Elvetham

2011-03-04T04:43:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Jenny & Mark who got married two weeks ago today at The Elvetham in Hartley Wintney! A few images from their day to enjoy...!

Short video from Friday's wedding at The Elvetham

2011-02-23T08:47:00.000-08:00

Mr & Mrs Fieldhouse

Showcase short

2011-02-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

A trial video slideshow, only 30 seconds long....testing the layout for my new product!
Click link to view Showcase short

Portraits

2011-02-01T02:02:00.000-08:00

I photographed Helen & Chris's wedding many years ago, and was delighted when they moved back into the area, and asked me to do a family portrait at their home. Alice and Matilda were happy participants. Just few of my favourites!

Deborah & Spencer at Foxhills

2011-01-11T05:08:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Deborah & Spencer whose wedding just after Christmas was gorgeous. Christmas tree, candlelight and a late wedding all set the scene for a romantic informal feel at the stunning venue Foxhills in Ottershaw.

I did Deborah's sisters wedding about 8 years ago, so it was lovely to see them again, and their two lovely children who were bridesmaids.

To see all of the images from this wedding go to

Deborah & Spencer

'Sno trouble!

2010-12-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

A beautiful wedding in snowy Essex!

I travelled up early the day before, just to make sure I was there in our week of snow madness!

The wedding was beautiful and so much fun, with only one or two snowballs, but wellies, and heels. Congratulations Sarah & Steven!

For the full set of photos

click here

Winter Weddings

2010-11-16T06:09:00.000-08:00

Are you planning a winter wedding?

Candlelight, cosy fires, snow and christmas make it a very romantic time to get married,

...but it isn't just the weather that changes, but also the light.

Many photographers dread the low light levels and technical complexities that come with a winter wedding.

Overflashed images will leave you looking washed out, with dark backgrounds. Not a good look!

Make sure your photographer has lots of experience, doesn't shoot on automatic mode, and knows how to paint with light. Its an art, really.

By balancing ambient light (in the background) with the right level of flasdh, your pictures can be full of life and detail!

Remember most shots will probably need to be indoors. If you can get out, it needs to be brief before red noses, and breath trails get the better of you!

Negatives aside (no pun intended!!), it is a magical time of year to get married, just make sure your photographer is confident and up to the challenge.

Personally I love it!

Vouchers for albums

2010-11-02T04:23:00.000-07:00

I am now able to offer online voucher buying. Great for wedding gifts from guests, or subsequently for Christmas or Birthday presents after your wedding!

Oh! in Soho!

2010-09-21T04:32:00.000-07:00

Wendy and Alan got married at the wonderful Soho Hotel. Congratulations to both of you! What a wonderful wedding!

Samuels portrait book

2010-09-21T03:46:00.000-07:00

I did Kathryn and Jason's wedding a few years ago, and was delighted to be asked to do some photos of them and new family member Samuel! the book is a work in progress, but thought I would share with you the initial design using images that they selected from all taken.
What a cutey!

Joanna & Glenn at Audleys Wood hotel

2010-09-08T01:52:00.001-07:00

I have worked with the groom's Mum many times at another venue where she works, so was absolutely delighted to be the one to photograph her son's wedding.

A new venue for me, and a great venue. A wonderful day!

To see the whole set of Joanna and glenn's images go to

http://www.everybodysmile.biz/cgi-bin/public.cgi?form_status=Cover&Id=111379

Alexandra and James at Royal Holloway College

2010-09-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since my previous visits to Royal Holloway, but I always look forward to doing weddings there, the architecture and light are just stunning. Plus they have a new monet bridge - wow!

Thank you to Alexandra and James for being so wonderful to photograph!

Winner!

2010-08-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well done Abi! You have won the print for your guess!

Competition time!

2010-08-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

A little game for you! I have a number of recent, consecutive weddings yet to go on my blog, and have mixed up the images from each wedding in this one Blog post!

You need to work out how many weddings these 35 shots are taken from.

The first client or friend / guest of a client (past or future) who guesses the correct number of weddings and leaves it correctly as a comment wins a free 10x8 mounted print, and postage. One entry per person!

See if you can work it out!

Wokefield Park Tim and Tiffanys big day!

2010-08-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

My first visit to Wokefield Park, gorgeous setting and a modern finish to a stately interior, very nice!

...you may be forgiven for thinking 'why the clock!' Album planning and design needs images of various aspects from the day, which all come together in a composite of photos in various sizes and layers, giving your album its uniqueness, and totally personal to your day!

In this case, things were running a little bit late!...

Tarran & Liz

2010-08-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Some shots from Tarran & Liz's big day

Abi & Andrew Ramada Jarvis East Horsley

2010-07-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

I have got a bit behind this last month with my blog! My apologies, please find en mass some recent images from all of the wonderful weddings I have had the priveledge to photograph! Its been a busy time and I am editing up to my eyeballs in order to get everyone their images fast!

Thepreviews usually go on my website about 3-4 days after the wedding, and then depending on whether i am supplying discs, prints or albums I do a few follow up appointments, or album planning meetings to help with all of those decisions!

Joanne & Andrew's wedding

2010-06-11T04:42:00.000-07:00

It was probably the hottest day this year, absolutely gorgeous and such a great day. Enjoy!...

Kirsten & Matt Album design

2010-06-09T04:25:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share with you an album design that I have just created. It is a first draft, and each one is fully customisable. Even I find it hard to narrow the numbers down from all the photos!

2010-05-25T04:34:00.001-07:00

Fab day, Fab venue, Fab couple! (Notley Abbey).

Kirsten & Matt were recommended by a friend whose wedding I did, who in turn were also recommended by a friend, who was recommended by a friend and I also did their other friends wedding!! I must be doing something right then. Nice to recognise so many of the guests!

Occassionalyy I end up going a bit further afield, but this just leads to the discovery of other amazing venues that I have not been to before.
Enjoy..

Jules & Robert at the Elvetham

2010-05-12T04:46:00.000-07:00

Jules & Bob got married at The Elvetham. They wanted a really relaxed day not following tradition rigidly, and with lots of fun! Alot of fantastic images, have a look at my main website to see the whole wedding from
start to finish!

Maria & Matt at Ockham Barn nr Cobham

2010-05-12T03:22:00.000-07:00

Maria & Matt had the most amazing day in April to get married. The whole day from start to finish was a joy, although pretty exhausting by the end!

For the first time I photographed lanterns being let into the night sky....wow! That was so special, and i think really comes accross well in the photos. (see lower down!)

a selection of getting ready shots...there were alot

A self portrait as well! (I did also take one without me in it! ) This tree was illumionated from a blue spot light outside the venue, which has given the sky that strange orange cast

The lanterns wewre amazing, everyone loved it, although co-ordinating the lighting and releasing is no easy feat!

2010-05-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

love it love it love it..! My job is a real buzz, in fact its more than a job for me as i get to combine my passion with my career. Yes, I know how lucky I am.

Recently i seem to have been staying later and later into the evenings at weddings. A challenge for sure, low light, first dance - giving atmosphere and movement. They are tricky challenges to which I enjoy rising to, and all without killing off all the atmosphere with flash!

I am just working on Sundays wedding, of which I will post some images up very soon. Using light correctly, and experimenting to get wow results is just one of the many challenges of being a wedding photographer, and not for the faint hearted!

Lucy & James at Northbrook Park

2010-03-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed myself on saturday photographing Lucy & James wedding at St Andrews Church in Farnham, and the reception at Northbrook Park.

It was the first time I had been to Northbrook Park and I have to say a complete dream! The setting, the rooms, the building and the overall feel of the place was magical, probably also due to Lucy's skill at co-ordinating her wedding, and the beautiful flowers by Fiona Curry.

Gettng ready at the Bush Hotel, Farnham

I always photograph the moment where the bride arrives at the church/ceremony to candids. There is so much emotion at this moment, which is better captured naturally.

The Vine room at Northbrook Park decorated with a 'spring' theme, gorgeous!

You can see all of Lucy & James wedding photographs by following the link below.

http://www.everybodysmile.biz/cgi-bin/public.cgi?form_status=Cover&Id=99956

Juliet & Ben at Alexander House

2010-03-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Lucy & James engagement shoot

2010-01-19T02:47:00.000-08:00

On sunday I had the great pleasure of shooting Lucy & Jame's pre wedding portrait session. I had a clear picture in my head of the type of shots that I wanted to achieve, and could have hugged Lucy when she turned up in her beautiful pink coat! I just love colour, and with portraits there's even more oppotunity to push the boat out and do something a bit different. In this case they were the prefect couple and happy to go with the flow, the results I think speak for themselves. Thanks guys! I greatly look forward to photographing your wedding day!

A few highlights from 2009

2010-01-07T12:13:00.001-08:00

Change to Online Albums

2010-01-07T12:08:00.000-08:00

My apologies to all of you who are wondering where the online albums have gone! My old supplier ceased trading, and I am currently changing e-cpommerce supplier, and they will be back online hopefully by the end of next week!

In the meantime I will add a slideshow of a few highlights from 2009. It is always an impossible task to try and choose just a few from the thousands of images from last year. Now I know what you all feel like choosing for your albums!

A winter wedding at Wentworth

2010-01-05T04:16:00.000-08:00

Its not often that I get to shoot a wedding in the snow! Beautiful as it is, it also raises all sorts of challenges photographically from misting up lenses to red noses and steaming breath! Not least of all pretty chilly!

Claire and David's wedding was held at 3:30pm on 22nd December, amazing and magical covering of snow, but I also ended up arriving at the venue with almost two hours to kill (leaving enough time in case the roads were bad!)

Winter weddings also mean less light, and by the time we headed outside for a quick photo session, it was almost dark. It takes courage and correct exposure to get images that aren't dark and overflashed, instead relying on my trusty tripod and long exposures, to balance natural light and get the pretty atmosphere of christmas lights as well. A challenge that I am always ready to rise to, and which gives great job satisfaction.

Most couples don't put much consideration into whether it will be light or dark at the time they marry (and why should they), and the effect that it can have, even on indoor shots. Call me crazy, but I do relish the challenge, and enjoy working in this way!

Hopefully you will enjoy a few of the images here, still using natural light wherever possible.

A cuddle to keep warm!

Looking out at the winter wonderland

Bridesmaids playing hide and seek in the wardrobe!

The blue and the orange are natural, and as a result of mixing natural daylight. and the yellow tungsten light in the porch. Its not done in photoshop!

Groups were all inside in the warmth, definitely a day for mulled wine...

Portraits of Bradley

2009-11-27T03:06:00.001-08:00

I did Carly & Gareth's wedding 2 years ago, and was delighted when they got in touch for a family portait session. despite being on location in November, the weather was kind, and how can you go wrong when the baby is so gorgeous!

Fallen leaves and low light , fallen trees to climb and jump off all make great fun for a small child who may not enjoy sitting in a studio. I am a great fan of portraits outside, usually everyone relaxes that bit more, and real portarits are taken.

Alison & Rob get married at The Elvetham

2009-11-27T03:00:00.000-08:00

Alison and Rob at The Elvetham. Apart from the very beginning, weather and cold forced us indoors, but I am more than happy sqeezing every last drop of natural light out of the situation. It can be tricky at winter weddings not to use full flas and kill every shot, by that I mean white faces and black backgrounds, but with a few tricks and knowledge, a dark day can become a magical and warm event, as happened here.

Why I love my job!

2009-11-27T02:28:00.000-08:00

With album season in full flow, this is the time of year when the design side really takes off! No matter how fantastic your photos are, if they are not displayed beautifully, or heaven forbid put away in a drawer, then you are not making the most of your investment in a good photographer...!

It can take 2 or 3 days to design an album, but the results are worth every moment. I know the temptation is to think you can do it yourself, and sometimes it does work, but unless you have the design skills, and the time to put things together properly, you may end up with disappointing results.

Anna & Steve got married at The Elvetham. Alot of fun and friends was the order of the day, with some great group shots, see

www.lookatphotos.co.uk

for their wedding in full.

Helen & Carl got married at Weybridge registry office, and their reception was at The mandolay in Guildford. I love this photo below where Carl is really concentrating on getting that ring on Helen's finger!

Some interesting stairway shots. Love the graphic lines, and round lights. It's important to have recci'd the venue beforehand, that way I know where the best places are, in all weathers without wasting time on the day.

Gladys and Carlos had their magical day at Albury park. Its the second time I have been there, and is such a gorgeous venue. The weather was somewhat wet, but not that this affected the photos. Trees and specailly chosen paths and places enabled photos to continue outside, without anyone getting wet.

A change of outfit, ready for a blessing in the chapel in Albury's grounds.

All of these weddings, and more, can be found on the online albums page of my website www.schutters.com

Sam & Katie's wedding

2009-10-07T01:43:00.000-07:00

Katie & Sam's wedding was held at Wotton House nr Dorking, wow! what a place!

It was a day with a difference, with some unique features including an American style 'reveal' where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony, and both a civil ceremony inside; followed by a an outdoor blessing in the walled garden.

To top it off a full moon and some night time shots outside, very appropriate as Sam had also propsed by on a full moon. A fabulous day, great couple, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The reveal...!
Katie approached and tapped Sam on the shoulder...

An outdoor ceremony in the walled garden

...and a moonlit kiss

to see all images from Sam and Katies wedding, go to:

www.lookatphotos.co.uk

Two weddings!

2009-09-03T03:15:00.000-07:00

My apologies to my recently neglected blog! What with a house move, and a busy summer, time has been short for blogging. I do think it provides a useful insight into my style and approach though, so will persevere. Not only that but it is an opportunity for me to pick some favourite images from each wedding. The idea is that it is one or two images, but I always seem to have so many, i cannot narrow it down!

The following are from two recent weddings. Ana & Matthews was a spanish/english wedding, with half of the guests not speaking any english. Not a problem! Its amazing what alot of smiling and good humour can overcome!

Eva and Jason's wedding was a very relaxed, beautiful day. They had a marquee in his parents wonderful garden, and a morrocan theme to their marquee, and their menu! Delicious! All beautifully prepared by my husband's catering company!

Check out his catering website on:
www.brickscatering.co.uk

Enjoy, I did!..

Eva & Jason

Ana & Matthew

Wedding Charlotte & Nick

2009-08-05T03:51:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Charlotte & Nick! A gorgeous day with only the threat of rain (nice dramatic skies!). The reception was held at The Elvetham. No matter how many times I visit that location ( I am lucky enough to be a wedding photographer recommended by The Elvetham), it never ceases to inspire me! They had a marquee due to the number of guests which was absolutely stunning, first time I have seen it set up for a wedding.

I love this photo, reflections and moody skies, what more could a photographer want! I try to get a real mix of flavours in my photography to include romance, fresh/fashiony type images, pure candids (they are really the story tellers of the day!) and arty. The above falls into the arty, great for wll prints, or stunning as page stoppers in an album!

Thank you Charlotte & Nick for being such a pleasure to photograph!

If you want to see all the images from their wedding, have a look at:

www.lookatphotos.co.uk

Wedding Kerrie & Roger

2009-07-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

Kerrie & Roger had a beautiful wedding in the gardens of her parents' home near Esher. The ceremony was held at Weybridge register office, and then onto a marquee and canapes on the lawn. A totally relaxed feel with little posing was requested, and I am always happy to do taylor my coverage exactly to what the couple wants.

Luckily the rain held off at all the right moments!

To see all of the images from Roger and Kerries wedding go to:

www.lookatphotos.co.uk

Sarah & Daniel's wedding

2009-07-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

I did Sarah's sisters wedding about 1 1/2 years ago, so it was fantastic to be there with familiar faces and caprturing Sarah & Daniels big day! It was at Nettlestead Place in Kent, and the church was a short walk making the whole day very relaxed and fun. Rain had been predicted, but the sun shone all day and we made use of the lovely weather in the beautiful gardens at Nettlestead place.

Shown is a mixture of photos and some album layouts. I have just started pre-designing albums. This means that I spend a bit of extra time (which I enjoy!) choosing, designing and creating a first draft album design for each couple as soon as they are back from their honeymoon. Feedback I have had so far says how useful this is in helping to choose the photos that they want, as they can visualize them in the album. Or if you like the whole design it cuts out weeks of waiting for your final album to show off to family and friends!

Portrait: Strawberry picking

2009-06-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

I photographed Jonathon & Isi's wedding in Oxford 8 years ago! Since then I have twice had the wonderful opportunity of photographing them with their gorgeous little girl Milly. Todays theme was strawberry picking, which gave a fun and natural environment for portraits. Alot of fun was had by all, and I didn't eat too many strawberries, which I was renowned for as a child when we went picking!

Wedding: Esther & Tim

2009-06-23T02:38:00.001-07:00

Esther & Tim's wedding was a joy from start to finish. Their relaxed attitude, and their enjoyment of the whole day was very apparent. Their reception was held at Epsom Downs racecourse, but I was determined not to enter into the standard 'horse' and winners enclosure theme. There were so many other amazing places for photos.

Gone for wacky block pastels here! Beats the endless 'flowers in colour' that you see endlessly!

Oh give me a staircase and I am happy!...

To see all of Esther and Tim's wedding photos, available from 12th July, go to:

http://www.lookatphotos.co.uk/

Wedding: Lynsi & Mike

2009-06-15T04:24:00.000-07:00

This week I have put Lynsi & Mikes' images into a digital style album design. The wedding as always was a very unique event, held at Farnham House Hotel. I particularily loved the groom's arrival in the style of the A Team! Along with a fantastic lookalike playing B A Baracus! Alot of fun and a unique way to arrive.

If you would like to see all the images from Lynsi and Mike's wedding go to

www.lookatphotos.co.uk

Wedding: Jo & Philip

2009-06-05T03:11:00.000-07:00

Wedding: Mary & Derren

2009-06-05T01:54:00.001-07:00

A sneak preview of a few images form Mary & Derren's wedding at Losely park. So much can be caught with a keen eye and quick reactions, but I also like to punctuate that with some posed or directed shots. Below is a mixture of that, and pretty much sums up my style of blending the modern, fun and quirky, alongside some love and romance(that doesn't have to mean stuffy though!)

Who needs scissors!..

Below shows a sequence of shots and how the series develps. Sequences like this are brilliant, as they are quick to take, and create great story layouts in an album. Each shot is subtly different, and without even having to move the couple, can be taken in a matter of minutes. These are just a selection from a whole series taken. What I dislike is repetitive shots, ie digital camera on motordrive, and taking shots that are indistinguishable from each other.

The key to a good photographer is to relax your subject. If they feel awkward, the images will not come accross well.

This image has been turned upside down! What you are seeing is their reflection in the pond...

The right way up again now!

I love Loseley, its such a stunning venue, and I know the foods good too as my sister got married there!

If you want to see more from Mary & Derren's wedding you can view the whole wedding on my online albums page of my website, or click on the link below which takes you straight there.

www.lookatphotos.com

Wedding: Emma & Mark

2009-05-01T12:15:00.001-07:00

Emma & Mark's wedding was held in a marquee in her parents' stunning garden. April showers behaved, and all in all it was just a gorgeous day !

As well as allowing the day to unfold naturally, to me each wedding is also an opportunity to find unique images, creative images, that really reflect my clients personality.

One of my favourite photographs from Emma and Mark's wedding is the image below. We stopped off at The Sheepleas nr West horsley, where Emma had alot of happy childhood memories. The opportunities for woodland scenes was fantastic, and I really enjoyed taking a whole series of photos amongst the trees and paths.

During the speeches Emma's dad told of his long awaited 'vision' of his daughter coming down the staircase, and what that meant for him. I think the look on Emma's face shows the emotion she knew her father would be feeling.

Gorgeous flowers! Something alwayas taken, and used well as an album background or detail shot.

More at the Sheepleas, well worth a visit!

Groups are as an important part of the day as everything else. The thing to get right is how many you do, and how long it may take.

This can vary greatly, and ultimately depends on what groups you personally want, but I am experienced in this area, and at a pre wedding meeting, can help guide you through certain shots, and how long they would take.

This way you end up with exactly the type of coverage that you would like, whether the groups are 5 minutes with plenty of time for drinks, or 45 minutes with all combinations covered!

I also dislike a line of legs, and prefer to make each group a bit more interesting, where faces are seen, not just feet and hats!

Emma & Matt at The Manor House

2009-04-03T04:43:00.000-07:00

A preview of some favourites from Emma and Matt's wedding. The threat of rain gave great clouds for the photos (there is a plus side!) and the heavens only opened the moment we had finished all the outdoor photos!

They say it is good luck if it rains on your wedding day, in this case we were extremely lucky with when it rained! We stopped off at Newlands corner and thanks to some expert manoevering by Clovercare cars, we had a wonderful and dramatic panoramic backdrop.

Some others from the day, which inluded a chocolate theme.

Jennifer & Daniel's wedding at The Elvetham

2009-03-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

A preview of some of the images from Jennifer and Daniel's wedding day on Saturday. Wow, what a day! I love my job, it always creates new situations, new people and places, and a chance to photograph a hugely important day in the lives of each couple. Sometimes everything turns out magically, and last saturday was another of those perfect days. Thank you Jennifer and Daniel for being so fantastic to photograph!

If you are interested and want to see all of the photos from their wedding, have a look on my 'online albums' page, or by clicking on:

http://www.lookatphotos.co.uk/

Timing is crucial, not only recognizing the exact moment to press the shutter, but also how long it takes for the photos to be taken throughout the day. If you get a chance to look at all of the images from this wedding, then consider that all of the couple portraits (from arriving in the car until walking back) took a total of 22 minutes, and the groups only 7 minutes (although we did keep them to a minimum!).

As a rule I usually say about 15-20 minutes for portraits of the bride and groom, and 20 minutes for around a dozen groups, including a group of everyone. That way you still have time to enjoy mingling with guests...

2009-03-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

Wedding sample

2009-03-17T03:14:00.000-07:00

Album Design

2009-03-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share with you an album designed for Paul and Jo last July.

Primarily there are two types of album, one with photographs mounted behind the page (matted) and then the modern Book style where the photos are printed on the page themselves.

Both styles have their merits and disadvantages and you will soon know which style suits you better. If you don't, go for a Duo album (the only album, by Queensberry, that combines the two styles).

The album below is a custom book design following the couples wish for a landscape A4 size. Paul and Jos wedding was vibrant, individual, and as you can see from their venue choice, exquisite cuisine was key!

If you are investing your money in a good wedding photographer, it really pays to spend that exra bit more and have something amazing to be able to show your family and friends, other than loose prints.

10 Good reasons to use a Professional Wedding Photographer

2009-03-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

In these credit crunch times, wedding budgets can be squeezed and photography may well be one area you have considered cutting down on. But is that a false economy? Friend and fellow Photographer Jane Legate puts the case for using a good professional.

This is a recent article that photographer Jane Legate has written for publication. She asked a few of us to proof read it (yes as well as being in competition for weddings, we also enjoy a good bit of social networking with each other!); and has kindly given me permission to show it on my blog as a sneak preview!

You've got friends who are pretty whizzo with their digital cameras. You've been to weddings where some of the best pictures have been taken
by them! So why bother paying large amounts of cash to a professional wedding photographer? After all, how hard can it be? Well pretty hard actually. Here's why.

1) It's a huge responsibility. One day means only one chance to get gorgeous photos of it. This fact alone will make the average amateur very nervous. And nerves mean mistakes. The list of things that can go wrong technically is endless. Is it fair to put all that stress onto a friend who is meant to be there to enjoy the day? Professionals are used to dealing with this situation and will have back-up equipment to
cover any eventualities.

2) You want natural photographs, right? But most good "natural" photographs that you see in books and magazines have been set up by skilled wedding photographers in order to look unposed. OK, your friends may have got some professional-looking shots themselves, but often this is because they have stood behind the pro photographer and copied what he or she has set up. It is the skill in choosing locations with the right light and backgrounds that is often the key to making a great picture and amateurs on their own may simply be unable to do this. And of course good pro photographers know how to talk to couples and get them to "pose" in natural ways, rather than standing and staring
cheesily into the camera.

3) Operating the camera is the easy bit. Now try getting large groups of people together, finding a location in which they are all clearly visible, then talking to them and getting good expressions at the critical moment. Dealing with people is the hardest part of wedding
photography. The guests are there to enjoy themselves, the bride and groom want as much time with their friends but ....at the end of the day, they also want group shots for posterity. So they want the group shots to be taken as quickly and efficiently as possible and your photographer needs everyone's co-operation. And this is where it often gets too much for the inexperienced amateur. After grandma has had to go and lie down, sister-in-law is up in her room feeding the baby, your cousin's family have got lost en route to the reception, and Uncle Jim's gone walkabout in the gardens, the hard-pressed amateur may just about lose the will to live. The groups then take too long and the chef gets in a
tizzy because the meal will have to be put back and his souffles will sink. Disaster!

4) Amateurs may get the occasional good shot, but what you need is a balanced coverage of your wedding with good shots of every aspect of it. From getting ready shots with your bridesmaids, emotional moments with your mum or dad, the nervous groom outside the church, the formal service and signing of the register, the emotional release of walking back down the aisle, shots outside, groups, the reception, cute shots of children, reportage shots of guests, cake-cutting, detail shots of your tables with flowers etc. The pro photographer has to cover all this, going from interior shots to external shots, using natural light, flash or room light and perhaps with different lenses, all at a hectic pace that
photographers of other disciplines like food or fashion may not be able to cope with. It's all go!!

5) People sometimes think that taking a picture is as easy as pressing a button, but there are many other things which pro photographers do to get their stunning shots. For example, they can put parts of the picture in or out of focus to make the image much more
compelling, creative and simple. This also happens to be a fashionable style of photography, used extensively for detail shots of flowers, shoes etc. It is unlikely that amateurs would be able to do this. Professionals also know how to use light beautifully, creating halos of golden sunlight around your hair rather than unattractive black shadows on your face. It is no exaggeration to say
that good pro photographers can literally make you far more beautiful.

6) Photographers are used to working with the other wedding suppliers they encounter on the day: florists, make-up artists, hairdressers, toastmasters, vicars, chauffeurs, videographers etc. They understand the "etiquette" of all these situations and co-operate with others to ensure that your day goes smoothly.

7) Experienced photographers work all year round so they are used to dealing with varied weather conditions. Pouring rain can be difficult to cope with the first time you are photographing a wedding! All weather conditions (especially bright sunshine) can present challenges for photographers and experience is vital. Amateurs generally think that photographs should be taken in full sun but this is extremely unflattering.

8) Cameras are improving all the time, but there is still no denying that the average compact digital camera is no match for a professional's gear. The resolution (print quality) of the image will be far superior with the bigger cameras. Creative shots are far more limited on compact cameras too.

9) What will you do with the photographs after the honeymoon? You will probably want a beautiful wedding album, but how will you create that? It really is not as simple as just sticking the prints into a book. Firstly, you won't have the choice of beautiful albums that the pro photographer has. They can create the new book-style digital albums as well as more traditional albums. How will you stick the photos on? How will you stick them on straight???! How will you arrange them to look balanced and creative on the page? Professionals have a creative eye and years of experience at making up albums and this makes the finished result infinitely superior.

10) Finally, what lab would an amateur use? Home printing will not be good enough and may well fade over time. Even professional labs vary in their print quality. You need to know that your photographer has a good working relationship with a lab, and that they will cherish the photographer's business, producing beautiful prints that reflect the quality of your day.

The recent bush fires tragedy in Australia illustrated how important photographs are to people. One poor lady wept in anguish on television news at the thought that she had not been able to save her family photographs from her burning home. Wedding photography is not just for the day. It's for a lifetime. It's your heritage, your story. Tell it with pride.

Getting ready

2009-02-23T10:33:00.001-08:00

Steaming the veil to get rid of creases, you learn alot in this trade..

the bridesmaid taking the shot I just took. I'm not a photographer who objects to others getting a shot. Maybe I should be worried about the loss of a sale, but to me that is not what its all about. Plus if my shot is the best, it will be purchased anyway.

Details

2009-02-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

This bouquet shot would be great in an album for example as a page edge.

As they say, its all in the detail. You may wonder why the fascination for quirky shots of shoes and flowers, well the answer is the final album. Shots like these strategically placed or used as backgrounds can take your album desgn to another level. Plus they are lovely to have in their own right!

Arrive in style

2009-02-23T10:14:00.000-08:00

As a photographer occasionally I am priveledged to see all sorts of angles during the day, that no-one else gets to see. I get to see every moment from start to finish, and love to capture it all as it happens! Here is a favourite shot with the bride about to enter. One of the guests has run up to take a sneaky photo as the bride comes in, which makes this picture so great!

This old London double decker was transport for the day.

A Few Favourirtes

2009-02-23T08:20:00.001-08:00

Outside Guildford castle, someone had very kindly left their bike against the rails which added the perfect foreground to this shot. What you can't see or feel is the hustle and bustle of a very busy road directly behind me here.

Her veil blew accross, making a soft intimate photo that I love.

This time it blew in a slkightly different direction, getting caught on the groom in the process. Wind adds great life to photos, despite its great unpredictability!

Confetti moment at The Manor House Hotel just outside of Guildford. Another venue that I am lucky to be recommended by.

For me this is always the best moment, going outside for the first time as Husband and Wife! I love this shot as a silhouette.

Mr & Mrs too!

2009-02-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

Richmond Hill in March, a beautiful, if not a bit windy day!
This shot was taken under Tunsgate Arch on a busy saturday afternoon, there's also one above taken of the same couple (Paul & Jo) outside the castle grounds in central Guildford.

Bury Court Barn nr Bentley . Probably the most magical gardens, with a view to match.

And of course The Elvetham with the avenue of trees.

Mr & Mrs

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and little mr & mrs too!
This shot was taken accross the road from the couples venue, which was The Cedar House in Cobham.

I also love the romance, and try to get a few moments at each wedding which are just for the two of you.

Family & Friends

2009-02-23T07:41:00.001-08:00

Those important groups that you want to have some of, but without taking over the day. Done quickly and by pre-choosing a manageable number, it needn't be a chore!
Alot of the guest shots can be captured without them knowing

This one is taken on the steps at Farnham Castle. I'm all for seated groups, they usually look so much more relaxed!

Drum kit coming in...

My usual aim is to do about 6-10 posed groups, and a group shot of everyone, leaving the time for plenty of candids and the time for you to mingle.

The girls

2009-02-23T07:06:00.000-08:00

Glamour
Traditional

Natural

and most of all fun...!

The Guys

2009-02-23T06:58:00.001-08:00

At The pub...

From the pub

Just down the road from the pub...

Funny how close pubs and churches are really!..

Evening Entertainment

2009-02-23T06:50:00.000-08:00

Its not something I do for every wedding, but let me know if its something that you are keen to include, it can be great fun!

Sairer & Richard's Wedding

2009-02-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

With blizzards and snow and the UK at a standstill in the previous week, the weather was kind, if not cold, for Sairer and Richard's wedding.

The wedding ceremony was at Guildford Register office, with their reception held at a beautiful little restaurant called Kinghams in Shere.

Despite somewhat challenging conditions it was a beautiful ceremony, and as is always important we still managed to have fun!

Welcome to my Blog!

2009-02-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

Its something new to me, but hopefully somewhere that I can showcase my work, both professional, and personal. And a platform for sharing ideas, tips and thoughts on all things wedding. When you have the pleasure of going to as many weddings as I do, you pick up some real tips and treats along the way!

2009-02-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

Not even the downpours could stop us! Their reception was held at The Elvetham, a stunning venue in Hampshire and sister Hotel to The Petersham in Richmond. A venue I regularily visit, and love.

On the cover of a magazine

2009-02-04T02:37:00.000-08:00

Your Surrey Wedding contacted me and requested using this image of Natalie and Chris from their wedding last August. So here they are on Feb/March issue. I have put a few more images from their day above.