Commercial shoot at Bailey Paints

I was really pleased to be invited back to Bailey Paints - an impressive retailer and manufacturer of paints based in Stroud - after photographing the company 3 years ago for a book on Cotswold business. They were looking to update their marketing information and felt my reportage commercial photography approach would fit the brief to tell a story of the whole business from behind the scenes to front of shop. Most photographers would agree that colour is a big influence so I was in my element! Owners Richard and Louise Townsend are passionate about paint and are always on hand to give help and advice.

Stratford Literature Festival

Three great events to photograph today at The Stratford Literature Festival - BBC presenter and writer Edward Stourton on his new book Cruel Crossing, author of The Cleaner of Chatres; Salley Vickers and a debate the Civic Hall with BBC presenter Bill Turnbill, Lib Dem peer Baroness Julia Neuberger and charity director Jill Fraser.  

Martyn & Mai Mai's industrial heritage wedding

March saw my first wedding of the year. Travelling up to Sheffield I was delighted to be involved in Martyn and Mai Mai's humanist wedding (conducted by the lovely Hannah Wroe Gill) in the dramatic surroundings of Kelham Island Industrial Museum. It was especially nice to be there as I got to see Martyn's three sisters whose weddings I have photographed over the years. Mai Mai looked stunning in lace and they had both paid so much attention to detail to wow their guests on the day - not only with their highly unique venue but with some lovely vintage accessories all beautifully presented on tables and throughout the venue. Never would I have associated decaying industrial warehouses with wedding photography but I have to say, the backdrops have made for some really impressive and unusual images. A wealth of textures and surprising splashes of colour were really inspiring. Thanks to Mai Mai for being brave and tolerating Arctic temperatures to get these shots!

Charlotte & Tom's wedding

The beautiful Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter was the setting for Charlotte & Thomas's spring wedding. Such attention to detail from Charlotte, Tom and Charlotte's Mum and a vintage Indian Ambassador car to add to the quirky factor - from fab Cotswold company Karma Kars. The sun shone and everyone had a ball!

Alison Davey of...

Alison Davey of AD Antiques came to me to request an updated image for her website. It had to be professional while reflecting Alison's personality and creativity. We decided to use the terrifically atmospheric surroundings of Harts Silversmiths at the Old Silk Mill in Chipping Campden - such a fab place - as well as a few other interior locations around the town. I think what was achieved was a truly contemporary portrayal of Alison in heritage surroundings that fits well with her traditional business. 

Family photoshoot in Brighton

Last month I headed down to wonderful Brighton to photograph my good friends Kate and Ali with their 8 month old baby girl, Molly. Brighton has it all when it comes to fab venues for photoshoots - so we headed out into The Lanes and made the most of the vibrant shops and street entertainment as well as the elegant Pavillion Gardens (well we had to get the local landmark in at least one shot!). Molly was totally absorbed with everything going on around her and the approach helped Kate and Ali relax in front of the lens. A quick stop off at Lick for luscious frozen yoghurt (think I went a bit overboard with the toppings) and we headed home with some really great shots. Thanks Kate and Ali - really enjoyed the day (and the frozen yoghurt!).

Ian & Fran's blazing March wedding

At the end of March, I photographed a wonderful wedding at the beautiful Kilworth House in Leicestershire. Ian & Fran were great fun to work with and were very relaxed in front of the lens. Fran's eye for detail meant that the day had some lovely touches including the most colourful and eyecatching flowers I think I've ever seen. Chauffeur driven in Ian's Dad's vintage motor (with Dad at the wheel!) Ian and Fran arrived at Kilworth which provided a really spectacular backdrop to the reception. Guests enjoyed mini fish & chips canapes before heading into the very impressive orangery for wedding break fast and speeches (stopping off for a quick nibble at the very tempting sweetie table on the way).

I spent some quality time with Ian & Fran after the meal where we got some really lovely, natural shots as they wandered around the beautiful grounds. The ride of the golf buggy with wedding manager Daniel at the wheel is an experience not to be forgotten!

Doggy portraits

I'm not a pet photographer but I just can't resist taking a sneaky shot or two of dogs when I see them (Elliot Erwitt eat your heart out!!). In fact, I'd like to do more of this kind of thing. Dogs have great personalities and their individual characters can be captured really well on camera. Here's two handsome fellows I caught in the frame today.....

One melodic engagement shoot

An unexpected musical flavour was the theme of today's engagement shoot with Anthea & Leon. The couple tie the  knot in May with a ceremony and reception that reflects their love of music. Leon is an exceptional pianist but very modest in front of the lens but after a few laughs he relaxed in front of the camera and really felt at home when I suggested the couple sit at the piano for the last part of the shoot. Songs and wonderful music filled the air for the remainder of the shoot. I've never been entertained so well while working! The resulting images are very personal to them and they'll be used on the couple's wedding invitations. [caption id="attachment_30" align="alignleft" width="490" caption="A very cool couple.... Anthea & Leon in an image with a 60's retro feel.

The couple doing what they do best.. jamming at the piano.

An introspective moment together"]

I go back to school

Yes, I was back at school today....not with pencil case but camera bag to photograph the wonderful children at a Sheffield Primary School. Deputy head teacher, whose wedding I photographed 7 years ago, asked me to spend the day with the children to produce a set of feel-good images to decorate the walls of the school reception and feature on their website. From Bollywood dancing, cornet lessons, philosophy class to knitting and chess clubs, there was so much going on and I really enjoyed the experience and meeting the children. Photographing schools in this way is a great opportunity to show off their unique and vibrant environments in a lively yet natural way.

Ned in the frame with Mummy & Daddy

Had a great day today with little Ned and his Mum & Dad. Ned's Dad had given Mum a photoshoot for Christmas with the aim of printing up the results to decorate the walls of their home. Ned was great and really seemed to enjoy himself and the attention. We spent a few hours at home and then headed over to the local park where he managed a few steps with help from Mummy & Daddy. [caption id="attachment_59" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Ned with Daddy

"]

Spring Summer fashion shoot.....in the ice!

Just got back from a fab shoot for womenswear retailer Foundation. Warming up nicely now after a really chilly day (minus 2 degrees!!). Our models were superstars, braving the icy conditions wearing nothing but next season's light and floaty looks made for much sunnier temperatures. We did the shoot at Baileys near Ross on Wye - a truly unique shop selling an eclectic mix of vintage and new bits and bobs for the home and garden so I was in my element with a wealth of rustic, aging backdrops to choose from (flaky paint = photographers' porn!).  The light though was a dream - wonderful golden winter sunlight. See the results on Foundation's website - here are a few of my favourites.

Engagement Shoot with Roger & Liz

[caption id="attachment_23" align="alignleft" width="466" caption="Roger & Liz keeping warm together

Outside the couple's lovely farmhouse near Chipping Campden

Roger & Liz"]

A chilly winter's day didn't put off Roger & Liz to head into freezing conditions outside for their engagement shoot today at their lovely farmhouse near Chipping Campden. Kitted out in winter woolies we choose a couple of lovely locations around the garden and it was important for them to have their farmhouse in the background as they'd only just moved into the property and wanted to mark the occasion. I also photographed them both individually inside in more professional poses for their Facebook profile page. They were both brilliant and so relaxed in front of the lens. Fingers crossed for warmer weather on their wedding day in September!