Photography Training and Development

As a Lancashire Wedding Photographer, I am always wary of the need to continual develop knowledge and skills to ensure that my clients get the best quality service and imagery.  So last week, I spent 4 nights on a residential photography training course in the Peak District with some highly acclaimed photographers, trainers and I have to say, it was an awesome few days.  Not a lot of sleep was to be had, we were either shooting images or up to the small hours talking about photography.  Even photographers who have been in the industry many years will always agree that there is always room to learn more.  I must thank the organisers and trainers for their efforts,  Paul Haley, Richie Crossley, Julie Oswin, Sean McCormack. Mark Pearson and of course the very patient models, Lelde, Faye and Maria.  I have come away inspired, have new friendships and I also know a little about wine.

Below are some images I took in the group sessions and the post production is my interpretation on the image.

Finally, whilst we were there, myself, Mark Pearson and Mac MacBride decided to give the models some time off by modelling the wedding dresses.  It was however all in the name of charity and £130 was added to my partner Jan's and Marks wife Mary's fund raising for Race For Life in aid of Cancer Research.  We would like to thank all those that kindly donated for such a worthwhile cause. To donate go to http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/mazandjan

Here is a couple of shots from the shoot courtesy of Alison Bailey Photography

Travel Photographer of the Year Award

On Sunday 16th of January I was delighted to be awarded The 2010 Travel Photographer of the Year Award by the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP).  Every year in January the SWPP hold their week long annual conference, with hundreds of lectures and training events, a trade show which all ends with the Awards Dinner.  Throughout 2010 a monthly image competition was run where you can enter 1 image per category per month and over the course of the year thousands of entries are submitted and less than 2% are awarded 'Gold' awards, which then go to final judging for the annual awards.  Over the course of the year, as you will see in the previous post, I won 17 Gold awards across various categories of which the picture of the man in Marrakech was narrowed down to the final 3 of the Travel Category.  This image was taken when I was in Marrakech to photograph a wedding in May of which thanks must go to Siobhan Murphy Photography for passing the couple on to me in the first place. The Awards dinner was hosted by TV personality Philippa  Forrester, who's husband is an acclaimed wildlife photographer and videographer in his own right and I have to admit, I really never expected to win.  When I was named as winner, it was a very proud moment for me and although it may sound a bit Cliché, after my Grand Father who had given me my first camera to learn with, had passed away 2 weeks earlier, there is really only one person to dedicate the award to.

The judges comments about the image were as follows. 'Interesting and intriguing image of the man, cat robe and bike. A lot to see and gives the feeling that you want to know more'.

So, as a Wedding Photographer in Lancashire who is Travel Photographer of the Year, I can now offer a fantastic service to Bride and Grooms.  When you go on honeymoon, take me, I will go out and take all your photos of the local area and you will not need to leave your hotel room.  But in all seriousness, I hope you all enjoy looking at the images I take and if any invoke a smile or a good memory then it means everything to me.

Below, is the winning image and an image courtesy of the SWPP of me being presented with the award by Phil Jones, Societies CEO.

The Winning Image

Nominated For SWPP Travel Photographer of the Year

Recently I received notification that I had been nominated in the last 3 for Travel Photographer of the Year with the SWPP thanks to an image I took in Marrakech in May. This year, I was quite successful in the competition. My target at the start of the year was to beat last years total of 4 gold awards. In the end, I managed 17. The Travel category alone had nearly 500 entries throughout the year and the Golds awarded make up less than 2% of all entries.  So at the awards dinner in January in London I get to find out if I am successful or not.  Either way, it has been a fun year.  Below are the images that were awarded Gold awards.

Travel Gold Award

Merry Christmas to you all
Paul

The Wedding Of Laura and Paul 6th November 2010

The beautiful location of Eaves Hall near Clitheroe was the venue for the wedding of Laura and Paul.  The weather on the run up to the day was very poor but on the day we were blessed with bright sunshine albeit a little on the cold side.  On arrival myself and able second photographer Jamie made our way up to the Bridal suite where we were met with the calm of the Bridal preparations.  I am not sure who was the most nervous, Laura or the Bridesmaids Katherine and Shannon.  Everything was running like clockwork, Mel was busy doing everyone's hair, although I did try and say mine was fine as it is.  The flowers from 'The Flower Shop' Clitheroe all arrived on time and looking beautiful so a few shots to capture the proceedings were taken before we left them to get into their dresses.  It was now the turn of the gentlemen to get their pictures taken.  The boys were in very high spirits and best man Paul and Usher Glynn were not going to give Paul the chance to get nervous.

It was then back up to the Bridal suite to get the last few shots of the Bridal Party before the ceremony.  The ceremony was emotional and it was so obvious to all that the vows made meant everything to them.  From then on the time just flew past as it always does when you enjoy yourself.  The speeches before the meal were excellent and everyone who spoke should be justifiably proud of what was said.  It was quite hard to try and capture the shots as I was laughing just as much as everyone else.  There were also the moments that had guests reaching for the Hankies.

The evening was started off with the first dance to Wonderful Tonight, which was well rehearsed for the watching friends and family.  It was then my time to leave and let them carry on with the fun.  We would like to wish Laura and Paul all the very best for the future and it was an honour to be part of your day.

Below is a slideshow of just a few images of the day.

Paul and Jamie

A Touching Testimonial

As a Wedding Photographer in Lancashire, it is always nice to receive positive feedback from clients.  Last week at the business networking group I am a member of a testimonial was read out to me that really made my day.  The text from the testimonial can be read below.

Our wedding was arranged in a record time of 3 weeks after Peter was diagnosed with cancer.  Many of our family and friends helped with the wedding including the photographer which was a gift from friends, Amanda and Lee Carus.  When we met Paul we were instantly put at ease, he was very reassuring and professional and told us not to worry about anything at all, as, if anything did go wrong he would have plan b up his sleeve.


On the day Paul arrived at my parents house to photograph the wedding preparations - he captured all the memories we could have hoped for and was never intrusive - in fact most of the time we didn't even know he was there.  During the service and after, Pauls organisational skills shone through - he had even prepared a list of photos so all our family and friends knew who was next to be photographed.  Many of our guests commented that Paul's organisation was great and it ensured the smooth running of our special day.


Paul stayed well into the evening and took over 500 photos in total.  Then came the hard bit, picking 90 out of the 500 to go in the album.  After hours of deliberation we emailed the list of photos back to Paul and we were amazed that within a week the album was ready.


We cannot put into words how fantastic the album is - the quality of the photographs, the design of the pages, the beautiful leather bound case - everything about the album is perfect.  Most of all we and our girls have had our memories captured and will treasure them forever.  Thanks Paul


Nicola and Peter

The thanks also comes from me, it was a total privilege to be part of the day and glad I have captured some memories that will last forever.