My new blog

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The lens is like an eye..

I'm often asked at weddings by the guests how to get the best shots in Churches, because they are so dark (most of the time) and have the odd stain glass window to shed some filtered lights.

So I thought I would share a little tip that I was given some years ago (more than I would care to admit!), to anyone how knows a bit about cameras this may seem like the basic of basic things, but for those of you out there who simply take shots on your snap happy to record the precious moments of life, here is the tip…

The opening of a camera lens where the light is admitted is known as an aperture and the aperture works just the same as the iris in your eye. When you come inside to a dark place after being in a bright place your iris opens out and vice versa, a camera needs to do the same… the aperture being the iris.

So to get a shot in a low light condition such as a church, open the lens as much as you can and this should help get something that you’re happy with.
Of course I could go on as my trusty Canon 5D has many more features and settings that help me with this, but I wanted to make it short and sweet and hopefully give some of you guests a chance and getting the shot you’re after.

If you do see me at a wedding though don’t be afraid to ask, if you need a tip just tap me on the shoulder and I will be glad to help… although if you could try not tap me just as I’m about to get the bride and groom exchanging rings! :o)

Christmas Ideas

With Christmas coming up, finding special gifts for loved ones can by tricky.  So why not give grandparents delightful pictures of their grandchildren, or surprise your teenager with a stunning professional portrait in the style of their choice, let them be a model for the day. You could even spoil yourself with the perfect photograph to treasure. 

Rather than expect you to trek to a studio, I will come to you and can take pictures in your home, garden or at a favourite location, maybe the woods, park or a striking urban setting.  My aim is to make it as fun as possible.

I’m happy to provide vouchers so you can give the gift of photo as a surprise.

Alfie’s first lifestyle portrait shoot

I have just carried out a lifestyle photoshoot of the lovely Alfie, Alfie is only four months old but made a wonderful model, he really is a cuite.

A lifestyle portrait is a simply a portrait session that is outside of a studio, I much prefer to do my portraits this way as I think its more relaxing for the client, plus you can get some really nice arty shorts that make a great addition to your wall.

Prefect Days wedding fayre, The Randolph Hotel, Oxford

I cant believe its that time again, the Autum wedding fayres are up and running and so on Sunday 19^th I’m back at the Randolph to showcase my work to potential clients at the wedding fayre.  The fayre is arranged by Amanda at Perfect Days and is a good one to go to as they have fashions shows at 12:30 and 14:30.

So if you’re in Oxford or near Oxford pop along.

The Royal Berkshire Show

About two months ago I was called and asked if I would like to exhibit in the Elegant Weddings Marquee at the Royal Berkshire Show, to which I agreed. 

So a couple of weekends ago that’s exactly what I did, well what a waste of time, the organisation was a disaster as half of the exhibitors didn’t turn up and then there where no brides and grooms either so clearly there had been no advertising, so a waste of time for me. I think the people at the show where simply there to enjoy the live stock shows and go on the fair rides.

However there was an exhibitor who I feel compelled to share as I think it’s such a fabulous idea and the company in question is Get Ahead Hats, they have a wonderful selection of hats in all shapes, sizes and colours for hire, so prefect for guests and Mum’s of the bride.  Hats are so expensive and normally only get worn once so to me this is a perfect solution leaving more spare money for that fabulous pair of shoes!!

Ryan & Emma’s wedding, The Oxford Thames Hotel

So a couple of weeks ago I had a wedding I was looking forward to as I got the booking from a referral which I am still very flattered about.

Ryan and Emma got married at the charmingly English church in Ducklington followed by a superb wedding breakfast at The Oxford Thames hotel.

Emma had a superb dress with the longest train of the year for me I think, they had a lovely vintage car to take Emma to the church and then the happy couple onto the reception, it was a lovely service with some great courses from all the guests throughout.

After the ceremony I kept Ryan and Emma back while the guests made their way onto the reception and we did some portraits of the two of them by the lovely little duck pond outside the church.

I saw them off in the vintage car and made my way to the venue; however when I got there I was told the bride and groom had broken down, turns out they made it about a mile before spluttering to a halt, I couldn’t believe I missed such a jovial photo opportunity, note to self always follow the wedding car!