Capturing Events in the Dark!!

I met up with some guys from the Royal Bank of Scotland on Friday night at 9pm in Apartment Bar in Newcastle, I should state now that they had hired the Basement Bar as a finale to a day of raising money for the Fairbridge Charity which raises money for disadvantaged young people in urban areas around the country.

Did I mention that it was in the basement of a nightclub in virtual darkness? Seriously I've never been so challenged, I shot all of the following photographs at 3200iso f1.4 and if you know your stuff you'll know how very very very very dark that means it was, yes even with flash!!




The guys, all of whom were dressed in a spots and stripes theme!



there were some awards by Vicky who I believe also celebrated the evening as her leaving party.




There was a heavy dose of Tom-foolery about I can tell you!



Who said bankers were boring.



this group were very well behaved party animals if you know what I mean.

Guys I had loads of fun though it was a little dark for my liking, perhaps the next time we meet up we can make it an afternoon garden party!! LOL

Craigs Senior Prom Photoshoot

In the US school leavers routinely go to the prom and have senior photoshoots on the year the leave high school and I'm pleased to say that we brits are slowly catching on to the idea, I think it's really important to document leaving school and starting your journey into the world of adulthood.

Craig lives quite locally so his mum popped round with him for a quick photoshoot before he went off to the prom.

We only had a 10 minute time-frame and we still got brilliant photos!!



He's very dashing don't you think?



I can't even remember my leaving school, I don't think we even had a disco!



all of these photos were shot on the famous patch of grass next to my house, not the most scenic place on earth but it always looks cool!



and one more.





If you would like to document prom night then please call or get in touch through the website and I'll be over just as quick as you can say "I'm sixteen and want to rule the world!"

Happy weekend everyone!

Headshots!

I met up with some managers from the union of Lloyds TSB yesterday, they needed some headshots for posters and id badges and of course I rose to the challenge, I wanted to prove that your id badge doesn't have to look dreadful, I'm sure you know what I mean, well in the style that I do headshots you can still have corporate images but ones that look fabulous!!

Now me being a portrait and wedding photographer I don't own a background, I always say that life is my background and so what did I use for this white background, well the Millenium Bridge of course as these guys are at a conference staying at the Malmaison Hotel!

so here you go -




Our gorgeous lady executive.




and the guys.



I laugh in the face of pop up backgrounds!



These guys are obviously the friendly face of the union although none of them liked having their photographs taken!! LOL



and one final one.



So if you need some new corporate headshots you can contact me through the website, all quotes will be done on a individual basis but as a guide I start at only £50 per headshot and the best part is that I can come to you to fit in with a convenient time in your business leaving you to get on with the important stuff.

My Wednesday Blah!

It's the middle of the week so time for an update me thinks!

So, it's been a great start to the week and end to last week, on Saturday we went into town for a curry to meet up with one of hubbys friends, Davy has known Paul for years but they lost touch, now thanks to the wonder of Facebook they're enjoying the wonders of blokey mateyness once more!

You may remember me telling you that I had also reconnected with an old friend through Facebook, well I enjoyed Sunday afternoon catching up and blabbering with the uber squidgy and quite marvellous Darren, it's so great to spend time together again, time passes so quickly it's important to try and hold on to the good friends in your life. I'm looking forward to lots more fun in the future!

Also on Sunday we surprised the kids with a new 42" TV and an Xbox 360, we've worked so very hard to get to the point where we could give something back to the kids (well we get to use them a bit too ;) ), you know they put up with mum and dad constantly too-ing and fro-ing and generally having their schedules disrupted and they rarely complain, well there's the occasional stop and stomp but for the most part I have the most brilliantly grounded well behaved children in the universe, I am so lucky!

Last night we took the kids to the annual event that is The Hoppings, once a year europes largest travelling fair come to Newcastle, its of course a total rip off but very much fun, last night though good luck was on my side and I won £50, teehee it meant our whole trip cost £15, not bad for a family of 5 eh?!

I'm out tonight working, headshots at Malmaison, betcha didn't know that I do commercial work too, well as everything else I am available as and when required, I actually have a couple of commercial jobs this week I just don't have them on my site, so if you need a photographer please do enquire!

Right, my power supply has just died on my laptop so I'm switching off and hoping my new one arrives today, if I disappear for a while you'll know why!

Amy and Lacey

I went off to meet with Sarah yesterday for her final consultation, it's her wedding in July and I am so looking forward to it. While I was with her I had the chance to shoot a few photographs of her gorgeous 11 week old daughter and her also gorgeous 7 month old niece. Lacey wasn't really in the mood for photographs but since she's going to be having another 3 photoshoots over the next year and I'll be seeing her again in just a couple of weeks it didn't matter too much. We did get a few little gems and she enjoyed wee-ing over my new sheepskin rug immensely!!



Lacey is so petite and light as a feather.



I forget quite often just how adorable new borns are!



Happy with mummy Sarah.



I think she's going to break some hearts when she's older!

Next it was cousin Amy's turn, she wasn't too keen to sit for photos and it was such a dismal day, hopefully next time we meet it will be sunny and we can get outside for a run around.




Gorgeous isn't she!



She's a smiley giggly girl but still doesn't even have one tooth!!



Awwwww

Sarah, thanks so much for yesterday, I enjoyed spending time with you all and I can't wait for your wedding in July and watching Lacey grow up over the next 12 months.

If you would like 4 sessions over the course of the year watching your baby grow from teeny tot to toddler then why not enquire about my Milestones photoshoots, click through to my website for more details.

Old Friends, Good Times, Jam and Marmalade

Now thats the way to start a blog post don't you think?!

So firstly the Jam and Marmalade - well they're our latest kittens, they're four weeks old and will stay with us for another couple of weeks, they're both little girls and we've called them Marmalade and Jam, it would be lovely if these two ended up going to the same home so if you're fancying yourself a new kitten or two please do get in touch, here's a few quick snaps I grabbed of them this morning.




Marmalade is slightly lighter in colour (and smaller) than Jam



awwww



are you feeling gooey yet?




and the final one



It's going to be very hard to say goodbye to these 2 little pumpkins!

So, my other news, well an old friend of mine got in touch yesterday through Facebook, let me tell you a little about Darren, Darren and I got up to so much mischief together in our younger days, we could party for 3 days without stopping and let me tell you we had some pretty fun times, it's so great that he found me again and we had a big ol chat on the phone, it's wonderful to know that he's doing well and happy and in this ever changing world of relationships it's great to know that we're both with the same people we were 8 years ago!

Darren did tell me some very sad news though about an old friend who was very near to my heart, Mark was a party animal, he was the life and soul and I think there were times when he could out-party us all, he was so funny and the stories he would tell could make you laugh till your stomach ached. He was a really great friend to me when I didn't have anyone else, I would take my son around (Iain was 2 or 3 at the time) and we would watch movies, walk his adorable but very slobbery bulldog Bailey and laugh a lot, on a Friday when I would finish work early and Iain would be away I would meet Mark in town and pretty much we would party till we dropped, fun times from over ten years ago. I found out that Mark died suddenly at home on June 13th at the tragically early age of 39, the last time I remember seeing Mark was 8 years ago when Paul and I got married, Mark really contributed to me becoming the person I am today and I know that he'll be sorely missed by all who knew him.

I'll leave todays post here but I know that if Mark were still here he wouldn't want people to be sad, I think he'd probably want a big party and whilst I'm not sure I could party like I did all those years ago, I'll be drinking a toast to him this weekend.

Alnwick Gardens for Fathers day

Where else could we spend the day with our dad of the year, mr gardener himself, my gorgeous hubby!!

I love Alnwick garden and even better, Paul got in free because he was a dad!! Here's some photos from our day!!




SNAP!!




Don't you just love Loobys hat?




She sniffed nearly every single flower in the walled gardens!



Awww, isn't dad the best!!



Iain getting splashy!!




<
Lovely Lupins!



The magnificent tree house!



Serious water play!




In the water fountains all three of them went and look how wet they are!



Soggy!!

Finally, I love this one



and this one!!




Happy Fathers Day!

Kerry and Matts Pre-Wedding Photoshoot - Jesmond Dene

I met up with Kerry and Matt this morning firstly to confirm details of their wonderful wedding which is happening in July this year and also to shoot a few photographs, well it would be rude not to wouldn't it!

Let me first tell you that Kerry and Matt are one of the loveliest couples you could hope to meet, they laugh a lot and you can really feel the love with them, they're a relaxed laid back couple and they fit perfectly with my relaxed style of portraits!




Matt, the dashing groom to be.




Kerry the beautiful bride to be.




relaxing down by the river.




Love this one, it would look awesome on a big canvas, it has that aged dreamy feel that you've all come to know and love me for!



Finally this one, I love how Matts looking dreamily at Kerry while she beams into the camera!

Kerry and Matt, I can't wait for your wedding in July, Rhys and I are both looking forward to it and we'll see you 6 weeks today for the big event!! (can't wait for the Scottish dancing ;) )

Congratulations Christine and Darren

You may remember Christine and Darren from their wedding at the end of January, well last night I received an email from Christine to say that she had give birth to a gorgeous baby girl. I just want to wish them many congratulations and I can't wait to come and photograph your little one in a few weeks. :)

Right, I'm off to shoot another fabbo E-session with Kerry and Matt who's wedding I'm shooting in the middle of July!

On a seperate note, I know it's unlikely but since I've had a cancellation for a photoshoot next weekend and a wedding the weekend after I am available and can offer you a great deal so if you need a photographer then please do give me a call :)

Midweek Bits and Pieces

It's Wednesday and I thought I would post a midweek catch up as I have a few bullet points of news to share.




Firstly, yes it's me! Taken by my assistant Karen I think she shows real promise, it's just a shame that the model was such a Chollop!!

I've had a great response to half price portrait sittings and the offer runs until 1pm on the 13th of June so you've only got a day and a half let to get booked up, I'm currently looking at a summer of fabulous portraiture and can't wait to meet as many of you as possible!! Call me on the numbers above or click through to my website.

Due to unforseen circumstances I am now available for weddings or portraits on the weekend of 28th of June so if you're one of those brides who thinks they're running out of time and they'll never get a wedding photographer at such short notice don't despair give me a call!

Also on the matter of weddings, all weddings booked before June 17th will receive complementary set of parents albums worth up to £300

I've had a week of ups and downs this week and haven't been feeling so good after the whopping migraine at the weekend, lets hope I don't have another one of those for another 10 years. Luckily I am totally and completely stocked up with my trusty sumatriptan injections so I should be fine!

I received a really lovely thank you letter today from one of the teachers at school, I had donated some time to photograph Alien day for the schools creativity fortnight, I really enjoyed myself and it was a couple of hours where I might otherwise have twiddled my thumbs. The photographs are on the wall of school and the head thanked me in person yesterday so I was double stunned to receive a thank you note. It's a great feeling to be thanked for doing something you love so very much.

Web-Techy-Help-Alert - anyone any good with how you upload lightroom galleries to websites or indeed make a simple viewer gallery and upload it to your website? I'm stuck and last time the administrator did it, this time I want to be a big girl and do it myself but it needs doing so badly so that my galleries accurately reflect my most recent work. If anyone could bear to help me out a little and email or phone-call would be brilliant!!

Bit of a relax while I compile enormous print orders over the next couple of days and then on Saturday I'm off to shoot an E-session followed by meeting up with some photographer friends later on to shoot a model (now that's my type of weekend). Sunday I might just do something nice for Paul seeing as it's Fathers day but he's already got the One Republic CD

Louise and Matthew are Married

It was an amazingly gorgeous sunny day on Saturday and off I went to the Gosforth Park Hotel for Louise and Matthews wedding.

Today I'll share my faves from the couples session leaving more sneakers tommorrow from the story of the day.

On with the photos -




Louise looked simply radiant.





Her dress was simply divine



as was she!



Louise and Matthew are an adorable, fun couple who I'm sure share lots of laughter.




The grounds of the hotel are gorgeous so I made full use of them.



gorgeous photographs are easy when you have a lovely couple to work with!!



and another favourite





and another




Louise and Matthew thank you for letting me share in your special day, I hope you like these sneaky peeks, your wedding gallery will be live by the end of the week and there's going to be a few more sneakers tommorrow so check back for those!!