Sheffield Park

Last weekend I went to National Trust gardens Sheffield Park to photograph the beautiful autumnal colours, and it didn't disappoint.  We had a perfect day and not so much as a breeze so the lake looked absolutely stunning and I got some fantastic reflection shots. I love this place!

A Taste of Vienna

I have recently got back from a trip to Vienna, the elegant capital city of Austria.  Surrounded by fascinating architecture, history and art, I was very excited to use my new camera to create some beautiful images. It is the first time I have had the opportunity to use my camera abroad and it was especially interesting to experiment with it in different lighting situations.  I took many photographs but here are some of my favourites which I think give a flavour of Vienna.  To taste the real flavour you have to go and try the schnitzel and strudels for yourself!

Prater - an old fashioned amusement park

The Giant Ferris Wheel

Views from the top...

Horse and Carts in Stephansplatz

Stephansdom Cathedral

Augustinerkirche

The National Library State Hall

Unbelievable ceiling frescos in the library

Schonbrunn Palace

Spanish Riding School

Architecture in Stephansplatz

The Upper Belvedere Palace

Crossing the Danube River

Cheeky little squirrels everywhere in the parks across Vienna

Hayley & Simons Wedding 21/07/12

On the 21^st July 2012 I photographed Hayley Collins and Simon Broder's wedding at 'The Warren' in Hayes.  It was the first time I had used my new canon 5D mark 3 to photograph a wedding, and I was really pleased with the results.  Always things to improve on but the couple were really happy with the photos and I think they captured a true narrative of the days events.

        

Preparations for the big day got underway in the morning at Hayleys home, where the bridesmaid’s, mums and Hayley’s two children Rosie & Molly got ready.  In-between capturing the makeovers as people swapped between hair and make up, I took some time to photograph the dresses and accessories.  Hayleys shoes were very cute with ‘I Do’ jewelled on the soles.

The girls were dressed at the last minute so they didn’t ruin their dresses by getting up to mischief! They were quite content having breakfast and watching some cartoons.

It was really relaxed at the house and it was a pleasure for me, especially knowing both the make up lady (who’s wedding I had photographed two years ago) and the hairdresser.  Everyone had been recommended by someone and the family seemed relaxed and content with all of us milling around each other.

Once hair and make up were complete, Hayley was helped into her beautiful wedding dress by mum Sue and the girls were dressed up ready to go.


        

Father of the bride Graham arrived with a family friend who drove Hayley to the service in his jaguar.

The ceremony was a beautiful service, lots of family and friends and it was a really good atmosphere, everyone cool and collected.  Simon anxiously waiting for Hayley’s arrival down the aisle.

After the ceremony we only had about an hour before the guests would be called in to dinner, so we decided to do Hayley & Simon’s couple photos after dinner and to concentrate on getting the groups beforehand, leaving enough time for the couple to mingle with their guests.

 I was lucky enough to be able to go up onto a balcony to take the main group photo which I haven’t been able to do at other venues.  

The reception room was laid out in pink and even the lights around the dance floor matched the theme.  

After dinner Hayley and Simon cut the cake and then followed the speeches, where there was the surprising announcement of a new bump to join the family!

       

As they set up the reception for the evening party I took the time to do some couple and family shots with Hayley, Simon and their two girls.

        

The couple photo shoot allows me to get more creative and use the location to make some artistic images.

        

Throughout the day when I'm not officially 'needed' I always take candid pics of guests enjoying the sunshine and having fun without really noticing me there.  The results are so relaxed and capture a more realistic feel for the day.  You get a lot of shots that just wouldn't be captured if everyone posed for the photo as also a few gems where people spontaneously pose!  There were a lot of children at the wedding and Hayley had been well prepared with plenty of garden games for them.  The Warren is a gorgeous venue and the private garden meant that the kids could run around without disappearing! 

Another great experience for me capturing the moments of the familys special day.  I hope Hayley & Simon will enjoy looking back on their photographs in years to come to remember those moments.

Thanks to Sophie Roddis who recommended me and who also does Bridal make up, check out her website at www.sophiemae.co.uk