Wedding general
« Previous EntriesRivervale Barn Tasting Day
Friday, February 12th, 2010Now I’m certainly not a chef. I’d even struggle to describe my rather strained efforts before anything reading a gas mark as the deserved workings of an amateur cook. Modern man I may be in some arenas, but not in a kitchen. So it’s curious that over the last twelve months, I seem to have gravitated toward venue kitchens during wedding banquets. In no small part this is dedicated to Galloping Gourmet chef Joe, who has accepted my presence in his steel lined den with plenty of patience as I sat on his shoulder photographing his every move. Indeed, where chef allows me access, some of my wedding documentary albums can take on the appearance of a cook book for one small chapter. I appreciate that for many couples the food is way up there in nuptial considerations alongside ring design and choice of venue. So Rivervale Barn’s Tasting Day brought an opportunity for couples to sample prospective menus ahead of their big day and for me, well it bought some more time with Rivervale head chef Nick and special guest team (including the illustrious Joe) photographing them at work.
The prewed shoot
Friday, January 29th, 2010
I’ve never been keen on the term, wedding package. It makes me feel like I’m flogging a cheap holiday. It may be pure and simple semantics, but I prefer to use the word, service. Quite a few ingredients make up this service. The initial meeting, the wedding day itself with it’s mixture of documentary, food, landscape and portrait photography, the post wedding retouch and client consultation during album construct. There is one other constituent worth more than a fleeting mention; the prewedding shoot. For many adults of good hearty Brit descent, the idea of having a portrait taken is, well, uncomfortable. Yet superb wedding imagery is placed near the top of the ‘must have’ list for the very same people. For me, the opportunity to meet one final time before the big day itself is paramount. It accomplishes a myriad of organisational and creative facets. We get to know each other a little more. For sure maybe not to the ‘it’s your round next’ level, but well enough that on the day the reaction to me as I fulfill my professional task is more a case of; “Oh, it’s just Neale,” than a horrified; “Here comes the photographer.” We get to discuss the day in a lot more detail, timings, names of important wedding party members, group portrait planning, maybe even some politics to be aware of. Oh yes, and we actually take some pictures.
Portrait trends come and go. Our clients are content to forgo the spartan white background studio shoot. I do use the white backdrop very occasionally at weddings for the evening studio and as that kind of installation it works well. But to relax a couple into the concept that a portrait shoot will not make them feel like they’re floundering in a pool of maple syrup, a simple walk in the park is far more comfortable.
Notley Abbey wedding photography
Monday, October 19th, 2009What is the collective noun for a series of post wedding edits that have nestled in our creative minds and Photoshop server files at Breathe Pictures HQ? An ‘excitement?’ A ‘romance?’ I’ve spent much of my summer shooting incredible wedding days and evenings. Following that, ‘our Natalie,’ resident retoucher and self proclaimed ‘Trustee Sidekick’ at the Thatcham showroom has spent her time revisiting each special day in post edit mode. So it’s with a huge serving of pride and gratitude that I post the following shots from Dan and Elinor’s amazing Notley Abbey wedding. Teamwork!
A trip down memory lane
Monday, August 17th, 2009Mark and Natalie’s wedding at Holy Trinity in Bengeo with a reception at Ware’s Fanham’s Hall is a commission that stepped right back into my youth ‘billingi’ years ago. I grew up in Hertford’s little known satellite town called Bengeo, a place by the way my Tom Tom refused to give me an ETA for as I edged up from Berkshire passing every motorway maintenence vehicle that’s ever been built. I’m sure they store them all on the M25 for personal humour. Some shots from the day with running commentary.
Mark just ahead of guests arriving. I haven’t been to this church since I was a boy scout, so it was strange to tread the carpet (which I swear they haven’t changed) to the alter.
I shot this twice. This was the initial (and better) grab shot as I emerged from the reception venue car park to find Mark and Natalie still in their vintage Rolls Royce. I was worried about excess motion blur and the loss of groom in the background so tried to set up a technically better documentary scenario. As always the reconstruction was a poor relative, so I stuck with the one my insincts initially got excited about.
Great Tythe Barn wedding photography
Sunday, August 16th, 2009Darren and Linsay’s wedding took place last Wednesday in Gloucestershire at the Great Tythe Barn near Tetbury. It’s quite a unique wedding venue as many guests come here to stay the week with friends and relatives prior to a ceremony. The 16th Century Tythe Barn is surrounded by a hamlet of Cotswold stone cottages, some essential amenities and… Frank and Furter; GTB’s New Zealand Kune Kune pigs. (I suspect they laughed their little trotters off when they were named.) Strong Scottish flavour to this one, kilted groomsmen, a piper and Ceilidh, the latter being an informal Scottish dance requiring a sizeable degree of lateral concentration if you’re swinging a partner whilst trying to retain a little male dignity.
Rivervale Barn wedding photography
Sunday, August 16th, 2009It’s been good to see Rivervale Barn grow into a working wedding venue over the past year and it was even more special to shoot my first wedding there at the start of the week, Rivervale’s fourth. Double congratulations then; John and Moyra for the incredible turnaround that I’ve witnessed, from nought to sixty five thousand tiles in twelves months, and Alex and Carrie our bride and groom for the day. Rivervale has one of the finest ceremony rooms I’ve had the privilege to work in, huge floor to ceiling windows (there must be 40/50 feet of glass) that drop kicks light into the room in cathedral like fashion; a photographer’s dream.
Chantmarle Manor wedding photography
Saturday, August 8th, 2009Chantmarle Manor in Dorset is, simply, beautiful. I’m being careful how I ‘pen’ this blog, as the bridegroom is an English teacher and a very good one at that. Too many commas so far Ben? But none before the ‘and’ word. I do love a comma. Ben and Yeri’s wedding is one that I would not have missed for the World. Take this at face value readers, but let’s be honest, a sunny day in Dorset in a country home with history dating back to the thirteenth century reminds me why I’m so darned (Americanism) proud to be British, or dare I say, English! Every couple I meet has a story and that’s what makes my job all the more special. Ben and Yeri are about to emigrate to Korea for a couple of years, so understandably emotions ran high. Some images from yesterday’s wedding. Subtitles by ‘emotion.’
First shot of the day.
Second shot of the day, but this one was screeeeeeeming for black and white treatment.
I know a few fellow wedding togs read this blog. Isn’t it about time ‘chaps’ we wrote to clergy with a reason why we like to stand at the front? Because, this, is what can be achieved. REAL emotion. Again I had to negotiate with the vicar with regard to being allowed to stand in a place where I could witness expression. The initial command was a resounding ‘no.’ I would be in the view of the congregation. Heavens? Am I that unattractive? I beg those that wish to be wedding photographers doing this as a weekend occupation to consider… (Ben, inappropriate use of three dots?) be subtle in church. Don’t jump across pews. Don’t rest your lens on a priest’s shoulder! (True, people do this!) Practise a subtle approach and you’ll enjoy a better relationship with clergy – and so, as a full time professional living off the actions of those that practise before me, will I!
Notley Abbey wedding photography
Saturday, August 8th, 2009Quite a story on this one. If I had a penny (etc etc), the most popular question asked about wedding photography is; “What happens if it rains?” Seeing that we don’t seem to be constantly bathed in sunshine in the UK, it does present an issue a few times during the year, though my ‘It can’t rain forever’ mantra rarely bites me on the proverbial. And so the Saturday just gone I was Thame bound to photograph Sean and Laura’s wedding at Notley Abbey. Despite the weather forecast not being the kindest, I thought we’d entered Sunshine valley as I drove up the impressive tree lined drive that leads to Notley’s front door.
You know me, sucker for a window lit shot. And there was plenty of sunshine around during the morning to provide it.
We had a lot of fun on the prewedding shoot, the ceremony followed the same line. The reason for their smiles? It was an outdoor ceremony and as one of the ushers started his reading, a horse started to join in in the background.
And then, the clouds started to gather!
We got through the ceremony before the heavens opened. This is probably one of my favourite shots from the day and it shows something very important. If you accept the rain as part of your day, embrace it and enjoy the occasion, you get magic all day long.
Being a headlining dancer on the Take That tour, the evening studio brought a few surprises…
“Greatest Day” the first dance.
Wasing Park wedding photography
Monday, August 3rd, 2009The weather wasn’t perhaps the kindest feature of Saturday’s Wasing Park wedding, but (trying to avoid cliches like dampen the spirits) that did little to cast a cloud (dash, did it) on proceedings. Fab day guys, one of those occasions where as a wedding photographer you have to be at your best when it comes to banter. There was a distinct Australian flavour to the day, groom Nick being an Aussie. He even grasped the opportunity to put the English crew to rights when it came to where the Ashes really belong. Did you manage to finish that whole hog roast Nick? Remember the challenge?
Orchardleigh wedding photography
Thursday, July 30th, 2009“After our gorgeous day at Orchardleigh, we had the most amazing honeymoon in two different destinations. Steve surprised me with a four night stay at the Chedi Hotel in Oman, I was thoroughly spoilt and waited upon. We then flew back home to collect Brooke and headed out to Orlando for ten days with Micky Mouse and Tinkerbell. A completely different honeymoon but such fun. We’re already looking forward to going back. The new year brought lots more changes; I fell pregnant! Whoopee, time to eat cakes and get fat again. October 1st saw the arrival of our lovely baby girl, Sienna Maria, weighing 5lb 12 oz. She’s adorable, the image of her dad and big sister. How unfair is that?! We moved into a new house in December and with hard work, lots of labouring and no social life, we’re nearly there with all the improvements. You never know, next year we may be able to sit back, relax and enjoy it all. Look forward to seeing you soon at Breathe, we’ve won a photo voucher! 
”
Where are they now? Emmie and Alex, Silchester House
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009I shoot a reasonable amount of weddings each year for professionals in the creative field, so being requested by a fellow wedding photographer to shoot her Silchester House wedding was flattering indeed. In Emmie’s words; “Our wedding day was the best day of our lives (we’re supposed to say that aren’t we?!) It was such a good day though and we enjoy looking back and remembering it all 16 months later. Alex is still counting bricks for a living (quantity surveying) although of late has been trying his hand (or should I say fists) at boxing and winning! I am still in photography and education. We still live in Tilehurst in our lovely little house with Mr Jinks the cat. No kids yet, we are far too busy enjoying ourselves!” So a few shots from their Silchester wedding that I enjoy, and my thanks to you both for keeping in touch. Don’t let that guard down Alex, jab jab and then… oh, you know.
Dan and Elinor’s Notley Abbey wedding, the prewed shoot
Monday, July 27th, 2009Just laying down some of the prewed shoot edits for forthcoming weddings this summer. Dan and Elinor are to get wed at a church near to Notley Abbey later on in August and here are some of my favourite shots from our prewed shoot at the Breathe studio. Dan, Elinor, can’t wait to be working with you on the big day!
These ‘props’ are used at the farm (Breathe’s home studio location) to keep grain in place. Thanks (Farmer Nigel) for leaving them in the yard. Don’t suppose you could leave them for a couple months more?
Notley Abbey prewedding shoot – Laura and Sean
Monday, July 27th, 2009We’re about to enter the busiest August wedding season we’ve had at Breathe and frankly I can’t wait. I just know we’ll all emerge the other side richer for the wonderful things we witness and amazing people we meet. Talking of which, meet Laura, Sean and their amazing son Dylan. I look forward to a fabulous day at Notley!
Englemere wedding photography
Saturday, July 25th, 2009Out on location today soon; wedding in Aldermaston. I did however promise to pop a couple of shots from yesterday’s wedding up. Hopefully Hannah and Neil you’ll see these before you jet off to those sunny climes!
I did fear the rain would be coming at us sideways, just as those nice folk at Metcheck forecast. The morning looked fairly ominous, although Englemere’s white facade photographs beautifully against angry storm clouds. Breathe hasn’t photographed at Englemere for a little while, so it was good to return.
Literally seconds after the ceremony, the rain stopped, the thunder subsided, and sunshine took over!
Jason and Ginny, where are they now?
Friday, July 24th, 2009Married at St Michael’s Church in Sandhurst with a reception at Heckfield Place, Jason and Ginny have been married for three years. There was a strong musical theme to the day and I still remember you belting out a tune Jason, Tom Jones number wasn’t it? Or was it Andy Williams? Or indeed both? Did you actually get off the microphone? Ginny still works for British Airways and is a fully qualified nutritional therapist, although (and I’m sorry Jason) it doesn’t seem to have aided hubby’s diet. Come clean in the comments section Jason, how many pounds do you have to lose? Jason works for a company called Dialog and deals in subjects such as competitor intelligence. His company can search 300,000 things on the web simultaneously. He’s part of the deep web, which all sounds hideously clever to me. It’s an American company; the largest online aggregator of published information, their first database was linked with all the cleverness needed to launch NASA space missions to the moon. Yet they still can’t spell the word ‘color’ correctly. Gin and Jason have been touring the World, ending up with the purchase of a holiday home in Turkey. (I’d like to book two weeks next June please.) No baby JasGins yet, but watch this space. A couple of shots from their wedding’s evening mobile studio. I’m in there too. Nope, not the dude with the beer glass. C’est moi at the bottom, gripping on to a random Auntie.
Where are they now? Annabel and Mike
Tuesday, July 21st, 2009It’s fair to say that most of us are so preoccupied being busier than busy in this hectic go go non stop You Tube Google World we frequent personally and professionally, that we forget to take stock and remember sometimes where we’ve been and what we’ve achieved. Well, I’m going to try and redress that with the following blog feature. It won’t be long before I’ll be batting at the 200 not out wicket, a double century of weddings; experience that began tentatively covering my best man’s brother’s wedding as a favour, to a career that has taken me across continents. I’ve been trained and mentored by some of the industry’s finest and found new important friendships with fellow pros that share the following professional impulse; a desire to document a day so uniquely special to each client and do it whatever the weather, whatever the day and even when England are playing a World Cup match that’s actually on a channel we don’t have to pay for. We’ve been tremendously lucky at Breathe in that we established a social portraiture and wedding photography business in Newbury earlier this decade that has not only provided us with an income to feed hungry family mouths, but introduced us to some fabulous couples and families. It’s their stories that enthuse upon me that weekends were not made for drinking beer and watching X Factor, and so I begin a series of blog entries about the couples I have witnessed saying ‘I do’ through a selection of lenses. 3rd February 2007, Annabel and Mike were wed in Windsor with a wedding reception at Great Fosters near Egham; a grade one listed building that is remarkable for a list of reasons that would make this blog unreadably long. In Annabel’s words: “Mike and I are doing great, still living in Windsor. We’ve been back to Great Fosters for our last two wedding anniversaries, which was really lovely. We always pay homage to Jane Austen’s curtains. (A reference to the fact that needing to darken a scene whilst photographing the couple round the hotel, I whipped these historic items closed risking the demise of one of the World’s most historic curtains.) Mike went out to South Africa in June on a boys tour to watch the Lions. He ended up doing the highest bungee jump in the World off Bloukrans Bridge (about 216 m) – crazy fool. All 18 stones of Yorkshire goodness dangled on a piece of elastic! Other than that, we’re still at the same house but have been giving it and the garden a bit of a makeover. No baby Annabel and Mikes… yet.”
Breathe Pictures launch new web design
Tuesday, July 21st, 2009For those zooming straight through to the blog from Breathe’s splash page, take a click to our main website from Breathe links. It’s a brand new design! It’s been updated with new galleries to promote wedding photography in Newbury our hometown and has many new and unseen images. For those who have prompted, there will indeed be a whole new section on portraiture coming soon, but with the nuptials season in full swing, right now pretty much all of our attentions at HQ are devoted to that cause. It’s a busy August with the best part of half of it being spent at celebrations across the south of England. Personally I’ll be clocking up some miles too shooting weddings on the coast; Dorset being one of my personal highlights as that’s where I spent many of my childhood holidays. So take a moment to visit the new site, let me know what you think of it in the comments section here, I’m a big boy and happy to take some constructive crit.
Prime lens shooting at weddings
Monday, July 20th, 2009I’m pleased as punch with my decision a little while back to shoot much of my wedding photography material through big fat pieces of glass minus a zoom. A fast prime lens has become a bit of a signature look of late for Breathe Pictures and it genuinely excites me to see how far I can push low available light photography. In fact the pictures below were taken at yesterday’s wedding (congratulations Jon and Sam) on a day and night where I probably only attached a zoom for ten minutes. I’m moved to mention one phone call I received this week from a prospective wedding photography client who said and I quote; “I’m just phoning around to see how cheap I can get a photographer, because you all do the same thing.” Now it’s all too easy to get a little protective about our own industry and I must admit my first response nearly ran along the lines of; “Are you actually looking at the pictures on the website, or just the price section?” However, I steadied myself, reigned back premature indignance and started to try and explain the meaning of shooting through fast lenses and what a difference it makes to photographic technique. I did get an early feeling that I may as well be teaching someone how to boil an egg in fluent Martian but I persisted, and we settled for the loose understanding of the fact it makes everything look fuzzier in the background and sharp in the foreground. “And F1.2 makes things look fuzzier than the end of a thumpingly good New Year’s Eve do,” I explained. Yes, we will be doing her wedding, thank you Belle! Course some people will ask; “Why don’t you just do it all in Photoshop?” I like to think that it’s because photography is still a creative experience, it’s a here and now thing. Use the kit that enables you to feel the emotion that’s playing out in front of you. Oh, and depending upon the lens, you get a mighty fine lens bokeh. Here we go again… anyone for a Martian omelette?
Wasing Park wedding photography
Sunday, July 19th, 2009Just a quick blog to announce that Giovanni and Sabrina’s wedding website has gone live through our client area. Fabulous wedding at Wasing Park and what a party! Incidentally, and this is one for grooms with upcoming stag parties abroad, working as air crew on short haul Sabrina has seen her fair share of stags destined for places like Prague. One poor chap recently boarded dressed as Sesame Street’s Big Bird character (how on earth did he get through Customs???) Once they were at cruising altitude, his mates gleefully announced that he may well be enroute for a weekend’s beer fest, but his suitcase was stored safely back in Blighty. The only thing he had to wear all weekend, was one big feathery yellow costume. Nice one!
Breathe Pictures photograph featured in The Times
Saturday, July 18th, 2009Nice surprise to hear from a client getting wed next week to say one of our prewed pictures has appeared in The Times Marriages and Engagements section. It’s page 91; a slightly cross processed image taken from Neil and Hannah’s prewed shoot about a month back. Newspaper print process is not always kind to this kind of colour treatment, so I thought I’d pop it online in all it’s originally intended glory, plus a couple of extras beneath. I’m off to Sir Charles Napier, a new venue today (for me anyway) in Chinnor; car’s packed, batteries are charged, the primes are, well, primed. (Photography quip-ish.)
