Janet Beech and I had a portrait session with our local Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, to capture a few shots that were classic Bollington. Unfortunately the weather was cold and raining, so the planned run up to White Nancy was put aside for the back-up plan: Macclesfield Canal and the Clarence Mill. The rain by some miracle had stopped moments before we started. I got the B&W shots that I wanted plus a few more, which you can view in my Flickr set.

David was very friendly, and we chatted about community programs like the Bollington Festival Photography group, which Janet leads. I love this photo that Janet captured:

You can view more photos of David Rutley taken by Janet Beech at the gallery on Flickr. We’re grateful David was such a good sport and took the time to visit us on such a rainy day!

It was really nice to be asked to photograph Nick & Kate’s wedding. Meeting their family and friends (and seeing some old colleagues of mine) was a pleasure: everyone was so lively and interactive. The kids made the most of the beautiful day and the garden, the food was well-prepared by the Wizard (though perhaps not enough of it!), and the bride, Kate, looked completely gorgeous, which, if you know Kate, you know is not that hard for her! I aimed to capture things ‘as they happened’ as well as a few small details and a few key portraits. I am definitely pleased with the end results, even though I know I will always feel like there is room to improve.

It’s the first time I really photographed with B&W processing in mind, which was challenging, as I love colour and subtle tones so much. I know Nick is interested in doing some processing, so I hope he shares what he’s done with my photos! It reminds me of my wedding, when I processed the photos that a friend took for us. =) I hope Nick finds it as fun as I did. There are some really special moments in there. You can view more on Flickr or click on any photo below.

I’ve uploaded the first batch of photographs from Paul & Claire’s wedding, but there are still loads to go! You can view the full set here.

Migrating to a new computer means I’m uncovering loads of unprocessed and unshared photographs from past events — including my own Blessing in the US in 2007! Uncovering all of these images from such a bright and happy day was perhaps exactly what I needed right now, though it has been a hard reminder of the last time I really saw Papa John and Gram properly before they each passed away.

My UK wedding and US blessing both went by with minimal planning and maximum fun, despite the overwhelming amount of stress. In both occasions, I opted out of hiring a photographer despite finding and knowing some excellent candidates. Now, two years later, I can say with confidence that the time I spent holding the camera myself was worth way more than being the one in front of it.

If there is righteousness in the heart,
there will be beauty in the character.
If there is beauty in the character,
there will be harmony in the home.
If there is harmony in the home,
there will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
there will be peace in the world.
So let it be.

Scottish Blessing

If I think to myself ‘I’m planning to marry somebody I’ve only spent 9 days with’ then yes it scares me for a second or too, [but] then I think how happy I was for those nine days… and it all makes sense.

Thomas Lewis

With this ring, I give you my promise that from this day forward you shall never walk alone. My heart will be your shelter, my arms will be your home. We will walk together through life as partners and best friends. I promise that I shall always do my best to love and accept you exactly the way you are. With this ring, I give you your freedom and my trust in you. I give you my heart until the end of time; I have no greater gift to give.

Joyce Gioia, multifaith clergywoman
Adapted from “Illuminata” Thoughts, Prayers, Rites of Passage”, by Marianne Williamson

If I had to say what was my favorite type of photography, most people would be surprised to hear ‘portraits’. My landscapes are well-known, but did you know that before I started taking my own photographs, I was editing other people’s portraits in photoshop? It was years before I overcame my own nerves in taking photographs in proper portrait sessions. But, all the time spent studying and processing faces and bodies had paid off: I may not be model-material myself, but I know a lot about making them look good.

I most enjoy taking photographs of ‘normal’ people. We all come in many strange forms, but I’ve yet to find one whose beauty and interestingness I couldn’t capture with a camera. It is magical, seeing yourself recorded in such a natural moment, and I wish I could give that gift (and the confidence that comes with it) to everyone.

Many of the portraits in my slideshow below were taken with a canon sd20, which is a great point & shoot camera made to be pocket-sized. There are no fancy lenses, and in most cases, only natural light. I say this to show you that the most difficult thing about achieving a great portrait is not the equipment but the moment.

If you agree and are interested in some natural light portraits of yourself or your family, feel free to contact me. I prefer to meet in person to discuss your ideas and schedule a time for your portrait. As I work digitally, you can view the session photographs immediately, and we will work together to select which photographs you want processed and printed. Prints from my free (!) portrait sessions are at a considerable savings to my fine art photographs, because I believe everyone deserves that one good portrait (and should be able to afford it, too).

INDIVIDUAL PORTRAIT
Mounted 5″x7″ – £20
Mounted 8″x12″ – £35
Mounted 12″x18″ – £40

More print options available on request.
Prices applicable for 2008/2009.