Viewfinder: October 2008

Tuesday, 28 October 2008

And Next?

A wet wedding means the great dry out. Who would have guessed that it could be such a lovely day not more than 12 hrs later!

Whilst the brollies are drying, the editing begins.

Just a little insight into my world after a wedding.

Neil & Kat's Wellie Weather Wedding

Katrina and I have known each other for a couple of years now. We first met when she attended a Party Plan Portrait session I was running for a mutual friend and we instantly hit it off. She is as mad as a hatter and very easy going. I had never met Neil, I had heard about him, but our paths had never actually crossed. That was until Sunday.

Katrina had called me a few months back and asked if I would photographs her wedding ( so the man was real!) I thought about it ( for two seconds) then jumped at the chance as I just knew it would be a fab day! I knew I would be in for a hard weekend as I was attending another wedding the day before ( and they had booked the 'Shoot Ur Guests' service for the evening) but I wouldn't have wanted to let her down so booked the date out of my diary and looked forward to the wedding day.

We had arrived home from Jason & Jenny's wedding at 1.30am and, knowing we had Katrina and Neil's wedding at 11am in the morning, set about uploading the images to the computer and charging batteries in readiness for the morning. We finally hit the sack at around 2.30am.

For those of you who pop into my blog on a regular basis, you will know that I like to be prepared for anything and everything that I might come up against on the day. I had checked the weather as usual....... sunny and dry Great!

Sunday morning arrived with a vengeance! Rain hammering on the bedroom window and wind whipping the wisteria against the glass........a right royal awakening. We dragged ourselves out of bed and set about preparing ourselves for the day ahead. Why is it that is isn't until you have been out of bed for half and hour that you realise the clocks went back and you should have had an extra hour in bed! Not a great way to start the day!

The wet weather kit was loaded in the car but we were keeping our fingers crossed that the skies would clear and the promised sunshine would appear.........no such luck!

I had expected to meet Neil at one of our pre wedding meetings..........but it wasn't to be! The first time I clapped eyes on him was Sunday, at the wedding! That was a first for me as I have usually built up a rapport by the wedding. Not that it was a problem as he was friendly from the off. I must admit, I don't think he was entirely prepared for my style of photography but none the less, he was happy to indulge me in everything I asked of him and his groomsmen.

The rain held off for the boys photos.....well just......and arrived with the Bride and the Limo. The wet weather kit was broken out to protect the bride from the worst of the weather. There was no chance for photographs outside Cams Hall, which is a shame because it is a great venue. We headed for the entrance hall for a few shots before the ceremony and hoped that the weather would be kind enough to ease for some photographs after the ceremony. Seems this was not to be either.....good old British weather sure picks it's time!

We took advantage of the beautiful staircase inside Cams Hall.

This is one of my favourite photographs of the day.......any dry spot we could find was used to it's full capacity!

Still, smiles all round and the weather was not going to dampen any ones spirits.....least of all Katrina's who kept a smile on her face the whole day!

As I say, every day has it's quirks and this day was no different. The afternoon was to boast a garden party...complete with silver and purple bouncy castle, hog roast at Cams Hall Buffet Car......in theory.

It seems bouncy castles don't come out in the rain which was a real shame. The company switch for garden games.

Me seeking refuge under my brollie!

Your wedding day is what you make it. If you are prepared to take on the challenges of the weather , the photographs will reward your efforts as Katrina found out.

The rain finally stopped after dark as we headed to the Spinnaker Tower for the evening celebration. As always, things can change no matter how well you are prepared. On arrival at the Tower, we found that the lights were no longer white...........but pink. Inside the lightin had also changed. the staff were great and very helpful allowing us freedom to photograph whatever we liked.

Here are some final images as promised.

It's all about the shoes!

Congratulations to you both x

Jason & Jenny's Masquarade Marriage

This weekend had been a tad hectic to say the least. Jenny and Jason had chosen the last day of BST for their special day......and were not getting married until 3pm. It became apparent, that if the wedding ran a little over, some of the photographs would be taken after dark........and according to the weather the possibility of rain could also mean some long exposure work.

New challenges are always recieved with enthusiasm, but as always, I like to be prepared. Preparation is the key to a succesful wedding. Imagine my horror when, on the morning of the wedding, I found my tripod head had given up the ghost. It was time to purchase a new one.......and in a hurry!

I am very fortunate to live not too far from a reputable camera dealer...........and it just so happened that this store is in the same direction as the wedding venue.....how handy was that. We decided to pack up the car and head off a couple of hours before we were due at the venue.

Travelling light is not an option when our 'Shoot Ur Guests' service is booked out!

Parkers in Woolston is a great store until you arrive and find out that they have sold out of all suitable three way heads! Feeling a little dispondant, Ian suggested that we should head to City Photographic in Southampton. Just as well we had left plenty of time! City Photographic in Bedford Place, were very helpful and had just the right head for the job.......and even knocked a tenner off for the lack of box (not that I needed the box!) Thanks Guys!

On to the wedding. Meet the boys!

I always like to meet the boys early for a few piccies if possible.

Most weddings have their little quirks, it's what makes them personal and ultra special..........but I wasn't quite prepared for the little mice (or they might have been bunnies) that invaded this wedding! They first put in an appearance at the alter.

Then they popped in to sign the register

They even fancied their chances with the confetti!

It seems these little critters have visited all over the world!

I must point out that they allow us the chance for some more traditional photographs.

I did get the chance to give the new tripod head an outing. Thanks you Mr Rolls Royce driver for being kind enough to hang around and indulge my nightime photography.

The evening entertainment was met with a fantastic extravaganza of dancing..... a first dance to remember! The hall was dark so the lighting was a bit of a challenge but the dance was spectacular....a real treat. The masks and costumes were fab and added a real theatrical feel to the evening.

Our 'Shoot Ur Guests' service was very popular with many of the guests visiting us on more than one occasion. We had great fun and our newest veiwing system proved to be a hit, Ian was great in dealing with all the requests for prints. Here are a couple of the more 'individual' photos from the evening.

Congratualtions to the happy couple.

We think you're fab! Hope you and you funny bunnies (or mice) have a very happy future together.

New Additions to the Family

Just a little update on a couple of new family members. I made the desision this week, to purchase a new camera. Now, most people who know me will know that I am a bit of a gadget girl and that the three cameras I own at present should be plenty for one person. The problem came when Nikon decided to launch the new D700. I had been pondering for a while whether or not to indulge in a second D3. This is a super camera..........but it does come with a pretty hefty price tag! Why do I need two you might ask. Well, as we are now running a full print on the night event photography service, it is imperiative that the sensor is spotless at all times. There is no time to pop into photoshop and zapp the pesky little dust spots and they look very unsightly in left in place when an image goes to print.

On a recent visit to Nikon for yet another sensor clean, I happened to bump into photographer John Clements. I first met John when I enrolled on a flash course at Nikon. Well, to cut a long story short, he suggested that the D700 might be the answer to all my prayers. It seems that this camera is a smaller version of the D3....but with an inbuilt sensor cleaner...........and the best bit of all is that it is half the price of the D3! So, last week, ahead of Saturday's wedding and Masquarade Ball, I popped along to my local Jessops store, and whooped with glee when I found they has one left on the shelf.

Now, this is where my next little dilema came. It seems Canon had launched the very pretty G10 just two days earlier. I had had my eye on the G9 since my holiday. I had tried to purchase this little gem to keep in my pocket. The store were out of stock. Just as well as I am now the proud owner of the updated G10 as well as the D700. No more having to lug around my big cameras when capturing those family snaps we all love to take! (Funnily enough Ian loves this little camera as well,....I wonder why!)

One final but important thing to do........add my shiney new D700 to my wireless network. A quick call to System Insight and a chat with the wonderful Steve, their tech wizard..........and I am all up and running for Saturday! Thanks guys...........again!

http://www.systeminsight.co.uk/

Monday, 20 October 2008

Scouting for for that perfect image

As a child, I was both a Brownie and a Girl Guide and years later, my girls followed in my footsteps. Boy how uniforms have changed throughout the years! I remember my sisters heading off to Brownie meetings in their Brownie dresses and berets looking oh so smart. When it was my turn to join, I saw the introduction of the pom pom hat.....a bit of a fashion crisis! Uniforms were so formal. Year later, my girls joined up. Their uniform was joggers and polo shirts with sashes for their hard earned badges. No longer the pom pom hat but now a baseball cap. Oh how times had changed. Now another 10 yrs or so down the line, I was surprised to see the uniform had changed when I turned up to the local scout groups family photo day.

Now take a look at the uniform...far more trendy and user friendly! A few of the kids.........and some adults turned up proudly displaying their uniforms for family photographs. The family days are a great way of fundraising as we offer a generous commision rate on all sales. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves and we have some fantastic photographs as proof of what should proove to be a very succesful day.

Only one reluctant model on the whole day......and he was just five. He quickly earned a place in my heart with his bravery. Now on these family days, I ask for all shoes and socks to be removed ( much to most mens distain) This proved to be a major sticking point with this young man so exceptions were made with the promise of some fun............like sitting on his sister! This did the trick.

It wasn't long before this young man had found the confidence to join his furry friend and bare his little tootsies to the world.
Definately a little man in the making!

This young man made his impression on me that day. I though he was going to be a bit of a handful when he arrived as wasn't too keen on the thought of having his photo taken. Dad to the rescue.

Its funny how things go. Later, when Dad had gone and things had gone quiet, he told me he thought it was fun having his photograph taken and could he have some more! He is a great lad, full of spirit...just how I think all kids should be.

I am sure he will be a little heart breaker in a couple of years!

Thanks to everybody who came and supported the Scouts family photo day..........it was great to meet you all. I hope you enjoy looking at all your photographs as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Shhhhhhhhh..........it's a surprise!

Friday seemed to be the day for birthdays. Our Shoot Ur Guests service was booked out for a 13th Birthday party. This was to be my first time flying solo and I must admit, I reckon it went pretty darn well! I say flying solo, but I did have a little help. I have to give a great big thank you to my daughter for giving up and hour of her birthday to come and help me set up. Here's my baby being my test dummy checking that the lighting setup was ready for the off. She did a grand job modelling her birthday badges then promptly asked me to buy her a birthday drink at the bar. I did, however, point out that a badge the size of hers might be a little give away that she was not actually 18!)

Happy birthday Justine xx

Shannon's 13th Birthday bash was a fab night. The birthday girl and her friends had great fun and were a lovely bunch of kids. A few of the lads took a little coaxing to join the fun but soon got the hang of it when yanked from their seats by family and friends! All came to see me on several occasions throughout the evening and had a real blast! Families took the opportunity to have precious family photographs taken, and I am sure that more than a few Christmas photo presents are now firmly secured in time for the festive period.

Girl's Just wanna have fun!

Boys are a little more reluctant

I had a great time on my solo jaunt in spite of being stepped on at least 50 times
( my own stupid fault I should point out as I managed to set myself up right in the path of bar!)

Happy Birthday Shannon and thank you for letting me share in you special day.

Sunday, 12 October 2008

Spinnaker Highlights

It isn't long now until Katrina and James get spliced so the preparations for me have now begun. Each and every wedding brings it's own challenges......this one has it's own unique features. October has arrived and with it comes the dreaded clock change. The wedding falls on Sunday 26th.........the day of the clocks fall back. What does this mean to me? Nightime photography! My Bride and Groom have requested some photos in the evening at the tower..........both inside and out. Now for any of you who have visited the Spinnaker Tower, you will perhaps appreciate my initial panic. The tower dominates the skyline and I am expected to photograph the happy couple in front of a 400ft structure.........in the dark.........and make it look it look beautiful! At nightime the tower is lit, both inside and out. Now that should make my life easier.........accept they change the colours on a regular basis so I am not really sure what I expecting.

It may be green, as rumour has it they are expecting an alien invasion. Could make for some interesting wedding photos!

It could be blue............if Pompey are playing at home that weekend. Maybe red, white or could even be a combination of them all. Only time will tell.

I have to be honest, I have not really done much nightime photography since leaving college and, as this is such an important occasion, I felt it necessary to check out the venue. The staff were fantastic and I was even invited to pop in on a Saturday evening to have a little practice session............exactly what I decided to do!

Last night, I packed my kit up, dragged Ian out of his comfy chair (just off night shift) and headed over to the tower for 8pm.

The photo above was taken when we first arrived at Gunwharf, there is still a little light in the sky but it rapidly diminished.

First attempt at the tower after dark.

Across the water with the boats behind.

A quick pic of the two of us..........doesn't happen often!

Up in the tower with the cityscape behind.

A little mess around on the glass floor with some timed exposures so I could play.........not often you can have your photo taken in the Spinnaker at night time!