Holi Festival- and Parahawking 2009

Just booked our flights for Kathmandu- Nepal-- Always wanted to witness and photograph the Holi celebrations in Asia- And its Gails favourite country and the kids love it too! Gail wants to go parahawking and she's talked me into it- I hate heights though- even step ladders... The kids are up for it- well they are just brainless teenagers...It will be a good chance to get some kool shots for the family album though!

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By popular demand...

Quite a few of our clients have asked us why we have not got any of our personal work on the web site - We are working on that- meanwhile here are a few shots we have been printing up... I am sure more will follow when we have the time...

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Nicola and Gerrard St Barnabus Church

And Nichola was worried how she looked on camera at the pre- shoot! Her reservations did not last long! For Gail and I it is always good to work with a fun couple who let us simply get on with it while they enjoy themselves with their guests- Thats how it should be. It was a shame we were unable to photograph in the church at all... However we made up for that after the service and created some gorgeous shots down the aisle. And guys, if you are reading this blog - just to say you are going to have one gorgeous album... In fact this year Gail and I have been fortunate in that we have not had a single pair of clients that we have not really got on with well- and that does make the difference in the photography - For photographers who leave it to the day of the wedding to get to know - well it's just unprofessional- Its good that our clients are understanding our approach and our styles and are getting on with us and leaving us to to do our jobs... Long may it Last!Wedding photography Cardiff South Wales

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Jane and Chris at The Bear Hotel

Well the weather caught up with us- yes it was a very wet day at the Bear Hotel Cowbridge. Jane and Chris simply got on with it and like all their guests [and us] had a really really good time... The staff were really attentive and helped us make things run really smoothly and the food is really excellent-[ thanks to Chris and Jane for feeding their photographers]. Chris had the day planned right down to every minute- especially when it came down to the womens coxless Olympic boat race that morning-Nothing was going to tear him away from the TV Screen before the race had finished ! Well Chris did have a special connection there as he used to be a coach for the national team... It also provided me with a good shot or two as well!!Wedding photography Cardiff South Wales

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Pre-shoot competition update

Its been close all year and Gail has definately had the edge but The latest results have fallen in my favour... 17 [ to me] and 16 to Gail- Ita a close one this year... [ Last year Gail absolutely killled me off from the start to finish]. Is it down to the new D3 Nikon that I am using? [ as Gail would argue]- Nah- It doesnt matter what camera you use- it is totally dependent on the photographer [ as I argue]. That finishin line is gettin closer as well!!!

The Tate Gallery and a rock star

Gail and I were with the children one evening eating out at Wagamamas down the bay... Sat across from us was David Coverdale of Whitesnake fame. I was a massive fan of them and Deep Purple from way back - My daughter wouldnt allow me to get an autograph as she said it would be too unkool and I was far too old to do that sort of thing, and besides I would be embarassing her!!! I acquiesced. Not long after Paul Seawright an old photography colleague of mine whom I had not seen for over 5 years came and joined us. 'Hi John long time no see'....he then gave me the news that Val Williams and he had tried to get in contact with me a year or so ago as they wanted to include some of my work in a group photo exhibition at the Tate Gallery   London.. The problem was I had moved address and they could not get hold of me... That was a shame to say the least !!! I made sure that he left with all my up to date contact details!!!... At least Paul has offered me to lecture to his photography degree students over in Belfast..Chance encounters- you never know what they may lead to!

Stephanie and Anthony

A return to The New House Hotel for us for Stephanie's and Ant's Wedding and another gorgeous day... Both Steph and Ant had learnt a lot on the pre-shoot as they were both so confident and natural in front of the lens, and Stephanie was absolutely gorgeous - a girl who has got taste! Ant was made to wait down the aisle, and wait, and then wait a little longer! His pores opened, his palms glistened with perspiration while his best man talked to help him chill a little. The ceremony went really well. When Ant turned to lay his eyes on Steph, and Steph on Anthony it was a priceless moment, mind you I have never seen a groom so glad to walk out down the aisle so quickly in all my life- he sure was glad to get that part over!! The speeches were great later on- original and funny- no one resorted to the internet for their content, thankfully... Gail made the most of the light and created some really poetic shots of them both and I did my bit sneaking around catching people unawares- a great fun day.

Samantha and Che

Although Sam and Che would never agree to it they are one of the most good looking couples we have ever worked for- and Sam you do remind Gail and I of the girl who appears in the latest Marks and Sparks advertising campaign! And besides being good looking they have lovely personalities too... I can understand how Che is doing well with his rock band and how Sam is so successful as a wedding coordinator.Glen yr Afon Hotel was the location of the reception and believe it or not the weather was sunny yet again! The highlight of the day for me was after the ceremony [ which we were allowed to photograph] when guests congregated outside for drinks to be blown away by a full on Gospel Choir who were absolutely outstanding and got everyones feet moving- brilliant idea Sam, well done! More entertainment followed that evening with a 7 piece band who were excellent- All along Sam and Che said they wanted to have a good party atmosphere throughout the day and they certainly did. Sam was also very specific with the type of photography she wanted- a series of stylised shots taken throughout the day and evening and lots of natural documentary shots to echo the flow of the day- Perfect for us and really enjoyable!Wedding photography Cardiff South Wales

Natalie and Matthew at New House Hotel

Again another Hot day- The Sun seems to be working on our side this summer as every day we are not working on location it is pouring down and windy! The reception was held at the New House Hotel- The panoramic views from this venue are second to none- and provide a wonderful backdrop for our imagery. The hotel staff are also very attentive and are always on hand. I have also got to mention St Mary's Church in Magor- We were permitted to photograph throughout the service- silent cameras and no flash - no interruptions - A really up beat and jovial ceremony that was also so very emotional - It makes for good free advertising for the church- If only all the churches were like that - I am sure they would be more popular! Matt and Nat were a pleasure to work for and their friends and relatives were great. And Matt- a personal message- you are one of the most dedicated guys we have had the pleasure to work for - I mean towards Natalie- You are totally head over heals with each other to such an extent that Gail was almost in tears during your speech- so hats off to you and long may your love and dedication last! Wedding photography Cardiff South Wales

Leah and Liam at Parc Golf Club

Lovely weather and another lovely couple and another nervous and perspiring groom!Liam called in to The Bluebird for a drop of Dutch courage, but as with all grooms he soon was to find out that there was nothing to worry about in either the vows or public speaking- It's the best mans speech that liam should have been worried about! On our recommendation Leah and Liam booked Picasso- the caricaturist- a great entertainer and artist who always has people rolling around in stitches over his sketches and banter- a real professional.