Karen & Richard
Location : Cosgrove Church, nr Milton Keynes

Recently I had the pleasure of shooting the Wedding of Karen & Richard, it wasn’t however an average wedding shoot, it was Medieval themed.

The Bride and Groom were resplendent in full costume made for the occasion – a lovely dress for the bride and her Groom in Chain mail, Armour and Sword (apparently Richard has always had a dream of getting married in a suit of armour).

If it’s possible on a Wedding day this seemed an almost laid back wedding with everyone relaxed and intent on having a really great time, the guests made a great impression and adding to the atmosphere of the proceedings with many attending in full costume with the like of Lords, Ladies, Knights and Monks. This made for a different from normal wedding but as such it was a very entertaining, memorable and colourful event.

From the photography point of view, I was given a free reign to shoot whatever I felt was appropriate to the coverage. Karen & Richard wanted to record the day in photos rather than concentrate on ‘traditional’ posed shots more a reportage/lifestyle shoot. I was covering the Wedding only but there was plenty of time to get some great shots that captured the atmosphere and the occassion.

Like many professions there is always a desire to upgrade for the latest and greatest and photography is no different. There’s a technology element and I’m not adverse to the lure of ‘shiny new toys’ either.  I have thought about an upgrade for some time but knowing it’s a significant investment it’s also not something to be rushed into.

I’ve been pretty happy with my current setup (50D, EF-S17-55 IS f2.8, EF 70-200mm f4 IS, Sigma 10-20mm) so an upgrade to a full frame body meant new lenses as the EF-S lenses weren’t compatible. Investing in good glass (lenses) makes for quality photos, providing there’s talent behind the lens ), and looked after they will outlive the latest and greatest body. That’s what I’d invested in so it made the decision harder.

After Landscape shooting in Cornwall recently with long exposure shots I’d decided the time had come, I pulled the trigger and so I’ve upgraded to the Canon 5D mk2. It satisfies both my portrait work and also Landscape/Commercial work, it’s renowned in its field with pros. There’s also HD video onboard, not a reason I’d upgraded but maybe it’ll hook me, only time will tell.

I’ve only had a very short time with the camera and not done any real work so more thoughts will appear soon. For now I’ve just started on a new path and can’t wait for the results to appear. Here’s one of the first

An English Summer

A week in Cornwall in August was just what the doctor ordered. Sunshine, relaxing on the beach, family time away from the routine, fish & chips on the seafront were all on the list and in one way or another all were ticked off.

Visiting Lands End was a typical example of the British summer, a rain shower with everyone rushing to shelter or getting their umbrellas up followed by ten minutes later glorious sunshine. The week was a bit up and down like this but its better than a day stuck in the office. Needless to say some Cornwall photos were going to be taken.

Lands End, August

ten minutes later

Although the weather was not brilliant (a weather forecaster one day said it was more like early October!) the camera didn’t stay under wraps. It was really refreshing to be shooting some family shots as well, ones for the memory and the family album, not just trying to get the perfect shot for show.

This didn’t mean that I didn’t try to catch what sunset action there was (v.little, shame…). I love being at the beach with the camera and I wasn’t disappointed, conditions aside. At Cape Cornwall I spent and enjoyable time having met a local photographer.

Meeting a fellow photographer on location can go two ways – either they more or less ignore you pretending you don’t exist or you meet someone who will share the time with you (in-between or after taking shots of course!) I like the time on my own with the landscape, there’s something refreshing about the solitude and its easier to see a finished photo however Craig who was a St. Ives local was good company and told me some of the good spots to visit along with showing me the Lee Filter system – another thing on the shopping list!

Though I got there a bit late for the light I did take home a shot I’m happy with, below

Cape Cornwall

I have to say that it was a great holiday and I look forward to going back.  I’ve still as few more photos to post but I can definately say Cornwall is addictive.