Chadderton Wedding

A recent wedding at Healds Green Methodist Church, with the reception at Clough Manor, provided the opportunity to capture this shot in which I wanted to position the sun just as you can see it. I did not notice the rainbow lens flare until I opened the image later. One of those nice little effects that just kind of happens sometimes.

New shoes

Here is a different take on the shoes shot during the bridal preparation. I happily hold my hands up to admit that I did see the idea done by someone else and decided to try it at my next wedding. It has been said that there is nothing original in the world. Not that I totally agree with that, but there is a certain element of truth in it. Anyway, it has not been done with those shoes, in that bedroom, on that day, etc.
I like it, and will probably use it again, and maybe even develop it a little further...

Wedding at Oaks Hotel, Burnley

On Saturday I had the pleasure of covering a wedding for a fellow photographer, who was unable to make it due to other commitments.
Phil & Gail were married at St Mary's Catholic Church in Littleborough, followed by a reception at The Oaks Hotel in Burnley.

The weather was rather changeable, but managed to behave at the right moments to get a lovely set of photo's.
The hotel is well suited to wet weather weddings though, having a lovely staircase in the entrance which can be used for group shots and couple shots.
Here are a selection of the images produced.

Toy Story

Ever heard the phrase "like a kid in a toyshop"?

I spent a full day photographing the whole of a new toy store in Royton recently for Smyths Toys. The photo's are to provide a model for how the company's other stores should be laid out, so we had to pay particular attention to detail to comply with their merchandising guidelines, making sure the right numbers of each product were displayed and all items were priced.

The store is now open and I have already been back in to spend some money (I could spend a fortune in there, just on me!).

Here's a selection fo the pictures taken (out of approximately 400).

Maternity Photo Shoot

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of doing a maternity photo shoot for a lovely young couple. As a bit of a teaser for them, and a chance to share just a few of the pictures I am now working on, here is a small selection.
This is the first portrait shoot where my wife has come along and she enjoyed helping me with posing and maintaining the modesty of the young lady. Can't wait to show them the full set when they're finished.

Vincent & Flavia

Last Friday we had the pleasure of working at an event where Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace were performing. We were there to offer photos of the guests with the dacing pair, printed out and taken home with them on the night as a lovely souvenir.

As well as this, I was allowed to take some pictures of the dance routines, copies of which will, hopefully, appear on Vincent and Flavia's own website gallery.

Here are a selection of the pictures taken.

Product Photography for Divine Deli

Here are some of the finished shots from the brochure photography shoot for Divine Deli.

Some of these have already been printed onto foam board for the point-of-sale signs and look really good. In fact, they can be seen on some of the attached shots, which were done a few days later.

We got to taste some of the samples as well, and I can definitely vouch for how good they taste.

Product photography set-up

I spent yesterday afternoon taking some brochure photographs for Divine Deli. While setting up the studio in my conservatory my young grandson came in and I couldn't resist the temptation to have a little fun with him...

The shoot consisted of mainly cake decorating sprinkles and jars of sweets. While taking the photo's, the door was shut and children kept out, which was pure torture for them, as the smell was lovely, to say nothing of what a conservatory full of sweets looks like. This is what the grandchildren looked like at the doorway.

It's not fair, is it?