A day in the life - documentary family photography

The Haywards - Part One!

 

I LOVE family photography.    Not cheesy, posed, set up shots, with uncomfortable smiles and bribed children, but real, raw, truthful family moments, captured as they happen.    How often to parents get to be in the photos themselves... particularly all you mums out there...    How many photos do you actually have of of those little moments with your babies and children?   You know the ones I mean... their laughs, the reassuring hugs, the helping hands... and yes... the tantrums!    

So most of my family shoots are a couple of hours at a time...   sometimes at home, sometimes out walking, maybe at the beach....   but I'd been wanting to do a day-in-the-life shoot for aaaaaaaaages.    So I got thinking.   Who did I know who would entrust me to come into their life for a full 24 hours, to capture family life and parenthood in its true reality?     Mrs Hayward that's who.    If you are a mum (or a wanna-be-mum who fancies reading about the times to come!), you should check her out.    She won Top London Mummy Blogger 2017 you know!

Allowing a photographer into your home is a big thing.  At any time.    To allow a photographer into your home, "access all areas" is an even bigger step.    I know Mrs H was a little apprehensive about me popping my head around the bedroom door, and photographing her makeup free (even though she is gorgeous).  I GET it.   But the thing is, this allowed me to photograph some really special times with the kids.   Times I don't think would ever normally get captured....

So a date was set, and I arrived Friday afternoon with cameras in hand and an overnight bag.... and just got snapping.    There was no more than a couple of minutes of uncertain gazes from Mrs H's beautiful girls, and then we were besties!     The Haywards just cracked on as they usually would...  playtime, dinner, bath, bed, breakfast, getting ready to head out, park time... and I was with them to document it all!

Needless to say, I took a LOT of photos.   I've been told before not to overload a blog post with images, because people just get bored looking through the photos, and it means so much to me this family session, that I reaaaally don't want that to happen!    But I have struggled to pick my favourite images, in a way that still reflects this family's story.     So I have decided to split this blog post in two...   today you get to see Friday, and soon... you get to see what happened Saturday!

I do hope you enjoy the photos...    this family ROCKS.

x

Burbage and Easton Royal Cricket Club Golf Day 2017

On Friday 4th July 2017 Burbage and Easton Royal Cricket Club held their annual golf day, hosted  Upavon Golf Club in Wiltshire.   This was to raise funds for the club, and also provide the perfect opportunity to hold a raffle in aid of Prospect Hospice.   The hospice is an incredible charity that provides support and care to patients and their families at the most difficult of times, and it is only with continued donations that they can sustain this amazing service.     

The day began with bacon rolls and a briefing from the club professional Richard Blake, before players headed out to their tees in anticipation for the shot-gun start.   

Once players had completed the 18 holes, everyone returned to the club house for dinner, followed by presentations and the raffle.     The raffle raised an amazing £700 pounds for the hospice, which would not have been possible without those who generously donated prizes : DBA Sports, Pure Cricket, Julia Chandler, Marlborough Golf Club, Upavon Golf Club, Dyson, and Manchester United Football Club who donated a signed football.

Many thanks also to all the tee sponsors for the day: Thrings Solicitors, Macer Cricket, Tom Rosier Physiotherapy, Pewsey Vale Coaches, RNB Plastering, Acorn Builders, AB Electrical, Dave Britton, Delagua, Moonrakers .... and myself : )

The day wouldn't have been possible without all the hard work of Jon Chandler with his trusted aids, Nobby Wotton and Leigh Hawkins.

Special thanks to Richard and his team at the club, for all their hard work and support to make the day a success!

BERCC 1st XI v Roche

On Sunday 25th June 2017 Burbage and Easton Royal 1st XI travelled all the way down to Roche in Cornwall for the last 32 of the National Village Knockout.    The club was supported by a coach load of players, family and friends, who braced the cold winds and rain to cheer on the lads, warmed by an early Strongbow or two.   Captain David Cope and Deepak Joon were ineligible to play so helped with the warm up and supported from the boundary.    The ever present WAGs were in fine form and soon tracked down the bottles of old school VK which had not been seen since the 1990s, but were stocked in full range by the social club.    

At one point during the game, Deepak disappeared from the field and was shortly spotted at the top of Roche rock, which stood impressively over the ground.   It was, of course, too much of a temptation not to make the clamber myself ...

Burbage had the worst of conditions, fielding for twenty overs in the rain, but managed to take regular wickets to restrict Roche to 206.   Burbage got off to a solid start, and made strong progress in the middle order, but it just wasn't to be, and a batting collapse meant that Burbage fell agonisingly short at 191 all out.   

It wasn't the result that we wanted, but spirits weren't down for long, and the boys will go again next year.     Hope you enjoy the photos.

#uptherangers

Savernake Forest Family Photos

I love an outdoor family shoot.   Family photography for me is about capturing families just doing what they love doing, and it captures such precious memories.   The little ones won't be young for forever!!      A few weeks ago I met this lovely family for a few hours in the beautiful Savernake Forest in Wiltshire...  and here are a few pics from the time I spent with them : )

BERCC 1ST XI V WESTBURY

On Saturday 17th June, after a hearty breakfast at Choppers Cafe (for some...), Burbage and Eastern Royal 1st XI took on Westbury at home, resulting in a brilliant win for the club.   Captain David Cope put on 141 runs of the final 286-8, and the sun beamed down all day making it a great day for all the spectators including myself!    I popped over to inspect the seconds tea and a fruit peacock had put in an appearance thanks to the tea ladies  : )   

Here's a few pics  : )

Gorgeous Sonning Wedding at The Great House

I haven't been too good at blogging recently and have been meaning to share this wedding for ages!!

The Great House in Sonning provides a stunning riverside backdrop to any wedding or event, and it was the location that Dionne and Jez chose for their elegant, intimate wedding back in April.     The venue is gorgeous, with contemporary design inside, and a sprawling manicured lawn that looks out towards the River Thames which is the perfect spot for photos!!     It was a beautiful sunny day, and I loved seeing the bridesmaids kicking a football around ... you can put a girls in dresses, but it won't stop them playing : )     

Dionne looked absolutely stunning in her long beaded dress from Debut at Debenhams, and Jez looked very dapper in his tailored suit from Victor Valentine!    The gorgeous flowers were from Emma Curtis, and it was Alex's Cake Creations who supplied the cakes.

Here are a few photos from their day  : )

 

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Malaysia

I love to travel.   And I love to capture my travels.    So I thought I'd share a few pics from our trip to Malaysia in February  : )

Kuala Lumpur is a pretty impressive city - the Petronas Towers are spectacular at night and I took waaaaaaaay too many pics of them...    One of our favourite finds was an outdoor food market which we returned to two nights in a row because the food was so good : )    After a couple of days in the city, we then flew to Langkawi, and a real treat of a hotel called The Andaman.   It's one of the nicest places I have ever stayed ... the food is incredible, the beach is stunning, the staff are brilliant, and the monkeys who came down to the beach each day were an absolute delight for me!    I did take myself off for a morning's adventuring to the Sky Cab and Sky Walk - if you go to Langkawi I totally recommend them - as long as you don't mind heights : )      It was the perfect mix of exploring and relaxing, and more awesome times with my favourite person on this planet.

Hope you like the pics : )

 

Wedisson Award!

Wedisson Award

WEDISSON AWARD!!

I am totally over the moon to have won another Wedisson award!   Wedisson select photos from the best photographers all over the world, and they picked one of my images to be included in their 26th collection!

I took this photo of Bex and James whilst they wondered around the beautiful gardens of Rivervale Barn, a stunning wedding venue in Hampshire.    

Thank you Wedisson! 

CLUCK!

A few weeks back I went to the Most Curious Wedding Fair at the Old Truman Brewery, on Brick Lane in London, to see Emily, Chloe and Sam, the girls behind CLUCK, the only London based hen do company you will ever need!     The girls will help you select an itinerary that fits perfectly with your bride to be, and with activities such as liquid nitrogen cocktail making, battle bows, aerial workshops, learning the art of millinery, and urban axe throwing (!), there is literally something for every cool group of hens.    And I totally recommend you check out their incredible website - you can take a quiz, and there's loads of information.   Don't forget to book your photographer to capture all your fun!!

Here's a few pics from my visit  : )

 

A Winter Wiltshire Barn Wedding

In December I photographed Louise and David's amazing wedding in Wiltshire.   It is safe to say that Louise was a bride with some SERIOUS vision.    A few months before their December wedding I went with Louise to check out her venue.   "It's a barn" she said.   Yes.  It.  Was.   Not a warm, clean, purpose wedding venue built barn.  But a full on, industrial, working farm barn.    Louise told me that David had been building the bar, and they were having a marquee put up inside that would allow guests to see the original farm building - and thanks to Richardson Marquees, that is exactly what they did!     

On the big day, the bridesmaids looked beautiful in their gorgeous mocha long dresses, and Louise looked absolutely amazing in her heavy beaded wedding dress with long veil.   David waited for their arrival with his sharply dressed groomsmen at St Katherine's Church in Wiltshire, and on their arrival, he just couldn't contain the tears when Louise walked down the aisle!

After Louise and David became Mr and Mrs Cope in a lovely ceremony we all headed off to the barn for the reception.   The kind weather fairies were not playing the game, but this didn't put off the newly married couple from stepping outside for some pics.     It was then into the gorgeous marquee for drinks, food and - very funny - speeches.    Music in the evening came from the awesome Catch 22, and everyone partied hard into the early hours, including myself!    The cameras didn't really get put down though ... I just couldn't help it  : )

So here is the story of Louise and David's special day ....

x

Craig George Workshop in Swansea

Back in October last year I was very privileged to go on a workshop with Craig George who is a wedding photographer based in Swansea.   It's no secret that there are a LOT of wedding photographers out there now, and I find it pretty hard sometimes not to look at everyone else's work and think that's what I SHOULD be doing.   But here's the thing.   Craig's work IS different to everyone else.   It's stunning.   It's art.    And he is a true inspiration to me.    

In the past I've been guilty of sharing photos that I think everyone else will like...   not the maybe slightly flawed, slightly blurry shots that I fall in love with.    The irony is, that when I've delivered these images to my couples, they are often the shots they love the most.    And it's another kick up the butt to remind myself I need to stay true to myself.   In a room full of natural light, or on a bright sunny day, yes a light, bright airy photo can be beautiful, and I do love some of these shots, but I am always drawn to my black and white images, the under exposed, and the more emotive.     We didn't shoot for long - it wasn't what the workshop was primarily about - so when we did, I shot how *I* wanted to shoot.    Thanks to the gorgeous Beth and Josh giving up their time, I guess it gave me the opportunity to be a little braver.

I can't recommend this workshop enough ... it was more than "just" a workshop - it blew my mind.   Sat under a duvet, on a cosy futon at Cinema & Co, it allowed me the space to think about my photography in a way I didn't expect, and it even allowed me to shed a quiet tear at one point.   Craig gave us a set of tools and ideas to go away and put into practice straight away, and I went away feeling so incredibly excited about the future of my business.

As an added bonus I got to meet a bunch of super talented photographers who also inspire me every day ...   Jonny Barrett, Jay McDonald, Suzi Kerr, Joanna Szymkiewicz, Tara Gillen, and Katy McDonnell.   Go check out their work too.

So here they are.   They're under exposed.   They're dark.   They're grainy.    There's some beautiful Gower ponies thrown in at the end.   And I love them.

 

 

 

Rosier Physio & Movement Studio

Injuries.  Pains.   Niggles.    I've suffered from them for years.    It all started with classic growing pains from sudden growth spurts as a kid - I remember the handmade wobble board my Dad made for me at a time when my ankles used twist so painfully whilst around the playground at primary school.   Dancing from an early age caused a whole host of knee and back problems....  and I did my body no favours by taking up kickboxing at the age of 26.   Having trained my hips to turn out from the age of 3, asking them to do entirely the opposite 23 years later on led to nearly two years of physio.   Throw in a shoulder operation after a car accident, hours of desk work that impacts my back, and various pinched nerves from gym mishaps , it's safe to say I've sought out my fair share of treatments from the professionals!    

And so that, is how I know Tom Rosier, the founder of Rosier Physio & Movement Studio.   Last week he opened up his brand new specialist clinic in Newbury.     Not only does the clinic have well kitted out treatment rooms, but there is also a spacious studio that provides a large warm internal space for larger movement exercises and programs.     Lady Carnarvon of Highclere Castle had kindly agreed to attend in order to cut the ribbon, and It was great to be asked along to capture this special occasion.

Are you suffering from a pain or injury?   Being plagued with modern day "tech-neck" from using your mobile or laptop late into the evening??    I've been seeing Tom for a couple of years now, and I can not recommend him enough.    He will provide you the care and treatment you need, and always with a smile.

Here are a few pics from the grand opening  : )

Andy The Stockmaker

A couple of months ago I got to spend some time with my Uncle who is an exceptionally talented stockmaker.    Andy was after some up to date pics for his website and business cards, so I documented his work while we hung out at his workshop, listening to awesome tunes, munching on yummy cake and drinking tasty coffee from the local deli!     We were also blessed with a visit from the resident workshop cat who puts in an appearance now and again to say hello.     

Here are some of my favourite photos of Andy's incredible work... if you need a stock you now know where to go!!!

Have you thought about updating your website or business cards with natural documentary style photos?    I would love to hear from you   : )

A London Devonshire Terrace Wedding

I was so incredibly excited about photographing Anna and Oli's wedding for a couple of reasons....  firstly, Oli's older brother went to school with my own brother, so I knew there were going to be a few familiar faces, and that it was going to be awesome day.   Secondly, the wedding was to take place at Devonshire Terrace in London.  It is an absolutely unique wedding venue...  the building itself was built in the 1800s and used as warehouses to store goods shipped from abroad.   It now has a high glass roof over the top of a large courtyard, giving it an outdoor feel all year round, and it even has a view of The Gherkin!   

On the big day I met a beaming Anna and her best friend Sarmini at South Place Hotel, then we set off on a short walk to Toni & Guy within Liverpool Street Station where the girls had their hair done for the big day.    The staff were fab and the girls left with fabulous perfect wedding hair!      We then returned to the hotel where the ladies finished getting ready.    It was such a lovely relaxed morning, and it was an absolute pleasure to spend some time with the girls and Anna's parents.   

I accompanied Anna and her father in their car to the venue, so I was able to capture their walk together to the Terrace with fabulous views of The Gherkin.     Anna looked totally radiant in her bespoke silk and tulle dress, with bespoke bubble veil from Berkshire Veils by Bridie.   The wedding ceremony itself was beautiful, elegant, and full of love!    Devonshire Terrace provided such an incredible back drop. 

The restaurant where the new Mr and Mrs hosted their guests was low lit, and again, elegant.   The speeches were awesome - there were lots of belly laughs, moments of drinks nearly spat out, and tears.    I couldn't not shed a tear myself when Oli's brother read his speech!     

After the meal, Anna's friend's took her outside and presented her with a photobook they had put together, which included both old memories with messages, and also a few of the photos I had taken for the girls in London on Anna's hen do  : )

It was Leo from Basement Recordings who provided the tunes for the evening...   I would totally recommend him for your wedding or party!   

Normally I drive to the weddings I photograph, but this evening my bargain rates chauffeur (husband) had offered to pick me up, so I got to enjoy not only a glass of champers on the dance floor, but also a really precious moment with Anna and Oli before I left, stood with them outside on the Terrace with one of my favourite end of night tipples.     

Anna and Oli are one of the sweetest, warm hearted couples I have ever met and it was a total honour to photograph their amazing day for them x

 

A London Hen Do!

After Anna and Oli booked me for their wedding, Anna's bridesmaids contacted me in secret to arrange for me to meet them in London for Anna's hen do!    I spent a fabulous couple of hours with the girls, starting at Hershesons blow dry bar in St Paul.     All the girls had their hair done, then we set off for a walk down to Millennium Bridge, and then into gardens around St Pauls.     Not only was it great to meet Anna early,  it was such great fun photographing this smiling bunch.

Have you thought about having your hen do photographed?!    Let me know!

 

 

 

 

Stunning Hampshire Wedding at Rivervale Barn

Bex and James got married at Rivervale Barn in Yateley, Hampshire.     It is such a amazing venue, with a large oak barn filled with natural light for the ceremony, an outdoor courtyard for reception drinks, a separate large dining area, and beautiful gardens for perfect couple portraits.     

Bex got ready for the morning in Rivervale's own onsight pamper room, another light filled space, perfect for hair and makeup, before moving to the Cornstore Cottage to put on her dress and those final finishing touches.     I often miss out on being able to photograph the groom getting ready, but on this day James was only just down the road, so I dashed off to spend some time with James and his groomsmen having a pre wedding drink and getting dressed for this special day.

I arrived back at Rivervale Barn in time for Bex for finish getting ready... and how stunning does she look in her Serenity Brides lace dress?!    

My favourite part of this day was the time I got to spend with just Bex and James, out around the gardens.     I gave them some space to just enjoy being in each others company whilst capturing an over flowing amount of love which I think is evident from these photographs.   One of my image below was recently picked as a Finalist image in the NineDots Gathering 2016   : )

Beautiful couple, beautiful venue, amazing day.

x

 

FINALIST IN NINEDOTS 2016 PRINT AWARDS!

 

The NineDots Gathering is an annual super awesome boutique conference for 150 like-minded wedding photographers.    Adam Johnson, Andy Gaines, Mick Shah and Rahul Khona have crafted an experience which has the perfect blend of inspiring keynote presentations, practical teaching in mini masterclasses, access to our resident industry experts, a (very competitive!) ping-pong competition, and an epic after party!

All attendees are asked to submit three of their favourite images from the year.  The top 20 were selected by the NineDots creators, and they were up on the wall in print for everyones arrival.    I saw the images up when I sat down for the first talk by the very inspiring Daniel and Davina, but it wasn't until I was finished wiping a tear from my eye from their emotional talk that I did a double take and realised that one of my images had been selected as a finalist.    Prompt a few more tears!!     

It means so much to me that my image was picked by such incredible photographers!!  ... and I literally can't wait for next year's NineDots event : )

 

 

 

Wedfest at Wasing Park!

WEDFEST AT WASING PARK !

Sometimes I meet couples who I can't help falling in love with ... Sarah and Jon were one of those couples, and their Wedfest themed wedding at Wasing Park within the Secret Walled Garden was EPIC.    I knew it was going to be good when I rocked up and was handed my own VIP lanyard!   An outdoor ceremony, ferret racing, face painting by the Neon Fairy, hog roast, table tennis, hula hoops, pancakes, popcorn, and the 1940s harmony group The Belladonna Brigade....   

I popped down to Wasing Park the evening before the wedding to capture a few pics of the preparations.   The awesome tipi tent by The Stunning Tent Company was already up, and Jon and Sarah were in full swing of wedding prep.    The amount of time and thought Sarah and Jon put into their day was incredible.    The wedding favours were Wedfest CD's with a carefully selected track list of their top tunes  : )

On the day of the wedding Sarah had a relaxing morning getting ready at the venue with her bridesmaids, who put on gorgeous blue dresses from Lindy Bop.   Sarah's dress was from Fleur de Lys Bridal, and her ever so pretty bouquet was made by Daisy Chain Florists.    The boys looked awesome in their braces, with matching sunnies and lego men in their pin holes ... and the lego theme continued with their snow themed cheese cake topper!      

Sarah and Jon's ceremony took place outside, surrounded by hundreds of origami birds they had handmade, hanging from the trees, then after a brilliant confetti line, the guests were entertained with a spot of ferret racing - now that was something I have never photographed at a wedding before   : )

One of my most favourite times of the day is the time I get to spend with just the newly married couple, and Wasing Park offers so many different beautiful places for photographs.     We went for a walk around the gardens and grounds, and I got to capture the huge amount of love between Sarah and Jon!

Another really special part of the day was when Sarah's sister and bridesmaid transformed into the gorgeous Imogen of The Belladonna Brigade... the girls sang their first dance, and entertained all the guests with the most popular and majestic hits of the swing and boogie boogie era of the 1940s.    I can't recommend them enough for your own wedding or any other event you are holding!

I hope you enjoy looking through these photos as much as I enjoyed capturing this amazing day x

 

 

BERCC at Windsor Races 2016

On 7th August 2016 I joined Burbage and Easton Royal cricket club set on their annual trip to Windsor Races.  I had heard tales of the legendary picnic lunch and the military operation that is undertaken when the coach arrived and it was all true ... there was food galore...  including a full cheeseboard!      After filling our boots we headed into the races where there was dancing, singing, beer drinking, fairground rides, ice-creams, the occasional bet (of varying success) and a whole lot of laughter.    I had my trusty 35mm with me and captured a few pics during the day.  I was particularly fond of the flying elephants : )

Have you got an event you are running or attending?   Let me capture it for you!  : )