No More Recession - Hooray!

Yesterday's news that we are edging out of recession was welcome but there was a lot of hollow laughter among the photographers I know... still, since November last year there does seem to be many more bookings coming through and some dates this year we could have booked two, three even four times over. For some reason the most popular date of the year is 11.09.10 - and no, I've no idea why either...answers on a postcard please!

But one thing that is worth highlighting is that if you are planning a wedding, do book up your preferred suppliers earlier rather than later, as delaying might well mean you end up compromising your choice. Last year you could have left it quite late but I'm less sure that the same will apply so much this year.

And if you are planning your big day, have fun! Yes, there loads of decisions to make, but the day itself goes by so quickly, so think of all the shopping trips and meetings as all part of the big day and savour every minute!

Ashton Court Weddings

Just a quick follow up to the wedding fair post a few days ago. Thanks to everyone who stopped for a chat at the Ashton Court Mansion event. The rooms did look great and impressive to see the tables laid up - its not often that prospective clients can see all the choices available as there is usually a wedding or event of some description taking place. But this gave the chance to have a good look at what might be possible - each of the rooms looked really impressive - above is a shot of the Music Room. We spoke to lots of couples as the afternoon went on and look forward to following up the conversations over the coming weeks.

Finding Mr Right...

"Marriage isn't a passion-fest: its a partnership running a boring business" - Lori Gottleib, author. There was an interesting article in the Observer yesterday (24.01), that went under the headline of 'Find Mr Right before age 30 or settle for second best'. Now, setting aside the fact that I was well passed 30 when I got married so 'Mr Second Best' here is feeling slightly hurt, the article touches on some interesting points about modern expectations from marriage. Well worth looking up the article...

Ashton Court Wedding Fair

Although this Sunday's event at Ashton Court Mansion is not technically a wedding fair - its an 'invitation only' event for couples considering the venue for their celebration - it does give me an excuse to sing the praises of one of Bristol's best wedding venues. Hard to describe as a 'best kept secret' since with 60-70 weddings a year it is tremendously popular; mostly because it offers a great setting whatever the season. Great for pictures indoors and out; its the kind of venue that your guests will love. The Music Room, popular for the ceremony, is full of natural light in the summer and is just perfect for a grand entrance and to walk up the aisle. So if you are planning your day and looking for a venue that's a cut above the usual, do give them a call.

Venice

Just back from an amazing trip to Venice. Bitterly cold, but fortified by lots of espresso, great cakes and ice cream (it was cold, but the ice cream was fab - it had to be done!), the trip was a great success. One of this year's resolutions was to shoot more for myself, so I feel a bit smug to have already put that into practice. Just planning the next trip, with a view to shooting more stock shots as the year goes on...watch this space!

Devon Based Make up Specialist

Through the blog especially, its helpful I think to highlight some of the great people we end up working with... and if you are planning a Devon / Cornwall wedding, then we do recommend Josie Lock for all the bride and bridesmaid's hair & make up styling. Josie is incredibly friendly and is generating lots of interest in her work locally. I've been working with Josie on some exeter based projects and its been a real pleasure. The picture above is Josie at work, but rather than take my word for it, do give her a call and talk through your day with her.

Bath Photo Workshop - 21 February

Are your snaps missing their crackle and pop?

If your camera has been banished to the back of the cupboard, now is the time to set it free! Perhaps you have a big family gathering on the horizon or a holiday of a lifetime; maybe you’ve just treated yourself to a fancy new camera and would like to know how to get the best from it… Andrew will be hosting a number of training workshops this year, starting at Bailbrook House on Sunday, 21 February. Bailbrook is a lovely venue, with amazing areas of well lit areas indoors, so whatever the weather, we'll be able to get some great pictures.

For more information, please contact Andrew on 01761 452084, who can talk you through what the course aims to cover.

Winter Portraits in Bath

Well, like the rest of the country, I am snowed in today. Luckily no shoot booked, so I can relax and catch up on paperwork! My neighbours keep asking if I'm heading out with the camera and to be honest, no - its beautiful but far too cold! I think this is why I specialise in people photography, rather than landscape - much, much easier!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all our clients, friends & supporters of the business! We're looking forward to working with you in 2010 and making the coming year a great success. It feels an exciting time in prospect; we've got some great portrait promotions in the pipeline, so watch this space and we've some stunning weddings booked in, which we'll profile on the blog as and when. Whatever your plans for the coming year, may we take this opportunity to wish you all a safe, successful and, above all, happy 2010.