Andrew Jackson Photography Moving House!

Many thanks for taking the time to read this blog. As you can see, I've stopped posting entries for a while as we have a new blog on the "All singing, all dancing" new Andrew Jackson Photography website (although technically speaking there is no singing or dancing, which is for the best really!). I shall be back to this site as a platform for my non-commissioned work so watch this space...

Today I have been mostly eating too many biscuits

Andrew Jackson Photography: Cotswolds Weddings

A quick congratulations to Kelly & Mark, who were married in the beautiful Cotswold town of Tetbury. It was a fab day - perfect weather, lovely guests and off to Matara for the reception - which is a wedding photographers delight! Congratulations to you both!

Today I have been mostly trying out ladies perfumes...its a long story!

Bristol & Bath Boudoir Photography

If you are looking for a boudoir photographer in Bristol & Bath, you might be interested to see our new style of image - wild, sexy but leaving lots to the imagination too. Just like my wedding shots, story telling through pictures is what it's all about. Our Boudoir experience is champagne and glamour all the way, with a hair & make up stylist on-hand throughout the shoot experience - its hollywood, its glamour and its available now! Contact us at Andrew Jackson Photography to start your story...

Today I have been mostly thinking about Alexa and Charley's wedding tomorrow - so excited for them!

Andrew Jackson Photography: Pre-Wed Shoots

I always recommend to our wedding couples that they come along for a pre-wed shoot; its a really fun shoot - usually in Bristol's Harbourside area - and gives us a chance to get to know each other a little better. For the couple, its a chance to feel comfortable in front of the camera ahead of the big day - and gives me a chance to explain how to pose & look their best on camera and also how things are likely to unfold on the day. Yesterday, we were photographing Alexa & Charley and we had a fab time - they were naturals in front of the camera and when they get married in the Cotswolds at Bibury Court later in the month, I know they will look stunning together; we're really looking forward to sharing their big day with them. Here are a few of the shots from yesterday...

Today I have been mostly wondering why no one is talking about the AV vote - have they not announced the results yet?

Andrew Jackson Photography: Workshops

Our next workshop takes place on Sunday, 22 May at the very lovely Rectory Hotel near Tetbury. Perhaps you have a wedding, a big family gathering or the holiday of a lifetime on the horizon; maybe you’ve just treated yourself to a fancy new camera and would like to know how to get the best from it...in which case, we would love to see you at this very informal, fun workshop.

Places are £85 PP (which includes lunch) and there are a few spaces left. There are a maximum of ten places available, with four remaining, so if you would like to come along please call Andrew on (01761) 452084 to ask any questions and to book your place.

Today I have been mostly excited about Shelley & Matt's wedding next year - I'm really looking forward to sharing the day with you both!

The Royal Wedding

I have been asked for my thoughts on the royal wedding so often these past few days; but its difficult to add a great deal of meaning when so much has been written. So in no particular order, here we go (in no particular order...)

• Would I have liked to be the photographer? No, No and No...well, maybe! Obviously post-wedding sales should have been fab! But the second-by-second schedule would have scared me to death! I much prefer a more relaxed, free flowing kind of day!
• Yes, Catherine looked absolutely stunning! Loved the fact that it was a British designer (Sarah Burton / Alexander McQueen), loved the lace sleeves and the modest detailing on the bodice but most of all, loved the way Catherine brought it to life - which is exactly what I hope for when I'm capturing my weddings. The price of the dress is less the issue than the confidence and personality of the bride wearing it - it makes such a difference. A wedding dress isn't everyday wear so its difficult sometimes for a bride to feel truly comfortable wearing it, but Catherine was working it beautifully!
• Loved the hats - are they making a come back? I hope so - wedding hats are SO part of the story!
• Perfect make up: Brides, now you know the secret - Catherine's skin looked fresh and natural, achieved by Lancome's Teint Miracle foundation (great for flash photography), a hint of blusher and day-time appropriate eye make up - keep it light and try to ignore the wedding magazines when they say to over make up for the pictures...
• Loved the bouquet - every flower tells a story & each stem was chosen for a reason - I really like that attention to detail. Just like the car, it is these small touches that make the day unique, even though as a ceremony is follows a generations-old pattern.
• Pictures: Credit to the photographer. The formal groups are very formal but beautiful delivered & when the opportunity arose for a more relaxed shot, he had that covered too.

So just a snap shot of thoughts. I'm looking forward to see how much Catherine's day influences future weddings, but most of all, I really pleased that the couple had such a lovely day. When we strip away all the pomp and ceremony, we are left with a couple who looked very much in love, very close & supportive of each other. Its capturing that impression that makes being a wedding photographer such a great job. So yes, on reflection, I would have liked the commission!

The Rectory Hotel, Crudwell: Congratulations!

The Rectory Hotel in The Cotswolds is one of my favourite venues, so it was especially pleasing to see it highlighted in The Times newspaper on Saturday in the "Cool Hotel" guide. The article starts "Sometimes a hotel just gets it right - and you can tell almost from the moment that you walk in. The Rectory is one of those places...". It is so true. I've been recommended there for my wedding photography for a while now but we also run photo workshops there and in June, I'm hosting a dinner for some of my favourite fellow photographers. So I know The Rectory really well and not at all surprised to see a score of 9.5 for service. A good venue only becomes a great venue if the team are committed and passionate about what they are doing - the Rectory have a great team and it shows. So congratulations Jenna - you deserve the good press!

Today I have been mostly enjoying a family gathering - lovely to have the time to stop the world and catch up for five minutes!

Shilstone Manor: Stunning New Devon Wedding Venue

Yesterday, I visited the most amazing new wedding venue - Shilstone Manor - which will be opening this summer.

The experience starts long before you step out of the car, as Shilstone is set in the most beautiful Devon countryside, with country lanes full of wild flowers - wild garlic and bluebells, beautiful ferns unfolding in the sunshine - it really is delightful....

Right now the smell of wood shavings and paint fills the air as the joiners add their finishing touches. Crockery and lampshades huddle together for safety (or at least wait to be put back into position) and oak panelling is stacked ready to go back on the wall. But plainly, these are the final stages and its difficult not to be impressed by the attention to detail of the new design. Beautiful arches, window lights and perfect finishing touches give this venue a very cool, relaxed charm - combined with the stunning setting, its easy to imagine this as a very exclusive venue.

So I'm especially pleased to say that Andrew Jackson Photography is recommended by Shilstone Manor, with our first bridal shoot scheduled for early June. I can't wait to show you the pictures!

Wedding Photography Bristol & Bath

Had a great meeting with make up artist Charley B last week. Charley has a massive amount of experience, with fashion pictures published in the national press. Looking through the portfolio I was really impressed and I'm looking forward to working with Charley on a couple of projects on the horizon - more of which later. But looking through the portfolio really made me realise what a great investment having a specialist wedding make up artist is. It is so easy for brides to misjudge their make up, especially in all the excitement of the wedding morning - too little and so much of the facial definition is lost for the pictures - too much and the groom will wonder who is walking down the aisle! So if you are planning your Bristol or Bath wedding, do give Charley a call on 07960 017462.

Today I have been mostly listening to Saxon ..."Fill your head with heavy metal thunder"!!!

Wedding Photography at The Manor House Castle Combe

Just a quick blog to say a big thank you to all the couples who stopped and said hello at the wedding event on Sunday at The Manor House at Castle Combe. Carla & Sophie were working flat out all day, giving couples - and their families - guided tours of what has to be one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the area. Lovely to see Jo from Passion (one of my favourite florist's - as readers of the blog will know!) there as well, so all in all a fab day! Our next "Public Appearance / Wedding Event" is in Bradford on Avon on Thursday, 5 May, 5-8pm. Find me at Orton's Jewellers - definitely the best place to go if you want stunning hand-made wedding bands or engagement rings. Lee & Christine create the most beautiful pieces - so call in and talk about wedding photography and jewellery. Other wedding shops will be open in Bradford on the evening, so call for more details...

Today I have been mostly stuck at my desk - thank you Claire & Lee for giving me a pre-wed shoot to escape to this evening!

Wedding Photography Bristol & Bath

Just to make it three colour shots in a row... but I couldn't resist adding the B&W shot as well! The colour shot is back lit and its a look we try really hard to incorporate into our albums. Obviously, it needs sun or at least a light source of some description, so it doesn't work so well on the grey, overcast days, but I love the way the picture really zings off the page! The B&W is another trademark image, with all the focus being on the bride's gorgeous smile - if this is the style of picture you might like in your album do get in touch via the Andrew Jackson website! We're mainly Bristol & Bath based, but very happy to accept commissions from across the UK.

Today I have been mostly thinking that the Easter portraits are going to have fab weather if this beautiful Spring carries on.

Andrew Jackson Photography Weddings

Its been a really busy weekend with a fab wedding: still processing the pictures from that one, but just wanted to share this with you. I love black & white, and I know that lots of the couples who commission me are keen on B&W too, but this year, I'm really looking for colour shots to create something a bit different. The blue background is just from a piece of art on the wall but it brings a whole new dimension to the shot... that said, it did also look good in B&W, but I'm trying not to think about that!

Today I have been mostly eating liquorish allsorts...diet starts tomorrow!

"New" Wedding Photography in Bristol & Bath

Okay, so maybe not new as such, but whilst the blog has been silent 'Andrew Jackson Photography' has been working on major improvements to just about everything connected with our wedding capture - so really exciting times. Soon, we'll be starting a new blog dedicated to helping brides get the most from their day - so lots of tips, supplier suggestions and ideas - so watch this space. In the meantime, loads of pictures to be shared, so starting with this beautiful portrait captured a week ago. I love it!

Today I have been mostly buying pork products!

Cotswold Wedding Fair: Sunday 13 March

An invitation to come and say hello! Andrew Jackson Photography will be at The Rectory wedding fair on March 13. We were very impressed by the autumn event; its really freindly with some really good suppliers - a long way from the usual bun fight, that so many wedding events have become! So do come along and say hello! Send us an email at info@andrewjacksonphotography.co.uk if you would like more information.

Today I have been mostly enjoying the stunning light at The Manor House, Castle Combe... How beautiful is this venue?!

Winter Wedding Photography

Here at Andrew Jackson Photography, we love winter weddings... As a photographer you have to be confident in your skills because low light is a creative challenge and cold weather can test the patience of even the friendliest guests. But, great light combined with a great couple and the pictures can be magical. Which leads seamlessly in to Abi & Matt's wedding at Dumbleton Hall in the Cotswolds; our first wedding shoot of 2011. It really was a perfect day and I just wanted to share with you a selection of wedding photographs...

Today I have been mostly feeling good about the quality of my work - it feels as though its been a week of lovely feedback

Somerset Wedding Fair at Charlton House

Planning your wedding in Somerset? Then we would love to invite you to the Charlton House wedding fair on Sunday, 20th March. As always, Saskia and I will be making an exhibition of ourselves as we show off our fab albums! Wedding fairs are a great way to short list your preferred suppliers but nothing beats a detailed, private conversation, so we are also offering a few slots during the day to meet clients in a quiet corner to listen to their plans in more detail. If you would like to book an appointment to talk about your Somerset wedding, contact us via the website or on 01761 452084. We look forward to seeing you there!

Today I have been mostly working much harder than expected!

Andrew Jackson Photography Website

We are in the process of creating a brand new, chic, exciting, creative, interesting and easy to navigate website (at least that was pretty much the brief to the designers) for Andrew Jackson Photography. So click on the link and email me at info@andrewjacksonphotography.co.uk with any suggested changes... would you like to see more colour shots or more black & white, more real life weddings, more or less pictures, etc - we would be pleased to receive any thoughts you might have...

Today I have been mostly dealing with man-flu ... obviously, I shall retire to bed soon!

New York Brides in Bristol & Bath?

One of the reasons for starting the 'Andrew Jackson Photograpraphy' blog was to flag up some of the trends that catch my eye when I'm looking through the wedding magazines and this month's Cosmo Brides is full of great ideas. We're in the process of planning a new web site and have been looking to the US for inspiration - especially suppliers in NYC. So really interested to see Cosmo's 'Bridal Buzz' article... loved the dresses from Priscilla of Boston - there is just something very NOW about the knee length wedding dresses - still in traditional colours & fabrics but individual, flattering and very stylish - definately worth a look. I also loved (I hesitate to say this...) but the Vera Wang did look fab; sometimes the well known brands can leave you wondering what all the fuss is about it (especially from a blokes point of view!), but I just let my eyes wander the page and I kept coming back to the Vera Langs...

Our 2011 wedding season officially starts tomorrow - I'm very excited - so to all the couples getting married this year, have a wonderful time!

Today I have been mostly thinking of Abi & Matt and looking forward to sharing their big day with them tomorrow.

Wedding Ideas

I just wanted to upload these images because for me they highlight a key aspect to planning your big day... A quick glance through Cosmo Brides or You & Your Wedding will quickly reveal a thousand ideas to make your day special & different. But they need not cost a fortune and often, it is the hand-made touches that stay longest in the mind. The pictures above came from Charlotte and Angus's wedding at Pickwell Manor. Pickwell is a beautiful venue, overlooking Devon's lovely coast and surfing beeches. The couple wanted their guests to enjoy a chilled and relaxed day and to help this along, had shawls and flip flops on hand to ensure guests stayed comfortable. Their favours were strawberry plants and herbs planted in a wide range of jam jars (all donated by friends & family over the proceeding year). Lovely, lovely touches that marked the day as their own. So be inspired by the magazines, but head for the "Real Life" wedding section and maybe pick up some great ideas for your day.

Today I have been mostly getting very cross with my Mac!

Bath Weddings

Regular readers will know that we are big fans of florist Jo Shipp of "Passion". When shooting a wedding in Bristol or Bath, it is always incredibly reassuring to see Jo and her fab team dressing the ceremony or reception room. Now Jo also has a high street presence at The Loft in Bartlett Street, Bath, which opened on the 1st February - all very exciting and just wanted to wish Jo luck with this new venture - it looks great and I am sure will be hugely successful.

Today I am mostly learning how to use my Mac properly...

Bristol & Bath Photography Workshop

For those of you reading this having attended one of the 'Andrew Jackson Photography workshops' workshops, I just wanted to highlight last weekends Sunday Times magazine. There is a really interesting feature called "Angels with Dirty Faces" and it is a set of street life portraits captured by a photographer called Vivian Maier. It is only when she died (aged 83 in 2009) that 40 years or work came to light. Amazing pictures that will be on display in London in July (for details click on link). Being inspired by other photographers is a key part of the workshops and this definitely looks a set of pictures worth a closer look. Applause too for the broad sheet Sunday papers, who really do fly a flag for the very best in still photography.

Today I have been mostly in need of a glass of shiraz!

Bristol Wedding Photography Clients...

....where are you? As you are probably aware, I've been in wedding photography in Bristol & Bath since (hang on, I just need to check the files...) since Jeremy & Anne's wedding in 2000 (thanks for waiting whilst I checked that). Over that time there have been busy years and recession interrupted years, but I guess we've averaged at least 25 weddings a year, so I've captured 200-250 ish weddings...that's a lot of experience.

All of which is building up to say that whilst we try to keep tabs on everyone, couples often move house, start families, move house again, etc, etc without telling us (honestly, it can be quite hurtful sometimes!) so over the coming month or two we will be trying to contact everyone to bring the details up to date. So if you are reading this as a former client and suddenly remember that you have moved (or more accurately moved and not told us - I'm kind of hoping that you are aware of the first bit) then do please give us a call - it will be lovely to catch up with you again!

Today I have been mostly celebrating my tenth blog in one month - a new record!

Portrait Photography That You Will Love - Guaranteed

We speak to so many parents who would love some fab framed portraits of their children but dread the thought of a trip to a high street studio. Firstly, its "will the kids behave", quickly followed by the high cost and high pressure sales that seem to go hand in hand with most studio set ups. With high overheads the pressure is always on to make the sales.

But there is a better way. This spring we will be announcing a new portrait offer, timed for the Easter holidays (which seem to go on for ever this year - big thanks to the Royal couple!). We've been out scouting for new locations - outdoors and fun and plenty of space to run around (for the children too!) and we've got new frames and albums on order to ensure the work is beautifully presented.

If you would like to know details, do please give me a call or contact me via the Andrew Jackson Photography website.

Today I have been mostly listening to MC Hammer - U Can't Touch this!!

Photography Workshop Bristol & Bath

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 the 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... why not attend one of Andrew’s training workshops this year?

Our first will be at the very beautiful Bath Priory Hotel in April. As well as the friendliest welcome and lovely setting, the Bath Priory is also Michelin starred, so lunch will be wonderful! The first workshop of the year is all about taking control of your digital or film SLR, taking it off the auto settings and creating great images. Contact Andrew via the website for further information.

28 Feb update: All the details are now confirmed so if you would like more information, do ask. Places are limited so do please let me know as soon as possible - thank you!

Today I have been mostly thinking about Saskia, my wife... one very special person

Ashton Court Wedding Photographer

Had a fab day at the Ashton Court Wedding Open Day yesterday. Thank you to everyone who stopped to have a chat with us and thank you so much for all the kind words about my style of wedding photography. It felt as though we met a lot of people who loved the work: wedding fairs are a great opportunity to gauge reaction to the way my work is evolving - and yesterday was a great reaction - thank you! Great canapes at Ashton Court too - probably ate a few too many, but they were lovely!!!

Today, I shall mostly be back on my diet...

Valentines Day Gift

I know, we've just finished unwrapping Christmas presents and it feels far too soon to start worrying about the next thing, but just to sow a seed... Romantic couple shoots make the ideal gift. The shoot itself is lots of fun and we'll give you all the help and advice you need to take away any worries about being in front of the camera. Afterwards, you'll have an amazing set of pictures to remember the day and to have on display. Contact us via the Andrew Jackson Photography website for more information. We can provide vouchers if you would like to book your shoot after the 14th.

Today I have been mostly listening to "Here I go Again" by Whitesnake - oh, the memories!

Beautiful Portraits

Managed to find time to visit the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Exhibition at The National Portrait Gallery last weekend. Really interesting set of prints on display and inevitably, some images are drop dead gorgeous and left me feeling green with envy - others left me wondering 'why?' - the winning shot especially is a good example of this response! But I guess exhibitions are kind of like fashion week in Paris - the clothes demand attention, prompt conversation and / or praise / ridicule accordingly, but its not real life. The Taylor Wessing competition is like that - every picture will generate a response but maybe not everyone would find a space on your wall. Exhibition runs until 14/2 so still time to visit.

Mary McCartney also has some of her images on display too - also well worth a look.

Bristol Wedding Fair at Ashton Court

It is Ashton Court wedding fair this Sunday - a great opportunity to come and meet us, see some of our wedding albums and talk through your wedding plans with us. This is a lovely event if you are considering Ashton Court for your wedding, because it does give an opportunity to see this beautiful venue dressed for a wedding but more than this, its not a wedding fair in the traditional sense of lots of suppliers so you can walk round without feeling under any pressure. It is a lovely venue, whatever the weather, whatever the time of year. The ceremony room is full of natural light and quite possibly offers the longest aisle of any civil ceremony venue. But the rest of the house is full of character too, so inside or white, you will have great pictures. If you might come along, do give us a call so we know to look out for you. For more Ashton Court pictures look on the Andrew Jackson Photography website in the weddings / venues section.

Passion & All Things Flower

Enjoyed a fab visit to Jo Shipp yesterday, who is the owner / creative force behind 'Flowers by Passion' - if you haven't come across the name, look in "Hello" or "Cosmo" magazine, as her work is often profiled. I've known Jo for about five or six years now - we're recommended at some of the same venues and it is always a huge pleasure to bump into Jo at a wedding. Its not just that the flowers will be fresh and top quality - and when I'm shooting still life's for the bride its really important that the flowers are perfect - its the creativity too. Jo has a wealth of props: vases, candelabras and all sorts to set the flowers perfectly and create looks that are unique. I always aim to bring a little extra to my wedding commissions and I know Jo is just the same when it comes to the floral artistry.

Jo is now based in Swainswick in Bath, in a wonderfully rural location. If you are planning your wedding and want the flowers to be a bit more special than the usual, then do give her a call or click on the link above.

Bristol Weddings & Twitter

I think this is good news... I'm pleased to say that I have finally joined the 21st century as I am now on Twitter - the address is AJP_photo. Have to be honest and say that I am still getting to grips with it all, but I hope it will in time become a great reference source for information & contacts for all things wedding related. So whether you are a couple planning your big day or in an associated business (from cup cake bakers to wedding planners and florists) do please sign up as a follower and lets create a space thats of useful (ie I promise not to to post a twitter simply to tell you that I'm drinking coffee) (actually, thats probably a given - just assume that whatever I'm doing a small latte or Americano won't be too far away!). Any questions or thoughts as to how I should get the best from Twitter do please say...

Weddings, Portraits & Things in 2011

The start of a new year is always kind of interesting. On one level, nothing much has changed (well, petrol prices are higher, VAT has gone up and its still too cold - but shall we gloss over that?); on another level, its hard to avoid thinking of a new year as anything other than a fresh start. And personally speaking, this is probably the most exciting year in prospect since 2008 (which is when I got married - now that was a great year!). I know, the recession isn't over, but I'm SO bored with all that doom and gloom now; so this year, the focus is firmly on having fun...its time to play!!

Looking ahead, there are some really exciting wedding commissions in the diary already, which I'm looking forward to capturing.So if its your wedding on the horizon, keep calm, breathe deeply and it will be fine - promise!

We're also in the process of reviewing all our products and very soon we shall be releasing news of all our new products & prices for 2011/2012, so do give Andrew a call if you would like to receive further details.

Andrew is also going to be working closely with Damien Lovegrove over the coming year. Damien, one of leading UK wedding photographers, has been a huge inspiration to the business, almost since we launched in 2000; he has an incredibly relaxed style of picture taking but one that produces stunning images; as well as this, his attention to detail in looking after clients is really the blue print of what photography should be about (but so often isn't, sadly).

We have very high hopes for 2011 - we hope your year is going to be as much fun as our!