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!