As a wedding photographer this has been one of the areas I've struggled with a lot. My love for images lie in their ability to capture a real moment, and I used to worry that this authenticity was lost when an image is posed. I was torn between capturing the story of the day organically, whilst at the same time wanting the pretty portraits you see on all these amazing wedding blogs (not to mention parents always seem to want a wedding portrait too!)
As time went on however, I began to realise that every moment at a wedding carries it's own mark of authenticity. Even if I might be asking you to stand here and look at each other, I can't manufacture what you are feeling. That is still very real and that is what ultimately makes it a pretty picture.
It was then I realised to be or not to be was indeed the question. You see, I'm a little shy, a little introspective, and not a big talker (that's why I blog and take photographs!) So the thought of having to find my actual voice, and speak up, was a little daunting.
But I love those pretty pictures. I hate being in front of the camera myself, but I would love those pretty pictures. And you know what, if I was getting married again, I would definitely expect my photographer to have his/her voice ready to get me some of those pretty pictures!
I want to be that photographer, and so, although for most of the day I am just quietly and unobtrusively documenting the real moments as they happen; for 20-30 minutes I find courage, and with it, my voice. Because every Big Day (and album) should have these pretty pictures. And trust me, even if you hate "posing" in front of the camera, you will be more annoyed later that you didn't do it; so if you have to, be brave with me!
Calling all Oxfordshire Brides...
08:59
I love the Internet; and as a result of this wonderful creation, we have weddings this year in London, Suffolk, Kent, Sheffield, Bristol, Surrey, Warwick and Mallorca amongst other places! Truly it's quite amazing how far the Inter-net can be cast, and I cannot even begin to tell you how excited we are about each and every one of these upcoming weddings.
We also currently have one in our home Shire too, but is it wrong to want more?
I love my county, and as excited as I am about shooting weddings in other parts of my country (and don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be saying no to more of those either!) I would love to create a name for myself locally. Home is where the heart is after all.
This became a pronounced yearning yesterday, as we were photographing at the most awesome looking St Mary's Church in Banbury. It really is quite a spectacular looking structure, both externally and internally, and I found myself fantasising about photographing a wedding there. I mean seriously, can you not just see a bride and groom standing between those pillars...(there will be more images of this amazing Church when I blog about Freddy's baptism later this week)
So I am casting my wish out into the Universe - bring me a St Mary's wedding to photograph please?
Fearless Creativity
16:39
We went round to our friends house for coffee on New Years Day and I bought Bleu the Beautiful Doodles book as a New Year present.
As we adults chatted away, I noticed Bleu was straight into the book. She simply grabbed a pen closest to her which happened to be a biro, and just started drawing. Just like that.
I was fascinated. She didn't pause. Or hesitate. She didn't even have to think too long about what she was going to draw. She didn't wait for 'inspiration' or even go looking for the 'right' equipment. She just started.
I loved it. I loved watching her, and I was inspired by her.
I took this picture to remind myself of the freedom fearless creativity brings with it.
May I carry that spirit into 2011 and beyond with me.
Lovebirds: Amanda & David
09:13
Our first scheduled pre-wedding shoot with Amanda and David had to be called off due to the snow dump that hit most of the UK, but we rescheduled just after Christmas, crossing our fingers there would still be a snowy landscape to shoot in. On the day however, with the grey clouds above, and the once crisp white snow now looking more like brown sludge, I will admit I was a little worried.
When a text from Amanda and David said that the M25 was gridlocked and they would be late, I worked hard to stop the panic from setting in. One shoot was already cancelled, and now that they were half way here, braving through the post-Christmas traffic, we have to make it work! The pep talk worked so long as I didn't stare out of the pub window for too long watching the fading Winter light...
An hour after we had initially arranged to meet, Amanda and David pulled up. Bless them; exhausted and hungry after the unexpected delays, there was no time for food or even a drink, but Amanda and David were real troopers. And, despite losing a good hour of the light, their love managed to shine through and win the day ;)
As things stand at the moment, Amanda and David kick off our 2011 wedding season with their breakfast ceremony at Stonehenge; needless to say - we can't wait!
My one little word
20:24
I started this tradition back in 2007, when my chosen word was foundation*. That was also the year I realised I was in love with my best friend, and needed to start taking this relationship a little more seriously.
2008 saw me build* on the foundations of our original relationship, to see if we could grow from a friendship into something more. Yet somewhere in those 12 months I lost my way a little, got lost in the relationship and found myself trying to become someone I wasn't.
So in 2009 I decided to just be*. We flirted with each other, but I kept my distance, wanting to be sure before I committed to anything. Photography remained by my side, took me on dates, and waited for me patiently.
By 2010 I was ready to take the plunge. To take action*. In June we took our vows, and this is it.
This is our journey.
So today, on the first day of a new year, and a new decade - I declare I am (we are) ready to flourish*.
* my annual one little word
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