Jill & George - First Wedding of the Year

I shot my first wedding of the year a couple of weeks ago and after a busy couple of weeks with commercial photography, I've just got round to finishing the edits. I was really excited to be back behind the lens to cover the year's first story and Jill and George's special day was a real treat.

I started my coverage with Jill and her family at the Green Dragon, Welton East Yorkshire where we had a lot of fun with the preparations - Jill's 2 sons were really great to photograph and could have easily have been mistaken for the front men out of the coolest indie band out there! Jill's dress was really unusual and once her sisters had helped her in, she looked just great.

The ceremony was held at St Mary's Church in Elloughton, a gorgeous little church that I hadn't shot in before but looked super in the group shots that we did inside (way too cold for outside!) My shot of the whole wedding party required some ninja skills as to access the upper balcony, I had to scale the bell tower's very narrow stair case and with 2 cameras in tow, this was no mean feat!

Jill and George held their reception at the Country Park Inn on the Hessle Foreshore, so we stopped underneath the bridge to photograph their 'Penny Drop' session before being greeted by their wedding party. George is from a large Greek family and it will be no surprise that lamb was on the menu! After a lovely meal, a Greek band struck up and it wasn't long before one of George's family members took to the floor to perform a traditional dance - so much pride and passion! After a 10 minute display, the dance floor was full and dinner plates were being smashed to the cries of 'Opa' (for those of you who are not familiar with this word, it is used in Greek culture to describe 'jubilant emotion during a ceremony' but is also used for no apparent reason at all!)

I left the party at around 9pm and glad to get out in the fresh air - the temperature was so hot on the dancefloor!

Jill and George set off the next morning for a month long cruise of the far east and I'm really looking forward to catching up with them when they get back to share their story with them.

Insight Collaborates with the Millhouse SKidby's new E-Brochure

I've recently posted about my ongoing collaboration with the Millhouse Restaurant in Skidby and I am now pleased to announce that owner Mark, has now launched the venue's new wedding brochure featuring images that I created at a recent wedding.

As a Yorkshire wedding photographer, developing long term relationships with venues like the Millhouse gives me an opportunity to shout out about the great places we have in this region to get married. Mark is just coming to the end of a total refurb at the Millhouse and the results are just stunning, he's even installed GHD straighteners in the ladies - how's that for attention to detail!

Photoshop Free - All Natural, 100% Organic Wedding Photography

As a Yorkshire Wedding Photographer, I make a promise to myself before I shoot each and every wedding. That promise is that I will push the creative envelope a little bit further on at every wedding day that I cover. To be creative as a wedding photographer is a given but often there is so much going on at weddings, that I really have to plan well ahead how I am going to fit in the 'diamond' shots that I like to deliver for my clients. The shot above was taken during a very busy wedding day for Caroline and Paul and I only needed 5 minutes of their time to create it. I had been thinking of this shot over the past few weddings but it never quite made its debut until last Saturday. I always recall my Canadian photo mentors doing a similar shot on dancefloors and it worked really well but I wanted to put my own spin on it. I took Paul and Caroline out onto the croquet lawn at Rowley Manor and placed a Quantum Q Flash behind them on a small tripod, a Pocket wizard was used to trigger it. I think the flash was on around 1/4 power. My first exposures were around 1/8th second and I instantly liked the look but I knew there was another element missing. I opened up the shutter to around 4 seconds for the frame above and what happened was just magic - although it was pitch black, the camera's sensor picked up on the very low amount of ambient light and burnt in the beautiful red sky you see in the scene. I had to ask Caroline and Paul to keep very still as my Nikon D700 recorded the frame but 4 seconds of stillness for the bride and groom was much appreciated! There is absolutely zero photoshop work in this image, it is as was captured in the camera and is a very similar effect even if I had used film (film? What's that now?) I'm really proud of this image and it has definitely raised the bar for the lit work I do for modern, discerning wedding couples and it is why as a Yorkshire Wedding Photograper, I love my job!

Caroline & Paul - Rowley Manor 17th October

As a Hull Wedding Photographer, I had the pleasure of spending today with Caroline and Paul as they celebrated their wedding day. The day started early at the groom's home where Paul was experiencing his fair share of pre-wedding nerves, but with a lively set of groomsmen we managed to get him through it! On to the bride's where a gorgeous set of bridesmaids and a great family were helping Caroline make her preparations. The bride made her way to St Andrew's Church in Kirkella by horse and cart and a beautiful service followed - the choir sang Hallelujah (Jeff Buckley/Alexandra Burke) as the couple signed the register - it sounded so majestic. A reception followed at Rowley Manor with great food, great speeches and dancing led by one of my favourite live acts - Johnny Pat and the Aces. Caroline and Paul will be leaving on their honeymoon tomorrow and will spend a month in Australia - wishing them all the best for a beautiful life together!

Hiring a Professional Wedding Photographer

Many of you may have seen an article in the news over the last couple of days regarding the unfortunate West Yorkshire couple whose wedding photography was ruined by a so-called 'professional'. I couldn't help but leave a comment on the national Daily Mail's website and it seems that lots of other professional wedding photographers have done so too.

It got me thinking about what I do in the age of digital technology and why I am committed as a professional to the progression of the art of modern, wedding photography.

Over the past few years, there has been a massive influx of new photographers to the industry and to each and every one of them, I wish them good luck for their success. However, I wish them good luck as long as they carry with them the responsibility of being a professional wedding photographer - that means several things. It means at the most basic of levels, at least one back up piece of equipment for each critical part of their camera system; at least giving their clients a written contract/booking form which clearly states what the terms of business are and exactly what the clients will receive for their investment; It means having full and valid public liability insurance in the event of an accident in a public space and usually PAT testing for any equipment they take to a venue. These are all practicalities that professional wedding photographers take as given, even more importantly though are the other aspects of a photographer that you should consider well before booking.

Does the photographer's style of photography make you tick? Does he/she have the relevant experience in all types of weather conditions to produce a consistently great image for your album ie. Does he/she have experience with lighting gear which will allow them to keep shooting creative images even when it is raining outside. Can you imagine your photographer spending upto 12 hours with you on what will undoubtedly be one of your most special days of your life so far? In an ideal world, you should be able to answer all of these questions positively!

I enjoy nothing more than meeting with clients after their return from honeymoons to show them the story of their wedding day - this to me is a big prize for the job I am lucky enough to do professionally. What I do know is that I am continuously getting educated as a photographer - I take courses, read continuously, go to seminars, join professional organisation s- basically I have an insatiable appetite for getting better at what I do everyday. When that desire is not there, I'll hang up my Nikon and retire gracefully.

Bringing it all home, when you hire a professional photographer for your wedding, you can and should expect images such as the one above, you can and should expect a professional who is adequately prepared to deal with all that the stresses of a wedding day can throw at them and lastly - they should be ultimately passionate about their craft and how that translates to your wedding album - when the cake is scoffed and the hangover is long forgotten - you will always have your album to reflect on how perfect your special day was.

As an East Yorkshire Wedding Photographer, I cover wedding stories all throughout the north of the UK.

Insight's New Wedding Showreel - Part 2

As an East Yorkshire Wedding Photographer, I posted the first part of my new wedding showreel yesterday. I am now posting the second part that I hope that clients (old and new) friends and family will all enjoy. I'm so proud of what I do as a wedding photographer and I hope that my passion for my work comes through. Enjoy!

Insight's New Wedding Showreel - Part 1

As an East Yorkshire Wedding Photographer, I have the privilege of meeting the best couples and families in the world! Sharing their wedding days with them and all of the emotions that go with it is a unique experience and gives my work as a photographer a very special meaning.

Clair and Andy got married on the 18th July this year at the Ramada Jarvis in Hull and when I began to think about a couple to ask to help me with my new wedding showreel, I immediately thought of them. Part 1 of the showreel introduces you to Clair, Andy and some of the preparations they went through in finding a wedding photographer and ultimately giving me the honour of capturing their special day. PArt 2 of the showreel will be posted tomorrow, so stay tuned to this channel!

Carol & Rich - Rudstone Walk

As an East Yorkshire wedding photographer I had the pleasure of photographing Rich and Carol's wedding yesterday at St James in Sutton and then afterwards at Rudstone Walk.

Such a beautiful day, Rich being the ever Artful Dodger got what he predicted and the sun shone all day. The East Yorkshire Wolds looked amazing over Rudstone and the clear skies made for an epic background for their 'Penny Drop Session'

A selection of images in the collage show how great the day was, a lovely family, great friends and a super vibe all day. Can't wait to show the story of their day when Carol and Rich get back from their honeymoon.

Claire & Nick @ Ramada Jarvis

As a East Yorkshire Wedding Photographer I had the pleasure of photographing Nick & Claire's wedding at the Hull Ramada Jarvis today. Such a beautiful wedding, with a beautiful family surrounding the whole day. Claire looked gorgeous and the light really helped today as it wasn't as bright as last weekend. Met some Canadian guests who knew the bar I helped to run back in Port Dalhousie, that was such a great blast from the past!

A little selection of images from the wedding above and I can't wait to show Claire and Andy their collection when they get back from Egypt with little man Riley! (He loved the camera all day!)

How Haddock and Photography come together!

As a Hull Wedding Photographer, I took this photo on my day off in sunny Brid! For all of you who know the East Riding of Yorkshire, Brid is a coastal town famous for it's beaches and fishing haul.

I was waiting for commercial job to start in a restaurant and whilst I had time I noticed how amazing the harbour looked, couldn't but resist to the frame above and it coninuously reminds me how beautiful this part of the country is. I feel reallly lucky to live in East Yorkshire, it's our hood and let's dance around!

Rob and Emma - Millhouse - Skidby

As a Hull Wedding Photographer, I had the pleasure of spending yesterday with Rob and Emma who tied the knot at St Peter's Church in Anlaby and then onto The Millhouse at Skidby.

We couldn't have asked for a better day, every detail was straight from a fairytale and nothing short of a feast for my camera! In fact the weather was a little too good as my Nikon Flash units worked double time to overpower the intense September sunshine!

Mark and Graeme at the Millhouse did an amazing job with their unique brand of hospitality and anywhere that has Peroni and Becks on tap is a keeper in my books! Their venue is perfect for couples who want a stunning setting with amazing food and the greatest of attention to detail.

Our early evening 'Penny Drop Session' was a joy with Rob and Emma in such an amazing environment with Skidby Mill and the Millhouse as our backdrop.

I can't wait to share the collection with Rob and Emma when they come back from their honeymoon in Hawaii, San Francisco and Las Vegas congratulations to you both - I had a blast yesterday!

Doing the Work I Love

Hopefully you will have gathered from my past blogging, that as a Hull Wedding Photographer, I am extremely passionate about what I do. I feel so very privileged to do work which is never boring, always fulfilling and brings me into contact with some of the most amazing people.

I thought I'd share some images which show me doing what I do best and that is working with couples to create memorable images for their albums. The images above were shot during Jane and Neil's wedding which took place at Rowley Manor on the 8th August this year. They were an awesome couple to work with and in fact I am going to see them tonight to show them the 399 photographs that I have selected from over 1500 I shot on the day. I think Jane will need a box of Kleenex when she sits through their story!

Sam & Gary - Tickton Grange

As a East Yorkshire Wedding Photographer, I had the pleasure of being with Sam & Gary who married at St James's, Hull and held their reception at Tickton Grange, East Yorkshire today. Such a beautiful day, such a beautiful couple, lots of great photo moments and tried a few new techniques today which I know Sam and Gary will really love.

Off camera flash was the order of the day with East Yorkshire clouds giving an amazing backdrop, couldn't ask for anymore! I actually shot more pictures today than I I ever have at any other wedding and I can't wait to put the story together.

The church was gorgeous, Tickton Grange, as always were impeccable and the couple were a joy to work with and I'm sure an amazing album will follow!

SarahLee & Adam's Wedding Pre-Shoot

As a Hull wedding photographer I had the great pleasure of meeting up with SarahLee and Adam over the Bank Holiday weekend to create a set of portraits before their upcoming wedding.

This short video shows the passion, romance and love that they share with each other. When I meet couples like Adam and SarahLee, I get so excited to photograph their wedding day as I just know they will be brilliant in front of the camera - they are doing the 'work' and I become more of a witness with my camera.

Adam and SarahLee will choose their favourite portrait from the session and we will create a signing board for their wedding day.

The pre-shoot is a great way of re-acquanting with my wedding couples as it can often be a year to 18 months since we have seen each other. It also puts my clients at ease about how natural their wedding photography will be, all I ask is that my couples allow their true nature to come to life!