The couple are just back from their honeymoon and sent me a very appreciated email over the weekend. One quote made it all worthwhile – “The photographs are fantastic, especially….” Well thank you.

Below are a few photographs from the day that I particularly like.

To view the full size image just click on the thumbnail as the photographs are cropped to save space.

Not owning my own studio I am always looking at suitable venues for when the need arises and recently I came across a small studio in Belfast available for hire at reasonable rates. The best way of assessing the suitability of a studio is not to wander around it but to use. For that purpose I got in touch with a local model just to do a test shoot.

I didn’t want the traditional model look and I was trying to assess the variety of lighting and backgrounds to create a look so I aimed for a more direct, harder edge approach. I must say the studio was excellent with window light, white and grey/black backgrounds and excellent lighting equipment. I quite like the variety I got in one hour with contrejour, soft and hard shadow effects. To suit this I wanted a certain direct look from my subject and I got it. And of course a big thank you to Isa – the patient model for the day.

What do you think?

Model shoot1

Many years ago while driving through France on holiday we came across the utterly charming little Chateau de Beaulon. The main attraction for me were the grounds and the Blue Fountains but we were met by the owner and invited to sample the produce – well what can you say. Obviously I was impressed since I came away with a case including tasting notes.

Now after lying so long in the ever changing temperatures of a garage including two of the coldest ever winters and situated close to the central heating boiler I imagined an investment gone wrong. Nope – the wine is as good as the day I bought it.

If you are ever in this region I heartily recommend a stop. If you want to know more follow this link. http://www.chateau-de-beaulon.com/site/une_tradition/index.php?l=en

Chateau de Beaulon Pineau

Chateau de Beaulon

Chateau de Beaulon map

Tasting notes for Chateau de Beaulon pineau

For any photographers reading this all the photographs were taken with a 20mm lens on a full frame camera with minimal cropping. In my humble opinion the only way to go. Any comments you may have (good or bad) just drop a line in the comments box at the end of the post.

autumn leaves

low down on forest floor

Portglenone forest

Shadows in the forest

against the light

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“http://www.yourperfectweddingphotographer.co.uk”

I will be blogging more of this wedding later but this photograph is just a sneek peek!

Bride and groom at wedding reception gardens

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If there was a down side I suppose the waiting was inevitable and the distance from the opening of the visit was obscured by the press and security gang. In saying that the police were courteous and accomodating anf the royal couple did do the rounds with patience and grace.

Some photographs from the day taken from behind the crowd barrier to follow.

The first view is of the press and security

I did say Gracehill was a historic village. We don’t still dress like this!

Ah here they come.

Prince Charles waving to the crowd

Spot the press photographer

Montgomery Street, Gracehill

Meeting and greeting

Pressing the flesh

Close enough and sharp enough?

Up close with the Duchess of Cornwall

new baby and royalty

Again I must say I was very impressed with the variety of scenes in Lady Dixon Park in Belfast. Now on with the photographs. If you would like to leave a comment just scroll down to the bottom of the page.

This way?

Almost......

Below are a few photographs from the day. All comments welcome.

Just a fun photograph to show how bad the rain was on the day. I’m sure Matthew and Caroline won’t mind being reminded!