Category: Documentary

  • Cherry & Duncan’s epic wedding full of fun – with added trampolining action!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Finally, I’m able to blog this epic wedding, so epic they couldn’t fit it all into one day!

    You might remember their mammoth pre-wedding shoot – brimful of happiness and fun. Well, they had a wedding to match. Cherry, Duncan and their families are all active members of the church as well as the Chinese community. Friends and family travelled from all over the world (from Vancouver to Hong Kong) to witness their union. A rare chance for the bridal party to be together, they hired a house together and the wedding was in fact, just part of a week of fun activities that they had planned!

    This wedding was a combination of both a traditional Chinese and a church wedding. Chinese weddings start with traditional door games and tea ceremonies. The ceremony took place in the church that Cherry went to at school, then I moved on with the bridal party for some photos at a park near Cherry’s home before everyone congregated for the fabulous banquet at Water Sky.

    It was a wonderful day with a great sense of community – everyone being so happy for Cherry and Duncan. They are a really fun couple and when they are around, laughter and smiles are never far away. I’m so happy I could be there to record their wedding for them.

    It was such a big event, I’m going to start off by sharing some pictures of Cherry and Duncan so they’re not lost in the blogpost. Sit back and enjoy!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    If you’re not familiar with Chinese weddings, proceedings are kicked off with a series of door games, where the bridal party issue challenges to the groomsmen.  This is then followed by traditional tea ceremonies, where the couple serve tea to members of their family. The morning started off relatively serenely with Cherry gettting ready…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    In the flat next door, friends and family were gathering to prepare for the door games and tea ceremony…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Some door games are kinder than others. Looks like mischief is afoot here…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    The boys have arrived!!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    And the games begin! How determined are these groomsmen to earn access to the bride?

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Pretty determined it seems! First up…dance challenge 🙂

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Next, the taste challenge…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Some being nicer than others. Luckily for Duncan, the groom was entitled to delegate to his groomsmen. I thought Duncan was pretty smart having so many ushers!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Yes, Duncan thought so too!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Third challenge – no hands allowed! Duncan’s brother Terence came all the way from Hong Kong to show everyone how it’s done…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie ManBristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Followed by this brilliantly photogenic round. I’ll let your imagination get to work on what this challenge was all about! Needless to say it needed his very closest friends (including his brothers Terence and Darren) to step up to the plate!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    I should probably explain the next photo! This round involved snorting….pepper, it’s just pepper folks 🙂

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Mmmmmm, that feels good!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    And the penultimate challenge? It’s a Chinese wedding, it’s about the money of course…Duncan, how much do you think Cherry is worth?!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Having paid a suitably high sum of money for such a fabulous bride, Duncan earnt access to the house. He then had to answer a series of questions and finally…he earnt access to his bride. And doesn’t he look happy about it?

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    But it doesn’t end there! Next….tea ceremony, where the couple kneel and serve tea to their elders. Their offerings are returned with gifts of money and jewellery and blessings for their future together.

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Despite all that bling, the limelight was still stolen by Cherry’s newborn nephew

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    A whole new day. And all is calm…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    The veil was handmade by Cherry’s friend. Amazing!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Meanwhile, over with the boys…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Uh-oh, cufflink down! Glue gun to the rescue…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    All sorted!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    The wedding took place in the church that Cherry went to when she was at school…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    This was a super cute idea…guests signed and wrote messages on little wooden hearts which were dropped into a frame

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Contender for biggest group photo ever

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Despite the rain, the bridal party rocked it at this playground

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Yes, Cherry climbed up onto the fort in her dress. Respect!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Then this awesomeness happened…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Finally, the couple get a moment to themselves…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    We haven’t even got to the banquet yet! The Chinese Banquet…with amazing cake made by Cherry  & Ducan’s friend

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    At Chinese weddings, the guest write messages on long red card or fabric

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Cherry in her traditional Chinese bridal gown. Stunning embroidery and check out her newly acquired bling!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Ready for another round of tea ceremonies

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Time for the second dress change

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    And a whoooooole lot of toasting!

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    An amaaazing day! The bridal party went on into the night, but I will just leave you with this shot…

    Bristol Chinese Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Congratulations Cherry and Duncan. Thanks for having me along for the day, it was swell! Wishing you the very best of luck in your new life together. Good luck in Hong Kong.

    With thanks to James and Gareth for helping me with this big, big day
    If you’re interested in having documentary wedding photography coverage at your wedding, contact Marie

  • Kate & John’s sun-filled Chateau wedding…in the Worcestershire countryside

    Chateau Impney Worcestershire Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    I’m soooo behind with my blogging! But here is a fab wedding from earlier this summer – a surprise day full of sunshine in between rainy days that ended with a glorious sunset which meant we could take advantage of the beautiful grounds at Chateau Impney.  Chateau Impney is a French-styled chateau that the original owner decided to build…in Droitwich, Worcestershire! It is currently undergoing renovation, bringing the bedrooms and suitably Rococo interiors up to par with the exterior.

    Unusually, I hadn’t met Kate or John before the wedding as I had to step in quite late in the day. I absolutely loved covering the bridal preparation – Kate and her close friends knew each other so well and were having a riot. They were super welcoming and I had great fun with them as they got ready, even though I had to turn down the several glasses of champagne they offered me 😉

    Kate and John met on a night out in Leamington Spa and have been together ever since. Kate works in HIV research and in lieu of wedding favours for the day, they made a very fitting donation to the National Aids Trust http://www.nat.org.uk/.  There was a lot of love in the room that day – all their friends were so happy to see them unite, including bridesmaid Anita who had detoured enroute from the Middle East to America to be there! After a dreamy sunset, the day was drawn to a close with a fantastic live band, including a set by John’s brother.

    Kate and John’s love for each other brims over throughout the photos of the day, a few of which I’ll share with you now!

    Credit where its due…
    Dress: Bea Bridal Southampton: http://www.beasbridal.co.uk/
    Hair and make up: Angela Fergusson https://www.facebook.com/AngelaFMua
    Other wedding beauty: Lou and Hannah at Halcyon Beauty: http://www.halcyonbeauty.co.uk/
    Cake: M&S with amazing sugarcraft flowers by bridesmaid Rachael!Florist: http://www.the-wedding-house.co.uk/the-flower-house/ (Kate and Wendy)
    Wedding stationery: http://www.bydonnablundell.co.uk/

    With thanks to my second shooter Kerry.

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man

    Chateau Impney Droitwich Documentary Wedding Photography by Marie Man
    If you’re interested in stylish documentary photography for your Chateau Impney wedding or event, get in touch with Marie.

     

  • A countryside affair – Bonnie & Will, Charlton House: Shepton Mallet, Somerset wedding photographer

    The Speech, Shepton Mallett Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Do you remember Bonnie and  Will? They had found me after being referred by an old school friend. After our fab pre-wedding shoot by Clifton Suspension Bridge, I was really looking forward to covering their countryside-themed wedding for them.

    Letter from the heart - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Final preparations - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    The preparations took place in Bonnie’s home village of Croscombe in Somerset. She prepared for her wedding at her mother’s charming cottage and it was a real family affair with her brother Ben giving her away, her young brother James being pageboy and her cousin travelling all the way from Australia to be her bridesmaid. James was particularly excited heralding “Bonnie Alert!” when she came near. My favourite moments from the cottage are of Bonnie writing her speech (yes, she had one too) and reading a letter delivered from Will that made her weep (fortunately just before she put her mascara on).

    In the meantime, what better way for a groom to calm last minute nerves than enjoying a pint with his ushers and best man at the local pub before jumping in a Triumph Spitfire to make it to the church on time!

    Boys will be boys - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    The ceremony took place in the neighbouring village of Dinder, in its quintessentially English church. Real rose petals were strewn and despite a week full of rain, the sun shone for them gloriously. The couple and I made a sneaky stop off at a field overlooking Glastonbury Tor to capture their first few moments of married life. I love it when newly weds get to spend a few minutes away from the madding crowds and have a moment to revel in their new status! All too soon, it was onward to Charlton House near Shepton Mallett, recently under the new management of Duncan “Dragon” Bannantyne, for drinks on the lawn, Jenga, croquet, dance, lots and lots of sweets, flowers, a “real” cheese cake, cheese buffet and an all round damn fine celebration.

    Thank you to Bonnie and Will for inviting me to be part of and capture their day. Back today from their honeymoon in Greece, I’ve just found out that it’s also Bonnie’s birthday. Happy birthday Bonnie!

    Here are a few images that give you a flavour of the day, scroll to the bottom for the full gallery. With thanks to James Bailey for his brilliant second shooting

    Dinder village church - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Newly wed - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Wedded bliss - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Blessings - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Man and wife - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Will & Bonnie - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Beneath the old tree - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Hilarity - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Framed - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Thrones - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Flowerpots - Somerset documentary wedding photography

    Rings of gold - Wiltshire documentary wedding photography

    A hat for all seasons - Wiltshire documentary wedding photography

    Happiness - Wiltshire documentary wedding photography

    Real cheese - Wiltshire documentary wedding photography

    We are family - Wiltshire documentary wedding photography

    I think we're alone now - Wiltshire documentary wedding photography

    A walk in the clouds - Wiltshire documentary wedding photography

    Handmade with love - Wiltshire documentary wedding photography

    Tuckshop treats - Wiltshire documentary wedding photography

    In the limelight - Wiltshire documentary wedding photography

    Caught - Wiltshire documentary wedding photography

    [nggallery id=15]

  • FEATURED IMAGE: Oblivion: Lovers by the Sea

    Oblivion, South Wales documentary photography

    People ask me what I like about being a documentary photographer. I tell them that I love the special gift that comes with being a photographer; the privileged ability to record memories and moments in time. And if successful, to each viewer, the image will retell the very story that the photographer saw, a story that moved them so much that they chose to document that moment.

    It was during a fashion shoot that I spotted this couple sitting by the waters edge. Seeing them huddled up, looking out over a tempestuous sea made me pause a moment, reset my camera and capture a memory they thought might only be theirs.

    What was the moment that I saw? A story of lovers oblivious to anything else. Their world stood still – it was just them, their love and the sea.

    [Best viewed whilst listening to ‘By the Sea’ by Suede, if you will]

  • South Wales Coast Shoot: Behind the Scenes

    Natural Studio, South Wales documentary photography

    I recently posted some images from a shoot that I did on the South Wales coast with Angi Nelson www.reptilephotographer.co.uk, Martin Gillman www.martingillman.co.uk(also Mark O’Grady www.aspectratiophotography.com/and Coltrane Koh www.coleshot.co.uk/). We all did our own thing, making the most of the cliffs, rock pools and sweeping vistas.

    I often take a few behind the scenes snaps but this location was so stunning, that I wanted to share some out takes from this great shootout. It’s cheesy to say this, but nature makes the most beautiful studio going (check out the main image of Helen being photographed by Mark – I’d just climbed up a cliff and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get back down so thought the very least I could do was capture their ‘natural studio’!)

    Thanks to our models Marley Hamilton (http://www.modelmayhem.com/1777728), Abi Rose (http://www.modelmayhem.com/2036103) and Helen Drew (http://www.modelmayhem.com/611129)

    Photographer at work, South Wales documentary photography

    Precarious, South Wales documentary photography

    Martin, South Wales documentary photography

    Lights, Camera..., South Wales documentary photography

  • South Wales Coast: A stroll by the sea with Marley Hamilton

    Where the Earth Meets the Sea, South Wales documentary photography

    At the end of a recent shoot, I spotted Marley walking in her Ugg boots by the sea.

    I started snapping, she started playing. End of story…and the beginning of this documentary photostory 🙂

    Meet Marley:

    Going for a stroll, South Wales documentary photography

    Playful, South Wales documentary photography

    French Connection, South Wales documentary photography

    Astride, South Wales documentary photography

    Adrift, South Wales documentary photography

    Close Call, South Wales documentary photography

    Marley, South Wales documentary photography

    Glee, South Wales documentary photography

    South Wales headshot photography - Marley Hamilton

  • Ninjas in Outer Mongolia!

    Things have been a little busy lately preparing a submission to the Sheffield International Documentary Festival Meetmarket. This is for makers of documentary films. Those that make it through have the opportunity to pitch their film to a huge number of commissioners from around the world. It’s like Dragon’s Den for doco makers 🙂

    For those that don’t know, since before my car accident a few years ago, I’ve been making a documentary about ‘ninja’ gold miners in Mongolia – nomads who lose their herds to climate change and turn to illegal goldmining in order to survive. I finally have enough energy to be able to work on the project again; the storyline is more relevant than ever with a state of emergency declared in Mongolia last year after one of the harshest winters to date, with livestock dying in their millions and Fairtrades impending introduction of a Fairmining Gold Mark .

    It’s not photography, but I thought I’d share with you the quick teaser we put together. Mongolia is an extraordinary country of great beauty, strength and grace and with the longer film, I hope to pay testament to that as well as this little bit of sensationalism!

    It is thanks to the good will and hard work of many that we have got this far, but right now special thanks go to Gansukh Baatarsuren, Robin Grayson, Rachel Grierson, Tom Sharpe, Sasha Djurkovic, Lucia Ashmore.

    If you want to watch the teaser, click on the grab above or go to http://www.vimeo.com/14604803

    A few BTS stills:
    Trouble Beneath the Steppe

    Beneath blue heavens

    Horsemen Approaching

    Shock

    Deep beneath the steppe

    Blown out tyre

    The Gathering Masses

    The Bridge

    A long way from the sea

    The crew

    The Long Road Home

    On Location

    Monster Machine

    Soviet Legacy

    Retreating Storm

    Dreaming of home

    Shrine

    Green Pastures

  • A country affair: eco, rustic wedding at Folly Farm

    The Penfolds -  Heavens Above

    The Penfolds -  Heavens Above

    **AS FEATURED IN WEDDING IDEAS JAN 2011 ISSUE!**

    A day in the country
    Bunting, haybales, teepees, a hogroast and bluebells…this was a truly country affair. The Avon Wildlife Trust’s glorious Folly Farm [www.follyfarm.org] bathed in surprisingly glorious sunshine, atop the Mendips, was the perfect venue for this rustic wedding, embellished with plenty of lovely decorations handmade by friends and family and a fabulous dress made by the seamstress extraordinaire Gill Cockwell of Gilly Woo Couture (www.gillywoo.com).

    A fortunate accident
    I wasn’t even meant to be there. Someone else’s misfortune had turned into my good fortune; Faye and Dave’s wedding photographer pulled out a month before the wedding. Without a contract to protect their investment, they were left in the lurch. With little notice, they had to find a new photographer. Photographs for several feature articles had to be delivered. As the wedding promised lots of handmade touches in a rustic setting, I originally recommended Rosie Parsons [www.rosieparsons.com] and Owen & Charis at O&C Photography [www.oacphotography.com], with the intention to second shoot. It would have been an honour to work with either of them.

    A different challenge
    In the end, Faye’s friends, Chris Marshall and Mike Clarke, took up the gauntlet and then she asked me to come along too. Between them, the videocameraman and yours truly, things were…interesting. The main challenge was keeping the others shooters out of the frame! For me, my favourite shot of the day came at sunset. I always carry an extra wide angle lens in my bag, but rarely put it to use at weddings. The couple were sitting for some of Chris’ pictures on a bench by the pond. Suddenly the pond was filled with all the colours of the sky and I realised that having very few minutes before the sun disappeared, I cleared everyone out from around the pond and got my shot.

    Added bonus
    Faye kept the cost of her wedding to a minimum by trading off goods, services and favours (!) against the promise of press coverage. I was more than happy when she selected my pictures to be submitted to Wedding Ideas magazine [www.weddingideasmag.com] , which were featured in the January 2011 issue, to be followed by further publications.

    Some of the highlights (scroll down to bottom for full gallery)

    Folly Farm Orchard100410 Faye Dave Penfold C1_0004_585

    Bunting galore100410 Faye Dave Penfold C1_0027_585

    Hats off to you kind sir100410 Faye Dave Penfold C1_0076_585

    The arrival of the bride
    100410 Faye Dave Penfold C1_0143_585

    Traditional decor100410 Faye Dave Penfold C1_0173_585

    Delicious nibbles prepared by a chef friend shipped over from New Zealand100410 Faye Dave Penfold C2_0031_585

    The bride arrived in style100410 Faye Dave Penfold C1_0125_585

    A wonderful gnarly tree standing atop the hill100410 Faye Dave Penfold C2_0207_585

    Faye, the blushing bride100410 Faye Dave Penfold C2_0251_585

    Cute bunches of local blooms100410 Faye Dave Penfold C3_0082_585

    Centrepieces made by the talented matron of honour100410 Faye Dave Penfold C3_0164_585

    What character!100410 Faye Dave Penfold C3_0167_585

    Heavens above100410 Faye Dave Penfold C3_0050_585

    Into the night100410 Faye Dave Penfold C4_0082_585

    Illuminating100410 Faye Dave Penfold C4_0087_585

    Spellbound100410 Faye Dave Penfold C4_0169_585

    Ole!100410 Faye Dave Penfold C4_0243_585

    Gleaming smile and ring100410 Faye Dave Penfold C4_0256_585

    Knees up!100410 Faye Dave Penfold C4_0261_585

    [nggallery id=7]