david long photography

Christmas Eve...

2009-12-24T12:15:00.001-08:00

I heard on the radio this evening that there were 10 weddings in Surrey today - I was fortunate enough to be at Melanie and Matt's. It was a very intimate and emotional occasion starting in Guildford and moving on to The Jolly Farmer in Worplesdon. Opposite the restaurant is some striking woods where we disappeared for a short while and got some beautiful pictures.

I'm looking forward to a break with my family over Christmas before embarking on what will be my busiest year ever in 2010!(more about this to follow). Anyway, bring it on..... and Happy Christmas!

Alice Holt

2009-12-20T14:26:00.001-08:00

It was a crisp morning at Alice Holt which had seen an overnight dusting of snow. Carolyn and Ali are my first bride and groom of 2010, getting married in January at St Mary's Church, Chiddingfold - before heading off for a reception at Ramster. I think Ramster in the snow would look stunning so I'm hoping for some fresh stuff in the new year!

The Barlows...

2009-12-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

The great thing about kids is that give them an open space it doesn't matter how cold it is they'll have a good time. Sunday was cold and crisp but it didn't bother Rosina, Martha and Josh who had a great time at Claremont Gardens near Esher.

Toddlers...

2009-12-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked to photograph the local toddler group. Traditionally the group has used a more formal, posed style of photography but decided it was time to try something more natural.

Party Time.... no1

2009-11-29T13:47:00.003-08:00

Always a time to celebrate when it's your eldest child's birthday. Mollie had a joint 7th birthday party with best friend Lily. These images show the two sides of Mollie, one just before the party the second when in full flow!

Party Time.... no2

2009-11-29T13:47:00.001-08:00

I don't photograph too many events that aren't weddings or family/kids shoots - however, special birthdays and parties are becoming more popular and I couldn't miss the opportunity to photograph a 60th birthday party. It was a very classy event where the 'birthday girl's' close family and friends danced the night away.

Simon & Sarah

2009-11-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

After a calm morning at the brides house and emotional ceremony in Guildford with close family, Sarah & Simon set off for a blessing at the beautiful Bartholomew Barn near Kirdford in the West Sussex countryside.

The Balloon Man!!

2009-11-07T14:27:00.001-08:00

The balloon man was the entertainer (www.brilliantballoons.com) at Harvey's 5th birthday party, Harvey is in the third image. He has a pretty unique act and kept the kids (and parents!) mesmerised for a whole hour which is no mean feat. His act culminated in him disappearing into a huge balloon...!

I Love Autumn....

2009-10-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

OK so I prefer summer, and probably Spring, however Autumn is my third favourite of the four seasons! The mild Autumn has created some beautiful light for taking photographs and with the leaves falling from the trees it great fun for the kids and for me...

William

2009-10-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

About 12 months ago I photographed a baby called Joseph, yesterday I was lucky enough to photograph his 4 week old brother William. For the most part he was very calm and relaxed but he certainly let me know when he'd had enough!

Ludovico Einaudi

2009-10-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

I've just got home from the most incredible concert by Ludovico Einaudi at the Barbican in London - Ludo is an Italian composer and classical pianist. It's difficult to describe his type of music, though on his website it's described as 'minimalist, classical, ambient, contemporary'. I listen to a lot of Ludo when I'm editing images, it helps put me in the right frame of mind - I also like to use his music to image slide shows. The concert was mainly themed around his new album Nightbook, he also played several of his older/popular compositions. I didn't take a camera with me but as we were in the front row I could not resist trying to get some images with my iPhone. There was just enough ambient light to get a couple of acceptable shots - the colour shots were particularly grainy so I've black and whited and heavily vignetted to get the image below of Mauro (the guy sat on the cushion) and Ludo sat at his piano. If you're not familiar with his music you're really missing out. If you try it and like it, he's performing 5 more dates in the UK next week and at the Albert Hall on 2nd March next year.

Carim & Carl

2009-10-18T00:54:00.000-07:00

Carim & Carl's wedding reception was at the stunning Luton Hoo - it's a fantastic venue that offers some great photo opportunities. The day itself was a typically chilly English Autumn day but didn't take anything away from what was a beautiful occasion. Carim got ready in the State Suite before heading off to St Peters church in St Albans for the service - the images below are of Carim preparing herself, Carl and Carim in the grounds of Luton Hoo and a night shot of the venue itself.

Claire & Tim

2009-10-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Claire & Tim were married at Ramster in Chiddingfold, Surrey. Though it was promised and it threatened the rain held off and it turned out to be a mild Autumn day. This was great as it meant the guests could have canapes in the courtyard and Claire, Tim and myself could get some shots in the Ramster grounds. This is the first of two weddings for me at Ramster, the next in January where the change in seasons will bring a different and unique atmosphere to the occasion.

Scarlett

2009-10-06T01:57:00.001-07:00

It was a pleasure to photograph Scarlett on Sunday...

Time for Change

2009-10-04T00:33:00.000-07:00

After 6 years of using the same logo / branding it's time for a change. Ok, so I'm still David Long and I'm still doing Photography so the change isn't really that radical! However, working with designer Michelle Fiedler (I've added a link to her web site on the right side nav bar) we've come up with a new logo and new branding for business cards, stationary and anything else I put my moniker to! My website has changed to incorporate the new logo and updating of the whole blog will follow suit very soon...

September / Birthdays

2009-09-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

September is a busy time for birthdays in our family and the main request this year was for photos of our youngest son Raffe, who is 19 months old. Being no3 most pictures of Raffe have a brother and/or a sister poking their nose in! Of course though Raffe may have been the main subject, there's always room for brother or in this instance sister (see pic 4)....

With Christmas not too far round the corner images of kids and families make superb gifts especially if presented in a photo book, a stylish frame or even a digital frame... david long photography kids

Ramster

2009-09-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have two weddings at Ramster in Chiddingfold over the next few months. It's another great venue dating back to the 17th century. Ramster is made up from The Great Drawing Room (below) where civil ceremonies take place and The Long Hall which hosts the reception - it also has a quaint courtyard and some superb grounds. I've posted picture 2 to compare against the same picture in Autumnal October when Tim and Claire are getting married - the colors of the leaves on trees with full wedding dress should produce a stunning image.

Southbank

2009-09-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

On a sunny day with three kids to look after (Claire had gone on an all day 'birthday shopping' extravaganza with friends) I had the choice of beach or city and on this occasion the city won. The kids love the human statues and street entertainers so we loaded up with pennies and headed up to London's Southbank. It's a great part of London with loads going on from the cultured side of Festival Hall and the National Theatre to the tourist traps of the London Eye and County Hall - and also tucked away amongst it all the sub-culture of urban sports and graffiti, which is where I focussed my camera.

Image 1 - This guy was doing all kinds of tricks. The image stands out as the guy is flying through the air passing the text 'A Bird'. Image 2 - I had to have some connection to wedding photography! This looked to be a set-up not an actual wedding - no groom and guests gave this away! I like the idea of the contrast (watch this space) though this image stands out in it's own right as a good photo-journalistic image with the wedding shoot, graffiti and the skateboarder passing by. Image 3 - Again, had to throw one of the kids in. This was Mollie copying and attempting Parkour - the art of displacement (look it up on Wikipedia). Image 4 - Skateboard action...

Luton Hoo

2009-09-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

This stunning venue set in the Bedfordshire countryside dates back to 1767. It has incredible high ceilings, sweeping staircases and glorious gardens, a perfect venue for a wedding - so much so that Four Weddings and a Funeral was in part filmed here! Carim and Carl are also getting married here in October so we took the opportunity to get some shots around the venue of them and their two beautiful girls.

Kids....

2009-09-06T14:34:00.001-07:00

Photographing a wedding is perhaps one of the most intense photographic experiences there is, it's physically, mentally and creatively challenging - though the reward at producing and delivering a set of images that thrills the bride and groom makes the whole photographic journey an incredible experience. By contrast photographing families and children is one of the most relaxing photographic experiences, letting children do what they naturally do, capturing their wonderful and unique expressions.

I've just added a kids link to my website of some kids/family images - david long photography kids

First day at school...

2009-09-04T02:14:00.000-07:00

For Freddie....

A momentous day in the Long household with 2 out of 3 now at school. Taking it in his stride he didn't seem too bothered by all the fuss.

Claudia & Fintan

2009-09-02T04:51:00.000-07:00

By any stretch of the imagination this wedding was a spectacular! Leeds Castle is one of the UK's top wedding locations and it provided a wonderful backdrop for Claudia and Fintan's wedding pictures. When the images have been fully processed I'll post more...

Devon

2009-08-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

As it's the last week of the school holidays we've taken the opportunity to get away for a week with friends to Slapton in South Devon - 6 adults, 7 children and a sausage dog! Despite a few showers and howling gales we've still managed to spend some great time on some of the amazing beaches around the area. Weather aside, you forget what a stunning coastline, what quaint fishing villages and cracking country pubs the UK has.... As ever it's been a great opportunity to get some pictures of my three favorite subjects. When I get back it's a busy period with two pre-wedding shoots at the weekend, followed by four weddings in quick succession and a mammoth post wedding process after an incredible wedding at Leeds Castle - images to follow.

Leeds Castle

2009-08-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

WOW, what an incredible place! - The castle dates back to 1119 and is steeped in the history of Kings, Queens, Lords and Ladies of England. It's also where Claudia and Finton are getting married in 2 weeks time and will make a truly beautiful backdrop for their wedding pictures. It was fun to go there today and walk around with the public knowing that in a couple of weeks time the roped areas will come down and it will be access all area. Whilst there we took the opportunity to get some pre-wedding shots - more to follow...

Kos

2009-08-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a great family break at the Greek Island of Kos. Unlike the wet UK Kos was hot, we didn't see a cloud all week! When traveling I prefer not to take an SLR with me as they're bulky to travel with and the risk of damage on plane, at the resort, sand, sea water or just losing it takes the edge off the holiday.....! Not wanting to be camera less I took my Canon G7 - probably the closest thing to a pro compact camera (though the latest version is now G10, and even better). Fortunately my favorite subjects are not shy at posing for the camera.... Back in the UK the weather is wet, with a busy few weeks photographing ahead I hope it cheers up a little bit - starting on Sunday at Leeds Castle, Kent with Claudia and Finton for an 'engagement' shoot - pictures to follow.

Buxted Park

2009-07-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

This was my first visit to Buxted Park in East Sussex, it's a grand venue with lots of wonderful rooms in side and glorious grounds outside to get some great images. I'm processing right now and will publish more soon...

This Week

2009-07-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

I finished editing a wedding yesterday evening which always gives me a great sense of satisfaction. There's great reward in seeing the final set of images having worked so hard to capture them, edit, and in this instance produce a slide show of 90 of the images to music - when photographing a wedding you need to throw your heart and soul into capturing the emotion of the day. This image caught my eye, the combination of location, sky and cute bridesmaids! More images to follow....

This should be a good week with a wedding on Friday at Buxted House in West Sussex and then off to Manchester on Saturday afternoon for an early start on Sunday morning with Jeff Ascough and George Weir - two of the greatest wedding photo journalists on the planet. The quality of Jeff's seminars are always superb, this will be my third! Blend it with George's (Scottish!) Stateside slant and it has the makings of a very informative day - review to follow.

Vicki & John

2009-07-05T11:39:00.001-07:00

After a service at their local church in Kent - Vicki, John and guests headed off to Vicki's dads cherry farm for the reception. More pictures to follow...

Moss Lane School

2009-06-25T14:53:00.001-07:00

An event that I look forward to every year is the Moss Lane School Fair. Moss Lane is the local school that my daughter goes to and son will in September - not to miss youngest son out who will be there in 4 years time! It's great to be able to give something back to the school for the wonderful education they give the children of Godalming. This years theme was Medieval and the sun seemed to bring out more people than ever before. As we'll have at least one of our kids at the school for the next 7 years I have a few more Moss Lane fairs to look forward too....

There are some great pictures from the fair, predominantly of kids from the school and I'm looking forward to handing them over to the school. I've posted a couple of images, one of my daughter and her best friends and one of a parent braving the medieval stocks! I'd love to post more but without school or parent permission I'm unable to do this.

Kit.....

2009-06-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

I arrived back from Liverpool yesterday evening to find a box waiting for me in the lounge. In the box was a Canon EOS 5D MKII, though not a suprise I was delighted to see that it had arrived before a busy weekend. There's a great debate raging in the photography world regarding the importance of kit, digital v film, post processing etc. The underlying argument being that a good photographer can use any photography equipement as the skill is capturing 'the decisive moment' (Henri Cartier-Bresson) and composing the images correctly. For me creating great images is absolutely about capturing the decisive moment and composing brilliantly but I don't dismiss the argument that kit can help. I hate using flash and will avoid using it unless I really, really have to. Shooting weddings with 'standard' camera bodies and lenses without using flash would be virtually imposible - having fast lenses that can shoot f1.2 / f1.4 immediatley gives the photographer benefit in low light situations. Couple that with ISO 6400 that the 5D MK II delivers, I'm hoping that I'll never need to use flash again!! The MKII also comes with 21m pixels and video which though not the most important feature will be fun to try out.

Blue Eye...

2009-06-08T12:29:00.001-07:00

This image of the London Eye was taken on a night shoot around the South Bank and Westminster. Through a post processing adjustment called 'invert' a black night is transformed to a strong blue backdrop to make a striking image . On first view it looks like a misty dawn in London.

Inspirations...

2009-06-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Robert Capa is one of my photography hero's, he was responsible for capturing some of the greatest images of the the last century.

The 6th of June 1944 saw possibly the most significant event of the 20th century - D Day, the allies landing on the Normandy beaches. The most memorable images from that day were taken by Robert Capa - the greatest ever war photographer and one of my sources of inspiration. At 22 Capa photographed the Spanish Civil War and captured on of the most iconic and controversial images in photographic history 'The Falling Soldier'. Capa's story is remarkable and best told through his memoir of Wold War II 'Slightly out of Focus'. On the 6th June 1944 he landed on Omaha Beach with the first wave of American soldiers, camera not gun in hand. In 'Slightly out of Focus' he commented prior to boarding the landing craft:

"What is the difference between the war correspondent and any other man in uniform. The war correspondent gets more drinks, more girls, better pay and greater freedom than the soldier, but that at this stage of the game, having the freedom to choose his spot and being allowed to be a coward and not be executed for it is his torture."

Yet with that choice he still went where no other photographer did, and documented the memorable images of that day. Seven days after the invasion Capa found out that whilst drying the negatives an over exited dark room assistant had turned on too much heat and the emulsion had melted. Out of one hundred and six images taken that day only eight images were salvaged.

Capa was killed on 25th may 1954 in China, stepping on a land mine in what was to become the Vietnam War.

These two images are striking and show Capa at the heart of the action living his own adage that "If the pictures are not good enough, it's because you're not close enough'

Grace & Libby

2009-05-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

Another day at the woods with another photogenic family! I like to shoot naturally, no posing or asking people to smile, may be just a bit of coaxing to get people to the right shot. The McCredie's were naturals, in particular Grace and Libby who had a great time in the woods, not at all bothered by the camera. Here are some of the shots...

Emma and Ben

2009-05-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

Photographing weddings gives me the opportunity visit places I wouldn't normally go to. Emma and Ben got married on the Essex/Suffolk border in what's known as Constable country - I didn't check but believe this is a reference to the artist not the local constabulary! The venue and surrounding countryside was beautiful and close enough to get away for a weekend. I started editing the images from the wedding today and will post more images over the next couple of weeks.

Joel

2009-05-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

Joel had a very difficult first few weeks of life so it was a tremendous pleasure to take pictures of a little boy with such energy and character. He squirmed, he wriggled, he smiled a lot and occasionally he let me take a picture!

A Day In The Back Garden...

2009-05-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

Of all the photographs that I take my favourite subject is always my own children! We had a lazy day today and with the sun shining I took the opportunity to get some shots of Mollie, Freddie & Raffe. Full of energy, they're not the easiest to keep still but with a bit of coaxing from mum (bribery with chocolate!) they stayed still long enough to get some great shots.

I've used one of the post processing techniques taken away from the Jeff Ascough Master Class that I recently attended - I'll go into the Master Class in more detail on a future post. The 2 days left me feeling pretty inspired with many thoughts on how I can improve all aspects of my photography from business elements through to more efficient post processing.

Busy Week Ahead...

2009-04-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

I like being busy, which is just as well as the next few weeks promise to be pretty hectic! In fact this is the first time I've published a blog post remotely, taking the opportunity to do it whilst on the 21:07 from London to Liverpool Lime Street - the glamour! This weekend is full, it starts on Friday with an 8.30pm KO for 7-a-side football in Henley on Thames. An early start on Saturday morning (7am) for Emma & Ben's wedding at Maison Tallbooth and Le Tallbooth in Dedham, Essex. Sunday and Monday are spent in the company of Jeff Ascough, widely accepted as the UK's finest wedding photographer and in 2008 voted one of the top 10 in the world by American Photo magazine for his stunning photo journalistic style. It's the second time I've been to one of Jeff's workshops, the previous session was with Australian photographer Marcus Bell. This time the focus is on Jeff's workflow, so pretty much everything to do with post editing once the images have been captured. To be the best you have to learn from the best so i think it will be a fascinating couple of days. I hope to see the family on Tuesday...!

Joseph

2009-04-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

It's difficult to coax babies into posing for the camera... which is fine as I like to shoot natural and unposed whether this is a family, wedding or baby. It also makes it a challenge, shooting round a wriggling baby with limited patience! I was lucky with Joseph, he was very chilled out... I love the detail when taking pictures of babies, particularly hands and feet. Here are some shots of Joseph that I took recently.

Family Norris

2009-04-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

Having had a very relaxing Easter break I have 2 shoots tomorrow - In the afternoon I'm helping out an excellent photographer who I've worked with before and who has established a great business with some 'exclusive' clients. Client confidentiality etc means that I can't go into detail - how mysterious! The morning shoot is at Alice Holt near Farnham. It's a beautiful location and great for family shoots such as the one here for the Norris family taken a couple of weeks ago.

Michelle & Chris

2009-04-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

Michelle & Chris were married at Cain Manor near Haslemere. When I first met Michelle & Chris in February the scene was very different as we'd just had 6 inches of snow! Fortunately it stayed clear on their wedding day. I'm currently editing the images from the day, here's an early sight....

Jenny & Jonathan

2009-04-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

This is the first time that I've photographed a wedding at Clandon House in Guildford - it's an incredible building and great place to get married. It also coincided with one of the wettest days of recent years, it rained, rained and then rained some more! The weather couldn't dampen what was a fantastic day for Jenny and Jonathan.