Christmas Eve...

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

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...

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...

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

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

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

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!!

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....

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

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

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

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

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

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