91 Years Young

Today I met Ted. Ted plucked my number from the telephone directory and I count myself very lucky that he did so. He proudly told me that he is 91 and 3 months old (that'll be about 90 years older than I'm used to then!). He is a second world war veteran and wanted me to capture some images of him with his beret and treasured medals - could I help? You bet. I was very honoured to be asked.


Ted was called up to serve his country in June 1940 when he was just 20 years old. Throughout the war he served 6 years active service in the western desert of North Africa then to Italy where he progressed with his regiment, the Queens Bays, into Austria and finally to the border of Munich at which time the war ended.


I loved hearing his stories. He recalled his duty with so much affection. He told me that enjoyed it but felt uncomfortable saying so. To Ted it was all about the people ... the comradeship ... the experiences that they all shared ...


What really struck me was that when most men are out enjoying the early part of their adulthood, discovering themselves and having fun, Ted was fighting for his country. He told me he wondered whether he would have turned out to be a different person had he had an opportunity to lead a 'normal' life in his formative years. No doubt he would have but different is not necessarily better.


I had a truly wonderful afternoon with perhaps one of the nicest people I have met in a long time. Bright, sparky, funny and totally fascinating. You can not fail to be humbled when you meet a person such as Ted. He really is 91 years young.

In at the Deep End { Fashion at the Victoria Baths, Manchester)

If you hadn't already realised, I am totally in LOVE with photography in fact many would call me a bit of a camera geek ... but it's more than that. Photography for me is not just about capturing people but meeting the most incredible individuals who make my job ... well, not feel like a job (does that make sense?). Customers who trust in me to capture their most treasured memories and fellow photographers who have supported me along the journey and continue to make such a difference in my life ... thank you.

Right, gushing over and on with the show. And what a show it was! When I found out that the very talented Jo Rutherford was arranging a workshop in the Victoria Baths in Manchester I just knew I couldn't miss it. Check out the venue and you'll see why. The Victoria Baths is an abandoned swimming pool in the centre of the city which is being painstakingly restored by a dedicated group of volunteers. You may recognise it from the BBC TV programme Restoration and also as the backdrop to shows such as Life on Mars. This wasn't just any venue - this was special and not the type of place that is readily available for photo sessions. I HAD to be there.

The workshop itself (as with all of Jo's events) was not a training day. It was the chance to get together with like minded people to play, experiment and just have fun. If I'm honest, this type of photography does not come naturally to me. Give me a bunch of kids and a camera and I am in my element but fashion models - gulp! I knew that my usual tricks were going to have to take the back burner for the day - not sure they'd appreciate the mouse who lives inside my camera (sorry Bob!) or my extensive catalogue of classic kids nursery rhymes.

Enough chat and on with the images. I wanted to really make the most of the venue. I wanted to show the contrast between the flawless models against the gritty environment. I wanted images that evoked high fashion. I wanted to test myself. My Dad always used to say "I want doesn't get". Hopefully I've proved him wrong ...



Model: Zanna O'Connell


Model: Stacey McKenzie


Model: Michelle


Model: Zanna O'Connell


Model: Sarah Naylor


Model: Sarah Naylor


Model: Rebecca Cordell


Model: Stacey McKenzie


Model: Rebecca Cordell


Model: Zanna O'Connell



I am so pleased with the results from the day but these final images are my favourites. I never tire of looking at the simple, timeless beauty of Florence. Who'd have thought it was her first modeling assignment. I'd love to think that I've captured a star in the making.

Thank you to all of the models for their patience the make-up artists (Corrine & Sian) for making the girls look even more stunning and to all of my fellow photographers who made the day so much fun. Final big thank you to Jo Rutherford. Whether you are a pro or a budding photographer, I urge you to check out her workshops - you will not be disappointed and you'll have a blast!

Would love to know what you think - good or bad. Please feel free to leave a comment below ...

Now For Something Completely Different

As a photographer, (well in any profession or even your personal life) I think it is crucial to take yourself out of your comfort zone every once in a while. It keeps you on your toes and forces you into difficult or often uncomfortable situations which you are forced to face and overcome. That pretty much sums up my weekend.

When the very talented Jo Rutherford contacted me to let me know that she was going to organise a girls weekend in Southport which would consist of cake, wine, models and photography, well I just couldn't say no - all of my very favourite things. The weekend was focused on people who are either starting out in photography or perhaps are looking to develop to the next stage in their business. I was very flattered to be asked to present to the group, telling them a little more about how I do things and hopefully sparking a few new ideas.

The best thing about this event for me was that there was no pressure. Often on photographic training courses it can take a very techie route. It can often be very competitive and all about who's got the best camera and most expensive kit. It was refreshing to be in an environment which was all about sharing and trying new things out - just being creative and developing confidence in photography.

I can not be grateful enough to everyone who attended for making this simply a fun weekend. For me, taking pictures of, not just grown ups but professional models was such a departure from my usual work. Pushing myself to try something totally different has taught me so much and I am delighted with the resulting images.










Finally, the gang. Thanks to you all and the wonderful models, make-up artists and hair stylists for making this a superb event.



If you like these images, why not pop over and join me on Facebook? See you there :)

South Wales Maternity Photography { They met in a Sweet Factory }

They met in a sweet factory - how cool is that? They had their wedding night in St. David's Hotel & Spa - cooler? Cool but nah. They asked me to shoot a maternity session in the same hotel - very cool (for me). The hotel gave me a suite (or should I say sweet, sorry for the pun) for the afternoon - sub zero!

I must say that I felt like a bit of a rock star photographer when I opened the door on my afternoon shooting location and I'm pretty sure Mum and Dad-to-be felt the same! Wonderful light, sumptuous furniture and a fantastic couple all added up to a fun filled afternoon.

Mum and Dad-to-be booked my popular Bump to Baby Package and I can't wait for the privilege of capturing their little one when he comes into the world.




Little 'Freddie' - can't wait to photograph him when he arrives in December.





Couldn't resist incorporating the architecture of this beautiful building. It makes me go WOW each and every time I visit!



Thank you both for a great afternoon - as you can see I couldn't wait to start editing your images. Hope you enjoy these few previews whilst I edit the rest. Thank you also to Lauren and the team at St. David's for being so helpful and allowing us access to the penthouse suite.

Fashion Walkabout

There's nothing better than a morning in the company of a beautiful model with my camera in tow. Quite a departure from my usual work but I find it refreshing to keep my finger on the pulse, taking myself out of my usual comfort zone. It ended up to be a great portfolio building session for both myself and my very sympathetic model - great fun!!

And the bride wore ... white Doctor Martins!

I am not a wedding photographer but when given the opportunity to capture my nieghbours big day, I just jumped at the chance. Then reality hit home - they were getting married in Dan Yr Ogof! Taking photographs in a cave is enough to turn the most seasoned wedding photographer to stone. Many sleepless nights followed and armed with my hefty flash and (plenty of spare batteries) I followed the guests into the heart (quite literally) of the South Wales valleys. Such a beautiful intimate ceremony in such a majestic venue ...


The famous and very secret, white DM's. Well you could hardly expect the bride to wear heels now could you?



The dress ...



The flowers ...



The cake ...



Thanks to everyone for making me feel so welcome on the day and congratulations to Mr & Mrs. O!

Wedding Day in Trecastle

It just isn't seeming to stop at the moment, which is all good don't get me wrong! :) Three shoots this weekend, 2 next and sandwiched in between I am doing the portraits for a local school (270 kids in one day)!!

I also had the pleasure of capturing a very special wedding in Powys a couple of weekends ago. It was probably one of the sunniest days of the year so far, a real challenge photographically but fun all the same.

The newlywed couple should be back from their secret honeymoon now so I thought I would post a couple of sneaky peeks whist they await the disc of final image this week. Thanks again guys for inviting me along to your truly beautiful day.

Only 6 weeks to go!

After a scenic drive north on the A470, I ended up in Powys this morning for a pre-wedding shoot with this fantastic couple who are getting married in just 6 weeks time. Was lucky to escape a) falling into a stream b) being eaten by wild horses (although my camera bag didn't escape quite so lightly) and c) getting totally lost on the way home! Thanks guys for a great morning - here are a couple from today, still working on editing the rest but thought you would like a sneak peek.

Island Adventure { Cardiff Portrait Photographer }

Great day today! The sun was shining and was lucky enough to spend the afternoon with a great couple. We had already decided to meet at Barry Island before we realised it would be heaving with tourists! Luckily I had managed to scout a couple of good locations that were off the beaten track so we managed to keep ourselves to ourselves.

Not finished editing these yet but I know they were keen to have a look. Here are a couple as a sneak peek!