Monkeepuzzle Wedding Photographer in Kent

Jillian & Andrew, 17th December 2011 - Barham Church, Barham

2012-01-20T15:35:00.000-08:00

Not too far to go to this one, I like local weddings especially at Barham its a really lovely place.

Well done some strange venues in my time but the first time I'd done a reception in a yeart!, a bloody big one, well two as it happens.

Jillian getting ready, nice natural light from the window. Sometimes you just have to pick your moment to shoot. I never direct people I just wait for that moment when everything is right.

Bell ringers in the church.

Short walk from the house to the church, luckily the weather held up nicely.

A proud son and a happy bride.

A shot from the rear of the church with my trusty 70-200mm.

Happy days.

Now back to the yeart for the evenings entertainment.

Had to use flash here as the light was very low in the venue. Managed to balance the flash with the ambient light though so didn't look too false. A good day and a nice wedding to round off the year. Now for the Xmas celebrations!!.

Hannah & Peter, 16th December 2011 - The Bell Hotel, Sandwich

2012-01-20T15:16:00.000-08:00

The weather forecast was for severe winds this weekend and I was really wondering how the day was going to turn out. As it happens, the wind wasn't that bad and a great day followed. Hannah & Peter were such fun, this was the first time I'd travelled to the venue with the bride, it was a good laugh. A good day was had by all.

Ok, its Christmas, so the tree and decorations were a major feature throughout the day.

Time to get suited and booted, the hour has come.

Nice shoe shot on the window. The bride was getting ready at her parents and it was a lovely cottage, although the lighting was limited.

Hannah was really getting into her day and was one of those people that were really positive and happy, as you can see from this mirror shot.

Time to get to the taxi, a quick walk down the alleyway. Nice urban bride shot I think.

The ceremony.

Posing for the guests, I like to take side shots at this point.

It was a freezing day but as we were so near the beach Hannah wanted all the guests to go to the beach for a group shot. Used a bit of old film colouring in this shot. I love the couple engaged in a chat, nice and natural.

Back to Deal town hall and getting ready for the bus trip back to The Bell. I travelled on the bus with the guests and carried on shooting during the journey. I never realised how bumpy a bus could be, suppose you don't notice when your sitting down but I had to get into a stance standing up and shoot.

7pm, winter, no flash, just using the light from the shop. I love this sort of situation making something out of nothing. I always look around the location and find somewhere to utilise the shoot. I think this really worked well.

Again, at the Bell, under the tree in the pub garden

The Bell has some lovely stained glass at the entrance so we used this as a back drop and the lighting from the doorway illuminated Hannah & Peters faces, nice

First dance, Hannah was eager to get all the guests involved. A great couple and a most enjoyable day.

Rebecca & Leon, 3rd December 2011 - The Blazing Donkey

2012-01-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

It had been a long season and 2011 was drawing to a close. I love shooting winter weddings the light can be a challenge but it makes you think more before you shoot, all good stuff. I had the pleasure of shooting Rebecca & Leons wedding and loved every minute of it.

Rebecca concentrating on getting ready. When I first enter the room brides are a little shy of the camera but after 10 mins they forget I'm there and thats when you get unposed natural shots like this.

A chain of bridesmaids!, this is the sort of shot you never really get unless you arrange them, but believe it or not they did this naturally...result!.

Just a couple of minutes spare to take a few shots on the couch, I love the backlit light from the window. With this sort of shot you have to over expose or the picture will just be dark and Rebecca will be a silhouette.

After ceremony shot as the sun was going down. Really had to work fast here. I think we had approximately 20 mins before the light disappeared, it was a close call but I think this shot worked great.

The first dance with a kiss to seal it. Love the back light.

Pesky kids!, they just don't care do they.

Last kiss before the end of the dance and that was me done, time to call it a wrap after another successful shoot.

Bronwyn & Lewis - Stevenage, 19th November 2011

2011-12-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

Never usually travel this far for a wedding, but I was asked by Bron & Lewis to cover their wedding day as they were guests at a friends wedding the year before and liked the way I worked. It was a pleasure to be part of their day and really enjoyed being out of my territory.

Nice to get pictures like this. Shows minor details in the church that usually get missed.

Guests arriving in style, the old London bus, always on time and never breaks down. Unlike our trains!.

Ok, so you think this one is out of focus. Nope, deliberately focused on the bus, think this works showing the brides car coming up the road. Its good to break the rules!.

The sun was really low and shining directly at the camera. Had to position myself behind the one bush in the church entrance and shoot from there as I would have ended up with lens flare, bit of a technical head ache but as long as you know what your doing thats fine.

Church shot, lovely stained glass.

Time was running short and the light was dipping fast. Managed to get a few shots in a avenue near the church. Used a little flash to correctly expose the couple and under exposed the background to capture the winter sun (what was left of it).

Again, flash used here. Had to use on camera flash (which I hate doing) as there wasn't time to set the off camera flash system up. But I think this worked fine.

Nothing like a nice cuppa tea. Bron with her bridesmaids before the after dinner speeches reflecting on the days events.

So if theres no natural light left, then lets go for street lighting. I love doing urban shots like this. Although you do have to ramp up the ISO settings a bit. I think this night session worked really well.

Just love this shot!. Who would think a shop doorway could be a romantic spot....me!...so I suggested we do a few shots there and use the light in the doorway.

Ok, newly weds generally have a slow dance as the first dance, but Bron and Lewis were throwing each other around!. I wasn't really expecting that and had to change tact with camera setting pretty quick. Had to use quite a burst of flash to freeze the moment but still use a slow shutter speed to capture as much ambient light as possible. Also, the aperture was wide open so a shallow depth of field. I now ask couples before the dance whether it will be slow or fast! :-)

A lull in the throwing around!

Hannah & Lee, 11th November 2011 - Howfield Manor, Chartham Hatch

2011-11-20T09:52:00.000-08:00

A lovely day for wedding photography, the day was overcast (just how we like it) and therefore creating a nice soft light thats flattering. Not bad considering its the middle of November!.

Hannah & bridesmaid showing some affection

What are those?, they look like some sort of medieval torture instrument?. Forgive me I am a man and know nothing of ladies tools!.

Lee and groomsmen having a crafty smoke as they arrive, time to keep those nerves at bay

Hannah "striking a pose", some people are just natural in front of the lens, thats why I am behind it :-)

The big moment arrives as Hannah walks up to the ceremony area for the the magical moment.

I like capturing close ups of small details, this picture shows the intensity of the moment

All done!, no time for the celebrations, luckily the weather was not too cold and no rain. I think they were glad it was all over and they could relax a bit more. I love the way this picture captures the feeling of jubilation from Hannah.

Now time for the post wedding portraits in the grounds. No flash used as the natural light was great. Although, time was cracking on and the light was falling at a great rate so had to work fast and use a high ISO and slow shutter speed, "keep still!".

As Hannah was very confident in front of the lens I used the day to its advantage and took a few shots of her on her own. I don't generally do that unless I feel the bride feels comfortable in that situation.

As for Lee, I think he just wanted to get it over and done with so he could go to the bar, nice one!.

I always try to reflect the seasons in my pictures, so took them over to a tree where the colours had changed and gave a lovely colourful back drop. By this time it was late dusk (if theres such a phrase) so the light was nearly gone. Working fast at weddings is essential as there are specific time limits to adhere too. It does put you under pressure to perform though :-). Overall a nice day with a lovely couple. Happy days.

Another lovely e-mail from a happy client

2011-10-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hi Brett, Sorry it has taken a while but we are now emailing our choices of pictures for the album. Firstly, thank you so very much the pictures are perfect, just what we wanted. And thankyou for the wonderful job that you did on our wedding day. We were so pleased with your work,and everyone commented on how good you were! We wont hesitate to recommend your services to people.Stacey & Chris

Portrait photo shoot in Selling, Kent

2011-10-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of undertaking a portrait shoot for Amy & Ricky who's wedding I covered in August 2011. It was a lovely day and felt like summer, quite amazing considering it was middle of October. The shoot took place in Selling in a lovely valley, although, the cattle had had a good romp round there earlier and left loads of packages for us to dodge!.

If you would like to book a portrait shoot then please e-mail me at monkeepuzzle@gmail.com or enquire through my website here

A lovely e-mail from a recent client!

2011-10-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Hi Brett,

I just wanted to pop you a little note, just to say a HUGE thank you for being our photographer.

The album is amazing, everyone has been commenting on how wonderful the pictures are and about the quality being so high. It was a pleasure having you there with us on our day, your professionalism was second to none and you were so un-intrusive, we forgot you were there half the time.

Many thanks again, for providing us with such great special memories of our wedding day. Would definitely recommend you to our friends and family.

Best Wishes

Katie and Scott

Emma & Laurence, 17th September 2011 - Teynham Church & Hempsted House

2011-10-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, lets get that button hole sorted out. Usually its the best man/ushers that straighten the groom, not this time.

"Where's that ringing noise coming from?"

Emma with father walking down the isle, a proud moment for every dad

Happiness, the smile say's it all

I took Emma & Laurence for a quick shot on a bench near the church, but caught this one just right. Lovely lighting.

Emma waiting for the formal line up, I love the unexpected shots, they are the truth on the day.

The light was really getting low at this point, used a high ISO and and the grounds of Hempsted House to get this portrait.

Always looking for nooks and cranny's in the grounds. I like this as it looked like a secret path.

Nice bit of natural framing with the tree.

Stacey & Chris, 10th September 2011 - St Michaels Church, Harbledown & Chilham Village Hall, Chilham

2011-10-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

The weather was actually kinder today, got some lovely shots in the church and Chilham Village hall is a great venue too.

Not sure what she was pointing at but I did see a robin hanging around her earlier, maybe it was that?.

Leaving the car with a bounce, great action shot. High shutter speed and little bit of flaw to freeze the moment.

Sun was bright so waited until they were in the shadow of a tree to take this shot.

Classic black and white

This shot is probably one of my favourites this year, I caught the bridesmaid playing with the confetti on her own. Its a simple shot but I really love it for some reason, thats what photography is all about for me, a total random moment of real personality capture.

A quick drink on arrival of Chilham Hall

Now, mums are sensible!, thats a fact. This mum even wore her wellies for the occasion, it was a great fun picture.

This little one decided she wanted a hat, so she stole it from a guest. It did suit her though.

Another classic, she was plying with the letters, the "o" is just out of the picture, but her expression was a kind of "oh, you caught me in the act, am I in trouble?"

Rain was upon us again at this point, so we did a quick shoot in the grounds before the next onslaught. Summer has been non existent this year!. Globel warming my a*se!.

Used a little bit of flash to light the couple, but made the most of the disco lights flooding the backdrop.

Used no flash in this shot. Wanted to get the silhouette of the girl dancing. I think it is a really atmospheric shot. This is when using "manual" mode on a camera becomes essential. If it was on auto it would have looked awful. Take note uncle Joe!.

Amy & Phil, 27th August 2011 - Barham Church & The Blazing Donkey, Sandwich

2011-10-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

A lovely couple but the day was a bit mad with the weather. One minute it was sunny the next it was poring down, it was a day of dodging showers and trying to get the outside shots with very limited time, I had to work fast.

At the brides house, the page boy and flower girl were testing out the new wheels, a young version of "pimp my ride?"

Arrival at the church, not much room to move in this tight space, Amy keeping an eye on the dress not to get caught in the bushes.

A lovely portrait shot of the couple, timeless image of the day.

A captured moment of joy.

Lovely shot, but look at the dark clouds gathering behind them. They were a total pain (the clouds I mean!)

I always keep an eye on the young ones, at least she's not looking at the wine!.

Ok, off camera flash in the field next door. I had approximately 30 seconds to set this up and get the shot before the heavens opened. Job done, then run for cover!.

Managed to get another session with the couple later in the evening, light was nearly non-existent but used a high ISO and low shutter speed to get the most of the light into my lens. Nice green backdrop.

Sophie & Sam, 14th August 2011 - St Augustines, Westgate-on-sea

2011-10-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

I love shooting at St Augustines, its a lovely big chapel with tons of light so no problems with slow shutter speeds. It also has loads of places for indoor shots of the couple, nice corridors and great light once again.

I'm glad to say Sam turned the mobile off during the ceremony, you'll never believe how many people don't put it on silent and it bleeps during the ceremony, so embarrassing.

Your wedding day, a pint, a fag - how much better can life get?

Nice natural light shot of Sophie chilling on the sofa before her big moment.

I just caught Sophie checking herself in the mirror walking to the Chapel, I love this type of candid shot, you could set this shot up and make it look natural.

As Sophie was getting ready I kept an eye on the flower girl, she was taking in all the experience, wonder what was going through her head?, maybe "I'll be that princess one day"

Nice wide angle shot of the proceedings, beautiful light.

Just got married, now on the way to the bar, great stuff!

After the wedding we had a little session inside. This shot was taken in the corridor, I love the composition it really shows the feeling for the place.

First dance, its all laughs from here onwards, especially once the alcohol started flowing.

Kelly & Luke, 6th August 2011 - Upchurch River Valley Golf Club

2011-10-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of shooting the wedding of a lovely couple Kelly & Luke. The weather wasn't over great but the atmosphere more than made up for that.

Pre wedding "getting ready" shots at the brides house, tried to use just the natural light as there was lots flooding in through the kitchen window

Detail shot of the guest book, all these shots are generally missed by uncle Joe, another good reason to hire a professional photographer.

An expression can say a thousand words, thats what photography captures, a timeless moment in the making.

The after wedding shoot under a willow tree, this way the sun wasn't too bright and made a lovely cascading backdrop

Katherine & Oliver, 5th August 2011 - St Mildreds Church & Preston Court, Preston

2011-08-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

On the way to the church, all smiles and excitement.

Always looking for different angles and views, just caught Katherine through the closed door getting ready for the walk down the isle

One of the groomsmen chilling out next to the organ player, I know this wedding was a relaxed one, but come on sir!.

Flowers and Pimms on a hot summers day, lovely!.

I'll be honest with you, if your thinking of getting married and you live in the east kent area then Preston Court House is probably one of the best venues I encountered for beautiful grounds. It was a complete delight to shoot there and the landscape/grounds are absolutely stunning!.

Time to reflect on the bridge over the huge pond.

Underexposed the sky to bring out the detail and correctly exposed the couple with a couple of flash guns. Gives it a dramatic look that makes the picture look stunning.

Katie & Scott, 30th July 2011 - St Augustines, Westgate

2011-08-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Its all in the preperation, last minute touches.

The chapel at St Augustines is a fantastic place, it has such quality light that no flash is needed, just ambient light at its best.

Looks like Scotts best man was happy to see him, either that or he was trying to catch flies?.

Love this shot with the crucifix in the foreground, Katie is preying.

Time for a portrait session on the beach, I had to photoshop a few kids out of the images as they were running behind them generally trying to get in the shot (lovely little blighters!). I did do a quick reckie while the couple were having there wedding breakfast and the part of the beach I originally wanted to shoot on was full of 50 year old drunks and druggies (nice). After being told (in not such a polite manner) to go away by them I decided to take them further along the beach. Such a lovely place Ramsgate, shame about the.....

A quick walk along the seafront, I love urban pictures, wish I had more opportunity to do it. Urban decay! I love it...

A quick tango and thats before the drinks started flowing!!

Katherine & Carl, 23rd July 2011 - Upnor Castle, Rochester

2011-08-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

I love this wide angle shot, shows the bride and bridesmaid getting ready, its almost like a mirror image.

Upnor High Street, Carl and groomsmen have a stroll down to the castle after a drink in the pub (or two).

The happy couple exiting the castle for their celebration drinks. This type of shot can be tricky as the meter in the camera will tend to underexpose the shot due to the natural light outside the door. I had to overexpose the picture to compensate for the camera meter reading the light wrong. Take note automatic shooters!.

There's a great tunnel area in Upnor Castle where I cannot resist taking shots, I could spend hours there, but time is money and the couple need to move on with the days celebrations. This shot took approximately 3 minutes. I always check the location and have some idea in my head of what I want to shoot and where.

Its the small but important details, I managed to focus on Katherines wedding ring for this one. I think it worked really well.

Sarah & Chris, 16th July 2011 - The Conningbrook Hotel, Ashford

2011-08-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm not an expert on make up (being a bloke) but "smoking eyes", whats that all about?, but what do I know. Its not all about shots of the couple and guests a large part of the shoot is about capturing small details like this make up kit. Many wedding photographers over look the small details.

Nice reflection in the mirror as it happens. I always try and look for different angles to make the shot look different from other prying lenses.

There go the doves!. A fast shutter speed to freeze the action, wide angle and close the aperture for maximum depth of field. I think this worked well. Never get a second chance for this type of shot. No pressure!!.

Ok, everyones turn now, lets see you all swing your pants.

A lovely b&w image of the couple dancing. The skylight in the roof really helped me out on this one and gave great natural directional light. Just a little flash to bring out the detail.

Zara & Richard, 9th July 2011 - The Secret Garden, Mersham

2011-08-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

The clouds were looming and just before the bride turned up the rain started to come down!. But luckily there was a break for for a while just enough time for the bridal party to make there way to the ceremony area. British summer time!!!.

The weather cleared up later and that gave us a chance to shoot in the lovely gardens. A nice informal picture of the Richard and the groomsmen.

Time for the couples portraits with some off camera flash. I sat them in the only arew of shade in the garden and took a wide angle shot low down to get this lovely perspective.

The first dance, with a bit of charlston thrown in! - nice one Zara & Richard, get on down!.

Stephanie & Ed - 18th June, Oakwood House, Maidstone

2011-07-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

Ed and friend having a crafty one. The weather was terrible that day and rained stair rods. Summertime in England eh!

I think she loves her grandad!

Some people are just born to be photographed, like this young lady. I think she was singing, Britain has got talent.

Ok, jump if your having fun. They were all having fun so they jumped - well done lads

Time for a portrait session away from the family, off camera flash used here to good effect. You don't need to look lovingly into someones eyes to get a good couples portrait. This worked I reckon, nice and relaxed.

Becky & Matthew - 29th May, The Blazing Donkey, Sandwich

2011-07-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

Getting a good view out of the window at the forthcoming proceedings. Looks like a real cheeky chappy, but I do like his pumps - cool dude!.

I love this picture, just makes me wonder what she is thinking at that moment. People are better pictured off guard as it captures the real person. Thats what monkeepuzzle photography is all about.

Ok, this shot is a one off and cannot be re-taken unless they catch the doves and bring them back!. A fast shutter speed to freeze the doves in flight and fire like a machine gun + an element of good luck. Luckily it worked out really well and I feel it captured the doves in motion.

Its a long day and the young lad looks like he's getting tired.

I took Becky & Matthew to a nearby field for their portrait shots. I love shooting in natural surroundings. Off camera flash was used in this shot making the couple "ping out" of the picture and keeping the detail in the summer sky. Lovely shot!.

Katy & Simon - 20th May, Cathedral Crypt & Mount Ehpraim

2011-07-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

Canterbury Cathedral in its full black & white glory.

Katy entering the Crypt, the scene was very atmospheric but the lighting was very low so I had to choose the right time to pull the trigger. No flash allowed, very strict rules in here, infact I counted 7 people coming up to me and asking if I had permission to photograph in the Crypt, this was while I was getting some test shots in. A bit annoying.

Cars arriving at Mount Ephraim.

A group shot in the grounds. I found an (unofficial) room and stood out on the flat roof to get this. Went back in through the sash window, banged my head and tripped head first over the old sofa up against the window. Then...went to leave the room and found there was no door handle on the inside "great!", had to shout out for a employee to come and let me out. The things you do for a good shot.

Time to relax in the grounds and contemplate their life together.

Lindsey & Chris, 14th May - Howfield Manor Hotel, Chartham Hatch

2011-05-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

Lindsey getting ready, always nice in black and white.

All complete and ready to rock 'n' roll. Just a quick portrait by the window for some nice natural light and off we go.

The kids kept laughing at me making me paranoid that I had my trousers on the wrong way round or something?, probably just happy kids?.

Nice bridesmaids, even mickey mouse got in on the fun!.

Howfield Manor has some lovely grounds to explore and we used the ivy covered arch as a prop with great effect.

I know weddings are stressful, but Lindsey seems to have taken it to the extreme in relaxing. I do like this picture, it was fun to shoot and Lindsey & Chris were up for all my random ideas.

Off camera flash, I was hoping to get a skyscape with a quite a bit of detail but the sky was mostly blue all day and hardly a puff of a cloud, even so I think the shot worked really well and there is a little cloud detail in the picture.

Jennifer & Ben, 30th April 2011 - St Stephens Church & Howfield Manor

2011-05-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

Another lovely sunny day, this weather seems to be here for good!?. Ben and his guests certainly enjoyed the warm sun. Having a wedding this time of the year can be hit or miss - luckily it was a hit.

Time for a quick portrait shot in the shade of the cemetary. I always try to find shade for the set up shots as this is kinder on the skin and stops people from frowning.

Lindsay getting ready at the entrance to the church. This sort of shot can be tricky as the light meter on the camera will try to underexpose the picture because a majority of the scene is very bright (i.e outside sunshine). The trick is to compensate for this and overexpose the scene by one stop. Like so.

Trying to get the exposure on the stained glass window can be difficult as you need to underexpose to get the detail. Only problem being is the couple will be too dark. Luckily, there was a bright ray of light on Jennfier and Ben so I could underexpose and still get defination on them. I love the intimate moment of Ben putting his arm around Jennifer.

Howfield Manor has some great grounds with lots of variation. Made the most of this natural seating area, a lot better than a bench I reckon.

And now the bench!

Under the gazebo thing, this is where they have their ceremonies on a nice day.

And the first dance, an intiment moment captured beautifully

Nichola & Jonathon - Littlebourne Church, 9th April 2011

2011-04-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the new season starts and what a great day to get things going. The sun was out and it felt like summer already!. To see last years images click on "2010" in the right column.

Looking smart in the RAF suit, although John did say he couldn't wait to get out of it as it was tight fitting.

A lovely warm spring day so what better way to arrive, Nichola's mum only lived down the road from the church so she walked there, environmently friendly approach eh?.

Time for the prayers, I only had limited opportunities to shoot in this church as the vicar had quite strict house rules, but nevermind, made the most of the time I did have.

The kiss...

and another!....the church was followed by the Littlebourne Village Hall. Just time for a quick stroll around the rec for some natural shots of the couple. The sun was lovely and warm but did play havoc with the in camera light meter.....time to go manual. Had a lovely afternoon and they were a nice couple. A good way to start the new season, bring on the summer madness! (and I don't mean the band).

2011-03-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

Lisa & Greg, The Three Tuns, Staple - 18th December 2010

2011-01-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

Well, the elements really played there part in this wedding. Snow, snow and more snow!. I know Greg and Lisa wanted a Christmas type wedding but 6 inches of snow was going a bit too far!. Anyway, it made for interesting pictures.

Natural light from the window, the snow really reflected on lisa's face.

The short trip to ceremony area was just when the storm was at its worst (or best if you like snow)

Nearly there!

And back again, still snowing!

Eventually the snow stopped in the evening so just a quick portrait session with off camera flash. Had to be a quickie though as it felt like -20!!

The kiss

At last, in the warm snuggled up by the Christmas tree

The first dance, no flash used in theis shot just the lights from the DJ, I always try to use available light as it can be more dramatic. Overall, a great day (albeit in trying conditions), Thats what Christmas should be like eh!?

Gillian & Andy, 13th November 2010 - Shepherd Neame Brewery, Faversham

2010-11-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

It being the middle of November there was no time to get the couples portraits done before the light dropped, however, you don't need daylight to get some cracking shots. We ventured up a traditional Faversham street and used the urban setting to get some great shots just using the light from a lamp column

Status Quo!?

Urban portraits, I love them in the winter. No flash, just street lighting

A quick portrait in front of the Shepherd Neame archway. Good thing about having a wedding here is you would never run out of beer - party time!

The ceremony kiss

Sue & Ian, 23rd October 2010 - The Knowle Country House, Higham

2010-11-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

A quick shoot under the umbrella of autumn, this tree made a great backdrop and luckily the rain eased off long enough to get a few shots outside

Shallow depth of field showing the rings and the groom in the background waiting for his bride

Beautiful natural light from the window, you can't beat it

I love this picture, it wasn't set up, 99% of my shots are not staged and therefore capture the "as it happens moments". Reflected light from the mirror as the bride checks herself

Jenny & Anthony, 4th October 2010 - Cooling Castle Barn

2010-11-09T11:29:00.000-08:00

As light faded its was a good chance to get some pictures in front of the iconic towers. Using off camera flash, managed to correctly expose the couple but not lose the detail of the light on the tower

The groomsmen

Bride entering the ceremony room, I always get a bit nervous at Cooling Castle when the bride enters as there are some quite steep steps to walk down, but touch wood, no one has made an un-dignified entrance - as yet!?

Hair piece detail, its good to get shots of the little things that could get forgotten.

Tanith & Franco, 27th September - Cooling Castle Barn

2010-10-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

A wedding with a difference this one. The theme was medievel and everyone got into the spirit of it. I just made sure I did a good job as I didn't want to get my head chopped on the block!. Was a great day and everyone seemed to enjoy dressing up.

Charge! I made sure I got out the way of this one before they got to close!.

Timeless, classic black & white

That must make your throat sore surely?, time for a gargle with TCP?

Think the guy in the green just remembered Franco had owed him a tenner from years back.

A maiden with a sword and a pint!, recipe for disaster I reckon, luckily the weapon was taken off her and no one got injured

Joanne & Andrew, 18th September 2010 - St Michaels Church, Smarden & Leeds Castle

2010-10-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

Levitating?, no just a eager child doing her stuff on the dance floor

Hand held at 30/sec :-) Leeds Castle in all its nightime splender

Leeds Castle was a fantastic place to do Jo & Andy's portraits, in fact there was so much choice of great backdrops it was a bit overwhelming, just wish we had more time to venture around the whole grounds

Just for fun!

All the confetti thrown, a good job done "where's the top up?"

St Michaels Church, lovely bright light beaming through the stained glass window gave a magical effect. The weather was a perfect clear late summers day.

Good old diffused natural light, you can't beat it

Jenny & Andrew, 7th september 2010 - Archbishops Palace, Maidstone

2010-09-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

Attention to detail. love the detail of the rings along with the tattoo

Classic vintage black & white, you can't beat it

Photoshoot in the rose garden, a nice relaxing space shame we had to dodge the showers - "good ole blighty"

Slightly soft focus with the aperture wide open. A nice shallow depth of field to make Jenny & Andy stand out

The kids loved it running around, turn to burn off that excess energy before the ceremony

See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil - only joking, nice lads

Sacha & James, 4th September 2010 - Little Silver Country Hotel, Tenterden

2010-09-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely warm late summers day, a great hotel and fantastic clients!, what more could you ask for.

Apparently these shoes are really expensive?, but what would I know being a man..

Its all in the preperation

Gemma & Brendan, 22nd August 2010 - Russell Hotel, Maidstone

2010-09-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Katie & William, 21st August 2010 - Swarling Manor Petham

2010-09-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

Jump if your enjoying yourselves!

Love between relations, thats what its all about - emotion

Natural window light in this shot, black and white, a timeless classic

Rebecca & Ian, 14th August 2010 - St Mary the Virgin Church and Great Farthinghole Farm, Dover

2010-09-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

Fender Strat?, Telecaster?? - who cares, young budding Courtney Love's!

Great Farthinghole Farm apparently used to be the main site where the Channel Tunnel workforce were sited. The soil from the tunnel was left at this site and landscaped making a great area for Rebecca & Ian's portraits.

Off camera flash technique again used to great effect.

Great Photobooks!!

2010-08-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the many photobooks we have created for our clients. They measure 13" x 11" and have 80 pages with good heavy quality paper. A great way to show your friends and family the story of your special day. The photobooks are included in the Sapphire and Diamond packages at no extra cost.

Victoria & Robert 3rd July 2010 | Make Your Own Book

Faye & Ben, 7th August- St Mary's Church, Minster and Court Stairs Manor, Ramsgate

2010-08-19T13:49:00.001-07:00

Although the day threatened heavy rain with some dark clouds looming, it turned out to be a lovely warm mid summers day with just a little light rain later in the evening. The church was lovely and light and Court Stairs Manor was a nice setting to celebrate in the evening.

Victoria & Robert, 3rd July 2010 - Our Lady Star of the Sea Church and Fayreness Horel, Kingsgate

2010-07-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

Using off camera flash technique we created memorable images on the sandy beach.

We under-exposed the sky to maximise the whispy cloud detail and correctly exposed Vicki and Robert with two flashes on tripods to create a dramatic feel. The flashes were fired by pocket wizards.

Always looking for other angles, here we use the mirror to good effect.
98% of our images are not staged so we try to maximise creativity as it happens.

Lorna & David, 26th June 2010 - Patrixbourne Church

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Samantha & Daniel, 21st June 2010 - Canterbury Registry Office

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Christine & Richard - 19th June 2010, St Mary's Church, Great Chart & The Secret Garden, Mersham

2010-07-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

Here I used some off camera flash fired by pocket wizards, it gives a (sort of) 3D effect and really makes the images pop out. Most of my couple portraits are dictated by off camera flash and experimentation, thats what makes things interesting!.

Rain again - but only briefly, I think it adds to the image. Mother nature has a way of adding interest.

Joanna & Darren 24th April 2010 - St Martins Church, Herne

2010-07-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

A quick shoot on the beach with a beautiful historic backdrop

Reculver Towers is a fantastic place for pictures, we had a bit of spare time so shot off there to get some images taken and it was well worth it. Had to photoshop "out" some bikers that wouldn't co-operate in the background!.

Thoughtful...

Lisa & Oliver 14th February 2010 - Cooling Castle Barn, Rochester

2010-07-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely day had by all and everyone was so friendly. Shame about the rain shower.

Sarah & James 30th January 2010 - The Grand Hotel, Leas, Folkestone

2010-07-26T14:49:00.001-07:00

The day was freezing outside so decided to get some portrait shots in the hotel before the ceremony. We did get outside eventually but had to work quick as everyone was on the verge of freezing!.