David Salomons Wedding Photographer Tunbridge Wells - Hannah and Garry: Tunbridge Wells Wedding Photographers

Good Afternoon Folks,

I recently photographed the wedding of Hannah and Garry and the very beautiful David Salomons House in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.  It was a changeable day weatherwise, which was a shame because Hannah and Garry had originally planned to have their ceremony outside but the weather had different ideas; it did not hamper the fun though.  The ceremony was just as beautiful inside because all their family and friends were there to celebrate such a special day.

We did manage to have the group shots outside because Salomons has a splendid covered terrace that kept the guests dry and they could nip in and out as required through a side door.  It was then off to the newly built bridge with golf buggy and brollies to capture some intimate shots; even with the rain there was no way that Hannah and Garry were going to miss out on this, so the intrepid gang had fun there too!

For me personally it was a most surreal day; firstly I had a chat with one of my old school teachers who is Hannah's Aunt, then I discovered not one but two students who were in the same year as me; gosh really what a small world we live in.  It is so funny because I just could not call my teacher by her first name...old habits really do die hard.

Today I am posting four images, the first is on the new bridge and I love the leaf formation that frames Hannah and Garry having a moment together.  The second was taken in the science theatre in front of the world renowned organ and here Hannah is sporting my newest acquisition, a lace parasol.  The third image is Garry looking fantastic and he remembered everything we discussed at the pre-wedding shoot too; and last but not least joy during the first dance.

Well what a truly amazing site to see at the opening of the Paralympics last night; I was gutted as I fell asleep before seeing the lighting of the Paralympic cauldron :(.  On a more exciting note, my mentor's Godson is an athlete in the field events that are due to take place on Tuesday evening, so I will be glued to the TV and willing him on to gold; how utterly fabulous!

Enjoy the weekend folks.

Claire

If you would lke to see more of my work pop along to my website Woodland Hill Photography

Little Silver Wedding Photography, Tenterden, Kent - Becki and Dan: Kent Wedding Photographers

Good Morning Folks,

Back in July I had a fun pre-wedding shoot with Becki and Dan and the beautiful Little Silver in Tenterden, Kent.  As with most of the weather this year the day was extremely changeable and we were ducking and diving to avoid the rain...I know you can hardly believe it can you ;)

When I have not photographed at a venue before, these shoots become even more important as it gives me the chance to explore and make plans stress free.  If the venue is familiar to me it is always nice to stroll through the grounds to establish why it was chosen by my couple.

I am only posting one image today as I have since photographed their wedding, which you will be pleased to know was balmy and dry; so stay tuned and I will post some images in future posts.

This weekend I was busy photographing weddings, but I did enjoy a day off on Sunday so we popped out for a stroll on the beach at Winchelsea; always good to blow away the cobwebs.

Looking forward to catching up later in the week and whatever you are doing have fun :)

Claire

South Lodge Wedding Photography, Lower Beeding, West Sussex - Heather and Roy; West Sussex Wedding Photographers

Good Morning Folks,

I recently photographed the wedding of Heather and Roy at the beautiful South Lodge Hotel in Lower Beeding, West Sussex.

The day started at Heather's Mum and Dad's house; she was so calm and the atmosphere was very tranquil.  Clare from The Family Film Company, Julie and I then headed off to the church to capture the boys before the ceremony and to await the arrival of Heather and Reg.  The service had some traditions that form part of wedding ceremonies in the Phillipines, which were interesting to watch and very symbolic too.

We all had a great time at South Lodge and nothing was too much trouble for the staff, the service was truly 5 star just like the hotel.  Later in the day we popped into one of the bridal suites and all I can say is wow and double wow; this space was magnificent.  There was a lounge, bedroom, dining area and an exquisite bathroom.  The bed had a pop up TV and there was much hilarity as to who was going to press the button!  To be honest we were all a bit scared because at that point we didn't know that the button was for a TV; what a bunch of wusses, so Roy stepped up, pressed said button and hey presto a TV came out the end of the bed; love it!

Today I am posting four images, the first is of Heather in the suite, the second is of Heather and Roy's first dance and this really demonstrates this beautiful venue; I have kept a lot of the ambient light to really show off those lovely chandeliers.  The third image is of Roy before the marriage and I love this as he looks to incredibly relaxed, and last but not least a bit of fun in the photo booth, goodness only knows what they were up to in there!!!

I am still editing away here and then I will be getting prepared for this week's weddings.  It is Bank Holiday so whatever you are up to have fun :)

Claire

David Salomons - Karen and Chris: Tunbridge Wells Wedding Photographers

Good Morning Bloggers,

I recently had a great pre-wedding shoot with Karen and Chris who will be getting married at David Salomons House in Tunbridge Wells.  I was there not so long ago for another lovely pre-wedding shoot so it was nice to be back there again ahead of my first wedding.  It is so strange to be exploring these venues that were an intrinsic part of my childhood, when I was young Salomons was not open to just wander around.

Karen and Chris have some really fun things planned for the day and I am particularly looking forward to one of their plans that for now must remain a secret!  The grounds at Salomons are extensive and I was pleased to see work starting on the wonderful bridge and I am hoping that it will be completed ahead of the my first wedding and obviously Karen and Chris' wedding.

Today I am posting three images; the first is a stolen kiss amongst the weeping willows, then it's onto a bit of piggyback fun.  The third images showcases the wonderful steps leading from the lawns to the house.  All being well weatherwise this is where there marriage will take place, so let's hope that things remain dry from now on.

It has been a busy few weeks for me and I have plans to catch up with all things admin this week; it really doesn't take long for the paperwork to pile up.

Isn't it great that the Paralympics have started and I am sure that Olympic fever is set to start again.  Good Luck to all those taking part and I am sure Team GB is set to do us proud.

Have a great week folks :)

Claire

BIPP Associateship in Photography

Good Morning Folks,

Well excitement reigns again at Woodland Hill Photography; I travelled to Buckinghamshire yesterday as I was being judged for my Licentiate in wedding photography with the British Institute of Professional Photography.  Well you could have knocked me down with a feather as my submission was upgraded to an Associateship so in addition to my existing letters I am now entitled to use ABIPP after my name.

The BIPP is going through a process of change with regard to its qualifications, so the submission was completely different to anything I have done before.  The ethos they want to build is one of getting to know the photographer, so the body of work they are seeing now is so much greater than before.  As photographers we should not be afraid to show a wealth of work to any potential client so why should it be any different when being assessed for qualification.

Prior to the assessment day I sent four DVD slideshows, two full sets of wedding images, examples of all literature used in the business along with a bound document outlining my history and business practice and copies of all insurances.  The images and slideshows had to be the same as presented to my client.

On the day of assessment the judges also saw two complete albums that would accompany the two complete sets of images and slideshows; this would enable them to see the whole process from start to finish.  I also supplied one additional sample and one design that I had printed onto fine art paper.  Being able to see six individual weddings enabled the judges to see my style and consistency.

As part of the submission the candidate is able to bring supporting evidence.  I decided to submit a series of 18 prints on fine art paper and two items of wall art.  This was across all facets of my business, which is weddings, studio work and environmental portraiture.  I wanted the judges to be able to assess me across my whole business. My previous experience of submitting a panel of work as is required with the other professional bodies really helped with this this part of the submission.

During the assessment the judges assessed my professional level of skill and competence in order for me to gain my Licentiate and unbeknown to me they felt the standard of work should also be assessed for a high standard of craftsmanship and creative ability as is required to attain the Associateship.  When I entered the room and was given the result that I had been awarded my Licentiate and was very pleased; when they announced I had also been awarded my Associateship I was flabbergasted!  I then had loads of time to discuss my work with the judges and this in itself was extremely valuable and has helped me to cement some plans for next year.  I now know what I need to chat to Kevin, my mentor about at our next meeting.

Sorry for the long winded blog today, but I thought a full description of what is involved would really help everyone to understand the BIPP photographic qualifications and what is involved.  There are no images today apart from my certificate; to post everything I submitted as part of the panel would take days, but it is all here if you ever wish to see it.

I had a lovely weekend off and we visited our friends in the Isle of Wight, so keep a watch out for some images.  There was so much going on as Cowes week had just started; the other highlight Minghella's passion fruit and champagne ice cream, crikey that's good!

Looking forward to catching up later in the week folks,

Claire :)

Slaugham Place, Slaugham, West Sussex - Charlotte and Craig: West Sussex Wedding Photographers

Good Afternoon Folks,

I recently photographed the wedding of Charlotte and Craig at the beautiful Slaugham Place, West Sussex.  The day started off at Charlotte's parents house, which has a wonderful atmosphere and we then moved on to St Mary's Church in Horsham, West Sussex to photograph the boys; the Verger was just lovely and it was good to be back there again.  We then headed to the gorgeous Slaugham Place.

Slaugham Place has a permanent marquee and their dedicated marquee supplier and caterer Super Event are just lovely and the service was second to none; nothing was too much trouble for them.  The marquee was decorated in a vintage theme with lots of little touches that made it look fabulous. The grounds of this venue are just stunning and I am pleased to say that I captured an image that I had been planning since their pre-wedding shoot; thank you weather and this is being kept for their viewing.  It was an absolute delight to wander through the beautiful surroundings with them and I think Charlotte's Augusta Jones dress suited the venue perfectly.

I am posting three images today; the first is of the ruins and what more can I say but majestic.  The second is on the bridge at the beautiful lake and you can see one other as the cover image on my facebook business page and last but not least confetti at the church.  I love a good confetti shot and haven't posted one for a while.

It has been an extremely hectic July and beginning of August for me, so I have a little respite in order to catch up with all the little jobs that fell by the wayside over the next couple of weeks.

Enjoy the day folks and well done Team GB 22 Gold, 13 Silver and 13 Bronze; what an achievement and these athletes should really be commended for their training and commitment.  On that note Craig is undertaking a gruelling competition called Ironman in Lanzarote next May.  Just the thought of it makes me want to lie down in a darkened room with a wet flannel!!!!

Claire

David Salomons, Tunbridge Wells, Kent - Hannah and Garry: Tunbridge Wells Wedding Photographers

Happy Friday Folks :)

Yes I am back only a day after my last post; sorry!!

Recently I had a great pre-wedding shoot with Hannah, Garry and their two gorgeous boys at David Salomons in Tunbridge Wells.  I was born and grew up in Tunbridge Wells so many of the venues in that area have lots of nostalgia attached to them.  A lot of my family still live there so it's like I never went away, not that I am that far away in sunny East Grinstead!!

It goes to show what a small world it is as one of Hannah's relations used to teach me at secondary school.  I will have to make sure I am on my best behaviour so I do not get detention!!

Anyway I digress and back to the shoot; we had a lovely stroll around the grounds and it was an exceptionally hot evening without a cloud in the sky.  The house has so much to offer photographically both inside and out I just cannot wait to photograph their big day and I have also had a sneaky peek at Hannah's dress; oh wow how excited am I :)

I am posting three images today; the first is a quiet image looking over the cooling waters of the lake, the second just a lovely shot of Hannah and Garry and the third is some fun with the boys.

Have the most fabulous weekend everyone and whatever you are up to have fun.

Claire

Lewes Registry Office - Louise and Richard: East Sussex Wedding Photographers

Good Afternoon to everyone in the wonderful world of blogs,

I cannot quite believe that it is Thursday already;  I am busily editing the weddings of the last two weeks and after a quick cherry break I am back at it!

I recently photographed the wedding of Louise and Richard at Lewes Registry Office and the beautiful house also boasts some gorgeous grounds in which to capture some lovely moments.  We had a nice stroll around the park on what was a beautiful summer's day (can I hear scoffing somewhere; if so I wouldn't blame you).  It was then back to a garden reception chez nous for some wonderful food and the most amazing array of cake.  I gave it my best shot to try all of it, but darn it I missed the carrot and chocolate cake...gutted!

I am posing four images today all taken in the park after their marriage.  The first is a voyeuristic type of shot and I wanted to capture a tender moment amongst the weeping willows, the second is of Louise looking fabulous, the third just the four of them and I love the adoring looks in this image.  Last but not least is an image again just capturing a tender moment.  Yep I bet you can guess; I loved that hat!

I may post again tomorrow, ahead of this weekend's weddings, so apologies for the posts tumbling on top of each other like this.

Enjoy your evening and I will be in touch soon folks,

Claire :)