Ravensbourne School Wedding Venue in Bromley Kent

Good Afternoon Folks, Today's blog features a new wedding venue in Bromley, Ravensbourne School. I was asked to pop along and capture some images for them to use in their marketing. I must say I was most impressed with this venue. It boasts some marvellous architecture, a farm with the loveliest goats you could ever wish to meet, a great hall that has a real wow factor. I can really see this venue going from strength to strength and they have all sorts of plans for the grounds too, not that they are lovely enough already. I am posting a couple of images today of our gorgeous model wearing the one and only Emma Tindley Couture. Emma very kindly loaned us some gowns for the shoot and as usual they were perfection itself; well I would expect no less from Designer of the Year 2014 :) Alex Hill from Wonderful Weddings in Kent will be the wedding co-ordinator at Ravensbourne School and what Alex doesn't know about weddings isn't worth knowing to be honest. Now what a clever venue getting Alex on board :) So if you are starting out and planning your wedding I would definitely get in touch with Alex to have a look round this stunning venue. Have a fab weekend folks, it has been a busy few weeks for me. Lots of pre-wedding photography shoots, weddings, studio stuff oh and giving our new feastable a whirl. What is a feastable I hear you ask, well if you want to pop into my instagram account you can find out; pop on over to woodlandhillphoto and if you want to see bits and bobs that will only be posted there, give me a follow. Enjoy the warmth and the sun, Claire :)

Emma Tindley Couture at The White Gallery: West Sussex Photographers

Good Morning Folks,

I have some exciting news that Emma Tindley Couture announced in the New Year; she has been invited to launch her 2014 collection at The White Gallery.

I am just thrilled as it is no secret that I think Emma's dresses are the best.  I first photographed her collection in early 2011 and I was bowled over by the gorgeous designs and quality in her dresses.  Emma trained at the London College of Fashion and one of her specialities is period corsetry.  This really shows in her designs as there is that mix of being comfortable and looking absolutely amazing.  Her brides are very discerning and she has dressed many ladies from all over the world; now that just shows how good she is.

I just wanted to say huge congratulations Emma and this now puts you as one of the leading designers in the country, and this is just as it should be.

I have the very great honour of being Emma's official photographer and I just cannot wait to photograph the 2014 collection, which has been in the planning for some time now as shoots of this magnitude often are; how exciting!

So today I am posting an image from the Shakespeare in Love Collection that was taken at our shoot last year in the glorious surroundings of Wakehurst Place.

Enjoy the snow; note to self, must get some snowballing in before it melts!

Claire

If you would like to see some more of my work pop along to Woodland Hill Photography

Emma Tindley Couture at Wakehurst Place, Ardingly - Shakespeare in Love Collection: West Sussex Wedding and Fashion Photographers

Good Evening Folks,

Something a little different this evening, a slideshow that showcases the wonderfully, brilliant and talented Emma Tindley who designs right here in East Grinstead.  I am very happy to say that I am the official photographer for Emma Tindley and wow do I love photographing her creations, they are truly a work of art.

Emma studied at the London College of Fashion and what she doesn't know about the female form is not worth knowing.  All her designs have this amazing corsetry that gives a beautiful shape to any woman and this comes from her extensive knowledge of period corsetry that she has adapted and moulded into her collections.

When you visit Emma you are talking to the designer herself not just a supplier of dresses and  you are talking to the expert, not someone who just sells dresses without any real knowledge of their construction.

Have a look at the slideshow, better still visit her beautiful boutique in our very own East Grinstead and you will never buy off the peg again!

Enjoy the evening folks,

Claire

Maids to Measure, London at Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, West Sussex: West Sussex Photographers London Photographers

Good Morning All,

Well what a mad and wonderful day yesterday. Emma Tindley, Maids to Measure, Reveries, Alison J Smith, Four Seasons Floral design, Broadleys, Susan Harrison, Janeymac Cakes and Cake Masion all gathered at the wonderful Wakehurst Place for an exclusive photoshoot.  The venue was closed and we had access all areas.  I want to say a big, big thank you to the wonderful Katie Ratcliffe, the Events Manager at Wakehurst Place for having us at Wakehurst and you will see her popping up in the imagery; when you have gorgeousness like Katie on your doorstep you will be a fool not to make the most of her!

The weather decided to give us some challenges and I had several 'hair washes'  during the day, not a pretty sight.  Now it is time to start the edit but I wanted to post an image of a Maids to Measure dress amongst the early blooming wisteria.  Yes folks it was absolutely lashing down with rain when we took this and I cannot thank both Adrian (my husband) and Andrew a brilliant friend for helping me out.  They were jumping in an out of each shot with the 'brollies to ensure that 'spoffy' was as dry as she could be.

If you want to see one of Emma's dresses then click here to have a sneaky peek.

Have a great day all,

Claire

Sweet Little Blings: West Sussex Product Photography

Good Afternoon,

In a trice here we are again at Friday and what another busy week, but more of that later. Recently I photographed the amazing sweet trees for Sweet Little Blings. This is a new company and they are building up a really lovely range of products. The aromas wafting around in the studio were lovely and I this is why I opted for pink and blue tones to compliment the trees. I am posting three images today and just looking at them makes my mouth water!

So this week at Woodland Hill Photography has been very busy; I have been booking weddings for this year and I also had the most productive admin and editing days. Wednesday saw a trip to Focus, which is one of the two must do trade events for photographers. I commented on my Facebook page that the show should be re-named 'covet' as there were lots of amazing things for me to drool over.

It was lovely to catch up with my album suppliers and they won best stand at the show. The stand for this year was a real showpiece and showed their products off beautifully. I also trotted over to see my supplier of my wall art. They had some beautiful products that were unveiled. I knew their plans for some of them, but wow I was bowled over when I saw the rest. I now need to see what I am going to introduce into my product menus; this is going to be hard.

Have a great weekend everyone, I am seeing clients tomorrow, followed by a childrens' party and then a day off on Sunday. I think it is due to get warm...happy days.

Claire

Red Squirrel Arts: West Sussex Commercial Photographer

Good Morning Folks,

Well it has been a very varied week so far at Woodland Hill Photography with pre-wedding shoots, bridal dress shoots and the artwork of the very talented Rich Spicer.

I travelled to Rich's studio in Worthing earlier this week to photograph his collection, which has been titled 'the look up series'. Rich has drawn his inspiration from the beautiful tree canopies that we have in this country and his aim was to encourage people to look up and see the beauty that exists above their heads.

The whole collection is going to be exhibited at the St Paul's Centre, Chapel Road, Worthing from 5th March until the 2nd April. Rich is going to exhibit in the most unsual way and I cannot wait to see the whole series in situ.

I am posting a couple of images and a portrait of Rich, but if you want to see some more ahead of the exhibition then I will be posting some extra ones on my twitter account if you click here it will take you straight there.

My next post for this week is going to be some more artistry but of the sweet variety from Sweet Little Blings; the studio had the most fragrant aroma during this shoot....yummy!

Enjoy your week and hope you all enjoyed pancake day; I like mine simple with just lemon juice and sugar:)

Claire

Paul G Smith Fabulous Toastmaster: East Grinstead Portrait Photography

Good Morning Folks,

I recently had the honour of photographing the President of the London Guild of Toastmasters, Paul G Smith. Some of the imagery is being used for his website and one of the images will be his official portrait in the President's book.

I love working with Paul, he has that wonderful mix of a consummate professional without being stuffy. If you have him at your wedding it will run like clockwork and be enormous fun too. I think I can safely say that he is nothing like the impression that people have of Toastmasters, so if you are thinking of having someone to ease the pressure on the day; Paul is the one for you. It is happy days for me because he will be at a few of my weddings this year.

The weather looks set to stay cold and my chicken is not liking it at all and to watch her trying to walk in snow was quite a sight I can tell you!!

Have a great weekend everyone and wrap up warm.

Claire

South Lodge Wedding Fayre: Emma Tindley Couture

Good afternoon everyone,

Well wasn't that an eventful weekend weather wise!! It did not stop me from having a very productive day in the studio, followed by an amazing event in the evening with, I might add, a fabulous room set by Reveries; that is a another blog post for another day! Then to finish it all off a wedding fayre at South Lodge. Despite the horrendous weather conditions we made it to the venue and were ready, albeit a little late, to chat to the equally marvellous couples about their day.

It was great to catch up with all the other lovely suppliers too. I have posted another Emma Tindley new collection dress that was on display yesterday and we both think this screams red carpet. It is a gorgeous silk crepe dress with beautiful embellishments and and very attractive backless feature.

Emma is our very own East Grinstead treasure. She is a very talented designer and has chosen to keep her boutique in East Grinstead; her dresses are designed and made in the boutique. If you have a consultation you will have a dedicated appointment with Emma herself and be able to try on one of the many sample gowns that make up her collections. Once you have chosen your dream dress, it is then made for you by Emma, so none of this buying a ready made garment and then having umpteen adjustments to make it fit. Emma's dress will fit you like a glove as it is made for you from scratch. Prices range from £1,000.00 to £2,500.00 for pure silk gowns.

Well it is a week of editing for me along with all the usual things that go with running a business. Have a lovely week and enjoy the snowy landscape before it all melts.

Claire

South Lodge Wedding Fayre

Good Afternoon Folks,

Well after another busy week I am preparing to exhibit at the South Lodge Wedding Fayre this coming Sunday 5th February.

South Lodge is a majestic venue situated in Lower Beeding near Horsham and I will be photographing a wedding there later in the year; so lots to look forward to as the venue boasts not only magnificent grounds, but an amazing interior for those rainy days and winter weddings.

You will find lots of suppliers at the event who will be on hand to chat with you about your day; and I am sure that a wander around the venue and grounds is a must.

I have posted an image from Emma Tindley Couture's new collection and this amazing dress will be exhibited on Sunday too; it really is amazing. Emma is a truly talented designer and her creations are just exquisite. I am really looking forward to photographing it on location along with the rest of the collection in the spring at another magnificent venue.

Enjoy your weekend; I am in the studio tomorrow doing a test shoot for a new product that I am experimenting with and then it lots of lovely chats on Sunday....ahhh a weekend of peace says my Husband!

Claire

Sweet Little Blings: West Sussex Photography

Good Afternoon,

I have been doing some product photography for a new company called Sweet Little Blings and the first items to come into the studio are these personalised dummies to bring a little sparkle to your baby's life. They have all sorts of things they are going to produce with a great emphasis on the Bride to Be and the wedding day, so I am really looking forward to seeing what arrives next. I know that one side of the product range will be very difficult to photograph and not eat!

Their website is being designed as we speak so keep any eye out for this great new company.

I hope you are all coping with this wacky weather we are having at the moment and your Christmas preparations are going well. I have a something a little festive to blog later in the week.

Enjoy your windy evening...cue a Brussel Sprouts joke!

Claire

KJ Floral Designs: Sussex Commercial Photography

Good Morning,

I have been photographing the beautiful flowers of KJ Floral Designs and these will now be replacing the imagery that is currently on the website. Kirsty is an extremely talented florist and has produced flowers for UK and international royalty. She is now setting up her own business and will be specialising in wedding and event floristry. Kirsty is familiar with the many beautiful venues we have in the area and works alongside the fantastic wedding and event decorators Reveries. Now that's a match made in Heaven!

Have a great week; I am getting back to normal after the Master Photographers Association Awards 2011 for which I was very pleased to be awarded two Merits in Fine Art and Classical Portraiture. Cannot wait for next year now!

Claire

Emma Tindley Couture East Grinstead, West Sussex: Sussex Location Photography

Good Afternoon,

I hope you have all had a good week and you have lots of nice things planned for the weekend. More imagery again today and this is the beautiful shop of Emma Tindley Couture based in East Grinstead. Emma was a finalist in the Young Designer of the Year awards and I am certainly not surprised as her dresses are exquisite. We are creating a collection of imagery that is going to be used for her new website; it is extremely exciting and I cannot wait to see the finished product that will show the collection we photographed in April, the shop interiors and the new collection that she is planning for next year at a very special location. I was very privileged to have a sneaky preview at some of her materials and the one shown here is a French Chantilly Lace, which has recently been used in some of Vera Wang's designs. I cannot remember the celebrity who wore it but the lace was used in a dress by Vera Wang that recently featured in Hello magazine; just how fab is that...love it! The lace is just sublime close up. Emma will be available for appointments commencing 3rd September, so if you are getting married next year take a look at her beautiful dresses; you will not be disappointed and they are a pleasure to photograph.

Happy Friday everyone,

Claire

Rowfant House, Rowfant, West Sussex

I have been waiting for the weather and light to be just right in order to get the exterior shots of Rowfant House as these are going to be used for their new website and printed material, all of which is currently being designed. After a most unusual month of rain, grey cloud and general misery, today offered me just what I wanted. I made my way over to Rowfant House to catch the early morning light and wonderful blue skies. Here are a few images; I particularly like the black and white image but I wanted to pop a colour one in to show you how lovely the skies were this morning. There is another image of the lake, which I rather liked in what I would call subdued colour, and I think the texture and faded colour tone gives it a paint like quality.

I hope you enjoy the images, and have a great weekend as it is set to be hot, hot, hot! I know I will need to take plenty of water with me tomorrow!

Claire

Food at Rowfant House, Rowfant, West Sussex

Last night it was over to Rowfant House to photograph some food; I can think of worse ways to spend an evening!

Rowfant House is being completely refurbished and this is going to be a truly spectacular venue when everything is finished. The house itself is steeped in history and benefits from some lovely architecture with magnificent grounds to match. Once the interior is finished it will match the majesty of food being served there. There is going to be no stone left unturned and my photography will be used for their new website, which is currently being designed.

Here are a few shots of the food created by Chef and Commercial Manager Rich Spicer and yes folks it tasted wonderful so if you get the chance try it out for yourself. Lucky old me has to go back and photograph some more dishes, how will I ever cope!!

Looking at this has made me hungry, sorry if it has done the same to you!

Claire

September - Everdon Church Flower Festival

On Sunday I attended a get together with Everdon Village to present an album and DVD Slideshow to the florists responsible for the magnificent Everdon Flower Festival held on 5th December last year; it was also in celebration of Advent. The theme was pantomime. Sets were created for each pantomime and they were magnificent. It was the thought that went into each set to create the theme using a mixture of flowers and props, and of course Everdon Church was the ideal building to add atmosphere to the whole thing.

On arrival we were given a leaflet detailing each theme with an explanation and we were advised on the ideal route to view the sets. I walked around first of all to take in the themes and then commenced the photography in a slightly more random order so I could approach the themes without too many people in them.

All proceeds go to the renovation of Everdon Church, and I think it was such a lovely thing for the florists to do as the work they put in was clear to see in what they achieved. There was also a huge range of homemade cakes for sale and I really enjoyed a slice of choccy cake with a nice cup of tea.

The flower festival will be on again this year at the same time and it has a small feature in the Daily Telegraph ‘What’s On’ section. We are hoping to change that this year with more editorial and imagery, so watch this space to see if we are successful.

The ladies are underway with the planning and it will be full on from now until the grand opening; and knowing how much hard work goes into their creations, I would not blame them for having a holiday afterwards.

So all I can say is go for it ladies and wow me again, and I have every confidence you can.

Everdon Flower Festival, Everdon Church, Northamptonshire

Just a little update by Claire Hill

March - Dog Training

Attended a Dog Training Class last night to capture some images of the class for use on my Client's web site. Here are just three, and the doggies are sooo cute!