I met up with Nicola & Alex for their pre-shoot in the Castlefields area of Manchester. This is a fantastic part of Manchester and one used by a lot of photographers, and for good reason. Within a short walk there are a massive number of locations, almost too many!

It was a typical Manchester summers day, grey but bright, and we set off in search. I like to use the couple of hours I have during these shoots to get to know the couples a little more, it helps us all relax with each other and I think get much better pictures on the day. I also like to show people that often the less they try the better the pictures will be, just relax and enjoy the moment. We all have a fear of photographers I think, just like dentists it;s something we pick up at school. I try not to be like the scary wedding photographer you hear about, I like to enjoy the day and become part of it.

We had a lovely time and I am really looking forward to their big day in the new year. Here is just a small selection of what we got…

I’m really looking forward to tomorrow as I’ll join Dannish and 2nd shoot at my first Sikh wedding. Sunny (the Groom) is a most excellent photographer in his own right, so no pressure then!

As this is something totally new to me, even though I’m only 2nd shooting I went to meet Charanjit & Sunny to discuss their wedding and go over some do’s and don’ts. While I was there is seemed silly not to quickly go out and take a couple of shots, made even more interesting with Sunny’s interest in how I work and what I do…

Here is my take on this location, it was very interesting to be able to hand the camera over to Sunny and see what he saw, as you can see it was very different…

This image was taken by Sunny on my camera, using the same lights and settings. I’ve edited in my own way but I still amazed by how differently we saw the same location. I don’t think there are any wrongs or rights, but differences like this fascinate me, and leave me wondering what else was there that I didn’t see ???

Just around the corner from the first location we found a lovely field with access which meant we didn’t have to cause any damage to get these shots. As the light was dropping the sky behind gives these pictures almost a studio feel I think.

I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. It should be a very interesting day, although I not so sure the 5:30am start is so interesting! I’m especially looking forward to forgetting I am supposed to be on a diet and tucking into my first curry in what feels like an age!!!

After a very brief tourist’s guide to Liverpool, and by brief I mean driving down Penny Lane with some most excellent pointing by Geoff, we headed over to Sefton Park to have a walk, a chat and to take a few pictures. Louise had already pointed out that Geoff loves having his picture taken, but she was a little nervous herself. Without reason I have to say.

“I call this one Blue Steel…”

Straight of the magazine pages, gorgeous!

It was difficult to capture this one without giving Geoff the blond wig look

The Palm House was just closing to prepare for a Wedding but we snuck past security to snap the last couple…

After we left Louise & Geoff at the park we headed over for a quick peek at their venue. Stunning is not the word, can’t wait for the big day!

I’ve known Louisa & JP for about 6 years now, and I was delighted when they asked me to photograph their wedding later this year. Even though I’ve known them for so long it’s not really been from behnd the lens so we set out on a very hot and sunny day for a walk up to the Pigeon Tower starting at Rivington Hall Barn for a pre shoot.

We hadn’t walked more than a few meters before the first shot was in the bag…

And here is the view from the Pigeon Tower itself…

“The Hills are alive with the sound of…”

Well done to Nicola with the most excellent reflector action on this shot!

Taking an influence from Melissa & Matt’s Bluebell Shoot.

Although it’s not the end of the world if you don’t end up shooting on a day like this, it doesn’t half help!

I’m really looking forward to Louisa & JP’s wedding later this year, especially seeing how much Ukrainian style drinking/dancing can be squeezed in

When we were rained out on our first attempt we weren’t down hearted, Melissa & Matt knew that if we timed it just right the woods behind Melissa’s parents house would come alive and put on a display I haven’t since, well ever I think!

See what I mean? Pretty amazing eh! This is just a view of a small part of it, the more you walk the more there seems to be. They only last a couple of weeks so we were very lucky to catch them. Melissa & Matt are friends of an old school days chum of mine Alison, I am really looking forward to the wedding day not only as I know there is an amazing day planned but I get to catch up with an old pal too, perfect

Even with all that fabulous colour around I still think that Black & White has it’s place.

Just peaking through the trees you can just make out the amazing Bolton Abbey.

Matt looking good

This is what I am going to call “Doing a Richard”. There is an old friend out there who knows what that means, basically cheese factor = Maximum!!!

It goes without saying I’m looking forward to the wedding, Bolton Abbey has to be one of the best locations in Yorkshire. The reception venue is also very special, but you’ll have to wait to see that one.

I’ve got a busy few days ahead, I’m already looking forward to blogging it all, I have fingers and toes crossed that this good weather sticks! I even have a competition planned, with prizes!!!

Last Saturday we spent a couple of hours in a Manchester park with Laura & Steve. They had booked me over the phone as they live all the way down South, so we grabbed the chance to take some pictures when they were visiting some friends up our way. The idea of these pre-shoots (or eShoots if you are a bit trendy) are to give us the chance to get to know each other a little so when it comes to the big day the whole atmosphere is a little more relaxed. It certainly worked out with Laura & Steve as I think we spent as much time having a chat as taking pictures.

Laura & Steve live in amazingly pretty part of the country, I photographed Sarah & Chris’ Wedding in a village close by last year. It’s the sort of place that is so English that you wonder if you are on a film set or something, can’t wait to go back!