I was recently asked by the Leeds Guide to help out on a cookbook project they were working on. Along with the most excellent Tom Arber I set about the task of visiting many many restaurants and pubs in the Yorkshire area in search of some most excellent food. The Yorkshire Chef’s Cook Book is out now all over the Yorkshire region, and as someone who can tell you with first hand experience I can tell you there are some pretty tasty recipes in there!

A particular favourite was this dish from The Butchers Arms in Hepworth. I won’t even attempt to describe it. Take the trip up there, it’s well worth the visit!

But what’s that you say? You don’t live in Yorkshire? Can’t afford the measly £3.99 cover price? Well have no fear as the good chaps down at the Leeds Guide have given me two copies to give away to the readers of my blog. All you need to do is send me an email with your name on telling me why you’d like the book and my favourite two entries will be sent a copy of the book in the post. You have 2 weeks to enter, so get the thinking caps on…

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!!!

Long time no blog love!

I have been busy behind the scenes working away on a new project which I should be able to share with you in a few weeks. I have also shot an Asian Wedding, some of you may have caught that blog post while it was up. It raises an important issue, most people are happy to share their images online these days, but sometimes it can be a sensitive issue. I always respect peoples privacy, always ask permission and remove or alter anything when asked. I think this is really important, and like to feel that my clients feel comfortable enough with me to approach me with any issues.

Anyway, last Monday saw Ava’s first birthday. Nicola is one of her god parents and it was really nice to go along to the party and take some casual pictures of the day. This is the kind of photography I love to do, capturing the moment to keep forever. I am sure we all have a couple of great images of us as children, hopefully they will provide the same memories for Ava.

The hall way at Nicola’s Mum’s and a tea tray provides hours of entertainment. Here Nicola is just catching her breath with her two favourite girls.

This 99p ball is the toy of choice, all she needs now is a cardboard box and she is set

Love this shot! She looks just like her Mum

Taking pictures of kids is where I started in photography I guess. A 1 year old Megan was one of my first models, and where I started to take photography seriously. It never fails to amaze me how comfortable kids are with the camera, and even at one year old Ava wanted to see herself on the back of the camera. It’s not something I advertise on my website but taking pictures like this is always a welcome pleasure.