Harry Griffin photography exhibition

It’s been a while since I wrote a blog post, sometimes other things get in the way and also it needs to be of some interest at least. Turns out today is the day, an old friend decided to smash out his first photography exhibition in our home town.

Harry Griffin in his natural form

There are many story’s about Harry but that is for another time, maybe when he is famous I can write a book and scrap of some pennies and sell his soul. A quick history lesson though, we met through his sister who was my friends girlfriend at the time. He was a live wire and the embodiment of curiosity, Pinocchio nosey nose and a mind with neurons dowsed in LSD. I am pretty certain “sharp a a tack” is in the dictionary with his face next to it. Fast forward through younger years and many jobs, we are here. Tour manager to many comics on the UK circuit and documentary photographer all rolled into one.

on site

35mm film

With a massive collection from tours and personal work Harry has managed to cut his teeth on how, why and when to click the shutter. His work has a natural flow and reminds me of the intimate feel of David Bailey in his younger years and raw vibes of Martin Parr. So what if anything has he achieved amongst this deluge of quick fix instagram photography success wannabes. Honesty, you can see it has come from a place of passion, although it is documenting a large part of his life he has done it with people he is close to and none of it is contrived or provoked as we see regularly in most works.

What’s left to say? Well thanks for having me come take some pictures of the event and also to many other people which helped put this together and made it a reality. If this first solo show was any thing to go by then I can see more exhibitions on the horizon.

When booking a photographer things to be considered

When booking a photographer for a family photoshoot, here are 20 things you should consider:

1. Style: Review the photographer's portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your preferences, whether it's candid, posed, documentary, or artistic.

2. Experience: Check the photographer's experience, particularly in family photography. Look for a photographer who has worked with families before and understands how to capture genuine moments.

3. Portfolio: Examine their portfolio to get a sense of their skills, creativity, and consistency in producing quality images.

4. Recommendations: Seek recommendations from friends, family, or online reviews to gauge their satisfaction with the photographer's work.

5. Availability: Check the photographer's availability and book in advance to secure your desired date and time.

6. Location: Discuss potential locations for the photoshoot and consider if the photographer has experience shooting in outdoor or indoor settings, depending on your preferences.

7. Packages and Pricing: Inquire about their packages, pricing, and what is included in each package, such as the number of edited photos, prints, or albums.

8. Additional Fees: Ask if there are any additional fees for travel, extended sessions, or specific requests.

9. Editing and Retouching: Understand the photographer's approach to editing and retouching. Ensure their editing style aligns with your vision.

10. Deliverables and Timelines: Discuss the expected turnaround time for receiving the final edited images and how they will be delivered (online gallery, USB, prints, etc.).

11. Contracts and Rights: Review the contract to understand the terms and conditions, usage rights, and copyright ownership of the images.

12. Communication: Assess the photographer's communication style and responsiveness. It's essential to have clear and open communication throughout the process.

13. Flexibility: Discuss any specific needs or preferences you have for the photoshoot, such as accommodating young children or incorporating specific props or themes.

14. Backup Plans: Inquire about contingency plans in case of unforeseen circumstances like bad weather or a sudden scheduling conflict.

15. Personality and Connection: Consider the photographer's personality and if you feel comfortable working with them. A good rapport can contribute to a positive and relaxed photoshoot experience.

16. References: Request references from previous clients to get feedback on their experience working with the photographer.

17. Equipment: Ask about the type of equipment the photographer uses to ensure they have professional-grade gear that can handle various lighting conditions.

18. Insurance: Confirm that the photographer carries liability insurance to protect both parties in case of accidents or damages during the photoshoot.

19. Contractual Obligations: Read and understand the cancellation policy, rescheduling options, and any penalties or refunds outlined in the contract.

20. Gut Feeling: Trust your instincts. If something feels off or you're uncertain, it's okay to explore other options until you find the photographer who fits your needs and makes you feel confident about capturing beautiful family moments.

Remember, it's essential to have open communication with the photographer, express your expectations clearly, and ensure you are both on the same page before finalizing the booking.

Photography around the local areas!

Droitwich is a small town in the county of Worcestershire, located in the West Midlands region of England. It has a rich history dating back to Roman times, and is known for its salt production and spa baths. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the Malvern Hills, which offer stunning views and provide a perfect backdrop for photography.

If you're interested in photography and are planning a visit to Droitwich, there are many opportunities to capture beautiful images. Here are a few suggestions for photography locations in and around the town:

1. Droitwich Spa Lido: This outdoor swimming pool is a popular spot for photography, especially in the summer months. It's surrounded by lush greenery and has a unique art deco design, which makes for interesting compositions.

2. Hanbury Hall: This 18th-century country house is set in beautiful gardens and parkland, providing plenty of opportunities for landscape and architecture photography.

3. The Salt Ways: Droitwich is known for its salt production, and the Salt Ways are a network of canals and waterways that were used to transport salt around the town. These waterways offer a peaceful and picturesque setting for photography, with reflections and wildlife often visible.

4. The Malvern Hills: These rolling hills are just a short drive from Droitwich and offer panoramic views across the countryside. They are a popular spot for photography, especially at sunset when the light is at its most dramatic.

In addition to these locations, Droitwich itself has a number of charming streets and buildings that make for interesting subjects, including the town hall, St. Peter's Church, and the Salt Museum.

No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone in Droitwich, and it's a great place to practice and improve your photography skills. Don't forget to bring your camera and capture the beauty of this historic town!

Worcester is a city located in the county of Worcestershire, in the West Midlands region of England. It has a rich history dating back to Roman times, and is known for its beautiful architecture, parks, and gardens. If you're planning a day of photography in Worcester, there are many interesting subjects to capture. Here are a few suggestions for photography locations in the city:

1. Worcester Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is a popular spot for photography, with its Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows. It's especially impressive at sunset, when the light filters through the windows and creates a warm and atmospheric ambiance.

2. The River Severn: The River Severn flows through the city of Worcester, and offers a number of opportunities for photography. You can capture reflections of the city in the water, or photograph the boats and swans that often frequent the river.

3. Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum: This museum is home to a collection of art, artifacts, and historical objects, and offers a range of interesting subjects for photography.

4. Worcester Racecourse: This horse racing venue is located just outside of the city, and offers a number of opportunities for sports photography. It's especially popular during the summer months, when races are held regularly.

5. Gheluvelt Park: This large park is located in the city center and is a popular spot for photography, with its beautiful gardens, waterways, and wildlife. It's especially pretty in the spring and summer, when the flowers are in bloom.

In addition to these locations, Worcester has a number of charming streets and buildings that make for interesting subjects, including the Guildhall, the Commandery, and the Tudor House Museum.

No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone in Worcester, and it's a great place to practice and improve your photography skills. Don't forget to bring your camera and capture the beauty of this historic city!

Diversifying in to video.

Worcester BID promotional video / Jubilee

The last few years I have had video in the back of my mind , and now its become more paramount than ever that it is something I need to tackle. This isn’t something that I decided on lightly as there are many other videographers out there who solely do video and specialise in this field. I am not taking anything away from what they do or watering it down either. I feel its a progression for me and goes hand in hand with photography on many levels. With in most cases I can utilise this media to help businesses and add to my work with small promotional clips which can be easily delivered within a small time frame like my other work.

Worcester BID which I already cover needed a new video to tie in with imagery I had done on this new project. I took the task on and worked with local artists from Design Religion who had developed the art for the commission .

Using my new video rig (R5 Canon) and utilising Adobe Premiere to edit and splice made the job seamless. Keeping the video to under 1 minute so it fits inline with Instagram also gives a uniform cross platform usage and transparency. Enabling the user to share across multiple platforms with ease, also rendering the end product in 4K and HD gives a wider range of options when uploading .

I have now added this to the pricing on my website for business use only and look forward to this new chapter.

Coming out of covid guns blazing

The past two years have been chaos for many reasons and some being more so than other’s. I do not need to go over the covid pandemic as that has been reported enough through the media countless times. On the bright side I have been busy doing more commercial work and also recovering from throat cancer. To say it has been a trying time is an understatement, family and friends have felt the brunt of my diagnosis. Finding out in July 2021 was a shock, also being told I had to have three operations prior to treatment was not something I had envisaged either. Luckily I only had two of the three operations due to the final one being a choice.

Role on to November 2021 and six weeks of radiotherapy and two lots of chemotherapy. The radio was not to bad but the chemo knocked me about somewhat , 6 weeks later and 4 stone lighter I was a shell of a former self that’s for sure. I won’t go into the in’s and out’s of it but 15 weeks I couldn’t eat solid food and was on a purely liquid based diet. It didn’t matter two much because after two weeks of radiotherapy I couldn’t taste a thing anyway. Who would have thought you’d miss tasting and eating so much especially now I can eat slightly the taste has still not returned. It makes eating a chore at best.

So what have I gained from this unwanted insight into cancer and treatment? How has it affected my business? Has it changed me view on things? Yes and no is the answer , in many forms it has made me more driven with my passion. Appreciating the smaller things not so much as I feel I already was a very humble and grateful individual. Yes it has affected my business but only in monetary value not as a creative, if anything it has made me knuckle down even harder on commercial work and in the process has enjambed me to get an agent.

I am a great believer in every cloud has a silver lining , I’ve lost 4 stone so my sports training has become significantly easier. My business is stronger than ever and another website is to be launched very soon showcasing high end commercial work as below .

I have so much looking forward and the photography business is expanding quickly , my investments into new Broncolor lighting has paid itself back already. Investing in your gear especially lighting can make a massive difference to work flow and colour accuracy. I’m finally showing what can be achieved and to the right audience , editing isn’t the be all and end all but to the larger SME’s it is paramount imagery is refined for e-commerce and editorials.

Completing work for Cadbury is just the start of an new chapter, a new direction and drive.

Greg and Lousie Curradine Barns

With a light shower in the morning the day was set to be a mix of clouds and sun, perfect. Arriving at Curradine Barns which was a first for me , filled me with joy. A lavish Barn set against the back drop of Shrawley. I first passed the scattering of barns and soon made my way into the court yard where I could see the reception room being fine tuned. Ideal is not the word, i already had frames set in my head as to what where and when. I took a moment to find the reception but heard the laughter beckoning me up to the Bridal room where I found Louise and an entourage of bridesmaids.

Greeted warmly I made myself familiar with the party and started work (I use that term loosely , it was a hoot) . Louise was in a torrid of hair spray and champagne and looking stunning. The bridesmaids where charging about playing random music which would have been more apt at a rave. Spirits were high and banter was top priority.

Soon Greg arrived with his grooms men looking sharper than a tack and all Gymmed out, i think that is a word. The court yard slowly filled with guests and Greg gave the complementary hug and kisses to all. A real joy and anticipation was brewing awaiting the call to make our way to the ceremony room.

The ceremony was short and sweet and the room filled with smiles. A quick exit took us back to the courtyard. I took Greg and Louise off to a field over the road from the venue and although it was Harvested the earthy colours just worked so well with Greg’s Blue suit and Louise’s beaming smile. They shared some moments and truly looked so comfortable in each others arms.

The day was filled with characters, in the good sense. We had stoic men , tipsy men and all out “come here give me a hug” men. The Ladies gave as good as they got and the vibe was set for the first dance. It was such a great day and Greg and Louise will look back with warm hearts.

For me and most, it was another day in the office, but it never is. Sharing these moments is truly a privilege with couples and I couldn’t think of a better location and venue.

Nikunj and Jayna

So after a busy week of planning and prepping for Nikunj and Jaynas wedding the day was finally here. It was not that long ago the booking came in and the venues “Edgbaston Cricket ground and Birmingham Botanical gardens” sounded ideal. Along side https://shootthepianoplayer.co.uk/ we had a full day , cameras / drones / video , it was pretty much the full monty. Matt, Russ and Manos had everything to hand and started filming intros and capturing the Bride and Groom at their premises. I started early at the Grooms, it was so relaxed but Nikunj had an itinerary which have every minute written down by his Bride to be. Nothing was left to chance. The morning went rather quick and before I knew it Nikunj was dressed and I made my way over to Jayna.

Jayna was located at the IBIS style hotel in Birmingham which oozed style. Her dress was beautiful and filled the room , with a few images to boot Jayna was captured seamlessly against the window framing her perfectly. We proceeded to the foyer and got the main shots with the Bridesmaids getting into the Bridal car.

Down to the main venue Edgbaston Cricket ground, the place seemed rather large but seeing the crowd of guests pouring in through the main entrance dwarfed the rooms. The atmosphere was busy and very noisy with lots of chattering and smiles. At this point Nikunj made his appearance with a round of applause and hugs. It wouldn’t be long now and the front of the house had a unique silence.

Jayna made her entrance and glided through the audience to the front. It was great to see Nikunj’s face , he couldn’t stop smiling and it was reciprocated by Jayna. The ceremony was short but each had there own vows to read out and it was very fitting for the occasion.

After the ceremony guests made there way into the reception room and food was top of the list, aside from a drink or two. The food was superb , a real mix of cuisine and flawless in every aspect. I think I must have seen people frequent each server several times until there were empty bowls stranded across the tables. Get the food on point and the guests will be happy they always say.

Me and the couple with Manos and Matt went to the Botanical gardens for a more intimate shoot. The grounds and location were fantastic and worth a trip if you are in the area. Even on an over cast day there is plenty to see and explore. We had set pieces to capture and using the ponds and greenhouses we had plenty of stunning images for the couple to remember the day by. Jayna and Nikunj were naturals following direction and it showed with each frame.

Moving back to the venue the party was in full swing and with over 250+ guests it was a real send off. Both family’s had prepared traditional dances which were amazing and something to really to be seen to appreciate. This was followed by the first dance which again could not be surpassed from any others I have seen. The music and vibe was second to none.

Adam

Work Ethic

Trying to keep on top of both websites whether its new imagery or blogs is quite hard in this day and age , and that other thing called social media. Sometimes writing blogs can be a nightmare because you need good or great content to fill it , and also not ramble which I do often. Aside from the normal rants I do think Work Ethic is an issue which can be universal across any platform of daily tasks or your job. Now I do work , I do use that term loosely as I enjoy taking pictures / making art which ever you prefer to gloss the terminology with. So I lucky enough to call fun , work make of that what you will. Since going freelance from my old employee my Work ethic has not changed aside from I am the boss and I employ myself. So the buck starts with me and stops with me. All aspects of my work starts with a brief and ends up in a frame depicting the clients idea. This does not always translate due to weather , light, location and people. So what do I do to make a piece work.

Discussion is paramount and also stating evidence from other work how a final image may look and feel. A messy office space will still look messy irrespective of the edit per say . Maybe that’s the look they are going for? If not then you need to advise , this is based on who you are shooting and what the media is intended for. So for instance if you are shooting a Painter in their studio , the slightly lived in and messy space would work because us creatives are inherently a throw away bunch. I am joking , but it does apply to some and others it doesn’t . You get where I’m coming from though. You gather this information before and on the day and gauge what is the best way forward. Branding and design and older work should direct you to your final point of pressing the button and getting the frame. This being said it is paramount you show work as you go along to make sure you capture what they envisage in their head thus pushing you forward to the next section of your shoot. Now some clients give you free range and just state “just make it look great” again all of the above applies and the work should not be better or worse but still have structure . Its not a turn up and shoot although I have had to do that in the past on numerous occasions. There is set ways and methods to shoot certain things but also you can risk frames on new perspectives and concepts (that’s how we learn).

Now my blogs posts do ramble but I don’t want to get technical about lighting and editing as the post would be a chore to read to be honest, and it can be discussed on a one to one basis with anyone who cares to listen (don’t contact me about this unless you want a monologue). From the picture to the final result when working apart from composition and what is the focus of the image my main concerns are technical. Firstly is it in focus? Might get away with Bob in the middle slightly soft although he is the MD and the centre of the frame?. Well yes and no because most people may not notice but it only takes one client to book you for a day then find the main shot is slightly blurry to pick you up on your error. It could be critical to a campaign or billboard and so on. First rule of building work measure twice cut once? ring any bells? Focus and focus again, check through the view finder then press the button. Don’t get me wrong sometimes it works based on what you need to capture but if its in focus you can blur it later if need be. You cant unblur a photo to make it crisp.

Its to dark and my camera throws out to much grain but i forgot my tripod and besides I am shooting action shots? That’s your problem I’m afraid , always bring to much gear if unsure. If its natural light read above from the top (discussion prior to shooting “the room is dark do you want flash or are you happy with grainy images?) Also most cameras these days can cope better and your edit should demonstrate the final image as being the best it can be within the circumstances. Don’t be afraid of high ISO, balance the settings to eliminate as much error as possible. If shooting people in dark spaces then direct don’t be worried to ask “can you stand still and hold this binder” you are there for a reason and your skill set should show this on site at all times. Questions on the day are better than complaint emails later on. If I shoot something or get directed to take a picture which I feel will not work , then I demonstrate it and correct or make a viable option for the client. That old saying “no such word as can’t” is true , most clients have dead lines and images are critical to a website or a launch. Getting everything delivered and on point is paramount , you never go back and blame the weather.

If your being paid then the person believes in the work that you output is going to be the same across any image you cover off. You are the expert on site and you have the answers and if you don’t then be honest and critique you and your work. This is just a snippet of structure and soft rules I follow although it is like muscle memory to me now.

We love lists so I compiled a small list of needs on any jobs

Kit

Camera, lens , memory cards (3-4), batteries 2-3 per camera, chargers for batteries

lens buy what you can afford I only shoot with primes but zooms are fine.

I use GFX50s 23mm, 45mm, 63mm, 110m, Fuji H1 23mm, 90mm

Flash Gun Hahnel 600rt awesome bit of kit 600 flashes on full per charge and 1500 on lowest

Biggest bit of advice if your a budding photographer or someone who is established is know your camera. Understand its capabilities and threshold , don’t be lazy change the lens to get a look or desired effect. Invest in your work and kit, I bought a wide lens 23mm for my GFX for interior shots only but my work needed it and now it makes my job ten times easier. Before I stitched images and had to think of other ways to get what I needed. Be realistic with your skill and your price should depict your output. Honesty is the best policy with clients , if you get a job which is above what you normally do just tell them. If you can compose an image you can nearly shoot anything so its about making the customer aware of how you think it should be done. Either way you will get the work or not but you will have a repeat customer because they trust you. Go out and get new work in your portfolio which stretches your abilities in your own time. Nothing like being stale , you chose this because you want to be innovative? Not just take pretty pictures of people or objects. If it becomes a job or boring then question everything and your motives, the most passionate people in this world make great companies and art why would you not want to be part of this movement.

Cave paintings redefined culture and story telling and documented history, Imagine if they had decided rubbing crushed stones and dyes on a wall was child like and not worth bothering with. Your biggest asset is you and your work ethic is immensely linked to who you will meet and bond with.

Adam

Great local companies

I have not had chance to sit down and write as its been a bit chaotic at home with work and a new arrival in two weeks. Yes a new little boy is on his way , as if I need more chores and work load. Besides this I have also been doing a lot of work with great local businesses , sounds a bit odd I work mainly in Worcester so of course I work with local businesses. Even I'm reading it funny now, but yes everywhere in the town there are great local businesses but to work with some of the best within their field is something else altogether . 

So through Design Religion www.designreligion.co.uk I was introduced to Churchfields Icecream churchfields-farm.co.uk/ as if I need introducing really I've ate they're Icecream for a while now. They have been in the process of launching the famous Droitwich Salt, if you are confused about that statement then have a google about our local salt. So I had a great assignment to shoot Churchfields Droitwich Salt www.droitwichsalt.com and capture the new (but old) product in a cook book style high end. It was great to showcase what can be achieved with simple objects and some natural light through a window. The final result from such a quick shoot can be seen over at their website and also on here to. The company  Churchfields itself are a great family based company and thrive on being a great local hub for local children and events. You can see through their business and products , ethics, value and warmth shines across everything they do. Not enough can be said for local business growth and networking , sometimes we forget how great our towns and villages are. 

It also is Paramount to get the right people on board for projects like this and using a local Design/Brand and creative agency like Design Religion proves the output out weighs the cost. Finishing the images with creative direction from Greg at DR and having an iconic brand back on the shelves within such a short space of time, shows how we all can work to small time scales and deliver.

As a photographer it is great to be part of the bigger picture and follow through with a companies idea and see the final work put together in a sellable product. We have far more work to do but we have started on the right foot with a solid foundation.

Make sure you check out all the links and make sure you contact me for any product work or imagery for your business.

Adam Hoskins

Weddings this year

Well after clearing my back log of work I'm back to the most enjoyable thing, Shooting more pictures. I've had some great venues this year so far. Springhill Barns Pershore for Jamie and Emma's wedding was an absolute delight. The venue itself is over acres of established gardens and a lake. With a manor house tying the out buildings together and then the niche little areas making perfect locations to use for couples, pictures don't do it justice. What makes this a special place to work at is that they only take limited bookings every year. This translates into being booked up till 2020. So if you are planning your wedding and want it here then get booking because the chances are you will have a prolonged engagement. The farm is based at the rear of the manor house and has plenty of scope for photo opportunities . With rustic barns and sheds and numerous of dilapidated doors you can't go wrong. At the side of the main house is a lengthy greenhouse and a tennis court which sprawls out towards the lake. The garden goes from formed recesses lovingly tended to , to wild flowers and small nature reserves dotted around. 

Taking Emma and Jamie around the lake was an absolute breeze, we had perfect sun diffused by thankful clouds and the gentle lapping of the lake. The lake has bucketfuls of reeds and grasses blending into the banks which gives a great contrast to the images I took. After a slow walk round we made our way back to the house and used the gardens to use as some foreground interest and sat Emma just beyond this. The sun gleamed over the tops of the conifers and gave a beautiful sun flare to the images. From here we went to the tennis courts which is where the net had seen better days, (i love anything old school though)  but this just added to the feel of the images. This was such a compliment to Emma's dress and Jamie's attire. Both looked so relaxed and comfortable ,  and effortlessly held each other and made the time seamless.

I really had such a great day here, and with Emma and Jamie's family and friends made me feel welcome and most of all smiled when the camera caught them. This is why I feel so grateful for any booking I take for anybody's Wedding, its one of the most special days you will ever have in your lifetime. To be booked to capture a beautiful day and a couple which outwardly show their love for each other is a blessing.

Adam Hoskins

Creative business images

So a couple of weeks ago I had a business meeting with "Professional call minders". They brought me into discuss a direction with there new web site and the images which would be best suited. The concept was to stand out from the crowd, and I know everyone says that but in this case we did exactly what it said on the tin. As you can imagine from the type of business "call minders" you would expect it to be a very formal site with links to needs of large companies who need that extra level of catering for their growing customer clientele . Yes and No in the bigger sense! Luckily they did not want the generic images of staff with head sets on and smiling whilst talking to members of staff around the office. 

When PCM gave me a preview of their new website and the layout you could see how the imagery could paint another standard view of yet another growing company. Yet Clare who I dealt with on the subject matter had a clear vision in that they wanted an earthy wholesome feel to the headings and background pictures. The images still needed to showcase the work at a professional level but easy to navigate and ideally a feeling for the staff and personal service they give. We went over each heading and additional images for social media plus fill in work for future use. Clare gave me what they had come up with for their list and I sat and nurtured the idea and expanded on each item. 

By the end of the meeting we had some firm ideas for the future booking and clear direction. In total the hours meeting had been great for both parties, it gave me some head room to push for concepts which I felt could give a dynamic feel, but also a friendly and go to company for anyone searching through their website. 

I firmly believe in this day and age of the market place being swamped by many companies,  whether its your website or shop front, imagery is paramount. Of course there are other variables which make the difference and set you apart (social media presence, branding, advertisement). But imagery is what people normally see first and this can make or break that initial first click. With the above company they want to have a different look and feel rather than a standard run of the mill site which is duplicated across many other businesses. I know that if someone is looking for a Call minder, and come across their website that the possible client will have a more interesting interaction than any other website. The images are easy to relate to and show values which everyone has an affinity with, you know as a customer you buy products for many reasons (likeability , branding, values, ethics, personable) and the list goes on. If you have a connection with even one image you are more likely to advance and see through the rest of the offerings.

So you can check the images on my front page and see the final outcome , it was a great afternoon at a superb location. The main thing is , is that the sun was out!

Emma and Jamie pre Wedding shoot

So the other day was my first Pre Wedding shoot of the year, and what a great one it was. Located at Springhill Barn Pershore just created a flawless backdrop for Emma and Jamie to be captured against. I had not seen the couple in a few months since meeting up to discuss their big day, but it was like meeting old friends. Such a personable pair and joyous in their approach to D Day and the pre Wedding shoot. We went over the venue and timings but the best thing by far was the general chit chat. 

I think it is so important to have a connection with every couple I shoot and even if you don't have common ground and lets be fair we are all strangers until we speak! Its paramount to myself that I put everyone I work with at ease. Jamie and Emma are a fun couple to be around and have plenty to talk about (in a good way) . 

Prior to the couple arriving I did a walk round with the owner of the venue , the grounds were amazing with their own lake and well established farm and landscaped gardens. There was no shortage of shoot locations and I had more hassle deciding which we should do first (more so to save my legs). 

After our meeting we made our way to the gardens which sit behind the venue , in actual fact it is the front of the premise (you get my drift). With the sun shining and a gentle breeze we made our way round picking out spots . They had a beautiful rustic greenhouse attached to the main farm house which gave some sun flared shots inside and then using the glass as a backdrop to the couple just gave another dimension to the images. We took some time walking across from here to the lake side and whilst Jamie didn't like the thought of skipping I still managed to get them both smiling walking hand in hand. The lake its self was vast, flat and a royal blue. Grand is what we like! In the calm lake sat a beautiful worn boat. I was asked by Emma "are we getting in that" I nodded quite stiffly (although looking at the structure a risk assessment should have come first). I happily jumped into the boat to confirm it could hold weight, thinking afterwards maybe that could be the final bit which broke the camels back as they moved into the slightly weakened boat. It was fine a bit of shifting about and Jamie trying to rock to see if he could scare his soon to be wife settled the moment . 

Moving on we used the trees for shade and took some beautiful close up shots of them both embracing, and some key pictures capturing the love for one another. 

We finished off back at the farm house where in one of the hay barns there was a shaft of light coming through. This was not to be missed as the sun had been playing hide and seek all day. The final shot and my favourite was here, back lit with the sun coming through Emma's hair and lighting the profile of Jamie smiling . What a great first pre Wedding shoot and many more to come this year.

Adam Hoskins