One of my earliest memories of Emily (speaking as her uncle) was her great skill to extend her bedtime story. I would say goodnight and then half way down the stairs she would say “Uncle John… can I ask you something?” This could go on a long time! Far from being a chore though, spending time with Emily was a delight and in that sense nothing has since changed. One of the things that has changed, is that Emily is now married and I had the great pleasure of photographing her and Josh’s wedding celebrations at the start of this year. Josh and Emily make a great couple – both passionate about people, life and heading out on adventure. Below is a sneak preview of their wedding photographs from Ripley Castle.
I was asked to do a shoot for OK! Magazine last week. Thankfully the children were angelic and the location at Oulton Hall was lovely with many of the rooms flooded with natural light. One of the biggest challenges was having one hour to edit the shoot. For me even a short shoot normally requires half a day. Goes to show that we tend to work with what we have and we can still do OK. Great place for afternoon tea by the way – especially if you like it to be served by a butler! OK Magazine is out now (on newsstands 12th-18th Jan).
I had the great privilege of photographing the Royal Navy Sea King helicopters a couple of weeks ago. After nearly 50 years in service they are being retired for a private company to take over. Both the Royal Navy and RAF have run the Sea King Search and Rescue operation across the UK with great effect, rescuing literally thousands of people every year. The following photos were taken at Culdrose in Cornwall – one of the remaining Sea King bases – the Sea Kings final flight will be on the 31st December this year. The guys who I spent the day with were inspirational in their dedication, skill, bravery and humility. To read one of their stories check out WorkLoveFollow
“Tank” Murray is a Royal Navy search and rescue helicopter pilot. On a daily basis he and three other guys from his squadron are ready to fly out at 15 minutes notice to offer search and rescue. When you sit through the safety briefing and when you hear their stories you realise just how much danger they are willing to put themselves through to be able to rescue people and save lives. But at the same time they remain humble and very down to earth about what they do. Really inspiring. Here’s Tank’s story of following his passion. What’s your story of getting into being a pilot? I wanted to be a vet or a doctor but I didn’t think I was clever enough. I applied to the Royal Navy and I got in – it was a shock! Only about one person out of 2000 applicants get in. And…
The Peak District and in particular Hartington Hall YHA was the perfect setting for Ben and Lisa’s wedding – renowned as they are for their outdoor adventure lifestyle! It was classy but also down to earth! Beautiful flowers from Of The Wild, a laid back and warm church vicar, cool transport courtesy of Vintage Volks, weather that was all over the place and most importantly a great set of friends and family made this a really magic wedding celebration. PS Welcome back from Brazil Ben and Lisa!
A superb celebration with family and friends for Richard and Harriet’s wedding weekend! Lots to say about this wedding. People travelled from all around the world, food was courtesy of two huge paella’s cooked by a local Manchester restaurant, great band that kept the dance floor filled all night, food stealing (caught on camera! see below), stunning flowers from Of The Wild and Richard and Harriet’s wedding photo shoot done with a backdrop of a magic mushroom/nudist private camp that suddenly appeared (so much for the photographer’s recce beforehand). Below are some sneak preview photographs …. Congratulations Richard and Harriet.
Ashburnham is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I know. For me (and for many others) it’s a sanctuary like no other place. Having visited in August this year I happened to ask the chief gardener (who was walking past where I sat one morning) if he would consider letting me take his portrait and ask him the brief questions below. He kindly agreed. It was an inspiring hour (that was all too short as far as I was concerned) and a privilege to talk to someone so thoughtful, wise, insightful, well read, creative, interesting and warm. What’s your story of getting into gardening? I left school at 14 and my Grandfather paid the fees for me to do an apprenticeship. The Grandfather was often all powerful in the family then! But I was glad to get out of school so I was happy. It was not long…
Danny and Nic got married in the glorious sunshine at Shatton Hall Farm in the Peak District. The Townfield Barn looked amazing and everybody loved celebrating Danny and Nic’s big day. An extra mention should go to the Bob Ludlam Jazz Trio for their fantastic music throughout the day, amazing food from PJ Taste and to Nic’s friends for being so “creative” with their photo ideas! Below is a sneak preview of the photos from the day.
I was invited to capture City of Sheffield Rowing Club‘s latest Learn to Row course earlier this month. It was a beautiful sultry morning down at Damflask with the early morning mist still floating in the trees – a breath of fresh air to get away into the countryside. Get in touch on the link above if you are interested to find out more about learning to row.