Reportage Photography

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Firstly, a big thank you to all my friends, family and of course wedding couples, for their help & support throughout 2011.  Yet again, it was a privilege to be such a major part of so many weddings – thanks for putting your faith in me to capture your day through photography.  I can’t say that my style of shooting weddings has changed too much over the last 12 months – I still focus on reportage and informal photography, but, I also understand the need for a few nice family shots and some bridal party and bride & groom portraiture – although I do try to make these sessions as informal and painless as possible !! I know that for most couples the day (apart from the marriage itself) is all about having family & friends close, so why would you want to spend most of your time posing in front of a camera ? Whereas my style might not have changed too much, my awards tally for the year did – for 2011 I received a total of 12 gold, 19 silver and 2 bronze awards, mainly for my reportage work, but also a few for classical wedding, and even a  couple for landscape ! I have uploaded a selection of images below, from various weddings throughout the year, in an attempt to show a typical wedding day as told through photos,  some of which will be familiar, some are making their “blog” debut.

Hope you enjoy and I look forward to plenty more blogs as well as some new & exciting developments over the next 12 months.

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When I met up with Christine & David their brief was simple, mainly reportage shots, but a small bit of time on a few family shots, neither wanted to spend too much time in front of the camera. At that stage I knew the day would go well as that is exactly what my style is, and the the day did indeed go great. There was fantastic light in their house for the preparations (and a very calm atmosphere) the priest was a real charachter, had everyone in giggles but still managed to retain the solemnity of the occassion, the Step House Hotel is a real hidden gem, lovely interiors, great gardens and the staff were ever so helpful. Also, Borris Castle, which is across the road from the hotel, had its doors open (only does this on a limited number of days each year) and I heard from a colleague who was shooting a wedding in neighbouring Wexford that there was torrential rain – we had a nice, bright (but very cold !) evening. So all the pieces fell into place nicely, Christine & her bridesmaids looked stunning, herself, David and their families were an absolute pleasure to deal with, and I’m thrilled to say, they were delighted with their photos – and I’m fairly happy with them myself (although I am biased !!). I have uploaded a small selection of shots below. Feel free to have a look and just click on any image for a slightly larger version.

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I had the pleasure of shooting Marie & Daves wedding in Clane on 28th December. The ceremony was in the lovely chapel in Clongowes Wood and the reception held in the Westgrove Hotel where the staff were ever so helpful. Marie & her bridesmaids looked fab and, despite the gale force winds and cold, managed to hide the goosebumps and look warm for a very speedy photoshoot of the bridal party (I think about 5 minutes !!). On arrival at the hotel the mulled wine reception went down a treat with the guests, and everyone was in great spirits heading for the reception suite. I have a few pics uploaded below so feel free to have a look (just click on any image for a larger version) and, if you know either Marie & Dave leave a message for them as they will be checking in while on honeymoon.

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On Sunday 18th December I had the pleasure of shooting Lisa & Andys wedding in the stunning Barberstown Castle. As a venue I love covering weddings there as it has great grounds, great indoors and very helpful staff. I arrived at Lisas house and everything was nice & calm, but, as often happens on the mornings, the time just flew, and before long everyone was milling around and the rescue remedy was out !! Barberstown was done up beautifully and the ceremony took place in the conservatory. Lisa, Andy and little Jamie all took part in a lovely sand ceremony and before long they were marching down the aisle as Mr & Mrs. My brief for the day was quite simple (and suits my photographic style) – very little time to be spent on posed shots. They wanted relaxed & informal photos and with laughs aplenty and a magician (Magic Daniel) wowing the guests there was plenty of scope for this. For a change I hung on for the speeches & first few dances but it was well worth it for the extra photos. I have uploaded a selection of photos below (had trouble whittling them down) and, if you happen to know Lisa or Andy please feel free to leave a message for them. Just click on any photo for a slightly larger version.

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Durrow in County Laois had two major events going on yesterday 28th June. Not only was the National Scarecrow Competition in full swing, but there was great excitement in the Shorthall household as Noreen was getting hitched. Following a lovely ceremony in the RiverCourt Hotel in Kilkenny it was a short hop over the river to Kilkenny Castle for a few shots where Noreen proved very popular with a group of Spanish tourists, some of whom asked for photos with her !. The weather behaved itself (despite downpours in the morning), and, when I was leaving, Noreen & Stoney (Anthony) were gearing up for what looked like was going to be a late night ! Out of my last five weddings, I have had one couple from Singapore, one from Australia & Noreen & Stoney will be heading home to Hong Kong shortly. If only I was asked to hand deliver the photos !!!

I have a few draft photos below, and, if you know the couple, why not leave them a message as they will be checking in from time to time.

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Saturday 16th saw me heading off to the lovely village of Skerries. I was really looking forward to it as I had spent many a long summer as a teenager  hanging out on the beaches, selling freshly caught mackerel for pocket money at the harbour (and wasting it all in Bobs Casino!), and the real bonus was that its was just a 25 mins drive from home ! Both Deborah & Joe were a very laid back couple, and had brought wellies & brollies in case of rain which we luckily didn’t have to use. We had enough dry spells to get a few shots on the south beach, and, while at Roganstown Country Club we had just taken the last of the family shots when the rain came down. I have uploaded a few shots below, and, if you know Deborah & Joe, feel free to leave a comment as they will be checking in from time to time while on honeymoon. Just click on any image for a slightly larger version.