Blue Lights Photography

Winter Weddings at Waterton Park: Chris Chambers Photography Workshop

2012-01-27T11:22:00.000Z

On Monday, I had the pleasure of attending one of Chris Chambers Workshops which was to be held at Waterton Park Hotel, a local venue to myself and one I have photographed a few times. I wanted to look at the venue with a fresh pair of eyes, get some ideas, but more importantly, see what tips I could pick up.

We met on the Island at 11am, and armed with camera and lens', flashgun and a notepad, we were set to go.

A few bits inside discussing Winter Weddings, and lots of giggles and sharing sweets with Maria Calton Photography and Nikki Ramsey Photography before our models for the day, Gabriel and Vivienne arrived just before we had lunch, and then set off around the grounds to take our photographs.

Knowing how and when to use flash, off camera flash and video lights (which I so want one of!) and knowing how quickly to get things done in the freezing cold. It was a great day!

I've never really played around with silhouettes so it was great to also try something different.

Moving inside, playing with angles and video lights! I love the affects you can creative. Its on my "must get" list for this year.

Back outside after we had adjusted to the temperature again, and some "veil toss" photographs. Easy to do and dramatic too. Seeing how its done makes it possible to do it at a Wedding without the bride and groom thinking your "practising" on them!

And sunset started, obviously during the daylight and summer months, it will take longer to get photographs of sunset, but sometimes they are blooming worth it!

Back inside and practising some more ore video light things...Seriously this light to me is awesome and better than off camera flash.

The group went outside at night, to take some nighttime venue photographs, unfortunately I was tripod less and the models were freezing so I took some hand-held snaps, but not the quality I would expect with a tripod which if I was doing them I'd have at a wedding.

I've done some bits with Chris before, and I have to say he's friendly and down to earth, and will share his knowledge and tips with you. His prices are great for what he offers, so photographers, of all levels, check out his training days!

Wedding Ideas Awards this Evening including Live Streaming!

2012-01-13T13:22:00.000Z

So today is the big day. It’s the Wedding Idea’s Magazine Awards this evening and I am currently sat in First Class awaiting my Bacon Sandwich. I am nervous and excited all rolled into one. I’m going to see some old friends, some new friends, and looking forward to seeing the Herd! (And wondering how glam they all look! Lucinda & Pippa looked like they‘d stepped from Hollywood last year!)

I’ve actually put quite a bit of thought into my outfit. Its really weird. I’ve had my hair and make up done by the fabulous Kerry Morrell, and even had a trial which made most people think I was getting married.

I planned on having my dress made specially from a local dressmaker Donna, but I found the exact dress I wanted on Ebay. I’m a bit of a bargain hunter anyway! But it did take a couple of buying from different people due to wrong material or ill fitting!

When I got the right one, I took it to the dressmaker and she has made me my own net petticoat! My petticoat is beautiful! It is black net trimmed in teal satin! I love teal.

I’ve said for years that when I do get married I will have a white 50’s style dress with a teal tulle petticoat, and some awesome Rachel Simpson Shoes! I’ve also said Ill have Orange Gerbera’s and my theme will be Teal and Orange (because mainly I am a Sheffield Steelers fan!)

I have managed to find shoes, and a shrug in teal with a handbag that was perfect (and in the sale!) my nails are now painted a dark shade of teal on the train from Sheffield and we are awaiting to arrive in London St Pancras at 13:35. We will then probably just make a dash to the Hotel in a taxi and we are good to chill out and get ready to go!

I’m happy with the planning, and my outfit, I’m looking forward to spending a great day with some fabulous Wedding Industry people, mainly because it’s a great atmosphere and the Herd know to organise a “piss up in a Brewery” (luckily the venue is The Brewery!)

A fair few of us are staying at the Montcalm UK, a gorgeous gorgeous hotel that the Wedding Idea’s Team organised a great deal for us.

So we sit down at 7pm, and the Award ceremony starts at 9:15 including live streaming of the Awards which you can view at the website http://www.weddingideasmag.com/

It is just soooo blooming exciting! Will report back (with photographs taken with my compact camera) Probably on Monday! x

Thanks to everyone for their support. I really do appreciate it from each and everyone one of you xxx

{Real Bride Interview} Lianne Marie - The Anti Bride

2012-01-11T14:12:00.014Z

I thought I would share with you a story of the Wedding Planning for one of my April Brides. Lianne Marie is like no other bride I have ever met before, not only does she write the superb Everything Goes With Toast, but she professes to be the most “un-bride like person” ever.

Lianne Marie, is also one of my friends, and we have started to refer to her as the “Anti-Bride”. Lianne Marie however, to me, is the epitome of having a wedding for yourself, and not conforming to what other people believe that you should do…

　
First of all we will start with some background.

The first time I met Lianne Marie & Darren. I'm not sure they have a photograph of them together where one or both aren't doing something silly!

How did you and the hubby to be meet?

Darren and I met at a speed dating event in Leeds at Henry’s bar in January 2009. I knew after 4 minutes of talking to him that he was special and I remember how excited I was when I learned the next day that we had both ticked “yes” after our speed date.

We went on our first date the next week – drinks at Baby Jupiter, dinner at Brown’s and then he walked me to a taxi rank and kissed me on the cheek like a perfect gentleman. I was walking on air the next day and texted him to ask if he fancied a second date.

Here is where I embarrass him horribly – he called me and said that he had already agreed to a second date with another lady from speed dating and wasn’t the kind of guy to date more than one woman at a time. Even though I was disappointed, I had to admire his honesty and how respectful he was towards women. He’s very close to his mum and sister and I think they have taught him well!

We had made friends on Facebook and parted on good terms, then in June I commented on his “I’m so hung over!” status and he confided that he’d made a stupid decision not to go out with me again and wondered if I’d be offended if he asked me out again. Obviously I jumped at the chance and we had a “second first date” the next week!

How did the proposal happen?

Because saying I Love You is over-rated

It didn’t... neither of us are particularly conventional people – for goodness sake we had two first dates, I first told him I loved him by writing it on his face in cake icing and licking it off again in a drunken stupor, we moved in together after only three months of dating... we’re not normal enough for a proposal!

We were talking about our future one day and when we wanted to have children, he told me that he’d like to get married first and eventually I agreed. Whilst I’m not against marriage, I and my feminist principles are easily irritated by women who desperately want to get married. If they’re in a relationship, in love and want to marry the person they’re with then that’s a wonderful, beautiful celebration of life and love.
But women who want to get married for the sake of getting married without there being a specific person in the picture I can’t really understand – do they settle for the first man who asks? Do they care more about being married than being with the person they’re with? I suspect so given the divorce rate is so high.

Personally whilst I’m honoured that Darren wants to marry me, I would happily stay with him without needing the validation of marriage. It won’t make me any more committed to him, or make my family accept him any more than they already do so what do I gain? (this is where friends tell me there are tax benefits!) Plus the money people spend on weddings and the stress they go through... I think people can forget that getting married is supposed to be a celebration of the love between two people and focusing on monogrammed napkins just seems trivial in comparison.

What is the ring like?

It’s absolutely enormous and worth every penny he paid for it. Of course it’s not literally a ring – I asked for a new bathroom instead. I told you we’re not normal!

Lianne Marie loves having a bath, their house only had a shower before the Engagement.
Now Lianne Marie has her little blissful happy sanctuary. Diamonds are not a girl's best friend in this case. That would be Lush and a Bath instead.

Tell me about the Wedding?

The wedding ceremony will be held at Leeds town hall in the afternoon and be family only on my side (I have a stupidly big family) and family and close friends on Darren’s side (he has a much smaller family and we didn’t want it to be lop-sided!). I will be walking down the aisle to David Bowie’s The Prettiest Star, we will sign the register to Depeche Mode’s Somebody and walk back down the aisle to The Prodigy’s Stand Up.

The fabulous, amazing, wonderful Adele will take pictures outside the town hall, and then Darren and I hope to escape for a quiet dinner somewhere without everyone gawking at us.

We will later join all our friends and family for a massive party at Oracle in the evening where I have agreed to a first dance (but only because we have a song – Jack Johnson’s Better Together) and have spent literally half the wedding cost on a canapé buffet because whilst I don’t want a structured dinner with place settings, I do want to make sure people have something to eat (The wedding is costing £2,000 including my dress, the ceremony admin costs, the wedding rings, the photography and the reception food)

I’m not interested in being a princess for the day, in having everyone stare at me or in being the centre of attention. I just want everyone to have a lovely day and be happy and not stress me out by expecting me to fit into some stereotypical bride mould.

Where are you getting your dress from?

I went to Monsoon in my lunch hour, tried on one dress and bought it. It’s beautiful and simple, costs £240 and I don’t look like a meringue in it.

Lianne's gorgeous dress!

Anything you are doing that you’ve not known anyone do before?

I think it’s more a case of what are we NOT doing that we’ve known people do before. We’re not having a cake, or flowers, or speeches, or bridesmaids or a sit down dinner...

I wasn’t even going to have anyone walk me down the aisle because the feminist in me doesn’t feel that my father can “give me away” or that I will be Darren’s property in any way, but Daddy would cry if I didn’t let him! Plus, let’s be honest, with the shoes I’ll be wearing I don’t want to trip up and fall over so having someone to hang onto will be very practical.

(When asked about her shoes she replied “I’ve not picked them yet – it’s harder to commit to shoes than it is to a man for the rest of your life!” but she's looking at Christian louboutin’s!)

What are you looking forward to the most?

Truthfully – Adele taking the pictures.

I love Adele more than I can possibly express, she is a wonderful friend and a wonderful photographer. She was there the day I fell in love with him and licked the words from his head (she even took a photograph – among many photographs of us being incredibly drunk that day) and she should be there on the day I promise to love him forever.

I know that despite the simplicity of the day and my stubborn lack of interest in the wedding she will make it all look beautiful and magical. She has been incredibly supportive of me, listened to me and my frustration that ever since we decided to get married it is ALL ANYONE WANTS TO TALK TO ME ABOUT and my frustration that when someone asks me how the wedding plans are coming I say “what plans?” and freak them out by not being a raving bridezilla. It doesn’t make me a bad person you know...

Are you going on honeymoon?

Of course! I have loved Paris my entire life and am looking forward to sharing it with Darren. If only I could take Adele with me!

Despite Darren wanting a traditional wedding and Lianne wanting to run away screaming, they’ve been able to compromise and plan a day that reflects nothing but the fact that they love each other and want to share that love with their families.

It’s a no-frills wedding in a funky setting – they even sent out the invites on Facebook, and announced the proposal there too.

They are one of the funniest and special couples whom I know and I’m more than delighted to be sharing their special day with them, if only I can stop them from being silly for one minute, or stop Darren getting drunk after two Newcastle Brown Ales so I can get some nice pictures!

{Ask Me} Wedding Budgeting

2012-01-06T12:00:00.003Z

{Ask Me} is a new thing we are running for 2012 on the Blog. It is for people to leave us questions on the blog as comments, or on facebook and twitter and we will dedicate a blog to answering these questions where we can. Where we cannot answer the questions themselves, I will try and find someone who can!

Today is all about Wedding Budgeting.

Once the Engagement ring is on and you decide to start planning the Wedding, you will find it hard to stick to any budget or plans without a detailed Wedding Budget. This will give you a great starting point and what you should be spending on each item.
I found this (but cannot find it again to link to it) as a friend was discussing, “How much should I spend and Budget on things?”
These are rough percentages and are estimates. Something you can spend less on, and spend more on something else, but this is a rough guide to how and what you should be spending with a few examples too.

Ceremony
Location fee, registrar fee, marriage license fee:               3%
Reception
Reception Venue, Drinks, Food, Cake, Favours:            48%
Attire
Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments, shoes,
Accessories, Hair & Makeup, Suit, cufflinks            10%
Rings
His & Her Rings, Engraving if needed                      3%
Flowers
Bride Bouquet, Bridemaids, Button Holes,                     8%
& Centerpieces
Music
Ceremony Music, Band or DJ                                         8%
Photographer
Photographer fee's albums, additional prints etc               12%
Transportation
Transport of the Wedding Party                                      2%
Stationery
Invitations, RSVPs, Thank you notes, Postage                3%
Gifts
Bridesmaids and Groomsmens, and Parents                    3%

As these are only rough estimations, but a good starting point, we will look through a few budgets to have a look at how much you should, or could be spending.

On a Tight Budget:            £2500
Ceremony:                            £75
Reception:                            £1200
Attire:                                   £250
Rings:                                   £75
Flowers:                               £200
Music:                                  £200
Photographer:                       £300
Transportation:                     £50
Stationery:                            £75
Gifts:                                    £75

I have photographed some small mid-week Weddings, I have done 2-hours photography, and then they have chosen albums or prints further down the line, how I do the same for Brides who are getting married for Full Day etc.

Some choose to go for a meal with just close family, rather than a reception itself. So that could even still save some money.

Remember that your Wedding is not just for everyone else, you have to remember what it means deep inside.

On a Budget:                     £5000
Ceremony:                           £150
Reception:                           £2400
Attire:                                  £500
Rings:                                  £150
Flowers:                              £400
Music:                                 £400
Photographer:                     £600
Transportation:                    £100
Stationery:                           £150
Gifts:                                   £150

A Bigger Budget:              £10000
Ceremony:                           £300
Reception:                           £2480
Attire:                                  £1000
Rings:                                  £300
Flowers:                              £800
Music:                                 £800
Photographer:                     £1200
Transportation:                    £200
Stationery:                           £300
Gifts:                                   £300

At a Wedding, you have to understand, and realise what is important to you regardless of your budget. If you want to spend more on a Dress and Suit but spend less on flowers or stationery, then do that. If you want to spend more on your photographer, and not do XYZ then that’s entirely upto you.

These budgets are just a starting point, an example. Look at your budget right at the beginning of your Wedding and then look and discuss and have a realistic idea of what you should be spending and where.

Hitched Wife have a budget statistics section for Weddings. Thus shows the Wedding Budgets in 2010, showing that the majority of Couples are spending between £5000 and £10000

This shows that in 2010, people were more likely to go over their budget, than they were in 2009. This is the country that is meant to have been in a recession, also people just may not have set a realistic budget to start with.

When you are starting the plans, and are just Engaged, before you set a date, visit a Wedding Fayre or two. Collect leaflets, look at prices, and take it from there. Setting a realistic budget when you know how much things realistically cost, are a good starting point, even if you know you may get it cheaper elsewhere.

Budgeting, is not easy. Whether its your Wedding Budget or your hosuehold budget. This is what we have to think of.

Make a budget. Stick to it the best you can. And spend on what you feel is the most important part of your Wedding.

My Definition of Love....

2012-01-05T09:00:00.002Z

Wiki defines love as
"Love is an emotion of strong affection and personal attachment. Love is also a virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection; and "the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another".

Being in Love to me, is when that feeling inside of you feels like you are going to burst, that you have to see and tell someone what you are thinking and feeling or you may actually die of all that pent up energy and excitement inside of you.

Being in Love is still feeling the same inside, as you did within the first few weeks together, a smile on your face when you are talking, or writing about the person who makes you feel like this.

Being in Love, is missing not spending every waking moment with them, but knowing, and loving them enough to allow independace.

Love for friends, is knowing that you have their back, through the tough moments, and the better moments. That you know you can tell them when they are being ridiculous - but also when you know you can tell them when things are hard.

Love means more than just being In Love...its about being complete..

Wedding Photography: The Disc we supply

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000Z

For our Wedding Photography we supply a slideshow of images set to music and an online gallery.

This is so that your guests can enjoy the images, but also that you can watch your day on the TV like a video.

This slideshow disc, is a locked disc, of low resolution images that you can play on your computer/laptop or TV to review your Wedding Day.

We do not give high resolution images on disc in with our prices. These are available to purchase as a standalone product with no album, or alternatively, with an album.

We try and aim to give you the best service that we can possibly do, this is why our singular digital files are more expensive than some of our prints.

An example of our DVD Slideshow presentation

So why don’t we give you them?

Well as we do not do packages, we like to make sure your photographs are supplied in a way that shows of the quality of the work produced. There is no point in paying for a photographer and getting the items printed at Asda or Boots (there is nothing wrong with the printing from these places but they just do not give you the love, care, colour representation or quality as professional labs that we use as photographers).

If we just gave you the disc of images, we would have to charge you a LOT more, and not everyone wants a disc of images, some people want an album some people don’t. Blue Lights Photography is all about CHOICE for you!

My Childhood Dreams...

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000Z

So it has come to my attention from reading Amy's blog that there is a 30 posts in 30 days thing going for January. Whilst I dont fancy doing them all on my business blog, I thought I would include some of the topics they have been given to write about for some blog posts so that you, my readers, brides and fellow Wedding Industry people can get to know me a little better.

My childhood dreams.

When I was little I was going to be a nurse (for some reason I didnt want to be a doctor) or I was going to be a vet and help all the poorly little animals. Or I was going to be a teacher to help people who were stuck. What I wanted to do was something that helped people. That was what seemed to be the main focus point for whatever Job I wanted to do.

When I went to college, I did the subjects that suited me, the ones I found interesting but didnt particularly go together. Then it seemed to be more towards the teaching. By this point I had realised that the exams I needed to pass for being a Vet or a Nurse werent my strongest points...so a teacher it was going to be. Not just that but Physics teacher!

Now...I even looked into universities, and what grades I could get away with being the lowest I could be accepted. Even considering Dundee. But realistically, I wanted to help people, I wasnt happy at College, at all. And by the hands of fate changed timetables, the inability to work and support myself through college (because why should my parents pay for everything) and being 19 meant I couldnt get any help. I ended up dropping out of my 3rd year of College.

Somehow I didnt know that that would be one of the best decisions for me and one that eventually set me on the road to where I am today...

2011: What a Year!

2011-12-29T09:00:00.001Z

Well its getting time to draw 2011 to a close, and I thought I would write my yearly round up, which is quite funny actually as I’ve been in business since 2009 and this is the first time I've done it!

2011, has been a busy year for me. I moved into the Studio towards the End of Feb, and opened officially on the 1^st March. I have had through the doors, some old customers, and some new. Brand new babies, Weddings, and photographs to last beyond the years.

I have successfully ran competitions, found my feet still with the wedding fayres, and connected with my brides, not only those who have been married this year, but those who have booked for 2012, and 2013.

The Wedding Industry has shown me this year, that there are some very niche people, some very big cliques, and some down right horrible personalities. But, the love that I have received from my brides this year, teamed with some fabulous suppliers has meant that even though there are times that if it wasn’t for my brides I wouldn’t be doing this job (obvious I know but they are the ones that keep me going) it has also shown me, that my need sometimes to be accepted and liked, is sometimes still as strong as it was for the 9-year old bullied child in the playground.

2011, has seen my first holiday with my boyfriend, to a lovely little log cabin in the woods near Alton Towers, in fact my first holiday (longer than a weekend) with a boy - ever! And it has also seen us receive the keys for our first house together, albeit we still haven’t moved in yet, renovations take ages!

So 2012, will see me as a business owner, with my own studio and currently as I write this some 30 weddings booked into the Calendar for 2012. It will also see me as a woman living with her boyfriend, and I am sure that will bring its own and new challenges as I try and get the work/life balance right.

I am really excited for 2012, I have some great plans, some great support, and some even greater brides who have booked me to shoot their Wedding Photography! 2012 is going to be AWESOME!
We still have some key Saturdays available in July and August, which is currently novel, albeit this year in June seemed to be quite and 2012 is mentally busy! If you are still looking for your Wedding Photography, then you can contact us on 01226 872 491 or adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk or visit www.bluelightsphotography.co.uk.

Here I share with you, some of the images that I love, and determine some of my favourite memories of this year, as a girlfriend, friend, business woman….and photographer.

The Studio opening, Win Your Wedding Photography Competition, and Weddings a plenty is what started off the 2011 Year!

We travelled to Gainsborough, where the above shot was taken. York, Leeds, Sheffield, Harrogate, Skipton, Barnsley, Doncaster, Wakefield, Pontefract and Lincoln to name a few....

We took some photographs of Food for Holiday Inn Barnsley, Thomas 2 Bakery Lincoln and Shay Stadium Halifax. Food Photography and Product Photography rolled into one. Yummy!

We shot new venues such as Castle Park Doncaster, Mount Pleasant Doncaster, Dower House Harrogate, Merchant Adventurer's Hall York, The Stables Doncaster, Rutland Hotel Sheffield, Fairfield Manor York and The Village Leeds to name a few...

Baby Freyja in the image above, arrived some 4-weeks early, just before Mummy was due her Bump Shoot! She couldnt wait to make an appearance. Also to celebrate, her Mummy and Daddy have recently been engaged!

Amy wrote a very honest blog post about how being pregnant changes your body, and these were some of the images that accompanied the blog post, if you want to read it please visit here

We shot of our favourite venues such as Holiday Inn Barnsley, Tankersley Manor, and Waterton Park Hotel & Walton Hall.

I want to say a massive thank you to all my clients for the support and business they have given me this year, for not just becoming clients, but for also becoming friends.

You are all what makes this job worth while.

IT'S CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000Z

IT'S CHRISTMAS.....(almost)

I just wanted to wish all my blog readers a VERY Happy Christmas.
I hope you have a fantastic new year also!

I know this is a little early, but we have a Wedding tomorrow so today is the last official day in the office.

We shall be in the office between Christmas and New Year fleetingly, but not really for working (apart from 2 shoots on the 30th!) but mainly we will be organising and preparing for some wonderful things we are planning for 2012.

If you do need to contact us we will be checking our emails from home at adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

I just want to thank everyone for their continued support throughout 2011 and making this year another successful one for

Blue Lights Photography.

We will be back fully in the office from Wednesday 4th Janruary 2012.

Why cheap photography can cost you more.

2011-12-21T10:00:00.003Z

Whilst I am a wedding photographer, and full time too may I add, I am also unmarried, in a relationship and one day dream of my own wedding. Whether it is big, or small (more likely to be small) I have this wonderful feeling about getting beautiful photographs in an album or a stunning framed printed image for our family to treasure. Forever.

Mr & Mrs Morrison paid for Blue Lights Photography to cover their Wedding for 4-Hours. From Guests arriving to Sitting down of their Meal

I have always stated that if I was having a BIG wedding, that my photographer choices were more than likely going to be Tobiah Tayo who’s work I love or Duncan Kerridge, both charging near or over the £2000 mark! Whilst it is a lot of money and I do hear some people gasp. I also have to remind you, that these will be my family heirlooms and I want them to pass down through the generations.

Chances are, I will end up having a small tiny wedding. Going to my cousins big wedding earlier this year, realised a lot of things what I don’t want my own wedding to be. Doesn’t mean I don’t like big weddings, I LOVE them. But I also love the intimacy also. I am photographing a Wedding today which has 10 people, including Bride & Groom - 11 including myself. The smallest Wedding I ever photographed there were 7 people, including myself and the bride & groom. But I digress.

Mr & Mrs Poole booked in January, for their Full Day Photography and Album which saw myself and Hannah from Lifeline Photography starting with the bride at 9am I left at 10pm.

Regardless of if I ever get married, I will have a tiny Wedding, I will also make sure that I have photographs that I treasure. I want natural. I want happy. James and I hate our photographs taken, but we want something that we can be sure is going to last forever, and I can sit down and show our children “when mummy looked like a princess”.

I advertise on one of the forums, but whilst this means I cannot post, I can however happily browse the Wedding Forums, and hear about what brides are looking for. Social media is great for finding out what people really want!

It’s a lot like the public sector strikes it would seem, especially where teachers were concerned, that on the forums there are lots of posts about “paying them what they’re worth” and whilst this doesn’t mean paying them the money that people do charge, they mean to almost pay them minimum wage for the hours that they are there. I cannot see it catching on.

Mr & Mrs Precious had the Half Day from Blue Lights Photography, then chose the Epoca Compact Book and High Resolution Images on Disc afterwards. Making their own bespoke package.

Some brides think we charge so much (I don’t do packages but my starting prices are £986 including 5 hour coverage and an album or £1146 including full day coverage plus album) because we know that they all want nice photographs, so we will try and get as much money out of them as possible. This really isn’t the case.

As a full time photographer, I can tell you that I do not just work for one-day for your Wedding, in fact, I work a lot. From answering your emails, to pre-wedding consultations, to pre-wedding photoshoot & editing, the actual wedding day where sometimes I can work 12-hours, to editing the wedding, to delivering proofs, then album design, print orders etc. Most weddings I can probably work about 60 hours per wedding! Jeez that’s a lot of hours!

Don’t forget, if there are any problems we are there to help first hand, and as quickly as we can. We travel to destinations we have equipment to pay for, insurance etc. Please don’t think we are just charging these high prices because we can. It’s really not that at all!

There are cheaper photographers out there. Photographers who have full time jobs, who can afford to charge less because its not their main income. Photographers who are just starting out (I used to charge £746 for full day an album 2 years ago) but I look back now and I understand, and know that it wasn’t the best I could offer. But I offer better products now, I have gained more experience, and now, I am full time.

Mr & Mrs Rylance paid for the Full Day photography option, and Hannah came to second shoot. I arrived with Sophie at 10am, after setting off at 8:30am to Harrogate, and got in the house at 11pm that evening.

There are lots of cheaper photographers, sometimes you will see these referred to as Weekend Warriors, or even Uncle Bob’s but they can do a blooming good job. Its just finding the right one.

However, it would seem there are more horror stories down the line, than there are good stories, people who wish they had spent more on their photographer for a day you cannot get back.

Just earlier this year, I was emailed several times to photograph a wedding, every time I emailed back and told them that I had their date available, and would they like to meet up. They used someone just starting out in the industry and aren’t happy with their photographs because I was a little out of budget they thought they would try and save some money.

Cheap isn’t always cheap when its your Wedding Memories you are playing with. Please just remember that.

Have a budget in mind, and try and stick to it as hard as you can. This should be approximately 12% of your overall acutal budget.

This image was taken at 8:30am the morning of the Wedding in an almost empty house whilst the bride was having her make-up done.

I for instance, if getting married mid-week will do a couple of hours coverage, half or full day. This however does not apply to weekends.

Proposal Photography: When you Say I Do!

2011-12-19T09:00:00.001Z

So we photograph the Engagement Photographs, the Wedding, New Baby, Children and Family…but what about where it all started? I don’t mean the first date, of course I don’t. But the proposal!
As what seems to be with these quirky little things that happen, the trend seems to have come from America. But Men, or Women, if you are planning your proposal for Christmas, New Year, or even Valentines, have you thought about having it photographed?

Stock Photograph

You are planning to pop the question, something really special? Fancy Restaurant? Somewhere where you first met? Planning a couple shoot and turn it into a proposal? Or even just a quiet walk on the beach, or a picnic in the local park…there are plenty of places that you can ask the big question.

But the big question is…would you have it photographed?

Some people wouldn’t think that this is something that a professional photographer would capture, or even think of capturing. But we can do it. Its very similar to the documentary style to Wedding Photography, just being a bit of a sleuth with it also.

I can also see why you would think it would be a little strange, I don’t like photographs taken from XYZ angles etc, but the magic and smile on her face the moment she realises that you are proposing is something that you will never be able to recreate.

The way to do this is to plan. Photographs have a way of blending in, hiding behind bushes, or around the corner of walls. What it needs is a plan of action to know what is happening and where it is going to happen. The Proposer will work with the Photographer to capture the best images possible of the proposal. Including a visit to the place where the proposal is going to happen!

Stock Photograph

I always love hearing about the proposal, in fact its one of the questions that I have on my “getting to know you” sheet, which is “how did the proposal happen” and I get so giddy and excited. I wish I could be there. But now…I can!

If you are planning a proposal to your loved one, then get in touch about having it photographed with Blue Lights Photography either email Adele to adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk or call 01226 872 491

Real Wedding: A Fair kind of Love.

2011-12-17T10:00:00.000Z

This Wedding saw me travel to York for Laura & Ryan's big day. I met Laura back in Feburary 2010 when we were exhibiting at a Wedding Fayre at Saviles Hall, Leeds. It had snowed the Sunday Morning, but Laura and her Mum (if I remember correctly, Ryan's mum could have also been there) and she fell in love with one of my albums which was designed similar to a scrapbook!

The day of Laura & Ryan's Wedding for myself, started off as a slight nightmare! (forgot purse because Mum had moved it and had nothing to eat, and was running out of diesel! Mum to the rescue!) However I got there in plenty of time to meet Laura, her Mum, and little sister Mia, at the hairdressers.

We all made our way back to Laura's Mum's where the bridesmaids, stepdad and soon arrived later grandparents were there awaiting the cars. Laura wore a beautiful Benjamin Roberts dress.

Laura was escorted in the car by her Grandad, and Step-Dad, and her Step-Dad walked her down the aisle! Just Lovely!

A beautiful short, but moving ceremony, was held at Fairfield Manor, York.

They walked out to Bruno Mars "Just the Way you Are"

The theme was this gorgeous blue (very similar to blp blue!) and butterflies. This made designing Laura & Ryan's album an absolute dream!

Their first dance song was Amazed, by Lonestar. Sang by her Uncle! Then Sausage Sarnies all the way for the evening Guests! Yummy!!!

Wedding Photography: New Venue

2011-12-14T11:00:00.000Z

When browsing as a supplier some of the Internet wedding forums (I cannot post as a supplier but they make some interesting reading), a lot of the time people are told to get a photographer that has photographed the venue before.

If they have not and we speak to the Wedding Supplier, we tend to get "but all the other photographers take photographs in this spot and here, here and here" but no doubt you will have hired me so that your photographs look different - not the same as everyone else's.

I make sure that if I haven't photographed a Venue i offer to photograph the Pre-Wedding Photoshoot, at their venue. This then means that we work together at the venue to look at places what we both like and think will work. I often get brides to make scrapbooks of what photographs they like and we can then look through them together so we know what is and isn't possible, and get the poses, of what the bride wants her wedding photographs to look like.

If it isn't possible to do a pre-wedding photoshoot at the venue then I make sure that our last consultation 4-weeks before the wedding is at the venue. It gives me a good time to walk around the venue, get all final timings and even have a chat and a coffee with the Wedding Co-Ordinator if they are around!

Just because someone hasn't photographed the venue before, doesn't mean they will be a "bad" photographer for that venue. Chances are we don't get complacent in what we are
shooting and always find something new and ideas of how it can look!

Pre- Wedding Photoshoot at the Venue

Wedding Day Example at the Venue

Its always exciting shooting a new venue. Sometimes you have to take a risk. If they are a professional photographer who's work you have seen chances are they'll shoot your wedding beautifully...

Laughs, Giggles and a Campervan - Tankersley Manor Wedding

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000Z

Michelle & Julian, got in touch with me via email and came to see me at my previous office in 2010 for their Wedding arrangements at the Barn side of Tankersley Manor. After the pre-wedding photoshoot ended in fits of giggles from all 3 of us, I expected much the same from the Wedding.

I had the lovely Hannah from Lifeline Photography second shooting for me on this day.

They had a wonderful sage-green theme throughout the Wedding, from the wonderful bridesmaid dresses, to the newly painted VW Campervan (Julian's pride and joy!)

The ceremony itself, was such a lovely quick one, with a few giggles, and nervous hands. The Barn has windows all down the length of it, and one at the bottom with curtains that Michelle wanted closing so that no-one saw her when she arrived. We convinced the staff to leave the very high window open, and with some quick placement of Hannah, and a very lovely registrar, the positioned the bride and groom so the light fell just on them.

Their collective children. Yours Mine and Ours :)

Michelle, was very surprised, that both Hannah and I managed to get some photographs of them not laughing and being couply, but they couldnt stifle the giggles for long!

A wonderful day was had by all, lots of classic rock and roll music t start the night off!

It was a fantastic day had by all!

A very Precious Wedding

2011-12-07T09:00:00.003Z

Sarah & Andrew were married in September at The Rutland Hotel, Sheffield. A almost boutique hotel with eclectic charm. It has traditional Victorian Character teamed with contemporary designs.
Add into the mix of being in the heart of Sheffield City Centre, a hotel with its own grounds is something of a novelty.

I started the afternoon with Sarah up in the room getting the finishing touches together. Sarah & Andrew only wanted me for half-day coverage which is something that I could accommodate.

Their friend originally saw me at Doncaster Racecourse Wedding Fayre, and passed my details on to Sarah, as her friend had already got her Wedding Photographer booked. (She told Sarah that if she hadn't she was booking me)

On the day itself, I had Dawn Matthews second shooting for me, and Sarah & Andrew were also using Videographer Steven from Forever Film who is fabulous to work with and I would highly recommend him to any bride & groom who are looking for a Wedding Videographer.

Their Nephew read a funny poem out which is great for children to read at the Wedding, called "Weddings"

If you go to a wedding, here’s what it means

No one wears trainers and no one wears jeans

Your best new clothes are all that you wear

And everyone in your whole family is there

Even some cousins that you’ve never known

And the grown-ups all say “Oh, how much you have grown!”

So everyone’s sitting in one big room

(except {Bride} and {Groom}, the bridge and groom)

Then all of a sudden things quieten down

And music starts playing and people turn round

And really slowly, {Bride} walks in

And she’s prettier now than she’s ever been.

She’s a bride and she’s really great looking today

(when normally she looks just kind of okay)

She walks in and stands with her dad for a while

As {Groom} her boyfriend, awaits in the aisle

His hair is all combed and he’s wearing a tie

And then {Bride}’s mum starts to sniffle and cry.

And now it comes time for the “get-married” part

The Registrar says that we’re ready to start

So she talks and she talks about serious things

Then their friend {best man} steps up holding two rings

He gives one to the groom and the other to the bride

Then his girlfriend, {name} pulls him aside.

Then {Bride & Groom} kind of look at each other

And another big sniffle comes from {Bride}'s mother

And {Bride & Groom} put on the wedding rings

And they talk and they promise each other some things

They promise that they’ll love each other a lot

And help one another no matter what

And be with each other the rest of their life

Then the Registrar says “Now you are husband and wife”.

Then everyone’s in such a big happy mood

And you go to a party with very much food

Where you dance with some grown-ups and drink some wine

And then do a conga-dance in one long line

‘till {Bride & Groom} drive off in a car

and everyone’s thinking how happy they are

So we all yell goodbye and throw handfuls of rice

Then the whole thing is over. Weddings are nice!

Photographs commenced in the Gardens, with drinks and confetti that was thrown.
Before we all went inside for a delicious meal (and yummy brownies!)

To discuss holding your Wedding at The Rutland Hotel, Sheffield, please contact them directly.

To discuss having your Wedding photography taken by Adele please email adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk or call 01226 872 491

{Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs Taylor, Monk Bretton Church & Shaw Lane

2011-12-05T09:00:00.000Z

Laura and Luke were married the day before my Cousin in July.

I had stated that I wasnt going to work this day, however they only wanted/needed a couple of hours photography so I decided I would. They had been referred to me, and its lovely to photograph couples who have been referred.

I started at the Brides house for about an hour. It was mayhem.

Ive never seen so many people in one house!

This is baby Harry, he was so beautiful and adorable.

He hadnt long been out of hospital and was being fed by a tube.

I'm glad to say that he's getting better!

Not that long after the bride put her dress on, she started feeling sick, and dizzy and a bit panicky. I sat her down, made sure she had a bite to eat, and to make sure she didnt pass out at the altar!

The Bride and Groom walked out to "The Girl Is Mine" as Luke is a BIG Michael Jackson Fan.

I Know She'll Tell You I'm The One For Her
'Cause She Said I Blow Her Mind
The Girl Is Mine
The Doggone Girl Is Mine
Don't Waste Your Time
Because The Doggone Girl Is Mine

I have a wedding next year that has the same Church and Venue

And both brides know each other!

To discuss having your at either venues then please contact the venues directly.adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

To discuss having your photographs taken by Blue Lights Photography then please email

Wedding Ideas Awards - Shortlisted!

2011-12-03T12:55:00.000Z

Well the votes have been counted and variefied and I recieved a wonderful email from Rachel from Wedding Idea's Magazine, entitled Wedding Idea's Awards Nominees!

I opened the email to read this:

Congratulations!
The readers of Wedding Ideas Magazine have voted YOU
as a finalist in the Wedding Ideas Awards 2012.
You have been nominated in the Best Wedding Photographer category.

I had just come back from Lunch with my Website producer Ryan, and I squeeled and punched the air!
I bet next door wondered what was happening!

We will be attending the Awards Ceremony at The Brewery in London City with the Herd!
I am looking forward to seeing old and new friends, and have the wonderful party.
My Mum will be accompanying me on the evening.

I am so very excited to be a finalist again for the second year running.

Blue Lights Photography have been nominated with some fantastic photographers who have been running their business' a lot longer than myself.

Now we have a Finalist Submission to write, and answer questions for - which is great fun and very hard!

I never realised how hard it is to write about myself!

This submission will be teamed with the website and the panel of judges will make the decision!

So very very exciting.

I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped us, and everyone who has voted for us, and the continued support over the last 2-years!

Thank you all! <3

{Studio} Noah + Cakey Baby

2011-11-05T09:00:00.001Z

And we had Noah, again another shoot before we got on board
with Amanda from Burgoynes cupcakes

To discuss your Studio Photoshoots with us then visit our

new portrait site, alterantively you can find us on facebook!

{Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs O'Connor, Ardsley House, Barnsley

2011-11-03T09:00:00.000Z

Hayley and Kevin, were the only Wedding I had on August Bank Holiday Weekend, and it was a lovely weekend at that!

I started with Hayley at her home, where she was right on the top floor (3rd floor) in her bedroom having her make-up done. The house was so quiet. Her mum had taken her daughter Evie for their hair doing. It was the quietest house i'd EVER been in!

Her dress was a lovely Sottero & Midgley Dress from Cassimento

Biana, one of the bridesmaids had come over from Spain especially for the Wedding.

Haley states she isnt a romantic, or a lovely-dovey person,
so it did take some gentle persuasion to get her to play romantic!

The room was dressed in gorgeous pink and silver by Sparkle and Shine Weddings,
who always give an amazing service.

To discuss having your Wedding Photographed here, then please visit the venue directly.

To discuss having your photographs taken by Blue Lights Photography then please email

adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

Wedding Idea's Magazine Awards - Nominated.

2011-11-01T23:49:00.001Z

Well its that time of year again, and we have been nominated for the Wedding Ideas Magazine Awards 2012. There are quite a few photographers in the category, so as normal, it is tough.

If you please have a moment spare, please Vote for us at http://www.weddingideasawards.com/ and vote for us in the Best Wedding Photographer category under Blue Lights Photography - please make us a very happy photographer and end our second year on a high!

{Studio} Ethan + Cakey Baby

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000Z

Ethan was our first shoot for the Cakey Baby photoshoot we offer. First a normal "birthday" shoot and then we start with the Cake! Since this shoot we have teamed up with Amanda from Burgoynes Cupcakes who now supplies our cakes for these shoots, including a mini one to take home!

To discuss your Studio Photoshoots with us then visit our

new portrait site, alterantively you can find us on facebook!

{Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs Poole, The Grove, Pontefract.

2011-10-30T09:00:00.000Z

I got in touch with Alex and James, after Chris Chambers Photography had posted on facebook that he was unavailable for this date, but was there any photographers available. I messaged Alex, and we arranged to meet up where I met James, the groom to be, and their two little lovelies, Callum and Alfie.

After a few meetings, and a pre-wedding photoshoot, we were set to go. The Wedding day arrived and Hannah from Lifeline Photography who was photograph both weddings with me that Weekend. She's a good Egg.

We arrived at Alex's house with the Callum and Alfie still there, and two out of the three bridesmaids, the Make-Up Artist who did Donna's hair and makeup from Donna and Carl's Wedding last year, and see remembered me too!

The Bride wore Flip-Flops, and why not! She didnt want to be taller than the Groom.

The Chief Bridesmaids flowers had the "L" on for the little girl she had lost.

The flowers were taken to the graveyard the next day.

The Cake was from Melanies Cakes at Cudworth!

To discuss having your Wedding here then please visit the venue directly.

To discuss having your photographs taken by Blue Lights Photography then please email

adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

{Studio} Zackary

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000+01:00

To discuss your Studio Photoshoots with us then visit our new portrait site,

alterantively you can find us on facebook!

{Real Wedding} Sophie & Rob, Lincoln Register Office

2011-10-26T09:00:00.016+01:00

Sophie & Rob contacted me after being referred to me from Thomas 2 Bakery. Even though I am based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire I will travel. I drive which makes it a lot easier to get to places. Tee Hee.

Sophie and Rob were to be married on 21st September. My first mid-week (Wednesday) Wedding and I was nervous I was going to sleep in! I didnt, and got there in plenty of time. Drove around Lincoln a few times, and found where I needed to be.

Sophie's dress wasnt a full bridal dress, it was more of an ivory/champagne type colour
with a gold bow around. I think she purchased it from monsoon.
She wanted something that she could wear again.

They were married at Lincoln Register Office, and we used the Gardens for some photographs of the friends and family that were there. Then Parents and close family, the bride, groom and I headed to Lincoln Cathedral for additional photographs.

The Cathedral itself is having some work done on it, so its unfortunately a shame that some of the shots I could have taken I was unable to due to the scaffolding.

The car that they had was a surprise from Dad. And fitted them, and their style just perfectly.

Everyone made their way back to the parents house, where speeches and drinks on the lawn were made. Before Sophie and Rob got changed, and headed onto honeymoon. Leaving the party behind!

Sophie and Rob were to have a blessing on the beach, just those two whilst on honeymoon,

with a party upon their return!

To discuss having your Wedding Photographed please email adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk including the date and venue of your Wedding. If you are our of our travelling distance we will send you a bespoke quotation back.

{Studio} Tyler and Jasmine

2011-10-24T09:00:00.000+01:00

Tyler and Jasmine's mum and dad have been bringing them to the studio when I was working as a second shooter, and Jasmine was in mummy's tummy!

I then photographed them when Jasmine was some 7-weeks old, and then again for her first birthday, and then again later on too! And here we have it. She is now THREE!

Their mum will admit that they can be a bit of a handful. However for this shoot they were well behaved and as good as gold!

To discuss your Studio Photoshoots with us then visit our new portrait site,

alterantively you can find us on facebook!

{Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs Morrison, The Stables, High Melton

2011-10-22T09:00:00.000+01:00

I wrote about the Wedding Venue for this wedding not that long after the Wedding.

It was the first time I had photographed at the venue, and it was such a lovely relaxed atmosphere.

Also, the staff were fantastic. Check them out.

Gerbera's are my favourite flower, so I died and went to heaven when I saw the beautiful flowers that adorned the cake, and tables. Small vases with a handful of fresh flowers. Gorgeous.

The cake was made my by one of their friends. And it was the first time he had ever made a Wedding Cake, normally making Christmas Cakes instead. It was beautiful for his first!

The best man was Joel, the Groom, Andrew, Son.

On the day, the bride was running late. 20 minutes late.

Almost to the point that the Registrars were going to have to leave and the
Wedding Cermeony would have had to be cancelled! The registrar had to talk really fast!

This beautiful Church is also on the grounds, and you can be married there.

It is so small and quaint, I would love to do a wedding there!

To discuss having your Wedding here please visit the venue directly.

To discuss having your photographs taken by Blue Lights Photography then please email

adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

{Studio} Chelsea & Courtney

2011-10-20T09:00:00.000+01:00

Chelsea and Courtney, two sisters who apparently dont get on all that well.

It was safe to say that the hugging, was purely just for mums benefit!

To discuss your Studio Photoshoots with us then visit our new portrait site,

alterantively you can find us on facebook!

{Real Wedding} Anna & Richard {Yorkshire Sculpture Park}

2011-10-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

Anna and Richard were the second Wedding of the Weekend when I photographed them on a gorgeous Saturday in July. The day before (and a wedding) had completely poured it down with Rain, so we were a little apprehensive about how it was going to be.

The gorgeous flowers were from Dennis Beevers in Barnsley

Anna got ready at her parents house, just across the road from the Church in which she was getting married in. I had Hannah from Lifeline Photography who was second shooting for me on the day. I do not always use a Second Shooter but Hannah was looking for experience, but not only that. I knew she would love the couple (and the venue!)

Anna and her Dad opted to walk to the Church, after all they only had to cross the road!
Anna had Emily, Katie, Molly and Eva as her Bridesmaids, and they all looked stunning!

The Couple drove themselves to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, where they were having drinks on the terrace (bottles of corrona!) and chats before we went into photographs.

The couple are rather Camera Shy, but we still managed to get a few of the couple together.
However due to time constraints with the food (and running late a little bit) we didnt go to any of the Sculputres themselves. I wanted to do a stunning sun setting shot, however, due to time they were eating desert!

Anna and Richard had made sure Hannah and I were fed, and as the day was lovely, we sat out on the Terrace to eat our meal. We were close enough by should we need to jump up and take photographs, but also far enough away not to putting pressure on the bride and groom.

The Reception was fantasic. A Bright room flooded with natural light.
Lots of guests having lots of fun. And one of the first Weddings that didnt have Chair Covers!

Anna and Richard had set up a Fingerprint Tree, which was the first time I had seen one in practice. It was beautiful, and definately something different.

Anna and Richard were the "Birds" on the tree (love birds anyone hehe) and the guests chose which "green" colour they wanted and were the leaves.

The room over looked the terrace, the Sculpture Park and beyond.
Hannah and I finished with lots of funny stories, and a lovely memory created for us. I cannot image how Anna and Richard and their families and friends felt.

The speeches brought plenty of tears, and laughter.
A mixture of emotions from everyone.

I wish you both every happiness for the future, and cannot wait to complete and deliver your album.

To discuss having your Wedding Photographed at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, then please visit the venue directly.

To discuss having your photographs taken by Blue Lights Photography then please email adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

{Studio} Kaitlan

2011-10-16T09:00:00.000+01:00

Kaitlan came into the studio for a slot after school.
She was much fun, well behaved, and has such a range of facial expressions!

To discuss your Studio Photoshoots with us then visit our new portrait site,

alterantively you can find us on facebook!

{Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs Scagill {Thornes Park Wakefield}

2011-10-14T09:00:00.000+01:00

Caroline and Duncan celebrated their Marraige with family and friends in a marquee behind Holmefield Arms, Wakefield.
It was a fantastic Evening and the first time I had photographed in a marquee.

I first met Caroline and Duncan when I photographed the {Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs Durham, where Caroline was one of the Bridesmaids.

Duncan and Caroline got married in Santorini, and the photographs from there were beauitful.

Holmefield Arms, has an adjoining Premier Inn in Wakefield Central, which is where everyone was staying. I had a slight problem when I arrived as the Receptionists wouldnt tell me which Room the Bride was staying in (as I could be anyone, wearing a Blue Lights Photography T-Shirt and Aimed with Cameras!) but luckily I had Duncan's number with me and he told me where she was.

Their Gorgeous little girl Danica (named after Female American Racing Driver) had come with them when they came to see me and book. I knew that to make Danica my friend, that I should have plenty of Haribo in tow! It worked.

I think to get her out of bed, dressed, hair done, photographs taken and shoes on took about 5 small bags of Haribo!

THIS shoe shot was how I had set my mind on to get it. I photograph studio work, but no.
Use a window, white windowsill, and shoot on Manual to get the desired effect!

Plain white wall, light from the Window, and bridal portraits done!

The Cake and Marquee looked Amazing.
Dressed out in Purple, Pink and Dark Pink theme.
Colours I wouldnt have thought about putting together. But just looked Amazing!

Everyone was in such a great party mood, and the atomosphere was amazing!

The speeches came, to pave the way into the party. Lots of laughs and embarrasing stories from the Father of the Bride, and then the Groom....

In the Grooms speech he told how they met, when he actually gave her a Job, and I'm pretty sure he wanted to get to know her better. And self confessed, he gave her the most horrible shift to work. But she worked it nonetheless.

He went on to tell us about the Christmas Parties that he never went to, and evenutally thats where Caroline got him. His speech contained little stories, quoting song lyrics the lot!

One of the things that she had said to him was along the lines of "So are you going to kiss me yet?"
And that is how he finished his speech, she ran over to him to give him a big Kiss! It was gorgeous!

This was the first time I had also ever shot the first dance without flash!
Amazing...why cant all weddings be this light!

The First Dance, the Food then the Party went on!
Congratulations Guys, it was a pleasure!

To discuss your Wedding requirements then please contact the venue directly.
To discuss your wedding photography then please email adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

{Studio} Emily & Lexi

2011-10-12T09:00:00.000+01:00

Emily & Lexi looked so adorable when they came into the studio for their photoshoot.
With their matching outfits, and a defient attitude, we had lots of fun!

To discuss your Studio Photoshoots with us then visit our new portrait site,

alterantively you can find us on facebook!

{Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs Pagin {Mount Plesant Doncaster}

2011-10-10T09:00:00.001+01:00

Pauline and Gary married the Afternoon of the Royal Wedding.
I missed the Balcony Kiss as I was on the way to photograph this Wedding.

Imagine my squeal with delight when I saw just how beautiful my Bride's dress was!

She had searched high and low for it, and evenutally had to get it from London, as she was told that the dress she was looking for wouldnt actually be in fashion.
Well how wrong were they?

Pauline didnt have any bridesmaids, but was helped to dress by her daughter Lucy.

The Wedding was at Mount Plesant Doncaster, which I had shot a Wedding before that same month.

Pauline was walked down the aisle by her Brother whilst Gary waited nervously.
She walked down the aisle to "A New Day Has Come" by Celine Dion.
She told me the story behind it, and I am so glad she did. It is rather personal and I wont be sharing on my blog, but it is so wonderful to know the meanings behind everything.

The Gardens at Mount Plesant are just beautiful.
The Swing, the Bridge, the Fountain, the Arch Way.
All just gorgeous. And the bluebells were out!

The Wedding theme was a gorgeous apple green. Pauline wanted something that was timeless.
And just stunning!

Fresh flowers were everywhere!

I love the apples cut out to be tea-light holders!

The speeches were funny, the party was Ace!

To discuss having your Wedding at Mount Pleasant then please contact them directly.

To discuss your Wedding Photography with us then please visit www.bluelightsphotography.co.uk/weddings or alternatively email adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

{Studio} Lily-May

2011-10-08T09:00:00.006+01:00

Lily-May is a total little Character.
I first photographed Mum and Dad, when they were heavily pregnant with Lily.
And then when a very unhappy Lily was 5-days old.

She is such a little Character! <3

To discuss your Studio Photoshoots with us then visit our new portrait site,

alterantively you can find us on facebook!

{Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs Dyson {Holiday Inn Barnsley}

2011-10-06T09:00:00.000+01:00

Michala and Lee first came to book Blue Lights Photography by chatting to my Mum in one of the Local Working Mens Clubs! You'll be surprised where any form of business comes from.

Michala and Lee were to be Married on the beach in Mexico, which sounded beautiful, and then to come back home, for a party at Holiday Inn Barnsley.

I was commissioned to get the guests, the family and small party that went to Mexico,
and also everyone having a great time!

Mr & Mrs Dyson with their respective Parents.

Michala and her sister.
When Michala came to collect her album, she told me that her sister is expecting! Yay!

What was also rather amusing, was that I went to School with Lee, but I was more friends with his brother Dean, who was one year below me at school. Dean is now an Architect in Australia, and went to Mexico for the Wedding but unfortunately himself and his girlfriend couldnt get enough time off work to stay for the Party.

Lee and Michala are thinking of going travelling there for a little while how lovely!

They had their evening reception at Scarletts Suite and entertainment provided by....
House of Fun (Madness, quite literally!)

Another one of my favourite shots from this Year.

The Couple had brought a couple of bright Sombrero's back with them with the part to get as many couples wearing them as possible. They had four pages in their album dedicated to people wearing these! And not everyone joined in!

Great fun was had by all. To discuss your Civil Ceremony, or Recpetion details with Holiday Inn Barnsley, which has now opened their Secret Garden, contact the hotel directly.

To contact us regarding your Wedding Photography then please email adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk or alternatively you can call us on 01226 872 491

{Studio} The Drinkall Family {Family}

2011-10-04T09:00:00.001+01:00

The Drinkall Family came into the studio for a few photographs of them as a family,
and then some of their gorgeous little one on their own. But she wasnt having any of it really!

To discuss your Studio Photoshoots with us then visit our new portrait site,

alterantively you can find us on facebook!

{Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs Robinson {Castle Park, Doncaster}

2011-10-02T09:00:00.000+01:00

Mr & Mrs Robinson were married at Castle Park, Doncaster in May this year.
I first met Sarah at the Wedding Fayre hosted by Castle Park.

I started the morning of the Wedding with Sarah at her Parents house,
not too far away from her own home, and the venue.

Lots of fun, and laughs were had within the morning, however, some nervousness was also present.
The detailing on her dress was so beautiful!

Sarah and her Dad just before they left the house.

I got to the venue, to be there and meet Johnny, who until the Wedding day.
I had not previously met, dealing solely with Sarah.

Bride and Groom with their Parents.

Having Photographed the venue before for the {Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs Kerry, I knew what would work and what wouldnt work. And of course to remember that each couple are differently when photographing their Wedding.

The above is possibly one of my most favourite photographs from this Wedding, if not from this year.

The room itself looked Beautiful! They had done such a fantastic Job!
And the gorgeous Cabdury Purple that is still so popular.

For your Wedding at Castle Park, contact them directly.

To speak to us regarding your Wedding Photography then please contact adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

We Now Accept Card Payments

2011-09-30T15:46:00.000+01:00

{Studio} Mollie & Chloe {Child}

2011-09-30T09:00:00.000+01:00

Whenever I get siblings coming into the Studio,
I always make sure I get photographs of them together, and seperately.
This works well for montage frames, and for different ways to display your photographs at home.

Here we have the delightful Mollie and Chloe.

Mollie was a little Character from the Get-Go.
She was a little unsure about having her photographs taken, but seemed to get into it well.

Then it was Chloe's turn, who I have to say enjoyed it more than Mollie.
Chloe was a comlpete little poser, but so easy to photograph.

To discuss your Studio Photoshoots with us then visit our new portrait site,
alterantively you can find us on facebook!

{Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs Cobb {Waterton Park Hotel, Wakefield}

2011-09-28T09:00:00.000+01:00

Mr & Mrs Cobb were married at Waterton Park Hotel, Wakefield,
and then went on to have their reception upstairs in Walton Hall

Stephen looked, slightly nervous, whilst he waited for Karen to arrive.
She was a little late, even though she only had to come from upstairs!

For more about your Wedding at Waterton Park Hotel, contact the team directly.
To speak to us regarding your Wedding photography email adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

{Studio Shoot} Mason {Child}

2011-09-26T09:00:00.001+01:00

When I get Children into the Studio I never know how they are going to behave.

Mason was the first person to be photographed when I opened the Studio in March.

He was hard work, had a lovely bruise on his forehead, and did not want to play for the camera at all.

Some bribing with his favourite toys, my bucket full of brightly coloured balls, and some silly faces pulled by mum and I, we finally got him around and playing

Mason turned into being Good as Gold,

and has since been back for a photoshoot with the rest of his family (to be blogged later)

To discuss your Studio Photoshoots with us then visit our new portrait site, alterantively you can find us on facebook!

{Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs Durham, Burntwood

2011-09-24T09:00:00.006+01:00

The Durham's booked me after one of Chris' work Colleagues told him about myself.

The Referring couples Wedding was one week after this one!

Lindsey got ready at home with the help of her two bridesmaids

(one who's wedding I went on to photograph also)

Both the Bride and the Groom were very emotional on the day and during the vows.

Including myself who shed a little tear.

I love seeing two people and you can tell how much it means to them!

Chris had seen the above shot in one of my sample albums that I had taken at a Wedding last year.

Definately a great time and place to recreate the shot!

The Durhams were married late in the day,

and had their Ceremony, Meal and Evening at Burntwood Court, Barnsley.

They were married in The Cube, rather than the Hotel.

For more information about your Wedding at Burntwood then please contact them directly.

For more information regarding your Wedding Photography with Blue Lights Photography then email adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

{Real Wedding} Mr & Mrs Kerry at Castle Park, Doncaster

2011-09-19T09:00:00.003+01:00

Nicola had origionally seen me at the Castle Park Wedding Fayre not too long after I had just started out. I went to see them at home when they went to book me for their Wedding Photography.

I have to say Nicola, was a VERY organised bride, who had an envelope for everything. And money would go into said envelope for different people. She even had an envelope for the Stag Do!

Not only was she super organised, Nicola seems to like to do everything at once! Including, moving house and planning a wedding....They moved into their new home, some 10 days (or even less) before their Wedding Day!

The Wedding came around and they were married at Castle Park Doncaster. The registrars were lovely, and noted that if I found the room too dark, I could use flash! (something that photographers are told they are NEVER allowed to use. Ever!)

Now if you havent been to Castle Park before, you will notice, there really isnt much greenery.
The only grassed area around is the Rugby pitch, but that didnt stop us!

We worked with what we could! (and i love brick walls anyway!)

And as you can tell from this picture, the bride loves a laugh!

The Family Photograph, in the stalls at the grounds. Two of them are Nicola's, three of them are Paul's and they have a baby on the way! (Nicola was about 8 weeks pregnant at the Wedding)

One of the things I love about Weddings is that each one takes me to a different place. Each one has a different Vibe, of course unique to every couple. The Wedding I photographed at this venue 6 weeks later was completely different. I will blog it later.

To find more about your Doncaster Wedding Photographs then visit our Website

{blp} Real Wedding ~ Chloe & Danny {Waterton Park Hotel}

2011-09-16T09:00:00.001+01:00

Today I bring you the Real Wedding of Chloe and Danny whom were married on 17th July 2011 at Waterton Park Hotel. I first met Chloe when she came into the Studio for some dancing portfolio shots done, so it was a privlidge to get to photograph her wedding too.

The orange theme was my first, but was absoulutely beautiful. It was the first time I had seen, or photographed a Wedding with Orange as the theme colour but it looked beautiful.

Chloe, was dressed by her Sister, who also touched up the final bits of her Make-up.
Chloe's shoes were awesome, She had purchased a pair of white lace shoes and then customised them herself. No end to this girls talents!

Duncan, from Langtree Photography came to Second Shoot this Wedding with me, and took the groom shots with the gorgeous Aston Martin, whilst I was still with the Bride. Duncan was a great help on the day, and we enjoyed a spot of Lunch whilst we were awaiting the speeches to start.

Lots of nerves were apparent when she arrived. And Danny was quite nervous too!

After the Ceremony, Chloe and Danny opted to have no confetti thrown, and everyone made their way over the bridge to the island to have drinks and photographs.

I always try and make sure we have time for portraits of the Bride and Groom where I can take them away from everyone else. Most people went into the bar as it was threatening to rain so we got the photographs we needed to do outside without any interruptions!

We did a shot with the umberella, not because it was raining, just because she liked it!

Chloe and Danny had me for a Half Day, and they have just ordered their Album which I am in the process of designing. Such a gorgeous young couple full of love!

For more information about having your wedding photographed with me, contact me at adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk you can also find us on facebook

{blp} Photographs: They're not just for happy memories.

2011-09-06T09:00:00.003+01:00

Earlier on this year I had a bit of an odd week and made me realise that taking photographs isn’t just about the “happy” times that are there, weddings, birthdays, parties, and milestones - they’re also creating lasting memories, memories that might not be there in 3months time, or even tomorrow.

It's been sad, scary and upsetting - but more a reminder that I’ve managed to capture a memory that will last a lifetime - and that’s the job I do as a photographer. Images to treasure forever is my strap line for a reason and sometimes there is no more that can be said.

It started off by an early morning telephone call from one of my 2010 brides, explaining to me that her bridesmaids daughter had passed away and could they please purchase a big photograph of the bridesmaid, hubby and daughter together as a lasting reminder of happy times.

It brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye, that not only had these parents lost their little angel who had been ill - but that the bride wanted to create this lasting memory for them.
I then had a family contact me about a member whom is ill and they want some lasting photographs of them all together. I was touched that they wanted to use me.
And that is the thing with photographers - we never know what job we will get asked to do next, and whilst most of our jobs are of happy occasions, unfortunately sometimes we are chosen to capture the final memory.
I remember my friend going into labour at 28-weeks (and it she hung on to 41 weeks) and braving the conversation of if baby arrives early, and needs to go to special care - then I would take photographs of baby so she had those treasured little memories should anything happen. Luckily I’ve not had to take those photographs, for her or anyone - but would the time come then I would consider it.

Its almost like my head, and heart have turned a corner. I have known, and yet its now become apparent, that I am creating these memories for everyone. FOREVER. And if that means braving back the tears, and putting on a brave face, to do some jobs that I wouldn’t normally do - then so be it.

All babies are beautiful. All Weddings are full of love. And all photographs are forever.

At least I can do is take the time and allow people that I’m here - from the good times and the sad times.

{Image of the Week} Week 1

2011-09-04T09:00:00.000+01:00

Image of the Week taken at Ardsley House Hotel on 27th August 2011 for the Wedding of

Mr and Mrs O'Connor

The leaves on the ground, and even the leaves still in the trees have started to turn, this image wouldnt look strange in an Autumn Wedding Collection. The Bride, Hayley, doesnt do "romantic" poses, so this shot was one of the harder ones to actually get.

{blp} Waiting for the photographs....

2011-09-03T09:00:00.002+01:00

One of the things that never tires, is being asked to see the photographs.

When the Wedding is over the only thing left is the honeymoon and the photographs. Even if you tell your Bride & Grooms that it will be two weeks, or three weeks, they will more than likely ask before this!

I’ve never had a bride say “its ok we shall sit tightly and wait patiently” because as much as we may not think it, the photographs are important.

Before the wedding the bride and groom are juggling the hotel, flowers, suits, dress, family - and after the wedding, all eyes are on the photographer!

Keep calm, keep them updated, and sometimes where necessary, let them have a sneaky peak - via private email, blog or face book. You won't be surprised at how this can help wet their appetite - but be careful it may make then ask you more! x

{blp} The Blog Turns 2

2011-09-02T09:00:00.000+01:00

Happy 2nd Birthday to my Blog!

It's 2-years since I "gave birth" to the blog.

I however decided to go "new" with the blog in March 2010, and deleted my old entries
(not sure why) but I am still celebrating the blog being 2 today!

{blp} It's not just about taking photographs....

2011-09-01T09:00:00.000+01:00

Well August is coming to an end, which would mean that "Wedding Season" is almost over. Albeit I still have another 9 or so Weddings to photograph before the End of the year. It has been a busy year, and this is Second full year I love being a Wedding Photographer.

I love shooting Weddings, not only do I get to share the excitement on the day, but I find out about the proposal, the couple, and then share their happy memories and let them have images that they’ll treasure forever.

But its not just that - being a photographer is not just about taking pictures of the Wedding and then going home and designing and album. Its all about the things that happen on the day.

The bride and groom spend most of the time planning the wedding to every fine detail, but there are certain things that they wont know, or remember. At the end of the day, unless they have a co-ordinator/planner that is there with them from waking up and hand-holding - then we are the wedding experts on their day!

I will ask some of my brides to tell me what I did for them on their Wedding Day, but I’ve laced a lot of my brides this year into their dresses!
I remember escorting a bride to the toilet has she had no adult bridesmaids - and climbing under a brides dress to adjust her garter! These are the wonderful things I get to do - as a Female Wedding Photographer!

One of the other things I get asked about are corsages and button holes (or boutonnieres to give them their proper name) no-one ever seems to be able to pin them properly or know what side they go to. Men wear them above the handkerchief on the left hand side covering the button hole. Women wear their corsages on the right hand side facing down. Not that I expect to remember that myself when the wedding season is over for a little while.

I carry safety pins in case we need them - hairspray, grips and plasters are also in my bag along with my camera and lens’.

Its just about being prepared! We have back-up camera’s just in case so why not the additional bits also?!

I love sharing my little tips and knowledge of how things work, or even the best way for the bride to go to the toilet - alone! Each wedding brings new experiences - and new things that happen! So remember these things when they are happening!

I know most of my brides have thanked me for the help I have offered. And I’ve even had training on how to tie cravats and sort out handkerchiefs if I get to the Church and the groomsmen need adjusting!

Its not just about taking photographs...

{blp} Birth Photography

2011-08-31T09:00:00.000+01:00

Its funny what happens when you sign into twitter and you just see someone comment and you instantly become intrigued on the conversation. Its like eavesdropping but being allowed to. Its so much easier, and faster than facebook, and the topics are diverse.
I eavesdropped on a conversation with a few photographers about Birth Photography. And was linked to a couple of blogs incuding this one from Orange County Photographer Chenin Boutwell and also through searching I found DFW Birth Photographer too.

There doesn’t seem to be many UK photographers offering Birth Photography but I suppose it could be that as a woman I’m not sure how I’d feel about having a camera around me when I am in labour and want to kill everyone! (Note: I’ve not had children, I just know all friends who have, have generally ordered death upon someone)

From a photographer point of view it is very much the case of being able to be there for the birth, and also how much to charge as you never know how long you are going to be there! However I found UK based Photographer Cherry Tree Photography giving her details and pricing on Birth Photography.

So…how would you feel about birth photography? How would you feel about having someone photographing one of the most amazing and life changing experiences? I am very interested to hear both Mums to Be, and Photographers regarding this, I think its interesting. Some of the photographs are beautiful….
As a woman, I’m not sure how I’d feel about it, however having seen some of the photographs my heart is warming to it a little more….comments are very welcome as I am very interested in other peoples opinions with this.

{blp} Image of the Week

2011-08-28T09:00:00.000+01:00

Starting next week on the 4th September we will be running Image of the Week.

This will be something that has been taken whether it be the day before, or the year before.

We will be reliving some of our favourite images that I have taken.....will YOU feature?

Image of the Week will feature babies, studio, engagement and weddings...

{blp} How did you take that?

2011-08-23T09:59:00.000+01:00

I posted this photograph on Facebook and was promtly greeted with "Oohs" and "Ahhs" but also a question from Emma, from Emma Quadra Photography "how did you take that" so I decided a blog post on how I got the idea and executed it would probably be the better way to go.

This Wedding was taking place at Tankersley Manor, and Hannah of Lifeline Photography was Second Shooting with me. In our downtime, and just as we were eating, we were sat discussing photographs etc. I got my Wedding Photography | A Guide to Posing book out of my bag, which I always carry with me. Not so much for me, but with all the photographs in it, its great for executing an idea when the Bride and Groom cannot 100% get at what you are going for you can pretty much use it for a "Like This" explanation.

On flicking through i found an image by Matthias Richter which had lit the bride and groom just via a spotlight. (The image is on his front page about 40 images in!) and we were discussing low-light photography. Looking around us, we were surrounded by spotlights, giving this little circle of light on the floor. Perfect! We're going to do a shot like this!

I got Hannah to pose for me and boy did she pull some funny faces. Totally. She's insane that girl.

I generally always shoot on flash WB setting, and then change in RAW. I took the first Test shot and exclaimed "It doesnt look right" then remembered, I had it on Flash WB and changed it to Auto, to make the shot look more "real colours" after making sure the settings were right, and here you can see the light source, I went to get the Bride and Groom and we took the photographs.

This is one of them in colour, I took a couple in portrait and a couple in Landscape. I quickly showed the Bride and Groom on the back of the Camera and they were like "Oooh that looks great"

For Photographers the Setting was: f1.8, 1/80 ISO 640 85mm lens

Thanks for looking! :)

{blp} Taste for a Tenner - Tuesday 9th August 2011

2011-08-23T09:00:00.000+01:00

Back when I used to work as a Second Shooter, in the studio we used to do "Wacky Wednesday" and "Fab Friday" and any other use of alliteration that used to annoy some people. I have now got my own studio, as most of you are aware and I wanted to do the days again when you used to offer a cheap sitting and then get lots of people in.

Some photographers complained at me on twitter. Saying I was devaluing photography and I should be charging 400x (maybe slight exaggeration) of what I was actually charging. Many people especially the ones who attended. Thanked me for allowing photography at an accessible price. It meant that if they didnt get on with the camera, didnt like the surroundings they hadnt wasted a lot of money. But if they got on they got great photographs for a price they were happy with.

So Taste for a Tenner was born. £10, 20minutes studio time. Images uploaded onto a password protected gallery. Our first date we had 14 shoots booked in. One no-show and 1 child who didnt cooperate and just screamed for 20minutes. The rest...went fab.

Each client had a minimum of 25 images uploaded onto their gallery. And some were uploaded onto facebook so the people who were booked into for the 24th could see what they would be getting.

We've had so many words of encouragement. Its very similar to a "group-on" add. And may people are happy and orders are now coming in! :o)

Our next Taste for a Tenner will be held on 24th August 2011 and we are fully booked.

To keep up to date with more of these offers find us on facebook.

Normal photoshoots that are 1-hour long start at £25.00 for more information email adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

{blp} Newborn baby Isla

2011-08-21T09:00:00.000+01:00

I thought I would blog a few images from Isla's first photoshoot. She was so well behaved and so cheeky! She was at time of shoot 11-days old - and was just adorable!

Who says babies dont smile?!

I love the faces Yawnie babies pull!

Always have to include iccle tiny toes!

We had a couple of newborn hats for her to wear, but she only seemd to like this one. I think its because she could hold onto the tassles.

The had was by Creatives by Tanya

Tiny baby with Daddy

For a newborn shoot with myself, then please contact me on
adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

or 01226 872 491

Newborn shoots are £35 and include a slideshow set to music.

Newborn shoots are best done before 10days, however can be done upto 14-days.

{blp} Thomas2, Lincoln

2011-08-19T16:27:00.000+01:00

I met Sarah from Thomas2 Bakery at a Wedding Fayre that I stood at the Epic Centre in Lincoln, and I fell in love with her cakes, and cake pops! We got discussing photography and corporate photography for her business and they wanted for their new website.

So a couple of months ago now, I drove down and spent the afternoon in their lovely Cafe/Shop photographing the wonderful delights of everything that they do. Catering Coffee and Cakes.

Thomas Tea Rooms was founded in 2002 in Newark. The company quickly developed, and with new prospects on the horizon Thomas2 was launched in 2007. Thomas is the family surname, and the 2 stuck because it was their second shop.

Thomas2 have their own exclusive coffee blend, waitress service, an ever-changing menu, and of course friendly staff.

The cakes they are always homemade and baked on our premises using traditional recipes. (And are VERY Yummy!)

Thomas2 also have a 5 stars food hygiene award that we have maintained since opening from City of Lincoln. Thomas2 was also awarded Investors in Education in 2010 for supplying local schools with worthwhile work experience placements within the company.

So the next time you are in Lincoln be sure to pop in and see them. They are open Monday to Friday 9am til 4pm, Saturday 8am til 4pm and closed Sundays and bank holidays.

If you are looking for new images for your website for your products then please contact adele@bluelightsphotography.co.uk

{blp} Wedding Venue - The Stables, High Melton

2011-08-13T10:15:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I had my first Wedding at The Stables at High Melton.

The Stables is part of Doncaster College and it is a beautiful venue.

There is accomodation, a gorgeous courtyard, places for photographs and a church which you can also get married in.

The Stables is set within a 126-acre manor estate, and also the parish church of St James, which is an unusual 12th Century Norman Church.

The Civil Ceremony of yesterdays Wedding was in the drawing room of the Old Hall which is now named Melton Wood.

The Venue has a 5* "Scores on the Doors" Enviromental Hygiene rating for 3 years running!
The Venue has a range of menus, including BBQ and Hot Hog Roast!

The Venue offers exclusivity for Weddings with a Sit Down Breakfast of 60 or more. The Maximum Sit down numbers are 92. Smaller Weddings can be accomodated for.

The use of Melton Wood for Civil Ceremony is £250.00 and it can accomodate approximately 85 Seated Guests, this does not include any charges made by the Registrar.

The Stables currently also have a £1995 offer on their Wedding Package which includes a 3 course Wedding Breakfast for 50 day Guests and Evening for 100 or Wedding Breakfast for 60 and evening for 80 Guests. It also includes red carpet, table linen and napkins, cake stands, free round of golf for the groom, best man and two groomsmen, a master of ceremonies, in house DJ from 8pm to Midnight and Bar extension to 11:30pm.

From a photographers point of view, the staff were so helpful and friendly and really couldnt do enough for you. I look forward to shooting many more Weddings there!