Madison Appeal

Have you missed me?  It's been a funny old week. My no1 computer had a nervous breakdown this week due to over work so it had to have a few days holiday while we found it a new graphics card.

It's feeling much more like it's old self now and working flat out to catch up on lost time.

What have I been doing while the computer was down?  Revamping the studio, that's what.  It looks FAB!!

I've put a few new pictures on the wall, added a few spotlights and cleared away  some of the massive pile of props that was threatening to take over the entire space.  It really is looking good now, I'm really pleased with it.

Scotties Snack Bar which is placed so conveniently  (rather too conveniently if you ask me, no wonder I'm not a size 10)  across the road on Olive Lane in Darwen is holding a fundraising open day event to raise money for the Madison Allen Fund. She's  a little girl with a particularly aggressive type of cancer and her parents are trying to raise enough money to send her to Germany for treatment that may save her.

The event is tomorrow Sunday 22nd August from 9.00 a.m till 2 p.m.  There will be stalls, food, raffle, tombola - all the usual stuff. I'm told there will be a few surprises as well.

Bob and me are opening the studio  for the day,  it's directly across the road so why not pop in and take a look at the new surroundings, try your chances at winning a free portrait sitting and framed print and help to raise some money to save a little girl's life.

See you there!

BBe Inspired

That’d be my own trumpet. I’m feeling a bit pleased with my little self at the moment because this magazine dropped through my letterbox the other day:

BBe Inspired  

Hang on a minute, I thought. That’s one of my photos on the front cover!  I’d forgotten about that.  Taking a quick flick through it, looking for my own pictures of course, I soon came across this page and felt even more pleased with myself.  Full page!  Yeah baby!!!!

Whalley Abbey

Ok, I know it’s not Italian Vogue, but it’s a start!

Calming down now......deep  calming breaths...... and relax.

I'm nearly famous!!

Well, not really but a copy of the latest 'BBe Inspired' magazine has just landed on my doormat and one of my photos has been used as the front cover as well as a full page inside.  I haven't done too  much editorial work but I really enjoy it. It is the antithesis of wedding photography which is so fast paced.

Which do I prefer?

It's impossible to compare them as they are so very different and after all, any type of photography is enjoyable in it's own right.


It's a busy, busy weekend this weekend as we are off to shoot a wedding in Ludlow, Shropshire. I'm really looking forward to this one, not least because  the weather forecast is so much nicer down there than up here!!

This wedding is the second of three for this particular family, the next daughter gets married in September.  Bob and me are starting to feel like one of their family now.  I'll post some photos for you when we get back.

In the meantime, many congratulations to Toby and Katie.

Pretty in Pink

"What about...."  I said.    "Oooh, that'll be nice." Said the baby's mum, my daughter.

We love it, what do you think?

Wow!! Newsflash

Ok, now I'm excited!!!

Peter Jackson the Jeweller,  the best jewellers in the area,   are running a fantastic promotion at the moment and have asked Wow! Contemporary Photography to get involved with it.

Peter Jackson the  Jeweller and Wow! Photography in the same sentence!  Wow!  Err ...I mean...well, you know.

The promotion is  a superb  package of all sorts of  lovely free goodies when you buy you engagement ring from them.  It includes, among other things, a complementary ( and complimentary) engagement photo shoot with yours truly and a framed 8 x 12 inch print.

It really is an amazing offer from the best jeweller in the area and Bob and me are really excited to be a part of it, can you tell?

Click here for a link to Peter Jackson's website.

Horse of the year show?

In all the years I've been photographing weddings I've never photographed one with a horse and carriage in attendance - until this year. Just like corporation buses, nothing for ages and then two arrive at once.

This  is from Lee and Miranda's wedding at Haigh Hall in Wigan. The day was glorious, the venue magnificent, the bride beautiful and the horses incredibly well behaved.

I loved how they had their little crocheted 'ear gloves.' I'm certain that's not what their called but in the absence of their proper names it'll have to do.

If you know what they are called or can think of a fab new name then you can leave a comment and the best answer gets a prize.... of my unending awe at your vast pool of knowledge.

Dan & Joanne

As promised, here re a few pics from Dan & Joanne's wedding. It rained a bit on the day...... WHAT AM I SAYING????!!!   It heaved  it down all day long!

Did that stop everyone having a lovely time?  Did it heck.  They enjoyed every minute of it all.

The whole day was lovely and Bob and me were thrilled to be involved in it.

The bridal prep was lovely, everyone was excited and happy. If there were any last minute nerves they were certainly well hidden.

It rained and it rained and it rained. I did feel sorry for the poor carriage driver.  If you look closely at this photo you can see the rain lashing down.

After the ceremony, a short carriage drive to one of mine and Bob's favourite venues, because they take such good care of everyone, including us, Sparth House.

A few quick shots outside while we had chance. The cars were gorgeous - but not as gorgeous as the bride and bridesmaids, obviously.

 In the chandelier room at Sparth House just before going in for the wedding breakfast.