David's photography blog

Kent Wedding Venues

2010-02-08T14:11:00.002Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I've got almost 100 wedding galleries on my website now. To make it easier for clients to search I've just started creating custom pages for popular venues. They contain a bit of information about the venue and links to weddings shot there. Here are the first few to check out:

Chilston Park, Cooling Castle, Leeds Castle, Mount Ephraim Gardens, Rowhill Grange

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Wedding Photography at Buxted Park

2010-01-24T17:01:00.004Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A small selection of images from Naomi and David's wedding at Buxted Park Hotel in East Sussex with EXIF data. To see more of their wedding photos please check out their wedding gallery. The couple were great fun to work with and hopefully that shows in the following shots.

1/250, f/4, ISO 400, -1 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The comment that provoked this laughter would not be suitable for polite company. Notice the negative exposure compensation (EC) to account for the dark tones in the image.

1/80, f/1.6, ISO 1000, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

The bride and her entourage were on top form when I arrived - very 'jolly'.

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 1600, +4/3 EV, 25 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Light levels in the ceremony room were low and with the backlighting I needed to add plenty of positive EC. I only use flash during the ceremony as a last resort.

1/250, f/2, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

A little fit of the giggles occurred during the ceremony - the bride was still 'jolly'.

1/160, f/2.2, ISO 2000, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 800, 0 EV, +1 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I used a 580EX II, softened with a Lastolite micro Apollo, mounted on a flash bracket for this shot.

1/200, f/2, ISO 1000, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I manged to lure everyone out into the cold for the group shots. Light was falling fast though.

1/125, f/2, ISO 800, +2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

No flash for this one so I used positive EC to take account of the sky.

1/40, f/2.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A quiet moment before the wedding breakfast.

1/60, f/2.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 31 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

No wedding would be complete without a shot of the cake-cut!

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Wedding at Buxted Park Hotel

2010-01-20T18:11:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

The 2010 wedding season got off to a fine start last Friday with Naomi and David's wedding at Buxted Park Hotel in the Ashdown Forest, near Uckfield, in East Sussex. There was still plenty of snow on the ground but we nevertheless braved the outdoors for the group shots and bride and groom portrait session. I rarely venture outside of Kent for wedding photography but when it's a venue as fine as this it makes the extra journey time more than worthwhile!

To see a selection of their wedding photos please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Weddings at The Marine Hotel, Tankerton

2010-01-07T19:03:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

More dusting off of the archives. Suzanne and Steve's wedding at the Marine Hotel, Tankerton, near Whitstable, in September 2008 - see their wedding gallery.

It was a beautiful, warm evening and so we took the opportunity to go for a paddle!

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Weddings at Hadlow Manor, Tonbridge

2010-01-07T17:28:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

Another wedding from the archives. Natasha and Chris' wedding was photographed at Hadlow Manor Hotel, near Tonbridge in October 2008 - see their wedding gallery. It was an absolutely lovely day, warm and sunny, with all the beautiful colours of autumn on display.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Oakwood House Maidstone Wedding Photography

2010-01-06T19:07:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

Another updated gallery - Zara and David's wedding, photographed at Oakwood House in Maidstone, May 2009. Please check out their wedding photos.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Ashford International Hotel Wedding

2010-01-06T18:56:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I'm continuing to tweak and improve my wedding galleries. Check out Nicky and Michael's wedding at the Ashford International Hotel photographed in December 2008. It was the first outing for my Canon EOS 5D Mark II. I leapt straight in at the deep end and filmed their ceremony in high definition video and then was shooting at ISO 6400 on the dance floor without flash! He who dares....

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Lympne Castle Wedding

2009-12-31T14:33:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I had the pleasure of photographing Lisa and James' wedding yesterday at Lympne Castle near Hythe. I managed to get a few shots outdoors before the rain started and then the rest of the time was spent indoors - not a hardship at a venue like Lympne Castle though.

Everyone was on top form and there are some very amusing group photos. Check out James' and the boys doing their mafia poses.

This was my 60th, and final, wedding of 2009. I now get to put my feet up (for two weeks at least)!

I've already finished processing their wedding and a selection of their photos are now online. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Wedding photography Little Silver Hotel

2009-12-29T20:18:00.002Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I had the pleasure of photographing Michelle and Danny's wedding yesterday at The Little Silver Hotel in Tenterden. It was a beautiful winter's day with lovely light.

Deciding that their guests had probably had their fill of roast dinners they plumped for bangers and mash as their main course - a fine choice in my opinion.

I've already finished processing their wedding and a selection of their photos are now online. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Photos from Bell Hotel Wedding Sandwich

2009-12-23T07:49:00.004Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from Kirsty and Simon's wedding, photographed at The Bell Hotel in Sandwich. Please check out their wedding gallery.

1/100, f/1.8, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I joined the groom and some of the guests in the pub before the wedding. I found a nice pool of window light to photograph the wedding rings.

1/60, f/1.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

And then the groom. I used flash for most of the interior shots in the pub but liked the side-light where he was sat in the shot above.

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The ceremony room was very dark - primarily candles and a few tungsten lights turned down low. If I were to have properly exposed for ambient light I'd have required an exposure of 1/15, f/2.8, ISO 6400. My upper ISO limit is typically 3200, so I dialled this into the camera in manual mode and then set the lens to its maximum aperture and chose 1/50 as the shutter speed (enough to keep people sharp unless they start getting too excited!) This meant I was over 2-stops underexposed. I then used a 580EX II Speedlite in E-TTL mode, softened with a Lastolite micro Apollo mounted on a custom bracket, to light the couple.

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Same settings as previously. I did not gel the flash in order to capture the cosy atmosphere.

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 19 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I held the camera above my shoulders for this one.

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 21 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 2000, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

For the candids I switched to off-camera flash, with a 580EX II Speedlite fitted with a StoFen in my left hand and a 5D Mk II with ST-E2 in my right.

1/50, f/3.2, ISO 2000, 0 EV, +2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Back to the micro Apollo for shots outside.

1/13, f/2.8, ISO 2000, 0 EV, +1 FEC, 21 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

1/50, f/1.8, ISO 3200, +1/3, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I decided not to use flash for the group shots. I'd have required at least two flashes to evenly light everyone so used ambient light only.

1/80, f/2, ISO 2000, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Any comments or queries are always welcome.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Photos from Lympne Castle Wedding

2009-12-22T07:39:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from Emma and Al's wedding, photographed on Saturday at Blean Church, near Canterbury, and then Lympne Castle. Please check out their wedding gallery.

1/1600, f/4, ISO 200, +1/3 EV, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A brief break in the cloud cover side-lit them.

1/2000, f/1.2, ISO 50, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Al definitely has a future in modelling for catalogues!

1/640, f/4, ISO 400, +1/3 EV, 23 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The ladies very sensibly arrived in moon boots.

1/250, f/1.4, ISO 800, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The vicar at Blean Church was absolutely charming and very relaxed about where I stood. He just asked that I not use flash.

1/160, f/1.4, ISO 800, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Unfortunately there was scaffolding at the back of the church, but at least a good attempt had been made at disguising it.

1/125, f/2.8, ISO 1600, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

There was a real mixed bag of light sources in the church. Fortunately there was some window light falling on the couple.

1/125, f/2.8, ISO 1000, 0 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I held the camera just above the floor for this one.

1/125, f/2.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

1/1000, f/4, ISO 200, +2/3 EV, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Another shot from a low perspective for a bit more drama. Positive exposure compensation (EC) took care of all the light tones in the image.

HDR (-2, 0, +2), f/4, ISO 50, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I took a few single exposures but was pretty sure I would not be able to capture the full range of tones in the shot. I therefore went for an HDR shot and instructed the couple to keep very still!

HDR (-2, 0, +2), f/4, ISO 400, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Another HDR shot to prevent the sky being completely blown out.

1/800, f/1.4, ISO 100, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/640, f/1.4, ISO 100, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Negative exposure compensation prevented highlights from being blown.

1/500, f/2.8, ISO 50, -2 EV, +1 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

We had a lovely sunset on Saturday and I took a range of shots using both on- and off-camera flash to capture both the couple and the sky.

Comments and queries welcome as ever.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Winter wedding Bell Hotel Sandwich

2009-12-21T05:00:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I had the pleasure of photographing Kirsty and Simon's wedding yesterday at The Bell Hotel in Sandwich. I was always love to photograph there as it's a 5 minute walk (or, in the case of yesterday, slide, as the pavements were covered in ice) from my home.

Proceedings kicked off at 15:30, with the light already starting to dim, so I used flash in most of the shots. Where I used only ambient light I went up to ISO 5000! The 5D Mark II, coupled with prime lenses, delivered the goods though.

I've already finished processing their photos. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Winter wedding at Lympne Castle

2009-12-20T13:59:00.002Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I had the pleasure of photographing Emma and Al's wedding yesterday at Blean Church, near Canterbury, and then Lympne Castle. There was a good amount of snow at Blean - not surprisingly, considering that the temperature was well below zero. I had my fingerless gloves on, but after 30 mins photographing outside my fingertips were frozen solid.

It warmed up after the ceremony though and we had a wonderful sunset at Lympne Castle. I encountered the absolute extremes of light colour temperature in one afternoon!

I've already finished processing their photos. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Salmestone Grange Wedding Album

2009-12-18T19:46:00.002Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

One from the archives. The album design for Suzanne and Kelvin's wedding, photographed at St Thomas of Canterbury Church and Salmestone Grange, Margate in June 2008. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Canterbury Cathedral Wedding Album

2009-12-17T17:34:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

Another album design, this time for Helen and Daniel, whose wedding I photographed at St Stephen's Church and Canterbury Cathedral in September 2009. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Leeds Castle Wedding Album

2009-12-16T19:01:00.002Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

Here's my album design for Sally and Will, whose wedding I photographed recently at Mersham Church and Leeds Castle. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Photos from Broome Park Wedding

2009-12-16T09:09:00.004Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from Lauren and Chris' wedding, photographed on Saturday at Broome Park in Barham, near Canterbury. Please check out their wedding gallery.

HDR (-2, 0, +2), f/8, ISO 200, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

HDR (-2, 0, +2), f/8, ISO 200, 28 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A couple of high dynamic range (HDR) shots to start. Great for capturing cloud detail.

1/125, f/8, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Winter light can be fabulous - even at midday! The sun is low in the sky and so subjects are not top-lit.

1/500, f/1.2, ISO 200, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

The bridal preparation room was beautiful with lovely big windows and light-coloured walls(bouncing soft light everywhere). I had to draw one set of curtains to prevent Lauren from being directly lit by the sun.

1/80, f/3.2, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

If only all preparation rooms looked like this!

1/400, f/1.2, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Lauren was very relaxed in front of the camera and had a lovely smile. Notice the negative exposure compensation (EC) to compensate for the dark tones in the image.

1/160, f/4, ISO 400, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Lauren and her daughter Ella. Grandma was standing just behind me to attract Ella's attention.

1/125, f/1.6, ISO 640, -1 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Notice how the light levels dropped off away from the windows. Light quantity was low but light quality was high.

1/2500, f/1.4, ISO 100, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

And now the exposure values next to a window.

1/100, f/4, ISO 1600, -2/3 EV, 25 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I dialled in neg EC here to prevent too much burn out due to the strong lighting.

1/100, f/2.8, ISO 1000, -1/3 EV, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Again, I had to pull the main curtains in the room to prevent the couple being illuminated directly by the sun. It was a little bit of a battle with the registrars who wanted to leave the curtains open - this would have ruined all the ceremony shots! Here the couple are illuminated by lovely soft light from side windows.

1/125, f/2.8, ISO 1000, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Yet again, quantity of light low, quality of light high.

1/400, f/2, ISO 800, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

After the ceremony was complete I opened the curtains as the sun was no longer shining directly in. The rim lighting from this window on Lauren caught my eye.

1/100, f/1.8, ISO 800, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

1/100, f/6.3, ISO 800, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

A set of steps outside is perfect for the group shot of all the guests.

1/200, f/2.5, ISO 100, -5/3 EV, -2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The ambient light was underexposed (to keep a bit of detail in the sky) and the couple lit by softened flash (also dialled down because of the dark background).

1/160, f/1.6, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

This was taken after the sun had set. The quality of light was just breathtaking.

1/160, f/1.4, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/80, f/1.2, ISO 2500, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Light levels inside were quite low. I took candids using purely available light (as above) and using off-camera flash.

Any comments or queries welcome as ever.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Photos from Medway Wedding

2009-12-15T07:09:00.004Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from Kim and Edward's recent wedding at St Margaret's Church, Rainham and the Bridgewood Manor Hotel, Chatham. Please check out their wedding gallery.

1/400, f/4, ISO 200, 0 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A very strong contrast scene. RAW can just about handle the dynamic range. The policeman behind the groom and best man was part of the wedding!

1/320, f/2.2, ISO 200, -1 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I always look for a 'natural' setting to get a shot of the rings. I haven't managed to lose any yet! Notice the negative exposure compensation (EC) in the shot above.

1/200, f/1.8, ISO 1000, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

I shot a few candids whilst waiting for the bridal party.

1/125, f/1.8, ISO 1000, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

1/160, f/2.8, ISO 800, +1/3 EV, 115 mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

The vicar asked me to stand at the end of the aisle so it was out with the medium telephoto lens.

1/160, f/3.5, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 200 mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

1/200, f/2.8, ISO 1000, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I always enjoy it when the bride and groom introduce a little levity to the signing of the register.

1/320, f/2.8, ISO 200, -5/3 EV, 20 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Notice the extreme amount of neg EC to deal with the predominantly dark tones in the image. If I'd let the camera determine exposure a dress would have been pure white - not what you expect from a professional.

1/160, f/3.5, ISO 200, -1/3 EV, 0 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

They received the red carpet treatment on arrival at the hotel. I added diffused flash here as they were backlit and very little light was being reflected back on their faces.

1/250, f/1.2, ISO 800, -1/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

I managed to get a few candids at the hotel using natural light before having to use flash.

1/400, f/1.8, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

We took these during twilight and the quality of light was beautiful. Unfortunately it was also freezing cold!

1/125, f/1.4, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/160, f/2, ISO 2000, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Canon EOS 5D Mark II with ST-E2 in right hand, 580EX II Speedlite with StoFen diffuser in left hand. It's a nice way of approximately directing your flash light to give a key light but also getting plenty of light bounced back from other directions as fill light - it approximates to a bare bulb flash. It also means that you can avoid flash light on those standing close to you who may not be the subject of the shot.

1/250, f/1.4, ISO 800, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Another shot using the above set-up t0 give a butterfly lighting type effect.

Any comments and queries welcome as ever.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Photos from Brandshatch Place Wedding

2009-12-14T06:55:00.004Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from Jill and Stuart's recent wedding at Brandshatch Place Hotel near Fawkham. Please check out their wedding gallery.

HDR (-2, 0, +2), f/5, ISO 100, 27 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A high-dynamic range (HDR) shot to start off with. Hand-held.

1/1600, f/1.2, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

The 85mm lens is great for candids when there's a bit more space. Negative exposure compensation (EC) adjusts for the dark tones.

1/160, f/1.2, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Her face was lit beautifully by window light. Neg EC again.

1/640, f/1.6, ISO 100, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Enough light was being reflected back from the white front of the hotel to reduce contrast on his face.

1/125, f/2, ISO 400, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I had to hide behind a curtain to remove my reflection. A young Robbie Williams joined us for the shot.

1/250, f/1.4, ISO 400, -1 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Illuminated by window light (my shadow is visible in the reflection on the picture). Neg EC prevented her face from being over-exposed.

1/160, f/2.8, ISO 500, 0 EV, 29 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Goodness knows what cheeky comment I made here but it seems to have done the trick.

1/125, f/2.8, ISO 2000, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 25 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The ceremony room was quite dark and their faces were poorly lit. I added some flash, diffused by a Lastolite micro-Apollo. It's a subtle addition to the light.

1/250, f/2.8, ISO 2000, +1/3 EV, +2/3 FEC, 24 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I had the table moved at an angle so that there was no mirror behind them.

1/80, f/2.8, ISO 2000, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Post-ceremony relief is clearly captured on Jill's face.

1/80, f/2.8, ISO 800, -2/3 EV, -2/3 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Another subtle addition of flash light. This time I had a Speedlite fitted with a StoFen omnibounce in my left hand, triggered by an ST-E2 on camera. This is a good alternative to using the micro Apollo with a bracket because:

a) it's lighter!

b) it's good for crowded rooms where the Apollo would blast those closest to the camera with light, even though they might not be the subject of the shot.

c) a StoFen on a Speedlite resembles a bare bulb flash. It's only of use when there are surfaces to bounce light back. Do not use it outside!

1/200, f/2.8, ISO 200, 0 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

1/200, f/8, ISO 1600, -2/3 EV, 32 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I always feel more relaxed when I have the group shot of everyone under my belt. Finding a suitable location can occasionally be a challenge.

1/250, f/2.8, ISO 500, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/200, f/2.5, ISO 250, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Between takes the ladies relaxed their facial muscles.

1/160, f/1.2, ISO 200, -4/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Some significant neg EC prevented Jill's dress from being nuked.

1/400, f/1.2, ISO 320, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

1/250, f/1.2, ISO 400, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

I love shooting at f/1.2. It's very unforgiving though. I put the camera on AI Servo for the shot above as they were walking towards me.

1/100, f/2, ISO 1250, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

A subtle kiss of off-camera flash to light their faces. I often feel in need of a power nap after a wedding too!

Comments and queries welcome as ever.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Weddings at Broome Park Barham

2009-12-13T15:50:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I had the pleasure of photographing Lauren and Chris' wedding yesterday at Broome Park in Barham, near Canterbury. What an amazing venue Broome Park is - absolute heaven for a wedding photographer. It was my first time there and my expectations were exceeded (their website could do with some improvement). The grounds and interiors are beautiful and, even more importantly for the latter, well-lit, thanks to the the huge windows.

Also, the weather yesterday afternoon was fantastic (a little chilly but bearable) and the light was absolutely perfect. Probably the best I've encountered this year.

I've already finished processing their photos. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Wedding in Rainham and Chatham

2009-12-08T06:24:00.002Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I had the pleasure of photographing Kim and Edward's wedding on Sunday at St Margaret's Church, Rainham and the Bridgewood Manor Hotel, Chatham. After a morning of torrential rain, the sky cleared for the afternoon and the sun shone. It was rather chilly though.

The organ player at the church was very competent but his inner metronome was rather erratic. For every chorus of each hymn the tempo steadily rose. It was highly amusing - most of the guests, including myself, were in hysterics.

I've already finished processing their photos. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Brandshatch Place Hotel Wedding

2009-11-30T07:06:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I had the pleasure of photographing Jill and Stuart's wedding on Saturday at the Brandshatch Place Hotel near Fawkham. The gods were smiling on us and the rain held off - very fortunate considering that it had rained all week and that it tipped down yesterday too.

Stuart's uncle and auntie filmed the proceedings, and were an absolute pleasure to work with, as was toastmaster Barry Simms who organised the groups for the formals - always a relief when somebody else takes care of that duty!

I've already finished processing their photos. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Little Silver Hotel Wedding Photos

2009-11-28T08:04:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images with EXIF data from Nichola and Andrew's wedding, photographed last Saturday at The Little Silver Hotel in Tenterden. Please check out their wedding gallery.

1/250, f/1.8, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The ladies were on top form when I joined them in the bridal suite. There was an empty bottle of champagne on the table....

1/200, f/2.8, ISO 400, +1/3 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A bit different!

1/500, f/2.5, ISO 200, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Nichola's sister had a very expressive face and I didn't need to wait long to get this. I tried to use natural light wherever possible.

1/500, f/1.2, ISO 200, 0 EV, Did not fire, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Nichola told me that she didn't like having her photo taken when I first met her - does it show?Probably 80% of English brides say the same.

1/125, f/3.5, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Since they were moving about I stopped down to f/3.5 to give a bit of forgiveness with focus.

1/125, f/3.5, ISO 800, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 23 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The light level outside had dropped significantly and I couldn't position them all in the small area of good light in the room. Time for some diffused flash.

1/1250, f/2.8, ISO 250, -1 EV, 200 mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

Over to the 70-200mm medium telephoto lens for candids. Notice the negative exposure compensation (EC) due to the predominantly dark tones in the image.

1/1250, f/2.8, ISO 250, -2/3 EV, 148 mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

1/80, f/2.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 27 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The light in the ceremony room was poor and so I had to use diffused flash. It's relatively discreet - I've never had a complaint from registrars.

1/200, f/1.8, ISO 800, -1 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

She was in a nice area of soft window light.

1/320, f/1.8, ISO 1000, -1/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

1/100, f/6.3, ISO 400, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Most hotels have a regular spot that they use for the big group shot. It invariably means hanging out of a first floor window.

1/200, f/3.5, ISO 500, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The lawn was so damp that I had to position the groups on a hard surface. The ladies shoes were getting stuck in the mud!

1/500, f/1.8, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, EF35mm f/1.4L USM

Again, notice the negative EC.

1/125, f/1.8, ISO 640, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Andrew was very uncomfortable in front of the camera but by giving him a bit more space during the portrait session we managed to get a few good shots.

1/320, f/1.2, ISO 400, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

A few candids before the guests went in for dinner.

Comments and queries are most welcome.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Little Silver Hotel Wedding

2009-11-23T16:23:00.003Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

On Saturday I tootled down to the Little Silver Hotel in Tenterden to photograph the wedding of Nichola and Andrew. Although it's been a bit like monsoon season recently, the weather was good when it needed to be - it only started raining shortly after we'd finished the group shots. If only it were always like this!

I started with Nichola, her bridesmaids and mum in the rather lovely bridal suite. There was no shortage of laughter and larking around which yielded some terrific images. I then joined the chaps for a few shots, who were slightly less comfortable in front of the camera, but had probably had less to drink than the girls ;-), and then it was on to the ceremony, followed by the formal group shots and then a few candids before dinner. All very civilised.

I've already finished processing their wedding and a selection of their photos are now online. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Wedding photos from Leeds Castle

2009-11-17T06:46:00.007Z

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from Claire and Dominic's wedding on Saturday at Leeds Castle with EXIF data and shot analysis. To see a larger selection please check out their wedding gallery.

HDE (-2, 0, +2), f/4, ISO 400, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The weather was diabolical when I arrived at the castle but, fortunately, it stopped raining shortly afterwards - it was still very windy though. To capture the detail in the sky and the bright highlights from the reflected sunlight on the castle I decided to go for a high dynamic range (HDR) shot. 3 exposures, handheld, and then combined in Photomatix Pro.

1/60, f/2.8, ISO 1600, +1 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I was pleased to see such a big window in the room and the make-up chair facing it. There's even plenty of space to get in behind the table. This has been set-up with the photographer in mind - a real rarity! Positive exposure compensation (EC) corrected for the bright backlighting.

1/125, f/1.4, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I asked Claire to strike a pose in her curlers, dressing gown and stilletos! Notice the coolness of the daylight and warmth of the tungsten lights.

1/200, f/1.2, ISO 500, -1/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

The wonderfully soft, out-of-focus background (known as bokeh) produced by shooting at f/1.2 is very useful in minimising distractions. Very accurate focusing technique is required for these shots - the lens is unforgiving at this aperture.

1/160, f/2, ISO 320, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

I've heard the preparation mirror shot being described as 'cliched' by other wedding photographers. But it's not cliched for your clients, who don't spend all day looking at wedding photos!

1/160, f/1.4, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Negative exposure compensation corrects for the dark background.

1/250, f/1.4, ISO 200, -4/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

As soon as I saw the beautiful Arabella in her lovely fluffy white coat I knew the shot I wanted - and I got the opportunity to do it too! Look at the lovely catchlight in her eyes from the window behind me. Negative EC prevented her from being overexposed.

1/400, f/2, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/80, f/1.4, ISO 1600, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Milo demonstrated his Michael Jackson-styled moves for me. A natural entertainer!

1/160, f/1.4, ISO 400, -1/3, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Back upstairs for a few more shots of Claire. I asked her to stand in a pool of soft window light.

1/80, f/2.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The light in the ceremony room was not great so I decided to add some softened flash. Shooting at wide aperture, high ISO and dialling down with FEC means that people don't even notice the 'kiss of flash' that you add, but it means that you get good light on their faces.

1/80, f/2.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, -1 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I decided not to gel my flash. I do sometimes correct its colour temperature to match the ambient light but I liked the warm, cosy feel that I was getting. There are no rules!

1/125, f/2.8, ISO 2500, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 29 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Always nice to make the signing of the register a bit more fun.

1/40, f/2.8, ISO 2500, 0 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A wonderfully witty song about Claire and Dominic was performed after the ceremony. Have a good look at the faces in the audience.

1/100, f/1.4, ISO 3200, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Milo again. I saw him take up a good sniping position and occasionally peek over the table. I was waiting for him. Look closely at the exposure settings - it was dark!

1/100, f/1.4, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

When shooting candids I generally do a quick sweep of the room to identify areas of reasonable light and then try and spot the more animated guests. Ideally I try and match the two and then take up a good position to watch and wait. Good candids do not come about by randomly shooting guests!

1/30, f/4, ISO 3200, +2/3 EV, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I was with Claire and Dominic for only 4 hours so there was no point in setting up all my Speedlites to light the group shot of everyone. I just went with the ambient light. I deliberately overexposed to reduce digital noise in the shadow areas - this technique is often termed 'exposing to the right'. The slight overexposure is easily adjusted in post-processing.

1/40, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

It seemed a pity not to get a few shots of Claire and Dominic with the exterior of the castle so we braved the elements for a few minutes. It was still a bit gusty - check out the dress.

1/60, f/1.4, ISO 1600, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The flash was softened with a Lastolite micro Apollo and mounted on a Custom Digital Pro-M Bracket. Really handy for these close-in portraits.

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 2500, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The E-TTL II algorithm has no problems balancing ambient and flash light when the background is lit.

1/60, f/1.4, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The flash is obviously off-camera for the shot above. I'm holding a Speedlite in my left hand (set to 105mm) and triggering it with an ST-E2 on camera.

1/100, f/1.6, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The Speedlite is still in my left hand for this shot, now with a StoFen Omnibounce attached.

1/125, f/1.2, ISO 3200, +1/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Light levels in the banqueting hall were low. No problem for a 5D Mark II paired with the 85mm f/1.2L lens though.

1/100, f/1.2, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 85 mm, EF85mm f/1.2L II USM

1/40, f/2.5, ISO 2000, -2 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I couldn't resist taking a few shots of Leeds Castle as I wandered off into the night. Notice the strong negative EC.

Any comments or queries are welcome as ever.

My website: Kent wedding photographers