Jodie Chapman Photography

New Blog!

2009-04-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

The time has come for the blog to be bigger and better. It can now be found here.

it's all about weddings

2009-03-02T14:01:00.000-08:00

March issue of Photo Pro magazine with my latest blog. Editor Terry also asked me to write a piece for their "Best Advice" feature for the March Weddings special as well as including one of my signature images from Gemma & Stuart's beautiful wedding. April issue out soon...

wedding fair buzz

2009-02-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

After a very busy day yesterday at the wedding fair, I'm feeling exhausted, but oh so inspired. I got to meet and talk to so many lovely brides, each so excited about their day. This is the part of my "job" (it's my life really) that I love so much - getting to know potential clients and finding out what's so special about their wedding. Thanks to everyone who made the trip over to my stand; it was a pleasure to meet you and I hope you enjoyed the fair, which I thought was brilliant. Please do get in touch if you'd like to talk about your day in greater detail - I would love to be involved.

Wedding Fair

2009-02-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

This Sunday I will be exhibiting at Eastwell Manor wedding fair in Boughton Lees, Kent. This beautiful venue has been home to many a gorgeous wedding, and the fair gives brides the opportunity to have a nose at the stunning location. It is also a very exclusive fair which showcases only the very best quality exhibitors, so you can be assured that you're in capable hands. Two of my personally recommended suppliers will also be exhibiting - Jessica Taylor of Travel Counsellors who specialises in beautiful honeymoons tailored to each client, and Kate from The Floral Madam, a lovely florist based in Charing. Entrance is free! Look forward to meeting you there...

pop portrait

2009-02-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

This picture is a perfect example of what can be achieved with some good natural light, a colourful prop and a dingy looking alley. Wielding an umbrella by one of my most favourite designers, Katie's perfect cheekbones and bright pink lipstick give this urban portrait an element of grace and fun. It was published in Digital SLR User magazine last summer and I will upload the article very soon. Watch this space...

I've Got Mail

2009-02-05T12:24:00.002-08:00

I LOVE getting thank-you cards. Especially from happy clients. It gives me such a buzz when a bride (who has already invested her hard-earned money) finds it in her heart to send me a little note to say how much she loves her photographs.

I received this lovely note from Gemma & Stuart today, whose wedding I photographed last year:

"Dear Jodie

I wanted to say thank you so much for all your hard work on our wedding day and for the beautiful photos you took. I can't believe how well they turned out. The album is so fantastic and is the perfect memory of the day.

Thanks again,

Gemma & Stuart"

That's why I love photographing weddings.

to pre-wed or not to pre-wed...

2009-02-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

One question I am often asked by brides is "What's the point of a pre-wedding shoot?" If I had a pound for every time I was asked that question... But maybe photographers aren't emphasising the benefits of these sessions as much as they should, as they are beneficial not only for the couple (more photos!) but also for the photographer.

For example, if you are uncomfortable with a certain facial or body feature, talking this through with your photographer at the pre-wedding shoot will allow them to prove they are a true professional and can deliver images that make you look fantastic. On the day itself, you will feel relaxed and happy in front of the camera, safe in the knowledge that your photographer knows how to capture beautiful images of you. If they are a photographer who wants to deliver the best, they will want to know how you feel about being in front of the lens. The key to a great wedding photographer is a people person who can relax even the most nervous of brides. This shoot will give you the chance to check they are up to the job and also experience their photography first-hand.

Of course, every photographer wants to provide their clients with images they love and therefore want to buy. Products available from pre-wedding shoots include a signature mount - this can be displayed at the reception for guests to sign the mount around a beautiful portrait of the happy couple. Another service I offer is a beautiful guest book which include pictures from the engagement shoot as well as blank pages for guests to write messages.

I currently only feature these shoots with my Sydney package, but am considering including them in my New York package. If you are a bride who has booked/is considering booking a New York package, mention whether you would like a pre-wedding shoot and I would be happy to include it as a complimentary extra.

Here are just a few images from recent pre-wedding shoots. These are all great couples who had fantastic chemistry that really shines through.

coffee, cake...and beautiful girls.

2009-01-29T14:22:00.000-08:00

Recently I went for a day out with my two beautiful nieces, Isabella and Mia. I would not be fulfilling my role as a photographer or a doting auntie if I didn't take my camera along for the ride. We took a breather in Costa Coffee where I ordered extra large hot chocolates with marshmallows and whipped cream (more for my enjoyment than theirs). These are on their way to the framers as I type. It's amazing what a little window light and a toothless grin can do.

And with their new brother, Felix, fresh out into the world, I couldn't resist a leg shot. Just look at those toes...

I Heart Polaroid

2009-01-17T14:18:00.000-08:00

As a photographer, I love taking photos of things or events I find interesting, be they weddings, portraits or beautiful places around the globe. One medium I adore and like to explore is Polaroid.

For me, the romanticism is that every Polaroid film has an expiry date. Sometimes by using a film after it's expired, you can get even more beautiful colours. It's unpredictable and that's part of its charm. Sure, the immediacy of it has been matched by digital (and I'm a big fan of digital), but the whole notion of digital - the fact that a raw file is literally just numbers and information - makes it seem very clinical. You can take a photo, load it on to your mac and make a million identical copies. Brilliant for so many reasons. You can take a Polaroid, scan it in and make a copy, but that copy will never be identical. You will never get back to the original. And for me, that's the beauty.

In this digital day and age, film is sadly fighting a losing battle. It is well known that Polaroid announced early last year that they were to cease production of instant film. What is left is all that is left of this wonderful way of taking photographs.

Portrait Shoot - Noah and Aisha

2009-01-11T06:24:00.000-08:00

With the new year comes new opportunity, new events to photograph...and very cold weather. For Noah's shoot, we wrapped up warm and walked to a local park where there were ducks to feed and lots of beautiful bare trees to employ as backgrounds. It may sound strange, but I think dead tree branches are a pretty cool backdrop and resulted in some classic looking black and white shots with an abstract twist. Noah's beautiful expressive face and bright eyes resulted in some great images and a really enjoyable portrait session.

A slightly slower shutter speed adds a sense of movement and fun to this shot...

Photo Pro - February Issue

2009-01-11T05:12:00.000-08:00

February's issue of Photo Pro is out and includes my latest blog and some images from Hannah & Will's beautiful wedding in September. I am currently on the Bespoke course run by acclaimed photographer, Annabel Williams, and the most recent seminar focused on how to market to my client: a relevant subject for the winter months. At the end of this month I'll be heading back to Annabel's studio in Cumbria for a seminar focusing on weddings. A great start to the new year!

Time for a little floral flair...

2008-12-07T01:09:00.000-08:00

As a wedding photographer, I get to know a huge number of suppliers, be they wedding planners, venue managers, hairdressers or caterers. There are some who do such a fantastic job for their clients that they should be rewarded for all their hard work by my recommending them to others. After all, it is so daunting for brides to know who to choose to do their hair, their makeup, provide their wedding car etc. They only have one chance to get their day right, and so I want to help by recommending services that offer a superior product and an excellent client experience.

For all your floristry needs, take a look at The Floral Madam. Based in the village of Charing near Ashford, Kent, this beautiful florist is able to create a truly bespoke floral arrangement, tailored to your tastes. Take a look at the following images to get a feel for their flair...

The Floral Madam is also a beautiful gift shop featuring products by designers such as Cath Kidston and Greengate.

To discuss your wedding flowers, call Kate on 0800 1313 988. To find out more information, take a little cyber trip to...

All imagery by Jodie Chapman.

December Blog

2008-12-07T00:49:00.000-08:00

My second blog has come out in Photo Pro magazine and it features a few images from Gemma & Stuart's wedding in August. This month I'm talking a little about the winter downtime, with time spent on album design and marketing. I also talk a little about my plans to convert an outbuilding in my garden into a studio - plans which are gradually taking shape. 2009 is going to be a busy year...

First Magazine Blog

2008-11-17T12:12:00.001-08:00

The November issue of Photo Pro magazine includes my very first blog. Featured are some close-up shots of the wood-yard which formed one of the first few days of the Annabel Williams course. We had the chance to explore our creative sides & find beauty in the most unlikely places. The next seminar takes place next week and will focus on marketing. I feel I have a strong brand and image and this seminar should show me how to get that across to potential clients.

Cruisin down the 101...

2008-11-17T11:47:00.001-08:00

And a few more from the beauty of the West Coast..

A visit to Hearst Castle, the influence for Xanadu (aka Citizen Kane)...

The glory of the desert.

Beautiful Palm Springs.

Here's another wedding venue for those of you who like it a little different. Hope Springs Resort in Desert Hot Springs (close to Palm Springs) caters to the bride who likes her wedding retro with a twist. With three mineral pools and an array of cacti and colourful sun loungers, this is definitely a stylish place to say "I do" and take a dip in the pool...

Imagine dancing the night away under the pergola...

And in Palm Springs itself, we have the fabulous Hideaway :: for a wedding with laidback vibe, complete with cocktails and midcentury modern accommodation. To the right [see below] is the ideal spot for the ceremony on the green, green grass, before joining your guests around the pool and under the palms. My heaven!

California Dreamin'

2008-11-09T05:11:00.001-08:00

I thought I would post a few images from my recent trip to the States, where we took in the rugged beauties of the Pacific coast, the midcentury architecture of Palm Springs, the heat of the desert & the cityscape of New York.

Starting with a little San Francisco...
Sunrise over Santa Cruz...
Driving down Route 1...
Street photography in Santa Barbara...
where we found my Digital SLR User portrait & article...
Bumped into the Arctic Monkeys here..
My sister got married at the 29 Palms Inn back in 2002, and it really is a fantastic wedding venue. In the heart of the Californian desert, she hired a yellow school bus to ferry all the guests to the ceremony which took place at sunset amidst the Joshua Trees. We then went back to the Inn where the reception took place in a courtyard decorated with cactuses and fairy lights. If you want a venue that's a little bit quirky with some rustic charm, this is the place to go.

Gemma & Stuart - 30 August 2008

2008-10-28T03:51:00.000-07:00

Gemma and Stuart got married in August on an absolutely beautiful sunny day - a rarity for 2008! The venue was at the stunning Swarling Manor which features gorgeous gardens & a fallen tree that proved perfect for photographs. Gemma threw her bouquet at sunset which provided perfect "Desperate Housewives" style lighting, and their perfectly choreographed steps to their jazzy first dance went down a treat with the guests. So brave! I really loved being a part of your day, guys, & am so pleased that you are over the moon with your photos. Here's just a taster...starting with some mighty pretty shoes...

Ok, maybe a bit more than a taster. I just have too many favourites!

Photo Pro Profile

2008-10-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Winning the Photo Pro competition has already been a fantastic experience. I head up to the Lake District early tomorrow for the first three seminars of the Annabel Williams Bespoke Programme, which will really transform my business and allow me to achieve the heights I want to reach.

The current issue of Photo Pro magazine (November issue) features a double page spread which profiles me as a photographer and also displays some of my pictures from weddings over the last year. I hope you enjoy reading my progress on my blog which will feature in the magazine over the course of the next year. I have a feeling the next twelve months are going to be very important for Jodie Chapman Photography. Watch this space.

A Kentish Cover

2008-10-06T09:54:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately I've been a bit neglectful of my blog of late. A combination of being very busy photography-wise and having spent the last month completing a fly-drive of California and New York. Still, I'm back to business as usual and want to report on the many fantastic things happening..

I had the privilege of one of my images being chosen for the cover of the official wedding magazine for Kent, "A Kentish Wedding". This image is a favourite of mine from Justin and Kaz's wedding last year, held at the beautiful Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells. A lovely looking couple with smart style and those hip little details, such as Justin's watch (see his sleeve above). It's those little details which keep weddings unique and interesting. The magazine has good taste!

And the Winner is....

2008-08-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

It is with great excitement that I announce that Photo Pro magazine & Annabel Williams' Contemporary Photographic Training have chosen me to be their Photo Protege 2008!

Over 200 photographers applied and I made it into the final six. Last month I travelled up to the Lake District for my interview and they contacted me the next day to confirm they had chosen me. I have won a Canon 5D with a top lens, as well as a place on the Annabel Williams Bespoke Course. Also I'll be featured in each issue with my own column, detailing how the course and my business are progressing. I've had such a great response from brides since I started up last year, but it's so brilliant to get such commendation from respected people in the industry.

This really is so exciting for me and my business and I'm really looking forward to getting going with the course in October. I will keep you all updated.

Gareth & Gini

2008-08-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite weddings from last year was Gareth and Gini's at the stunning Bradbourne House, East Malling. A beautiful manor house, it features a gorgeous blue panelled ballroom and a picturesque lake which proved just perfect for wedding pictures. Beautiful bride too which is always a bonus!

Hannah & Will's Engagement Shoot

2008-07-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

Last month, I photographed Hannah and Will in preparation for their wedding in early September 2008. Their reception is at Oxon Hoath, a stunning former stately home near Tonbridge. We had a great time roaming the house and grounds in search of some good photography spots for the big day. We even found time to take a few shots...

First Blog :: Favourites of 2007

2008-07-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first official post on the blog for Jodie Chapman Photography! I've been aiming to get the blog up and running for a while now, and as it's now wedding season, could there be a better time to talk weddings.

For my first entry, I thought I'd post some of my favourite images and moments from weddings in 2007. Cue drum roll...

This is one of my favourite images [below] - the gorgeous colours and lots of natural light pouring through from a large bedroom window are the key players in this shot, not to mention the beautiful bride. Her bridesmaids were fantastic and giving her lots of attention: exactly what a bride needs as she nervously prepares.

Shots like this are always fun and essential to capture. There is usually great friendship between a bride and her adult bridesmaid(s) and so their ease with each other should be totally natural.

I'm a big believer in black and white and it's those shots that
will keep a wedding album stylish in years to come.

This is definitely one of those shots. It's relaxed, it's natural and it shows a moment. That is what wedding photography is all about.

and again...I love the expressions.