coffee, cake...and beautiful girls.

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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.