Last Sunday was another teaching day - portrait photography at Lacock Photography. We had a full house with 6 students, who were all good fun and keen to learn. The morning was spent in the classroom going over the most important points of how to take good portrait pictures, with examples of what NOT to do as well as what works well, and lots of images to demonstrate. After lunch Leila arrived and we tried out different techniques in the classroom, using window and door light. We then headed out into the village, stopping at any places that looked like the light was good, together with a suitable background. We're spoilt for choice in Lacock! Here are a few images that I took on the day, although I did't take too many with so many students. 

Seated pose Leila in the bus shelter Portrait against wooden planking Relaxed photo in clover field Peeping out from behind a tree

Last week I photographed a small wedding, the ceremony being at the registry office in Chippenham and then the reception at The White Horse Inn in Compton Bassett. It was a lovely family and close friend's celebration; the weather was perfect and the May countryside was shown to its best. Here are a few pictures from the day:

Bride and groom Outside Chippenham Registry Office

Bride with sisters Young bridesmaid ​

Bridesmaid The geese were a great attraction for the children, although fingers had to be kept away from those beaks! The weather was perfect for the guests to fully enjoy being outside in the garden for drinks and canape before the Wedding Breakfast. Relaxing in the garden Bride and groom

I always insist on taking the bride and groom away for a few minutes photography, usually whilst guests are getting seated for the wedding breakfast. Many couples like the idea of candid, documentary pictures, but there is the danger that there will be very few pictures of the happy couple shown together if no posing is planned.

Close up of bride and groom

Now the summer is nearly here and we're all enjoying being outside a lot more it's a great time to think about having a family photo session. My favourite type of session is to take a few pictures around your house, inside and out in the garden - you don't need much space or beautiful surroundings to get good pictures; I look for good light. Then I like to go for a little walk and again, the location doesn't need to be really beautiful as there are always lovely little spots we can find. Some tree shade is a real asset. 

Here are a few pictures from a March family photo session I did in Malmesbury, long before the trees had leaves on them when the daffodils were still in full bloom. 

Brother and sisterThis is MY chair I often bring a pot of bubbles along for photo sessions with young children - I love bubbles too! But usually I would definitely NOT give the pot to a child this young as it's a sure fire way of emptying the pot of all its bubble mixture!

For more information about a family photo session with me please go to the portrait section of my website or email or phone me.