Malmaison Oxford - Truly Superb Wedding Venue

I went to a meeting at Malmaison Oxford a couple of weeks ago to meet their new Event/Wedding Coordinator.

We had a lovely chat about our way forward and exchanged lots of ideas and possibilities to cement our relationship. I feel it is my great priveledge to be their preferred Wedding and Event Photographer.

Every time I go there I feel inspired and can't help but take even more photographs. This time I had a chance to get into one of the rooms (because they seem to be permanently full - which is great) and also had a good look outside, as it was raining on the previous occasions that I was there.

I've put a few images below to hopefully inspire you to go and see for yourself...











I'm doing a Wedding Setup shoot there in a couple of weeks, so there'll be more images soon.

Flower Photography at Crocus

It's not often that I get the chance to do any photography for myself anymore. In fact the last photo I took (that was not for a client or pictures of my kids and holidays), was probably a good 3-4 years ago. I was active at a camera club then and frequently entered competitions.

Nowadays, the business keeps me so busy that I see the bluebells in the woods and promise myself that I will go and photograph them this year, and before I know it, it's been 4 years and I haven't been anywhere near the bluebell woods.

I LOVE PHOTOGRAPHING FLOWERS - There, I've said it. I've admitted to being a closet flower photographer.

So on Saturday 27th June, Crocus, the worlds best online garden centre (in my humble opinion) opened its doors to the public, and they did not have to invite me twice. I spent a delightful morning there photographing all the wonderful varieties and georgeous colours and shapes. I think I was there for about 3.5 hours, and didn't even cover half of the site.

Of course I ended up buying a boot full of plants, including some fabulous roses, but that goes without saying, doesn't it? ;-)

I had a long chat with one of their buyers, Mark Straver, and he gave me an excellent overview of their operation, the workings and some good tips on a couple of problem areas in my garden. I was very disappointed that the tour that was advertised on the email that I had received from them was done so in error and was only applicable to the previous open day that was held a few weeks earlier (before Chelsea). But as I said Mark did an excellent job at answering any questions that I had.

Here are a couple of the images I took that morning (obviously only a very small selection, because you can just imagine how many I took over the 3.5hr period.)

Enjoy

A day at the Races

The month of June for me says ASCOT!! Yes Wimbledon starts etc, but the higlight of the month is Royal Ascot.

Until now I have only ever watched it on the Television, but this year I got the opportunity to go and assist my good friend Nikki Hill on her assignment.

I was very excited in the week leading up to the day, but nothing prepared me for the feeling of putting an official "Royal Ascot Press Badge" around my neck!!

I had a wonderful time photographing a very well known Bollywood star (whom I'm not allowed to name) and all the glamorous people that attend Ascot as guests. There was a fashion show, glorious food, (lots of) strawberries and of course the Queen - to whom I could get very close due to the fact that I could go into the Press enclosure right beside the Parade ring.

Don't be mistaken, it was extremely hard work and by the end of the day I could hardly walk as my feet were hurting so much, but I had a fantastic day!!

Nikki, I don't know how you did it 5 days in a row!!

Here are a couple of shots from the day... (only non-client specific ones allowed!)