A behind the scenes look at some of my Photography assignments. Scroll down to see older posts. Remember, just click on an image to see it larger.

St. George’s Court, Lichfield

I am very privileged to live in the City of Lichfield, which is steeped in history and ancient traditions and customs. One of which is St. Georges Court, held in the Guildhall on St. Georges day.

St George’s Court, is an ancient manorial court. The manorial rights of the Barony of Lichfield were transferred by Charter of Edward VI in 1548 to the Bailiffs, Burgesses and Commonalty of the City, which in today’s terms are the Mayor, councillors and citizens. The Court is now held in a lighthearted manner but still appoints the ancient officers of the Manor: 2 High Constables, 7 Dozeners (or petty constables), 2 Pinners and 2 Ale Tasters. The High Constables report on their work over the past year, and a jury is empanelled which imposes fines on those who have rejected the summons to attend, after first hearing their amusing excuses.

This is a tremendously humourous take on the ancient court, which involves a jury being selected from the audience, and reports from the officers. Lichfield still has it’s official Ale tasters, and there was a large barrel of St. George’s ale from Burton Bridge brewery on the stage, which was consumed by all throughout the proceedings.

Helen and David, St. Peter’s Church, Hednesford

Helen and David Maiden were married at St. Peter’s Church, Hednesford, and they then went to Lilleshall Hall for their reception. With another pleasantly warm and sunny April day, I knew this was going to be a wonderful wedding.

We met David at the Church, and took photographs of him along with his best man, ushers and family. With Helen’s arrival we went inside the church, and were able to take photographs from the back of the Church with a long lens, no flash and the camera on it’s ‘silent mode’. After the ceremony we took the group photographs at the Church before continuing to the reception at Lilleshall Hall, near Newport in Shropshire. With the photographs of guests already done, I was able to use the grounds for portraits, and also include all of the guests using the building as a backdrop.

Melanie and Paul Byron

On Sunday 1st April I photographed the wedding of Melanie and Paul Byron, at the Westmead Hotel, Birmingham.

After yesterdays wedding in chilly weather, the summer suddenly came along today for a warm day with plenty of sunshine – and it’s the first day of April! We were able to use the grounds of the hotel for the photographs, which was great for guests to enjoy the sunshine with drinks, and made for a really relaxed wedding. Melanie and Paul had a great day surrounded by family and friends in a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere – just the way weddings should be.

The Riverside Hotel, Branston

on Friday 31st March I photographed the wedding of Marie and Christopher Hicks at the Riverside Hotel, at Branston, Burton on Trent.

Although it was a little chilly, the weather was not too bad and the quality of light was good. With the guests all in one place, everyone enjoyed the day and Marie and Chris were able to enjoy the photography as part of the fun of the day. This is a great location with the river as a backdrop to some of the photographs.

Wedding of Mark and Caroline

Last week we photographed the wedding of Mark Cockayne and Caroline Hatfield. The wedding took place at St. Thomas’s Church in Wednesfield, and the reception was held at Someford Hall.

We started the photography at Someford Hall, which was where Caroline was staying, before going to meet Mark at the Church. For a March wedding the weather was great, as it has been for all of our weddings this month. The Church was very spacious inside, allowing scope for photographs from the balcony and close up shots from ground level. After the wedding, Caroline was greeted with a surprise visit by girls from her dance school. After a few photographs outside the Church, we headed off to Somerford Hall.

Somerford hall is a particular favorite venue for us, as we have photographed many weddings there over the years, and has excellent photography opportunities. Group photographs were taken on the patio and portraits in the surrounding area as well as locations inside. Caroline and Mark were great fun and had a terrific time on their day. Guests were lovely and helped make the photography a pleasure.

A shot of Mark and Caroline along with the people involved in their wedding. I'm the one on the far left.

Lichfield Operatic Society

I have recently finished the programme and publicity photographs for Lichfield Operatic Society‘s next production of Calamity Jane. The show will be on at the Garrick theatre, Lichfield from 24th to 28th April.

I set up a white studio backdrop and bowens studio lights at the venue where the rehearsal takes place. Along with costume shots there were groups of relevant people and individuals for the programme. I always find people who perform on stage wonderful subjects to photograph. They are so natural in doing what I ask, and certainly not shy!

Wedding at Highbury Hall, Birmingham

Last Saturday we photographed the wedding of Ria Davies and Martin Detheridge, at Highbury Hall, Birmingham.

Despite still being February the weather was fine and pleasantly warm, however a very low strong sun meant the photography was not as simple as it might have been. We were still able to do the group photographs outside, along with portraits, plus use areas inside the building. Highbury Hall is an old building with lots of character, and the wedding breakfast was in the main room that was overlooked from the upper floor. The couple thoroughly enjoyed their day with friends and family, and everyone had a great sense of humour.