bev's blog

Finding old friends on facebook

2011-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today I was on my latest facebook page, getting ready to launch my February half term break competition, when I spotted a name that was a real blast from the past...and couldn't resist it! I had to look my old friend up and find out what she's been up to all these years! I also found another common friend who went to the same school, and checked her out too! Facebook is so amazing! and aren't other people's lives so interesting?! The ones we think are going to be 'great actors' or whatever our expectations might have been..... the reality is so often very far from our imaginings! Anyway, here's to old friends and new ones too! Vive le difference!

http://www.portraitsathome.net/

Happy New Year

2011-01-12T03:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New year everyone and here's to new resolutions!...mine is to keep writing my blog!

So, in the spirit of this endeavour, here's my first of the year!

On Monday I attended a workshop organised by Master Photographers' Association (http://www.thempa.com/) and run by the amazing IT Consultant Jessica Zeun http://www.jessicazeun.com/.

It was all about search engine optimisation and how to keep in touch with people! If I remember a quarter of what she spoke about and manage to put it into practise, it'll be a miracle! There was so much useful and informative information it was a day well spent. For anyone who perhaps doesn't have a whole day to spare to go to one of these things, its worth visiting her website, as she offers so many great ideas to help improve the effectiveness of marketing yourself through your website.

In order to test this idea, I am planning a very exciting portrait competition and the winner will get a fantastic folio of their own portrait photographs. Watch this space!

Good luck to everyone in 2011.

www.portraitsathome.net

Hindu Wedding at Leicester Marriott Hotel

2010-09-17T02:14:00.000-07:00

I seem to have been working for ages on the proofs for Paul & Raksha's beautiful wedding at the Leicester Marriott Hotel. It was the most wonderful, exciting, happy day and so many really emotional and fun photographs. With over 200 guests, it was an action packed day starting before 8.00am and I finally got home just before midnight! Good luck to Paul and Raks, you were a dream couple to photograph. I look forward to making your fabulous storybook wedding album. Wishing you all the happiness in your future together. Bev.

http://www.portraitsathome.net/

2010-08-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

AS most of my work is either weddings, portraits in the studio or out in the field, its always exciting to be offered something a little different for a bit of a challenge and a bit of a change!

I recently had the chance to work with a very innovative company in Chicago (have a look at their website http://www.storyquest.com/). The brief was to photograph one of the senior staff at Hillary's blinds in Colwick, but in slightly different way. The photos are to be used as stills in a short dvd presentation, which tells of the company's success and which give the appearance of movement. Have a look at it and let me know what you think! http://www.hillarys.co.uk/. In the meantime, here are a couple of Julian's action photos!

http://www.portraitsathome.net/

Aoefa's portrait

2010-08-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

Fiona came to collect Baby Aoefa's portrait today. She was so delighted with it, I thought you might like to see it too! Aoefa is not big on having her photo taken, so I am especially delighted with the results.

http://www.portraitsathome.net/

Paul & Raks at Nottingham Castle

2010-08-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Paul and Raksha's wedding is in two parts. The first part was on Saturday at West Bridgford. After the short ceremony it was up to Nottingham Castle to have some beautiful couple photos done. Although it started out wet. the sun came out and sparkled for them. Here are a few photos to enjoy.

http://www.portraitsathome.net/

Ruddington Grange wedding this Friday

2010-08-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

I have just been on my pre-wedding recce to Ruddington Grange Golf club. Gemma and Del are tying the knot there on Friday at a very intimate ceremony which promises to be very special indeed. The grounds are looking really super and everything is set. Let's just hope for good weather and it will be perfect! Good luck to you both.

www.portraitsathome.net

Langar Hall wedding Christmas Eve

2010-07-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

Last evening I went to see Mark and Fiona who are planning a romantic, intimate wedding on Christmas Eve at Langar Hall (www.langarhall.co.) they are staying overnight and enjoying Christmas Dinner with Pascal and his lovely friendly staff. The scooting off on safari to Kenya on their week long honeymoon. Sounds wonderful! I look forward to photographing your Big Day! Best wishes. Bev

www.portraitsathome.net

Photographs in Colwick Park, Nottingham

2010-07-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

Paul and Raksha are getting married in August, so yesterday we went off to the lovely, peaceful Colwick country park at the back of Colwick Hall (http://www.colwick-hall.co.uk/ )for their engagement portrait

Its been really hectic for them recently, so not much time to enjoy quiet walks and sitting by the pond.- we did all that and took lots of photos too! Here are a couple of them. I look forward to being with you both on your Big Day. If yesterday was anything to go by, we are going to get some amazing photographs!

http://www.portraitsathome.net/

Baby Jack in the studio

2010-07-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

Today Jack's Mum, Julia brought him to the studio for his third baby portrait. Although he was a little shy to begin with, we had lots of fun and soon he was gurgling and laughing away. He has the most gorgeous, expressive face. I hope his Mummy is as pleased with the photos as I am! Here are a couple for you to enjoy!
www.portraitsathome.net

This month's Pet portrait Winner!

2009-04-03T04:17:00.001-07:00

So, here it is , at last, March's pet portrait winner...Hector the Tortoise!

As you can see, Hector was very shy and has asked not to be identified. He has endured a certain amount of bullying at the beaks of other bigger, more confident reptiles and feels he may be accused of vanity and other such unkind labels. However, his Mum was delighted with her MOther's day portrait gift, which Hector saved up for, for quite some time. Well done, Hector, you were a delight to photograph and your Mum should be very proud.

Georgina & Jasmin

2009-03-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

I've had the loveliest day today, photographing people's pets! Here is a picture of Jasmin who was the most delightful, playful dog. She' s only 7months old and she sits and lies down and plays dead (hilarious!) Her Mum says she gets all her tips from the 'Dog Whisperer' and they clearly work! Thanks Georgina!
www.portraitsathome.net

Playgroup fun

2009-03-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning I spent photographing the children at Playgroup. Its great working with small children who are so full of energy and fun and have so few hang ups about themselves!

Here is my favourite picture from the session.

http://www.portraitsathome.net/

More yearbook Photographs

2009-02-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

It looks like the cut off date for all yearbook submissions is coming around very fast!

On Friday, Elizabeth brought nine of her friends for a group picture! It seems the louder the music, the better the pose, so, slightly deafened I'm talking a little too loud to make up for it!

However, it seems everyone enjoyed themselves, and here are a couple of shots from the session!

http://www.portraitsathome.net/

Valentine's Weekend

2009-02-19T02:23:00.000-08:00

So, the age of romance has NOT passed!

It was lovely to see so many of you this weekend for a romantic valentine shoot!

I photographed Elizabeth & Darren's wedding at Newstead Abbey, 2 years ago. It was a very memorable day and Elizabeth and Darren were wonderful to work with.

www.portraitsathome.net

Baby Bump Portraits

2009-02-17T05:23:00.000-08:00

Baby Bump portraits are one of my favourite things!

Philippa and Aaron were a delight to photograph. Their love and tenderness towards each other and the excitement they felt for the new baby was quite tangible. It was a lovely session.

I can't wait to see the baby when he/she arrives!

www.portraitsathome.net

Happy Birthday, June

2009-02-04T02:32:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, June had a landmark birthday, and specially to celebrate the event, her family gathered for a day full of surprises, including a lovely family portrait. Afterwards to the fantastic bistro, 'Gino's' in Ruddington where 20 family members joined her for dinner and then home to Rachel's where a further 20 friends and family ended the day having fun and canapes! Hope you've recovered June! Hope you like the photographs too! Here's one or two to see!

www.portraitsathome.net

Pregnancy sitting

2009-02-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Dean & Jodie travelled all the way from Stafford for me to photograph 'the bump'.!

It was a fantastic sitting.....not sure who enjoyed it the most! here are a couple of pics from the session.

http://www.portraitsathome.net/

More Wedding Tips For Brides

2009-01-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

Back in August last year, I started a thing about tips for brides, and of course as its not a finite subject, I thought you might like to read a few more!
Timing:
Most comedians will tell you that the secret to their success is timing! Its also the secret to a great wedding!Getting the timing right can make all the difference between a relaxed, confident day and a manic rush from one deadline to another!
Things always take longer than you expect, so the secret is to build in 'JIC' (just in case) time. Some things are absolute (like the time of the service) as this is the deadline to which all must relate, but other things like drinks receptions can be extended or contract a little.
So, assuming a 2.00pm service, as the photographer, I would hope to be at the brides house at about 12.00-12.30. If makeup and dressing takes an hour , then that needs to be taken into account when booking a hairdressers appointment, so there's still time to cone home, put your feet up, eat something and relax ready for the onslaught!
After the service you ned to take into account photos at the ceremony venue(maybe 30-40 mins), travelling time to the reception(20-30 mins); drinks receptions and 'freshening up' time (another 30-40 minutes) Hopefully we will have another 30-40 minutes to go off and do 'couple photos' then 20 minutes for a receiving line.......so anything under 2 hours between ceremony and sit down might make it quite a tight squeeze. For a 2.00pm service it would be unwise for the meal to begin before 4.30pm.
Obviously, the number of guests and the distance top be travelled make a difference, but weddings always take longer than you think! And certainly once the service is over, the time just flies!
If you know your timings are well planned you can relax and let 'JIC' tak care of the rest!

Have a practise run
Try everything out beforehand! Most church wedding have a rehearsal, but this is not done for civil ceremonies. But, bearing in mind the previous timing point, its a great idea to see how long it might take, not only for the ceremony, but also the travelling(not forgetting that you might have to cross Trent Bridge on match day - so test it on match day, and so on!)

Order of Service
If you are having your Order of Service printed, why not give it a personal flavour? On the back you can print the map showing the route to the reception (see Augusts' offering!) and on the inside, you could list the people you want to thank! You could include baby photos of you both, or the story of how you first met! Then you're sure the guests having something to read whilst you're signing the register (or during a long sermon!)

More to follow at a later date!
www.portraitsathome.net

Lakeside Wedding

2009-01-26T09:38:00.000-08:00

Keisha and Sean's Big Day was bright and beautiful last week. They were married at a joyful ceremony at the All Saints church in town and afterwards,we went to the beautiful 'Lakeside' Spa and restaurant at Arnold, where the staff were wonderfully kind and helpful. Here are a couple of pics

www.portraitsathome.net

Ria's christening day

2009-01-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

I think its fair to say that Ria enjoyed most of the event, but was suitably outraged at being 'dunked'. It was a lovely day and the evening meal and party was fabulous. Thank you so much to her Mummy and Daddy for all the trouble they went to, to make it a really great day!

www.portraitsathome.net

Ria's 6 month portrait

2009-01-14T06:16:00.000-08:00

As Ria is being christened on Sunday, her Mummy thought it would be a great idea to have her portrait done in her special new outfit for the day. WE spent an hour having fun with all the squeaky toys. Here are some pics from the session.

http://www.portraitsathome.net/

Happy New Year

2009-01-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

What a great way to start the new year! We had some real fun when Offie came to get his folio done and here are some of the photos from the shoot!

There are lots of exciting promotions planned this year, so watch this space!

Most importantly, is the January studio promotion which is for a half price sitting (£25.00) which includes a free 7" x 5" print of your choice.

Also, for all those planning their wedding! If you book photography before 28th February, each couple will receive a full resolution, copyright free cd of all their wedding album photographs to keep. (Normally £300.00)

check out the website for more information:

www.portraitsathome.net

Some wedding tips for brides

2008-08-05T07:02:00.001-07:00

When I meet up with prospective bride and grooms, they are looking for all sorts of information, (apart from the obvious ones!) Lots of ideas are discussed;- some daft and some sensible, some mad even, but eventually they all get thrown into the melting pot and the BIG DAY emerges!
So, with that in mind, here are some quick, proven and possibly even helpful hints to make your day fantastic!

1.) Weddings at one location. get to the house, find somewhere to park, leave the house, drive to the church- find somewhere to park, leave the church, get parking ticket drive to the reception, get caught in traffic, loose map, see other guests going in other direction, loose temper, arrive eventually; find somewhere to park.

One location weddings have the advantage of being able to turn up, park and chill out! Fantastic! You may not have had a ride in that vintage Bentley, but often the relaxed atmosphere of a one venue wedding can be very appealing! Enough said!

2.) Friday weddings. There are some excellent reasons for having a Friday wedding! Firstly, if, like many people, you have left it quite late in the day, then you can find that all the best venues are booked well in advance. Often Fridays are still available, and EVEN better can cost less! Yay!! Of course that can also apply to many other suppliers on that day.
All your friends and family will be in a great mood as you've forced them to take a day off and come to a party, followed by a weekend. Result!! Maybe not be so good for teachers during term time, unless they have a really accommodating head teacher!

3.) Watch some wedding videos. My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Four weddings and a funeral. Father of the Bride. The most notable thing about this movie, is the fact that the photographer is seen taking photos at a quiet point in the proceedings so as not to hold anyone up...GOOD JOB! But also what an idiot for NOT recording all those priceless moments that occur naturally! This brings us neatly to.....number one complaint..

4.) Photo time. Here's the scenario: "we went to so-and-so's wedding recently and after the service we stood around for too long/two hours/ages, without a drink or a nibble whilst the photographer took the photos. The photos were all so ordinary, we wondered whether it was all worth it!

So, what is the solution, I hear you cry?! Well, the obvious answer is to avoid lots of formal, arranged shots and aim to have the day photographed as it unfolds; many photographers, myself included, prefer to work this way. It means that you will have lots of lively shots of events you may not have been able to be involved with and with the minimum (or NO) disruption to the day.

So, if you Do have a long list of formals...be prepared!! The photographer, is after all employed to carry out your wishes. I personally aim for 5 groups which can be quickly done in 10 to 15 minutes and covers all the important people. You may not even want that many... its up to you! Its your day!

5.) Provide a good map. Its not enough to say " 25th on the right after the petrol station", not only because you don't want the worry of important guests not turning up at the reception or clattering in to church late, but because you can do without the teasing you'll get about ''useless navigator'' and ''no sense of direction'' etc for the rest of your natural life!!

A good way of solving the problem is to get a map printed on the back of the order of service. Not only will it be saving paper but it will be something for guests to look at whilst you sign the register, and you'll be sure that every car will have more than one copy!

MOre wedding tips to follow!

If, in the meantime you'd like an informal chat about your BIG DAY over a coffee or glass of wine, please telephone (0115) 9231537 . or check out some pictures at www.portraitsathome.net

Emilys 18th Birthday party

2008-07-20T13:10:00.001-07:00

You only get to be 18 once, so dress up and have a laugh! Emily's friends were all'up for it' and went to a huge amount of trouble to get in the spirit of it all. The band were fantastic and there

was dancing til nearly midnight! Here are a few of the photos! No flash!

www.portraitsathome.net

Reasons to smile

2008-07-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

We smile for a miriad of reasons: - because we're happy or as a response to anxiety or out of relief! It also may be that you've just had your photo taken!

But, what ever the reason, smiling boosts the levels of seratonin and endorphins which together help to regulate moods, sleep, sexuality and appetite. Endorphins are also natural pain killers.

If the thought of a large bar of chocolate makes you smile, then think on this....research by the British Dental Health Foundation www.dentalhealth.org.uk found, that when their test subjects were shown pictures of smiling people, they showed increased heart and brain activity equivalent to the stimulus of 2,000 bars of chocolate!! Yum!

WEst Bridgford Comp 6th form Prom

2008-06-29T07:15:00.000-07:00

Everyone looking gorgeous and cool as you like! Check out all the pics on the website.. but here are just a few!

If you loved having your picture taken (as I know quite a few of you did!!) why not book a fantastic URBAN PORTRAIT SHOOT! Its a brilliant opportunity for you to get your latest gear on and be a model ! Nottingham has some great places where you'll look amazing Ask your friends; or do it by yourself.... you're guaranteed a totally awesome experience... and of course you'll love your photos too! www.portraitsathome.net

where does the time go?

2008-05-19T03:31:00.000-07:00

Gosh, where does it go?
Done superr interesting jobs and not had a chance to document them!
Will get on to it and put some details on. need to walk the dog though!

Isn't live theatre great!!

2008-04-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

So, last Saturady we took a look at (the very short run) of Godspell at the Nottingham Arts theatre!"! I took some pictures too, so here they are! We had a really terrific evening...lots of singing and wriggling about in your seat and clapping!! (ate too much ice-cream as well!!) However, the cast were all fantastic!! They totally gave themselves over to it and the audience was captivated!! Theatratrical photography is quite a challenge too, I found out!

www.portraitsathome.net

2008-04-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog!

Here, you will find a selection of recent photographs and details of offers and promotions.

Kodak Awards
You may have received a recent mail offer or seen a flyer in the press regarding the Kodak wedding and portrait awards. This promotion entitles you to enjoy a full family sitting for £25.00 and get a FREE beautifully mounted 7" x 5" print from that session. (The entrance fee is donated to PACE, a wondeful charity which helps children). Most important of all....you could win £1000.00 or Kodak cameras!!!