Posted on July 27, 2011
Just a couple of images from a recent session with Becky and her daughter in the lovely New Forest – one of the benefits of living in this area is that we have so many beautiful places to choose from when shooting portrait photography! Bearing in mind how fickle the weather’s been this Summer we were so lucky with the outdoor images, and as Becky’s a bit of a romantic (to put it mildly!) she also wanted some dreamy shots in the fields next door!
Ian
Dorset portrait and wedding photographer
Posted on July 21, 2011
This Saturday I have the privilege of photographing Michael and Clare’s wedding at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Bournemouth, and a few days ago I attended their rehearsal. Wherever possible I always try to get to the rehearsal as it’s a great opportunity for me to meet the key members of the bridal party and the priest or vicar, and it’s also a chance for me to reacquaint myself with the venue.
No matter how many times I’ve photographed weddings at a particular venue in Dorset or Hampshire, it’s vital to ensure that as a photographer I’m aware of any changes since my last visit. It’s also very important to have a chat with the officiator, as some clergy at the same Church have different rules or guidelines regarding the photography that’s allowed on the wedding day – this is something that all couples need to be aware of (and with Registrars for civil ceremonies) …. the last thing you want to find out on your wedding day is that your photographer’s not allowed to photograph your wedding ceremony!
Anyway, we had a great time on Saturday and everyone was very relaxed (as you can see from the photographs!) – it’s at times like this that a photographer can capture those very special and tender looks between the couple, away from the stress of the big day itself.
I’m sure we’ll have a fantastic day, and I wish Michael and Clare every happiness in their future together.
Ian
Bournemouth and Dorset wedding photographer
Posted on July 10, 2011
Had a fantastic time yesterday at the 2011 British Beach Polo Championships, held on a gloriously sunny day at Sandbanks in Poole. This is the 4th time this annual event’s been held and over 2 days spectators were treated to some brilliant polo and the odd party here and there! 
Played on a pitch approx 90m x 45m it’s close quarters combat, with just 3 players on each team instead of the usual 4 for field polo, but the action’s no less intense and the ponies have their work cut out as their riders battle it out across the sand! The ball’s a smaller version of a beach ball, and unlike the field polo equivalent is prone to flying around unexpectedly when caught by the sea breeze, which makes things more difficult for the players.
As well as the polo, spectators were treated to Beach Volleyball and a relay race between a polo pony and an Audi Q7 – I’m pleased to say that the pony won!
On both evenings party-goers enjoyed themselves as Amika London provided the entertainment until the small hours of the morning, and no doubt there was the odd hangover or two.
There were two competitions – the first was held between four teams – Pommery, Asahi, Kukri and Poole Audi. Team Pommery were led to overall victory by their captain Maurice Ormerod. The second competition was an International challenge between England and Australia, led by their respective captains Jack Kidd (brother of model Jodie Kidd) and Glen Gilmore. Australia won on Friday but England levelled the challenge by winning on Saturday.
For those who’ve never been to a polo match this is a great way to see what it’s all about, and if it takes your fancy, then check out field polo at one of the many Clubs across the country.
To see more images from the day, just visit my Facebook page and in the “Photos” section you’ll find an album dedicated to the Beach Polo – hope to see you there next year!
Ian
Dorset portrait and wedding photographer
Posted on July 1, 2011
Before the advent of TV available to the masses, Hollywood ruled supreme and its stars were gods, both in the eyes of the studios and the public.
In today’s multi-media society it’s difficult to imagine life without TV trailers and web-hype, and yet the Hollywood stars became icons across the globe, helped in part by the photographs taken by the studios and some of the greatest portrait photographers of all time. Many of these images were career-defining for these actors and actresses and even today stand as supreme examples of the power of the photograph.
Image courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery
The “Hollywood Portrait” was the film studio’s primary method of keeping the faces of the stars in the minds of their audiences, often involving dramatic lighting techniques, and the photographs were widely used in the fan magazines that existed during the time.
Image courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery’s holding an exhibition called Glamour Of The Gods – Hollywood Portraits” from 7 July to 23 October. It covers the “Golden Age” of Hollywood, from the 20s to the 60s and has stars from Greta Garbo and Clark Gable through to Audrey Hepburn, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe.
For anyone interested in Hollywood it’s going to be a fanscinating exhibition, and for photographers it’s the opportunity to view classic images in print and to study the lighting and posing that makes a timeless image.
Ian
Bournemouth portrait photographer
