Wedding

Sat - February 24, 2007

Kristie & Derek

Wow! What a day. I think the award for one of the cutest bride's in history has to go to Kristie. Just as the sun shone, so did Kristie. She looked amazing.
There was one bridesmaid and one groomsmen. The "best chick" was Christine Haydon, and the best man was Roger Munday. I really felt that they both did such an amazing job of caring for the bride and groom. Also, a big thank you to Christine's husband Mark who was the MC & simply the coolest MC yet! He helped me round up all the family and was just always concerned as to whether he could do something to help. What a great bloke!
Also, it was really good to see one of my favourite Bride & Groom's - Kristie and Ben Saxby. Kristie Sky and Kristie Saxby work together. Also, I spotted Jacinda (one of my future bride's-April 28 07) who I think was sticky beaking to see me in action. Caught you!!!!
Everyone was worried about the weather. I had a sense of calm about it.. I think that's just me in general really. I knew that no matter what, they were getting married and that's all that mattered. The weather played along nicely though. It stopped raining at just the right times. It rained when It didn't matter and the sun shone as soon in our location shoot right on queue.
The ceremony & reception both took place at Boolominbah @ the UNE. The company was delightful, the food was scumptious and it was another amazing photoshoot for us!
90% of the photos that we took weren't posed. These are the moments that are so special.. the natural ones.
Derek really surprised me too. He was more relaxed today than on previous meetings with him. He was really good to photograph and I got to the end of the shoot and was so grateful to both of them for making my job such a breeze.
Musical Entertainment was provided by Steven Thorniecroft on the guitar during the ceremony and then DJ Rip entertained everyone as they danced.
I've just picked out a few random photos for the world to admire.. before I head off to bed... ahh soooooo tired. G'night folks.

Posted at 11:24 PM Read More

Sun - February 11, 2007

MY favourite wedding photos of all time.

Alot of discussion goes on with members of the photographers clan as to what makes a priceless photograph.
I generally try and simplify it by saying the expression and the moment & what memories that picture can bring back for you. I think that's a reasonable ultra simplified summary of what makes a great wedding picture.
Some believe that it's how accurate you can make the colours look and how sharp an image is.. but I think that is utter crap. I know that i'm going to get hate mail for saying this.. but i'll deal with it.
I think one of the reasons why I love alot of the shots that I do is because of the fact that i'm an over the top romantic. I'm the guy who struggles to hold back tears in a chick flick..who sniffs while hearing of a feel good story.. and definitely one that can't let a day go by without telling the one I love that I in fact Love her more than she could ever know.
Romance is something I love to capture on a wedding day. I also link Romance to Fun, so you'll notice that I really look for the fun moments as well..
I'd like to share with you all a very verbose outline of some of my favourite wedding photos and why I just adore them.

example 1: Paula & Kesha.
The romance shared between these guys is just out of this world. You would never see a cuter couple than these two. Those smiles are real....they are smiling because of the love that they share for each other and the fact that they could express that by committing to each other in a marriage relationship. I love the closeness in the shot. I love the fact that they're above me.. looking down on me.. because trust me.. they were on a real high this day.

Katie & Andrew: You can see in Katie's eyes just how excited she is to be married. I love the fact that they're holding each other..

This one should be obvious- Kesha's Groomsmen. What I love about this photo is.. arggh.. so many things.. where do I start? Ok.. I love that Joe (far left) is looking like a complete over the top nerd which is what he is....sorry joe..
Kesha in the middle is looking pretty goofy.. and once again...that's him. He's so cheesy.. and I think his body language reflects that darn well. On the right of Kesha you've got Adam who is actually one of my fantastic flatmates. There's this really ugly face that Adam, Alex and Myself pull and Adam is doing a toned down rendition of that.. so it makes me think of that... and don't get me started on the other boys.. but damn they're all a cool bunch!

You need to know that these boys are all in the car industry..and the Groom is kinda high up @ Hardmans of Armidale. Some rather rich guy..(his name escapes me) leant us this super expensive car for the day...and look what happens! Priceless.
Ok, so this was staged.. but we can pretend it actually happened.

Ok, so 30 seconds after this.. Jackie is going to walk down the aisle ready to be married.. Can you imagine what's going through her head. Off to the right is Jackie's Bridesmaids who are I think equally as nervous and rather worried about sinking into the grass in their high heals!

Just one of those times when it's a case of Right Place.. Right Time... damn fine camera.. and a few photographic skills under the belt...

Bianka & Anthony-Wow what a wedding... we're talking super glam! This wedding was up at the Gold Coast and I got to stay in a swish resort and everything! WOOOHOOO!!!
Anthony's facial expression is so strong that it's almost painful. Bianka is just naturally gorgeous and knows exactly what expression will look best in a photo at every moment. I dont recall any images which Bianka looked anything less than absolutely incredible! I have this print on my wall in the studio.. and some people ask me why I chose it for the wall. My reasons are that
1. I had the best time on the day.
2. I had the bride from my first ever wedding as a bridemaid at this wedding.
3. Bianka isn't that difficult on the eye...
4. I had one of my best mates Alex assisting me which made the day awesome fun.
5. Beach shoot. AWWW YEAH! I have a few coastal weddings this year.. and damn I can't wait!

Paula & Kesha again- Yeah I know.. That's 3 photos from their wedding... ahh i'm sorry.. kinda. This wedding was probably the stand out of all weddings i've ever photographed as I got to photograph the wedding of some of the closest people to me.
On the left, You can see Kesha who is keeping an eye on his new wife as she shares a moment with her gorgeous mum Evie who I caught crying on many occasions....and off to the right there's Adam again. Oh, and by the way.. feel free to email adam and remind him to clean up his crumbs after he makes toast.. and to turn off his fan in his room of a morning (adam.j.simpkins@gmail.com) I'm not saying i'm perfect.. apparently I leave the cereal out some mornings.. apart from that.. You could say that I was perfect..

Well there you have it folks.. If I can talk this much about images of weddings where i'm basically a bystander.. then what can these images mean to the couples and the families. Sometimes when I wonder what the heck I'm doing at a wedding and have lost focus.. all I have to do is remind myself that these images are perhaps some of the most precious photos that will ever be taken for them. Who knows what will happen tomorrow.. who we might lose.. who we might never see again.. This seems like a bit of a pointless plug because you guys know it already.. but when I shoot a wedding I shoot with these things in mind.. I really don't want to miss those special moments which will be treasured by generations to come.. I shoot the wedding the same way I'd want my own wedding photographed. I want the unmatched romance, the fun, the excitement.. and I want it done in a way which I know will add to the day! Ahh I love my job.. It's seriously the best.

p.s. I really love it when people just adore my work.
This week i've been really blessed with lots of comments that i've been given about my work but there's one that I particularly loved.. now if this was you that left this msg...please email me and let me know who you are so I can thank you personally because it really made my day! It was so simple.. yet so nice... so thank you!
"Hi! I just thought I'd finally comment, I came across you while googling for something else.. I really LOVE your style of photography :) you capture eveyrthign just the way i like it"

Posted at 10:48 PM Read More

Sat - February 3, 2007

Latimer Album Sneak Preview

He's posting on a saturday!!! WHAT!! That must mean he doesn't have a wedding on today. Bingo! I must admit I am enjoying having a day off.. just relaxing around the house.. talking on the phone to the gorgeous Lauren and just generally doing not much. I do feel kinda tempted though to drive past some of the main churches around town at around 3pm this afternoon to see what's happening.. but perhaps that ain't such a great idea.
For all the Armidale Photogs out there-There will be a get together @ 5:30pm this wednesday the 7th of Feb at the Wicklow Hotel in Armidale, for Drinks and a bit of an educational chat. The topic this week will be Photoshop & Photoshop Actions. So if you'd like to bring a laptop along and show us some of your handywork.. you're more than welcome! All pro photogs are welcome. Contact me for more info if you'd like on 0410 55 3686.
I've recently been talking with the Manager of Bond Imaging in Melbourne which I believe is Australia's biggest printing company for pro photographers. He wants to come and visit us Armidale photographers to educate us on printing & what services they have to offer. This is the company that I use to print my images... and darn they do a good job!

Without further ado, here are a few sample images from Jacqui & Ben's Wedding Album. Enjoy!!

Posted at 01:55 PM Read More

Thu - February 1, 2007

Saxby Wedding Album

Check out the design of Kristy & Ben's Wedding Album. We're super happy with how it turned out.. and so are they.. they approved it for printing straight away with no changes! Good job team.

Here's a sneak preview for everyone!

Posted at 11:51 AM Read More

Sun - January 28, 2007

Mark & Terrie's Wedding (featuring my birthday rant)

Cute couple = Mark & Terrie. They really look good together! The day started with the guys and the girls getting ready at friends houses, ceremony at St Peters Anglican Cathedral, Photos at the O.T.C, then to the Bowlo for a good fun reception! Oh, and at the reception they even sung happy birthday to me. How embarrassing. For those that did not know.. I was 22 yesterday. I felt rather embarrassed when the first words that Mark said after walking down the aisle with his brand new wife were "Happy Birthday James".
This is a shout out to my very loving flatmates Alex and Adam who forgot my birthday! I love you guys! No really....cough cough

My dreams and ambitions for the next year:
1. To do everything I can to remember everyone's birthday!
2. Move significantly closer to being the Australian Wedding Photographer of the Year.
3. Spend all my spare cash seeing Lauren.
4. Buy a new car (I hope I don't have to choose between Lauren and a new car)
5. Organise my clothes cupboard.
6. Spent less time worrying about how I can do things better or faster or more efficiently and learn how to relax sometimes.
7. Get a booking for a Celebrity Wedding/Overseas Wedding.
8. Get 10 000 visitors a month to my Blog/Website.
9. Buy my mum something really really nice.
10. Pay off the credit card after doing so...

Here are just a few pics.. only 3 you say.. it must be that laziness of a sunday evening coming through...

Posted at 08:40 PM Read More

Thu - January 25, 2007

07/08 Wedding Photography Price List

Click on the link below which ends in .PDF to see the brand spanking new packages for 2007/2008.
JDP Wedding Packages 07:08.pdf

Posted at 11:01 PM Read More

Sun - January 14, 2007

Andrew & Janine

When I got to the hotel where Janine was getting ready with her bridesmaids from a distance I saw a striking woman getting her hair and make up done... As I got closer I thought it must be one of the bridesmaids then I got even closer and realised it was Janine. Holy Smoke! (I threw that one in for Father Anthony)
Anyhow, after getting over the shock of how gorgeous Janine was looking I composed myself and started photographing. I'm sure you'll agree that she looks sensational..
I 'spose I should mention Andrew... he's not a bad kind of a bloke I guess.... Just Kidding. He's the perfect gentleman, a true romantic & one of the funniest guys you could have the pleasure of spending the day with!

Everyone should also know that I'll be out of town for the next week as I'll be photographing the National Young Life Summer Camp. www.younglife.org
If i'm allowed, I'll post some pics of that when I get back next monday!
Stay tuned!

Posted at 06:45 PM Read More

Sun - January 7, 2007

Bec & Jon

For me to come back from Canada to photograph a wedding, It had to be for an ultra cool couple.. such as Bec & Jon.
Funky guests, great location, great food, great celebrant... great photographer (well... someone has to boost my ego.. even if it is myself!)
I really need to write more about this amazing day.. but I'm about to collapse from exhaustion.. so I will add more later!

I will have to comment on this pic simply because it's the strangest shoe shot i've ever taken.
Yes, they're hanging from a basin!

For those wondering how I did this... 1. Have years of photographic experience. 2. FIddle with Photoshop for years... 3. Have some creativity.
If you want to know how I did this.. then email me!

Posted at 12:47 AM Read More

Sat - December 2, 2006

Paw Paw & Kesh Kesh.

Sensational. Gorgeous. Simply Stunning. Perfect. Glorious. Fun. Encouraging. Breath-taking. Beautiful. AS EXPECTED!
& Yes I cried....
I don't know how to describe the day apart from using those words. Here are a few pics to get you by... i'll post more next week.

Posted at 11:17 PM Read More

Katie & Andrew's Wedding!

Let me start off by saying what a fun day Katie & Andrew's Wedding was. Katie looked a million dollars + gst... and Andrew scrubbed up alright too! I never knew Katie could work it like she did in front of the camera.. and I said something to her & she said.. Well it's going to be the last time i'll ever have to so I may as well do it well. Future brides, make sure you take note of Katie's instruction! She will soon be releasing a DVD entitled "Strut like Katie does", which will be available for $29.95 from all non reputable dealers. In all seriousness though, they were sooooooooo good to work with, the bridal party rocked, the families were all so loving & the photographer was sensational!
This is a very very small sample of the shots that we did on the day...trust me when I say that it was very difficult to choose which one's are worthy of going on the blog as there were just too many good ones.
Enjoy the pics!

We named the Veil "Ash"....long story...

@ the O.T.C where the time is always 9 o' clock! (there's a clock there which never changes)

Katie working it!

Working it again... sensational!

still 9 o'clock...

Posted at 09:13 AM Read More

Sun - November 19, 2006

Alison & Taylor's Wedding-Not just any old wedding!

I've just gotten home from photographing Alison & Taylor's Wedding & boy do these guys know how to have fun! I don't know where to start.. should i start talking about the fabulous bridal party that made my day an absolute blast... the jumping castle that Steve (the bride's dad/ an all round good bloke/ and one of the best sports i've ever met/ a fellow wedding photographer - www.sandjcampbell.com.au ) jumped around on and did belly flops on...or the stunning sunset which we could view from the top of a hill at their reception which was held at the site of Alison & Taylor's new home & winery.
The hair was done by "Hair on Beethoven" and they did a simply sensational job! The lovely ladies from "Face to Face" made the girls look even more gorgeous by enhancing their already stunning features with a touch of make-up. The cake was sensational. I really need to find out who did the cake so I can recommend them! The gorgeous roses were from Rosemerin Florist.. & once again they impressed me with their bouquets!
The MC Gareth Rickards, who is an Actor from Sydney who has appeared on Home & Away (& he liked to remind us of this rather often) was simply the best MC in the history of ALL Wedding MC's. I'm sure he would tell you the same too!
There were so many beautiful moments at the reception, for instance the song that Taylor's dad dedicated to Taylor & then followed it up with a speech where the main theme was explaining how close Taylor & his dad are.. which was very evident I must say!
Alison & Taylor, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your truly unique, special & glorious day. It's definitely a wedding I will never forget! I can't wait to see you guys again & make sure you be in contact as soon as you get home!

The Gorgeous Bride

Roses by Rosemerin - Sensational Job.

Notice the pink thongs. Don't ask about the matching pink thong. :-)

Ooh I love this shot!

It was hard to get these boys to pose without a beer in their hands.. hehe

Yeah, I know what you're thinking.. absolutely perfect!

In case the police want to get involved.. firstly I didn't tell him to go that fast.. secondly.. it never happened

Steve (the bride's dad and Fellow Wedding Photographer) showing us that
I'm not the only cool wedding photographer around (even if i do say so myself).

The Bride & Her Girls are probably laughing hysterically at Steve...

This car was not driven illegally to the reception. Cough Cough..

@ the Vineyard.

Notice the fascinator which was in the theme of "a day at the races".

& now you all know why I'm behind the camera most of the time.

and the very first sunset of their marriage

Posted at 01:14 AM Read More

Mon - November 13, 2006

Alexandra & Stuart's Wedding

Alex & Stuart contacted me while I was in New York and asked me if I'd shoot their wedding. It was an absolute honour to be asked to do their wedding as I've known Alex for a short while now & have admired her as a person ever since I met her. Alex was an absolutely gorgeous bride who was a real pleasure to spend a few hours with shooting their wedding. Stuart is a true gentleman who is a very smart, witty guy & probably one of the most easy going guys you'd ever meet. The ceremony was at St Peter's Anglican Cathedral & this is where Alex works as the Youth Co-ordinator. The location photos were taken at Hugh & Sally White's House. It was a very impressive house with perfect gardens and really was such a blessing to have as a location for our photos. Thank you Hugh & Sally! The reception was at the St Peter's Parish Hall & the catering was done by Janelle Hardy who spent many hours organising and preparing food for this & did a fine job I must say. I really look forward to catching up with Alex & Stuart when they come back from their honeymoon & reliving the wedding day with them through the memories that I captured through the lens.

Posted at 11:58 AM Read More

Dave & Steph's Wedding

Dave & Steph are the type of couple who you just adore as soon as you meet them. You can see the Love that they have for each other as soon as you see the way they look at each other, talk to each other and talk about the other. Dave is a super organised person, but somehow manages to do this without taking away from the spontaneity of a wedding photography experience. I have serious respect for this guy. Steph was a simply stunning bride, who I imagine will appear on my studio walls rather soon to use as a sample print! They got married at St Marks Anglican Church which is on the campus of the University of New England. The photos took place at Gostwyck Church which is about 30km away from Armidale & is the ideal location for wedding photos. Reception was at the Armidale Golf Club. I was very very impressed actually by the catering of the Golf Club. The food was superb, the Nigel Johnson from Audio Visual Techologies Armidale did the video work & it's always good to work with him as he is a true professional.
Here are a few sneak preview photos from the wedding.