Lympne Castle Wedding

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I had the pleasure of photographing Lisa and James' wedding yesterday at Lympne Castle near Hythe. I managed to get a few shots outdoors before the rain started and then the rest of the time was spent indoors - not a hardship at a venue like Lympne Castle though.

Everyone was on top form and there are some very amusing group photos. Check out James' and the boys doing their mafia poses.

This was my 60th, and final, wedding of 2009. I now get to put my feet up (for two weeks at least)!

I've already finished processing their wedding and a selection of their photos are now online. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Wedding photography Little Silver Hotel

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

I had the pleasure of photographing Michelle and Danny's wedding yesterday at The Little Silver Hotel in Tenterden. It was a beautiful winter's day with lovely light.

Deciding that their guests had probably had their fill of roast dinners they plumped for bangers and mash as their main course - a fine choice in my opinion.

I've already finished processing their wedding and a selection of their photos are now online. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Photos from Bell Hotel Wedding Sandwich

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from Kirsty and Simon's wedding, photographed at The Bell Hotel in Sandwich. Please check out their wedding gallery.

1/100, f/1.8, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I joined the groom and some of the guests in the pub before the wedding. I found a nice pool of window light to photograph the wedding rings.

1/60, f/1.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

And then the groom. I used flash for most of the interior shots in the pub but liked the side-light where he was sat in the shot above.

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The ceremony room was very dark - primarily candles and a few tungsten lights turned down low. If I were to have properly exposed for ambient light I'd have required an exposure of 1/15, f/2.8, ISO 6400. My upper ISO limit is typically 3200, so I dialled this into the camera in manual mode and then set the lens to its maximum aperture and chose 1/50 as the shutter speed (enough to keep people sharp unless they start getting too excited!) This meant I was over 2-stops underexposed. I then used a 580EX II Speedlite in E-TTL mode, softened with a Lastolite micro Apollo mounted on a custom bracket, to light the couple.

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Same settings as previously. I did not gel the flash in order to capture the cosy atmosphere.

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 19 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I held the camera above my shoulders for this one.

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 3200, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 21 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

1/50, f/2.8, ISO 2000, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

For the candids I switched to off-camera flash, with a 580EX II Speedlite fitted with a StoFen in my left hand and a 5D Mk II with ST-E2 in my right.

1/50, f/3.2, ISO 2000, 0 EV, +2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Back to the micro Apollo for shots outside.

1/13, f/2.8, ISO 2000, 0 EV, +1 FEC, 21 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

1/50, f/1.8, ISO 3200, +1/3, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I decided not to use flash for the group shots. I'd have required at least two flashes to evenly light everyone so used ambient light only.

1/80, f/2, ISO 2000, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Any comments or queries are always welcome.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Photos from Lympne Castle Wedding

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from Emma and Al's wedding, photographed on Saturday at Blean Church, near Canterbury, and then Lympne Castle. Please check out their wedding gallery.

1/1600, f/4, ISO 200, +1/3 EV, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A brief break in the cloud cover side-lit them.

1/2000, f/1.2, ISO 50, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Al definitely has a future in modelling for catalogues!

1/640, f/4, ISO 400, +1/3 EV, 23 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The ladies very sensibly arrived in moon boots.

1/250, f/1.4, ISO 800, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The vicar at Blean Church was absolutely charming and very relaxed about where I stood. He just asked that I not use flash.

1/160, f/1.4, ISO 800, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Unfortunately there was scaffolding at the back of the church, but at least a good attempt had been made at disguising it.

1/125, f/2.8, ISO 1600, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

There was a real mixed bag of light sources in the church. Fortunately there was some window light falling on the couple.

1/125, f/2.8, ISO 1000, 0 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I held the camera just above the floor for this one.

1/125, f/2.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

1/1000, f/4, ISO 200, +2/3 EV, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Another shot from a low perspective for a bit more drama. Positive exposure compensation (EC) took care of all the light tones in the image.

HDR (-2, 0, +2), f/4, ISO 50, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I took a few single exposures but was pretty sure I would not be able to capture the full range of tones in the shot. I therefore went for an HDR shot and instructed the couple to keep very still!

HDR (-2, 0, +2), f/4, ISO 400, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Another HDR shot to prevent the sky being completely blown out.

1/800, f/1.4, ISO 100, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/640, f/1.4, ISO 100, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Negative exposure compensation prevented highlights from being blown.

1/500, f/2.8, ISO 50, -2 EV, +1 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

We had a lovely sunset on Saturday and I took a range of shots using both on- and off-camera flash to capture both the couple and the sky.

Comments and queries welcome as ever.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Winter wedding Bell Hotel Sandwich

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent


I had the pleasure of photographing Kirsty and Simon's wedding yesterday at The Bell Hotel in Sandwich. I was always love to photograph there as it's a 5 minute walk (or, in the case of yesterday, slide, as the pavements were covered in ice) from my home.

Proceedings kicked off at 15:30, with the light already starting to dim, so I used flash in most of the shots. Where I used only ambient light I went up to ISO 5000! The 5D Mark II, coupled with prime lenses, delivered the goods though.

I've already finished processing their photos. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Winter wedding at Lympne Castle

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent


I had the pleasure of photographing Emma and Al's wedding yesterday at Blean Church, near Canterbury, and then Lympne Castle. There was a good amount of snow at Blean - not surprisingly, considering that the temperature was well below zero. I had my fingerless gloves on, but after 30 mins photographing outside my fingertips were frozen solid.

It warmed up after the ceremony though and we had a wonderful sunset at Lympne Castle. I encountered the absolute extremes of light colour temperature in one afternoon!

I've already finished processing their photos. Please check out their wedding gallery.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Photos from Broome Park Wedding

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from Lauren and Chris' wedding, photographed on Saturday at Broome Park in Barham, near Canterbury. Please check out their wedding gallery.

HDR (-2, 0, +2), f/8, ISO 200, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

HDR (-2, 0, +2), f/8, ISO 200, 28 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A couple of high dynamic range (HDR) shots to start. Great for capturing cloud detail.

1/125, f/8, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Winter light can be fabulous - even at midday! The sun is low in the sky and so subjects are not top-lit.

1/500, f/1.2, ISO 200, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

The bridal preparation room was beautiful with lovely big windows and light-coloured walls(bouncing soft light everywhere). I had to draw one set of curtains to prevent Lauren from being directly lit by the sun.

1/80, f/3.2, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

If only all preparation rooms looked like this!

1/400, f/1.2, ISO 200, -2/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Lauren was very relaxed in front of the camera and had a lovely smile. Notice the negative exposure compensation (EC) to compensate for the dark tones in the image.

1/160, f/4, ISO 400, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Lauren and her daughter Ella. Grandma was standing just behind me to attract Ella's attention.

1/125, f/1.6, ISO 640, -1 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Notice how the light levels dropped off away from the windows. Light quantity was low but light quality was high.

1/2500, f/1.4, ISO 100, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

And now the exposure values next to a window.

1/100, f/4, ISO 1600, -2/3 EV, 25 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I dialled in neg EC here to prevent too much burn out due to the strong lighting.

1/100, f/2.8, ISO 1000, -1/3 EV, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Again, I had to pull the main curtains in the room to prevent the couple being illuminated directly by the sun. It was a little bit of a battle with the registrars who wanted to leave the curtains open - this would have ruined all the ceremony shots! Here the couple are illuminated by lovely soft light from side windows.

1/125, f/2.8, ISO 1000, -1/3 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Yet again, quantity of light low, quality of light high.

1/400, f/2, ISO 800, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

After the ceremony was complete I opened the curtains as the sun was no longer shining directly in. The rim lighting from this window on Lauren caught my eye.

1/100, f/1.8, ISO 800, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

1/100, f/6.3, ISO 800, -2/3 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

A set of steps outside is perfect for the group shot of all the guests.

1/200, f/2.5, ISO 100, -5/3 EV, -2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

The ambient light was underexposed (to keep a bit of detail in the sky) and the couple lit by softened flash (also dialled down because of the dark background).

1/160, f/1.6, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

This was taken after the sun had set. The quality of light was just breathtaking.

1/160, f/1.4, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/80, f/1.2, ISO 2500, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

Light levels inside were quite low. I took candids using purely available light (as above) and using off-camera flash.

Any comments or queries welcome as ever.

My website: Kent wedding photographers

Photos from Medway Wedding

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from Kim and Edward's recent wedding at St Margaret's Church, Rainham and the Bridgewood Manor Hotel, Chatham. Please check out their wedding gallery.

1/400, f/4, ISO 200, 0 EV, 35 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A very strong contrast scene. RAW can just about handle the dynamic range. The policeman behind the groom and best man was part of the wedding!

1/320, f/2.2, ISO 200, -1 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

I always look for a 'natural' setting to get a shot of the rings. I haven't managed to lose any yet! Notice the negative exposure compensation (EC) in the shot above.

1/200, f/1.8, ISO 1000, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

I shot a few candids whilst waiting for the bridal party.

1/125, f/1.8, ISO 1000, 0 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

1/160, f/2.8, ISO 800, +1/3 EV, 115 mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

The vicar asked me to stand at the end of the aisle so it was out with the medium telephoto lens.

1/160, f/3.5, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 200 mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

1/200, f/2.8, ISO 1000, 0 EV, 0 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

I always enjoy it when the bride and groom introduce a little levity to the signing of the register.

1/320, f/2.8, ISO 200, -5/3 EV, 20 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Notice the extreme amount of neg EC to deal with the predominantly dark tones in the image. If I'd let the camera determine exposure a dress would have been pure white - not what you expect from a professional.

1/160, f/3.5, ISO 200, -1/3 EV, 0 FEC, 16 mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

They received the red carpet treatment on arrival at the hotel. I added diffused flash here as they were backlit and very little light was being reflected back on their faces.

1/250, f/1.2, ISO 800, -1/3 EV, 85 mm, 85mm f/1.2L II

I managed to get a few candids at the hotel using natural light before having to use flash.

1/400, f/1.8, ISO 400, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

We took these during twilight and the quality of light was beautiful. Unfortunately it was also freezing cold!

1/125, f/1.4, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

1/160, f/2, ISO 2000, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Canon EOS 5D Mark II with ST-E2 in right hand, 580EX II Speedlite with StoFen diffuser in left hand. It's a nice way of approximately directing your flash light to give a key light but also getting plenty of light bounced back from other directions as fill light - it approximates to a bare bulb flash. It also means that you can avoid flash light on those standing close to you who may not be the subject of the shot.

1/250, f/1.4, ISO 800, 0 EV, -2/3 FEC, 35 mm, 35mm f/1.4L

Another shot using the above set-up t0 give a butterfly lighting type effect.

Any comments and queries welcome as ever.

My website: Kent wedding photographers