A day with wedding photographer Damien Lovegrove

Fashion photography in Hoxton, shooting urban fashion portraits with top international wedding photographer Damien Lovegrove - who could resist the invitation to spend a day with him and 8 other fantastic photographers?

We met in The Hoxton Hotel http://www.hoxtonhotels.com/ which is a great place for us photographers to meet clients or relax in a contemporary atmosphere. And then we hit the streets, together with Rachel and Lucy-Ann. The streets around Old Street Tube offer fantastic photo opportunities, if only you have the eye and technical skill to capture them.

Damien shared his knowledge and expertise most generously. His aim was for every delegate to come away with photographs they could be proud of - and just as importantly, images that they could re-create in their own urban landscape.

Everyone was using professional kit, of course, with a good mix of Canon and Nikon cameras. Damien explained what he was doing and took care to ensure that every delegate had feedback on just about every image taken on the day. It was quite a steep learning curve for most, but top professional photographers today are providing timeless images for discerning clients.

Here are just a few of the scenes Damien set up. Those you see on this blog were simply captured on a small Canon Ixus and don't do justice to the images taken by the other photographers. But it gives you an idea of the treat in store if you book a training course with Damien. You can see what's on offer at http://www.lovegroveconsulting.com/.

We at West London Photography can't recommend Damien and Julie more highly for the contribution they are both making to the photographic industry. We wish you well in your tour down under, Damien.

More about family photographs

The past week has been spent sifting through piles of old family photographs, some dating back to pre-First World War. It's quite a collection and most of them are in good condition, lovingly mounted in period photo albums by my late parents.

Others are loose and faded, or they're badly damaged by the light. Some are incredibly battered, as if they've seen active service themselves. It will be quite a job to make them good again, but very satisfying to do.

Then there are the images in different formats, such as 35mm slides or photographic negatives. I'm not too concerned about all these because at least there is something physical there to work with later, when we have more time, hopefully.

No, the thing that most bothers me is the digital images. They're so vulnerable and hardly future proof. And there are so many now.

This last week I've started to tackle the problem, beginning with family holiday photographs. I gathered together the ones I liked the most from past happy summers in Gascony and I've made them into a book. It arrives tomorrow and I'll be happy knowing that I've got something tangible to share with my family.

Family photographs

One of the most inspirational speakers at the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers conference in Hammersmith last weekend was the hugely talented Australian photographer David A Williams.

He took us through an emotional tour of his own family photographs, going back to the 60's. The most important question he asked was, 'Do you have enough family photographs?' He then showed us his own personal archive, featuring those where there was a clear emotional connection between parent and child.

There weren't nearly enough, and of course, the parent taking the photographs was rarely on record. What a disappointment for a child revisiting his/her childhood in later years, desirous of that loving evidence of human attachment.

The message was that we should all take more family photographs. Record the daily quotidien, however mundane it may seem at the time. That picture of a well loved toy will be a treasure to your child in 20/30 years. As will that loving arm around a shoulder, or a parent cuddling a toddler.

We should all take more family photographs and we photographers should offer this service to our couples. And why don't we? Pressure of time, maybe. Or it needs to be a grand occasion. And perhaps it seems expensive to pay a professional photographer to capture the moment.

Thank you, David A. Williams http://swpp.co.uk/members/goto/rd.cgi?redir=http://www.davidwilliams-heartworks.com

January is a busy time for us

Our weddings start again with a bang next Friday and we've been able to make the most of the post New Year break to prepare for the season ahead.

Firstly, we've invested over £6k in new camera bodies. It's important to keep up with the latest technology and Nikon have great products. It's also reassuring to have top quality back up bodies in our bags.

And then there's the very important Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers convention at Hammersmith. Spread over a long weekend, it's a fantastic opportunity to be inspired by photographers who've flown in from all over the world . There's a tempting trade show where the leading suppliers display the latest prints, gizmos and albums. We'll have lots of up to date ideas as we start shooting weddings again next week.

Our last album before Christmas 2007

Emma and Mark love spot colour and we were delighted to make the hot pink gerberas zing. They came round last night to collect their GraphiStudio wedding books - with mini books as Christmas prezzies for friends and family. We're so pleased they're delighted with their wedding photos. Buxted Park is a fabulous wedding venue and we look forward to returning again this year.

Emma and Mark told us about the behind the scenes planning for their big event which now features on our website to help other couples planning a great wedding.

We look forward very much t our 2008 weddings and we wish you all a very happy Christmas and joyful New Year.

A very wet day was had by all and a terrific time too

Cold wet December afternoons aren't dream winter wedding weather and the traffic snarls up, making everything late, late. late. And when the poor Groom leaves the CD with all the Church music behind at the hotel and the Order of service doesn't arrive until the ceremony is well underway, it's fantastic when everyone pulls together to make the wedding go with a swing.

Thanks to Father Raja's CD collection, Jenny looked radiant as she walked up the aisle with her father to the cheerful Arrival of the Queen of Sheba. The Order of Service turned up before half time and the rain eased off (a bit...) when the bridal party emerged. No confetti, alas, as it had been mislaid somewhere. Perhaps a good thing as damp red bits can stain a white dress.

A great welcome was there for us all at The London Marriott West India Quay. Lisa Warren and her team had made the Ballroom stunning and smoothed disappointment of the non show of the booked Frank Sinatra act. We photographers had the chance to catch up on some requested group shots, everyone had the opportunity to write their good wishes on the signature mount. And then the meal was served. It was absolutely outstanding. Top class.

It goes to show that rain by itself doesn't necessarily spoil a wedding day - but London traffic is unforgiving and you need to allow a lot more time than you think for travelling around the capital. Especially when the rugby's on in Twickenham or there are some home games going on.

Our new studio and office development

We're very fortunate to have our own architecturally designed photographic studio to welcome couples. It's a great space with north facing lights so we can take great pictures and use the best possible filtered light. It gives fantastic results.

Now we're looking to develop our home office/work space which our clients don't usually see. We face the same challenges shared by many people who work from home. How to make the most of what you already have? How to add value to your house? How to combine work and family life? And add value to your property?

Simon Smith, a trained architect from Betternest http://www.betternest.co.uk/ has come to our rescue. He visited us today for a consultation on our garden room. Planning laws will change next year and we all have a window of opportunity to add value to our properties. It sometimes takes an outsider to spot the potential can that can be unlocked in a home and we're very excited to be working with him and his team.

We plan to have a brand new London office studio area opening in 2008. We are confident that Betternest will help us improve our studio and the service we offer all our wedding couples. Watch this space for updates and recommendations.