Shapes, light, colour and patterns

It's sheer pleasure to capture images for no reason at all apart for the fun of it. Sometimes, abstract patterns catch the eye, with their colour, texture and pattern. And light, of course. Here are some from around our hotel in Hurgada, after an inspirational session with Llewellyn Robbins.

Photo Training Overseas (PTO) : Hurgada

We've been away in Egypt for the past fortnight, staying at Hurgada on the Red Sea. It was quite an experience!

We'd gone to attend the PTO international photographic conference run by George and Glenys Dawber. It's a brilliant way to keep up to date on all things photographic, including the creative side of our art and the technical skills you need to make really great images.

Ours is fast moving industry where you can't ever rest on your laurels. In a busy studio like ours, it's difficult to take time out for training and updating - it's hopeless in the summer with weddings every weekend. So January is the best time and winter sun is always welcome.

We’d left just as the crowds were beginning to gather in Tahrir Square and the first week was a bit uncertain. Then the hotel was vast and emptied dramatically as tourists were flying back home and no one took their place.

Trips we cancelled which limited the photo opps hugely. We’d hoped to go to Luxor, or out in a boat but it wasn’t possible. The internet was cut off which was fine, but the tv was showing bigger and bigger crowds and Mubarak still wouldn’t go. It was a relief to get to the airport and away. Having said that, all the Egyptians we met were charming, helpful and they did all they could to make our seminars and our holiday enjoyable.

We’d go back again like a shot.

Happy New Year!

We wish you a very happy New Year, especially if it's your first as a married couple. 2010 was great, with lots to celebrate despite the gloomy forecasts and we enjoyed each and every one of the weddings we photographed.

2011 is shaping up as THE year to get married. We're excited about the ones we're already booked for and still have some dates free, should you make a big decision on New Year's Eve. It's reckoned that's one of the most popular dates for a romantic proposal.

Wishing you well wherever you may be and have a fantastic New Year.

Susan and Godfrey

Real Life wedding at The Hurlingham Club

Eira Jones and Greg Smith have just sent us their account of their wedding at All Saints, Fulham and The Hurlingham Club. They had a fantastic day and made sure they enjoyed the fruits of all their planning and hard work.

Here's the link

http://www.westlondonphotography.com/real_life_wedding_The_Hurlingham_Club.php

Just back from holiday in Liguria

Sorry - we've been out of touch for 3 weeks after photographing our last wedding of our busiest season ever. Liguria was wonderful and we'd recommend it highly as a honeymoon destination.

We're now busy getting wedding albums together in time for Christmas and taking bookings for next year. And catching up on the phone calls and emails!

Wedding at St Peter's Petersham

Liz and Mark Pietronave married at St Peter's Petersham on Saturday - they are honeymooning in Peru and later Miami. We've taken some beautiful photographs of their day and look forward very much to showing them.

Their reception was at the Richmond Hill Hotel. Wonderful.

A special mention about their service: the Reverend Canon Tim Marwood was particularly welcoming to everyone. The Church is a gem: most unusually, the service was held in the centre with the bridal party in box pews. A real sense of intimacy, which made the vows exchanged doubly meaningful. The Church is beautifully kept and the Church Warden who attended did his part to make the day go smoothly for everyone.

Heating in the conservatory at Syon Park

A beautiful day in May. Juliet was a gorgeous bride, elegant and sophisticated, her dress stunning and her Jummy Choos to die for. She and Ali are due back from honeymoon this weekend and their Syon wedding photos will be online shortly.

The flowers were by Wheelers of Turnham Green and were perfect. White was the theme which blended perfectly with the black and white of Robert Adam's interior.

The weather was kind but even so, with Juliet in her amazing dress and other guests wearing light clothes, the evening reception could have been on the chill side. The couple asked us for advice and we told them we've seen guests eating their wedding breakfast in the Conservatory with their overcoats on. Help was at hand with the company who supply heating at Syon - Carrier rental express.

If you're hiring this venue or a marquee, it's worth considering portable heating. It can make all the difference to your guests' enjoyment of your wedding day. Speak to Sarah Tropia or David Garland on 0870 751 7002