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It was an absolute joy to cover the 90th birthday celebrations for - the legend in his own time - 'Pat' Paterson, at Kailzie Gardens this weekend.  Everyone was so warm and friendly that for us it didn't feel like work.  We could also, with all the guests, celebrate by looking back, but also to the future.  The supporting roles should also not fail to get a mention: the Pipe Major from the Dragoon Guards, as well as all the staff at Kailzie Gardens for creating such a lovely atmosphere.  The restaurant at Kailzie Gardens has recently been taken on my the talented chef Stuart Clink and ably supported by his gorgeous wife Amanda on the front of house.  It's definitely worth a visit.  

Anyway, what you've all been waiting for here are a few images to give a taster of the day.  Enjoy!

Kailzie Gardens Tea Room and Restaurant

I have been inspired by the photography of Peter Eastway for ages and have recently come across his Better Photography and Better Photoshop publications.  Therefore, suitably inspired, while sorting some old files I couldn't resist finessing a few of them.  They were taken about a year or so ago around the Peebles area.

Just thought that I'd share a few images from a shoot last week photographing three generations of a family.  We had a great, relaxed time creating the images.  So for your viewing pleasure...

I've finally pulled my finger out and had a trawl through my images of this years' dump of snow in Innerleithen.  I've never seen so much snow in my life in the UK and have certainly never been snow bound for half a week before.  But as with all these things the silver lining of sun, snow and beautiful countryside gave plenty of good photographic material.  All the following images were taken on a Canon 5D mkII with a 17-40mm f/4 lens and a variety of ND grad filters.  Enjoy!

Happy New Year everyone!  Now thing's are beginning to thaw out I thought I'd get on with one of my resolutions for 2010 and start blogging on a more regular basis.

2010 has begun at a pace already and we're preparing to exhibit at the Exclusive Wedding Event at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 13th & 14th February.  If you're attending we look forward to meeting up with you and listen to your plans for your big days.  Pop along to stand 41 to view our work.  If you're looking to attend I have ten complementary tickets to give away to the first ten people who contact me.  So don't wait long or they'll be gone.

Scotland's Exclusive Wedding Event

Just a quick post: we thought we'd try a short film of one of our recent family portrait sessions. Hopefully it will give everyone a little insight into the fun that we all have, as well as getting some great images!

So here are a few small highlights from the day...

On a recent business trip down South I also met up with my sister who I haven't seen in ages.  An impromptu photoshoot was also arranged and here are a few of the results. What can I say?  A natural!  Hope you like them

Having recently got a Canon 5D MKII I had been itching to go out and put it through its landscape paces.  Unfortunately the weather and being busy has put paid to that on numerous occasions.  However, this week low winter sun and fog over the Tweed in Innerleithen was something I had to try to capture (though obviously not the first image!).  The following images are all straight from camera with not even levels or curves applied.  Any comments appreciated.

Location: St. Andrew's Park, Bristol

Camera: Canon 5D MKII

Lens: Canon EF 17-40mm 1:4 L USM

Focal length: 17mm

ISO: 100

Aperture: f/16

Shutter speed: 1/5 sec

White balance: Daylight

Light source: Daylight

Filters: Lee 0.6 & 0.9 ND grad hard; Lee Coral 3 grad hard

Location: Horses, Innerleithen

Camera: Canon 5D MKII

Lens: Canon EF 17-40mm 1:4 L USM

Focal length: 17mm

ISO: 100

Aperture: f/11

Shutter speed: 1/4 sec

White balance: Daylight

Lightsource: Sunlight

Filters: Lee 0.9 & 0.6 ND grad hard; Lee Coral 3 grad hard

Location: Cardrona Forest from the mast, Innerleithen

Camera: Canon 5D MKII

Lens: Canon EF 17-40mm 1:4 L USM

Focal length: 17mm

ISO: 100

Aperture: f/20

Shutter speed: 1.6 secs

White balance: Daylight

Light source: Daylight

Filters: Lee 0.6 & 0.9 ND grad hard; Lee Coral 3 grad hard

Location: Cardrona Forest and River Tweed from the mast, Innerleithen

Camera: Canon 5D MKII

Lens: Canon EF 17:40mm 1:4 L USM

Focal length: 40mm

ISO: 100

Aperture: f/11

Shutter speed: 0.8 sec

White balance: Daylight

Light source: Daylight

Filters: Lee 0.6 & 0.9 ND grad hard; Lee Coral 3 grad hard

Location: Drystone wall mast hill, Innerleithen

Camera: Canon 5D MKII

Lens: Canon EF 17-40mm 1:4 L USM

Focal length: 40mm

ISO: 100

Aperture: f/18

Shutter speed: 2 secs

White balance: Daylight

Light source: Daylight

Filters: Lee 0.3 & 0.9 ND grad hard; Lee Coral 3 grad hard

Just thought I'd share one of the things I've been up to recently seeing that I haven't blogged in ages now.  I was approached by local Cardrona based artist to catalogue her work.  We spent a day covering all her portfolios from landscape to still life, via sketches and commissions.  Here's a few for y'all to check out.

Peebles Parish Church

Bluebell wood

Life drawing

From the "Community Grieving" portfolio

 

After having done what seems like no exercise in ages all the impetus we needed was to add a Canon 5D Mark ii into the mix to try out the potential of its video.  So without further ado we ventured up to the legendary Glentress to attempt to put a short film together in the fast fading light of evening, me with bike and Sarah in charge of filming.  We were blown away with the quality of the film.  Sadly the same can't be said of the riding; what feels amazing to me looks like the lamest bit of freeride action ever.  Yes, you're meant to clear the jumps!  Now we can't wait to explore the potential of the cameras filming capabilities.  Check it out. 

On Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Kirsten and Keith.  And what superstars they were, on a day that produced rain of almost biblical proportions with a side order of gale force winds!  It was a special day from the ceremony, which included a multi-tasking father of the bride who both gave away and married his daughter, to the mulled wine that warmed everyones cockles and including possibly the worlds most adorable Flower Girl.  Thank you guys for letting me be part of your day. You were great sports enabling us to get the necessary shots in very trying circumstances.  Without further ado check out some of the shots from the day.

Eddleston Parish Church

Barony Castle

Last weekend we had the pleasure of a visit from Sarah's parents, all the way up from the South coast of England.  It was great to see them as we hadn't all been together in a wee while, so we had an impromptu photoshoot that I'm sure the results of which will be seen on a certain family calender soon!  Anyhow, here's some photos from our endeavours.

I know!  They are old enough to have children!

Say Crowdie!

Fun was had by all!

Christmas has come early!  The wedding album of Mairi and Stephen has just been delivered today as well.  And the results of all our hard work is a beautiful heirloom to treasure forever.  It beautifully captures the day at the lovely Braid Centre and Brunstfield Hotel in Edinburgh.  Here's a few images of the album and accessories.

 

 

 

Transparent title page

 

Parents' album and bag

 

Feature album and parents' album

The Bruntsfield Hotel

The Braid Centre

Very excited!  Our new business cards from JamJar Print have just arrived; take a peek!

JamJar Print