Author: Elaine

Newborn baby shoot

  By

I love being the photographer for a wedding and feel privileged when the couple contact me to take photographs of their newborn baby. I always forget how tiny newborns are – I just love their little hands and feet! She was absolutely adorable and a delight to photograph! Continue reading

Family portrait at Brooklands Race Track

  By

I photographed this couple’s wedding many years ago, so was thrilled to get a call to do some family photographs. They asked my advice on location and wanted to choose something a bit different. I found a section of the old Brooklands Race Track amongst a large open area, and right alongside the River Wey. The recent dry weather made the background a lovely warm mix of colours – perfect for photography! We had a great time exploring the location and the results are stunning! Such a lovely family and relaxed shoot. Continue reading

Phillipa & Ryan

  By

Phillipa & Ryan got married on a beautiful sunny day in St Mary’s Church, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham. This was the first part of their journey together, witnessed by close family. Another celebration with friends and family was planned later in the week. It was such a lovely relaxed wedding with the couple really enjoying the photography! The family enjoyed a meal at a local pub and then went back to the bride’s parents house in Cobham to finish the day and have more photographs. It was even more special as I photographed their wedding 17 years previously! Continue reading

Claudia & Paul’s wedding at Leatherhead Registry Office and La Meridiana

  By

I was so pleased I was available to be able to photograph Claudia & Paul’s wedding at short notice. The couple were keen to get married this year and Claudia managed to get everything organised in double quick time! Her creative skills were seen in the floral arrangements and the decoration at the venue. Claudia looked stunning in a silvery, fawn shimmering dress and Paul looked great in a pale blue suit. They went back to La Meridiana restaurant in East Horsley for a civil blessing after the official ceremony at Leatherhead Registry Office. It was conducted by their friends … Continue reading

Lovenah & David’s wedding vow renewal at the RAC club Epsom

  By

I don’t often get asked to take photographs of wedding vow renewal ceremonies, but I absolutely love it when I do! David and Lovenah had a very intimate ceremony at the RAC Club in Epsom. It’s such a stunning venue and great for photos inside or outside. After a sudden downpour we managed some shots outside and so pleased we did! Lovenah wanted some black & white shots with red tinges to show off her amazing red bangles! It was great not having to rush around and we had plenty of time. The couple were eating ‘outside’ in a circular … Continue reading

Celebrating 30 years running a successful photography business!

  By

From the first time I picked up a camera, I fell in love with photography! Starting at college and learning how to process and develop a film, I was fascinated with the image appearing on a sheet of photographic paper in the darkroom. I knew then I wanted to be a photographer! I was fortunate enough to find a job as an assistant for a BA photographer. I had many various and exciting assignments like flying on Concorde, talking cameras with Bryan Adams in the Concorde lounge and taking photos of celebrities like Philip Schofield, Bob Geldof, Joan Collins, the … Continue reading

Family photoshoot in Oxshott

  By

I’m so loving being able to take family photographs again after the long Covid break in the summer. This is one of my favourite locations in Oxshott and its a great place to take a family with young children. Kids are always so unpredictable – they could be tired, hungry or a bit under the weather but the great thing about woods and shooting outdoors is that there are always distractions to keep them going! We all had a lot of fun as you can see from the results! Continue reading

Social distancing Engagement shoot

  By

I finally get the chance to take some shots of Michael and Kiran the winners of my engagement shoot competition. It was definitely worth the wait, as we decided to use a location in Ockham I stumbled across during lockdown whilst cycling! It was an amazing location – sandy paths, heather, woodland and very quiet! As you can see from the results, it was a perfect setting with such a natural, relaxed couple. Continue reading

First family photoshoot since Lockdown

  By

Last week I did my first socially distanced family photoshoot since Lockdown. It was so lovely to be out with the camera again. Totally forgot about time, as we were all enjoying ourselves in the sunshine. Got some great shots. We were in Oxshott but it felt like we were by the sea! It was like a family day out where you don’t want to go home. Bring on the good weather and more shoots like this…! I photographed this family last year with some bluebells and they loved the photos so much they wanted some new updated shots. Kids … Continue reading

A perfect wedding celebration

  By

Sinead and Emma decided to have a wedding celebration at Woodlands Park Hotel, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham. They had already tied the knot legally and wanted a big party to celebrate their marriage. They had initially wanted just candid shots to capture the atmosphere, but luckily I managed to persuade them to have a few pictures together and pleased that I did ! They were really enjoying it! Continue reading

One woman and her Portuguese Water Dog!

  By

I was asked to take some photographs of a beautiful black Portuguese Water Dog called Beau.  I’ve taken some photographs of dogs before, and black is a challenging colour at the best of times, but when we are in dark woods with the light fading rapidly, then I knew we were up against it!  However, Beau and her owner Teresa were a pleasure to photograph.  You could see how much love and affection there was between them and it shows in the end result! Continue reading

Bluebell family photoshoot in Cobham

Gallery

  By

This gallery contains 34 photos.

Bluebell photoshoots are extremely popular and so its great when a family suggests a new and hidden location.  It is especially good when it is right on your doorstep! We were blessed with a fantastic warm day.  A week earlier we cancelled as the bluebells were not out and it was freezing cold!  Such a small window of opportunity – you just cannot tell.  We had a great time.  The children were natural models – and so were the parents!  So pleased with the results.  It is always magical working with small children. Continue reading

Musical family shoot

Gallery

  By ,

This gallery contains 16 photos.

I was lucky enough to photograph a very talented, artistic and musical family. We had discussed the type of family shots required in advance, but realised when I turned up how much music and drama played such an important part of their family life.  I then thought it would be lovely to have some shots that showed this – and here are the results!  Despite only having a small amount of wall after moving the sofa (with plug sockets and wires which I removed afterwards), the photographs look amazing!  Who needs a studio?!! Continue reading

A few of my favourite wedding shots

Gallery

  By

This gallery contains 21 photos.

I recently exhibited at Foxhills Golf and Country Club wedding fair and bumped into a toastmaster who recognised me as his wedding photographer 12 years ago!  He is still happily married and his favourite wedding photographs sit proudly in photo frames.  It made me think about my favourite wedding photographs that I have taken over the years.  I decided to select a handful of recent weddings – but always find it very hard to choose the best shots! Next I will delve into the archive and find some older weddings that are my all time favourites!   Continue reading

Vintage wedding at Southsea Castle with an unusual twist!

  By

Wow – I loved photographing this wedding! Adam and Scarlett were such a fun couple – the venue was great, the weather was beautiful and the couple were fantastic!! It was a special, vintage style wedding with the opportunity to do some amazing photos – even in the lower battlements of the castle. A place where no other couple have been allowed to go before! Scarlett’s mum did a brilliant job of all the decorations in the marquee, including the art sculptures on each table and even the zombie wedding cake! A wedding to remember. Continue reading

Family photo shoot on Downside Common

  By

It was a freezing February day but these cousins were great fun during our photo shoot on Downside Common. My client wanted some photos of her son with his older cousins as a surprise birthday present for her Dad and they didn’t fail to deliver some precious moments together. A few runs in the woods got everyone warmed up before heading off for hot chocolate in Cobham. Continue reading

November wedding at Denbies Vineyard, Surrey.

Gallery

  By

This gallery contains 18 photos.

I felt very privileged to be asked to photograph a wedding for a friend of mine. I always feel it is an honour to be asked and as usual, I love the challenge of the British weather! It was a lovely sunny day at Denbies, but the only real problem was the cold! Gayle looked amazing in her dress and Gareth was cracking jokes with his guests as usual! We had fun throwing what was left of the autumn leaves too! By the evening, I managed to put the camera down for a while and enjoy the wedding. Thank you … Continue reading

Autumn location shoot in Oxshott Woods

  By

Autumn is a beautiful time to shoot location photography, especially when you’re lucky with the weather and the sun makes an appearance. So this one was a treat! I photographed this couple on their wedding day and then again with their young children. So I was delighted when they asked me to photograph the whole, extended family with grandparents too. The children really enjoyed themselves in the woods and the logs made a perfect setting for some great shots of everyone together. I certainly had a workout keeping up with them that day!   Continue reading

Wedding reception at Foley Arms, Claygate

  By

I recently photographed John and Fiona’s wedding reception at the Foley Arms, Claygate.  They were married abroad but wanted to celebrate with family and friends with a relaxed and informal wedding reception.  Fiona looked amazing!  It was lovely to see some of the guests arriving in beautiful Oriental outfits too!  The children enjoyed me chasing after them to get a photo – keeps me fit!   Continue reading

Bluebell Woods – July 2017

  By
bluebell woods

I was fortunate to shoot this couple on their wedding day 5 years ago and was delighted when they asked me back to photograph their young family. Shooting on location we searched for bluebells despite it being late in the season and we were delighted to find such beautiful colours in the woods. By reducing some of the colours back, I was able to create such magical scenes in the woods that I hope they treasure for years to come. It reminded me of the fairy woods at the Beaumont Estate where they were married! We just needed some giant … Continue reading

Frensham Ponds Wedding – July 2017

  By

So the rain didn’t dampen our spirits or stop the sparkles in this couple’s eyes last weekend. I accompanied Jo and Peter from the dress preparations right through to the first dance; and we even managed to pop outside in-between rain showers to take a few family shots.  Unfortunately the rain stopped play again; and finally managed to do a few shots of the lovely couple on the famous Frensham Pond Hotel bridge when it was almost dark! The attention to detail at this wedding was incredible, with a sparkle theme running throughout and a finale of sparklers to end … Continue reading

Frensham Pond Hotel wedding

Gallery

  By

This gallery contains 49 photos.

I was lucky enough to photograph Peter and Jan’s wedding at Frensham Pond Hotel, Farnham on a glorious, hot sunny day.  They had a very relaxed and informal civil ceremony, surrounded by family and friends, and with a drinks reception outside overlooking the lake.  What more could you want?!! With 2 best men, a slideshow of old photographs and various props, it made for some funny moments in the speeches! I love photographing this part of the wedding, as I find out so much about the couple and are always good for reactions! Continue reading

Lovely sleeping newborn baby

  By

I photographed this lovely family with their two week old baby in my home studio last week and captured some beautiful, peaceful shots. It didn’t start out quite that way. A few nappy changes and accidents along the way, as well as a feed, but all to be expected and managed wonderfully. Soon after, the baby fell asleep and we used the couple’s own special blanket brought along for the shoot. They are all absolutely delighted with the results. Continue reading

Beautiful Autumn wedding at Denbies Vineyard

  By

I was privileged to be the photographer for Ian and Sally’s wedding.  They had know each other for a number of years before finally tying the knot at their local chapel at Downside, Cobham.  It is a lovely, intimate chapel set near surrounding fields and a perfect setting for the couple who are keen gardeners.  They even produced all the different types of squash which they used for decoration and also for the path leading up to the doorway.  I never knew there was so many different varieties!  Despite the day starting with a bit of rain, after the ceremony … Continue reading

Fantastic, fun wedding at Frensham Ponds Hotel

Gallery

  By

This gallery contains 54 photos.

I had been looking forward to photographing Lisa and Juan’s wedding at Frensham Ponds Hotel.  The hotel had undergone a massive impressive refurbishment so I knew whatever the weather I was going to get some fantastic shots.  When I arrived Lisa was having the finishing touches to her hair which was just simply amazing.  The style really suited her and the hairdresser had done a brilliant job.  When she put her dress on to complete the look she looked stunning.  Her daughter was one of the bridesmaids and obviously very nervous as it is such a big day, but she … Continue reading

Happy Customers!

  By

It’s always good to know that your customers love your photography!  Here are a few comments from recent wedding and portrait shoots, and without any prompting… “There are some fabulous pictures as usual. I’ve been going through them, and there are loads that I love” – Rebecca “The photos are amazing particularly considering the subjects you had to deal with :-)” – Rhian “Thank you so much for all your hard work on our wedding day. We are so pleased with how the photos have turned out and you got brilliant shots of our special day.  We love the album, I can’t … Continue reading

Autumn sunshine at Frensham Pond Hotel, Farnham

  By

This month I photographed the wedding of Carly and Kevin at one of my favourite venues, Frensham Pond Hotel, Farnham.  Since the refurbishment, there are even more lovely places to photograph, and with the help of a very willing couple, I managed to get some great shots in the autumn sunshine! Carly and Kevin choose a really distinctive purple theme – and little did I know, but I turned up with a matching purple top!  There was also lovely butterfly details throughout the wedding, from the flowergirls dresses to the fairy cakes.  There were birdcages instead of floral arrangements on … Continue reading

Perfect vintage wedding at Brooklands Museum

  By

I recently had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Naomi and James at Brooklands. It was a vintage-style wedding and the venue was perfect with lots of vintage backdrops. Naomi looked beautiful in her wedding dress, complete with lace accents. Her flower girls were her twins Isla and Eloise, who could only be told apart by the stuffed dog and stuffed bear they were carrying. They were on their best behaviour – apart from a couple of photo bombs!  Baby Elliot looked dapper in his suit that matched his dad’s down to the pink pocket square. Naomi and James … Continue reading

Fun wedding at The Berystede Hotel, Ascot

  By

What a lovely wedding at The Berystede!  The marriage of Helen and John Paul went without a hitch on a beautiful sunny day.  Helen looked stunning in a vintage lace dress.  They had a civil ceremony with candelabras and lots of candles and it was all very emotional.  The string quartet played during the drinks reception on the terrace.  It was very relaxed and informal, which suited the couple perfectly.  The boys kicked off their shoes and enjoyed playing football, which they didn’t want to stop!  I don’t think Helen or John Paul stopped laughing all day! Continue reading

Into The Woods

  By

If you’re thinking of having a portrait shoot to capture your family, there are more location options than just a white background in a studio. I’ve previously done shoots in gardens, bluebell fields, London and in people’s homes Continue reading

Frensham Pond Hotel wedding fair

  By

After having a major refurbishment at the Frensham Pond Hotel, Farnham, I am excited to see the new changes when I exhibit at the wedding fair on Sunday 26th April.  It is free entry and each bride gets a goody bag.  It’s a great way for prospective couples to see, feel and touch all the products on offer (and sometimes taste in the case of the wedding cakes).  It is also good to meet the people behind the businesses, as it is so difficult making a judgement by searching on the internet alone. I am hoping for good weather and … Continue reading

Spring is here!

  By

The weather is turning warmer and the sun is shining. We’ve had daffodils popping their head out of the soil and now it’s the bluebells’ turn! Recently I took some pictures amongst the bluebell fields and am very pleased with the results. It’s a great way to capture the flowers and your loved ones. To celebrate spring, I’ve got a promotion of an hour’s photo shoot for £75 to include one digital image and one mounted quality print (7″ x 5″). Additional images and files can be purchased afterwards on my online gallery. This offer is valid until Sunday the 31st of May. … Continue reading

Family photos

  By

People often think of professional photographers only taking pictures at weddings, but some of my favourite shoots are with families in the comfort of their own homes. We often forget to capture everyday moments  but it’s well worth having a photo shoot with extended family, including all generations. These relaxed pictures of the Cunningham family (plus dog and guinea pigs!) were taken in their own home instead of a studio or on location. It was like a family gathering where a photographer is invited. I like the shoots to be fun and informal, even though at times it can be … Continue reading

A beautiful wedding at Farnham Castle

Gallery

  By

This gallery contains 165 photos.

I was looking forward to Cara & James wedding at Farnham Castle.  I have a soft spot for old ruined castles because I got married in one myself!  Cara was getting ready in the Gate House on the grounds, and the light inside was gorgeous, until the weather changed!  Thunder, lightning and gale force winds! It managed to calm down so that Cara could walk across for the ceremony.  She was in fits of giggles during the ceremony and we all thought she would never stop laughing enough to be able to say her vows! We had hoped to do a … Continue reading

Sandown Park wedding show

  By

This is me just before the start of the Sandown Park wedding show at the weekend, looking relaxed before the crowds descended!  It was a very busy show and once again full of lots of unusual suppliers.  Anything you could want for your wedding in fact!  The catwalk show was brilliant and I would say definitely the best show in Surrey by far!  I was opposite the London Fanfare Trumpets who were great and definitely work checking out if you like something a bit different http://www.londonfanfaretrumpets.com The Fine Art and Matted Albums seem to go down very well on the stand, … Continue reading

A wet wedding at Woodlands Park hotel

  By

Anna & Guy are a great couple to photograph.  We had a fantastic engagement shoot at Hampton Court Palace in the summer.  The weather was lovely and we were hoping for the same again when they tied the knot at The Woodlands Park Hotel.  Unfortunately it pretty much rained for the whole time – except for 10 minutes!  Just enough time to do a few group photographs outside on the patio.  It was too wet and soggy to go on the grass, so we made the most of inside and despite photographing at the Woodlands Hotel many times, still managed … Continue reading

How to choose a wedding photographer?

  By

    After a successful wedding fair at Frensham Ponds hotel on Sunday, I was asked the question – How do you choose a wedding photographer if you haven’t had a recommendation? This is a great question for couples looking to choose a photographer.  With the competition so fierce in the industry now, it must be very hard to decide who makes a good wedding photographer.  My tips are: 1. Choose someone who you get along with, as they are with you for most of the day, and you won’t get good, natural results if you don’t like them! 2. … Continue reading

Frensham Pond Wedding Fair

Gallery

  By

This gallery contains 9 photos.

After a very difficult year personally, I am back to business!  Not sure where to start, as have been working day and night the past 3 months and in need of a rest – but not yet!  The busy wedding fair season is fast approaching and I have a wedding fair this Sunday 12th October at Frensham Pond Hotel.  It is a fantastic venue for photography and the staff are are really helpful, which is always good to know.  I am looking forward to seeing them and the other suppliers.  It is a great fair and free of charge too. … Continue reading