Fight Night!

A new experience presented itself to me this weekend - the boxing! I have never been to watch live boxing before and when Alex and I were invited along to support one of his friends I jumped at the opportunity of a new subject to add to my growing sports portfolio. I was delighted when, upon our arrival, one of the coaches got me an 'access all areas' wristband which enabled me to position myself ringside! I proceeded to snap away during the matches and had a great time chatting to the tog from one of the boxing magazines who was covering the evening. I stayed away from the flash and shot on an ISO of 1600 to try and emulate the classic pictures I have seen of old greats such as Marciano and Foreman. I was well and truly chuffed with my efforts and even more pleased and flattered to see some of the competitors use my pics on their Facebook profiles!

All images copyright Spirit Pictures. Wedding Photographers in Reading, Berkshire.

Crazy Composites

Having decided to complete my Imaging Techniques assignment on a Christmas theme, I was delighted with the huge amounts of snow that fell over the holidays whilst I was in the middle of shooting. I was able to make use of nature's background to create my very 'cute' artefact - a book of Christmassy poetry with illustrations. So here are a few of my experimental composites from BA Imaging Techniques - assignment two...

The Strength & Power

This month saw the very first CrossFit Strength & Power invitational event take place at Tadley Rugby Club. I was very pleased to be asked to wear the 'official CrossFit Reading tog' hat and had a blast snapping all the action as the competitors made their way through the events. From anvil lifting to truck pulling the day was awesome and despite the weather there was a great turnout of support for the athletes. The event was a real success and will be repeated next year. In the meantime you can view the full shoot from the 2009 CrossFit Strength & Power on my FB page by clicking part one or part two.

All images copyright Spirit Pictures. Wedding Photographers in Reading, Berkshire.

A Study of Alexander

Having begun my appreciation of photography way back before digital cameras appeared, (boy that makes me feel old), I have a real love of black and white images, especially low key and moody! I started out with my dad's old Olympus OM-10 and rolls of HP5 film which I processed and printed in the darkroom. There is no way to describe the magical feeling of seeing the image appear on the paper in the developing tray. These days I do still shoot the odd roll of B&W film although now on an F-80 but like most togs have well and truly converted to digital for all pro work. So here is a study of hubs in good old black and white shot on the D80 and edited in Photoshop. Emmie.

All images copyright Spirit Pictures. Wedding Photographers in Reading, Berkshire.

It's been a busy couple of weeks since the end of school! So far I have spent a brilliant week at Barnabas Camp followed by two weddings in quick succession, the latter of which was Kylie & Leo's fabulous day at Wynyard Hall in Hartlepool. The weather was super duper and the couple had plenty of surprises planned to keep everyone entertained throughout the day including a casino and spectacular firework display to top the evening off! What a day. Thanks you two for a great time, oh and congratulations! Emmie. xx

All images copyright Spirit Pictures. Wedding Photographers in Reading, Berkshire.

A Stunner at Stonor

I am always so touched when potential clients call me up and say 'You did our friend's wedding and we were really impressed so can we book you for ours?' As such I have photographed several weddings now where the same people have been involved, the most recent of which happened to be Sam and Paul's fabulous day at Stonor House. A really great reception with juggling cocktail waiters, a magician and a string quartet made for some really interesting images and the house and grounds provided the perfect backdrop. Congratulations guys! Emmie.

All images copyright Spirit Pictures. Wedding photographers in Reading, Berkshire.

The RCC CD Project

I feel quite honoured to have been asked to design the artwork for a CD being produced by Reading Community Church. The project is now entering its final stages and is due for release later this year. So, armed with the trusty Nikon and a verbal image beautifully painted by worship leader Matt, model Sammi and I wandered off to Streatley hill in search of a sunset to use as our backdrop. We were well and truly blessed with a stunner, and we snapped away whilst trying to avoid the odd golf ball that got a bit close! The effort was well worth it for the great set of images we ended up with. I am now putting the finishing touches to the booklet and feel very excited at the thought of seeing it in print soon. Emmie.