Yurts n' sunshine...yes sunshine!

Shooting on location in the Uk can sometimes be a challenge, especially when an exotic location needs to be emulated. So when I read the brief for graduate Fashion designer Tara Bradley-Birt's collection inspired by Tibet, I jigged a sundance and kept my fingers and toes crossed for the best....luckily it worked! 

Tara's collection is inspired by the the traditional Tibetan "shuba" coat and the Buddhist teaching of being companionable to one another. She also took inspiration from the work of Joseph Beuys, his exploration of human nature and how we adapt to situations and react to one another. Hand painted textiles and textural detailing on the fabric reflect the landscapes of Tibet and Joseph Beuys. 

Tara's talent shone through and she was selected to show at Graduate Fashion week in London. Find out more on her blog: http://tarabradleybirt.tumblr.com 

With all the torrential weather of late, we were truly blessed with dry conditions and great light. Combining this with a dream team and a stunning lakeside location, beside a forest dotted with yurts, this made for a fun shoot. I had to pinch myself to check that I wasn't in a dream or some far flung corner of the world. The location is magical and dreamy, so if you are looking for a quirky getaway in the New Forest check out http://www.forestyurts.com  We are all planning our return visits :)

Fashion: Tara Bradley-Birt  http://tarabradleybirt.tumblr.com

Model: Julia Kinnear at GINGERSNAP models http://www.gingersnap.co.uk

Hair & Make-up : Emma Bradley-Birt

BIPP Best Student Portfolio Award Winner 2011

On graduating last year from Wiltshire College (Salisbury) I was thrilled to achieve an Associate membership to the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography), the official qualifying body for professional photographers in the UK which is recognised as a bench mark of excellence. Last week marked the Qualification Presentations which were celebrated on board the Tattershall Castle, a boat with a view moored opposite the London Eye. 

In addition to my ABIPP certificate, much to my amazement I skipped home with a fancy plaque: Winner Best Student Portfolio 2011 :) I am jumping over the moon, thrilled to receive such an award and more than a little bit shocked when my name was announced.  More can be seen and read at: http://www.thebipp.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/all-aboard-for-bipp-qualifications.html

The sun shone and the Pimms flowed as a great time was had by all as they celebrated their qualifications amidst beautiful sunshine and picture perfect views of London town. LOVE x

Mr & Mrs Thompson

It's always an honour to photograph a wedding....it's a extra special honour to be asked to photograph a photographer's wedding (and a little scary too!!) ... I had the pleasure of capturing all of the fun of an Irish wedding. Dublin and the surrounding countryside  was the setting for a super cool couple with bags of creativity. Irish luck blessed the day with fair and kind weather and the day was one roller coaster of fun and laughter. Rocky the camper van meandered and chugged his way through city to country via a Maser graffiti wall (Ireland's answer to Banksy). Along the way there was a quirky detour to an Irish pub for a cheeky Guiness pit stop, before hitting the road for a stunning countryside drive to the reception, which was held at the magnificant Summer Hill House. A hearty feast of Irish beef  amongst other yumminess was wolfed down before the cake cutting. A spectacular cake awaited, perched on a stand designed and created by the Groom, who not surprisingly is a talented architect...seeing was believing...it was amazing! In true Irish spirit the celebrations were full of life, laughter and went long into the night. It was an honour and pleasure to be part of the celebrations of such a wonderful couple and their warm family and friends. LOVE x

I'm in LOVE...with my new sample albums...

Well I'm just a teeny bit smitten with a little parcel that arrived recently...with great excitement I can share my new sample albums. I am totally head over heels in love with them. I'm a stickler for unfussy modern design and I'm thrilled to have found an album company that also share these qualities. These lovely albums were made by FOLIO albums www.folioalbums.com

Apart from being delicious eye candy and truly luscious to the touch, there are lots more reasons to love these albums... With admiration overload here are a few reasons to warm to them...they are made in Great Britain using fine art archival matte paper....  The print quality and clarity is exquisite, and as the albums lie flat, designs can be spread across the centre fold without cracking or discolouration...  The colour range is modern and the loveliest I've come across. To top all of this, their sustainable manufacturing practices give them greener than green credentials. 

Wedding albums are a beautiful way to express and capture the story of your wedding day. I love how they convey the journey of the day, expressing the mood of what it felt like to be there...so when dipped in to can transport the beholder to relive those special moments, the colour, loved ones, significant details and ambiance. They make wonderful heirlooms too. If you would like a see and a feel of  these beauties do get in touch! LOVE x