Derby Engagement Photography | Louis & Georgia

When Georgia and Louis dropped me a line looking for an engagement shoot I immediately knew that the red brick heritage site streets close to Derby train station could be the perfect spot for them. It's a real gem of a location, just outside the city centre and I've walked past countless times dreaming up shoots I could do there. After a a few shots the weather turned and we decided to take a look inside the CAMRA award-winning Brunswick Inn. Being a real ale lover it's been on my list of pubs to visit for years, so I must admit I had a pint in hand for most of the rest of the shoot! There were so many yummy pools of light and period features, I was right in my element. 

“Facebook plays a big role in most people’s romances but it all started with a cheeky “Happy birthday” and a direct message. After back and forth messages we decided to meet. Louis picked me up after work and we went to a crappy pub that served cheap pints and a pool table, typically British.
Ever since then we have been inseparable he’s like my best friend, we do everything together couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather bug and annoy for the rest of my life.”

— Georgia

These guys were just so lovely and easy to work with and I could definitely be persuaded to do another pub engagement shoot.

Fuji X-Pro2 part one | Portrait photography at the Cosy Club

In the seven years that I've been in business, I have only ever been a Canon shooter. With my usual cameras, I don't have to think about my way around the settings. I know my kit inside out... And then I decided it was time to mix it up a bit. 

After having played with a Fuji X-Pro2 at Snap Photography Festival, I wanted to see if I could incorporate one into my work. For this shoot I paired the X Pro2 with the XF-23mm f1.4, giving me the equivalent of 35mm focal length. 

The X-Pro2 is a very different camera to what I'm used to. For one thing it's mirrorless so it's small and light... (I can't emphasise enough how light it is). Adjusting to using an electronic viewfinder took a while. This isn't going to be an in-depth review about the technical aspects of shooting Fuji. I need to get to know it better first. What I will say is that all these differences made it just so darn fun to shoot with. It took me out of my comfort zone in the best way. 

The wonderful Nellie came to model for me and we used the richly decorated surroundings of The Cosy Club in Derby. I've wanted to shoot in there since the first time I had brunch there and couldn't decide what was more perfect: the window light or the poached eggs. Anyway, that's quite enough waffling (brunch pun intended!) for now... time for some photos!

So that's it for now... I can't wait to get to know my new Fuji better and share more of my experience with trying a new system. I know that so many photographers right now are switching to mirrorless or tempted to, so please let me know if there's any topics you'd like me to cover in future blog posts!

The West Mill, Derby Wedding Video | Charlotte & James

“We love it we love it we love it!!! So many lovely little moments that I had forgotten or didn’t see! The amount of people who have said “I want a video just like that!” Or “I don’t usually like wedding videos but that is amazing!!” Thank you for sharing your talents with us and leaving us with mementos that will last forever ”

— Charlotte & James

When The West Mill opened in Derby, I knew I would absolutely love shooting there. I mean... a wedding in a beautifully converted mill building with killer natural light AND it's ten minutes from my house? Yes please. 

What better way to shoot The West Mill for the first time than Charlotte and James' wonderful Christmassy wedding. I met them when I photographed Charlotte's sister's wedding back in the summertime and when they got in touch about their day I was so excited! 

They booked my video only package, which includes a shorter highlight film (above) and a longer extended version. While I really love combining photos and video, I do really enjoy having the freedom to concentrate solely on the filming at weddings from time to time. To get to do this at my new favourite venue... well... I was most definitely in my element! 

Here's their extended film!

Don't forget, if you're getting married locally to me I offer a discount on weddings nearby. So if you're getting hitched in Derbyshire get in touch soon! 

Claire + Zac | Derbyshire Wedding Photography & Video Preview

Claire and Zac met through their shared love of barbershop singing. About 18 months ago they sat me down and told me they were going to have a joint 30th birthday party. Except it wasn't a 30th birthday party. It was a secret wedding. What a day it turned out to be! They had an intimate ceremony with their closest family and then their guests turned up for their birthday party... after Claire and Zac sang with their choruses the truth was revealed to their guests and they had a ceremony with personalised vows and a gobsmacked congregation of friends and family. It was wonderful! Here's their video an a preview of the photos! Wow, wow, wow! 

“Hannah just has this 6th sense of knowing where to be and when to get that perfect picture. 18 months is long time to keep a secret - and she takes great pictures! I can’t believe how perfectly she captured our day!”

— Claire & Zac