Royce Photography

It's all go

2011-09-15T10:26:00.000+01:00

Well things have been moving along at their normal rates. We're almost at the end of the wedding season so the retouching is keeping me at the computer longer than normal, (Thankfully I have a good workflow!) And we've been working on other projects that will hopefully come to fruition in the new year.
Very soon we start our Christmas marketing and the wedding fairs start now too, so it's onwards and upwards.

In the meantime here's a couple of images from work that we've been doing recently. Enjoy!

As always any comments welcomne.

Well whatever next!!

2011-08-24T22:26:00.000+01:00

After a fantastic weekend and a great shoot on Monday I started to feel a bit off. Suffice to say I'm not feeling too good now. I think it's just a bit of food poisening...well I hope it's just that! Can't be too ill, the studio is quite busy over the next few days!

Oh well...onwards and upwards!

David & Charlotte's wedding

2011-08-21T21:48:00.003+01:00

You normally get a call from the Bride in the week or so before the wedding just to make sure that everything is OK to set them at ease, but with Charlotte that didn't happen. I turned up to a very laid back Bride, in fact, any more laid back and she would have been asleep!!

When I arrived she, along with the Bridesmaid and Mum was having their hair and makeup done by Donna at Beauty Angels. (It was Donna that done the hair and Makeup for my daughters prom). She didn't disappoint, but then she never does...the Bride looked stunning, as did the Bridesmaid.

From then on what a day we had! It was just fabulous. Not only very easy to work with, but it's been a while since I had that much time with a Bride & Groom without any of the guests commenting on photographers and the time taken. Suffice to say we got some fabulous images.

David & Charlotte are now away on their honeymoon and I'm looking forward to their return for them to see their images...I know they're looking forward to it.

In the meantime, here are a couple of images to whet their appetite!

As always, any comments are welcome.

A busy day with nothing done!

2011-06-30T17:35:00.002+01:00

So I've managed to finish one retouching job, done one portrait session and got my kit ready for an event tomorrow. It not much, so where did my day go!??!

I guess the schools being closed hasn't helped but at least the car's been washed ready for tomorrow.

So Denhem, here we come!!

Weekends over - on with the week!

2011-06-27T10:01:00.003+01:00

Well after the hectic weekend it's on with the week, today's an admin day, and I've got about 30 disks to burn and post. I've got to get an order in for a job I'm doing on Friday and around all the studio sessions taking place.

I thought it was a hectic weekend!!

It's going to dry out!

2011-06-25T07:12:00.002+01:00

Just getting myself ready to shoot a wedding for a colleague down in sunny Hertfordshire. It'll be a late one but hopefully I'll be back by 11 this evening.

Then it's packing the car ready for a wedding fair tomorrow in Rugby so it's going to be a busy weekend. Monday should be a bit easier though so I'll have a time to get ready for the studio on Tuesday.

Have a great weekend!

Mia Matthews

2011-01-28T17:50:00.005Z

Gary brought his daughter Mia to me on a recommendation from another client. She was bubbly and friendly and we got some great images. Here's a little taster!

As always, feel free to leave a comment!!

Justin & Sarah's wedding

2010-08-31T21:16:00.006+01:00

It had been raining all week leading up to Justin & Sarah's wedding, but on the morning of the wedding the sun broke through and we were blessed with a beautiful day. The day got under way and dispite being in the center of Bedford we didn't have that many holdups.
All in all the day went well, and we finished the photographs earlier that expected, and just before the heavens opened up on us again!

The happy couple will be back off honeymoon some time soon. Until then, here's a couple of images for you to enjoy!
Comments always welcome.

Success!!!

2010-06-16T08:19:00.003+01:00

After the frantic time I've been having it was a rushed few pictures that I entered into the Central Region Master Photographers annual photographic competition. Well in excess of 200 images, the standard was extremely high, (we do have some great talent in our region). I'm really chuffed to have won the Fashion and Glamour and the Pets category, as well as a second in the landscape/pictorial. My kids moaned as it means another two trophys to polish!!

Congratulations must go to Hossain Mahdavi for winning the overall Central Region Potographer of the Year, (Total points of five images entered). He is a great photographer, but I can take some comfort in having won the fashion which is probably his strongest category.

However, what was really great about the competition was the emergance of some of our up and coming photographers. It's an art that I love that is under some real pressure for one reason and another. Whilst I hope to have many more years doing what I love, the future of our industry lies in the up and coming photographers. They had a good showing producing some fantastic work. We should nurture and encourage them so that when we oldies retire our beloved industry is left in good hands. Well done to all the winners!

Tristan & Lisa's wedding

2010-06-07T16:01:00.004+01:00

It was a hot day that found us on the way to Tristan & Lisa's wedding. I met up first with the Groom on the 10th tee at the Del A Pre golf course at 7am. It was tempting to get my clubs out of the car and follow him round, but duty calls, and after getting changed, it was off to meet the Bride.

It was generally a very relaxed day with pleasant guests and beautiful and happy couple. The caterers were under pressure to keep everyone fed and watered, (I did chip in with my assistant during a quiet period to help them out a bit), but they managed admirably.

It was a tired Royce that left the wedding that evening, but satisfied that a good job had been done. The happy couple are away on honeymoon now, whilst I busy myself in getting ready for a four day Mother & Baby show in Milton Keynes.

Here's a couple of images to whet their appetite!

Enjoy.

It's been a while!

2010-06-07T11:49:00.003+01:00

It's been a while since I've posted, it's been a frantic period of time both professionally and personally. So much has happened, but regardless we're into the wedding season now. I've been working on a few different projects, and although I know I'm making headway, it doesn't really look like it! But I'm sure that it'll all come together in the end!

The imagemakers annual golf competition, organised by last years winner Colin Clark, was a welcome day out and a pleasant day away from the office. But now it's preparing for the upcoming Mother and Baby show, as well as the weddings.

But first, it's a quick trip to Germany to visit my close friend Nadine and her family. It was supposed to be a surprise for her birthday, but the secrets out! It'd be nice if I could get to see her more often but with my commitments it's difficult!

I'll be uploading a couple of images from a recent wedding very shortly!

Sam Bell

2009-11-11T11:18:00.003Z

It's been quite a busy time with trying to get the weddings off to the lab, (All done now!!!), and the framing I've got to finish off. I started my Christmas promotion as well and that's looking promising, but adding to the workload. But at least it's working for me. If I could get just a day with no telephones I could make a huge dent in the work. At least half the calls are marketing/ad companies, and they're so rude that it puts you off your stride. One day I'll get an ad call that'll be useful to me.

Anyway, as a follow-on from the shoot with Sam and little Lexi a week or so ago. She's grown loads since the last time I photographed her!

This is a shot of Sam from the same session. She didn't expect to be on any of the photographs so it was a bit of a shock for her!!

As always, any comments are welcome.

David & Dawns Wedding Update

2009-10-28T11:06:00.003Z

David & Dawn have now returned from their honeymoon. I did offer to go with them and take some pictures, but for some reason they declined!! (Just kidding)

Anyway, they've collected their previews, so here's a small slideshow of some of their images.

As always, any comments are welcome.

Enjoy!

Another day in the studio

2009-10-24T22:37:00.003+01:00

It's been a week since my last post. I've been trying to get up to date on the last couple of weddings before the Christmas rush starts, as well as trying to complete the portraits and framing. I'm almost there now, so I'll be able to get some work done on my other little project of putting together some art images for the shop that wants to put them on sale.

Here are a couple of images from just one of todays shoots.

As always, any comments are always welcome.

David & Dawns Wedding

2009-10-12T06:53:00.002+01:00

A brightening morning greeted us when we set off for David & Dawns wedding. I had spoken to Dawn the day before and she was extremely calm. (Considering the odd hic-cup they've had in the build up to their big day!)

We soon got into the swing things although we had to work around the odd issue, like the best man forgetting the rings!! With beautiful Bridesmaids and handsome Groomsmen we got some great images. (Some of the guests were at some previous weddings we'd photographed about 15 years previously!!)

But all in all, it was a great day. We'll prepare their images whilst the happy couple are sunning themselves in the Maldives. But in the meantime, here's a couple of images from their day.

As always, any comments are welcome.

Weddings with Master Photographers (Linked to the MPA)

2009-10-09T10:17:00.006+01:00

There's been a lot of discussion recently regarding the case of Marc & Sylvia Day's wedding photographs, (or lack of, depending on your viewpoint!)

As a specialist wedding photographer, it saddens me to hear of cases like this on what is one of the most important days of a couples life. The sad truth is that it's more commonplace than it should be. In this day of digital technology, anyone who picks up a camera thinks it's easy to be a wedding photographer. But the opposite is true, it's a highly specialised task. To quote the great Ray Lowe FMPA, "You would not go to an unqualified Doctor for an examination, so why book an unqualified photographer for one of the most important days of your life ?"

Most wedding couples think nothing of spending £3000-£10,000 on their wedding breakfast, but then baulk at £3000 on their wedding photographs. Their guests can enjoy their feast and pat their full bellies and declare "wonderful meal", until breakfast that is. Your photographs are for life. They will be handed through your future generations for years to come, for the enjoyment of your children, and theirs after. For me, sadly, I am unable to show my children a photograph of my Father as I don't have any, and he has been gone 30 years. For me it's too late, I just have my fading memories. I urge others to take the opportunity and not leave their future generations to suffer as I do.

I leave it with the words of our Chief Executive, the Master Photographers Association to sum up.

Comment from the Chief Executive of the Master Photographers Association:

I was appalled to read about the West Yorkshire newlyweds, Marc and Sylvia Day, who had to sue their wedding photographer for producing shoddy wedding photographs and video.

The photographer in question was not charging cheap prices either, so how can couples be assured that the photographer they choose is not going to make a mess of things?

The answer is simply to entrust this most important event to a Master Photographer. The Master Photographers Association is the only trade body in the UK to insist its members are full-time professionals and are qualified to a high minimum standard. They also follow a strict code of conduct and carry the appropriate insurance.

The bungling photographer, Gareth Bowers, was not an MPA member, but appears to have been a former member of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers - a privately run society which does not enforce the strict entry criteria of the Master Photographers Association.

I'll be discussing the benefits of using a Master Photographer in a radio interview booked for next week.

Colin Buck
Chief Executive, MPA

Peter & Laura's wedding

2009-10-08T20:41:00.004+01:00

Peter and Laura are back from their honeymoon and looking great! Now that they've had their viewing, here's a sample of their wedding as an album layout.

As always, any comments are welcome.

Walking and wotnots!!

2009-10-06T22:21:00.003+01:00

The backs getting better, good enough to start walking again. I'm not doing my normal route, I thought I'd start gentle, which is probably just as well as I still get twinges if I twist or bend in the wrong direction. But it's nice to be out early in the morning again!

I'm shooting another wedding this weekend so hopefully the back will fare better than it has of late.

In the meantime, I've finally managed to get a photograph of my son, Justin. It's only taken me about 5 months, but at least I've done it now. And more importantly, he likes it!!

Here's a couple from the session.

As always, any comments are welcome.

Yet another wedding fair!!

2009-10-04T19:03:00.004+01:00

Sedgebrook was the venue for today's wedding fair. It's normally quite quiet, but today it was hectic! At least it helps the time pass quickly. It was my new assistant's 2nd fair, and she's shaping up well!! We helped on Hockleys stand as well as he was busy at the Milton Keynes wedding fair.

All in all it was a good day, although we were both shattered.

I've a wedding to get ready by Thursday so the pressure's on this week.

In the meantime, here's an image from a recent shoot that I did for a birthday party.

As always any comments are welcome.

MArk & Terina's Wedding

2009-10-02T10:41:00.002+01:00

Here's a sample of Mark & Terina's wedding that I shot recently. The run up to their big day was a book in the making!

But they got there eventually, even though it was via Las Vegas!! Still, the weather held, and even though it was a tough choice for half the guests between the photo's and the bar, (Squaddies! Need I say more!), fun was had by all.

As always, any comments are welcome.

Joseph

2009-09-30T18:06:00.002+01:00

A quick slideshow of unedited images of Joseph's first cherubs session.

Any comments are always welcome.

Mark & Terina's Wedding

2009-09-27T23:21:00.004+01:00

For Mark & Terina, the run-up to their wedding and blessing was quite stressful! With a fair proportion of "squaddies" and ex Squaddies, it was an interesting service, as only they can make it! I didn't have too far to travel either, it was in my local church in Olney. If you've never been to Olney, it's a beautiful little village famous for it's pancake race!

It was a nice small service, the weather was great, and fun was had by all. I finished early as well, so it gave me plenty of time to get ready to go and set up for my wedding fair at Sandy.

Here's a few images whilst the couple are away for a few days.

As always, any comments are welcome.

It's that time of year!

2009-09-25T22:35:00.003+01:00

We've reached that time of the year when we start displaying at wedding fairs. Over the last few years the've been diluted quite a bit as everyone seems to be doing them, especially hotels organising their own. It's rarely as good as those organised by companies who do it as a full time profession, it's all to do with the promotion of it.

Still, it gets us out there, that's the main thing, and with our prize draw for a £1400 wedding package as well, we should generate some interest.

I'm shooting another wedding tomorrow so I'll post a few images from it on by Monday.

Here's an image of our stand.

Peter & Laura's Wedding

2009-09-21T00:03:00.003+01:00

It was with some trepidation that I set off to shoot Peter & Laura's wedding on Saturday. Nothing to do with the wedding itself, I'd slipped a disk on Thursday, and as anyone who's had one themselves knows, it's a painful experience. But after a trip to the osteopath on Friday, and my back support and drugs off I went to meet up with the Groom. Peter was relaxed and in the middle of a film when I arrived, but after a few shots I was on my way to meet up with the bride.

It was quite calm when I arrived, and we just plodded along getting the shots we needed as we went. It was a pleasant surprise I had whilst taking some shots in the marquee to find that the young lady who was supplying the chair covers, Rachel, was the Bride at a wedding I'd shot about 4 years previously!

Eventually the Bride slipped into her magnificent dress and after a few more shots I made my way, a little later than planned, to the church to meet up once again with the groom. We soon caught up and everything was ready for the Brides arrival.

The Gospel choir, Souls of Phrophecy, added a great up tempo mood, as only a gospel choir can, to a beautiful service. And after a few more photographs we made our way to the reception.

The group photographs went without any hitches thanks to the assistance of the Toastmaster, Paul Bridge and the wedding coordinators. But one of the highlights of the evening had to be the appearance of Julian Smith, (of Britains got Talant fame!), particularly liked by the Bride. He does have a way of playing that just draws you in to the beauty of his music. That was shortly followed by the Bride and some her friends performing "Wishing and Hoping" from the film My best friends wedding.

It was shortly after that I said my goodbyes and, a little tired but very satisfied, made my way home to a well earned cup of tea.

The happy couple are away on their honeymoon now and will be coming into the studio to collect their previews on their return at the beginning of October. Until then, here's a couple of images from the day.

As always, any comments are welcome.

Kevan & Caroline

2009-09-15T15:51:00.002+01:00

Here's a sample of images from a recent wedding we covered at Notley Abbey, former home of Lawrence Olivier.

I've been the family photographer on the Brides side for 15 years, and all the young girls are grown and have families of their own. It's been a rewarding journey for me personally, to follow such a wonderful family and see the changes that have occurred over the years.

Enjoy!

Camera Update

2009-09-13T00:56:00.003+01:00

The camera I sent flying is sick, over £350 sick!! The lens is the bulk of that. I didn't think it could be repaired myself, but apparently with a new barrel and a few gubbings inside it'll be as right as rain. I should get the camera back towards midweek, but the lens will take longer.

I'm taking one of my other ones out in the morning, but I'll be sure to watch where I'm walking!!.

Here's a couple of images that I've taken on a couple of my walks.

As always, any comments welcome!

Enjoy!!

Good friends!

2009-09-11T07:06:00.000+01:00

I was chatting to a close friend the other day about this and that, but in particular the event with my camera, (the one I was carrying when I fell the other day!), and the loss of the images that I could have taken of the geese flying past my head. Her perspective was different.

As a photographer, it's a natural instinct to reach for my camera when I see an event or scene around me that excites and motivates me want to produce and image for my collection. In doing so, we tend not to sit back and just enjoy the moment that unfolds in front of us. Although a large part of me rues the photographic part, I was very fortunate to witness a beautiful site before me, and did enjoy it.

Like this morning. The blood red sunrise over a mist shrouded Clifton Reynes was just beautiful to witness. I still wish that I'd had my camera with me, I don't think that'll ever change, but she was right, sometimes we need a bit of "me time" just to take in the beauty that surrounds us.

Martin & Lisa's wedding update

2009-09-10T17:07:00.004+01:00

A quick update to the images I posted last week for Martin & Lisa to enjoy.

Here's a quick sample of an album layout for them, and you, to enjoy!!

Typical!!!

2009-09-07T07:19:00.003+01:00

So I'm up at 5 for my walk. I take a peak out the window, not a cloud in sight!! I thought "great, when the sun comes up it'd be perfect!"
A mile into my little stroll I got snagged up in some broken branches and went flying, and worse still, so did my camera!. It was that sickening crunch that told me that something had broke. I think the camera is OK, but the lens looks terminal.

But worse was to come!!

As I got to the bottom end of Olney on my way back, past where the geese take a rest on their long journey south, they were just in the process of taking off. They came past me, head height and 10 feet in front of me, about 6 groups, one after the other. You could see the feathers on their wings rippling as they flapped away, and as they flew off on their long journey, and the way the different groups were shaped and spaced, I felt like I was in one of those old war films, where the C.O. is on the airfield watching his squadren flying off on their mission, not knowing how many will make it.

The camera can be repaired or replaced, but I mourn the loss of a golden opportunity to capture such a beautiful sight.

Still, there's always next year!

Martin & Lisa's Wedding

2009-08-30T22:22:00.008+01:00

Beautiful weather greeted Martin & Lisa's wedding. A pleasant couple with a lovely family, photographing the wedding was a real joy. Lisa made the most beautiful Bride, the Groom the most dashing man, and along with the 4 charming bridesmaids, and Best Man and usher, it was a photographers dream, and fun was had by everyone there.
The happy couple are off on honeymoon now, but until they return and collect their previews here's a little taster of their wedding.

If you were at the wedding check out the rest of the images at -

http://www.roycestudios.co.uk/weddings.html

and don't forget you'll need your password!

As always, any comments welcome.

Enjoy!!

It's all in a days work!!

2009-08-27T19:36:00.005+01:00

It's been a funny sort of year up to now. It's either been quiet and peaceful, or the heavens have opened and dropped the world and his dog on our shoulders!!
This weekend our weddings really start in ernest. We've done a few up to now, but they come thick and fast now. We've had a few changes so it'll be strange to start off with, but when that camera starts clicking away and that "buzz" takes hold we'll be on our merry way! I'll be bringing updates more regularly now, especially as I have someone to keep up to date with all the blogs and sites that I service.

Recently I've been doing a lot of walking. Apart from the fitness aspect, it helps me think. But what I like the most is the beauty of my morning walk. It's quiet and unspoilt before the rest of the town wakens. I'm fortunate to live in a beautiful part of England, where I can at least relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Here's an image from one of my morning walks.

Enjoy

It's been a while!!

2009-07-09T22:44:00.002+01:00

It's been some time since my last post, that's not to say that it hasn't been hectic. I thought that I may have been able to gain myself some time to do my own thing, but it hasn't exactly worked out that way.
The good news is that I'm virtually up to date with all my wedding work! We've had an issue where the choosing of the images for an album has taken a little longer than normal, and we had several in at the same time, but we've addressed that issue now and brought ourselves right up to date.
We've also reaquainted ourselves with the Prom/party nights in Manchester, so that'll be something else to fit into my diary.
I've also judged a competition for the Welsh region Master Photographers Association. There were some very nice images entered, and my congratulations goes to the winners.
The other big thing to happen is that our son decided to leave home. It's never easy, regardless of if you've had other children leave. He's waiting for his army medical at the moment, so hopefully that'll be through soon and he'll know one way or the other. Still, we wish him all the best for the future.
Anyway, just to finish, here's an image that I took recently at my daughters birthday party.

It's a family thing!!

2009-05-27T13:40:00.004+01:00

Pete and his family have been trying to get into the studio for months now. He'd recently had the dreaded school photo of his daughter, but it was a typical school photo!!
Eventually, we managed to get him and his family into the studio, (not an easy feat!!) Here are a couple of images just as a taster!

It's a birthday

2009-05-27T13:06:00.003+01:00

I recently completed a portrait session for Gary, co owner of Counter Act Systems. (If ever you have a problem with your system, or backup issues, or indeed, anything computer related, Gary is your man!!) It was his twins birthday coming up and he thought about a small banner for their party.
As with kids, we couldn't do the twins without juat a little piccy for the smallest one!! 3 girls...he'll suffer for that when they're older!!

Comments welcome as always!

Not so young any more!

2009-05-18T22:50:00.005+01:00

It's funny how, as parents, you go through life, keeping house, looking after your kids, and all that sort of thing.
My eldest, Brandon, (Well, of those still at home!), is just going through his exams, and my second eldest, Lauren, is just preparing for her work experience. But still they're just kids.
Then one day when you look at them you think that, well, maybe they arn't so small after all!!
I think Mum has mixed feelings about it. It's nice that they're finding themselves in that big wide world, but then she'll have no-one to "mumsy" over, especially when Justin reaches that moment in time too.
We won't know what to do with ourselves!!

Busy week update!

2009-05-17T23:27:00.005+01:00

It's been another busy week. We finished editing the images from another wedding that we had covered and sent the happy couple away more than happy. I've finished one set of images of a set of girls from a 15th birthday portrait party and have got another to do by Wednesday for collection. I'm up to date on all my portrait orders and viewings apart from ordering a couple of frames.
But the most exciting thing to have happened this week is that we have found an outlet for our artwork!! It's always a problem as to how to get the potential clients to see what artwork we have, but with a high street outlet with a good footfall we can at last get our work seen, and hopefully sell some.
All we have to do now is produce the stock of limited edition prints for display and get them to the shop!! It's going to be another busy week!

What a week!!

2009-05-10T20:05:00.003+01:00

It's been a busy week!! I shot a beautiful couple for their engagement, their wedding being next year in Aberdeen. I've also shot 6 cherubs sessions, 1st and 2nd sittings, and had a couple of viewings. Yesterday I took a booking for next week for a portrait session,they're travelling down from Morcombe!!
Finally today, I shot some wedding cakes for Hockleys , probably the best supplier of wedding cakes in the country. If you've never had a taste of a Hockleys cake you're missing something!!.
During all this I managed to get out early one morning to catch the sun rising over the treetops towards the Cherry Orchard Garden. For all the bad news and events in the world we hear about on a daily basis, you just can't beat a morning like these. The air was freash, there was no traffic noise, just the cows having a little chew on the grass. It was just a beautiful morning, and a reminder of just how beautiful our country is.
It'll be back to the grind tomorrow!!

It's all about weddings!!

2009-04-29T22:49:00.003+01:00

Tuesday night at our regional Master Photographers meeting saw my time as our regional chairman come to an end. I had decided to step down after six years of doing what I could for our region and members. It's been a great period of my life and I've found it fulfilling to do at least a little to help some of my fellow photographers. I will still support the region but from a "backbenchers" position.

After a superb chinese meal at the Pin Wei in Abbotts Langley and the forming of the new committee, I gave a lecture on wedding photography, and in particular, a wedding I covered in Maratea, Italy. It was at this wedding that I shot the image that won me the title of Kodak Wedding Photographer of the Year.

There were laughs at the right time, and more questions than there was time to answer, but generally, and juding by the telephone calls I received today, I think that everyone enjoyed it and took at least one idea away with them.

So here's a couple of images from that wedding.

Enjoy, and feel free to leave a comment.

Kevan & Caroline's Wedding at Notley Abbey

2009-04-17T22:27:00.003+01:00

So it was a damp Thursday morning that saw Sarah and I heading off to Notley for Kevan & Carolines wedding. The youngest of 3 sisters, I'd already photographed Sarah & Jo's weddings and was looking forward to doing this one. It was Jo and Steve's that won one of the many prize draws that we have, and were the proud recipients of a leather bound album made by the renowned Mario Acerboni of Italy.
As it happens, Kevan & Caroline had received a complimentary wedding cake from Hockleys. (another of our superb offers we have!!) Based in Northampton, Master Baker Michael Hockley is probably the best producer of wedding cakes in the Northant's, Buck's and Bed's area, and one of the top suppliers in the country. If you haven't tried his cakes you're missing a real treat!!
Whilst the weather deteriorated the spirits of this lovely family certainly didn't, and it was just a beautiful day. Caroline looked beautiful in a slim fitting dress, and Kevan was impeccable in his kilt, and it was obvious to everyone present at the ceremony, the depth of feeling these two have for each other every time their eyes met. (It's one of the reasons I love my job and why I feel privileged to be able to do it.)
In some ways I'm a little sad that this was the last wedding for the daughters, (and by the time Alex or Danielle are old enough I'll be in my zimmer frame!!) and i felt Dad's emotions at this momentous occasion with my own goosebumps.
It's been not only a real pleasure, but also my honour to have been a part of this family's life over the last 10 years or so. I've enjoyed every second of it!!

Here are just a couple of images to whet your appetite, the rest will be available on our main site in due course!

As always, please feel free to comment.

Brampton Grange Wedding Fair

2009-04-05T23:18:00.003+01:00

Our last wedding fair of the spring season was at Brampton Grange in Northampton. It's a lovely wedding venue and a great place to hold a wedding. During the day I got talking to Alex harding from the party linen co, (as you do when it goes a little quiet!) I was shooting a couple of images of the table layouts for Brampton's display book. Anyway, just before we packed everything away I took this quick shot of her. Pretty little thing she is, with a great pair of shoes!!! But I must confess, I wasn't too sure about her singing when she took over the mic!

As always, comments welcome!

What's behind the mask?

2009-03-29T23:57:00.005+01:00

We all have one, we like to keep that "thing" hidden, and show on the outside only that which we allow others to see.

But what's behind the mask?

From my shoot on Thursday. Comments welcome. Enjoy.

It's a wrap!!

2009-03-29T13:40:00.005+01:00

Here's a couple of images from the shoot yesterday. I would have done it last night but I was working on my lecture that I'm giving on the 28th April, and I'm getting behind so I thought I'd try to catch up a bit.

I had a good day in the studio, the babies were lovely, and the images are great. I can't wait for the parents to see them!!

Comments welcome!! Enjoy

Another day another doller!!

2009-03-28T09:46:00.001Z

It's a new dawn of a new day, the studio is ready, I'm ready, it's another day of babies!!

Clickity click, loving it!!

Into the studio!!

2009-03-25T21:41:00.002Z

I'm fired up! The studio is ready! I'm on the way in for a shoot! I'm excited and can't wait to start!!

Another day over!!

2009-03-21T16:46:00.005Z

I love photographing children!

There's a innocent purity about them that you don't get with adults, (We have too many hang-ups!) It's only when we adults start to educate them that they themselves evolve in their own way, and the purity evaporates.

I still marvel at the way some parents demand that their babies perform for the camera on the spot so that they don't feel embarressed by them. But you know, as a parent myself, your kids have a way of choosing just the right time to let out the very thing you want to keep hidden!!

It's been a long day, and I'm shattered. But I'm happy in my work!

What's on today!!

2009-03-21T09:36:00.004Z

Royce is looking forward to a day of shooting babies! The studios ready, cameras primed, and I'm raring to go!!
I wonder how I'll feel tonight when the last little cherub has left!!

Vixen

2009-03-19T19:40:00.005Z

Vicki contacted me through a friend for a portfolio shoot. She had looked through the friends images and like my style.
She hadn't been in front of a camera before, but as you can see, she soon got into the swing of things!! This is just a teaser from the shoot today.

As always, comments apprieciated!

WIN £1000

2009-03-06T17:55:00.009Z

Fancy a chance to win some cash? Models wanted for the KODAK Portrait awards.

Having won the Wedding award in 2008 I'm having a go at landing the portrait award. If you fancy a chance of winning a £1000, just contact me for the details.

All you need to do is arrange a time to come into the studio for a session, approx. 1 hour.

There is an entry fee of £1 that we pay. ALL the entry fee go to the PACE charity, (Children with Cerebral Palsy), to help give them a better quality of life.

Just contact me for your session. It could be you with the £1000!!

0845 170 8228 or 0845 230 3310 or royce@roycestudios.co.uk

Picture shown was my winning entry for the Central Region Portrait Photographer of the Year 2008

From babysitter to mother!!

2009-03-06T17:31:00.005Z

Isn't it funny how life goes on? In 1997 I was a single parent with two young babies, and this young lady, Sarah, used to babysit for me. Now here she is, married, and with her own little boy, Jay, coming back to our studio for her baby photographs. (We do her older sister Becky's kids too!) It doesn't seem like 5 minutes ago that she was just a young schoolgirl taking her exams!

I wonder if I'll still be around to do her grandkids?

They grow so fast!!!

2009-03-02T21:10:00.003Z

So there you are, a proud parent, this little bundle of joy just popped into the world, all lungs blazing, and you don't know what's hit you. But you get used to it, and slowly your life becomes easier. And as your kids grow into their own little person, sometimes the fact that they're your kids blinds you to the change that's taking place right in front of you.
Then it dawns on you that your little gems may not be so little after all!!!

It's enough to make you scream!!

2009-02-23T21:54:00.006Z

I took this picture as part of a model folio for Yolanda. She was after a fetish edge.

It's funny how some images make different people feel, but this image, currently displayed in our studio has had much the same reaction, it's how they feel at the moment! Trapped, they're stuck in the current economic gloom, not of their making, tied blindly to a situation they have no control over, and they just feel like screaming.

I never saw this image in that way before. The emotion felt by an individual about an image they see, is as unique as the image itself. For me personally it's not if people love or hate my work, (Although I'd prefer them to like it!) it's being able to spark that reaction that sets the image aside from the norm.

As always, any comments would be apprieciated.

Wedding fair

2009-02-21T18:30:00.003Z

Alright, the car's packed, paperwork is ready, everything is tickity-boo, except that we can't find the screws that holds the tv on the stand!! They've been put somewhere safe, so safe - we can't find them!
I'm sure they'll turn up by tomorrow, otherwise it's plan B, gaffer tape!!

So, if you're passing the Sunley Management Center in Northampton call in and say Hi!

Frames

2009-02-19T09:41:00.002Z

I'm off to collect my frames from Stanmore. I know it's a way, but I use it as a bit of time out of the office. Hetros Fine Art are great framers and really with it when it comes to designs and ideas. On top of that, Kiret and Mina, they're just really nice people to know!

I can't ever see me changing framers.

Sarah's Portrait

2009-02-15T15:30:00.004Z

This image is from a series I took for Sarah's 40th birthday. (Am I allowed to say that?!!?)

Wife, mother, office manager, chief cook and bottle washer, every time I mention Sarah at least you'll be able to put a face to the name.

As always, comments are most welcome.

Central Region Portrait Award

2009-02-12T19:10:00.003Z

At the recent Master Photographers Central Region Awards I was presented this lovely little winners trophy by David Macdonald FMPA and Hossain Mahdavi FMPA (Right) in the Portrait category. Normally it would have been presented by the Chairman, but that's me!
The piccy was taken by Colin Clark, http://roberthclark.blogspot.com (He's a jolly fellow and our regional treasurer!)
I've always been a firm believer that images entered should be the work produced for your clients, this image was no exception. I like entering the competitions, as well as being fun to compete against your friends, it help keeps you sharp!

As always, any comments are welcome.

Sadies Birthday Shoot

2009-02-12T16:22:00.003Z

Miss February!!

OK it's Sadie, who had some of her friends over for a portrait party. As teenagers they were unusually quiet to begin with, but all that changed when they found their feet, after which there was no stopping them!! I'm a parent of teenagers myself so I just took it in my stride. That being said, they were very well behaved!

I'll post the rest of the calendar up when the girls have made their choice.

As always, please feel free to comment!

Snow! Snow! Snow!

2009-02-10T20:47:00.005Z

I never saw a wild thing feeling sorry for itself.
A small bird will fall frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.
(DH Lawrence)

The Beauty of Child Portraiture!

2009-02-10T14:29:00.004Z

It's funny how the pure innocence of children can have a profound effect on people. No stress or strain, no ulterior motive, no greed or desire other than to enjoy the moment they're in. For Mum, the feeling of serinity she feels when she looks at this picture and the tear it brings to her eye, makes my job so worthwhile!

British Professional Photographers Awards

2008-10-28T00:53:00.003Z

Held in Newcastle on the 19th October 2008, the cream of the countries professional photographers gathered to hear the results. I'm feeling pretty chuffed after winning the Kodak Wedding Photographer of the Year with a stunning bridal portrait of Jude that we took at her wedding in Maratea in Italy.

Very shortly Paul & Jude will be receiving their prize of a digital camera, a framed copy of their image and a cheque for £1000!

How fantastic is that!!

Portraiture

2008-10-27T23:01:00.003Z

It's been a busy year with the weddings and portraits, (and not forgetting the babies!!) Calender shoots have been very popular this year as brides search for that special gift for their soon to be husbands. We've also done a few guys for the girls too! It's been very popular, and let's be honest, when was the last time you received 12 beautiful portraits of your loved one that was personalised for you?
To be honest as a nation we don't take portraiture of our families seriously enough but it's not a subject that people like to talk about. I wish I could have had a portrait done with my father, but circumstances beng what they were at the time, I never did and now for me it's too late. But at least we've done a few families now and we're getting our message about the importance of portraiture out to our clients. After all, it's for our children that we're having it done, so that they can show their children our family history. Unfortunately for me it's too late.

BPP Awards 2008!

2008-10-23T16:57:00.006+01:00

It's been a while but it's also been busy!! In November at the regional competition I managed to land the Central Region Photographer of the Year. I was pretty pleased, especially as there was some of the countries best photographers in the competition!

Anyway, we've had the BPP Awards since then and I'll be writing about that in the next post!!

Have fun!

British Professional Photographic Awards

2007-11-30T18:03:00.001Z

Held in October in Newcastle, members from both the British Institute of Professional Photographers and the Master Photographers Association came together for the annual dinner and awards ceremony.

With some of the finest photographers the UK has to offer, even to get an image onto the final board is an achievement in itself.

Imagine my delight, when after being on the board for the last 6 years I won the Cherubs catagory!! (Babies, if you didn't know)

To say that I'm feeling chuffed to bits is an understatement!! I've another competition in November that the winners are being announced in January, so I'm looking forward to that one.

I'll let you know how I got on