Wedding at Bamburgh Castle

Northumberland has had some rain this year. This June wedding  at Bamburgh Castle -although it was blowing a gale outside- was very beautiful and warm inside and  a delight to photograph. We then went onto Alnwick Garden.

© Shona Branigan

 

 

Wedding Photography at Lindisfarne Castle

I photograph weddings regularly at Lindisfarne, and I have to admit it is a special favourite of mine. Driving over the causeway is always a thrill.  Also as I wait at the entrance to the castle for the bride to arrive I can often hear the seals calling to each other. If you love the sea- you will love this venue. Here are some photos from a recent wedding in April this year.

All Images © Shona Branigan

Too busy even to blog!

I have neglected my blog for a few months now- I had the excitement of finding a new home and studio in December and I moved in January. The new studio is in an awesome location overlooking Derwent Reservoir and the moors beyond. The studio is in an old Blacksmiths Shop- which had been used as a garage since the second world war… so cobweb removal took some time as did the pointing, painting, oiling, cleaning, and more painting.. but now its lovely and well worth it. Working here is a joy- I watch the swallows, the geese and the gulls and the fishermen. I am open for tea/ coffee/ a chat and I have a gallery here too. Previous clients know that I have always had a lovely studio -its been part of their enjoyment of the portrait work or the chats about their wedding- but I have to say that the location here sets it apart. So drop by- you can have a walk by the reservoir too. Weddings are continuing apace as are the portrait sessions and now that I have a new camera too- the Canon 5D Mark 11 I am branching out into film making too. It’s just so easy to slip between stills and into video- especially in a portrait session- it keeps it flowing. I should have some videos to view soon! In the meantime here are a few photos from an April wedding at Horton Grange Hotel.

 

 

 

 

Wedding List

Wedding List Photography Gifts

The Photography is one of the most important expenditures for your wedding day- especially as your photos will last a lifetime. The photos will take you back to that day over and over again. So it is vital to pick the photographer who suits you best and fits into your day just the way you want, but also provides you with the photos you love the most.

As this is so important then why not add the costs of your photography to your wedding list and let your guests help you to buy it. Of all the presents they could give you- this is probably the most important and special.

I have created a Wedding List Photography gifts gallery on my shop page which enables your family and friends to select a variety of gifts. They include albums; large prints; but best of all the flexibility of buying a voucher towards your photography. They are available in increments of £25.00, and you are free to use them on any products you wish. I will keep a record of all the vouchers on your account and can let you know what balance is still left to pay. Of course if the vouchers reach your package target then I will let you know immediately so that you can ask guests to move onto other presents if you wish.

Just click on the image below to go straight to the shop.

Rebecca and Adam at Close House

Close House is a very beautiful venue. Rebecca and Adam got married at their local church in Riding Mill and held the reception at Close House in Wylam in May this year. Here are some highlights.

© Shona Branigan

Wallington Hall

Wallington Hall is a beautiful National Trust Property in Northumberland.  Caroline and Andrew got married at the local church in Cambo and then held their reception in a marque in the grounds of Wallington. If you would like to see more examples from Wallington or other venues- then click here.

© Shona Branigan

Slaley’s 150th Anniversary Show

Slaley my local village, celebrated it’s 150th Agricultural show this year. I photographed it and 10 of the images have been selected for the Slaley Show calendar. It’s a fab show- with thousands of people visiting and entering the various categories: sheep; cattle; poultry; horse jumping; to name just  a few. A favourite of mine this year was the terrier racing- fantastic fun to watch and to photograph as well as the three legged race, and the children racing. If you were at the show and would like to see if you are in a picture then please get in touch and I will give you the link to the gallery. See below for a few of my personal favourites:

All photographs © Shona Branigan

Hexham Photography Group Water Exhibition

I have been a member of this group for 12 years, and have been lucky to have met and learnt from some inspiring photographers: Thomas Joshua Cooper, John Blakemore, Jacky Longstaff, (thanks to Jacky for giving me a place on the HNC Photography course- and being such a good tutor); Paul Kenny come to mind. We don’t have a website but if you are interested in finding out more- feel free to email me.  Talks are open to guests. I have been photographing water for years and for this exhibition I concentrated upon the story of water: Hence the image “Camusdarach: Trickle. For those who know Camusdarach beach on the west coast of Scotland- looking over the sea to the islands of Rum and Eigg you will know how inspiring the place is.

The exhibition was held in the Queens Hall, Hexham, in April 2009 .

See below for my entry:  all Photographs © Shona Branigan

Durham Miners Gala

I have  been going to the Miners Gala since I was a child. I still find it an emotional experience as there is a lot of pride- quite rightly- in our mining heritage, and it shows on the faces of people at the Gala. Mix that with the sound of a brass band and it’s very difficult not to be moved. Whatever our occupational background  we all share our humanity and ‘comradeship’ and this fills the senses on Gala day. There is a service in the Cathedral which is a must. It will be full, the brass band will play as they process down the aisle, and the robed Clergy line up to clap them as they pass.  It’s an experience.

All photos © Shona Branigan

Appleby Horse Fair

I have photographed at Appleby a few times now and went this year-but it was disappointing in that the weather was cold and wet and so the riders were well wrapped up! Appleby is the largest horse trading fair in Europe and I am always grateful to the travellers for their welcome and their willingness to be photographed. The washing of the horses in the river Eden is a great visual spectacle- but my favourate bit is when the horses are galloped up and down the single track road to show them off to potential buyers. It’s unpredictable, dangerous and rather exciting. Photographing it is sheer pleasure. 2008 was my best year so I have included some pics here – it was hot in 2008!

All photographs © Shona Branigan