David Islip

Blog

  • Wedding Photography for Helen & Matthew at Marks Hall

    We had the pleasure of being the Essex Wedding Photographers for the Wedding of Helen and Matthew.  Our day started at the Bride’s house where the warm weather allowed us  to take some pictures in garden.  After the church service at St Michael’s, Copford, and as Helen and Matthew exited the church, they were greeted by a bagpipe band, a surprise for Matthew!  The Reception was held at the lovely Coach House, Marks Hall, Coggeshall.  The walled garden and the formal gardens provided us with some nice backdrops.

    Wedding photographers Essex

  • Family portrait

    It was a great pleasure to meet up with the Brett family again for a lovley relaxed group in the garden – another great opportunity for Sandra to hone her children skills!

    Lifestyle family portrait
    Family group in the garden

  • Wedding photography training

    In recent months we have seen an explosion in the number of people offering training in professional wedding photography.

    We ourselves are too busy with actually doing weddings to get involved but cannot help but notice the wide range of skill levels of those offering to train. One we know of, only photographed their first wedding last year, so you can imagine the low skill levels they have to pass on!!

    So what qualifies a photographer to train?  The best place to start  is The BIPP (www.bipp.com) or the  MPA (www.thempa.com),  if you prefer to go with somebody local as a bare MINIMUM look for the letters LBIPP or LMPA after their name, ABIPP or AMPA is better, but really teaching need to be done by the best i.e. FBIPP or FMPA. Do check with the The BIPP or MPA that the person is entitled to those qualifications – it has been known for some to claim qualifications they do not have.

    Note that The BIPP and MPA are for Professional photographers, there are other seemingly professional organisations which anybody can join if they pay the fee!!!

    As always – buyer beware!!!

  • Irving Penn – Portraits

    The National Portrait Gallery is currently showing a collection of Irving Penn portraits from 1944 – 2007.  I attended with fellow professional photographers Dave Court of www.courtoncamera.co.uk and Kevin Pengelly of www.pengellyphotography.co.uk where we discussed the merits of the pictures. A very inspirational and  educational exhibition for any  photographer, great posing, lighting and printing  and amazing consistency over a 50 year career!  Well worth the trip.

    A thank you to Dave for the cream tea afterwards! Yum – don’t tell Sandra!!!

  • Wedding Photography for Rebecca & Stephen

    Crabbs Barn Wedding Photograher
    Rebecca and Stephen at Crabbs Barn

    Rebecca and Stephen were married at the lovely All Saints Church, Feering, followed by their Reception at Crabbs Barn, Kelvedon, Essex.  After taking some getting ready pictures of Rebecca and her Bridesmaids at her home, we made our way to the Church.  Whilst it was lightly raining, it made for some natural pictures with the Guests holding colourful umbrellas walking down the path to the Church.  As it momentarily stopped raining as we exited the Church we worked very fast taking a few family Group shots.  On arrival at Crabbs Barn, Rebecca and Stephen relaxed with their Guests whilst David and I took some informal pictures as well as keeping an eye on the weather.  Fortunately, we were able to go outside for some photographs.  A big ‘thank you’ goes to Rebecca and Stephen for smiling throughout their day despite the chilly and at times wet weather!

  • Thank You from Karen & Michael

    We have just received a lovely ‘Thank You’ from Karen & Michael who were married at Smeetham Hall Barn, Bulmer, Essex, recently.

    Dear David & Sandra,

    We wanted to take this opportunity to thank you so much for being our wedding photographers.  We enjoyed every aspect of our special day and from the moment we met you we knew that you would provide a professional service.  You made us feel completely relaxed and the photographs taken were such a fun aspect of our day, including those we didn’t even know were being taken!  You have captured so many fantastic shots and truly helped to provide some very special memories of our day.  There is not a single picture that we don’t like and we would have no hesitation in recommending you. 

    Thanks again and best wishes,

    Karen & Michael Pulford

  • Wedding of Amanda & Lee

    It was a pleasure to be the Photographers for the Wedding of Amanda and Lee at St Mary’s Church, Bocking, and Spains Hall, Finchingfield, Essex.  Our day ran from final bridal preparations through to the dancing.  Following the church Ceremony the couple were greeted by their Guests  in the warm sunshine.  Family pictures were taken at the Church before leaving for the Reception at Spains Hall, Finchingfield.  Whilst the Guests were enjoying themselves in the splendid gardens, we took Amanda and Lee to create a few relaxed portraits of themselves.  We made sure Amanda & Lee and their Guests were in front of the house for the surprise flyover of a Dakota, which was spectacular!  After the Wedding Breakfast we were able to take a few pictures of Amanda and Lee around the grounds in the evening sunshine.  A thank you goes to the Bride’s parents, Cheryl and Richard for inviting us to join their Wedding Guests for the Wedding Breakfast.  A truly wonderful day!

    Essex Wedding Photographers
    Amanda and Lee at Spains Hall

  • Testimonial from Gosfield Hall wedding photography

    “Thank you so much for your work, it was fantastic and a pleasure to have you at our wedding.

    Our guests  found you professional as did we, and a pleasure to work with, fun and with fantastic attention to detail as well as amazing patience when dealing with our weird and wonderful requests!”

    Neil & Sam

    Married January 2010 Gosfield Hall

    Essex wedding photographers Gosfield Hall

  • Douglas DC3 Dakota over Finchingfield

    For anybody who wondered what the DC3 was flying over Finchingfield for recently, it was for the wedding of Amanda & Lee (full blog to follow) at Spains Hall, Finchingfield, Essex.

    Wedding Photographer Essex
    DC3 over Spains Hall

  • Annis & James' Wedding Photography at St Michael's Church, Kirby-Le-Soken

    We were very pleased that Annis & James chose us as their Professional Photographers for their Wedding, especially as the weather was dry, bright and warm for a Marquee wedding.  After taking some nice bridal preparation shots we made our way to St Michael’s Church.  Following the service we took some family group shots outside the Church then left to go to the Reception.  Whilst Annis, James and their Guests relaxed in the grounds, David and I were able to photograph unobtrusively their enjoyment.    The flowers were provided by W. Flowers and as usual were excellent and the catering was provided by Bouquet Garni which was very good.  A brilliant day!

    North Essex Wedding Photographer
    Annis & James