rachel.tweeddale

Chicken Katsu Curry: Personal

2012-03-09T13:13:00.001Z

Last night a couple of friends and I tried to recreate Wagamama's chicken katsu curry. It wasn't in a recipe book, but after a lot of internet research I managed to cobble together a recipe that could potentially work. I'm a big fan of Wagamama so I'm delighted to pronounce our efforts a success!

I thought I'd write a few notes on how we got on, just in case you'd like to try it too! We started off with a trip to our local mini market. I'd seen long and complicated recipes for the curry sauce, but also suggestions that S&B's 'Golden Curry' was pretty similar to the curry sauce. I thought I'd give it a go, as a pre made curry sauce is a little more convenient than making one from scratch ;)

We came back from the market with above mentioned curry sauce and some panko breadcrumbs for the breaded chicken. Success!

I was a bit sceptical about the curry sauce, the instructions were a little vague and the sauce itself comes in a big block. The instructions also talk about adding the sauce to meet and veg in a pan, which I had no intention of doing! We came to the conclusion that we'd use half of the sauce (it came in two sealed blocks) and half the water, and add that to softened chopped onions. It was pretty impressive! After a few minutes simmering, it looked and tasted like the katsu curry sauce! Result! My only comment here is that we bought the 'medium' version of the sauce which was a little milder than the Wagamama sauce.

For the rice, we bought thai fragrant rice and cooked it as normal - I wanted to press it into little bowls to make it look a little more impressive but we ran out of time, and abandoned that plan!

The chicken was pretty simple. We coated chicken breasts in seasoned flour, beaten egg and the panko breadcrumbs in that order. Then we shallow fried them in about 100ml of oil for 5 mins on each side.

We served all three with a simple salad and I have to admit, it was pretty delicious. I've frozen some of the leftover sauce so it will be even quicker next time!

This may have been incredibly boring to read, and if so, I apologise! I have my first engagement shoot of the season this weekend so I'm busy cleaning my equipment and thinking about love :) Rest assured, from now on there will be more engagement sessions and next month, the wedding season starts up good and proper for me! I can't wait!

Have a lovely weekend,

R. x

One to watch.

2012-03-07T10:35:00.001Z

I saw this film this morning. If you don't know who Joseph Kony is (I didn't), then watch this video.

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

There has been debate on the internet surrounding the organisation: Invisible Children and whether this video is helpful or not. I've spend a while reading about it and so far, I can't really pass judgement. What this video did for me, however, was to tell me about something I knew very little about. It has caused me to think, to read and to pray. Hopefully, we can find a way to do something about it, or at least to try.

update: http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/03/07/stop-kony-yes-but-dont-stop-asking-questions/

This article has some enlightening things to say about the situation, if you're interested.

Much Love, R. x

It's back!

2012-03-01T10:53:00.003Z

For those of you who have known me for a while, you'll know that I started a 365 project last summer, which means I was going to take a picture every day for a year. This project fizzled out a bit when life started to get busy, and I was doing more and more of my passion in photography - couple portraits and weddings.

So the project got put on hold for a while and for a while I didn't really miss it. This time of the year is a little quiet as a wedding photographer and I realised that I wanted to be taking pictures every day. I wanted to be thinking about what I could capture, and I wanted to be creating.

So, the 365 project is back! It's a little more relaxed than before, I'm starting up where I left off and it doesn't really matter if I lose a day here or there ;). Here are my pictures for the last 8 days! You can head on over to my facebook page for descriptions and all kinds of fun!

I hope you have some sunshine where you are! Have a lovely thursday :)

Much Love, R. x

Spring is Coming

2012-02-23T12:59:00.002Z

Seeing the sun these last few days has put a serious smile on my face. I love seeing blue skies and the promise of spring flowers and walking out the house without 42 layers ;)

I've been catching up with my summer couples and booking in engagement shoots. It's going to be a beautiful year, I just know it!

In other news, I've recommitted myself to taking a picture every day! Hop on over to my facebook page here to have a look!

Have a lovely day!

R. x

Oxford Winter Wedding: Rox and Mike (part II)

2012-02-05T19:54:00.001Z

Part two is here a whole day early :)

After their beautiful ceremony, the light was quickly fading. We were blessed with beautiful weather on the day and I really wanted to make the most of it for their couple portraits. We dashed up the road for a few minutes to take some beautiful pictures of the newlyweds!

Rox and Mike decided to have their reception at St. Aldates Church in Oxford. It was the perfect venue for their cosy reception, adorned with candles, lights and Christmas trees!

These fish and chips by Fish and Chip Catering were amongst the best I've ever tasted!

I hope you all enjoyed your snow day if you got one! I was certainly grateful that Steve persuaded me to buy walking boots a few weeks ago!

Much Love, R. x

Oxford Winter Wedding: Rox and Mike

2012-02-04T22:59:00.002Z

Well hello. My apologies for the blog silence of late - I promise you, Rox and Mike's wedding is such a lovely way to start my blogging for the new year. They were married in December in Christ Church Abingdon and went on to a reception in St. Aldates, Oxford. Their wedding was full of creativity, love and joy. I smiled the whole way through. Here's part I of their celebrations, and yes, there are a lot of ceremony shots - I just couldn't pick a few :)

Ali Lovegrove joined me for the day and it was so lovely to shoot with her :)

We met Rox, her family and bridesmaids at their lovely home in Abingdon. We were greeted with lots of smiles and the house was humming with activity. So much thought and love was put into all the details, I especially loved the pom poms on Rox's beautiful blue shoes!

Something tells me Rox loved her flowers, and she had good reason to!

Rox, you are a vision!

I think I'm right in saying that only one of these beautiful dresses was bought!

Rox and Mike's wedding ceremony was full to bursting with joy. I felt so honoured to see two beautiful people commit themselves to each other, it never gets old :)

Tune in on Monday for part two! There will be candles and christmas trees, another church and plenty more smiles, not forgetting some lovely portraits!

Much love, R. x

Augusta and Harry: Love Shoot

2011-12-19T15:08:00.001Z

Augusta and Harry were a real pleasure to photograph. I've been blessed with couples who are affectionate and so obviously in love with each other - it means the whole process of shooting and editing happens with a smile on my face :) Augusta and Harry got married a few months ago and they wanted to document their new life together (which is such a lovely idea!).

We set out a few weeks ago to the Saxon Mill - one of my favourite places to eat (I think I've already mentioned we had part of our wedding reception there!). Just over the bridge behind the restaurant is a very lovely landscape which is always changing. This time we were greeted by bright green grass, it was lovely.

After a little while we headed off on an adventure to find a new location. I must say, I have very little idea where it was and I couldn't find it again! The colours in the trees were truly lovely and all in all, we had a great time. Here are just a few of my favourites!

Preview: Rox and Mike's Wedding

2011-12-11T11:58:00.001Z

Rox and Mike's wedding was full of joy, smiles, fun and creativity. It was amazing. I think you'll agree they look pretty good together!

Have a wonderful honeymoon you two, I can't wait to show you the rest!

Have a lovely Sunday everyone!

Much Love, R. x

Rox and Mike: Leamington Engagement

2011-12-05T20:37:00.001Z

Meeting people like Rox and Mike is a real treat. They are so relaxed and in love. We had such a lovely afternoon in Jephson Gardens in Leamington, we even enjoyed hot chocolates in one of Leamington's finer coffee shops. The colours in the gardens were quite phenomenal. I even got to try out my new lens, a 100mm 2.8. I took pretty much all of these photos with that lens, and I must admit, I'm a fan! Below are just a few of my favourites :)

Rox and Mike get married this weekend and I can't wait. I'm also very much looking forward to shooting with Ali Lovegrove - we're going to be a dream team!

Feel free to leave these two some love :)

Much love, R. x

Christmas Baking

2011-12-05T11:53:00.001Z

I love this season! I hope you're staying warm, getting festive and looking forward to the holidays!

Much Love, R. x

Is it beautiful? Then I'll take it.

2011-11-24T15:57:00.001Z

I love picking up my camera 'just because'; picturing something in my mind and actually making it happen. These edits are very different to the picture from this series I posted a little while back. That's something that I spend quite a lot of time thinking about these days - how a picture can turn into one thing from another. For these pictures - the ones that I shoot and edit just for fun, I have one priority. Create something that I find beautiful. Hopefully, you'll think they're beautiful too.

If you're interested, I used VSCOfilm Fuji 160C on both of these.

Much love, R. x

p.s. this is post number 100 for me!

p.p.s. tomorrow look out for Rox and Mike's engagement session! :o)

Jo and Jon: Wedding

2011-11-24T12:40:00.001Z

After a busy couple of weeks of editing, I'm back to the blogging :o) It's great being on top of things, because it means I can get down to all the bits of personal editing that I've been dying to do :o)

Jo and Jon's wedding was pretty special. They contacted me just a few weeks before their wedding and as soon as I met them I knew their wedding would be one I just had to be at. We were blessed with lovely weather for both their engagement shoot and wedding - you only know it's October due to the beautiful colour of the leaves!

Their wedding was a real reflection of them. We did the portraits before the ceremony, and both the ceremony and reception were held in their church, St. John's Westwood Heath. These two have so much love and warmth, for each other and for everyone around them, it was a real delight to document their wedding!

I think you'll find there's quite a lot of pictures in this post. Mainly because I couldn't choose! So much love and care has gone into this wedding, it was just beautiful - from all the details, the cake bar (I never seen a more beautiful selection of desserts in my life!) to the glow in the room as the sun went down and the candles created the most beautiful atmosphere. Enjoy!

I think we're getting married today!

This was also the first wedding where I got to bring Steve (my husband) to shoot with me! It made shooting a wedding that bit sweeter, and it certainly won't be the last time we shoot together. Living the dream :o)

Much Love, R. x

Hello, Ma.

2011-11-24T11:21:00.001Z

Say hello to my Ma. She discovered the blog this week and even asked me a question on formspring ;o) So this post is for her. A few weeks ago we went to Charlecote Park (which is lovely by the way) and we had a really great time. It's so lovely to have her (and the rest of my family!) just down the road :o)

Hope you're having a lovely Thursday :o)

Love, R. x

VSCO: First Thoughts

2011-11-23T17:08:00.001Z

So I haven't really given VSCO much of a chance. I downloaded it approximately 5 minutes ago and I clicked on a single picture. I haven't read the instructions yet (I'm a tad impatient) but I thought I'd publish my first thoughts, and seek your opinion.

If you're not a photographer, VSCO is a new way of processing the pictures that come straight from my camera, to make one's pictures look like they were shot on various films. The concept to me is exciting. I love the look of film - mainly the colour and beautiful skin tones. So far, however - I haven't been tempted to actually start shooting film as my current gear does such a good job - I love the instant feedback I get and the ability to shoot a frame many times if I want to (without an extra trip to the bank).

Cue VSCOfilm - the look of film for digital photographs. As I said I haven't spent much time on it yet, and I'm a little late to the party, but I thought I'd show you a straight out of camera picture (SOOC), a VSCOfilm edit (it really was one click) and an edit that I did myself, yesterday, before I downloaded VSCO.

So here's a question, which edit do you like better? To me, I really like both. I think the difference is quite subtle. A major advantage for the VSCO edit is that it was so quick. Literally one click. I've had a tinker with a couple of other photographs and that is what they require, a tinker.

I think the main take home for me, at the minute, is that tools like VSCOfilm are really great. With the photo above, it just did what I wanted it to. For some images that is exactly the look I'm going for. For others, I have a feeling like I'll want to take it in a different direction. Part of the creative process for me, is deciding which direction to take a picture in whilst editing. I don't want to use VSCOfilm on all my images just because I feel like that's what I should be doing. If I feel like I can do a better job another way to achieve the look I want, there will be no hesitation from me! :)

Don't consider this my definitive thoughts on VSCOfilm - I haven't had time for that yet! So more importantly, what do you think? Can you tell the difference? Have you got a favourite?

I'd really appreciate your feedback on this one!

Love, R. x

Helen and Tim: Engagement

2011-11-23T12:39:00.001Z

A few weekends I hopped on the train to meet Helen and Tim for their engagement session in Great Malvern. I've been there a couple of times ago, but never to walk through the town and up the mountains! It really is a beautiful place - the town itself I'd love to visit again; every shop contained things I love. We walked up into the hills, stopping along the way to take pictures. I love how every session is different, the couple, the setting and the light. It's always exciting to see what a set of pictures develop into! Helen and Tim, thank you so much for a lovely afternoon - I can't wait for your December wedding!

Here's a selection of my favourites :)

I've lots more coming up on the blog this week, so keep a look out :)

Love, R. x

Engagement Preview: Rox and Mike

2011-11-18T17:34:00.001Z

This afternoon I had the pleasure of spending a little time with these two. Rox and Mike are so laid back, so lovely and so genuine that taking their picture was a joy :o) Enjoy their sneak peek - I can't wait to edit the rest of them!

I have another portrait shoot tomorrow which I'm also really excited to do! I just love couple shoots so I feel spoilt these last few days!

I hope you have a lovely friday night! We have some wonderful friends coming for dinner and I'm off to make a pie this minute :o)

Love, R. x

Glow: Personal

2011-11-13T18:06:00.001Z

This post is a lot of things. An explanation, an apology and a commitment. I've not been around for a while. I never thought that I'd be here, writing that life had got busy and that I'd not had time to post for what seems like an age. But here I am! I'll tell you what happened.

In the last couple of months, I've spent time shooting lovely engagement sessions, a beautiful wedding, and meeting couples about their weddings next year. It's been lovely! I've also started to volunteer two days a week (more on that another time). Things have started to fit together, I'm doing more photography and I've found a social project that I'm delighted to be a part of.

When photography became a part of my life I shot to learn and to create. Lately I've not had much of a chance to photograph things just for fun, just to create something lovely.

Here's my confession. My 365 project has not really happened in the last couple of weeks. I don't really have much to say about it except that I felt I was just taking pictures for the sake of it, and it didn't inspire me. I've suffered for it.

One of the things I've realised is that I love creating things. I've been an academic most of my life and I always assumed that I wasn't a creative person. I've surprised myself. I've found myself dreaming of pictures, new things to try and beautiful light to exploit. So here's my commitment to myself. I'm going to start creating again, and I'm going to do it every day. Some days I won't make it, but for the days that I do - it will be worth it. So here it is. Day 81.

What do you do to help you persevere?

Much Love, R. x

It really is an honour: Jo and Jon - Sneak Peek!

2011-10-22T22:35:00.000+01:00

Today, Jo and Jon got married. Their wedding surpassed my (already high expectations) - the details and atmosphere were truly breath taking. But most importantly, their love for each other and the people they know was inspiring. In a 'I'm really glad I know these people now' kind of way. I can't wait to show you more, but for now - here's just one frame.

Much Love, R. x

Wedding at Nettle Hill: Emma and Jean-Yves

2011-10-20T11:24:00.000+01:00

Emma and Jean-Yves wedding was a lot of fun. I got to be there thanks to the ever generous, Garry Byles of Garry Byles Photography. Garry was a joy to shoot for and I loved every minute of the day. Emma and Jean-Yves' wedding was a real pleasure to witness. Their tenderness and affection for each other was obvious and you could tell that their guests were having a fantastic time all day.

Emma made such a beautiful bride and her dress, well it was simply stunning! Jean-Yves is French, and one of my favourite parts of the day was the ceremony. Jean-Yves said his vows to Emma in English, and she in French. It was one of the most touching ceremonies I've ever witnessed! Enjoy the pictures!

Emma and Jean-Yves, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your big day!

Posting this is making me even more excited about Saturday's wedding! The weather forecast says bright and cold and I just know with Jo and Jon, this wedding is going to be pretty special!

Much Love, R. x

Happiness in a Jar

2011-10-08T18:33:00.002+01:00

I'm not sure I should be this excited about a jar. But the thing is, ever since I started to plan our wedding I had my heart set on these aqua beauties. I just love everything about them. Today I was at the National Wedding Show with a friend getting married next year and some lovely ladies. I think we made quite the entourage! I must say, I didn't mind spending a day absorbing all the wedding prettiness! It really reminded me what a wonderful industry it is to work in - the creativity, the smiles and the chance to share in a day so full of happiness.

And then I spotted them. Two little rows of blue glass loveliness. I couldn't believe that something SO hard to get hold of could be sitting right in front of me! Now it's sitting in my house and don't be too surprised if I sneak it into every photoshoot from now on ;o)

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

Much love, R. x

Coventry Engagement: Jo and Jon

2011-10-07T22:41:00.001+01:00

I don't really know what to say about these two. I met them a few weeks ago and I'm pretty glad I did! They are lovely people, absolutely gorgeous and they fit so beautifully together. By October I thought we'd be into cosying up in our mittens but it turned out the weather had other plans. We didn't mind a bit.

I can't wait to shoot Jo and Jon's wedding in a couple of week's time now - their wedding sounds awesome! I just know it will be a reflection of the two of them, which means it will be super cool!

I can't express how much I loved Jo's sock-boot combination!

I have too many favourites, these two are just so sweet together! Happy Weekend everyone!

Much Love, R. x

Somehow, it's October.

2011-10-03T19:24:00.002+01:00

I don't know about you but I find this crazy weather a little disorientating. My summer dresses should be in the 'summer clothes' box by now and rooting out my mittens should be high up on my to do list. For all the confusion, however I'm grateful for the beautiful sunshine we've had in the last few days because it means I can take pictures like this:

Happy October.

Much Love, R. x

Kath and Dave: Coombe Abbey Couple Portraits

2011-09-29T13:15:00.000+01:00

I know, I know. I'm a greedy person. When I only had seven minutes with Kath and Dave on Tuesday we decided it would be a good idea to spend a little longer on Wednesday :o) We went to one of my favourite places, Coombe Abbey for their portraits. We arrived when the sun was already low in the sky and I had such a great time with these two. You can just tell how good they are together, I had a smile on my face the whole time as I edited their pictures!

Dave and Kath had their pictures 'just because' and I love that. These images celebrate who they are and how they feel about each other. So you two, I hope you enjoy them for years to come.

Much love, R. x

Seven Minutes

2011-09-27T21:40:00.000+01:00

Do you ever just feel like doing something, so much that you try and work out how you could possibly make it happen? I was walking along at about ten to six, this gorgeous light streaming through the trees. I just really really wanted to be taking pictures. So much, that I just picked up the phone and phoned a couple of good friends of mine. An hour until sunset, we still had time. At 18:35 we got to a pretty place close to us and spent about seven minutes taking pictures before it got too dark. Was it a crazy idea? A little bit. But I had so much fun we're going to do it properly tomorrow :o)

Happy Tuesday!

Love, R. x

Raisin and Oatmeal Cookies: Personal

2011-09-23T15:00:00.001+01:00

My lovely friend Nai moved just around the corner a few weeks ago and I've really enjoyed catching up with her. It's one of the things I love about city living, that I have friends just minutes away :o)

I made these Hummingbird Bakery oatmeal and raisin cookies a little while back and they're the first cookies I've made at home and really enjoyed. I mean, really enjoyed. Everyone who tried them agreed with me so I say they're worth a go!

Have you got any cookie recipes that turned out a treat?

Love, R. x

p.s. I got a formspring account today! So if you fancy asking me what my favourite cookies are (right now raisin and oatmeal!) or anything about photography or my pictures, I'll do my very best to answer! Check it out here.

Warwickshire Engagement: Matt and Miriam (Part 2)

2011-09-16T10:39:00.000+01:00

If you missed part one of Matt and Miriam's engagement session, you can find it here! This shoot was filled with love and adventure - I forgot to mention it before but I got into a river at one point! These two were so easy in front of the camera and their love for each other is just so obvious I don't think I need to say any more.

Happy Friday! I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them! Matt and Miriam, I just can't wait for your wedding next year!

Love, R. x

Warwickshire Engagement: Matt and Miriam (Part 1)

2011-09-15T19:44:00.000+01:00

I just don't know where to start with Matt and Miriam's engagement session! They are two very lovely people, on the inside and out. When I found out they were getting married next Easter I could hardly contain my excitement and it is a true privilege to be their wedding photographer!

We were hoping to get some summery pictures for their engagement session and I hoped that in September it wouldn't be too late. It turned out that we had one of the most beautiful evenings of the year! I didn't really stop talking about how amazing the weather was ;o)

I love how tender these two are with each other. I love how the pictures show genuine affection and care for each other, and coupling that with a beautiful location and some lovely sunshine, I think we got some very lovely portraits.

So this is part one! Part two will be up in the next few days, with more casual outfits, some starbucks coffee and a tartan rug :o)

Much Love, R. x

Coventry Wedding: Dani and Aaron at St. Mary's Guildhall

2011-09-15T12:47:00.001+01:00

I've been excited to blog this wedding for a while. It was a special wedding for me, as it was my first wedding as the principal shooter. Dani and Aaron are the sweetest couple and it was a true pleasure to share their day with them!

Dani and Aaron met at university and Aaron pulled off one of the best proposals I've ever heard! He took her to New York for her birthday and there were horse and carriage rides, rowing boats in Central park and he asked her to marry him in front of Belvedere Castle by the turtle pond. How amazing is that?!

These two aren't keen on traditions, they did things exactly how they wanted and it all went perfectly. Their wedding was almost entirely DIY, from the dress to the bouquets and the reception decor and even the food! They held their ceremony at St. Mary's Guildhall, one of the oldest and most beautiful venues in Coventry and moved on to a reception about two minutes walk from their house!

Dani's dress was beautiful - a vintage dress that Dani altered and personalised herself!

There's nothing better than a happy bride on her wedding day!

Dani, you are absolutely stunning. What a beautiful bride!

Dani actually made her bouquet! Isn't it gorgeous?!

Aaron and Michael looking smart and ready to get to the ceremony!

Such a lovely wedding present - a basket full of goodies for the newlyweds!

We had some time before the ceremony to take some beautiful portraits in their stunning venue. I love how serene Dani looks!

Their ceremony was short and sweet - the registrar made a lovely speech about the commitment they were making to each other and I just loved the way they looked at each other as they said their vows to each other.

Tuesday morning greeted us with stormy skies and crazy winds. The weather was kind to us and the wind allowed us to get some really fun portraits with Dani's beautifully long veil!


Their wedding was full of DIY details and a large part of the day was spent in their lovely house. I love this shot of them walking down the street to their house as husband and wife!

We brought along a chalk board for their guests to write messages for the happy couple. Our own wedding photographer did this for us and we just loved looking through the pictures of our happy guests with their messages for us. Congratulations Dani and Aaron!

A big thank you to Tracey who was my second shooter and lovely companion for the day! Tracey is an all round talented and lovely person and she does an amazing 365 self portrait project which I look out for each day!

Dani and Aaron, it was a real pleasure - enjoy relaxing after all the hard work you put into making your wedding so special.

Much love, R. x

Sneak Peek! Warwickshire engagement: Matt and Miriam

2011-09-13T23:10:00.000+01:00

Today we had the most beautiful evening for Matt and Miriam's engagement session. I had a really hard time picking two to show you now! Can't wait to show you the rest!

Much love, R. x

The Gentlemen mashup: some Tuesday fun!

2011-09-13T08:16:00.001+01:00

Steve showed me this video this morning and it tickled me. These guys are so creative and importantly, so much fun! They are The Gentlemen! You can find them on facebook here :o)

In Coventry, it's a beautiful morning. It's meant to be a beautiful evening too! I can't wait to shoot an engagement shoot tonight! You'll be sure to see a sneak peek about 30 seconds after I've downloaded the images ;o)

Happy Tuesday!

Love, R. x

Date Night: Personal

2011-09-08T14:20:00.000+01:00

Date night doesn't happen too often for us, but that's something we're going to change :o) I love pizza express. I think it's one of my favourite places to go. I love how they style each restaurant differently, that they use Robert Welch cutlery and beautiful blue glasses. It's always a treat.

I love just taking some time out with Steve. Life can fly by and you can sometimes go a long time without a proper conversation. Date night is a perfect remedy to this, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Thanks to orange wednesdays, we enjoyed three courses for a fraction of what it could have cost - another reason why I love pizza express so much! Steve tried their new margarita and I think he gives it the thumbs up. My pizza had a salad in the middle(!) but was simply perfect after a serving of garlic bread each!

Steve's new favourite pudding is the figs and mascarpone you can order with a coffee. He's hunting the recipe so it can be his new dinner party trick :o)

So as you might have guessed, I'm a fan of pizza express! We had a really lovely evening there, and I'm looking forward to doing it again soon! As we walked through town, we passed a few lovely looking eateries so we'll be sure to check them out too, and let you know what we think :o)

Where's your favourite place to eat?

Love, R. x

p.s. one of the conclusions we reached is that we need to sort out the chaotic administrative state of being that we have created. There will be systems put in place! So I'm looking forward to this evening, which is... admin night! Sounds awesome right?! ;o)

You can probably expect some new goals on the blog tomorrow!

Baddesley Clinton: Personal

2011-09-07T18:25:00.000+01:00

My family have just moved to the Midlands from the Peak District and it's lovely to have them so close! My youngest sister starts sixth form on Friday so the four of us (Mum and three sisters) went to a stately home close to us, called Baddesley Clinton. It's gorgeous. Such a beautiful place. I joined the national trust again and I'm excited to visit other properties in the area! These places make such a beautiful location for a shoot. I just couldn't help but take a couple of pictures.

It's full of beautiful little corners for pictures!

I have the cutest sisters ever!

The windows were beautiful, and gave such gorgeous light to the pretty things inside.

I got pretty sad that the rabbits weren't allowed in, but apparently they eat everything!

There was treasure trove (aka book shop) filled with old books on every topic. I think this was one of my favourites! If I ever need to connect to an animal spirit I'll know where to go! haha!

She was just hanging around just waiting for me to take her picture :o)

I'd love to shoot an engagement session here - there are just so many places to explore! Everything was just so perfect, I might even go back just to take some more pictures of the house and gardens!

It's half way to Friday!

Love, R. x

Sneak Peek! Coventry Wedding: Dani and Aaron

2011-09-07T11:20:00.002+01:00

Dani and Aaron got married yesterday and it was a beautiful day. They really made it their own, and they are the sweetest couple. I can't wait to show you the rest!

Dani and Aaron, thank you so much for having me! Congratulations!

Love, R. x

Dani on her wedding day

2011-09-06T23:13:00.000+01:00

Dani became a wife today. Isn't she a vision? Happy Tuesday!

Love, R. x

Seeing the world with new eyes

2011-09-05T10:06:00.001+01:00

On Friday I bought a new camera. I've been wanting to for a while and the day finally came! Since then I have had it attached to my face probably more than ever before. I'm looking at things again. Yesterday I went for a 2 minute wander and just captured the world around me. I'm seeing the world with new eyes and I must admit, I'm rather enjoying it!

I hope you had a lovely weekend and enjoyed the September sun! I just hope it holds out for the wedding tomorrow :o)

Much love, R. x

Anna and Paul: Wedding!

2011-08-30T15:34:00.000+01:00

Anna is a dear friend of mine - we lived together in our second year of university. She is sweet, caring and very beautiful. I've been excited to attend their wedding for a long time and it was a very happy day! Anna asked me to take some getting ready pictures before the service which I was more than happy to do! Getting ready is one of my favourite parts of the day! You'll see a lot of getting ready pictures in this post! After that I could enjoy the day as a guest, and enjoy it I did! Their wedding photographer, Matt Dolan kindly let me tag along when I wanted to and I had the best time. We got a lot of rain in the evening, but Anna and Paul were amazing at braving the elements to get some lovely portraits together :)

Their wedding was beautiful, full of so much love between the two of them, their family and friends. The details were perfect, everyone looked lovely - I could talk all day about what a great day it was! Their ceremony was in one of the prettiest churches I've ever been to. There was loud singing, prayers and a talk on the joy of marriage and what it represents. It's always moving to see two people commit themselves to each other - I'm so excited for their new life together!

I hope you two have a lovely honeymoon - you are such a lovely pair of individuals, I know your marriage will be awesome!

Lots of love, R. x

Anna on her Wedding Day

2011-08-29T12:33:00.002+01:00

My beautiful friend got married this weekend ♥

Maternity Portraits: Suki and Jo

2011-08-29T10:26:00.000+01:00

I've been so excited to blog these ever since we finished this session! I don't know if you've noticed, but lately the weather has been weird. Bright and sunny one minute, then dark and moody the next! After a glorious afternoon we hit a dark and moody phase, but it didn't stop us from having a lot of fun and I think we got some gorgeous portraits!

Suki and Jo, it was so lovely to document this time in your lives. I can't wait to hear that your baby girl has arrived!

Much Love, R. x

Goals for the Week

2011-08-23T14:28:00.001+01:00

So last week I posted some goals for the week. It's been really helpful knowing that I was going to check at the end of the week to see how I've done! I've managed nearly all of these, which makes me happy :o)

Here's how I got on:

1. Get a 500px account. I've been wanting to do this for a while. Done! Find me here. Let's be friends!
2. Make Moroccan Spicy Rice. So simple and so delicious! Done!
3. Be creative on a photo shoot. I'll explain more tomorrow - but forward planning and investing in creativity is something I want to work on. Sort of done! Will post about this later this week.
4. Make our spare room habitable. Steve has done such a great job on shifting a good deal of stuff out of there already and I'm planning on making it more homey. What do you do in your spare rooms to make them welcoming? Nearly there! I've included photographic proof of this one!
5. Sew something. This might not happen but I'd love to get the sewing machine out and make something pretty! Done! I can't tell you what it is yet... but you'll find out soon!
6. Edit a wedding. I haven't really started on one of the weddings I second shot and I'd love to get those images ready this week! This is the only one I haven't finished yet, but I'm working on it :o)

How's your week been so far? Feeling productive?

Love, R. x

Sneak Peek: Suki's Maternity Portraits

2011-08-21T20:58:00.000+01:00

This afternoon we spent some time in War Memorial Park taking some portraits of Suki and her husband Jo, before Suki has her baby any day now! Here's a sneak peek of what's to come over the next few days ♥

Much Love, R. x

Sunshine and Blackberries

2011-08-21T08:50:00.000+01:00

Nature is beautiful. On the way to some friends for dinner last night we walked through a park which I always enjoy. This time, to my delight, the hedgerows were full of blackberries! I love blackberries and it makes me especially happy to get them for free! So we picked some and the sun came out and I took a couple of pictures.

This week will be busy but a lot of fun! I'll also be letting you know how I got on with my goals for the week!

Have a lovely Sunday ♥

Love, R. x

Before and After: Enjoying the Journey

2011-08-18T14:26:00.001+01:00

One of the things I love about these first years and months is how much I am learning. All the time. This naturally leads to an equal measure of disappointments as light bulb moments, but from it all, I'm learning. I'm learning both how to use my camera and how to process the pictures I make. My style has changed since I first picked up my camera, sometimes subtly, sometimes less so.

I love the potential of an image straight out of my camera. I love that sometimes, I don't know what it's meant to look like until I've finished. From time to time I learn something that has a big impact on how I process my pictures. That is the reason for this blog post, for my very first before and after post! I thought I'd share with you something that I think has changed my photography for the better.

I don't tend to do a lot to my pictures - I try my hardest to find good light, and to get things right in camera. I am, however, a big believer in polishing an image as it requires. There's something about the care I can take, tweaking things until it is just right.

onto this image. Stacey is a colourful and lively person. I asked her for a 'Stacey smile' in this shot and I got one! She is just so full of life and I wanted this image to reflect that!

Most of what I've learned about processing has just been by trying things out and a couple of months ago, I clicked on the 'soft light' layer and I loved what it did to my image. It makes my picture pop a little and brings it to life. Apart from some level adjustment and a nudge in saturation that's all I wanted for this particular picture and I think I achieved what I wanted.

This is not about soft light being the answer to all my processing - it isn't. My point is, that when we continue to invest time and energy in something we do learn, and we will improve. My pictures are better than they were a couple of months ago and I'm loving the journey.

Have you learned anything that's changed things for you lately?

Much Love, R. x

Portraits: Stacey

2011-08-16T16:10:00.001+01:00

I think you'll agree Stacey is stunning! I wanted to take some portraits just for fun really, and Stacey is moving away soon so I wanted to make good use of having such a lovely and beautiful person nearby!

I had a couple of ideas of what I wanted to achieve and I'm really happy with these pictures :o) Big thanks to Hannah and Rosie for the driving and leaf throwing and general good company :o)

Love, R. x

In Love: Joe and Sarah

2011-08-16T14:49:00.003+01:00

Sarah and Joe live in Coventry and suggested that we go to the beautiful wheat fields behind the Saxon Mill for their shoot. I was in definite agreement - I love that place. Steve and I had some of our engagement pictures taken there and even some wedding pictures before our evening reception at the restaurant. It is such a gorgeous venue for a wedding, the food is amazing - the restaurant is stunning and the surroundings are beautiful!

The weather was more like autumn and instead of rows of golden wheat we got a somewhat barren landscape! Happily, Joe and Sarah were exceptionally well dressed for the occasion and I love how they are a burst of colour in each frame. Steve and I had such a lovely evening with these two and we're very much looking forward to doing it again sometime!

Sarah has chronic fatigue syndrome and so we wanted to include her wheelchair, which is a part of their lives.

If you'd like to book a love shoot or engagement shoot, please feel free to contact me - I'd love to get together for an hour or two to create some pictures you'll treasure!

Much Love, R. x

Sneak Peek: Stacey

2011-08-16T12:39:00.000+01:00

We had so much fun taking some portraits of Stacey, she is beautiful and happy and kind. More to come on the blog soon!

It has been a really good start to the week! Love, R. x

Sneak Peek: Joe and Sarah

2011-08-15T21:44:00.001+01:00

This evening we hung out with Joe and Sarah. There was moroccan chicken and cherry pie, laughing and pictures. It's a really great way to spend a couple of hours :o) Many more to come, but for now, here's their happy sneak peek ♥

I hope you've had a lovely Monday ♥ Love, R. x

Lovely Lucy and Contentment

2011-08-15T12:22:00.002+01:00

Here's the full post from the sneak peek I posted on Saturday! It was so great to meet Lucy! We walked to a park in Loughborough and had tea, cake and a chat! I've always enjoyed looking through Lucy's pictures and it was so much fun to shoot with her!

Lucy's picture making was a pleasure to witness - I loved the way she thought about each picture and was thinking up new things to try and putting me at ease (posing for pictures is not something I really enjoy or show any talent for!). I can't wait to see the pictures she took!

I realised when I got there that the actual shooting part I hadn't really thought about. Usually, when I'm going to a photo shoot I do a lot of thinking, looking and making plans of action - poses that I can rely on if my mind goes blank etc. This time, nothing. To Lucy, I can only apologise. It was a shame because, as I hope you can get from the pictures below - Lucy made a beautiful model!

What I've learned about myself is that I am a planner. So on a positive note, I've come away from this knowing that with a bit of forward thinking photo shoots are a lots of fun! More importantly though, with people like Lucy (easy going, patient and creative), photo shoots without forward planning are still fun!

I had a second mini crisis of confidence was when Lucy let me take a few frames with the camera I have wanted for quite a while, her lovely Canon 5D Mk II. I was definitely hooked. Everything seemed so magic and shiny! Problem was, I soon decided that my camera wasn't up to much. Consequently, I lost a little confidence in my trusty 500D and that manifested in less pictures.

So what have I learned from this? That you can be happy with what you've got. Lucy is a superstar professional photographer and I'm not there yet, and that's ok. I feel like I'm outgrowing my camera but I can be content with it, and I will make pretty pictures with it until investing in a 5D Mk II is a wise decision. When I start shooting weddings of my own I'll need one, and until then I'm happy.

Lucy has probably the best eyelashes I have come across. Lucy, it was such a pleasure - let's do it again sometime soon ♥

Have any of you ever had a crisis of confidence?

Love, R. x

Goals for the week

2011-08-14T16:49:00.000+01:00

I'm waiting for friends to arrive so we can make our way to a BBQ party. I'm looking forward to the middle eastern chicken kebabs with lebanese bread and tzatziki very much!

I love Sundays. I think I've said that before. I also love the beginning of the week - there's something about having all those days stretched ahead of you. This week will be busy in terms of shooting (yay!) and there's also a few things I want to achieve.

Goals for this week.

1. Get a 500px account. I've been wanting to do this for a while.
2. Make Moroccan Spicy Rice. So simple and so delicious!
3. Be creative on a photo shoot. I'll explain more tomorrow - but forward planning and investing in creativity is something I want to work on.
4. Make our spare room habitable. Steve has done such a great job on shifting a good deal of stuff out of there already and I'm planning on making it more homey? What do you do in your spare rooms to make them welcoming?
5. Sew something. This might not happen but I'd love to get the sewing machine out and make something pretty!
6. Edit a wedding. I haven't really started on one of the weddings I second shot and I'd love to get those images ready this week!

So there you go! I'll check back in next week and let you know how I got on!

This week on the blog there will be more pictures of Lucy (with thoughts on forward planning and loving my camera), a couple shoot (weather permitting), a portrait shoot and some things I've learned in photoshop recently.

Have you any particular plans this week? As always - I'd love to hear from you!

Love, R. x

Hello, Lucy

2011-08-13T21:04:00.000+01:00

Today I met the wonderful Lucy of Lucy Stendall Photography. We met through the blogging world (which I think is great) and we finally got together in Loughborough today! Lucy is wonderful and ever so talented and a real encourager. If you don't know her, you should go over and say hello! I promise you'll fall in love with her lovely pictures. This is just a sneak peek. To be honest, I didn't take that many pictures today - more on that on Monday; but Lucy made a beautiful model and I almost squealed when I saw this frame on the back of my camera...

Isn't she lovely?

This was definitely a good Saturday. Love, R. x

A story about a picture

2011-08-12T14:09:00.003+01:00

I love hearing about how other people came up with their 365 pictures, photo shoots, just about anything really! So here's the story behind one of mine. Today is an exceptionally grey day. It feels like summer is long gone. I heard the rain and my heart sank. I wanted to take a pretty 365 today - I wanted to go outside, take a walk, catch the light. Wasn't going to happen. I thought perhaps maybe I could take a picture of the rain on the window, I hadn't taken one like that before.

I got upstairs with my camera and I was disappointed. No lovely raindrops on the window - just grey skies and flat colours. That was the end of that idea then. And then I thought, sometimes you just have to make something happen. So I got a cup of water from the kitchen and I threw it on the window. Pretty raindrops manufactured by Rachel Tweeddale Photography.

So that's what I've learned today: Sometimes you have to make your own rain ;o)

Have you got any stories of making something happen in order to get the picture you wanted?

Love, R. x

365: Week Five

2011-08-12T10:44:00.000+01:00

Firstly, can I say a THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for those of you who responded to my last blog post. Life is so much more fun when we do it together and I'm so happy that some of you took the time to comment :o) I spoke to a friend of mine yesterday and he said that he thought it would be presumptuous of him to comment and so I'd like to set the record straight. I'd LOVE to hear from any and all of you - the funny thing about the blogging world is that someone could read my blog and I could never know they existed! That makes me sad - I'd love to know you! So drop in and leave a comment, say hello on Facebook so I know who you are and I can say hello back!

Here's my 365 for week 5. I'm toying with the idea of having this as my last 365 blog post and just updating my FLIKR and facebook page. What do you think? Do you like these posts or are you bored because you've seen them before? Head on over to Facebook and let me know :o)

Hope you've had a great week! I've a couple of shoots in the pipeline which I'm really excited about! Also, if you're a photographer and your confidence is low, Alex Beadon's wonderful post is a must read! Check it out now!

Love, R. x

Prime lenses and other loves.

2011-08-11T17:17:00.000+01:00

One of the wonderful things about being a photographer is finding out how others have learned, and the things have been important to them in their transition between being a person with a camera to a photographer. I was thinking about this today and all of the things I have learned thanks to the wonderful resource that is the internet. Generosity is a wonderful thing people.

When I was camping I was running out of my ideas and I thought, 'you know what, I'll just take a picture of some grass'. So I got on my belly with my new favourite lens (Canon 85mm 1.8) and took a picture. Several people looked at me with horror then relief as they realised that no, I hadn't fallen over and I was just lying in the mud on purpose.

I thought that I hadn't made much of an effort that day (story of my life that week) and I wasn't feeling too great about that picture. I walked back to the tent and I showed a friend. He said 'How did you make it look like that?!' and I realised something. There are things that I have learned, that I totally take for granted but at the end of the day, they matter.

The reason that boring old grass can look kind of pretty is because I'm shooting with a prime lens wide open. I discovered prime lenses because I spent hours looking at beautiful photographs and some of those artists were kind enough to share some of their secrets. I have a really nice 17-50mm 2.8 because my husband did his research before we bought our first camera. These things were a gift to me. These people didn't have to share their successes and their failures, they didn't have to spend hours on the internet looking for the right lens. But they did, and I'm grateful.

I don't know a lot, but I know something. So if you're reading this and you've just picked up a camera or you've seen anything in my pictures that you like then get in touch! I'd love to hear from you!

Here's to pretty grass.

Much Love, R. x

Fairy Cakes: Personal

2011-08-10T20:10:00.001+01:00

Today my excellent friend Stacey and I made cupcakes and I thought I'd do a similar thing to my 'Pea Soup' escapades :o) Recipe is courtesy of the excellent Hummingbird Bakery - I have never made a bad cake from this wonderful book!

So without further ado, here's how we got on...

Love, R. x

Anna and Hannah: Portraits

2011-08-10T11:22:00.001+01:00

Anna (my beautiful sister) and Hannah (our beautiful friend) hopped into the garden a couple of weeks ago and I spent a couple of minutes taking some pictures of the two of them. I love mini shoots like this - there's something so lovely about taking a few minutes and coming up with something lovely. Most of the time, we just fell about laughing, and I hope that comes through in these images!

Anna and Hannah, it was a delight - let's do it again some time soon.

Such amazing blue eyes!

Laughing with friends is one of my favourite things ♥

I hope you're all staying safe and having a good week despite the craziness around us. If you'd like to have some beautiful pictures showing the love you have for your friends or family then I'd love to hear from you!

Much love, R. x

Rioting and Restoration

2011-08-09T13:56:00.003+01:00

I wondered whether or not to write this. In situations like these, so many voices rise up - so many opinions, so many perspectives. I have an interesting mix of opinions in my news feed and twitter stream. Some people expressing anger at the 'thieving scrounging scumbags', others offering their prayers and love to all those affected. When things like this happen, I often find myself silent. I don't know what to say. I think it's because my heart is filled with sadness and despondency and I simply withdraw.

But there is a voice that needs to be heard. It's not mine. This week I went to a youth festival (of sorts) called newday. Hundreds of church youth groups camped for a week full of seminars, worship and fun in the sun (and rain!). I signed up to be one of the campsite helpers, part of a team that makes sure things run smoothly practically speaking, pegging down tents in the storms and cleaning toilets. It was a lot of fun! On the last day, just as we were packing up some young people completely unprovoked threw several plastic milk bottles in our direction. We were stunned. I couldn't understand why these kids would want to do that. Anger rose up in me. How dare they! We've been here all week trying to make it the best experience we could, helping them out and cleaning their toilets. As soon as I started to think this I felt ashamed of myself. I wasn't here to accept their thanks, I wasn't there to judge them and I'll tell you why.

I'm a christian. That doesn't mean that I should be a goody two shoes. It doesn't mean that I'm better than anyone else. It doesn't mean that I can scrunch my nose at other people's behaviour and thank the Lord that I'm not like them. It doesn't mean that I can view those looters as scumbags.

What it means is that I know that nobody can be good by themselves. We're all infected with a selfishness which leads to all kinds of grime and filth in our everyday lives. Have you ever cheated anyone out of anything? Not been honest about your taxes? 'Borrowed' something from your friend or sibling?

We're all hopeless cases. We all can't live the way that we 'should'. We can't measure up to the standard. So God sent Jesus, the only person who's ever lived and never did anything wrong. This man died for you and me, heaped with all the crappy things that everyone has ever done. He died for looters, he died for us, with our hypocrisy and self righteousness; so that we can all be made new. So that we can behave in a way that we couldn't do otherwise. And even then, we can't be smug about that, because he's the one who's done it all.

God says that he doesn't want our destruction, he wants our restoration. He has shown his love in giving us the single most precious thing to him and that demonstrates to us that we are that precious to him. So what do I feel in times like this? I feel sad, I feel angry - and rightly so. But also, I feel compassion. Compassion for those people who 'feel that they have so little to lose that rioting is a good option (Toby Blume)

Don't misunderstand me. I am not calling for a lack of discipline. I am not saying that the police should not try to stop the rioters. They have my full support - they have a terrible and scary job right now. I am not saying that those kids who threw the milk should not face the consequences of their bad behaviour. Just that our anger at the looters may be indicative of our anger at the fact that we don't live like we'd like to, and that is cause to acknowledge the only person who has ever been good and ask him for his help.

What do you think?

Lots of love, Rachel. x

Wedding: Catherine and Stefan at Belvoir Castle

2011-08-09T12:34:00.001+01:00

Here's the full post of Catherine and Stefan's beautiful day at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire. I was second shooting for the lovely Frances Milburn. The castle was beautiful, unusual and atmospheric with a beautiful ceremony room, gorgeous rooms to get ready in, cosy lounges and a quirky old kitchen with a dancefloor!

We arrived to rain and forecast of more rain. I have never seen a worse forecast for one day! Thankfully, we needn't have trusted the weather forecast as at around 2pm the sun came out and didn't go away all day!

Catherine and Stefan put so much thought into all the details and everyone had such a great time. It really was a pleasure to be a part of their day, so big thanks to them and Frances for having me along!

This was the second time second shooting and I loved every minute of it!

Everyone was so pleased to see each other!

Catherine was so beautiful, so serene in the moments before the ceremony.

I think she just spotted the gorgeous cake!

Catherine, there are no words for how beautiful you are!

We popped outside to get a portrait of these two lovely ladies and I'm so glad we did - the evening light was amazing!

Feel free to leave some love! R. x

Sneak Peek: Catherine and Stefan's Wedding

2011-08-08T13:41:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of second shooting for Frances Milburn Photography at Catherine and Stefan's wedding. It was a beautiful day filled with much love and laughter and I loved every minute of it. For now, here's one frame of the beautiful couple! Lots more coming up soon!

Love! R. x

365: Week Four

2011-08-08T13:36:00.002+01:00

This week has been an interesting one for my 365 - mainly because I spent a large part of it on a campsite in Norwich at a youth event called NEWDAY (for the record, a fantastic week!). I spent most of the time not thinking much about photography and instead filling my time getting to know people, doing lots of reading, getting drenched by the rain and having a great time with God. So here's my efforts from the last week (with a sneaky contribution from steve!).

Hope you've all had a wonderful week - I can't wait to get back to blogging again - there's lots coming up in the next few days so be sure to check back in!

Much love, R. x

365: Week Three

2011-07-26T23:25:00.000+01:00

It seems like I started this project a long time ago but it appears I only have 21 days to show for it! This week I tried to make a little more effort (no pizza boxes this time!) and I feel happy about the result. I haven't been able to do anything super creative but those days will come and I'm learning along the way :o)

On a different note, I discovered Lady Grey tea this week. I'm a fan.

Love, R. x

Time for a change ♥

2011-07-26T14:49:00.000+01:00

It's time for a change. I started this blog in January with random ramblings and a picture or two that I took every once in a while. It's 'design' if I can call it that has changed over the months to something simple - colours that I like and some indication as to who I am. My name is Rachel Tweeddale and I love to take pictures. I've decided that it's time for Rachel Tweeddale Photography to grow up a bit. I want a website and a blog that reflects who I am and what I do. I'd like it if my clients felt like they knew me because of what they read here and what they see. So expect some changes to this space and hopefully I can introduce myself to you properly in a few months time ♥

Love, R. x

Life at the station: Personal

2011-07-24T23:31:00.000+01:00

Lately I've spent a lot of time at train stations. Mostly that's because I've been going to lovely places to see wonderful people but sometimes it feels like I'm not home enough to find my feet and get on with life. How do you feel about train stations? I like listening to the crazy things people say to strangers, their perspective on life and why they're travelling. I love seeing people getting off the train and into the embrace of those they love. I love going places, but there's nothing like coming home at the end.

I noticed a few days ago, how much my home really feels like home now. Steve and I have been married just over a year and we both moved out our family homes at the beginning of that time. When you go to University there's a funny time when you call two places home and it felt like that when we got married too. But now, my home is decidedly with Steve in Coventry, and it feels good.

Love, R. x

365: Week Two

2011-07-20T12:05:00.000+01:00

Here's Week Two of my 365 project! I've learnt a lot in the last few weeks. Mostly that if I want to take a picture that is creative, most of the time it will require time and effort and forward planning! So my challenge this week is to think a little more about my 365s and hopefully I'll see a difference in my pictures in a week's time!

Hope you've had a great week - we're off to see Harry Potter DHP2 this evening and I can't wait!

Love, R. x

One Whole Year: Personal

2011-07-17T19:46:00.001+01:00

A year ago we tied the knot. I can't believe how fast it's flown. It's been an amazing year, made all the better by setting up our home together. I can't begin to say what a blessing he is, and here's to many more years as happy as this one!

Today I got home from second shooting yesterday and we had a lovely afternoon involving wine and The West Wing and percy pigs and millionaire shortbread dessert and flowers and pottery. Awesome.

So much love to my wonderful man ♥

R. x

Theresa

2011-07-15T15:25:00.001+01:00

Last week, the wonderful Alex Beadon and I took some maternity pictures of the beautiful Theresa and her lovely family. Here is a few of my favourites. Thanks so much to Alex and Theresa for having me! I hope your baby comes soon Theresa!

We took a few family shots and then focussed on Theresa. I think you'll agree she is absolutely gorgeous!

Aren't they just the cutest family?

Theresa and Tristan have the most adorable little boy!

Theresa you are insanely beautiful!

Much Love, R. x

Personal Projects

2011-07-13T23:06:00.001+01:00

I have now completed a week of my 365 project! I am taking one picture a day for a year and uploading it to an album on my facebook page! I'll post every week the last seven pictures of this project; I'm excited to learn and to see where it will take me!

Hope your week has been as good as mine has! Love, R. x

Liz and Stephan

2011-07-08T07:47:00.000+01:00

Liz and Stephan are two of the nicest people you could meet. They are a beautiful couple and I am so happy to call them friends. I think this is probably my favourite shoot so far ♥

Feel free to leave them some love! R. x

Sunshine and Rabbits

2011-07-05T10:47:00.001+01:00

A few weeks ago I visited a pretty country house with these beautiful gardens. The last picture is simply because blog posts are better with rabbits ;o)

This week I will be second shooting for the very first time with the wonderful Alex Beadon and I am so very excited! Hope you're having a great week so far, for me this week is housework week!

Love, R. x

Anna and Paul

2011-06-24T14:11:00.001+01:00

Anna and Paul are getting married in August and on Tuesday we got together for some (last minute!) pictures. Anna was a housemate of mine last year and it was so much fun to get to know her. These two are so good together and taking their picture was a breeze :o)

Feel free to leave them some love! R. x

I have a facebook page :o)

2011-06-11T18:12:00.000+01:00

I just made myself a shiny new facebook page :o)

I thought it was about time that I had somewhere on facebook dedicated to my photography, especially as I plan on doing much more of it from now on!

So if you fancy it, head on over to facebook and check it out!

Lots of love! R. x

Robyn: Portraits

2011-06-10T10:42:00.001+01:00

Robyn and I had so much fun planning this shoot and we had some adventures when we got there! Robyn is such a lovely person - we had a wonderfully relaxed hour or two (apart from the unfortunate episode where some dogs destroyed all of our tasty treats!!). I hope you like your pictures, Robyn! ♥

Lots of love! R. x