Kirkley Hall: Bridal Designs Wedding Jewellery Photoshoot

Way back last March, I organised a photoshoot with some other businesses at Marsden Grotto. One of these fabulous businesses was Bridal Designs Wedding Jewellery, who kindly lent some jewellery to dress the models. 

Fast forward to a couple of months ago and Tracey, the jewellery designer, who I am regularly in touch with got in touch to say she wanted to commission me to take photographs of some new designs she had. As she is based down in Devon, I was thoroughly touched that she was willing to trust me to organise and photograph her jewellery without being there on the day, and without having a chance to make decisions on the shoot coming together...eeep!

Tracey was after a classic, elegant style, with both close up images to show off the jewellery and also some full length creative photographs on a 'bride'. 

Left in my hands I called in the experts - Becci (Hair By Becci), Make up Artist Dani.Mua, as well as contacting Kirkley Hall, a gorgeous Northumberland wedding venue who kindly provided use of their Oak Room as well as other locations around the building including the outside area, to photograph our model Marie dressed in a beautiful Madeline Gardner dress from YAP Bridal in Newcastle. 

Here are some photographs from the day, including some behind the scenes photographs.

If you are looking for a stunning place to get married, a dress, beautiful hair and make up and of course gorgeous jewellery, I urge you to check out the above links, as they are all fantastic wedding businesses.

I am looking forward to photographing a winter wedding later this year at Kirkley Hall!

All photographs (C) Katie Byram Photography and must not be used without written permission from the photographer.

Newcastle Assembly Rooms: Brett Harkness - Wedding Photography Flash Training Workshop

On Tuesday I was so pleased to attend a training workshop, put on by Brett Harkness  which was geared towards learning some more advanced flash techniques to use at weddings, but also covered a lot more. I am always constantly learning and I don't think I will ever stop! 

It was great to see some familiar faces attending and also meet some new people. It all took place at the gorgeous Assembly Rooms Newcastle which has a very classical elegant style. We also went out onto the street in the sunshine to have a practice and learn from Brett. 

Had a brilliant day...got lots to put into practice.. and loving the 'camera faces' I captured from some of my photographer friends. Sorry guys ;-) 

Thanks to Brett and his team for a fantastic workshop.

Here are some of the images I shot on the day. 

I am just so used to working with people in a non-posed way, and working with nervous people (these two were very professional models and so were very composed) that I don't even realise I am always trying to make people laugh... whoops ;-) 

I'm loving the above from Kate & Michelle.... We had to walk backwards taking shots without even looking through the camera.... The four images below are what I did... without even looking through the viewfinder..hilarious. I've learnt to break the rules from time to time!

 These next two images are possibly the most fashion/dramatic i've ever taken... it's definitely Brett's style! 

All images taken by Katie Byram Photography at a photography training workshop.

Poppy Field Durham...... and a realisation to slow down!

So this blog entry will be a bit more on a personal note today. This week I realised something... I have been so so busy over the past few weeks and months that I forget to catch my breath sometimes. I am sometimes editing from morning until well after midnight, I am running from place to place, forgetting to eat, forgoing doing things for myself. I absolutely love my job and I love how far things have progressed with my work, with the things I get to do, the fact I get to  do something I love everyday... But I realised I need to take a bit of time out now and again to avoid the burnout..... Burnout is not good for anyone but especially not creative people. You need to keep that energy and spark to create something..... you can't just make it out of nowhere.

As some of you will know, being a photographer is a lot more than taking photographs, there's the editing, album design, meetings, admin, customer service, venue visits, marketing, networking, paperwork. All of this takes an enormous amount of time. I'm currently working in excess of 60-70 hours a week. I don't have an official day off, I just schedule in when I can. The last time I had a day off to see my family I actually just fell asleep in exhaustion. 

 I have already turned down last minute wedding bookings for the next couple of months, despite being free on the actual dates, as well as several other photoshoots.  This is because I want to provide the VERY best for all of my clients, and I do not want to get overloaded with work as I want to deliver quality every time. I am also trying to take a few hours out of each week just to relax and recoup.

 I read a fantastic blog article this week on Rock & Roll Bride (fantastic blog) and the last paragraph really spoke to me:

"Instead of feeling you have to work 24/7 to get anywhere, focus on accomplishing more in less time. Streamline your tasks and work towards doing the very best you can. Two hours a day of really solid work is much better for your business, your life and your happiness than a full day of stress, strain and pressure.

I get it, everyone’s busy these days, but being overworked should not be a badge of honour. Our goal should be efficiency and productivity not burn-out and 84 hour work weeks. "

 To read the rest of the Rock & Roll Bride blog post click here.

Thanks Kat from Rock & Roll Bride for that great bit of inspiration & advice on her blog. 

So after a very hectic week last week, and after a beautiful wedding day, I raced back to this poppy field that I'd seen on the way to the wedding. The sun was just setting behind the hill. I am not a landscape photographer but I knew the light was fading fast, there was no time to grab my tripod and do a fancy set up. I took my camera with the lens it had on (85mm). I got stung by nettles, and had to navigate myself over some stiles, but finally got there and got a few minutes to capture these beautiful flowers in the fading light.  Check this stunning field out: 

After i'd taken these photographs I took a few minutes to just look out at this magical field and enjoy it. I took some deep breaths, it was the first part of the day I'd actually stood still and just taken it all in, I realised at that moment how much I love life, and how I need some moments like this to stand still, view it rather than be constantly chasing and running around.... 

Life is beautiful!!!

(C) Katie Byram Photography 2013. Images must not be used without written permission.

To see more of my work visit my website.

Ramside Hall Durham Wedding Previews (Sarah & Selçuk)

Sarah & Selçuk got married at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Houghton-le-Spring near Durham, followed by their marquee reception at Ramside Hall Hotel. 

It was a scorching hot day by British standards : 27+ degrees at some points, and we all had to remember to apply suncream! A very excited Sarah and her Dad made their way to the church in a classic cream car from Campbell Wedding Car, to meet Selçuk. He was greeting guests along with Joe, the best man. After a traditional catholic mass, the happy couple exited the church and everyone made their way to the Ramside Hall Hotel for the reception, which was held in the summer marquee. 

Sarah's Mum Anne, had done amazingly well creating all the decor, flowers and stationery for the wedding. She told me she really enjoyed making things and was happy how everything had turned out. They chose teal green, pinks and purples for a vibrant colour scheme.

The sun was so strong all day with not a cloud in the sky, so we headed for the shade as much as possible for the group photographs, and then made the decision to have the majority of the bride & groom photographs just before the evening reception, as I had a feeling the light was going to be lovely, and I wasn't wrong!

Sarah's Dad and Sarah herself made very moving speeches at the end of the meal, the best man spotted me needing to wipe away some tears, for which I was ribbed for later on! 

The couple have been through the difficulty of a long distance relationship and it's not been the easiest road for them, so it was so lovely to see them so happy and together on their wedding day, it's clear how much in love these two are!!

Here is some of the beautiful light that we were lucky enough to be treated to in the evening!! We headed back out for some relaxed and fun portraits.... lovely! 

I just love the natural sunflare coming in through the trees on the above! 

Sarah & Selçuk had their first dance to the Paul James Band 's version of 'At Last', which was a lovely choice! Then guests were invited up to join the couple, and I've got more photographs to come with Joe &Selçuk cracking out some shapes on the dancefloor!

         Just to end, one of the children at the wedding wrote this message to the couple - So sweet!

Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs Isli on their marriage and wishing you and your families all the best for the future! 

All photographs (C) Katie Byram Photography Please do not copy or use without permission.

Thank you.