Snow Leopard on Apple Mac computers

Those good people at Apple have have announced the release of their new operating system for their MAC computers.

They have called it Snow Leopard (how cute).

Come on Apple, you know you you would love to use my photo of a Snow Leopard for your advertisng (may be I could then retire or I would even trade you for a couple of 3Gs iPhones).

How about it guys? (you have to live in hope don't you)

Monochrome version

Colour version

Anyone interested in seeing more of our Natural History photographs including big cats, there are plenty more on the Nature pages of our website which you can get to by clicking here

Wedding at Inglewood Manor

We must be the luckiest wedding photographers around in that all of the couples and families we meet seem to be truly lovely people.

Rebecca and Dave and their families are no exception. What fantastic people and frankly, it makes the job of a wedding photographer not only more pleasant but much easier too if the people you are photographing are nice, friendly and happy people.

Rebecca and Dave are brilliant. Before the ceremony, we were at Rebecca and Dave's house where our beautiful bride was getting ready. I honestly can't remember when I have seen so many women in one place at one time. One bride, one hairdresser, one Mum and six adult bridesmaids plus 4 children made for one very lively house I can tell you! Great atmosphere though and a great way to kick start the day (no champagne though.... not whilst I was there anyway.... hmmmm).

Rebecca's dress was amazing. The only way I can describe it (and I'm not doing it justice) is that it was like a white flamenco dress. I've never seen one like it before and it suited her perfectly.

We set off for the church (St Paul's Church in Childer Thornton on the Wirral) and the guests started to arrive but no groom. Then the Groom's parents arrived and suggested he might be over in the pub (perish the thought). "I'll get him" says the groom's Dad... that was the last we saw of him for the next 15 minutes (i.e. time for a quick pint!).

Anyway, arrive he did with his best man and ushers.

Fantastic ceremony (bride's Dad was a Priest himself so the minister taking the service was obviously at the top of his game) and we managed to get all of the crucial family group shots before it started to rain quite heavily and we headed off for the reception at Inglewood Manor. Rebecca and Dave were not that fussed about the weather. In two days they are off to Bali so why should they care about us poor so and so stuck over here!

Have a great time in Bali guys and for now, here are a few of the photos from your wedding day.

We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

Inglewood Manor ♥ Rebecca and Dave

We must be the luckiest wedding photographers around in that all of the couples and families we meet seem to be truly lovely people.

Rebecca and Dave and their families are no exception. What fantastic people and frankly, it makes the job of a wedding photographer not only more pleasant but much easier too if the people you are photographing are nice, friendly and happy people.

Rebecca and Dave are brilliant. Before the ceremony, we were at Rebecca and Dave's house where our beautiful bride was getting ready. I honestly can't remember when I have seen so many women in one place at one time. One bride, one hairdresser, one Mum and six adult bridesmaids plus 4 children made for one very lively house I can tell you! Great atmosphere though and a great way to kick start the day (no champagne though.... not whilst I was there anyway.... hmmmm).

Rebecca's dress was amazing. The only way I can describe it (and I'm not doing it justice) is that it was like a white flamenco dress. I've never seen one like it before and it suited her perfectly.

We set off for the church (St Paul's Church in Childer Thornton on the Wirral) and the guests started to arrive but no groom. Then the Groom's parents arrived and suggested he might be over in the pub (perish the thought). "I'll get him" says the groom's Dad... that was the last we saw of him for the next 15 minutes (i.e. time for a quick pint!).

Anyway, arrive he did with his best man and ushers.

Fantastic ceremony (bride's Dad was a Priest himself so the minister taking the service was obviously at the top of his game) and we managed to get all of the crucial family group shots before it started to rain quite heavily and we headed off for the reception at Inglewood Manor. Rebecca and Dave were not that fussed about the weather. In two days they are off to Bali so why should they care about us poor so and so stuck over here!

Have a great time in Bali guys and for now, here are a few of the photos from your wedding day.





More photographs from Inglewood Manor and other venues can be found both in this blog and on our main wedding website at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Plane crazy!

We are not 'into' aircraft as such but like most people, we still find flying exciting and the sight of an aircraft (especially a BIG one) taking off or landing is still a wonderful sight to see.

Therefore, it is no great surprise that on the way back from a job in Wilsmlow on Wednesday, we couldn't resist the temptation to drive into the aircraft viewing park at Manchester Airport.

It's been a few years since we were last there and there have been quite a few changes (not the least the MASSIVE hike in the admission charge - from £2 to £7). In addition, the Concorde which was on open display is now housed in a building and you have to pay AGAIN to be able to go to see it (a disgraceful £5 - perhaps the powers that be there need to remember who paid for the aircraft in the first place).

Still, for those of us lucky enough to be able to afford these outrageous prices it's still good to go and see aircraft taking off and landing at close quarters.

Now if only the owners of the site provided some half decent facilities to match their over-inflated prices.........

Here are a couple of my favourite photographs from my brief visit.
A Cathay Pacific Boeing 747 Cargo aircraft during take off

We've just added a new gallery to the Recent Weddings page on our main website. It's a few dozen photographs from a wedding a couple of weeks ago at the Hillbark Hotel at Frankby on the Wirral.

If you are thinking of getting married at this hotel; or know somebody who is, you might like to take a look by clicking here


Our main wedding website is at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Wedding photography at the Hillbark Hotel

We've just added a new gallery to the Recent Weddings page on our main website. It's a few dozen photographs from a wedding a couple of weeks ago at the Hillbark Hotel at Frankby on the Wirral.

If you are thinking of getting married at this hotel; or know somebody who is, you might like to take a look by clicking here


Our main wedding website is at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Updated wedding galleries

Just a quick note to mention that I have now updated the Galleries section of our website to show off just a few photos from some recent weddings.

There are two new Galleries in all. The first new Gallery can be reached by clicking here and the second by clicking here


Our main wedding website is at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Updated wedding galleries

Just a quick note to mention that I have now updated the Galleries section of our website to show off just a few photos from some recent weddings.

There are two new Galleries in all. The first new Gallery can be reached by clicking here and the second by clicking here

Later this week

As noted previously, on Monday we had the enormous pleasure of photographing top British designer Nick Munro at the factory in Preston making furniture for John Lewis.

Today (Wednesday) sees us finishing off the editing of the photographs from Gemma and Adam's wedding in Prestbury last Saturday (22nd August 2009) whilst tomorrow (Thursday, 27th August 2009) sees us travelling to Horwich in Lancashire to photograph a well known artist for a national magazine. Looking forward to that.

Hopefully, we'll have some time tomorrow to do some travelling around part of Lancashire and make some photographs we can use for our stock photo library (we have a library of many thousands of images on all manner of subjects sold directly by us via our website or through a number of photo agencies and libraries).

We have another wedding on Sunday this week which means we get to have a lie in for a change on Saturday! On Sunday, Rebecca and Dave are getting married at St Paul's Church in Childer Thornton with their wedding reception at the magnificent Inglewood Manor on the Wirral (more details on our wedding blog).

Wedding at Inglewood Manor

Another week and another wedding. This time we see Rebecca and Dave getting married at St Paul's Church at Childer Thornton followed by a reception at the magnificent Inglewood Manor at Ledsham on the Wirral.

The wedding is on Sunday 30th August. Sundays are becoming increasingly popular especially as so many venues are heavily booked long in advance for Saturday weddings.

Really looking forward to the wedding and it means we get a lie in on Saturday for a change.

British designer Nick Munro

As I mentioned yesterday, we had an assignment to photograph one of the world's top designers, Nick Munro, as he visited the factory in Preston making furniture he has designed for the John Lewis Partnership.

We had fantastic day and all the craftsmen and other staff at the factory were really pleasant and helpful.

Nick Munro is a fantastic guy. So friendly and so talented and passionate about his work. It was a great honour and a real pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet and talk with him and to see some of his designs both complete and in production (fascinating to watch the furniture being made).

Here are just a couple of photos from yesterday

Nick Munro relaxes in one of his chairs

One of Nick's chair designs

Designs on furniture

Well I thought the title was clever!

On Monday (24th August 2009) we are photography internationally famous, British designer Nick Munro.

Nick has designed a unique range of furnishing items for John Lewis and we are meeting up at the John Lewis furniture factory in Preston for the shoot.

We are really looking forward to meeting and working with this talented man.

Later in the week we are off to Oxford for some tourists board publicity photography (if the weather behaves itself) and then on Sunday (30th August 2009), we are going to be at the wonderful Inglewood Manor at Ledsham on the Wirral for the wedding of Rebecca and Dave.

Wedding at The Bridge in Prestbury

As mentioned in an earlier post, Saturday (22nd August 2009) saw us photographing the wedding of the lovely Gemma to the lucky Adam.

The day started with Neil going to photograph the boys as they got ready at the Bride and Groom's house in Stockport whilst I went to the Bride's Mum's house also in Stockport. I can honestly say I don't think I have ever seen as many women in one place at one time as I saw yesterday morning. Bridesmaids, Mums and Aunties seemed to be everywhere. Mind you, everyone was in very good spirits aided no doubt by the blush champagne that seemed to be going down a treat! Special mention to Chloe the little flower girl who not only looked beautiful but was a real star on the day considering her young age. She smiled and was a pleasure to be with all day long.

The ceremony was at the Dean Row Chapel in Wilmslow and then, after a brief stop at a nearby park, we moved off to the Bridge Hotel in Prestbury. I have to mention the Minister at the Dean Row Chapel.

I said this to everyone gathered in the vestry whilst we were signing the register but bearing in mind the hundreds of weddings I have attended, I don't think I have ever witnessed a finer church service than the one he conducted. The level seemed to be just right with a fine balance of solemnity and humour. Great stuff and very inspiring.

Gemma's dress was a real treat and suited her so perfectly. She was totally amazing. She looked stunning and her personality makes her such a lovely person to be around. Adam and all the ushers (so many of them too!) looked extremely smart and stylish and is one very lucky man.

Have a great honeymoon (they've not decided where to go yet - decisions, decisions).

We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

The Bridge, Prestbury ♥ Gemma and Adam

As mentioned in an earlier post, Saturday (22nd August 2009) saw us photographing the wedding of the lovely Gemma to the lucky Adam.

The day started with Neil going to photograph the boys as they got ready at the Bride and Groom's house in Stockport whilst I went to the Bride's Mum's house also in Stockport. I can honestly say I don't think I have ever seen as many women in one place at one time as I saw yesterday morning. Bridesmaids, Mums and Aunties seemed to be everywhere. Mind you, everyone was in very good spirits aided no doubt by the blush champagne that seemed to be going down a treat! Special mention to Chloe the little flower girl who not only looked beautiful but was a real star on the day considering her young age. She smiled and was a pleasure to be with all day long.

The ceremony was at the Dean Row Chapel in Wilmslow and then, after a brief stop at a nearby park, we moved off to the Bridge Hotel in Prestbury. I have to mention the Minister at the Dean Row Chapel.

I said this to everyone gathered in the vestry whilst we were signing the register but bearing in mind the hundreds of weddings I have attended, I don't think I have ever witnessed a finer church service than the one he conducted. The level seemed to be just right with a fine balance of solemnity and humour. Great stuff and very inspiring.

Gemma's dress was a real treat and suited her so perfectly. She was totally amazing. She looked stunning and her personality makes her such a lovely person to be around. Adam and all the ushers (so many of them too!) looked extremely smart and stylish and is one very lucky man.

Have a great honeymoon (they've not decided where to go yet - decisions, decisions).

As usual, we have over 1300 photographs to edit but here are a few from the day to give you a taste of the wedding ceremony and reception.

Gemma walks up the aisle with her father. Adam looks on

Do you really think this is a good time to be ordering Pizza love?

Confetti time

Just married - a walk in the park

Gemma - the very beautiful bride

Gemma

In the garden at The Bridge in Prestbury

More photographs from Dean Row Chapel, the Bridge Hotel, Prestbury and other venues can be found both in this blog and on our main wedding website at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

Friday in Shrewsbury

Have been trying to get back to a sense of normality after losing Jasper earlier this week (see earlier post). Obviously it's very difficult and as we have had so many photos to edit from the previous weeks two weddings, it has meant we haven't had the opportunity to get out and about for a bit of "fresh air".

We'll try and remedy that today. We are scheduled to pop down to the beautiful town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire. Initially we are hoping to be doing some general photography of the tourist 'hot spots' in and around the town for a tourism brochure but frankly, the weather may prevent us doing everything we want. When doing scenic shots for this sort of application (tourism), it is essential that we have blue skies. Let's face it, when trying to 'sell' a place, blue skies are definitely the order of the day.

Never mind, if the weather doesn't play ball, we'll just do some of the interiors we need to complete as part of the assignment.

Following that, it's off to see a couple planning to get married in the town. The reception venue is the Mytton and Mermaid which is a beautiful old Grade II listed building standing by the bridge over the River Severn so it should make for some great wedding photography

Very sad day

Yesterday was a very sad day for us as we lost our best friend Jasper, our beloved Old English Sheepdog.

Jasper has been a true and faithful friend for just short of 13 years. Life hasn't always been good to him and he has had many health problems over the years but whatever he was going through, he always showed just how much we meant to him and we do hope he knew just how much we loved him too.

Rest in peace our beautiful boy.

Jasper
1996 - 2009

Katherine Jenkins

I mentioned yesterday that we had been commissioned to supply photographs for a forthcoming publication. The images we have been asked to supply are of 3 wonderful operatic performers we have had the pleasure of photographing over the last few years.

We cannot show the exact photographs being utilised as these are now subject to licensing arrangements with the publishers but on this and the next couple of blog entries, we'll show photos from the same sets as those being used.

First off is that incredibly talented and beautiful soprano, Katherine Jenkins

Quite frankly, if you haven't heard of Katherine Jenkins, you must have been on a different planet to the rest of us for the last 5 years.

Katherine made her name as a soprano singing popular operatic arias and still does so but she has also managed to make that transition to more popular 'mainstream' music. Whatever she sings, this beautiful woman's voice is unmistakable and even after meeting her and photographing her many times both in concert and backstage at various venues, it still amazes me that she can produce such a powerful and exquisite singing voice from such a slim body.

Katherine Jenkins in performance

Katherine Jenkins in performance

Katherine Jenkins in performance

Katherine Jenkins in performance

Bryn Terfel

I mentioned yesterday that we had been commissioned to supply photographs for a forthcoming publication. The images we have been asked to supply are of 3 wonderful operatic performers we have had the pleasure of photographing over the last few years.

We cannot show the exact photographs being utilised as these are now subject to licensing arrangements with the publishers but on this and the next couple of blog entries, we'll show photos from the same sets as those being used.

Next in this short series, is that ever popular Welshman, Bryn Terfel

We have had the great pleasure of meeting and photographing Bryn Terfel on many occasions. in fact he lives not too far away from us in his native North Wales. We've are also privileged to have photographed his lovely wife and children as well.

I don't think there is any doubt that Bryn is the foremost bass baritone in the world today but he is also renowned as a great stage performer too as anyone who has seen him in famous roles like Falstaff will attest.

Bryn Terfel in performance

Bryn and his pan pipes

Bryn Terfel in the spotlight

Bryn with Andrea Bocelli

Bryn relaxing near his home in North Wales

Andrea Bocelli

I mentioned yesterday that we had been commissioned to supply photographs for a forthcoming publication. The images we have been asked to supply are of 3 wonderful operatic performers we have had the pleasure of photographing over the last few years.

We cannot show the exact photographs being utilised as these are now subject to licensing arrangements with the publishers but on this and the next couple of blog entries, we'll show photos from the same sets as those being used.

Last in the series but by no means least, is that wonderful tenor, Andrea Bocelli.

I cannot imagine anyone who is not mesmerised by this charismatic Italian's voice and you should not miss the opportunity to see and hear him perform live if you ever get the chance. When you realise he lost his sight whilst playing football as a youngster makes you realise even more what a wonderful achievement it has been for him to have become one of the foremost tenors of our time.

Andrea Bocelli in performance

Andrea Bocelli singing with Bryn Terfel

Andrea Bocelli in performance

This week's diary

A bit different this week.

We have a wedding on Saturday in Prestbury (see the blog entry at barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com) but most of the week is going to be spent putting together some images from our collection for a forthcoming series of calendars.

We have been commissioned to provide images for a couple of calendars in preparation for publication at the end of 2010 (i.e. for 2011). You really do have to look ahead when it comes to publishing.

I'll put up some more details as the week progresses.

Other than that, we have a couple of client meetings and hopefully, we'll be able to squeeze in some time just for us as I fancy spending some money so I feel a shopping trip to Liverpool coming on

The Bridge in Prestbury

It's a new week and one that sees us photographing the wedding of Gemma and Adam.

The service takes place on Saturday 22nd August 2009 (crikey, August is going by a little too quickly) at the Dean Row Chapel in Wilmslow and then it's over to The Bridge at Prestbury for the reception.

Perhaps Mr and Mrs Rooney will pop in and say hello as they live nearby.

See you Saturday guys!

Civil wedding at the Hillbark Hotel

As I mentioned earlier this week, yesterday (Friday 14th August 2009) saw us travel to the top of the Wirral to the magnificent Elizabethan country house that is Hillbark Hotel at Royden Park, Frankby.

You know right away that you are somewhere very special. Any place that has automatic electronic gates that open as you approach always makes me feel a bit special (sad I know).

After we parked up we stopped to look back at this magnificent black and white half timbered building. Could anything be more beautiful? Well frankly (cue the violins), yes it could and in this case, it came in the form of our beautiful bride Nicola.
When we arrived she looked gorgeous even though she was still wearing her hotel dressing gown but very soon, she was transformed into a fairytale princess bride. The dress was so stylish and classy and suited Nicola perfectly.

David eventually arrived (no doubt he had been enjoying the journey from home in one of the hotels fantastic cars, in this instance a stunning blue Bentley) and the wedding took place in the magnificent galleried great hall. The brides entry music was unusually Tom Jones claiming "She's a Lady". Confused everyone that did! (Nicola will thump me for that).

Enough of my ramblings, we have hundreds and hundreds of photos to edit but here are a few to get the juices flowing.

Have a great honeymoon in the US guys!

We'll post a few more photos over on our wedding blog at www.barrieneilweddings.blogspot.com

Hillbark Hotel ♥ Nicola and David

As I mentioned earlier this week, yesterday (Friday 14th August 2009) saw us travel to the top of the Wirral to the magnificent Elizabethan country house that is Hillbark Hotel at Royden Park, Frankby.

You know right away that you are somewhere very special. Any place that has automatic electronic gates that open as you approach always makes me feel a bit special (sad I know).

After we parked up we stopped to look back at this magnificent black and white half timbered building. Could anything be more beautiful? Well frankly (cue the violins), yes it could and in this case, it came in the form of our beautiful bride Nicola.

When we arrived she looked gorgeous even though she was still wearing her hotel dressing gown but very soon, she was transformed into a fairytale princess bride. The dress was so stylish and classy and suited Nicola perfectly.

David eventually arrived (no doubt he had been enjoying the journey from home in one of the hotels fantastic cars, in this instance a stunning blue Bentley) and the wedding took place in the magnificent galleried great hall. The brides entry music was unusually Tom Jones claiming "She's a Lady". Confused everyone that did! (Nicola will thump me for that).

Enough of my ramblings, we have hundreds and hundreds of photos to edit but here are a few to get the juices flowing.

Have a great honeymoon in the US guys!

The Hillbark Hotel provides a magnificent backdrop to the Bentley

Nicola and David meet at the top of the aisle. Dad looks on

Nicola and David meet at the top of the aisle. Dad looks on (Black and white conversion)

Nicola and David in the pagoda

Nicola strikes a pose (doesn't she look fab!)

More photographs from Hillbark Hotel and other venues can be found both in this blog and on our main wedding website at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk

A day in the life of Waitrose Sandbach

As mentioned earlier, we spent most of today with those lovely people at the branch of Waitrose in Sandbach, Cheshire.

The brief was to provide a nice set of photographs depicting the store, the partners (staff that work there) and their customers under normal operating conditions, for use in a forthcoming magazine feature.

It was a really good day and everybody from the most senior manager to the customer at the checkout seemed to be enjoying themselves. Based on this and previous visits, it really does seem like a nice place to work and the food... well that is something else (I'm sure I've put on weight just looking at it!)

Thanks to Mark, Gareth and the team for your help and co-operation (as usual might I add). Much appreciated!

The Perseid Meteor 'shower'

One year, I am going to get to see these blighters.

I've only seen a "shooting star" once and that was many years ago. Last night (11th August 2009), this annual display was supposed to be at it's height for 2009 so I found myself a nice spot with little ambient light 'pollution', camera all set up and looked at a thick blanket of cloud.

As Homer Simpson might well have said "D'oh".

I'll have another bash tonight but judging by the amount of rain we have had so far today and looking at yet another thick blanket of cloud, I am not holding out much hope.

I am beginning to believe I am the only person in the UK not to have seen them

Hillbark Hotel and Brookhouse Mill

Once again, we have two weddings this week.

On Friday 14th August, we are photographing the civil wedding of Nicola and David at the magnificent Elizabethan country house that is Hillbark Hotel in Frankby on the Wirral. This is a beautiful and fascinating building with so many wonderful features including the stunning external timbering and with interior features too many to list (but I do love the huge windows in the great hall and the minstrels gallery!).

Interesting little factoid... the building wasn't on it's current site but was moved brick by brick to the current location!

Saturday sees us at the wedding of Sian and Tom. This time it's a church wedding with the ceremony taking place at St Marcell's Church in the old and famous Welsh town of Denbigh followed by a reception at nearby Brookhouse Mill.

Looking forward to both weddings. It's exciting for us that they are going to be so different both in style and location.

The following photographs are a very small sample of a couple of recent weddings we photographed at the Hillbark Hotel







More photographs from the Hillbark Hotel and other venues can be found both in this blog and on our main wedding website at www.barrieneilweddings.co.uk