It's all Chop and Change

OK, just to get things clear, the title does not refer to a collection of small coins I found in my Sunday Roast of Pork Chops. But, it does however refer to the new, and hopefully improved, new website at www.davidgow.co.uk.

The main differences you will notice (assuming in my arrogance that you have seen the previous version of the site) are the buttons, the page layout and the introduction of a few new pages (at the expense of some old ones).

The 'my Style' page is a short description of my photography style. And you thought I just made it all up on the day? Shame on you.

The 'my Products' page describes a number of items that customers can buy including digital albums and coffee table books. My personal favourite products are the 3x3 acrylic frames and the brushed metal digital album.

The 'my Prices' page explains itself, I guess. I asked for feedback on my old site and one of the comments was that the old page was too "wordy". Anyone who knows me knows I can never be accused of being "wordy". Mmmmm....

The 'my News' page is my favourite addition. Not content with waffling on Facebook, Twitter and in Blogs, I've added another page dedicated to new and interesting things happening in the Wonderful World of Disney...... Oh, I mean, David Gow. The latest news item is a call for Studio Portraits shoots. Check it out. A real bargain.

The last change is the one called 'your Images'. This provides access to the Customer galleries. It used to be called 'Clients', but the new name suits the format of the other pages. I think.

Anyway, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. What do you think? Anything amiss? Preferred the old version. Not enough photos of me in a variety of informative and yet amusing historical outfits? Please feel free to check out the new site and let me know what you think.

Gloucester Wedding Photography - Lisa & Shane at Berkeley Castle

Wow, wow and wow! Wow 1 is for the incredibly beautiful venue that is Berkeley Castle. Wow 2 is for the fantastic time I had shooting Lisa & Shane's Pre-wedding Portrait. Wow 3 is for me being so fortunate to have Wow 1 and 2 together at the same time.

I met Lisa & Shane in October last year and instantly recognised the "buzz" they had for each other and for their wedding plans and knew how much fun they would be to photograph.

Lisa & Shane decided they would like their pre-wedding shoot at Berkeley Castle, the home of their wedding ceremony in July. Fantastic choice.

The Castle Manager, Eleanor, was kind enough to show us around the ceremony and reception rooms as well as the available grounds, and it's safe to say that I've got a real task on my hands keeping shortlisting the incredible locations for photography on the day. The alternative was for their wedding to be extended by 3-4 days. As keen as Lisa & Shane were on that idea, I don't think Berkeley would be.

After a tour of the Castle we walked around the grounds taking in the view while shooting images for the pre-wedding gallery.

Despite Shane's confession about being nervous in front of a camera I think he did a fantastic job of modelling. Manly modelling, of course. Although he will need to work on his reaction to Lisa's kisses.

Lisa, too, was an absolute star, by providing a mix of laughter, smiles and, on occasions, the beautiful moody look.

As we walked around the gardens we noticed some wooden eggs hanging from the trees and bushes. After a short discussion, we decided not to take part in, what we assumed was, an Easter Egg Hunt, as we couldn't remember what the prizes were meant to be. To be honest, there was a young boy and girl playing the Hunt who were already ahead of us, and I wasn't keen on being beaten by young children at games. Again.

I'd like to thank Lisa & Shane again for choosing me to photograph their wedding. Like all the couples I've photographed this year so far, today was another fantastic reminder why I love shooting weddings so much. Bring on July!

Gloucester Wedding Photographer - Sharon & Justin's Pre-wedding Shoot

We are the Famous Five!! Sharon, Justin, Claire, David & Macey the Dog!! My apologies to Enid Blyton.

If you remember the theme tune for that fantastic 80's kid's TV show you'll probably get a lot more out of that opening line. Check out youtube.

I met Sharon & Justin last year and remembered three important things. A great looking couple, a hilarious sense of humour and Sharon's love of cows.

I took all of that information into their Pre-wedding shoot today and, between us, created a fantastic collection of images for their gallery. Well, I say "all of that information". I didn't bring a cow. But, I would have done if I had one. And a saddle.

Sharon & Justin chose North Nibley for their shoot and what a beautiful location. Sharon and Claire (my wonderful assistant for the day and, more importantly I guess, Sharon's Sister) reminisced about their childhood in the woods. I know what you're thinking, but no, they were not raised in the woods by a scurry of lovable woodland creatures. I did ask.

As we trekked up towards the monument at the top of North Nibley, we started the shoot by using the great abundance of greenery and trees (as you would find in a wood). The lighting today was a perfect overcast which allows us to use almost anything as a backdrop without the fear of harsh lighting.

When we got to the top and were treated to such a beautiful view of the Cotswolds and beyond. Add the Tyndale Monument into the mix and we had a perfect setting to continue the shoot. The shot above was taken in the entrance to the Monument.

Using the scenic views and imposing monument's stonework, we completed the shoot with a set of images that capture the fun that Sharon & Justin share. There is even an impromptu piggyback in there. I'll leave you guessing who piggybacked who.

As proof that Claire had not only come to the shoot, but had done all the really hard work of carrying everything around, I captured this image of her with Sharon. Trust me, she carried more than the daffodil.

On the way back down, Macey (the Dog from the theme tune at the start of the blog), continued to make friends with everyone and their dogs. Even if they didn't want to. And yes, for all animal lovers out there, we did get some lovely shots of her too.

A wonderful sunny Sunday morning with Sharon, Justin, Claire & Macey, taking photos and having a laugh. No better way to spend a day.

If today's shoot is anything to go by (which it is), I'm going to have the time of my life shooting the wedding.

Bristol Portrait & Wedding Photography - Liz & Simon's Pre-wedding Shoot

When you think of On The Waterfront, you're thinking Marlon Brando riding an uncomfortably large bike, in leathers, white vest and a, now-realised, camp leather cap.

Well, Liz & Simon's Pre-wedding Shoot on the Bristol Waterfront was no different. Apart from the bike, vest and leathers. Oh, and cap.

Quickly, after meeting Liz & Simon last December for a wedding consultation and hearing of their plans for the great day, I knew I had to shoot their wedding. No spoilers. You're all going to have to wait until after 9th July. There's no use tutting and sighing. Be patient. It will be worth it.

The Bristol Waterfront is a haven of fantastic backdrops for a portrait shoot and we used as many of them as we could.

We made a great start to the shoot at the waterside where I quickly realised that a) Liz & Simon were going to be a real joy to shoot and b) Simon may or may not have enjoyed a modelling career prior to the shoot and c) Liz has the fastest blink I've ever seen. I'll come to that last one in a moment.

Actually, I'll come to that now. There is a trick when photographing "blinkers" and that is to get them to close their eyes and open them just before you press the shutter. The idea being that they can't possibly close their eyes before you press the button. Sound reasonable? It's a trick that's worked for several years. Until today. Now everything I believe in is being questioned.

Using a number of bold coloured backdrops we put together a great collection of images as we made our way around the waterside and through to the @Bristol Square where we completed our shoot.

On the way round Liz treated us all to a joke and a punchline I still don't get. It was about Little Red Riding Hood. Any ideas?

Joking aside (understandable punchline or not), Liz & Simon did not stop laughing the whole time and, as you can see from the photo above, that have fantastic smiles to match. They were a genuine joy to photograph.

Special thanks to the Cafe for letting us use their tables (even though we didn't buy anything). And to, the now famously infamous, Kim for carrying everything, except me, around the shoot. A piggy-back wouldn't have gone amiss.

Gloucester Wedding Photography - Sarah & Adrian

Have you ever seen the St Trinian movies? Not those hideous remakes, but the originals with Alistair Sim & George Cole? You have? Good. Keep them in mind for later reference.

I met Sarah & Adrian 6 months ago and got on like a house on fire. But without the insurance claim.

They knew exactly the style of wedding images they wanted, which always make my job so much easier. Lots and lots of photojournalist reportage photography. They would prefer not to see me at the wedding. At all. I never take it personally, despite wiping away a tear. But, of course they mean shooting their wedding as a Photojournalist. By far my favourite weddings.

We were promised sunny weather, and, although we didn't get that, we did get a bright, overcast day. Perfect weather for wedding photography. No need to find a number of shaded areas to avoid the harsh lighting.

The day started with Adrian working hard to finish off the table decorations and collecting the flowers with the assistance of my assistant-for-the-day, Kim, of Kim De Beer fame. If you read the previous blog you will know of her greatness.

After taking a few shots of Adrian, hard at work, we then went to shoot the bridal preparation with Sarah. Sarah looked fantastic in her gold dress.

We got to the Gloucester Registry Office for the Ceremony. One of my favourite venues as all the guests line up outside before the ceremony which is perfect for the photojournalist. Plenty of hedges, walls and pillars to stand near, taking shots of everyone anticipating the great day, without them noticing me.

The wedding ceremony was a real treat. I got front-of-house positioning to get some lovely shots of all the emotions fitting a wedding.

This is where your memories of St Trinian's will come in handy, as I describe one of the funniest moments I have ever seen at a wedding - and possibly anywhere else.

Picture this - Sarah & Adrian were reading their own vows to each other in front of their friends and family. A lovely moment. Not five feet behind them the 4 young girls, who by this point had provided much entertainment for me to shoot, decided that to entertain each other by jumping around in their seats, climbing over each other and letting out cries of how bored they were. The hilarious incredulity of seeing both of these moments at the same time was only surpassed by the fact that neither Sarah or Adrian noticed and completed their vows unaffected. My new favourite wedding moment and one that's going to take some beating.

Everyone made their way back to Gloucester's Gala Club for the Reception where, after more opportunities for me to get some informal shots, Kim and I had a chance to put our feet up and review the images so far, while the wedding party enjoyed their breakfast.

As I'm sure everyone knows by now, one of my favourite moments of any wedding are the speeches. I love walking around the room capturing true emotions. There are always tears, laughter and, in most instances, looks of horror as the Best Man "stitches up" the Groom. Adrian seems to have lived a purer life than most based on Darren's speech. Either that or Darren was being kind.

Sarah was very keen to get some shots of her son, Steve, who is going out to Afghanistan in a few weeks. The spare time after the speeches gave me an opportunity to get those for a very proud Mum. Good luck to Steve in the coming months.

I spent an hour at the local pub having dinner before the Evening Reception. 5 mins after settling down I heard a wall of sound behind me only to see the hilarious St Trinian Crew swarming towards me. They was a good 10 mins of good-natured terrorising of the locals and climbing over everything taller than them - which was everything.

This energy continued through to the Evening Reception where all the kids danced and threw themselves around the dance floor. I was also treated to some "robot" moves under the instruction of the dancer that I capture every movement. I did.

A long day and an utterly enjoyable one. Sarah & Adrian didn't stop smiling all day. This is the kind of wedding that reminds me how much I love to shoot them. Laughter, tears, hilarious kids with boundless energy and a group of friends and family who enjoyed every moment of the day.

Thank you to Sarah & Adrian for allowing me to capture their special day. I wish them all the very best the future has.

Flowers supplied by Daisy Chain, Gloucester - www.daisychaingloucester.co.uk
Suits supplied by Beaus & Balls, Gloucester - www.beaus-and-balls.co.uk
Balloons supplied by All Occasioins, Gloucester - www.alloccasionsglos.co.uk

Gloucester Wedding Photography - Sarah & Dan

It only seemed like yesterday when I shot Sarah & Dan for their Engagement Portrait.

In the four months since that shoot Sarah & Dan have been working hard planning their wedding and what a cracker it was. Even the weather joined in on the fun.

Today started off a new season of weddings for 2011 with a new assistant, Kim De Beer. Kim has great experience of urban social art photography and is looking to add wedding photography to her endless list of talents.

Meeting Sarah for her Bridal Preparation shoot, it was soon obvious how nervous she was. It was easy to see how much her wedding day meant to her.

With the preparation shots completed, we met Dan at St Barthelomew Church, Lower Cam. Dan was as calm a groom as I've worked with.

I remember the fun fun we had on the Engagement Portrait shoot a few months earlier and today was no different.

Sarah arrived at the Church in one of the greatest wedding cars - a Burgundy 1960's VW Campervan. The Bridesmaids arrived in a stretched Hum-Vee Limo. The owners of both didn't seem keen on swapping their cars with mine - a very sporty Toyota Yaris. I would have cleaned the car for them too.

Sarah looked fantastic in her wedding dress and with the weather doing it's job, she really had no reason to worry.

After the ceremony, we worked on some shots of Sarah & Dan at one of the beautiful stain-glass windows. The photo above is one of my favourites.

After being drenched in, what seemed like endless, confetti, friends and family made their way to Eastwood Park Hotel in Falfield, Wotton-Under-Edge. I've worked at this venue before and remember it as one of my all-time favourites.

After a number of shots with the wedding cars and group shot, we moved into Eastwood's beautiful gardens for the formal shots. The sunshine provided the perfect back-lighting and I provided the perfect seat for Sarah & Dan to rest their very weary feet.

During the shoot and despite, prompting, no-one was willing to tell me about, what sounded like an incredibly interesting, Hen Night. I think more probing into that evening is required at the Wedding Image Review in a few weeks.

Dan's speech was one of the best and most emotional. A heartfelt thank-you to his new wife, made all, but the hardest of souls, reach for their hankies to wipe away a tear. Obviously, I didn't cry. I was working. I'm a professional. ;o)

The wedding group was a real joy to work with and provided a lot of fantastic opportunities for me to get some interesting photo-journalistic reportage shots. More of these shots will be shared when I created a page dedicated to Sarah & Dan's wedding in a couple of weeks.

Lastly, I would like to thank Sarah & Dan for choosing me to shoot their special day and for being such great sports, and a thank you to everyone at the Eastwood Hotel for helping get all the images we wanted.

All the very best wishes to Sarah & Dan. A wonderful couple who thoroughly deserved every magical moment of their day.

Hello (I'm back again)

My favourite Gary Glitter song and my sentiment. I just noticed how long it's been since my last blog. That's my New Years Resolution of regular updates broken.

Well, a lot has changed in the last few months. A name change, an update logo, a new glamorous assistant and a brand new wedding package.

I finally got round to getting rid of my name and replacing it with my preferred middle name. So I am now, officially, called David. That avoids so much confusion. Especially in my own easily-confused mind.

You've hopefully seen the updated Equation Logo on the site. Feel free to let me know what you think of it.

A great big welcome to Kim, who has agreed to be my wedding day assistant for 2011. Kim is a fantastic photographer in her own right with an incredible unique style for urban landscape photography. Check out her work at www.kimikimiphotography.com. Welcome, Kim. I hope I'm not too much of an ogre.

Last, and most definitely not least, is the new wedding package. Did you get the clue from the image? If you remember, the main package last year was a CD-only option. An increasing number of couples have asked about wedding albums so I have adapted the wedding package to include not only a wedding album but also a set of parents books. How much will your folks love you when you give them a wedding book each? No need to think about that, the answer is "loads".

The wedding album is A4, 30-pages, and comes with a choice of an acrylic or metallic cover. The parents book ar A5, 30-pages and hardcover with a sleeve. To save you having to sign off another design, the Parent's book layout is exactly the same as the Wedding Album.

Don't forget that you also get the 40-page softcover CD-album as standard. So, four books in one package. Sound good? I hope so. But, feel free to ask any questions.

I promise to keep the Blog more updated now so please pop in once in a while to check out new offers and more of my infamous rambling.

And to all those David Gow couples getting married this year..... how great is 2011 going to be? The answer is "loads"!! I can't wait!!