Paul Saxby Photography

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My Favourite Portrait

22 July 2010

A  Simple Portrait

My favourite images are quite often the simplest. This portrait was made whilst enjoying a musical interlude at Janina`s home in Finland. I had been invited to a barbeque the day after her wedding and I took the opportunity to photograph some of the guests enjoying themselves.

 

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Janina and Man-Tong - A wedding apart....

22 July 2010

A Finnish Wedding

Although I normally photograph weddings in the East Midlands and other areas of the UK, I do occasionally wander further afield and photograph weddings overseas.

I recently traveled to Finland to photograph the wedding of a dear friend, Janina, and her partner Man-Tong. I had a wonderful time (including enjoying returns flights in the company of a gang of cheerleaders!). I enjoyed stunning countryside, a hotel with Lakeside views and the kind hosting of the Brides family, who looked after me like I was one of their own.

The weather was incredibly warm, it was the hottest weather in Finland on record which made working terribly difficult, but everyone was so helpful that I was never without water and shade when I needed it...

I first met Janina a couple of years while at a networking event. We have become good friends and I was honoured when Janina asked me to travel to her family home in Finland so I could photograph her wonderful wedding.

Below are just a few of my favourite images from the wedding day.



The smiling Bridesmaid adjusts the dress...



Janina adjusts her jewelry



Janina`s Mom smiles with delight as her daughter glides down the aisle...



A proud Father guides Janina down the isles..



Janinas stare catches my eye...



The sunny meadow..



The log cabin...



The farmyard..



The Haystacks...



The girls...



The lakeside views...



The happiest Grandmother alive..



Janinas cousins...



The sweetest moistest wedding cake I had ever tasted... it was amazing...



Guests from Nottingham...


Something tickled Janina....



The first dance...

Probably one of the the most exciting and rewarding weddings I have ever photographed. It went like a dream, despite the incredible heat, and I met some of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet....

 

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In the Pink...

13 May 2010

Back to work with a bang.... several months out of the studio with a severe back injury has been difficult, but thankfully I`m on the mend and back to work.

One of the first jobs I took on in the newly refurbished studio was to photograph Olivia. 8 going on 18, Olivia has loads of character and is full of fun. Pulling faces and playing up for the camera was not a problem as the photos demonstrate.

Before the photoshoot I had spent sometime discussing with Olivias Mum exactly what they wanted and we came to the conclusion that a simple pink backdrop would be perfect to show of Olivia`s personality, especially since it is her favourite colour.


For the photo geeks amongst you, I used an Orbis Ringflash to light this shot. Olivia was backed right up against the pink backdrop which shows the soft  shadow created by the circular flash.



Olivia`s face lit up everytime I lifted the camera, I didn`t need to direct Olivia to pose for most of the photos, I just gave her some ideas and she just went with it.



A change of outfit didn`t slow Olivia down. The photographs just kept coming...



A change of mood came with the next outfit change. I simply asked Olivia to look out of the frame while I moved in close with my favourite lens. The simple Canon 50mm f1.4 is incredibly sharp,even wide open, allowing me to isolate Olivia`s eyes and let her face blend into the pink backdrop.



I love this shot. I had suggested to Olivia`s Mum to bring along a range of outfits and props that mean something to her and Olivia. I was surprised to see a riding outfit including a proper riding hat with a lovely bright pink cover which perfectly complimented the chosen backdrop. The simplicity of the pose,as well as the lighting, really makes Olivia appear older, and probably wiser, than she really lets on...

If you think your 8 year old would enjoy being photographed, feel free to give me a call...