May

Fancy a FREE Portrait Shoot?


Looking for couples for free portrait / engagement shoots in Manchester/Cheshire areas in June / July. All location. Any interested parties please contact me via my website or Facebook page.



Personal Work



I saw this image a few weeks back when meeting Sinead & Luke for their pre-wedding meeting at The Midland. I shot this on the morning of their wedding for my personal folio. Shot on a Nikon D700 with 24mm f1.4G lens, I just love the way the arch holds the library in-frame, with no sky showing.


May Weddings - Sinead & Luke



Sinead & Luke were married last weekend at The Midland in Manchester city centre. I love city centre weddings - I have to travel 'lighter' than normal, with no extra kit in the boot of the (non-existant) car. It really focuses you as a wedding photographer - for the better in some respects. For the wedding photographers out there, 50% of Sinead & Luke's wedding was shot on a new Nikon 35mm f1.4G lens, on one of two D700 bodies. The ceremony room was probably the most atmospheric (darkest) I've worked in for a long time, and the fast prime lens really came into its own.


Sinead and Luke were incredibly polite all day, and an absolute joy to work with. Luke seemed to care more for everyone else than himself - even with a set of brothers outnumbering 'The Waltons' to usher things around for him!


Here's some of my favourite images from the day...



















My clients hire me for my natural documentary style, with minimal direction from myself on the day. In fact for most of my working day, I only speak when spoken to (mum taught me that one when I was very young...hmmmmm)...









This part of the day was incredibly difficult. Merging with the guests and trying to be unobtrusive while a huge 52" plasma screen showing my beloved Manchester City playing in the FA Cup Final was almost too much to bear. "Come on now, Michael - stay professional. Anyway, you've Sky plussed it....." Boy, was that some test....lol









...however, for around 15 mins in the day, we set time aside for some portrait and staged shots, plus around the same again for the formals. The pressure's still on though...





...then it was back to documentary mode, for the most emotionally-charged set of speeches I'd ever heard. On a couple of occasions I retreated to the rear of the room, to re-compose myself - but pretending to change lenses. Luke, mate...dunno how you got through that speech, but it was legendary...








'Wow, the photos are amazing Mick, thank you so much!! Me and Luke are both really really happy with them :D I love how natural they all are... So pleased!!!'

Sinead x


Sophie at 8 months...



I know it's vain, and I really shouldn't......but my daughter is sooooo damn cute.....



UK Wedding Photographers - Featured Wedding

The UKWP have just featured one of my favourite weddings...




Click HERE to view...



May Weddings - Ruth & Stewart



Ruth & Stewart were recently married in Handforth, Cheshire on another gloriously sunny and hot May day. The reception was at the lovely Stanneylands Hotel, a quaint four-star venue, with lots of character - plus an incredibly helpful Maitre D' (thanks Eamonn!).

Ruth wasn't too keen on my arriving early to photograph her preparations, so, dutifully I ignored her! lol As I promised, 20 mins into my being around, Ruth was fully comfortable with her new 'big brother' for the day.


Here's some of my favourites from the micro-summer that was May 1st...









The Groom and Best Man walked from the local pub to church. Stewart was running slightly late and didn't have time for his customary last drink.















We trapped the happy couple in the car for the confetti shot...



...then it was off for a few minutes' formals and portraits in the gardens...

















...it had been a great, hot and busy day. But I was very pleased with what we'd got.






Hi Mick,

Thanks for the lovely, lovely photos. As you know I don't really like photos of myself, but I really like them. Can't wait to see the rest...

Many thanks,

Ruth


Photo Professional Magazine



Just supplied a mini-review of one of the cameras I use for my wedding work to Photo Professional Magazine. Mine is one of three pro photographers' accounts about what camera they use for work, and why. The June issue has just come out, making recent clients Laura-Jo and Umi famous......for more than 15 mins...

Thanks in anticipation ladies....


Interview with Wedtog website


Just had an interview with WEDTOG website. Lovely people, and.......they're featuring some of my images too...


http://wedtog.com/?p=2247#more-2247