I'll be supporting the Bath Young Artists Exhibition this year, the first of it's kind, and I'm really looking forward to it. If you have time on Friday do come along for a glass of wine there will be some great art and an opportunity to contribute to Children in Need.

See you there! 

Neil

I had often wondered why the meal at a Wedding was called "The Wedding Breakfast" and then during one of my weddings in August I found out.

Matt prepares Matt prepares ...and watches Lizzie arrive...and watches Lizzie arrive

Well may be this is not the real reason but for the wedding of Lizzie & Matt Stone it really was a Wedding Breakfast as the ceremony was at 8:30 in the morning. Why so early I hear you ask? They were married at the Roman Baths in Bath and as you know this is a very busy place in the summer so they open for business at 9:00am sharp! 

Lizzie walks in the sunshine Lizzie walks in the sunshine View of the AbbeyView of the Abbey

I started shooting at 7:00am with the pre-wedding shots and I must say everybody was surprisingly in good spirits for the time of the day. We were blessed with the usual indecisive weather, but when it counted Lizzie had some stunning sunshine to walk down the amazing Roman and Georgian setting.

The Kings Bath The Kings Bath Time for BreakfastTime for Breakfast

The breakfast was held at The Abbey Hotel and even I tucked into some Bacon, Eggs and Beans - thanks Lizzie & Matt. I'm glad you like your photos.

Speak soon, Neil 

Last Friday saw two firsts for me; photographing a golf tournament and editing on the day and what could be more delightful than a late summer corker of a day. We had sunshine from morning to evening.

The annual Watsons Financial Charity Golf day has been running for a few years now and has been steadily growing in size since it's beginning with this year seeing over 100 people taking part. This years chosen charity was Help for Heroes, a new organisation formed to help those who have been wounded in Britain's current conflicts.

Well where did the first half of 2009 go? The time for me seems to have flown by and now we are safely into the second half of the wedding season I thought it a good time to show you some of the great things that lightClix has been doing.

First off is The Cruck Marquee, I was approached by Ant Carroll one of the founders of the business to do a promotional shoot for their wonderful timber framed building. They wanted a suitable set of pictures to show off the many uses of such a structure ready for their exhibition at the Chelsea Flower show.

The Cruck Marquee The Cruck Marquee Dinner TimeDinner Time

We booked a venue of the outskirts of Bath and prayed for the great British weather to not let us down - and it didn't! As you can see we made the most of the low lighting conditions to simulate a warm summer evening glow, just ready for the meal.

I think this would make a smashing wedding ceremony structure.

You can read more and see more at www.cruckmarquee.co.uk 

Now who remembers the King Bladud's Pigs in Bath last year? Alan Dun, the sculptor who created the original shape for the pigs that was then subsequently decorated by other artists, needed his online portfolio updating and called on me to help him record his fascinating and wonderful collection of sculptures and heads.

Harry Patch Harry Patch Pablo PicassoPablo Picasso

Brothers Brothers WheelWheel

Here are just a few of the pieces from his collection, you can see the complete set on Alan's web site www.alandun.co.uk

And so onto the weddings we've had so far, and what a pleasure once again to have such a interesting, varied and exciting mixture of venues and people to photograph - it's what really makes my job. Here are a just a few from the first half of the year.

Emma & Ben, East Woodlands Emma & Ben, East Woodlands Emma & Mark, Winchester CathedralEmma & Mark, Winchester Cathedral

Sharon & Sanj, Grittleton House Sharon & Sanj, Grittleton House Sharon & Sanj, Grittleton HouseSharon & Sanj, Grittleton House

And finally let me introduce Captain Teapot which is a project I'm working on with local artist Mike Richards, it's starting to gather speed so watch this space, and the 4th Plinth in Trafalgar Square!

Element of surprise Element of surprise Perfect SpecimenPerfect Specimen

Speak soon, 

Neil 

Just to let everybody know, the pictures from Hayesfield School Year 11 Prom are now online, just use the password given on the night and select "view your photos" from the menu at the top.

Both Zena and myself had a great time taking your photos, I hope everybody enjoys looking at the results. Do feel free to contact me for the password if you have mislaid your leaflet.

Have a great summer!

Neil

Occasionally you stumble upon something that seems to have gone unnoticed to you and you wonder why, it's a bit like thinking that your the first person to hear a great new musician only to find you're the one behind and there is already an army of dedicated followers. Topping & Company bookshop of Bath (and Ely) was just like that for me.

Alan poses for the press Alan poses for the press In full flow at St SwithunsIn full flow at St Swithuns

I must admit I had heard once that the now 2 year old store on the Paragon had had a few famous people attending signings, talks and demonstrations but when I recently saw both the current line up and the past attendees I was amazed. Household names like Don Mcullin (hang my head in shame for missing him!), Will Self, Nick Park, John Simpson, Nigella Lawson, Michael Parkinson & Jonathan Dimbleby - I could go on, but you get the picture.

Alastair Sawday Going Slow (Italy) in the Bath shop Alastair Sawday Going Slow (Italy) in the Bath shop Vince Cable with Don Foster before The Storm talk at St MichaelsVince Cable with Don Foster before The Storm talk at St Michaels

What does a local photographer do in this situation? Many great people are attending venues right on your doorstep and essentially during your spare time? And that is exactly what I did, three weeks ago I met Kathleen, Mark and Sabour at the Bath shop and offered to capture these events FOC. In return I get to hone my event/famous people (not sure they are any different to photograph) skills and the shop get photos which they could use to promote future events and the shop.

Three weeks in and the shop has more events than I can start to cover, I managed to attend 4 (Alastair Sawday, Vince Cable, Willie Harcourt Cooze and Alan Titchmarsh) and I'm looking forward to many more.

Vince Cable delivering the economic message at St Michaels Vince Cable delivering the economic message at St Michaels Willie brings his Chocolate Factory to BathWillie brings his Chocolate Factory to Bath

So, if you were like me and didn't realise this little gem was on your doorstep pop along to Topping & Company on the Paragon in Bath, you'll get a great welcome from the team and you might see and hear from a few more people than you'd expect.

Speak soon, Neil 

Well Spring and Easter is upon us and the wedding season is well under way. How do I know that without looking at the calendar? Firstly, the last of the spring wedding fairs are complete and I'm having those tell tale signs of itchy eyes and runny nose (no I've not gone sentimental - just the hay fever!)

The Mumbles, South WalesThe Mumbles, South Wales

Although things were fine when I recently photographed Amber and Nicks wedding in the Mumbles near Swansea, south Wales. Good fun was had by all and it was great to get out a little further afield and to see another venue, and the Norton House Hotel was splendid. Here are a couple of shots from the day. 

Just Married Just Married Amber & NickAmber & Nick

I'll be finishing the edit soon with the aid of anti-histamine, congratulations to Amber & Nick.

Speak soon,

Neil 

As the wedding season starts to heat up (and the weather!)  I will be once again exhibiting at one of the west's exciting new wedding fairs at the Bath Racecourse on Sunday March 22nd.

Ok, ok, it's Mothers day I hear you shout, but there is something in it for the mother of the bride if they come along - a chance to win a skin pampering treatment courtesy of one of the exhibitors.

More details can be found here.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Cheers,

Neil