It’s always fun catching up with ace couples at venues I’ve not photographed at before.  Joining Becky & Dan at the very lovely Hodsock Priory near Worksop in South Yorkshire for their practice wedding photography was precisely one of those occasions! Check this ace place out…
We had the entire place to ourselves, as it was still closed to the public until the snowdrops were out! Â So after a quick catch up, we took a turn around the grounds
[It felt a bit like being in Downton Abbey!]
These practice shoots are not only a great op for me to familiarise myself with locations at new venues to use for portraits on the big day, but are a great way for my couples to get used to being professionally photographed.
Being a dogfather, if couples have hairy children, I encourage bringing them along to loosen things up! Â Becky & Dan’s lab is named Lola & she’s ace.
Nice little family portrait!
As mentioned, Hodsock is famous for it’s endless swathes of snowdrops at this time of year, and tourists come from miles around to see them.
Ultimately, I’m looking to deliver relaxed, uncontrived portraits of my happy couples, to fit into a relaxed and creative story of their day.
Equally, I like brides & grooms to enjoy their wedding day, and try to make the semi-staged portraits & group shots quick and pain free!
Being photographed is generally an odd experience for anyone,, so it’s great if those I shoot have been through the experience once.
Which is why I do these pre-wedding shoots! Â For some couples the experience is easier than others, but for all it’s a beneficial experience.
I know Dan because he plays drums in an ace Yorkshire band called Hand Made Hands (click here to hear some of their ace tunes).
They played at my Sunday Service gig night a few times and not only sound ace, but play all kinds of fun instruments, such as saws and that.
The classic BAWP kneeling solo portrait!
These guys are great together and it was easy to capture loads of fun shots of the two of them.
I can’t wait to head back and do the same in full wedding wear around the snowdrops!
Fun times eh? Hodsock Priory was a brilliant, and so was hooking up and hanging out with these guys!
Happy days! Roll on the big day in 2 weeks!