Evening all, hope everyone's well. I haven't posted on here for a while, and with good reason - I've been a busy little bee. On the go at the moment we have Janine & Craig's album being produced as well as Sue & Lawrence's and Jan & Derek's which is all great. Currently being designed is Claire & Mark's and Beccy & James'. Editing at the moment is being done for Helen & James (to be finished in the morning) and a few minor crops to Liz & Phil's too.

It's technically the winter season for us, time to catch up on editing, personal projects, albums and post-wedding bits........or so you would think! It's not the case this year as we have a few fantastic weddings lined up for November - notably Catherine & Dean on Saturday and Victoria & Peter at the end of the month. We're also quite busy through December, January and even February next year which is great! Traditionally we wouldn't be doing wedding photography at this time of year but it's brilliant to be out working in the crisp cool air, photographing some stunning couples in equally stunning venues - Helen & James' wedding a couple of weeks ago was testement to that - beautiful autumnal skies, golden leaves on the trees - stunning colours, textures and some great opportunities to capture a different side of the wedding business.

Sadly no bonfire night for me this year though because of work - but still, toffee apples get stuck in my teeth anyway

Just got back home from photographing a wonderful wedding in Northamptonshire for Helen & James. Bex and I really enjoyed our day with you, everyone was so friendly and welcoming.

We started off at Helen's parents' house (and the Marriott for James) followed by a ceremony at Abbington church, then we went for a walk around some gorgeous tree-lined avenues followed by a marquee reception back at Helen's parents' house again - lovely grounds, lovely marquee - the sky filled with fireworks, fairy lights adorning the trees and a casino - fabulous day, fabulous night.

Right, off to upload today's work and prepare for tomorrow at Milton Keynes. If anyone's interested we'll be at the Milton Keynes Stadium for their wedding exhibition - it's the last show of the season for us until January, and we're looking forward to the break!

Wedding photographers - usually in Leicestershire or Northamptonshire we see plenty of competition at wedding exhibitions, however Sunday was quite nice with just us and another company which was nice! It's always nice when we're at a show with another wedding photographer we get along with

We had a good day on Sunday at the Three Swans Wedding Exhibition. Not too many people turned out (as the National Wedding Show at the NEC was on!) however we talked to plenty of people that had genuine interest in booking their wedding photography with us. Many thanks to those that have been in touch over the past week, particularly Larissa & Ben with whom we're looking forward to working next year - again, lovely people, always nice to work with

Some good interest at the show, however we're looking forward to Uttoxeter Racecourse this coming Sunday (18th) and then Milton Keynes Stadium the week after on the 25th. That's it then until the spring where we're looking forward to some new venues. We've been thinking recently about the National Wedding Show at the NEC in Birmingham - you never know, next autumn we may be putting in an appearance!

Well, finally back and finished for the night - hoorah! Only another 5 hours before we need to set off for the wedding exhibition at the Three Swans in Market Harborough. If you have the afternoon free it'd be great to see you - pop along for a chat, have a look through our sample albums and discuss what you're after, just remember to tell me you've seen the blog!

It starts at 11am, ends at 3pm. Held at the Best Western Three Swans, Market Harborough, LE16 7NJ. See you in 8 hours

I've been thinking about the post below - I'm thinking of working out a special 'Second Chance For Romance' package especially aimed at couples whose wedding photographs didn't pan out for some reason - be it they had a friend or relative shoot for them, their photographers went out of business, the photographers simply didn't show up etc. etc..

If you have any thoughts on something like that I'd be eager to hear them

I heard in the news yesterday of a wedding photographer whose images are so bad that the couple in question have sued and have been awarded damages. I don't know if you've heard, but here is some light reading for you! Oh and by the way - my blog post is a little long, I think it's quite important and covers some good issues surrounding our work so please take the time to read it if you're looking at booking anyone .

BBC's coverage, Express' coverage, Metro's coverage.

Now, this is quite shocking and atrocious not to mention detrimental to our jobs as photographers - I fear that it will show a great deal of us in a bad light to the public - I want to reassure you that this is not the case with every photographer! Generally I wouldn't be posting a blog about this but this guy charged £1450 - I'd expect that sort of service from someone around the £300/£400 mark - but not this.

I feel it's important for me to pick up on something else that has reared its ugly head in the past and in this story - photography associations. Now, I don't mean to preach - more educate when I say this, the vast majority of photography associations (MPA, SWPP, BIPP, WPPI, WPJA and so on) are essentially just photography clubs (the guy in question was a member of the SWPP) - I feel that this is important for brides and grooms to know before they do their research into their wedding photographer. None of them have particularly strict guidelines or quality standards and some even (in the SWPP's case of which the photographer in the story was a member) no quality standards at all. There is no governing body to which we have to adhere to in terms of quality - which is a shame. Essentially, once you've paid your membership you're allowed to put letters after your name - would you hire Joe Bloggs, a DJ with DJCF after his name (DJ's Chat Forum - not a real example!!)

I know it sounds harsh and I have no doubt many photographers will be after using part of my hide as a new belt - but the reality is that many 'associations' are mere clubs, enabling photographers to put letter after their names to bamboozle potential clients - it's like gloss paint, makes anything look shiny and attractive despite what's underneath.

I also feel it fair to point out that there are a great deal of photographers under the belts of the SWPP, MPA, BIPP etc. that *are* worth their weight in gold, many can produce consistent and good quality - but it only takes one bad egg.........I also agree with the fact that it can help aspiring photographers to gain a certain amount of credibility whilst starting out, but does that mean they can give you the goods? So please, when looking for your wedding photographer (even if it's not us) just think about the importance of those letters.

I have always maintained that the best way to chose your photographer is to:

1. Have a face to face meeting, ensure you both get along - I always personally visit every one of our clients at least once to make sure we all click and to ensure you feel comfortable;

2. Look through at least a couple of sample albums. Albums (like ours) should showcase images from ONE wedding each proving that the photographer can provide consistent results throughout the day aside from their award-winning selection of four from the shoot. Also look out for people not looking at the camera - something often missed - because if the bride and groom aren't looking, or if the people in the posed shots aren't looking then that photographer hasn't done a wedding of their own accord - they may have been a 'second shooter' as we call it, but make sure that if they show you a bunch of photos with people looking away that you ask the question about solo weddings, and make sure you think they're being honest;

3. Look through a good selection of images from several weddings too - one of the common pitfalls (aside from people not looking) that bad photographers fall into is 'blowing out the highlights' - have a good look at the bride's dress, can you see the detail? If not then it's more than likely to have been lost forever - is that how you want your dress to look? Occasionally it's done for artistic merit, always ask. Always check for posing, we don't spend an eternity getting it right as we'd rather be efficient in getting the job done, but does the posing look a mess? That can mean a lack of experience;

3. Seek references from past clients - we have a list as long as your arm of people from 2005 to last week that are happy to speak of how they felt about us on the day.

We're not members of associations or clubs, nor do we enter photographs into competitions - we're far too busy actually concentrating on delivering consistently good work - I also much prefer spending the money I'd save joining an association on new cameras!

I know we're not cheap, but I'd like to think that the quality, consistency and standard of the work we supply far surpasses that of anyone else in our price range. Plus we don't take photos like the guy in the article above

Sorry for the rant, any questions?!

Yes, we appear to be back online. Those lovely people over at my hosting company have been doing some maintenance........however with them being based in the US that means night time for them, day time for us!

So.......apologies if you've missed us - but we're back!

Finally finished adding that lovely little Twitter box on the right hand side. After losing all of the settings and background images (long story) we're back up and running! Apologies for anyone that chanced across the blog tonight to be greeted by several gremlins in the works*

As usual, lots of editing tonight - Claire & Mark's wedding is undergoing our pre-selection, Keeley & Dave's is going through the final edit for their slideshow and royalty-free disc and finally Liz & Phil's is undergoing......actually, pretty much the same as Keeley & Dave's!

Busy busy busy! Just got time to post a couple of quick images of Claire & Mark's - I'm sure there will be more to come........

Oh, and who should pop in an appearance? Only Faces of Disco from Britain's Got Talent!

*no gremlins were harmed in the making of this post.

Wow - we're already halfway through our wedding exhibition season and things are going great! Many, many thanks to those that have booked with us in the past month, I think next year we're going to be working for yet even more lovely people (as if we hadn't met enough this year!!)

Particular thanks to those that read our blog and have visited us at one of the shows - it's lovely when you do, it makes me realise that all of this typing isn't in vain! Just finished the Leicester Stage Hotel today - then we've got two weeks without exhibitions and then it's back in full force at the Three Swans on the 11th October, swiftly followed the following week by Uttoxeter Racecourse and finally MK Stadium on the 25th. Then we have a break until the spring!

If you've visited us and read on here I'd love it if you'd leave a comment and let me know what you thought of the stand, what you thought about our new line of albums and so on - any feedback is welcome

Finally, to those that have seen us (or even if you haven't but you fancy having a look!) if you didn't manage to get one of our information packs with our DVD showcase then please let me know and I can get something sent out ASAP for you.

......the post below this one has details of our forthcoming wedding exhibitions around the Midlands. Sadly Rosliston has cancelled on the 20th of this month, however we've managed to secure a late spot at the Leicester Stage Hotel (the Best Western towards Wigston). Please feel free to come and see us - we're exhibiting from a brand new stand and it looks (even though I say so myself!) gorgeous.

Many congratulations to Liz & Phil, one of our many recent couples. I have *finally* been able to find some time to upload a few pictures from recent weddings - look out for more on their way today!

A few shots of our beautiful bride getting ready......

......and her stunning dress!

Then it's on into the church, with our handsome groom looking especially nervous......

......and back out for some confetti.

Their reception was held at a gorgeous venue called Crockwell Farm in Northamptonshire for those interested, stunning place, beautiful grounds, very friendly staff - they chose very well - check out our links page under 'venues' (link at the top of this page) for more details......

......onto the evening reception - again, beautifully laid out......

......and that's the end of those. Liz & Phil shall be receiving their 650 full-resolution images very shortly - both Bex and I would like to thank you again for making us feel so welcome, it was truly an honour and a pleasure to photograph for two such beautiful and easy-going people, we had a great day!

We are about to hit the Wedding Exhibition season again and you are more than welcome to come and see us with our newly unveiled stand at any (or all) of them. We would love to have a chat with you, show you some of our sample albums and share the chocolates

Below is the list of exhibitions we are currently at but we will update it if we add any more. They all start at 11 and, apart from The Three Swans which finishes at 3, they all finish at 4pm

6th September - Burton Town Hall
13th September - Towcester Racecourse
20th September - The Glade, Rosliston Forestry Centre
11th October - Three Swans, Market Harborough
18th October - Uttoxeter Racecourse
25th October - Milton Keynes Stadium

We would like to say a big thank you to some of our recent couples for making us feel so welcome.

Those of you still on honeymoon - we hope you are having a wonderful time and we will be in contact with you very soon.

We had a great day yesterday with Helen & Andy, a very nice couple married near Newark. They certainly had the best of the weather! Very fun couple to work with, both George and I would like to wish you the best of luck for the future and hope you have a great honeymoon.

Your photos will be with you as soon as possible.

Sorry for any typos, I'm typing this from sunny Ireland - 6am starts don't really become me after a full day's work

Well, it's the middle of June already and we're in the thick of shooting weddings again - busy, busy, busy!

It's very busy at this time of year with actually shooting weddings and we don't usually get to visit potential clients (that's reserved traditionally for November - March).

This year has been quite different, however. We've recently taken on quite a few bookings including three over the last fortnight alone, which is good. We also had a guy phone up asking if we were free on Saturday......for £75 - needless to say it was a short conversation between him and Georgie

Congratulations to our latest: Jo & Andy; Sam & Marcus; and Alison & Glynn. We look forward to working with you!

Recently we've shot weddings for Maria & Rob on one of the warmest days so far, Kirsty & Tom - your DVDs are in the post as we speak, and Michelle & Jon - yours will be on their way to you very shortly

Right then, it's been quite some time since I wrote here - naughty Richard, must try harder.

Our final wedding exhibition of the season is soon to be upon us, postponed from the end of March to the 10th of May at Stanford Hall in Loughborough. If you want to come and see us or any of the other stands exhibiting it promises to be a great event (weather permitting!) so it'd be great to see you.

Any questions please just get in touch, or contact Silver Linings - hopefully see you there .

Already?! How time flies.

Plenty of productive work this month including a few wedding exhibitions - many thanks to all of those who came to see us, we hope you liked what you saw.

Once again, I'm urging everyone to click on the link below and take our small survey - it doesn't take long and we're really grateful for everyone's help, input and support.

Many thanks too, to those that have booked our services this month - some 2 years in advance, others 3 months, you never can tell!!

Many, many thanks to all of those that have completed our advertising survey, your input is really appreciated in our never-ending quest to find the best places to advertise!

If you haven't taken our survey yet, please do - it's located here.

Many thanks

I've just finished compiling an advertising survey that we would really like you to participate in. There's nothing too personal or probing about it!

Every year we spend £1000s on advertising with print, online and other avenues. We'd like to make sure that our money is well spent and spent in the right places.

If you have a couple of minutes spare to help, we'd really appreciate your input (it won't take you too much time, I could only think of 6 questions!). It doesn't matter about your age or marital status, we value input from everyone

Advertising Survey Link.

Warning: the following may seem a little preachy, but it's certainly not intended as such!

*hops on soapbox*

We often talk to couples that have already married and have quite a common complaint - that of them being disappointed with the photos their relative/friend has taken when the bride and groom asked them to do their wedding. This isn't to say that Uncle Harry can't do a good job - nor is it to say "don't ask them - ask us", however it is quite a recurring theme.

The wedding photographs are one of the very few lasting memories of your special day - they really should be done right first time. A while back I was asked to write a small article on this subject for a local magazine - you can find the whole report here - it's not meant to be self-gratifying, just an impartial observation with a plea to hire a professional (needn't be us - but it'd be nice!).

The report is also quite a good pointer for things to look out for when booking a photographer - free photography can be catastrophic, but remember that cheap photography (hobby photographers) can be just as bad.

There are two ways to sum up what I'm trying to say.....the first is a rather eloquent quote from John Ruskin:

"When you pay too much, you lose a little money, that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything"

The second is rather more blunt - but it certainly gets the message across........!

"So your uncle's got a digital camera? My son's got a football but he'll never play for Manchester Utd."

*hops off soapbox*