Olympic Torch in Ledbury - Hurrah for The Homend!

What a beautiful sunny day to welcome the Olympic Torch to Ledbury, and more specifically to the wonderful Homend, home to Caroline Potter Photography!.
Lots of lovely local traders came out to welcome the torch on its way past.  Below look out for Monkleys Furniture, Bamboo, Isaacs, Utopia hairdressers and the lovely Methodist Church folks who let me plonk my ladder outside the door!.  
Many excited school children waved flags, policemen blew whistles and all had a fantastic time.  One local lady remarked that she thought we should do something like this every month.  I agree.  Nothing like a bit of local spirit to remind you why we LOVE this beautiful country.

The lads from LDA meats in Ledbury found a great vantage point.

C and E Pre Wedding Shoot, Malvern Hills and Bluebells

The first day of sunshine after weeks of drizzle saw us up on the Malverns for a great shoot with C and E.  ( not forgetting the lovely doggies ). 

Bluebells were out, sky was clear... beautiful Worcestershire!.

What is a PreWedding Shoot?

Well now that is a good question. Many photographers, such as myself, think that it is a very good idea indeed to have one of these to help you get the most from your wedding photographs. Why?, well lets just say that you are not a professional model ( and apologies if you are of course). You may feel a little bit lost when suddenly you become the centre of attention from all of your family and friends. You may also feel a bit uncomfortable having to "pose" for shots with your other half. It may be that you have seen a particular photo though and are thinking ooo I want a picture like that.  So what better solution than for you to have a bit of a practice first eh?!..
So what happens...
Well.
We meet up, wherever you like, but often at your venue.
We chat ( I like chatting).
I get an idea for what things you would be comfortable doing, you tell me what preferences you have for shots.
We chat more ( see I told you I like chatting)
We practice a few "poses" if you want posing to be part of our time together on the day.
I run through a few tips and tricks for hand positions, feet positions. ( I'm also looking at your heights, to see how you naturally fit well together).
We have a lot of fun with some slightly less conventional poses if you like.
I take some pics when you are not looking too ( I am sneaky like that).
All in all we have a great time getting to each other so that on the wedding day you can relax and enjoy yourself and leave all the photo stuff to me.
Great.
Heres a lovely shoot we did last year, Kate and Ade brought along their son too, we had a great time.

Hellens Manor Spring PreWedding Shoot

Isnt Spring just the best season!. I cant think of many more ideal places to walk round to appreciate all that new life and daffodil action. The only problem with Hellens is that every single turn is a photo opportunity, with beautiful nooks and textured backgrounds. Heres just a few places we found with M and E.

London Two Day Vintage Rock Wedding

Well I am just too excited to wait so here is a little sneak peek from the wedding at the weekend. Married at Sutton House, London on the Friday with a massive rock and roll knees up at St. mattias the next day. Bride creative director Jo, and band member groom Michael looked stunning in red satin and tweed. A real family and friends affair, with flowers, food and cakes all sourced from professionals amongst them. A highlight being Rebel Bakeries Rock and Roll bride and groom, with vinyl cake stands and record cup cakes ( pics in full post). An inspiring and exciting few days, the icing on the cake being a live performance from the Grooms band later on the Saturday. Just a few because I cant wait... full post to follow in a few weeks x Oh and can I just say what an amazing, lovely, friendly group of people.... {and breathe..}

Specially requested shot inspired by the Beggars Banquet Album Pic by the Rolling Stones.

The surprise "Spinal Tap" moment

M and J Pre Wedding Shoot, London { with squirrel!}

Last weekend saw a trip to the big smoke to meet up with the lovely M and J.  I always enjoy London, living in the countryside is amazing and beautiful, but we dont have Jens Dumplings!, or the National Portrait Gallery, two things I was able to include in my visit.  I met up with M and J just round the corner from their wedding venue the very beautiful Sutton House, owned by the National Trust.  We found some great backgrounds nearby and even a model squirrel who paused to pose for us during the shoot. We then zoomed off in M's van to their party venue, and got some great shots in this historic ex church.  More to follow on that after the event.. Here for now are a few of my favourite shots from the pre wedding shoot.