Documentary photography – photos that tell stories, that capture moments. Real moments, real humanity. Raw, unconscious emotion. A laugh, a cry, a certain look that says so much. Pride, Joy, Anger or Despair. Whether shooting a wedding or a war zone, a carnival or a cup final, it’s the captured emotions of those present; expressions frozen in time that give heart and meaning to the story we tell.

As a documentary wedding photographer it’s finding these moments in the day, when the guard may be down, away from the prying lens of the staged photo-shoot. Remaining in the background, capturing the natural, the unrehearsed – those intimate times that bear witness to the true joys of the occasion, that reveal the special bonds and feelings of those friends and loved ones who’ve come to share in the happiness.

Or relationships are defined by the way we perceive each other, our feelings and reactions determined by the bonds of friendship, of familial blood, of love. Occasions like weddings are given life and energy by the emotions of those present, by the reactions and interactions of all involved; from the bride and groom, the priest or registrar, the parents, siblings and pals. The new dynamic of two families uniting; new relationships forming. Photography is the perfect foil for documenting this special, unique event. A beautiful looking glass through which to peer, through which to reveal.

The poignant look of an old aunt or grandparent and the unconditional love that can barely be hidden; the pride of the father that hides those hints of sadness as he gives his daughter away or the awkward embarrassment of a groom, already forgiving the best man who reveals too much.

These are the moments that we remember from our weddings, our anniversaries, or special days. These are the moments that tell the story, that make the occasion endure in the memory.

These are the moments that photography enables you to hold onto forever.

This the essence – the beating heart of natural portrait photography.

Away from the studio, free from the shackles of formal poses and tight-lipped smiles in your Sunday best. Avoiding the clichés, the manipulated stance, the forced ‘say cheese’ grins that show only tension and discomfort.
Photos of you with your partner, your parents or your children should reflect the bonds that exist between you, the ease and comfort of which are the hallmark of your love, your relationships. A child who wants to be free from the restriction of a pose isn’t a problem – it’s a natural reaction. Let your photos reflect that freedom.
A ‘natural’ portrait photo shoots takes us into the open – a location of beauty or somewhere special to you; a forest, a park, a beach. Relaxed and unobtrusive; a shoot free from stress and unease. It should be a unique, memorable experience to share and to savour; full of fun and laughter with photos that give an insight into the true character of the model, a sense of the unique nature of your relationships. The smile or laugh born out of the moment rather than the photographer; the look at a loved one that tells us so much.

Natural portrait photography shoots are memorable for those involved and can be the ideal experience to share with those closest to you. It also offers the chance for a truly unique gift opportunity. A gift that’s involving and fun for you all and a gift full of memory and thought – a gift that can last a lifetime.

Why not give Leah Photography a call today. I’m offering a Christmas Gift Voucher for family portrait shoots, redeemable at a convenient date to all in the new year. We can arrange it for a location of natural beauty or somewhere of special meaning to you. The shoots are unhurried and spontaneous, striving always to get the most natural shots as you interact and enjoy each other’s company.

Order a voucher today to give to your loved one for the DISCOUNTED price of £99.00 (usual price £145.00) and receive a FREE print pack worth £69.00.

Photos by Leah Millinship.
Blog arranged and edited by GJ Hill

And then there are days like this: a mix of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. The simple beauty of a special day.

This was Lee and Felsa, married amidst the magnificent splendour of Frampton Court in rural Gloucestershire.

A day of warmth, love and happiness, a union made beneath the postcard perfect sky and the serenity of an English country garden. Frampton Court is as beautiful a location for a traditional British wedding as you are likely to find. Maintained by the same family for a thousand years the estate is much a monument to English history and tradition as it is an eclectic example of ever evolving styles. Buildings that have been carefully designed and constructed among the woodland, the lakeside and gardens; lovingly maintained throughout the centuries providing the idyllic backdrop to a special day for Lee and Felsa; for family and friends.

But central to the day, beyond the beauty of the location, was the beauty of the occasion and a couple in love.

Affording a glimpse at the preparations, the bride in the morning – pensive, contemplating the day ahead, so long planned, so suddenly upon her. Grateful for the girls, the support – the rituals of readying yourself to be centre of the universe for a day.

A walk down the aisle, confident steps into a bright future requiring the fanciest of footwear. Click your heels three times and say “I DO” (or maybe I Dior).

It was a day of smiles. A day of familial love and friendship. And fun. Definitely a day of fun.
For Lee and Felsa it was the start of a new life together – for Frampton Court another memorable day in its long, illustrious and yet unassuming history. A day to remember for all who were there and a joy to be a part of.

Father and daughter, a unique bond, a love without condition.

A bright day at the end of summer, in the serenity of the park and the warmth of the sun with Izzy and Leight.

This is my dad, my hero.

The shoot is relaxed, Izzy lighting up the camera with her natural charm. Father and daughter, protecting her, protecting him. The shared smile, the mutual comfort and assurance of being in each other’s company, of being the centre of their respective worlds – the closeness, the way the arm rests casually on his shoulder.

She leads him through the gardens, her small hand enveloped in his. The blissful, unrestrained ebullience of her youth, tugging free the shackles of her father’s grown-up reserve.

It’s the perfect setting, father and child enjoying quality time in the park, the open, fresh air of a September day. Seeing their love, the natural, special nuances of their relationship, unfolding through their play, their banter. Izzy, childish instinct to explore and create worlds among the trees and plants, dragging dad into her joyous adventure.
From small shoots we grow.

Today’s child, woman of a tomorrow we can’t yet envision. Dad is her rock of dependence, her constant. A shoulder to lean on, a hand to be held in the crowd. To comfort, to cheer. We grow up, we find our way and our independence. But our roots remain.

Father and daughter – together as one.

Portraits by Leah

Blog edited by GJ Hill

I’ve always loved Sker Beach. Loved its mysteries, its legends. The unkempt rugged shoreline, shaped by the elements. The windswept sand flats that meet the tempestuous, foaming waves of the roiling sea; bulging, gorse covered dunes that roll up and away from the coast, small peaks and valleys concealing centuries old secrets.

As a child I’d explore this portion of South Wales coast, heading across from the golden expanse at Rest Bay, along uneven paths around the headland to Sker, or as we’d call it then, Scare Beach. Looking up, through the creaky fence and barbed wire to the imposing ruinous walls of Scare (Sker) House; its bleak demeanour alone in the wild conjuring frightening fantasies of ghostly beings and spectral forces. Worrying tales of troubled souls inhabiting the old Tudor home; of St Phillip Evans, executed for his faith, or mythical tales of The Maid of Sker and her haunted life of unrequited love.

A house restored to former glory, still imposing itself on the barren land, stark against a heavy sky.

Returning as an adult the sensations remain, now tinged with nostalgia of lost youth. Symbolised in the old shoes, well worn and weathered, lost among the seaweed and pebbles of a deserted beach.

Footsteps in paths once trodden, now forgotten and lost. Old memories scratching in the brain, waiting to be recovered and recalled. Every shoe concealing a story untold. At first I wanted to take them, remove them from the beach to scan and shoot. But the beach was their home, settled into the environment, to move as nature moves them.

Sker Beach. Natural land of light and dark; of soft earth among the rough, weathered terrain. Where land meets sea, sea meets sky.

Thanks to LoveyDoveyUK for requesting photography for their new van! It’s always a pleasure to be chosen amongst the thousands of images you must have!
Take a look at their lovely website at www.loveydoveyuk.com

Having a wedding photographer that fits into your wedding day, without intruding is a skill which is as important as creative image making. Finding a photographer who has the confidence to capture the moment without imitating or ‘setting-up’ will give your guests and family an experience that is fun and memorable, and you…forever photographs!

Damian & Katie Happy Customers