CourtOnCamera - Professional Wedding Photographers Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire

2010-01-26T11:53:00.008Z

The start of a new family - Congratulations to Graham and Emma

On my website - our passion and love I describe "Your wedding album is the first heirloom documenting the start of a new family". It will be three years ago in March that I photographed Graham and Emma's wedding at Yaxley Hall in Suffolk.

It is with huge delight that I offer my congratulations to them on the birth of their Daughter Millie, having received the following text from Graham yesterday "Just wanted to let you know that Emma gave birth to a beautiful girl last Monday. Millie weighed 8lbs 12 and all doing well".

It seems only yesterday that my own daughters were born (they are now 21 and 23) - time does indeed fly by making the photographic memories collected over the years even more precious.

All images photographed by Essex Wedding Photographer Dave Court at Yaxley Hall.

2010-01-14T15:51:00.001Z

An Essex Wedding Photographer in the Lakes

Last weekend I braved the Ice and snow to visit my good friend Clifford at Cromwell Towers. The cold prevented any major expeditions into the heart of the Lake District but with the view above from the grounds of the Towers it was not a major disapointment especially when comforted with a glass of The King's Ginger Liquor.

The view at sunset was no less spectacular, and it was with great sadness that I had to return to Epping a few days later.

2010-01-03T10:30:00.002Z

A Happy new year to you all! -Do you remember how cold it was last year?

A weather reminder from an Essex Wedding Photographers perspective and for those skeptic's amongst us basking in the glorious weather we are experiencing at the moment, can you remember how cold it was last year?

Above is a photograph of Kristy CourtOnCamera suffering the extreme cold conditions at the beautiful Down Hall Hotel - Kristy and Tom have just celebrated their first wedding anniversary on the 20th December - congratulations to you both.

2009-12-29T12:07:00.001Z

It's the little things that make the picture

The Sunday before Christmas I went to Theydon Garnon Church for the Festival of 9 Carols and Readings - It was the first time that I had seen Rev Bryony for a while - we started reminiscing about Jack and Jess' wedding earlier that year which took place at the church with the reception at the nearby Gaynes Park Barns (Jess's Mum Anita was also in Church). Which brings me to the subject of this missive.

One of my favourite pictures of the day was Jess signing the register on the Altar - in itself a lovely picture but the tableau is made complete by the two little Bridesmaids peeking over the top of the table - watching intently at all that is going on whilst the adults in the background are talking but missing out on the magic of the moment which has been CourtOnCamera forever - It's the little things that make the picture.

Copyright Essex Wedding Photographer Dave Court.

2009-12-24T07:25:00.000Z

The Lansdowne ABC

Last night although not fencing, I attended as a spectator and post competition participator the internationally recognised Lansdowne ABC (Alcoholic Beverages Cup).

The international element was provided by our woman in Moscow - Jo (Vodka) and our man in Finchley - Doc Stephen (Slivovitch, Blinis, Caviar and Smoked Salmon).

Hardly (no spelling error) fought the competition was won by Stephen with the prize Russian Vodka promptly confiscated and consumed.

2009-12-18T12:51:00.001Z

Fencing at the Lansdowne Club

At physio today for the first time since my operation 8 weeks ago I started to do some fencing "footwork" albeit gently - it was wonderful.

Which brings me on nicely to a YouTube video of a GB vs Poland Fencing Match which was held in the Ballroom of the club last year - it also shows the Salle where I spend (or would like to spend) more time.

Roll on September when I aim to start fencing again - with a vengance.

Until then I will have to make use of the pool shown in the opening sequence of the video.

2009-12-18T11:05:00.000Z

A busy few days - Socialising!

It is amazing how quickly I am recovering from my recent hip operation, which is just as well with the amount of socialising I am doing.

Friday saw me attending my Fencing Club's Christmas dinner, Monday "Bolly" tasting at my club and Wednesday the MPA/BIPP London and Eastern Region bash.

I do so love Christmas.

2009-12-11T12:53:00.002Z

Are you employing and Amateur of Professional for that Special Day?

A good friend once explained to me the difference between being an amateur at your chosen profession and a professional. An amateur he said practices in order that they might get it right, whereas a professional practices to prevent them getting it wrong! Profound but never more true - I think I might buy a piano - hire the local town hall and call myself a concert pianist (I can play a mean chopsticks).

Which leads me on nicely onto to yesterday which I spent with Guy Gowan one of the foremost retouching experts in the UK brushing up and honing my Photoshop skills.

A professional Essex Wedding Photographer - in practice.

2009-11-30T16:04:00.001Z

Hip Hip Hurah - Back Driving Again

Just to keep you all in the loop - I am at last back driving again following my op (much to my wife's relief).

On another note, if you were watching Countryfile on BBC1 last night you would have seen coverage of the awful flooding in the English Lakes, it showed the bridge (well where it used to be) at Low Lorton near Cockermouth - I am photographing Emma and Marc's wedding there in April (fortunately the church and hotel are safe).

2009-11-24T08:53:00.001Z

There is always someone in the way!!!

I am presently in the process of designing Jo and Noel's wedding album - I photographed their wedding at Spain's Hall Essex earlier this year. There was one particular picture which would be great but for that member of staff who couldn't get out of the way fast enough (a real problem with a fisheye lens).

Noel asked whether it would be possible to crop her out, but to do so would have I felt ruined the dynamics of their entrance - several hours later - what wedding coordinator?

Whilst such extensive retouching is extremely time consuming and expensive there are those occasions where it is absolutely necessary.

Who can I next make disappear - any suggestions?

2009-11-22T14:38:00.010Z

Getting better by the day - the diary of an Essex Wedding Photographer!

Many thanks for all the words of encouragement that I have recieved over the last few weeks - the hip is quite splendid - only a week to go before I can drive again.

Over the last couple of weeks I have met up with Rob and Katie (married and photographed at Gaynes Park (above)) as well at Clara and Ben (married and photographed at Spains Hall(below)) both fresh from their honeymoons, to help them choose their albums - their heirlooms of the future.

On Friday I also had the pleasure of delivering (with the help of my wife) a beautiful album to Ken and Alicia (below) whose wedding I photographed at Blakes Golf Club in August.

All images copyright Essex Wedding Photographer CourtOnCamera

2009-11-05T13:54:00.001Z

Congratulations - To James and Lynn a baby boy

I have just received this text from James and Lynn whose wedding I photographed 3 years ago (I cannot believe that time has flown by so quickly) - "Baby boy ... was born on Tuesday morning at 5.05am, weighing 6ibs 7oz - Lynn and baby doing well and now at home".

To James and Lynn - Mazel Tov!

2009-11-04T10:47:00.002Z

Christmas is Coming

One of the first indicators that Christmas is coming rather fast are the plethora of reminders from album manufactures of their deadlines. Another was the arrival yesterday of my Christmas cards, each year I order them from the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital this year of course is no exception.

On another note - my recovery is progressing very well - down to one stick with 3 weeks and counting until I can drive again.

2009-10-28T07:42:00.010Z

To Pay or not to Pay Commission? That is the Question!

Are the preferred photographers at your chosen venue recommended to you because of their photographic ability and equally important their ability to work alongside and together with both the venue and other wedding professionals to ensure you have the perfect day that you have dreamed of all your life? Or are they recommended to you because of their willingness to pay a commission to that venue for that recommendation (which of course in all probability you are unaware of)?

I have been invited by a number of beautiful venues to join their recommended photographers list - this invitation and recommendation is based solely on the quality of my work, feedback from other wedding professionals and most importantly you the Bride and Groom.

To you the Bride and Groom I can say quite honestly and openly that this is why I have received the venue's recommendation and that no monies have changed hands to secure it - this is a significant and integral part of my professional work! You can be assured that I have not entered into any agreement which would have in any way compromised my personal or professional integrity.

If I am recommended to you by a venue it is because of a genuine desire to enable you to have your dream day CourtOnCamera and for no other reason.

2009-10-27T14:53:00.002Z

Hip Hip Hurrah (excuse the pun)!!

A BIG thank you to all my well wishers - The hip op went very well indeed, I got back home late last Sunday 3 days later (on foot) and have graduated from running up and down the stairs to the walls (I can't drive for 6 weeks).

One of my first visitors at home was Faye whose wedding to Richard at Thaxted Church and Spain's Hall I photographed in August.
Followed closely by my good friend and Toastmaster Richard Palmer. I am really looking forward to resuming fencing at my club later on in the New Year for the first time in a long while without pain (Doc's permission first though).

My final and most sincere thank you is to Mr Charnley and the Staff at Broomfield - their professionalism, skill and dedication is deserving of the highest accolade.

2009-10-13T11:01:00.007+01:00

Katie and Rob's Wedding Photographs Gaynes Park Barns

On Saturday I had the great pleasure to photograph Katy and Rob's Wedding at the beautiful Gaynes Park Barns near Epping.The guests arrived by public transport - on time, which is more than could be said for Rob who made a last minute dash.The grounds of Gaynes were particularly stunning as Katie and her bridesmaids walked down the gravel path to meet her waiting Dad and future Husband.The ceremony was witnessed by both Katie and Rob's Mums.Following the ceremony the newly married couple went for a walk in the grounds of Gaynes Park before greeting their waiting guests.Following the Wedding Breakfast the speeches were held with Rob looking nervously on.The cake proved to be a huge success with both Katie and Rob giving it their seal of approval.The first dance was performed with perfection Rob (Travolta) and Katie (Thurman) performed the classic made famous in the 1994 Quenton Tarantino film - Pulp Fiction.
As night falls Gaynes Park loses none of its magic as guests talk outside under the covered barn.
The "Dream Team" ensuring that Rob and Katie's day passed without a hitch were Mikaela from Gaynes Park (a big personal thank you for looking after us all), Designer Flowers by Stacey Stevens, Andrew Morgan as Toastmaster, John Rose videographer and my good friend Richard Palmer providing the music with the Classic Nomad Disco.

Oh! I nearly forgot - Me! Wedding photography undertaken by Essex Wedding Photographers CourtOnCamera.

2009-10-07T08:53:00.004+01:00

Why a Professional Photographer?

Yesterday my good friend and competitor David Islip sent me a copy of his blog which I have reproduced below without alteration - David and his wife Sandra are true professionals and although they may be competitors we regularly meet (along with other members of the MPA and BIPP) both socially and professionally (David organises training seminars and only last week My wife and I met with Kevin Pengelly, his wife Sabrina (also competitors) David and Sandra over dinner (thankyou Kevin and David)) by doing so we are able to provided mutual support and ensure the highest professional standards are achieved.

There is little else that I can add to David's Blog, other than I wholeheartedly support his comments.

David's Blog: "Today the National News is full of how one photographer has been (rightly) sued for truly dreadful work. Just one of the multitude currently giving true Professional Photographers a bad name. Many are new to the profession, many are unqualified, untrained or even part-timers, doing a full time job in the week just earning a bit of spare cash at the weekend.
We are members of the two UK Qualifying Bodies for Full Time Professional Photographers, The Master Photographers Association and The British Institute of Professional Photography. There are other Associations which look very convincing but allow ANYBODY to be a member!
Our clients can ask the above for binding arbitration should we ever have a dispute that we can not resolve between us.
Do ask questions of your Photographer, are they insured, are they qualified Members of one of the above, can you see THEIR work, do they have testimonials, do you like them as a person, are they passionate about what they do or is it just for that bit of extra cash?
Price is important, but don't spoil the wedding! Think about it, every wedding takes us 30-40 hours of work and uses skill level built from many years experience and on-going training, let alone the thousands of pounds of photographic and computing equipment and back-up spares that are needed.
Question why somebody would offer to do photography AND video for under £1450? Buyer beware!"

2009-10-03T06:35:00.003+01:00

Toastmaster Training in Essex

On Wednesday I joined my good friend Richard Palmer and his fellow members of the English Toastmasters Association (I am an Honorary Fellow Member) at their headquarters overlooking Danbury Palace in the heart of Essex for a training seminar led by Richard.
Continuous professional development is at the heart of the organisation - the training session was attended by Toastmasters working throughout the UK and internationally as far afield as the USA.

2009-10-02T10:33:00.004+01:00

Clara and Ben's Wedding at Spain's Hall

Last week I had the great pleasure to have been invited to join and photograph Clara and Ben's wedding at the stunning Spain's Hall near Finchingfield in Essex.Photographing weddings at Spain's hall is for me a great pleasure - the grounds are beautiful.Clara's Father's speech (I understand a copyrighted version may be obtained for a small fee) was made against the backdrop of a glorious setting sun.
The evening was warm and magical, whilst the Stables were illuminated for the enjoyment of the guests.Essex wedding photographers at Spain's Hall were CourtOnCamera.

2009-09-23T08:54:00.004+01:00

Katy and John's Wedding Wye Church and St Augustine's Priory

Last Saturday I photographed Katy and John's Wedding at Wye Parish Church in Kent.This was followed by a reception at the beautiful St Augustine's Priory at nearby Bilsington.
By a coincidence John and I share the same surname which was a great topic of conversation with the guests especially John's Father who has an interest in Genealogy.It was also great to meet Nicole and Chris who's wedding I photographed at Ickworth House neary two years ago when Katy was a bridesmaid - on this occasion it was Nicole in the supporting role.

2009-09-17T12:41:00.003+01:00

Katie and Rob's Pre Wedding Photographs at Gaynes Park
Last week I met Katie and Rob for their Pre-Wedding Photographs at the beautiful Gaynes Park near Epping.Katie and Rob have asked CourtOnCamera to photograph their special day when they are married there next month.

2009-09-14T09:14:00.005+01:00

Emma's Bat mitzvah at Forty Hall Enfield

Last Sunday I had the great pleasure to have been asked to photograph Emma's Bat Mitzvah at Forty Hall in Enfield.The hall where the Bat Mitzvah was held was stunningly decorated - it was quite simple amazing.The Emma's entrance was followed immediately by traditional Jewish dancing during which I risked life and limb - and received a clunk on the nose!!Emma's Mum (and good friend) - Andrea is one half of a duo of superb professional photographers known as "The Photopeople" (No pressure). Andrea's partner - Michaela was also there as a guest (Absolutely no pressure). The conversation with Michaela goes like this "Dave do you mind if a take a few discrete photos from the side - you won't know that I am there! (or words roughly to that effect).
From left to right - Emma, Michaela (being discrete) and Andrea. It was a wonderful evening - long to be remembered.

Emma's Bat mitzvah photographs at Forty Hall are copyright CourtOnCamera.

2009-09-09T18:57:00.002+01:00

Jo and Noel's Wedding at Spain's Hall

Lat Friday I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Jo and Noel at the beautiful Spain's Hall.After the ceremony we went for a walk alone together in the extensive and stunning grounds.

Followed by the main event of the day the Wedding Stakes run over 1 furlong (Jo was a clear winner).All images copyright Essex Wedding Photographers CourtOnCamera.

2009-09-08T07:43:00.004+01:00

Ben and Clara's Pre-Wedding Photographs at Spain's Hall

Last week I met Ben and Clara for their Pre-Wedding photographic shoot and planning meeting at the beautiful Spain's Hall.Ben and Clara are getting married there later this month with CourtOnCamera being privileged to have be invited to share their special day.

2009-09-03T17:36:00.006+01:00

Louise and Alex's Wedding at the Tewin Bury Farm Hotel

On Sunday I was at the Tewin Bury Farm Hotel photographing the wedding between Louise and Alex.
I discovered a budding professional photographer amongst the wedding party - he was able to offer me several useful tips.The farm has a beautiful Mill Stream running through it - the bridge above it was the perfect choice for Louise and Alex to relax on after the ceremony.For me though, the highlight of the day was Louise's dads' speech. Tom (dressed in his M&S Autograph suit) delivered a speech par excellence - Having known him for over 30 years it was without doubt in my humble opinion his best and most eloquent address.
All photographs copyright Essex Wedding Photographer - CourtOnCamera