Last Saturday night I headed out to Berkhamsted to photograph the birthday party of Nina and her Mother-in-law Hilary. The venue was The Gatsby on the high street. They started with a live pianist, served Indian snacks and ended up with a disco.

Everyone looked stunning and was full of smiles all night. It was super easy to grab candid photographs of people with massive grins as everyone was having such a good time!

And when the disco started almost everyone hit the dancefloor at some point! Here’s just a selection of the dancing party photos I’ll be embarrassing their family & friends with!

We wrapped up at about 1am when people had to be dragged off the dancefloor and into taxis! Great party and happy birthday Nina and Hilary!

I already posted one photoshoot I did with Michelle and here’s the second, where we got into the sea. I could have killed for an assistant with some off camera flash (no chance of putting up a light stand in the sea!!) or even a reflector but I managed to get these as the sun set over San Sebastian.

I love those freckles!

I assisted Helen Maybanks in shooting Louise and Franel’s civil partnership.

Right after the ceremony, everyone hopped onto a Routemaster London bus and we took a little trip around London town, complete with champagne of course…

Then it was off to the Prince Albert Pub in Battersea for the reception!

I assisted Helen Maybanks in photographing the wedding of Nia and Richard.

Everyone was full of smiles during the wedding speeches and the sit down meal.

Then the disco started up and everyone hit the dancefloor!!

I could not love the backlit water more. On the downside, it’s only a matter of time until I drop my camera in the sea.

I’ve met a lot of people in San Sebastián and I can easily say that Michelle is one of my favourites. She’s beautiful outside and in so I was really excited when she agreed to a photoshoot. I hope I captured at least some of her Californian spirit in these photos.

One of the cathedrals in San Sebastian

I took a trip to San Pedro and the Pasaia district. We took a little boat over to Pasaia, making it feel like it’s an island. Actually, it’s connected to the mainland but it definitely has an island mentality and feel. The residents are strongly Basque (even more so than the people in central San Sebastian). There were flags and posters supporting the ETA, a hardline separatist organisation that has been involved in terrorist incidents in the past.

But there was also a beautiful little church where an old man, on hearing our group speaking a mix of English and Spanish, rushed out to ask us if we could translate a postcard for him. It had been sent by an old friend, written in English, which he couldn’t understand. As my friends translated, I snuck a couple of shots from the balcony above.

Outside, the area is beautiful. If you know me, you know I don’t “do” landscapes, but obviously I had to grab a couple of wide angle shots.

San Sebastian is proving itself to be an incredibly beautiful city. On an almost daily basis I have to pause and take stock of the fact that I’m here and how gorgeous this place is. It’s extra fun to do this on weekdays – as I can also cast a thought to those still in offices back in London

I’m looking into getting a waterproof camera cover so I can take more photos like this, without having to worry about splash damage.

On the 22nd August I managed to strongarm my flatmate Perjit into coming out for a portrait shoot with me. We headed to Brick Lane in London, in search of edgy urban backdrops in the form of grafitti-covered walls. I think we succeeded in our mission. It ended up being quite a long shoot, ending only when the sun finally dropped behind the buildings. Then we took advantage of the fact that we were in Brick Lane… and headed for a curry (rude not to).

Coloured Wall

Rude Girl

Urban

On 1st August 2009, Kerrie and Jamie had their engagement party in a lovely venue in Hemel. They had a beautiful party, organised by Sharon. The venue was beautiful with large windows that looked out onto lovely gardens (covered, unfortunately, with rain!). The rain dampened no spirits though as friends and family celebrated the engagement.

The Happy Couple

Girls

The Groom

Congratulations Kerrie and Jamie!