Blooming Photography Blog

Engagement shoot in Bristol

2013-05-15 11:23:44

I'm really looking forward to Andy and Jenny's wedding later in July, they're getting married at one of my favourite venues Hyde Barn near the idylic town of Stow on the Wold.

Andy & Jenny however were both a little nervous about the photo part of the day. I wanted to ensure to them that really their wedding day is a celebration about them, all their family and friends come to see them and I will document the goings on in a fun and friendly way. Thus I thought to put them at ease, to have a engagement shoot, so as to get used to having me around with a camera pointing occasionally at them.

In contrast to the countryside surrounding Hyde Barn, we thought we could do the engagement shoot in the urban surroundings of one of my favourite cities Bristol. We had planned to meet up outside the planetarium and to go for a walk around the streets but the weather was literally raining cats and dogs so we changed our minds and went to the fabulous indoor shopping centre at Cabot Circus.

I'm a bit like a kid in a candy shop when it comes to new venues or places to photograph and Cabot Circus is absolutely full of little gems, the architecture is outstanding sometimes breathtaking - but the main pirpose of this photo shoot was to photograph Andy and Jenny in a no fuss kind of way (that meant no flash or fussy time consuming lighting equipment), we were literally free to walk and have fun in front of the camera.....

.....This is what we found...

If your getting married please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email(ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk) me for my price list

If you would like to see a video featuring me and a testimonial from two newlyweds please click here.

I'm also very pleased to have been shortlisted for the past two years as South West Photographer of the year by the Wedding Industry Awards which recognizes and rewards excellence in the industry. In a very competitive market it is an honour that my bride and grooms have put me forward and voted for me.

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2013 awards.

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

Commercial Event Photographer

2013-04-25 14:58:29

Looking for coverage for a special company event or meeting? Blooming Photography prides itself on offering a professional, unobtrusive service that will give your business stylish images that can be used for promotional materials and on your website.

Take a look at a recent conference I was invited to photograph by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) held at the rather impressive conference facilities at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

As the serious discussions got underway it was important to get the shots without getting in the way.

Time for some questions from the floor.

Guest speaker at the event was Dennis Turner, UK Chief Economist at HSBC.

If your business has an event coming up that needs professional coverage then give Blooming Photography a call on 01242 253665 or email us at ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

To go back to the commercial section of this site please click here

Shawbrook Bank - Cheltenham Races

2013-04-22 11:20:59

A day at Cheltenham Races with Shawbrook Bank...

I was privileged to be asked to cover a special event for the prestigious Shawbrook Bank. With Cheltenham Races as the backdrop, how could I refuse?

And there off! Going was good as racing got underway, time to study the race card.

Shawbrook Bank invited some special guests including trainer Martin Pike to share their racing expertise with them...

Including racing commentor Derek Thompson ("Tommo") who was on hand to offer some rather valuable tips.

Everyone's all ears as more tips are shared, surely there must be some winners about to romp home?

mmmmm now which one....?

Cheltenham Racecourse, one of the most beautiful grounds in the country, as a Cheltenham residents I guess I am slightly bias!

Smiles all round...I guess they've backed a winner.

Cheering home the winner!

If your a business that is hosting a special day out, conference, or award ceremony, photographs that document the day are an ideal way to promote the business through a variety of formats be it inhouse publications, press releases or facebook.

To discuss your requirements please drop us a line either on 01242 253665 or at ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

Actors headshots South West

2013-04-10 14:24:22

If your an actor, presenter, musician, or business person, an up to date Headshot profile is vital.

Blooming Photography Studios situated on the edge of Cheltenham provides the perfect location for an up to date portfolio.

What to expect

Using both the studio and a variety of backdrops Ben works with with different lighting techniques & backdrops. During shoots we allow at least a couple of changes of clothes therefore offering a varied portfolio - it actually looks like you've had 3 or 4 photo sessions to combine your portfolio rather than just the one.

Once the favourite four images have been carefully selected, we further edit the images, removing any unwanted blemishes and and spots, then convert each image to black and white.

Each image is sized into the traditional 10" x 8" required by agents. You can print off each file, and physically hand in person your portfolio. Images are also converted to web files so that you have no problem uploading your profile onto casting sites such as Spotlight.

Price

I'm currently offering this service of just £150 for four images.Please remember you get four images, in colour, in black & white, plus also you get each final image produced in high resolution (allowing you to print) & low resolution (allowing to email to agents e.t.c)

If your a business person and looking for a LinkedIn profile, we are able to offer the service at an outstanding price of £99 as less time is spent creating your professional look.

How to contact me?

To book your session you can either email Ben at ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk or phone Ben on 01242 253665.

Please click on this "link" to go back to the main "Commercial head shots" section of this website

Ellenborough Park Hotel Weddings

2013-03-27 13:55:30

Remember the sunshine? It's hard I know, but the sun was definitely shining for Holly & Lucas' wedding in September 2012.

Holly, originally from the village of Prestbury, Cheltenham said "I do" at the beautiful St Mary's Church in Prestbury to Lucas, from Melbourne, Australia, who thankfully brought the Oz weather with him.

I'm used to travelling all around the country, however St Mary's church is located just across the road from my studio and Ellenborough Park Hotel is literally a stones throw away - I can almost call it home!

I first met Holly at her parents' home in Prestbury, where preparations were well and truly underway.

The excitement was immeasurable, especially when the beautiful Holly revealed her stunning dress.

I caught up with Lucas and the rest of his Groomsmen outside the glorious St Mary's Church.

Everyone had to get a shot of the gorgeous bridesmaids who had clearly been practicing their smiles for the big day.

Holly stylishly arrives with her smile beaming......

One very proud Dad tries to help keep Holly's nerves at bay.

Lucas checks out his bride, Holly takes a sneaky peek of her groom...their eyes finally meet and it's smiles all round...ahhhh

Sealed with a kiss...

...and Holly's parents were the first in line to congratulate the newly weds...

St Mary's Church on a sunny day, just the perfect setting for such a beautiful couple.

Military honours bestowed upon the happy couple...

And now on to one of my favourite venues, the stunning Ellenborough Park...

What a magnificent approach...

and let the celebrations begin!

Always service with a smile at Ellenborough Park, just a shame I didn't get a chance to sample the canapes, judging from all the mmms they were delicious.

It seems it wasn't just the bridesmaids who had been practicing for their close ups, the groomsmen were certainly on form too.

Here we go round the bridesmaid...

And here are the girls checking out the bling, it seems to meet everyone's approval.

Now it's time to make the most of the blue sky and sunshine to get some simply gorgeous shots of the happy couple in the beautiful grounds of Ellenborough Park.

Nothing can get between these two, feeling the love!

The hazy sunshine and the loving smiles, makes you feel all warm and fuzzy doesn't it!

Please be upstanding for the bride and groom...

It was kisses all round, watch it Lucas!

The speeches were not a disappointment, laughter, tears and the odd bit of humiliation for the groom!

Holly and Lucas take to the floor to kick of the evening's festivities.

The spectacular day ends with a bang or two...congratulations Holly and Lucas, a beautiful day for a beautiful couple.

If your getting married please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email(ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk) me for my price list

If you would like to see a video featuring me and a testimonial from two newlyweds please click here.

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2013 awards.

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

Dumbleton Hall Weddings

2013-03-27 13:52:39

Looking back at another highlight of 2012 is Holly and Chris' wedding at St Peter's Church in Winchcombe with their reception at the very grand Dumbleton Hall.

I met with Chris outside St Peter's, his groomsmen were certainly helping him to keep a lid on those pre-nuptual nerves.

It may be Chris' wedding day but that doesn't exclude him from a bit of a wind up!

It was a hive of activity at Holly's parents' house, even Dad was doing his bit.

Holly looked stunning in a dress designed by my name sake! Nothing will stop a Mum fussing, especially on her daughter's big day.

Perfect!

....and breath!

As the guests start to arrive at St Peter's, the bridesmaids and groomsmen are on hand to greet them.

And time for the Holly to arrive...looking absolutely gorgeous...

Dad is on hand to help again, the bridesmaids can't contain their excitement.

Final preparations for that all important walk up the aisle.

As their eyes meet, the wait for their big day has certainly been worth it.

They are now husband and wife....hooray!

Time to make it official!

Chris' Dad can't wait to congratulate his newly married son.

Smiles all round for the newly weds as they leave the beautiful St Peter's Church.

Chris and Holly...Mr and Mrs!

The guests desperate to grab a shot of the happy couple...don't worry I have it covered!

Chris and Holly grab a few precious moments alone together as they head to Dumbleton Hall for the next part of their very special day.

Set in stunning grounds the impressive Dumbleton Hall makes a perfect venue for a Cotswold wedding.

I'm not looking...honestly!?!

Time for champagne and canapes on the lawn in the beautiful September sunshine. A little musical accompaniment would not go a miss either.

It must be catching, even the guests are feeling all loved-up!

Are these two next to say I do?

Still revelling in the glory of London 2012, clearly Chris' feels like he's got the gold!

Holly makes a beautiful bride.

Holly and her girls...they just want to have fun!

Time to share a kiss....

or two!!!

Heading off to join their guests...

Congratulations Holly and Chris enjoy the celebrations at Dumbleton Hall.

If your getting married please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email(ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you would like to see a video featuring me and a testimonial from two newlyweds please click here.

I'm also very pleased to have been shortlisted for the past two years as South West Photographer of the year by the Wedding Industry Awards which recognizes and rewards excellence in the industry. In a very competitive market it is an honour that my bride and grooms have put me forward and voted for me.

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2013 awards.

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

Happy Valentines Day

2013-02-14 16:24:28

Here's a VERY BIG Valentines Card to all my lovely couples who are having their first Valentines Day together as man & wife, or husband & husband or wife & wife! Here's to many many more...................X

Below left: James & Becky at Cripps Barn, Bibury

Below Right: Caroline & Andrew at Walton Park Hotel, Stratford Upon Avon

Top left: Lauren & Jim at the Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath

Top right: Jeremy & Sarah at Ellenborough Park Hotel

Bottom Left: Karen & Stu at Cripps Barn, Bibury

Bottom Right: Ben & Anna at the Greenway Hotel, Shurdington, Cheltenham

Below left Holly & Lucas at The Ellenborough Park Hotel, Cheltenham

Below Right Jake & Pauline at the Manor House Hotel, Moreton In Marsh

Top left: at Geoff & Cath at Bowden Hall, Gloucester

Top right Sam & Stu at Puckrup Hall, Tewkesbury

Bottom Left: Henry & Claire at Pittville Pump Rooms, Cheltenham

Bottom Right: Marion & John at The Montpelier Chapter, Cheltenham

Below left: Nick & Louise at Hyde Barn, Stow on the Wold

Below right: Charlene & Adam at the Tortworth Court Hotel, Gloucestershire

Top left: Gemma & Emma at Emma's parents home in Birdlip, Gloucestershire

Top right: John & Michelle at Wrag Barn, Swindon

Bottom Left: Sarah & Doug at Rosewastis Farm, Cornwall

Bottom Right: Kevin & Peter at The Greenway, Shurdington, Cheltenham

Below left: Nisa & Tim at Clearwell Castle, Gloucestershire

Below right: Lawrence & Aurdra at Bryngarw, Bridgend. Wales

Top left: Harriet & John at Hyde Barn, Stow on the Wold

Top right: Kay & Andy at the Hatherley Manor Hotel, Gloucestershire

Bottom Left: Sarah & Mike at Kingscote Barn, Nr Tetbury

Bottom Right: Nick & Lucy at The Greenway Hotel, Shurdington, Cheltenham

Top left: Jim & Mo at the Chase Hotel, Brockhampton, Gloucestershire

Top right: Katie & Tom at the Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford Upon Avon

Bottom Left: Holly & Chris at Dumbleton Hall, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire

Bottom Right: Donna & Andy at Pittville Park, Cheltenham

If you want to appear in my 2013, 2014 or 2015 Valentines day card (!!!) then please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email(ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you would like to see a video featuring me and a testimonial from two newlyweds please click here.

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2013 awards.

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

Pre wedding photo shoot | Wedding Photography Bristol

2013-02-12 23:57:22

Lou and James are getting married this April at the fantastic Kingscote Barn near Tetbury, but being the alternative, type they were looking at having a pre wedding shoot out of the norm...... Just my cup of tea! So rather than take them to a park or hotel, we caught up in the heart of Bristol, by the harbour, and some disused train tracks for a lesson of how to relax in my company and in front of the camera.......

....For most people it's actually really hard to relax in front of the camera, especially when your asked by someone you don't really know to get together and join hands......

......and kiss!...........but Lou and James do it and I try and keep away as far away as possible from them...(don't worry these railway tracks are disused..and you are legally allowed to be on them!)

I'm always on the look out for things or materials that will look ideal as a backdrop....

If your getting married and are not relishing in the photograph part, allow me to change your mind and come on one of my pre wedding photo shoots. I pretty much guarantee that you will come away feeling more positive in how you look in front of the camera just in time for your wedding day. Please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email(ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you would like to see a video featuring Ben and a testimonial from two newlyweds please click here.

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2013 awards.

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

Cheltenham Outdoor Portraits

2013-01-29 09:30:48

If your looking for something a little different in a family portrait, then you've just found it! The lovely outdoors provides the perfect backdrop for a family photo shoot. I met the Higgins family on a cold (and wet) Novembers afternoon, but we were undeterred and wrapped up warm and had fun with 18 month old Daisy. Outdoor shoots suit's people of all ages and using natural light (actually a cloudy day is better than a full on sunny day!) get's fantastic results.

Daisy was initially a little sceptical after getting out of her warm dry car, but within minutes she was intrigued by the man with the camera... and beautiful photo opportunities kept coming......

If you are after a family photo shoot please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email me for more details (ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk)

To go back to the portrait section please click here

Pre wedding Shoot In The Snow

2013-01-22 11:50:08

For some people, having their photograph taken fears them with dread! They will do anything to avoid the camera, hide behind people or even turn the other way as soon as a camera is pointed at them. If this sounds like you read on.... Being a wedding photographer I meet all types of people (which is why I love my job so much!), and frequently when we first meet, couples quite often say one thing they dislike is having their photo taken and are dreading the actual wedding photographs.

I love to take natural photographs and hate to get people to stand still and pose (I find people generally pull a certain photo face, be it good or bad!). If your having fun, then normally it means you are relaxed and therefore will come across in a photo looking like the "real" you.

I offer many of my bride and grooms to do a pre-wedding shoot. The aim is to dispel any existing nerves that exist, face the fear of the camera head on. I find these shoots invaluable to put people at ease and also to get to know the couple further, making it less unobtrusive for couples on their wedding day.

Becky & Jayson are getting married later on this year. Whilst Jayson is confident in front of the camera, Becky initially disliked the thought of being photographed all day at her wedding but obviously feels it's important to get a record of her important day.

I feel it's my job as a photographer to not only take stunningly good pictures but also to have fun whilst doing them, that way you'll look fondly back in years to come. With the recent snow fall I came armed to the pre wedding shoot not only with a camera but also a sledge at a snow covered Pittville Park, Cheltenham. Instantly Becky became relaxed at the thought of going sledging and my job was thus already half done. It was now time to have fun in front of the camera......!

We momentarily put the sledge down, with both Becky and Jayson properly relaxed, the stunning natural backdrop of the Pittville Park behind us.....

Half an hour earlier it probably would have been unthinkable for Becky to be able to be relaxed as this in front of the camera.

It was now time for a last go on the sledge .....

......mind the lake guy's.......!

If your getting married and are not relishing in the photograph part, allow me to change your mind and come on one of my pre wedding photo shoots. Although I can't promise on the snow, I pretty much guarantee that you will come away feeling more positive in how you look in front of the camera just in time for your wedding day. Please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email(ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you would like to see a video featuring Ben and a testimonial from two newlyweds please click here.

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2013 awards.

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

Wedding Industry Awards - South West Wedding Photographer of the Year Shortlists

2012-12-11 13:42:46

It's a privilege to be a wedding photographer. I get to be a part of people's most happiest moments. I then leave them with images which they and their family can fondly look back on for decades, a beautiful reminder of the smiles and emotions of that special day and who was there.

It's not often in the wedding industry that all the hard work, week in week out gets noted for our achievements, however the Wedding Industry Awards has somewhat changed that and now recognises and rewards excellence in the industry.

It is therefore an absolute honour to have for the past two years been voted for by my lovely brides and grooms as one of the top wedding photographers of the South West (so much so I have been shortlisted for both years). Not a mean feet considering the amount of competition around, not only as a wedding photographer in Cheltenham, not even as a wedding photographer in Gloucestershire but for the whole South West Region (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset & Gloucestershire)!!!!

I now have two badges one for getting shortlisted for the 2012 and another one for 2013!

The best bit about these awards is that your previous brides & grooms vote for you. They also add anonymous comments to give the judges a non bias view about the level of service you offer.

General Comments (In no particular order!)

We had a small family wedding in which a photographer could have been very intrusive. Ben was brilliant, he put everyone at their ease and took time to talk to them all.Through the day and at the evening party, his attention to detail and enthusiasm never wavered and stayed way past the agreed time.”

“The photos were fantastic but having Ben share our big day was what made it special. He worked his socks off but was never overbearing. We had comments from our guests on how lovely he was. Also the pre wedding shoot was fab, getting us used to being snapped.”

“We were thrilled when we met Ben for the first time. We knew just from meeting him he was perfect for our wedding. So many of our friends and family comment on Bens professionalism and personality from the day. We were blown away from start to finish and adore the photos Ben took.”

“Ben was friendly & professional from the moment we met him. He talked us through the whole process & kept in touch (we booked a year in advance) right up to our wedding day. I showed Ben the style of photograph that we liked and he delivered exactly what was asked quickly & beautifully presented.”

“It was a pleasure to have Ben at our wedding, he got on really well with all of our friends and family and made the photography a fun part of our special day. He had a good knowledge of the venue and the finished photos were AMAZING!! I could not recommend him highly enough, a top guy.”

“Ben was great. A real bullish organiser and good at getting on with everybody young and old. He integrated himself into our wedding day perfectly without imposition.”

“We would recommend Ben to any couple who would like beautiful, creative and natural photography for their special day. He offers a very personal service where no request is too much and Ben has be ability to make anyone feel comfortable infront of the camera. Not enough words to do him justice!”

“Ben is a really nice chap, that makes you feel totally at ease regards photography on your wedding day, leaving you free to stress about all the other arrangements!”

“I think Ben is an absolutely brilliant photographer, he is very passionate about his work, he is also brilliant with the guests and really understands what you want a a customer. He is great in all aspects of his work and we were really pleased with everything he did and our photos are fantastic.”

“Ben is amazing, his personality allows him to put everyone at ease. We were Ben's first Civil Partnership and were delighted with the varied selection of stunning photographs he provided.”

“Ben was brilliant; he blended in with the guests made everyone laugh at the same time being subtle and discreet. I would defiantly recommend him to everyone especially after the feedback from our guests. Ben was a little more pricey than other photographers but worth the money.”

“Ben was the perfect photographer for our big day. He got so many beautiful photos, most of which I never knew were being taken. All the guests loved him and commented on how good he was. He was a pleasure to have around on such a special occasion and had a good mix of professionalism and friendliness”

“Ben is such a likeable character. As soon as we met him we loved him! He's so passionate about his photography and it really shows in his work. Our pre-wedding photoshoot was incredible. On our big day he made guests feel at ease and managed to capture the feeling & emotion on our big day.”

“Ben was professional but great fun to deal with. He has a relaxed and flexible approach and was very helpful in the run up to, and on our wedding day. He gave us fantastic advice and captured our day perfectly. Everyone at the wedding commented on how good he was and enjoyed being photographed.”

“I can't thank Ben enough for the effort he put in at our wedding. He quite literally was running between photo opportunities and somehow managed to be everywhere at once. The quality of our photos was exceptional and I had numerous people tell me how fun Ben was and how well he fit in with everyone.”

“Fantastic charming man whose eye for detail gives him the ability to take amazing photo's. Highly recommended.”

“Ben was fantastic in understanding our vision and interpreted our requirements perfectly. It really felt like he was part of our wedding and our guests said how lovely they found him. Stunning images and a great chap! Thanks Ben”

“Ben put everyone at ease and he was easy to get along with even though we'd only met him that day. He was very accommodating and patient with us. He understood the look we were going for and we're pleased with the photos we have.”

“Blooming photography gave us an excellent service producing a great record of the day. Ben really understood what we wanted from the day and many of our guest commented on how much they enjoyed him being there, this really came across in the photo's. All in all a fantastic service and great photos.”

“Our wedding was about what we wanted and Ben from Blooming Photography captured the essence of the day the people and most importantly of all the emotion. His post event handling of the pictures was superb.”

“This man excelled on every level. He presented simple different packages. A pre shot before the wedding. He worked his heart out thoughout the day. He even took our guests camera's and took photo's for them. He asked us to provide a photo wish list for the day and he was a good laugh. He's a winner”

“Ben was absolutely amazing, he fit in really well, most of the time we didn't realise he was there and even went he accidentally sat in sheeps poo trying to get the perfect shot he wasn't phased!! The photos were stunning and so man people have commented on how great he was! He was just brilliant :)”

“Ben managed to work in a perfect balance of professionalism and friendly humorous chatty man to open everyone up and get some stunning relaxed and natural photographs of our special day.”

“Ben from Blooming Photography photographed our Civil Partnership back in June 2012. He was a pleasure to work with. He made my wife and I feel totally at ease from our very first meeting. On the actual day he was very professional and we are over the moon with the photos we received.”

“Ben exceeded our expectations as our wedding photographer. He was extremely personable and really took the time to get to know us as people not just clients. He became one of our guests & everyone thought he was great. The photos were perfect & captured the whole day and more.”

“VERY HELPFULL, COULDN'T DO ENOUGH TO HELP. HE HELPED MAKE THE DAY VERY ENJOYABLE,WITH LAUGHTER AND SMILES FOR EVERYONE. DIDNT HAVE TO BE ASKED TWICE ABOUT ANYTHING . SO HAPPY WITH THE PHOTO'S AND THE SERVICE..”

“Ben made are wedding everything and more , he was outstanding , professional , relaxed, and extremely friendly , he put me at ease from the moment he turned up at our hotel on the morning of our wedding , the pictures he captured will last with us forever and we are truely greatful , amazing guy :-)”

Why They Booked (in random order)

“We loved Ben's photographic style and his character. We have been to other weddings over the last few years and did not really rate the approach or personality of the photographers overall. Ben managed to be part of the day without being intrusive and found a way to get everyone involved in the photographs and enjoy it. We also felt that from a financial perspective he was reasonably priced.”

“Because we really liked Bens work and also thought he was a great guy and he really understood what we wanted from him.”

“Reputation, evidence of previous work, & personality”

“A friends recommendation, upon meeting Ben we felt he understood the style of photography we were looking for, we liked his portfolio, and we were confident he would help with a relaxed stress free day.”

“We connected straight away with Ben and believed in his ability. The cost was what we were thinking of paying and Ben was not all about the selling as many photographers we had met previously were. Ben was friendly, professional and someone I considered a guest at our wedding as well as our photographer.”

“He presented the packages. There was no stress. Every time we visted the venues we grew more impressed with him while the others didn't stack up. To them it seemed it was all about the money and not about how we wanted to record the day.”

“We liked the style of Bens work & that he's a genuine man who goes the extra mile to give you what you want. Superb service from start to finish.”

“Recommended by other photographers and really liked his work”

“We initially liked the web site so arranged a meeting and after meeting Ben we knew we had found a photographer who understood exactly what we wanted to achieve.”

“He had such great portfolio pictures and was very approachable and friendly”

“We spoke to a number of photographers, but from our first conversation we knew we wanted Ben to record our special day. We had set ourselves a budget; but after that first conversation, we knew that we really wouldn't have been happy unless he recorded the whole day. He listened to our ideas, was very attentive to the detail and any special photo's we wanted, as well as making his own suggestions. He took the time to meet us at the venues to discuss all eventualities like lighting, weather and shots. We had every confidence that Ben would deliver. He certainly did that. Thank you Ben, for capturing so many special moments with such beautiful photographs. We have looked through the photo's so many times and are incredibly proud of them. We are so pleased we chose you as our wedding photographer.”

“The relaxed manner Ben portrayed connected with great photos capturing real moments not staged ones.”

“Because we loved Ben & his fantastic work. He was very keen to photograph our wedding & remained completely interested in every aspect of if. Making the journey through planning a wedding is a sometimes a scary one, what with all the decisions, but Ben made it easy. He was so understanding & dedicated.”

“We were taken by Ben's professional website and the lovely pictures displayed on there. Upon meeting with Ben we were instantly won over by his friendly character and his appreciation of what we wanted for our day. He has been accomodating from start to finish and we couldn’t be more happy with our photos.”

“We liked Ben and he made us feel very comfortable. Loved his photos and the price was good too. Absolutely no regrets.”

“It was clear from all our meetings with different photographers that we had the best connection with Ben, so was an easy choice.”

“We saw his gallery online and really liked what we saw, we then met up with him and he was so friendly and welcoming! We knew we wanted him straight away and didn't even bother meeting any others!”

“A friend recommended Ben. His studio is in our village so we liked the fact he was local to us. On meeting Ben we felt like we had known him for ages and knew he would blend in really well with our guests. His style of photos were exactly what we wanted, completely natural and capturing private moments. We couldn't have chosen a better photographer.”

“We knew we could work with Ben, versus other photographers who were more traditional in their approach to our Civil Partnership. Ben became one of our guests, rather than just our photographer..”

“Personality capability and price!”

“As we loved his photography, his style, and his nature”

“Ben came recommended from a friend of ours and after the first meeting we were confident he was the man for the job. We were right.”

If you like what you see and you're planning (or one of your friends are...!!) on getting married please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email(ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

UK Touring Cars Championship | Silverstone | Event Photography Gloucestershire

2012-11-26 09:35:30

I had a great opportunity a few weeks ago as I was invited by Honda Uk to Silverstone to watch the last but one Touring Car races of the 2012 season. I was privileged to gain access to the track grid and be alongside to championship leaders Gordon Sheddon and Matt Neal . Here are a few of the pics:

On the grid:

Matt Neal's car being dragged into the pits after a oil fire.

Matt Neal explaining to ITV 4 what had happened!

Then both Gordon & Matt met up for a talk at Honda Hospitality:

Whether your a small or large business like Honda, pictures can be used for promotional usage either for press, in house publications or for website usage. Please don't hesitate to contact me on my email (ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk) or telephone for more details.

To go back to the commercial section of this website please click here.

To see what commercial clients have said about me and my mannerism please click here.

Harriets & Johns Wedding at Hyde Barn, Stow on The Wold

2012-10-05 16:38:39

Hyde Barn is the Cotswolds freshest wedding & event venue. Having just been finished in late Spring, it brings a certain ..... the barn itself, a mixture of traditional yet stylish design. Situated just outside Stow on the Wold, it has panoramic views of surrounding countryside, which obviously provides the perfect backdrop to any wedding or event.

What's more Hyde Barn has the ability to host fabulous ceremonies indoors and on sunny days, idyllic ceremonies by the wooden arbour.

Harriet and John were overjoyed that the autumn sun came out to play meaning that the outdoor ceremony wasn't a dream any longer......

I first met John in the adjacent Fosse Way Manor where he and his ushers were relaxing in the garden, quashing a few pre married nerves with a couple of glasses of orange juice...(yeah right!).......

....meanwhile Harriet and her bridesmaids were making themselves beautiful back in the Hyde Barn.......

.....it was smiles all around, until dad arrived where emotions played a part.....

.....however smiles of joy and laughter couldn't hide any longer......

.....the time had now come...

....you really can't beat this surrounding......

.....can you?

.....they finally did it...sealed with a kiss....it almost appeared that no one else was around....

....it was time for the party to begin....

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Ben was also very pleased to have been shortlisted for the 2012 Wedding Industry Awards South West Photographer of the Year and put forward for the 2013 Wedding Industry Awards South West– which recognizes and rewards excellence in the industry. Ben say's "In a very competitive market it is an honour that my bride and grooms have put me forward and voted for me.

Please click here to see the 2013 awards. Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

Sarah & Mikes Wedding at Kingscote Barn

2012-09-24 17:14:31

You may remember back in June we seemed to have endless days of rain. Summer seemed like a distant memory from years past, however for one day the rain stopped. The sun creeped out from behind the clouds and said hello, for this day was Sarah & Mike's wedding day and the sun wanted to play!

Sarah & Mike's wedding was held at the fabulous Cotswold venue Kingscote Barn (nr Tetbury). If your looking for a stunning venue, in the heart of the Cotswolds, with rolling hillsides (and maybe the odd sheep!) - Kingscote Barn is the place. Recently awarded South West Wedding Venue of the year (2012) by The Wedding Industry Awards - you honestly would be pushed to find a better place for a wedding.

I first caught up with Sarah who was getting ready in one of the cottages adjacent to Kingscote Barn.

One of the beauties about weddings is that you can never control natural emotions .......the moment when Sarah's dad first saw his daughter in her wedding dress literally blew him away and the tears where very hard to hide....

Sarah's dad & I fleeted over to catch up with Mike and see how he was getting on...nerves were there...but nerves are good on a special day like this!....

....Outside the front of Kingscote Sarah & here beautiful bridesmaids were ready to make their special entrance....

....and boy did Sarah make her entrance, their was hardly a dry eye in the place...

....but they did it!....

....and instead of confetti bubbles where blown.....

...and now for the real celebration to begin.......(this is the ideal time to capture the wedding party, with the majority of photographs being taken as I see things happen, I can orchestrate important formal(ish!) shots as & when, never taking over, that way your guests have fun and more importantly so do you.)

....on a gorgeous hot summers day it really was time to lie on the grass soak up the atmosphere, and take that tie off!....

.....I think it's really important to try and spend a bit of time with the couple on the day. I never whisk the bride and groom off until 10 or 15 minutes before they go and have the wedding breakfast, this gives me the perfect opportunity to let them spend some quality time together whilst I create some ever lasting images that they will treasure for a lifetime. The rose garden and stunning backdrop at Kingscote makes it ideal........

....and so for the wedding breakfast...Mike & Sarah decided to have the speeches before the meal...(quashes the nerves & allows you to enjoy the meal!)......

....noses!....

...with the wedding breakfast finished...Sarah and Mike wanted to have a little stroll in the beautiful surroundings.....

....& the epic English scenery.....

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Please click here to see the 2013 awards. Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

The Royal Crescent Hotel, Jim & Laurens wedding

2012-09-04 16:35:36

Not everyone wants or has a big wedding. Some couples like to keep it low key, make it more about themselves & invite a few friends and family along. Jim & Lauren planned to do just that. However it's always important to document the day in pictures, which is what they did.

They had chosen the fabulous luxury hotel The Royal Crescent, in Bath, for their ceremony. The Royal Crescent Hotel occupies the two central buildings of the world's finest crescent. Beyond its magnificnet facade lies a hotel renowned for its charm and elegance.

I was delighted to be asked to cover the intimate affair on a very hot summers day in July. (Yes, honestly, we did have one or two of them!)

I first met up with Jim, who was playing the whole thing down, nerves as cool as a cat, although on a day like today, pretty hot in a suit.

I met Lauren, out the back of the hotel in the gorgeous garden. She looked simply angelic amongst the gorgeous smelling lavender.

Without any fuss both Lauren & Jim made it upstairs for the ceremony to begin.

but they did it... finally pleased to wear a little bit of bling......

...well on a hot summers day it was silly not to go outside and enjoy the sun...

....where they were joined by their guests (parents & siblings)...

....the gardens in The Royal Crescent Hotel were to good an opportunity to miss for a brief photo shoot.....

However we took a small walk down to the bottom of the park...

Iconic Cotswold view.....

I then left Lauren & Jim to go back to the hotel for their small reception.....memories captured forever.

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Wedding Industry Awards 2012: I've recently been shortlisted as one of the top Wedding Photographers in the South West, please click here to see my recent blog posting

Rosewastis Farm House - Doug & Sarah wedding (Part 2!)

2012-08-17 19:51:01

I love it when people do things differently, and think outside the box, Sarah & Doug are a couple just like that. They had got married at a small ceremony the day before (at Lusty Glaze Beach) with close family and friends attending and then planned to hold a wedding blessing in front of all their friends at Rosewastis Farm House on the Saturday. Having their ceremony at the Farm House meant they could plan a party like no other and treat everyone to a day & night they were unlikely to forget.

The original plan was to have an outdoor blessing / ceremony (with a vintage wedding theme) & then head up the hill for afternoon tea and games on the lawn, however being in England the weather chose to be as unkind as possible, with rain and wind unlike you'd more likely expect in winter rather than mid June. Plan's were rearranged on the morning and instead the ceremony was to be held in the marquee and afternoon tea was moved to the farmhouse. No one, or thing was going to put a dampner on this celebration!.....

The marquee was so magical anyway it brought out a lovely romantic feel to the day......

I first caught up with Doug in the farmhouse who was entertaining himself on the piano!......

....then I caught up with Sarah & her entourage, down at the little cottage.....

.....who were busy making themselves beautiful for the day....

....the little helpers looked G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S...

Sarah and her brother Jason (who was giving her away) looked amazing... and every bit of her vintage dream was coming together....

....It was now time for Sarah & her entourage to head down to the marquee... the rain just pausing kindly for a moment....

...Doug and his daughter Carmel eagerly waited at the bottom of the hill for Sarah to arrive...

....emotions were running high...a very proud moment for both Carmel & Doug and Sarah & Jason......

.....you couldn't get a more splendid backdrop if you tried.....

.....mum's of the couple were in awe....

.....as certain guest's had a part in the ceremony too...

....and their friend Matt Sweet sang them a beautiful song....

....it was now time for the exchange of vows....

...and one final reading to get the tears streaming....

....before one final song of celebration....

....raised the marquee's roof with song and kazoo's.......

.....it was now time to head up the hill to the farmhouse for afternoon tea....the wind and rain were howling (nearly as loud as the Kazoo's!)....

....it didn't really matter that we were now going to be inside...the bouncers on the door were quite welcoming...

....tea and cake....mmmm ohhh yes please....mmmm

....with a wash down of cocktails.....well why not!....

.....the children (and adults) were entertained by a fantastic punch and judy show....

....whilst Doug & Sarah & the bridal party battled the elements for the windiest photoshoot ever!....

....it really didn't matter that it was raining cats and dogs when underneath the romance was there....

......and also a little bit of madness!.....

....It was soon time for the evening bash......the marquee had been turned into an amazing spectacle of colour with the vintage theme continuing.....

....the party really had started.....

.....with Sarah and Doug finally becoming MR AND MRS....

......and "They Lived Happily Ever After!".

Inspired? As an already experienced event and venue manager in Brighton, Sarah visualised, collected and created her whole wedding down to the last ribbons, buttons and rabbits! Having loved the process, which enabled her unique creativity to fly, Sarah is currently setting up her business to hire her distinctive and original collection and assist in event planning. If you are interested in finding out more, you can contact Sarah at www.littletinrabbit.co.uk or through me: ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

If you like what you see (pictures wise!) and you're planning (or your friend!!) on getting married and have a theme be it vintage, retro, 1920's or whatever takes your fancy and looking for a vintage photographer, or retro photographer e.t.c please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email(ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Please click here to see the 2013 awards. Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

Commercial Photographer Cheltenham

2012-08-17 19:50:34

No matter whether your a small or large business it is vital that your image doesn't let you down. I find it ironic that the former Gloucestershire Small Business Centre looks like this below! It really is up to you to get your business looking right.

Quite often you have the product or offer the right service but your overall image does not portray well visually to new customers . Blooming Photography provides a cost effective service that will guarantee to improve your image.

We take stylish and contemporary photographs of your products, suitable for display in a variety of formats at your company's premises, for web-sites, in house publications or promotional material ideal for marketing your business or advertising your work.

Gloucestershire based business Dekomte needed quality looking shots for its international clients. Not only were we to photograph the GM we also took head shots of all staff members.

Cheltenham business "Prestbury Upholstery" wanted to stand out from the crowd from its competitors and to help do this we took a series of photographs of their commercial work for their literature and we worked closely with them when they created their new web site, providing both in house product photography, on location interior shots of recent work, plus we were able to bring the studio direct to their premises ensuring they got exactly what they they wanted within the timeframe and cost.

UK lighting manufacturer "Hacel" were after images to provide a case study for their work for local authorities. They also wanted to use the images for their advertising and brochure campaigns.

Personal trainer Iain from 360hft wanted images to enhance both his website and literature and also in providing a visual training record for his clients.

UK company Alliance Leisure needed to support evidence of providing equipment to its sports and leisure clients

Bed & Breakfast owner, Barbera Stewart had very dated, unprofessional photographs of her B & B and simply people were looking else where to stay, however as soon as she got Blooming Photography in to photograph her gorgeous house it converted into extra bookings. This is what Barbera said about the service. "We are extremely pleased with the photos Ben took, which are fantastic, high quality and very professional. Ben expertly captured the best features of our B & B, enabling us to accurately show its qualities to prospective guests. We have enjoyed a considerable increase in bookings since updating the photos."

We also offer a product studio service (which is also portable meaning we bring our studio out to you) - to view the studio blogplease click this link

If your a Gloucestershire / UK business that is looking to promote your business visually in a cost effective way please don't hesitate to contact me on 07858 775922 or email ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

Here's what businesses have recently been saying about us:

"We approached Ben with an 11th hour request to photograph a building we had just re-branded. We were on a very tight deadline to produce the promotional material, ready for a launch party the following week. Ben was incredibly accommodating, and made himself available for the following day The photographs were excellent and met with the client’s approval, so much so that he also became the photographer for the launch event!Ben is highly personable and professional and I have no hesitation in recommending him."

Steven Lauder (Director) www.mediaeden.co.uk

‘Ben at Blooming Photography is a pleasure to work with. He responds well to a brief but importantly adds in his own artistic flair and personality which is much needed in the arts.

I’ve been very impressed with the number and quality of high standard and useable images he’s taken for me through the five photo shoots of our artists at makin projects.

Ben also took a phenomenal amount of excellent shots during our week long Cheltenham Comedy Festival. Ranging from live performance, street work, crowd shots to static portraits. Nothing phased Ben and he adapted well to often awkward shooting conditions and sometime awkward artists!

He’s our photographer of choice and we will work with him at every given opportunity.’

Mark Makin: Co-founder and co-director of makin projects www.makinprojects.co.uk and The Cheltenham Comedy Festival www.cheltenhamcomedy.com

"I wanted to thank you for taking so much care in getting my product images just right. I am so pleased with the results as it's clear that you put a great deal of time into getting the colours and fabrics 'come to life' in the images. The images strike the blend of vibrancy and clarity I was looking for. "
Emma Firth – Shurbet Rose http://www.sherbetrose.co.uk/

To go back to the commercial part of our website please click here

Cheltenham Actor Head shots

2012-08-07 21:47:29

If your an actor, presenter, musician, business person located in gloucestershire, the midlands or south west and looking for an high quality up to date head shot then look no further.

Gloucestershire photographer Ben Roberts provides the perfect location for having an up to date portfolio. His studio (Blooming Photography Studios) is situated on the edge of Cheltenham town in the beautiful Cotswold village, Prestbury.

What to expect

Each image is cropped to the standard 10" x 8" ready for printing, plus you can also have choice both colour and black & white images.(No extra charge)

So whats The Deal?

I take approximately 100-150 shots of you (however there is no limit) then edit them down to 50-80 for the viewing.

You choose 4 of your favourite images. You can have both Colour & black & white of each image.

Once you have chosen your final four I then put the high resolution images onto disc, allowing you to print off when you need to & as many times as you like. I also give you your final 4* images on a separate disc in low resolution to allow you to email and quickly update your profile pictures on agency websites.

* At a small extra charge if you feel your spoilt for choice you can have more than four images if you want!

Price

How to contact me?

To book your session you can either email Ben at ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk or phone Ben on 01242 253665.

Please click on this "link" to go back to the main "Commercial head shots" section of this website

Anna & Ben The Greenway Hotel & Spa

2012-08-02 11:15:25

It's been such a long time since I posted a blog, not that I haven't wanted to, just the case of being so fantastically busy, I've struggled to find the time to write one. This year has already been a great creative year for me, with weddings most weeks and the family portraits more popular than ever plus the added commercial work to keep me on my toes. The combined work always keeps me fresh, I thus never get bored or tired of weddings, portraits or commercial work.

Anyway enough of me rabbiting on....(!). I wanted to make time to blog a wedding that I covered in the end of June, with a lovely couple, Ben & Anna, who got married at St Gregory's RC Church in Cheltenham and had their reception at one of my favourite venues The Greenway Hotel and Spa, in Shurdington, just outside Cheltenham.

I first met Anna and her girlies getting all made up in The Greenway Hotel & Spa where there was a wonderful mix of calmness and giggles....

Anna's bridemaid's were raring to have fun.......so POP goes the champagne.......

I left The Greenway to go to St Gregory's RC Church in the heart of Cheltenham to catch up with Ben as he arrived at the church...

It wasn't long before Anna and her dad arrived.... as Anna gracefully stepped out of her wedding car.....

I absolutely love this moment, Anna & Ben's eyes gaze emotionally together, whilst Anna's dad could't be more proud of his daughter if he tried...

Such a lovely moments continued with a beautiful ceremony....

but then they had done it, sealed with a quick kiss outside...

...and a pose.....

before Anna & Ben left to go to The Greenway....

....ok time for another pose... but both Anna & Ben looked stunning as did The Greenway as a backdrop...

....it was soon time for a game out in the wonderful grounds of the Hotel....croquet anyone?

....then confetti time just before I had a moment or two with Anna & Ben around the grounds.....

vdfgf

As you all know this year has been a funny one with the weather...especially in June and Ben & Anna's wedding was no different and the rain came down again, however The Greenway is very photogenic inside and I had to use these chairs....

I just managed to capture this one too of Anna waking past the wonderful mirrors....

Rain never puts me off, (I actually say it acts as a blessing) and I do love to through in an umbrella shot or two....!

If you like what you see and you're planning (or your friend!!) on getting married please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email(ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Please click here to see the 2013 awards. Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

Lusty Glaze Beach - Doug & Sarah wedding (Part 1!)

2012-07-10 03:30:45

It's always great to get away. For me particularly, having a fresh set of eyes helps me look at things differently, which is obviously vital in my line of work. As soon as Sarah & Doug asked me to be their photographer for their Cornwall wedding I started to get excited. Their wedding was to be spread over two days. The first day was the civil ceremony (the legal bit) held just outside Newquay at the wonderful Lusty Glaze Beach with close family and friends to witness the beauty of it all. The main wedding day was to be held at Rosewastis Farm House on the following day (please see Part 2)

I met Sarah & Doug outside Rosewastis Farm House just before they started their journey of marriage aboard a wonderful 1950's vintage coach bus.

Champagne flowed on board - this was truly going to be a celebration

Everyone on board was excited - especially me....ohhh I do like to be beside the sea side......are we nearly there yet?!!

We were soooo close (the sea air was in our noses) with just a short walk down to the beach....

Yey we were there. Sarah & Doug and their guests were literally bursting with excitement as we reached Lusty Glaze beach

Both Sarah & Doug looked absolutely stunning......

With a fantastic applause, Sarah & Doug walked down the aisle together, to where the ceremony began

There were more cheers and tears as Sarah & Doug "officially" became husband and wife

With the official bit done it was time to parrttttyyyy! Pimms anyone?

However one couldn't expect not to head to the fantastic beach & huts for a quickie wedding photoshoot celebration!

This group photograph has to be put on a wall!

down to the sea........the paparazzi ensued.......!

The tides going out isn't it?

woooops no it isn't......run!!!

Everyone say ahhhhhh! X

Please Click here to see Part 2 - Day 2 - Rosewastis Farm House - Sarah and Doug's Wedding Celebration.

If you like what you see and you're planning (or your friend!!) on getting married please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email(ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Please click here to see the 2013 awards. Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

Kate & Toms Pre wedding Shoot in Stratford Upon Avon

2012-06-10 20:56:33

I met up with Kate & Tom at the beautiful Stratford Upon Avon for their Pre wedding photo shoot, with the aim of relaxing the couple and any pre wedding nerves that they had about their wedding photography.

If you're (or know someone who's getting married) looking for a wedding photographer who's relaxed and takes amazing photographs of your special day please get in touch. (07858 775922)

If you would like to find out more of what I have to offer please click this link on "What to expect"

And of course if your interested please don't hesitate to drop me a line (ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk) or if you'd like to speak to me direct please call me on 07858 775922

Royal Jubilee Photo Competition

2012-05-28 16:22:27

To celebrate the Royal Jubilee, we are giving away one lucky family a free studio photo shoot plus £25 to be put towards products in the Studio.

To all you creatives out there - we want you to make your own jubilee crown - if you can then take a picture of it and send it to ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

Competition ends Tuesday 5th June. Good luck!

Pitville Pump Rooms Weddings | Cheltenham Weddings

2012-05-09 16:14:22

Now I love a good wedding and Claire & Henry's was always going to be a memorable occasion.

It started off at one of Cheltenham's finest Hotel's, The Montepellier Chapter, where I met up with Claire and her bridesmaids, all getting ready for the big day.

Time soon flew and I dashed off to meet Henry and his entourage at Cheltenham's oldest Church, St Mary's right in the heart of town.

They did it and now it was time for the party to begin....!

Now for a little story. Henry's old man happens to own a Austin Healey (as you do!). A wise man as he is, he said he would never let Henry touch his pride and joy until his wedding day. Henry's face was a picture has finally (and only this once) he was allowed to drive the car!

The reception was at Pitville Pump Rooms, where champagne and wine flowed.....

Time for a bit of fun with the posed shots

It has to be said that Claire looked stunning.

If your planning on getting married please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email (ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you would like to know more about me please click here - to see a video featuring me and a testimonial from two newlyweds.

I was also very pleased to have been shortlisted for the 2012 Wedding Industry Awards South West Photographer of the Year and put forward for the 2013 Wedding Industry Awards South West– which recognises and rewards excellence in the industry. In a very competitive market it is an honour that my bride and grooms have put me forward and voted for me.

Please click here to see the 2013 awards. Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

Gloucestershire Commercial Photographer

2012-05-01 12:29:23

If you're running a small business, it is vital that you don't let your image doesn't let you down. I find it ironic that the former Gloucestershire Small Business Centre looks like this below! It really is up to you to get your business looking right.

Quite often you have the product or offer the right service but your overall image does not portray well visually to new customers . Ben at Blooming Photography provides a cost effective service that will guarantee to improve your image.

Gloucestershire based business Dekomte needed quality looking shots for its international clients. Not only were we to photograph the GM we also took head shots of all staff members.

UK lighting manufacturer "Hacel" were after images to provide a case study for their work for local authorities. They also wanted to use the images for their advertising and brochure campaigns.

Personal trainer Iain from 360hft wanted images to enhance both his website and literature and also in providing a visual training record for his clients.

UK company Alliance Leisure needed to support evidence of providing equipment to its sports and leisure clients

We also offer a product studio service (which is also portable meaning we bring our studio out to you) - to view the studio blog please click this link

Here's what businesses have recently been saying about us:

Steven Lauder (Director) www.mediaeden.co.uk

‘Ben at Blooming Photography is a pleasure to work with. He responds well to a brief but importantly adds in his own artistic flair and personality which is much needed in the arts.

I’ve been very impressed with the number and quality of high standard and useable images he’s taken for me through the five photo shoots of our artists at makin projects.

He’s our photographer of choice and we will work with him at every given opportunity.’

Mark Makin: Co-founder and co-director of makin projects www.makinprojects.co.uk and The Cheltenham Comedy Festival www.cheltenhamcomedy.com

To go back to the commercial part of our website please click here

Cheltenham Family Portraits - Outdoors

2012-04-30 14:45:38

If your looking for a family portrait that is a little different - then here it is!

Gloucestershire based the Lambelle family were just after that. They didn't want the traditional studio experience and wanted a family portrait that represented them a little more.

Outdoor portraits are always different, especially with children! You never quite know what's around the corner and that's why they're so fun plus you are guaranteed to capture your family in a informal way, producing fabulous looking photographs.

Living in gloucestershire we're spoilt for choice for stunning locations for family portraits, plus seasonal changes mean that there is always a fresh looking backdrop.

If your looking for a fun packed family photo shoot then email me on ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

To find out more please visit the "Outdoor Portrait" Section of this website by clicking here.

Please click here to go to the Portrait price list download section

Cath & Geoffs wedding at Bowden Hall

2012-04-30 13:48:10

Cath & Geoff's wedding day was always going to be special. They were to get married at Bowden Hall - which nestles on the edge of Upton St Leonards just outside of Gloucester.

Bowden Hall provides the perfect backdrop for family and friends to have a perfect wedding day. I was very pleased to be part of it and provide everlasting memories for them and their family to look back on for years to come.

I first met Cath who was getting ready inside the hotel...Cath looked stunning....

I then went over to meet Geoff, his best man Nick and Geoff's two sons, Jack & Liam.....

It was soon time to get married.....

They did it and all there friends were there to greet them....

It was a certainly a fun filled day and I was so pleased to capture the memories for Cath & Geoff.

If your planning on getting married please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email (ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Ben was also very pleased to have been shortlisted for the 2012 Wedding Industry Awards South West Photographer of the Year – which recognizes and rewards excellence in the industry. Ben say's "In a very competitive market it is an honour that my bride and grooms have put me forward and voted for me.

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

Image of the week

2012-04-26 20:15:47

I've been resisting all week, but I finally give in, this week we've just got to have two images of the week (count yourselves lucky, it could have been a lot more!). This second image of the week was taken at Cheltenham wedding venue, Pittville Pump Rooms last Saturday of wonderful couple Henry & Claire as they took a little time out for a moment together.

To see some more wedding pictures please click this link

If your planning on getting married please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email (ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Wedding Industry Awards: I've recently been shortlisted down to the last 10 (or top 10) Wedding Photographers in the South West, please click here to see my recent blog posting

Image Of the Week

2012-04-23 21:33:33

With so many photos taken this week, it's been hard to choose my image of the week however I think this taken on one of my family outdoor portrait shoots, just about tops the lot!

Living in gloucestershire we're spoilt for choice for stunning locations for family portraits, plus seasonal changes mean that there is always a fresh looking backdrop. This photo was taken amongst the garlic and bluebell woods on the edge of Cheltenham & Gloucester.

Outdoor photo shoots are always fun and I just love to get on the same level of my subject - if that means getting down in the mud, then so be it!

If your looking for a fun packed family photo shoot then email me on ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

To find out more please visit the "Outdoor Portrait" Section of this website by clicking here.

Please click here to go to the Portrait price list download section

Stereo Influence - Parabola Arts Centre

2012-04-19 10:09:54

Stereo Influence are one of the hottest and most talked about young band in Gloucestershire. They've stormed the qualifying rounds of The Surface Festival and have had airplay on national radio stations with their songs "Minority" & "Edgar Allan Poe".

I was very pleased to meet up with Marcello & the band for their latest gig at the Parabola Arts Centre in Cheltenham where they raised the roof, with their stomping songs.

Guest singer Kate Rogers came on to support the boys, giving a wonderful extra dimension to the group.

Where's Stereo Influences Next gig? 12 Bar Club, London. Monday 23rd April 2012

If your an agent or in a band and need quality looking shots please don't hesitate to give me a email on ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

To see more gig shots of Stereo Influence please click here

To go back to the Commercial section Please click here

To see all the pictures taken of this gig please go to the wedding section (sorry it has to be the wedding section as its the e-comerce part of this site! ) by clicking here - and enter the following case sensitive code 2NxJZbA in the small box at the bottom of the page. You can also purchase prints from here.

Cheltenham Baby Photos

2012-04-17 21:56:35

Proud new Parents Charlotte & VInce brought their newborn baby boy to the Blooming Photography Studio to document his first weeks of life.

It's always a privilege to photograph people at any stage of their life but obviously more so as a newborn. I also think I'm documenting family life, with images that will literally last a lifetime and hopefully will be past on to generations to come.

Blooming Photography Studio photo shoots are free. You can come as many times as you like which allows you to document your family as and when you like.

Please click this link to "download the Studio Price list"

Please click "here" to go to the studio section of this website

To contact Ben for availability please email him: ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

Gloucestershire Commercial Photography

2012-04-17 11:52:45

If your looking to promote your business then professional looking images are vital.

What's unique about the service that we offer is that our studio is portable meaning we are just as happy to bring our studio out to you as we are you coming directly to our commercial studio premises.

Cheltenham Upholstery company, Prestbury Upholstery are currently creating a new website and they obviously wanted their products to feature prominently. Being that the products are quite large and we wanted to photograph a lot of them, it was much easier to bring the photo studio to them rather than to bring them to our studio. Our portable studio is easy to set up plus because it is on location at your premises, you can have a direct influence on how your photography looks.

This also worked for wine merchant, Cardinal Cellar, who had lots of products to add to their e-comerse website.

If your looking for an alternative background for your products then absolutely no problem. This was the case for The Name Label Company. They wanted to give more information to their clients and to show off their products visually whilst keeping the company identity the same. The result - MORE SALES. Which is ultimately what we want!

Are you looking to get professional photographs of your staff? Well your very welcome to all visit our studio or logistically it will likely to be cheaper if we came to you. We are happy to photograph you individually (great for Linkedin), or as a group of team. We can use the studio white background or if you have a preferred colour or identity then let us know and we'll bring in a background to suit your image.

Please don't hesitate to email ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk if you are looking to promote your business.

Here's what businesses have recently been saying about us:

Steven Lauder (Director) www.mediaeden.co.uk

‘Ben at Blooming Photography is a pleasure to work with. He responds well to a brief but importantly adds in his own artistic flair and personality which is much needed in the arts.

I’ve been very impressed with the number and quality of high standard and useable images he’s taken for me through the five photo shoots of our artists at makin projects.

He’s our photographer of choice and we will work with him at every given opportunity.’

Mark Makin: Co-founder and co-director of makin projects www.makinprojects.co.uk and The Cheltenham Comedy Festival www.cheltenhamcomedy.com

To go back to the commercial part of our website please click here

Jake & Paulines Wedding - Manor House Hotel - Moreton In Marsh

2012-04-16 21:58:46

It was smiles all around as the sun came out to play at Jake & Paulines wedding at Cotswold wedding venue, The Manor House Hotel in Moreton In Marsh, Gloucestershire. It always seams that the sun brings out the fun in people and especially at a wedding.

I love happy weddings, and this was going to be one of them.....

There's something unique about photographing the wedding preparation. The atmosphere as Pauline was getting ready was almost serene, with daughter Amy already dressed and ready, blissfully unaware of the importance of the occasion and poised ready to steal the limelight of her mum!

But not for long as Pauline looked absolutely fabulous in her gorgeous deep red dress.

Jake was very happy to look down the isle at his bride, whilst even Pauline's dad was beaming with pride.

Gran's on the ball, taking photo's with her I phone!

Yey they did it!

Time for a quick smooch and then time to party!

(I literally dived on the floor to get this shot of Jake holding Paulines shoes & flowers - complete with his new wedding ring!!!)

If your planning on getting married please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email (ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

Clearwell Castle Wedding - Nisa & Tim

2012-04-06 12:55:07

I just love dramatic wedding venues, and you can't get much better than one at a castle. It's where Princesses dreams can become a reality even if it is just for one day. Gloucestershire wedding venue, Clearwell Castle really does provide the perfect backdrop for the "dream wedding".

There literally is a "photograph" at every corner at Clearwell Castle. For me as a photographer it is like walking into a candy shop!

Nisa was like any Princess waiting to marry her Prince and I am really privilaged in my job to be in the position to photograph such an important time in someones life. Nisa looked absolutely stunning and Tim was a very lucky Prince!

You can't get much more grander than the ceremony room as a backdrop for your ceremony.

It was smiles all around, as Nisa & Tim proudly said their vows to one another

And family & friends were there to cheer them on and join in on their party.

If your planning on getting married please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email (ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk) me for my price list.

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

Blooming Photography Easter Vouchers

2012-03-27 16:54:41

Celebrate this Easter with a special photo shoot voucher, be it in the Blooming Photography studio or outdoors on a treasure hunt - Ideal for friends or family who live in the Cheltenham, Gloucestershire area.

Photo shoots are FREE! and we have a wide range of fab product's in our Prestbury studio for your family or friends to put their voucher towards.

For more information please either visit the Portrait section of this website where you can download the price list plus see some examples of what we do!

We come highly recommended! Please feel free to have a look at our testimonials , to see what lovely things people have said about us.

If you wish to purchase a voucher you can either do so by clicking here or if your a little unsure please feel free to phone Ben on 07858 775922 or email ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

Photo Of the Week

2012-03-19 16:56:45

Its always a privilege to photograph someones wedding. Most girls have been planning it in their heads since they were possibly 5 years old and it is so important to get the image of their wedding day right. It is always a good start when I get the chance of photographing brides with their final preparations of getting ready and with this weeks image of the week taken at Clearwell Castle, (one of Gloucestershire's finest wedding venues) was one that I feel perfectly fits the bill of what a bride would have been dreaming of.

If your planning on getting married or having having a civil partnership please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email (ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk) me for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Wedding Industry Awards: I've recently been shortlisted down to the last 10 (or top 10) Wedding Photographers in the South West, please click here to see my recent blog posting

Kevin & Peters Civil Partnership

2012-03-14 22:08:26

I'd been looking forward to photographing Kevin & Peters Civil Partnership ever since they had booked me over 18 months ago!

Kevin & Peter chose the luxury Cheltenham country house The Greenway Hotel & Spa to stage their special day and had been delicately planning every minute detail with none other than the Uk Wedding Planner of the Year, Jane Riddel from Planned for Perfection.

You literally couldn't measure the excitement of everyone involved, this was going to be a party like no other!

I met the well groomed couple outside the front of The Greenway.....

....and to surprise their guests they had a complete change of clothes so that they could

dance down the isle....

.....They did it! Now to get the champagne flowing......

Oooh look at the bling....!

Peter show's that his jacket is shinny on the inside...!

This had to be the most amazing dining room, with fabulous lighting from Deckstar Delux

and the most stunning flowers I have ever seen none other from Flower Cube

It was then time for the first dance.... it had to be.....YMCA..!

Kevin & Peter didn't want their day to be over so they invited me back the next day to

photograph them but in a more relaxed way....

I could help but photograph them with their car just before they went off on their Honeymoon....

It was then time for Kevin & Peter to set off on their honeymoon and for their guests to

say goodbye.... ohhh all good things have to come to an end :-(

If your planning on getting married or having having a civil partnership please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email (ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

Photo Of the Week

2012-02-28 11:38:20

This photograph was taken at a wedding at Cripps Barn I shot last year of two grandparents literally gossiping together. The couple could be any age, but its almost looks as though they are teenagers as they comment on the goings on of the day:

To go back to the "Wedding" section of this website please click "here"

To go back to the "Portrait" section of this website please click "here"

Pre Wedding Shoot - Stratford Upon Avon - Andrew & Caroline

2012-02-23 12:02:22

Andrew & Caroline are getting married this year at one of Warickshires most stunning venues, Walton Hall. For their pre- wedding shoot we popped to Stratford Upon Avon for a quick lesson of how to have fun & relax in front of the camera.

If your (or know someone who's getting married) looking for a wedding photographer who's relaxed and takes amazing photographs of your special day please get in touch. (07858 775922)

If you would like to find out more of what I have to offer please click this link on "What to expect"

Pre - Wedding Photo Shoot at Batsford Arboretum

2012-02-23 10:50:19

I'm photographing Jake & Pauline wedding in March this year and what better way to relax the nerves than to have an pre wedding shoot - I find these shoots invaluable to put people at ease and also to get to know the couple further, making it less unobtrusive for couples on their wedding day.

Here's a couple of photographs taken at Batsford Arboretum (with obvious first signs of spring - yay!!!)

If your (or know someone who's getting married) looking for a wedding photographer who's relaxed and takes amazing photographs of your special day please get in touch. (07858 775922)

If you would like to find out more of what I have to offer please click this link on "What to expect"

Cheltenham Commercial Photography - Alliance Leisure

2012-02-21 13:26:10

Forward thinking company Alliance Leisure wanted to promote (through social media & print) the gym products that they sell to companies visually. So they asked me to photograph their products which they supplied for Simply Gym, Cheltenham.

To go back to the commercial section of this website please click this "Link"

Gloucestershire Winter Wedding at Tortworth Court Hotel

2012-02-17 12:01:51

What is it about winter weddings? Traditionally the thought of a cold, dull and dreary day for a wedding used to have put off most bride and grooms and they naturally would have chosen a bright summers day to host there wedding day.

However with the unpredictablilty of the weather for English summers, ever increasingly brides are looking at the bigger picture, with wedding venues offering out of season discount wedding deals plus as you can see from Gloucestershire couple Adam and Charlene's wedding at the Tortworth Court Hotel, the weather isn't that bad either!

Emotions were running high, particularly from Charlene's dad - who couldn't hold back the tears.....!

As you can see the winter light shone on both Adam and Charlene with the Tortworth Court Hotel providing the perfect backdrop.

With dark nights it's fantastic to use the "light" indoors, with a few set up shots in between courses.

If your planning on getting married and looking for a wedding photographer please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email me for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

Cheltenham Photographer Photo of the Week 6

2012-01-31 10:47:19

For this weeks Photograph of the week, I decided to look back and view a photograph that I took this time last year at Gloucestershire's Rococco Gardens during the snowdrop season. The Rococco Garden provides the perfect backdrop for photo shoots, be it for a wedding, or portrait session. This photo shoot was for Kids One Stop Shop but is also very similar to what I offer for my Outdoor Portrait clients.

If you'd like to see more pictures taken from this shoot please click here

To go to the Outdoor Portrait section please click here

Gloucestershire Comercial Photographer

2012-01-27 14:12:03

I'm currently really busy with a variety of exciting projects at the moment however I received a wonderful commercial testimonial today from Makin Projects director, Mark Makin which I would like to share with you:

‘Ben at Blooming Photography is a pleasure to work with. He responds well to a brief but importantly adds in his own artistic flair and personality which is much needed in the arts.

I’ve been very impressed with the number and quality of high standard and useable images he’s taken for me through the five photo shoots of our artists at makin projects.

He’s our photographer of choice and we will work with him at every given opportunity.’

Mark Makin www.makinprojects.co.uk

To see more glowing testimonials from businesses that have used Cheltenham photographer, Ben Roberts please click here:

Or see a case study from a Nationwide company that uses Ben please click here

If you'd like to see the commercial section of this website please click here

Photograph of the Week 5

2012-01-27 13:34:13

Photo of the Week 5: I took this photograph last Saturday at Adam & Charlene's wedding at the Four Pillars Hotel, Tortworth.

As with wedding's, time literally flies past, and things were running late (very late - ha! ha!) before the wedding had even started. Charlene the bride arrived and unfortunately there was no time to stand around and take photos - Charlen and her dad were literally ushered up into the lift of the hotel by the toast master so that they could do all the formalities with the Registrars.

Typically I was more than keen to get a photograph of Charlene and I ran up the huge stairs, round the hall to find Charlene literally walking into the room where the registrars where. Fortunately in a split second she gave me this glance, which was all I needed - time to run back down the stairs and see the groom........

If your getting married and looking for a Gloucestershire photographer please don't hesitate to drop me a line to my email

ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk or if you would like to speak to me personally please phone me on 07858 775922

To take a look at my wedding section please click here.

To see why I was shortlisted as South West Wedding Photographer of the Year please

click here

Marion & Johns Cheltenham Wedding at the Montpelier Chapter, Cheltenham

2012-01-27 13:27:18

Marion & John chose the stylish Cheltenham Montpellier Chapter Hotel to get married. With just a small gathering (14 guests) it was always going to be an intimate and romantic affair.

To add to the romance, the ceremony itself was held in the Montpellier Chapters conservatory

If your planning on getting married and looking for a wedding photographer please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email me for my price list: ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

Gloucestershire winter wedding - Christ Church Cheltenham & Hatherley Manor

2012-01-05 16:40:30

Winter weddings offer all the ingredients for fantastic photographic opportunities, the low sun and stark colours offer real drama to a wedding, coupled that with a candle lit church providing the ultimate romantic backdrop.

Carlene and David were to get married at Cheltenham's Christ Church and I met David and his ushers outside:

The ushers were on hand to greet guests arriving

There's always one or two guests that aren't quite ready.....!

Carlene however soon arrived and looked amazing....

With no time to spare, Carlene's dad proudly walked Carlene down the isle to meet Dave....

You may remember this from my "Photograph of the Week 2" blog posting.....

Christ Church in Cheltenham looks beautiful from above.....

The ushers made their best attempt to make Carlene and Dave laugh during the hymn's....!

...and now time for the vows.....

...and they did it.. sealed with a kiss...

It was now time to sign the register....

....and to look at the ring....

And then they were out...

..and before the light faded it was time to head off to Hatherley Manor

...Dave the gentleman

...and now for the first dance...

If your planning on getting married and looking for a wedding photographer please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email me for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Please click here to see my blog posting about the 2012 awards.

Wedding Industry Awards - South West Wedding Photographer of the Year

2012-01-05 10:26:46

I was chuffed to bits having initially been put forward by one of my brides for the 2012 Wedding Industry Awards, and then I was gobsmacked to have been shortlisted as one of the best photographers in the South West region, in what is a seriously competitive market.

The best bit about the awards is that you are voted for by the brides and grooms that have been photographed you. Each couple were asked to write about the experience of using me as a photographer and then asked why they booked me as a photographer.

These comments are more important to me than one particular photograph as I can now show with confidence that not only will I provide fantastic photographs taken from your wedding day, I also provide a second to none service not only on the wedding day but also in the run up to the wedding and also even more so, afterwards.

I think this is vitally important as when looking for a wedding photographer in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire or the South West you are seriously bombarded with hundreds of photographers proclaiming that they offer fantastic wedding images but no consideration has been taken in account with what the bride and groom's experience is like on the day and for that matter the guests that are there to celebrate the couple getting married and not watching a "Photo Shoot".

So what were the bride and groom's comments? I was literally blown away with the praise but here's a snippet of what was said:

Why did you book Ben as your wedding photographer?

“Previous examples of work were exceptional, bens flair for creativity, his professional, enthusiastic and passionate approach to his role and producing the best work for your wedding and as his client. cost and variety of products available.”

“We wanted to use a local supplier, and Ben was professional yet relaxed which immediately put us at ease. We also felt that the choice and flexibility of wedding packages offered value for money and having viewed some of his previous wedding albums we were confident in his ability to capture the day for us.”

“Initially for the price and for his documentary style.. after meeting him it was because we got on so well and were offered tea"

“Having seen Ben's work at his studio we realised that he was versatile and adaptable and capable of both formal and less formal wedding photography - the latter style being exactly what we wanted. We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Ben to anyone - for his technical capabilities and for value for money. He really cares about delivering everything his clients ask of him.”

“We found the introduction meeting with Ben really relaxing and insightful, we were unsure what we wanted but Ben was able to introduce us to a variety of options that really broadened our views on what could be achieved. There was never any pressure from Ben; you could just really tell that he wanted the best from our day too!”

What was your experience having used Blooming Photography as your wedding photographer?

“Ben was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. He had great ideas with the location he had to work with, meeting us a couple of months before at the church and reception venue. My husband found Ben to be a great support & really helped with his nerves at the church, you'd never have known from the pictures that he'd been so scared! We really loved the way that he didn't harrass our guests & got some amazing natural shots. All in all we couldn't have asked for more from a photographer & are very glad that we chose Blooming Photography. I would definitely recommend Ben for any occasion he is just brilliant at what he does.”

“Ben has an ability to make you feel really relaxed and his photos are fantastic. These weren't just pictures of the day, he somehow managed to also capture the atmosphere and feelings. When I flick through my album it, I can feel the fun we all had. His effort was amazing, he had never been to the venue before, so took a pre wedding visit so he knew where to take his photos. On a final note, his direction was perfect,'he managed to get all guests where they needed in a warm, friendly and enthusiastically. He felt like he was a guest himself.”

“We chose Blooming Photography because of Ben's contemporary approach to taking wedding photographs. We carried out extensive research via the internet and it was clear his personality came across from his website and we were not disappointed. Before we booked Ben we met him at his studio and we immediately found Ben to be very professional , engaging , intuitive and extremely perceptive in interpreting our needs and wants for the day His non intrusive approach on the day allowed him to capture the exact mood we desired.”

“Very accommodating Very professional Always communicative throughout the whole process. Photos are fantastic and captured every moment as well as just the 2 of us. Great value for money and so professional on the day. Cannot recommend highly enough.”

“Ben has such a fresh stylish approach he's friendly and helpful but never in the way. I didn't feel like my day stopped to do the photos, it was seemless. Ben seemed to be everywhere all the time he captured so many precious moments. I will cherish my photos for ever and probably will still be showing them off in 50 years time. I could never recomend him highly enough.”

If you like what you see/read and you're planning (or one of your friends are...!!) on getting married please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07858 775922 or email(ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk me) for my price list

If you want to find out more about my wedding services please click here

If you'd like to read what some of my bride & grooms have said about me please click here

Photograph of the Week 3

2012-01-03 16:57:48

Promoting you business is always so vital but rarely does a small business find time to do so and quite often it is just put on the backburner. January is the perfect time to look at your business, the products that you sell and see whether there is a way of making them look visually better. Ever increasingly it is not only important have fantastic looking products in your product brochure but also vital to have visually good looking products on your website.

Blooming Photography offers a unique service in that you don't have to bring your products to our studio. We can bring the studio to you! Which works so well when there are a lot of products to photograph.

This service not only works well with products, the portable studio is also great to promote your staff too.

This week my photograph of the week is from a Cotswold business who recently used this service, called The Cardinal Cellar based just outside Burford.

This is what Tom, owner of The Cardinal Cellar had to say about my work: We got Ben in at fairly short notice to take some photos of wine bottles for our new wine business. He took some fantastic shots, was personable and professional. Ben worked patiently with us to produce some great results. We highly recommend him."

If your a company based in or near Gloucestershire looking to re promote your products visually (or your staff!), then please don't hesitate to email me at ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk give me a call on 07858 775922

To go back to the Commercial Product section of this website please click "here"

Photograph Of The Week 2

2011-12-23 16:42:10

For this weeks' "image of the week" I decided to use a photograph taken literally last Saturday at a wedding I photographed in Cheltenham. Whilst the bride and groom were standing at the alter, their two beautiful bridesmaids were standing behind and I managed to get a quick shot of them before they were asked to sit down. The one bridesmaid is looking at me whilst the other is gazing up at the bride and groom in awe.

Moments like this literally last a split second and can be lost in time and its my job to capture those moments and make them last forever.

And with that I wish you all a very festive Christmas and I look forward to showing you more in the New Year.

If your looking of getting married in Gloucestershire (I also travel much further afield!!!) and would love to have a wedding photographer that takes fantastic photographs of you, your friends & family in a non-obtrusive way then please give me a call on 07858 775922 or email me ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

If you would like to find out more from possibly the best Gloucestershire wedding photographer please click this link on the "Wedding" Section.

If you require prices please email me ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk with your dates and I'll happily check my availability and email you back with my price list.

P.s

Don't forget to look at my wedding testimonials from very happy couples...please click here

Notes - Thursday Film

2011-12-20 21:54:04

I was asked by Thursday FIlm to be the still photographer their latest short film "Notes". Starring both Alison Steadman & Edward De Sousa in this powerful drama detailing the devastation to personality, memory, thinking and emotion caused by dementia.

Please click here to go back to the "commercial" section of this website.

My contact details are Tel: 07858 775922

Email ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

Photograph of the Week

2011-12-18 20:28:02

With Christmas fast approaching it seems that, like everyone else time is running away and i've been neglecting my blog postings.

It's been a fantastic couple of months for me, with families flocking to the Blooming Photography Studio's looking for ideal christmas gifts, plus a couple of winter weddings and also some varied commercial work including The Cheltenham Comedy Festival and more recently working as a still photographer for Thursday Film's new film "Notes" staring Alison Steadman & Edward De Souza.

With such varied work it's unfortunately been impossible to keep up to date Blog Posting's, however I thought it would be a great idea to keep things a little brief but include some of my favourite photographs with a "Photograph of the Week".

With my "1st Photograph of the Week" I thought it would be great to look at a couple that I photographed earlier this week at Ellenborough Park Hotel. Kate & Pete had been kindly given a "Blooming Photography Gift Voucher" from one of their friends last christmas. Both Kate & Pete both lead very busy lives and had waited nearly a year to use their voucher (well the vouchers are valid for a year!), until they both had some time off together. I decided to use Ellenborough Park because it is literally on my doorstep of the studios and is guaranteed at this time of year, (because of the gardens and interior) for stunning photographs.

Kate and Pete were looking for a relaxed photo shoot which suited my style of photography and this photograph I would like to think captures the intimacy between the couple.

Please feel free to comment on this photograph and I look forward to showing off one or two of my favourite weekly images in 2012!

If your looking for a unique portrait then please take a look at my "Outdoor Portraits" section of my website by clicking "here"

X mas Gift Ideas

2011-12-02 19:52:13

If your looking for the ideal X-Mas gift for your loved one you've just found it! At Blooming Photography Studios we offer the best present you can buy, memories.

Simple but it's true. Stunning photographs of a moment that time won't forget. We offer an amazing variety of gorgeous products that look absolutely fabulous on your wall, mantlepiece, computer e.t.c. Not only that there is something at Blooming Photography to suit every ones budget.

The photo shoots are themselves FREE! Plus we pride ourselves on no hard after sales. (We primarily work on word of mouth to spread - hence no need to advertise so we keep our costs low, year round!)

What better present than a christmas voucher (the voucher lasts a year and can be put towards any of our products), you can buy the voucher direct using you PayPal account from our website.

We've got so many fabulous products at that you can put you images in too (at affordable prices!) Please click here to view our price list

Just to prove it you can get a wonderful "Insignia Album" for just £85 - Yes that's right Just £85 for a beautifully presented album that includes 6 gorgeous pictures taken from your Free Photo shoot!

Who's it for?

Well that's the brilliant bit. We offer both studio and location photo shoots which suit absolutely everyone! From pregnancy shots

to proud family shots of featuring your newborn.............

Six month olds.........

to toddlers...............

to Pre- school.....

to teenagers.

Of course it doesn't stop there we like to photograph people through every milestone, be it a birthday, (we also do birthday parties@ the studio!) Family gathering either at the studio or out on location

Stuck for an idea to give to your partner? You don't have to get married to have a photo shoot (although Ben is shortlisted as South West Wedding Photographer of the Year!)

We really are the best portrait studio in Cheltenham so.....

.....please don't hesitate to email, phone 07858 775922 to book an appointment or again buy a voucher direct on our website by clicking here

If you's like to find out what people have said about our portrait shoots please click here

Please click here to find out a little more about the studio sessions please click here

Please click here to find out a little more about the outdoor portrait session's in and around Cheltenham please click

here

To go back to the home page please click here

And finally Have a Great Christmas!!We really do hope to see you, your friends your family, soon.

Cheltenham Comedy Festival Gloucestershire Portrait Photographer

2011-11-29 20:57:10

Organisers (Makin Projects & Wychwood Festival) of Cheltenham's 1st ever Comedy Festival called upon Cheltenham based portrait photographer, Ben Roberts (owner of Blooming Photography) to help visually promote the festival.

Here's a selection of some of the fantastically talented people who appeared over the course of the fabulous week:

The Boy With The Tape On His Face

Grumpy Old Man's Arthur Smith

Live at the Slak Bar: Boothby Graffoe

The wonderfully talented "One Liner" Stewart Francis

The linguistic Monkey Poet came to the Blooming Photography Studios (cheltenham portrait studio) to get some profile shots

He is VERY BIG!

The very funny Lloyd Langford was one of the acts at the Festival Finale at the Town Hall

Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer was one of the many quality acts that performed at the Parabola Arts Centre on the Thursday night.

Along with the un-tasteful Abigail Collins

And last but not least Kiwi's very own Jarred Christmas topped of the fun at the Town Hall

If your an event co-ordinator and have an event coming up that needs promoting photographically, please feel free to contact Gloucestershire photographer (I do travel further afield!) by email or phone me on 07858 775922.

To go back to "Events" please click "here"

The Court Family

2011-11-15 12:01:18

The Court Family came to the Blooming Photography Studios in Cheltenham, wanting a fun family photo shoot! They wanted both pictures of the family as a whole. Then individual pictures, and then all siblings together. They then took advantage of the AMAZING offers that Blooming Photography currently have in the studio. Please click here for the Price List

If your interested in having an up to date family photograph (kids grow up far too fast don't they?) then please don't hesitate to give me a ring on 07858775922 or email me to arrange an appointment. Remember we can either go for a studio shoot or if you prefer something a little different we can go outdoors (please click here to find out more).

We have a wonderful range of fabulous products at realistic prices in the studio. You are very welcome to arrange to pop in to have a closer look or click here to look at the price list.

By the way: Don't forget the studio shoot itself is FREE & also when you spend more than £249 you can pick 10 or your favourite images to put onto CD!

Adam & Yui s Wedding - Ellenborough Park

2011-11-09 20:33:47

I love a new venue, I literally get excited at the prospect of exploring all the nooks and crannies so as to find the ultimate camera angle and Ellenborough Park Hotel is one such Hotel that has a lot of them.

Ellenborough Park Hotel is Gloucestershire's newest luxury Hotel & wedding venue and has been lovingly restored to provide the Cotswolds with the ultimate five star hotel.

Ellenborough Park also happens to be my nearest wedding venue (Blooming Photography Studios is literally located half a mile away!) and I was delighted to be asked by Adam & Yui to photograph their wedding.

I first started to photograph Yui getting ready with her family & friends in her delightful room.

I love this time, you can feel both the excitement plus the apprehension of what in literally in hours lives are going to be changed forever. I always like to capture all the details which make up the day starting with the shoes!

Whilst Yui was having her makeup applied....

....Adam was also getting ready the other side of Ellenborough Park...

...with his brother (and also best man) William helping with the final details.

I was eager to get back to see Yui & to photograph her with her wedding dress on....

...and Yui literally looked stunning.....

....and things were hotting up....

....and it was time for me to go and see the guests arrive.....

Adam & his guest were patient, Yui was fashionably 30 minutes late....

...but it was worth the wait...Yui arrived in style....

....and they did it!...

.....and it was now time to celebrate...

...and time for the confetti...

It was soon time for Adam & Yui to be greeted by their guests at their wedding breakfast

...and now it was time for the speeches, with a very impressive speech from Yui's dad

.....and emotional words from Adam....

....and embarrassing speech from William!

With the speeches over, we had enough time to take photographs of Adam & Yui, this time using some lighting tricks I have up my sleeve before their evening guests arrived...

We went back to the wedding reception and it had gone all PURPLE!

..and it was then time for Yui & Adam's 1st dance....

If you would like to find out more from possibly the best Gloucestershire wedding photographer please click this link on the "Wedding" Section.

If you require prices please email me ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk with your dates and I'll happily check my availability and email you back with my price list.

P.s

Don't forget to look at my wedding testimonials from very happy couples...please click here

Midlands Actors Headshots

2011-11-08 23:42:33

If your an actor, presenter, musician, business person located in the midlands, gloucestershire or south west and looking for an high quality up to date head shot then look no further.

What to expect

Each image is cropped to the standard 10" x 8" ready for printing, plus you can also have choice both colour and black & white images.(No extra charge)

So whats The Deal?

I take approximately 100-150 shots of you (however there is no limit) then edit them down to 50-80 for the viewing.

You choose 4 of your favourite images. You can have both Colour & black & white of each image.

* At a small extra charge if you feel your spoilt for choice you can have more than four images if you want!

Price

I'm currently offering this service of just £125 for four images.Please remember you get four images, in colour, in black & white, plus also you get each final image produced in high resolution (allowing you to print) & low resolution (allowing to email to agents e.t.c)

How to contact me?

To book your session you can either email Ben at ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk or phone Ben on 07858 775922.

Please click on this "link" to go back to the main "Commercial head shots" section of this website

Christmas Presents

2011-11-01 22:21:00

If your looking for the ideal christmas present for your loved one you've just found it! At Blooming Photography Studios we offer the best present you can buy, memories.

Studio shoots are themselves FREE! Plus we pride our selves on no hard after sales. (We primarily work on word of mouth to spread - hence no need to advertise so we keep our costs low, year round!)

What better present than a christmas voucher (the voucher lasts a year and can be put towards any of our products), you can buy the voucher direct using you PayPal account from our website.

We've got so many fabulous products at that you can put you images in too (at affordable prices!) Please click here to view our price list

Who's it for?

Well that's the brilliant bit. We offer both studio and location photo shoots which suit absolutely everyone! From pregnancy shots

to proud family shots of featuring your newborn.............

Six month olds.........

to toddlers...............

to Pre- school.....

to teenagers.

Of course it doesn't stop there we like to photograph people through every milestone, be it a birthday, (we also do birthday parties @ the studio!) Family gathering either at the studio or out on location

Stuck for an idea to give to your partner? You don't have to get married to have a photo shoot (although Ben is shortlisted as South West Wedding Photographer of the Year!)

We really are the best value portrait studio in Cheltenham so.....

.....please don't hesitate to email, phone 07858 775922 to book an appointment or again buy a voucher direct on our website by clicking here

If you's like to find out what people have said about our portrait shoots please click here

Please click here to find out a little more about the studio sessions please click here

Please click here to find out a little more about the o utdoor portrait session's in and around Cheltenham please click here

To go back to the home page please click here

And finally Have a Great Christmas!!We really do hope to see you, your friends your family, soon.

Stu & Pippa Lemon, Gloucestershire wedding

2011-10-11 14:21:06

Stu & Pip had chosen Stu's parents Worcestershire garden for the celebration of their marriage. Their wedding day was going to be a very relaxed affair, both couples wanting it to be more like a celebration of them being together. I'd actually known Stu since our school day's so I was very excited to be a part of their special day. In this blog I wanted to show you a few more pictures than I normally do so that you can see more of what I do......

I met Stu & his best man (and also cousin) Nick - who were in very good spirits, by Stu's Folly - one day he'll finish it!

Friends Rob & Stu provided the music....

You couldn't get a more typically English affair if you tried....

It was now time for me to see the ever stunning bride Pip & here father outside the front of Stu's family home

Pippa set off to arrive in the field in style....

The ring will go on....

...honest!

They did it!!!

It's confetti time folks - now grab as much as you can........

....and let the party commence....

Kids paradise- Bails of hay, cars & guns!

Relaxed group family photo's - that's the way we like it!

Time now for Afternoon Tea & Cake. How very British.......

I love to use this time to photograph the guests having fun & unaware that they are having their photograph taken...

Beautiful moments between grand parents & grandchildren.

Yeahhh cake...!

Old school dj!

Pre speech nerves!

it was now time for Nick to tell a few charming tales about Stu.....

And now time for Stu & Pip to spend some time together........

If your planning a Cotswold / Worcestershire / Gloucestershire (I also travel further afield!!!) wedding and would love to have a wedding photographer that takes fantastic photographs of you, your friends & family in a non-obtrusive way then please give me a call on 07858 775922 or email me ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

If you would like to find out more of what I have to offer for your wedding please click this link on the "Wedding" Section

Kevin & Peter, Pre - Civil Partnership Photo shoot

2011-10-10 15:49:30

I met Kevin & Peter on an unusually very hot Autumn day at their lovely Gloucestershire home. The sun was shining and so were Kevin & Peter! I had been looking forward to photographing them ever since they came to the Blooming Photography Studios to book me as their Civil Partnership photographer - which is going to be held at the wonderful Greenway Hotel in Cheltenham, early next year.

The whole purpose of an pre civil partnership shoot is to ensure the couples get to feel comfortable with me and learn almost to relax in front of the camera. (It's not just you, most people dislike having their photograph taken, including myself!!!). Another benefit of this type of shoot is that it offers another chance to meet up - this allows me to get to know the couple a little more and find out about them, their likes and dislikes and also for the couple to get to know my style of shooting (Relaxed and fun!).

Couples that have had the experience come away feeling a lot less nervous about the photography aspect for the big day & have also learnt to have fun in front of the camera without having to fake pose (like a statue!).

Both Kevin & Peter both came away from the shoot, feeling it was a positive experience and they said now, thanks to this shoot, had more confidence being in front of the camera. Perfect preparation - and I literally can't wait until their ceremony at the Greenway Hotel in Cheltenham next year.

If your (or know someone who's having a civil partnership) looking for a photographer who's relaxed and takes amazing photographs of your special day please get in touch. (07858 775922)

If you would like to find out more of what I have to offer for your civil partnership please click this link on the "What to expect" section or give me a call on 07858 775922 or email me at ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

From Blooming Photography Studios to Hollywood - Gloucestershire Actors Head Shots

2011-10-05 12:04:37

Budding young actor Luke Brown came to Blooming Photography Studios looking for a series of head shots. My aim was to provide him with a variety of professional images that he could use for his portfolio when showing agents & casting directors.

Well Luke is a very much a talented actor & he used his new profile photos to promote himself & it work. He got cast a leading role in the new Roland Emmerich film "Anonymous" as the young Earl of Oxfordshire.

I like to use both the studio & outdoors, plus you get time to change clothes so that it gives a varied range to your portfolio.

All these shots were taken from one shoot.

We also spend time to experiment a little so that you directly look at camera, slightly off it, smile, no smile e.t.c.

This is what the Gloucestershire Echo have written about him already!

So whats The Deal?

I take approximately 100-150 shots of you (however there is no limit) then edit them down to 50-80 for the viewing.

You choose 4 of your favourite images. You can have both Colour & black & white of each image.

Once you have chosen your final 4 I then put the high resolution images onto disc, allowing you to print off when you need to & as many times as you like. I also give you your final 4 images on a separate disc in low resolution to allow you to email and quickly update your profile pictures on agency websites.

Price

I'm currently offering this service at just £125!

How to contact me?

To book your session you can either email Ben at ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk or phone Ben on 07858 775922.

Please click on this "link" to go back to the main "Commercial head shots" section of this website

Autumnal Family Photo - Shoots

2011-10-03 10:45:08

If your looking for something a little different for a gloucestershire family portrait then look no further!

Autumn is an ideal time for the family to have fun outdoors. Vibrant colours provide's the perfect backdrop for a family photo shoot. The informality of a location shoot allows me to capture the children being children & having fun in front of the camera, with their voyage of new discoveries caught on camera providing a unique everlasting memory for you to look back on fondly.

The adventure normally starts in a local park (we are spoilt for choice in gloucestershire), there is no routine and spontaneously is the only rule. This way we get natural laughter therefore natural looking photo's :-)

There is no age limit to this choice of photo shoot. It really is suitable for children from the ages of 9 months through to adult hood.

Would you believe it that prices for the shoot itself is FREE (In the cheltenham locality)! You'll be pleasantly surprised that prices for frames, gallery blocks, albums e.t.c are totally affordable meaning that you can enjoy stunning images forever. Please click here for prices

What clothes to where? Because of the time of year, it's ideal to bring warm clothing plus boots for splashing in puddles. Expect to get a little bit dirty and have fun!

No children were harmed in the making of this autumnal photo shoot blog. If you'd like to find out more please go to the "outdoor" portrait section of this website or click "here"

Stereo Influence - Watson Hall, Tewkesbury

2011-09-26 22:00:09

Marcello Costantinou and his band Stereo Influence were eager to show off to their home crowd at Watson Hall in Tewkesbury. Hollyoaks Actor, Helen Pearson introduced them on stage to a packed crowd.

Stereo Influence have played a number of prestigious gigs including the Greenbelt Festival in Cheltenham and have supported the well known radio 2 presenter and 'Manfred Mann' front man Paul Jones. They are currently in the process of making their first album which is due to be finished in the next few months which will include guests such as Angus Wallace who did all of the drums for 'The Prodigy's iconic album 'The Fat of the Land', Diane Charlemagne (Moby) and Neville Staple (the lead singer from 'The Specials'). They will also be covering 'Germ Free Adolescent' by 'X-ray Spex' featuring 'Poly Styrene' which will be very exciting.

When's the next gig? At the 12 bar club in London on October 13th

If you are in an agent or in a band & need quality looking photographs to back up your music - give me a call on 07858 775922.

To go back to the "Commercial" Section please click here

Caroline & Tim, Gloucestershire Wedding

2011-09-26 21:58:48

I met Tim & his best man Darren in the stunning Gloucestershire village of Dumbleton outside Dumbleton Church just before all their guest arrived.

Tim's mum & dad unknowingly posing for a photo ;-)

With guests arriving Tim was there to greet them

The bridesmaids arrived first & waited for Caroline and her dad to arrive....

.... in style they happily walked to the church (well they only lived down the road!)

With a quick pose it was straight off to get inside the church and meet Tim!

It's always good to check out the "bling"!

With just a quick "group shot of everyone" .....

....it was time to go off to the reception....

...just outside the Gloucestershire village of Toddington. Where a beautiful marquee and a fairytale bouncy castle greeted the guests.....

....Plus "Glastonbury" style flags gave the wedding a party feel :-)

There's always one!!!

I think mum was quite proud of her son Tim!....

..and so was dad!

With everyone seated it was time for the speeches...with nice words from Caroline's dad...

...and touching words from Tim....

....it was thus time for the best man to spoil it.....

...by completely embarrising Tim...

...even managing to humilate Tim's parents...

Bless him! With the speeches over there was just about time to get a few more pictures of Caroline & Tim..

We'd been lucky - during the speeches there had been a massive thunderstorm which quickly passed away - to provide the last sunlight of the day - it was such a good opportunity that would have been foolish to miss!

Now I love testimonials & this is what Caroline & Tim said about the service they received from me....

"Thank you Ben for doing such a wonderful job at our wedding recently. The images you produced are stunning and I cannot stop looking at them! You were brilliant in the run up to the wedding answering my questions and fantastic on the day itself. All our guests commented on how professional you were, whilst also putting them very much at ease. There isn't a single photo we don't love! We cannot thank you enough and will happily recommend you to anyone we know getting married!"

If your (or know someone who's getting married) looking for a wedding photographer who's relaxed and takes amazing photographs of your special day please get in touch. (07858 775922)

If you would like to find out more of what I have to offer for your wedding please click this link on the "Wedding" Section

Ellenborough Park Hotel | Engagement / Pre - wedding shoot - Carlene & David

2011-09-15 13:39:32

You'll be seeing a lot of photographs from me soon from the newly opened Ellenborough Park Hotel (Cheltenham). Not only is it literally on the back door of the Blooming Photography Studios, it has also been stunningly restored to provide one of the perfect romantic backdrops in the Cotswolds. I've got quite a few weddings coming up there so it is vital that I get to know it in all its glory, and what better way to experiment than on one of my engagement / pre wedding shoots.

The whole purpose of an engagement / pre wedding shoot is to ensure the couples get to feel comfortable with me and learn almost to relax in front of the camera. (It's not just you, most people dislike having their photograph taken, including myself!!!). Another benefit of this type of shoot is that it offers another chance to meet up - this allows me to get to know the couple a little more and find out about them, their likes and dislikes and also for the couple to get to know my style of shooting (Relaxed and fun!).

Carlene & David are to marry later this year at the wonderful Hatherley Manor Hotel. However although they are both photogenic people, they aren't used to being in front of the camera and David definitely feels uncomfortable when photographs are being taken of him. As I want to get natural photographs of both of them for their wedding it makes sense to calm his nerves & have a pre- wedding photo shoot.

The photo shoot itself started up in the neighbouring field to Ellenborough Park Hotel.

Once we were a little more relaxed we went down to Ellenborough Park Hotel, where I acted like a small child in a Candy Shop!! There are so many possibilities at a new venue particularly here at Ellenborough.:-)

You see both Carlene & David both came away from the shoot, feeling it was a positive experience and they said now, thanks to this shoot, had more confidence being in front of the camera. Perfect wedding preparation - and I literally can't wait until their wedding in December at Hatherley Manor Hotel.

I'd actually only just touched the surface of what can be done at Ellenborough Park, I can't wait to photograph the inside -Coming Soon ;-) !!

If your (or know someone who's getting married) looking for a wedding photographer who's relaxed and takes amazing photographs of your special day please get in touch. (07858 775922)

If you would like to find out more of what I have to offer for your wedding please click this link on the "Wedding" Section

Cotswold Wedding: Beth & Keith | Ingleside House, Cirencester

2011-09-14 17:01:39

Beth & Keith's wedding was always going to be a fun one & I was delighted to be asked by them to be a part of it. I say a wedding but it was more like a party, you could feel the atmosphere buzz as you opened the door of the Ingleside House in Cirencester.

With Beth nearly ready, It was time to capture Keith & his gang just before the ceremony.

It's always a privilege to photograph weddings, especially moments like this, as Beth walked down the stairs to her dad.

Kartelle, Keith's grandson was the proud ring bearer

The emotions by this time were running high with a little pause needed for Beth

And an even bigger pause for Keith...!

But they did it in the end....!

Let the party begin....cue the music!

Kartelle is literally too cool for school!

I'm not opposed to taking formal photographs, I just don't think it should take up all of your wedding day! They do play a part in the day, as family groups tend to get together only for weddings & funerals (and you don't tend to have a photographer to take photographs at funerals!), so it is important to get those special family groups. I just try and make the formal photos as fun & happen as quick as possible.

This was one of the most unusual formal photo requests I've had - family photograph by the "bus stop" but hey that's what makes weddings fun - variety is the spice of life ;-)

Now I love great feed back- it makes my job so worthwhile when I know I have delivered to your expectations and here's what Beth & Keith said about the service they got from me:

"I couldn't rate Ben highly enough. We married in August and asked Ben for documentary stylephotos capturing moments that we were too busy to see and that is exactly what we got. Ben was unobtrusive and yet somehow always there, I didn't feel like I was being followed round by the paparazzi but there's enough photos it seems I was. Most of all it was a pleasure to have him at our wedding he chatted to friends and family made them all feel comfortable with him and got some absolutely stunning shots.. Everyone commented on what a fantastic man he was. I cried (lame I know) when I saw the photos they are the best keepsake I could possibly ask for from what was such an amazing day. Thanks again Ben.. As soon as we have tiny feet pattering we'll be back to see you."

Love It!

If your (or know someone who's getting married) looking for a wedding photographer who's relaxed and takes amazing photographs of your special day please get in touch. (07858 775922)

If you would like to find out more of what I have to offer for your wedding please click this link on the "Wedding" Section

Outdoor Family Portraits - Gloucestershire

2011-09-05 14:53:50

If your looking for a family portrait in Gloucestershire that will look a little different then look no further!

Increasingly popular to those people who don't want just to be confined to the studio - the outdoor portraits give children the freedom that they desire & result in fun, relaxed fab photo's.

Location choices are endless, (we're spoilt for choice in the Cheltenham & the Cotswolds area!) if you have a location choice in mind I'm more than happy to travel (within 10 miles of Cheltenham no extra charge!)

The Thurlow family came to see me during the summer holidays:

Book your Cheltenham family portrait (with a difference!) now 07858 775922 or email Ben for more details ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

To see more about the "outdoor" please click here

To see another family outdoor portrait session please click "here"

To see the amazing prices please click "here"

At Blooming Photography we also offer families the studio experience - with our tucked away studio in Prestbury, Cheltenham you are guarenteed stunning portraits of your family. Please click "here" to see an example of a studio family portrait session.

Cheltenham Family Portraits - Studio

2011-09-05 14:22:23

I love it when a new family come to the studio. This occasion was no different, 4 month old Reuben and mum & dad were excited to have there first photo-shoot together although I had actually photographed Ian & Pip's wedding 3 years ago :-)

Families can come to the Blooming Photography Studio as many times as they like - shoots themselves are in fact free & this is ideal to build up a unique picture of a baby / child growing up.

All the digital images below were originally colour (you get to chose though between colour, b & w & a few other distinct styles!) but I love the feel of b & w and so have decided to show you them this way for this blog posting.

Reuben finding his feet already at 4 months!

Scrummy!

Please don't hesitate to give Ben a call on 07858775922 or email ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk to book an appointment.

To go back to the main "Studio" section please click "here"

To find our amazing "studio prices" please click "here"

Gloucestershire Wedding Photographer - Engagement Shoot: Holly & Chris | Pittville Park Cheltenham

2011-09-05 09:46:58

The old days!

Traditionally I used to meet a couple at my studio, show them my portfolio, they liked what they saw & booked me. I then met them at the venue beforehand to run through timings e.t.c & the first time I actually photographed them, would be on their actual wedding day.

Now - What's different?

This year however I decided that it would be a fantastic opportunity to wash away the nerves of being in front of the camera (It's not just you, most people dislike having their photograph taken, including myself!!!) and start offering engagement shoots to couples who have booked me as their wedding photographer. Not only does it offer another chance to meet up - this allows me to get to know the couple a little more & find out about them, their likes & dislikes & also for the couple to get to know my style of shooting (Relaxed & fun!).

Chris & Holly are getting married next year & were initially very nervous about having an engagement shoot, however they were soon put at ease (you don't have to look at the camera to have a good photo!) and really enjoyed the shoot.

By this time Holly & Chris felt much more comfortable being in front of the camera & so I pushed them a little further and they took turns to being in front of the camera. It is only little me behind it after all!

If your (or know someone who's getting married) looking for a wedding photographer who's relaxed and takes amazing photographs of your special day please get in touch. (07858 775922)

If you would like to find out more of what I have to offer for your wedding please click this link on "What to expect"

Worcestershire Wedding Photographer- Jack & Sarah

2011-09-05 09:40:06

Jack & Sarah were to get married in the beautifully quaint village of Tanworth In Arden.

Jack was beaming when I met him - this was going to be a genuinely exciting day.

Where better to start the wedding than the pub....

This isn't a photo shoot, people have jobs to do, come on ushers, guests are starting to arrive & we have the "orders of service" to hand out!

With most of the guests in the church, it was time for Sarah to arrive, and boy did she look stunning!

However the whole getting married thing is quite emotional...but lovely to have family on board to settle you down.

The vicar unfortunately didn't want me to take any photos of the ceremony itself (ahhh don't get me started on all that, I could go on but it never does any help!) However I managed to find a vantage point that was behind glass but I got all the action without getting the vicar cross!

I was however allowed to photograph the signing of the registers! (not allowed to do that in Civil Ceremonies!)

If there is one group photograph that is a must, it has to be the "everyone" shot! It's the photograph that you can look back fondly for years to come & see who's who...

It was now time for me to briefly take Jack & Sarah away for a quick photo shoot in the neighbouring field.

Top tip guys: Never miss the opportunity of the "Kissing Gate" ;-) x

And Jack the Gentleman proudly helped his bride back to their guests..

....Unfortunately one more "Kissing Gate" to contend with....

Jack & Sarah had asked for a "novelty" vehicle from Sarah's dad - even they were surprised as they first saw the butchers van from the "Dad's Army" TV series.....!!!

And Jack & Sarah set off to their wedding reception....

....They made it! And were already getting used to becoming celebrities for the day...

....Even the Japanese tourist's wanted to get in on the action!...

If you or you know someone who is getting married & wants a fabulous photographer that captures the beauty & essence of the day in a relaxed & fun way, please phone Ben on 07858 775922 or email

ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

If you would like to find out more please click this link of "wedding - what to expect?" section.

Gloucestershire Wedding: Hatton Court Hotel: Sadie & Scott

2011-08-15 13:29:18

Sadie & Scott chose the charming Hatton Court Hotel as there venue to get married. Scott was in good spirits when I caught up with him!

And when I went over to see Sadie "getting ready" there were beaming smiles all around - I knew we were going to have a fun day.

And literally everyone was on hand to help!

A proud moment for dad as Sadie walked down the stairs

And everyone was ready waiting.....

The cool Scott gave into his emotions at the site of his bride walking down the isle.

And they did it!

And let the canepes begin!

Too cute!

Whilst guest's assembled into the marquee for the wedding breakfast, it was time for me to spend some time with Sadie & Scott.

And it was then time for the speeches....

With the speeches done I love to go around the tables and capture the laughter from the guests

With tummies full of food it's nice to get mingling shots again.

And it's then time to cut the cake

And finally, the first dance.....

This whole wedding thing is a bit tiring.....time to put the feet up & reflect on the day!

If you or you know someone who is getting married & wants a fabulous photographer that captures the beauty & essence of the day in a relaxed & fun way, please phone Ben on 07858 775922 or email

ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

If you would like to find out more please click this link of "wedding - what to expect?" section.

Romance of The Railways -GWSR Steam Train Wedding Shoot

2011-08-12 16:57:16

I was delighted to be invited by Gloucestershire's premier Wedding Planner, Jane Riddel from "Planned for Perfection" & Sarah from Cotswold Ceremonies to photograph a stagged wedding at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. (G.W.S.R)

There's exciting news for all you wedding couples to be, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway are now offering wedding packages so that you can have the ceremony "on board" a carriage on the steam train! To all you steam enthusiasts out there or couples looking for something a little different, this must be the ideal place to get married or renew your vows?

Flowers were supplied by www.flowercube.co.uk

You can even get Town Crier onboard for all the announcements.

Sarah from Cotswold Ceremonies (www.cotswoldceremonies.co.uk) who provides a bespoke ceremony to any unique occasion.

Cotswold 500 (www.cotswold500.com) kindly lent "Fifi" - a Fiat 500

If you or you know someone who is getting married & wants a fabulous photographer that captures the beauty & essence of the day in a relaxed & fun way, please phone Ben on 07858 775922 or email

ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

If you would like to find out more please click this link of "wedding - what to expect?" section.

Dormy House Hotel | Heidi & Gary 22nd July 2011

2011-08-12 16:30:52

Heidi & Gary chose the wonderful Dormy House Hotel on the Worcestershire, Gloucestershire border to get married. Close family & friends witnessed an intimate ceremony, with fizz & gorgeous canapes being served on the garden terrace afterwards.

Here's a small collection of some of their photographs - more of which will appear on here later!

If you or you know someone who is getting married & wants a fabulous photographer that captures the beauty & essence of the day in a relaxed & fun way, please phone Ben on 07858 775922 or email

ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

If you would like to find out more please click this link of "wedding - what to expect?" section.

Gloucestershire Commercial Photographer | Markey Construction

2011-08-09 21:50:06

Markey Construction are a leading regional development company with over 45 years experience of design, build and partnering framework agreements. To complement their latest project in set in the rural Gloucestershire village Apperley, they employed both Above & Beyond PR and myself in their forward thinking approach to promoting (through use of social media & print) the great work that they do.

Managing Director Tony Markey & site manager Lee Hanman

If you have a business that need's promoting visually through a wide range of media formats please don't hesitate to contact me on 07858 775922

To go back to the Commercial section of this website click this "Link"

South West Actors - Head Shots

2011-08-09 20:25:42

Actors frequently come to me looking for up to date head shots. (I also do headshots for people/businesses wanting corporate shots of themselves or their staff and also for people who are looking for quality head shots for dating websites). However with actors I combine both the studio & the outdoors giving them the variety that they need.

What to expect

I spend time with you, to allow at least a couple of changes of clothes during the shoot plus we work with different lighting techniques & backdrops both in the studio and also outside. This gives so much choice when choosing their favourites (more of that in a minute!) and actually looks like they've had 3 or 4 photo sessions to combine their portfolio rather than just the one.

I also crop each image to the standard 10" x 8" ready for printing plus also give you a choice of both colour and black & white images.

So whats The Deal?

I take approximately 100-150 shots of you (however there is no limit) then edit them down to 50-80 for the viewing.

You choose 4 of your favourite images. You can have both Colour & black & white of each image.

Price

I'm currently offering this service at a reduced rate of just £125 (from last years £150)

How to contact me?

To book your session you can either email Ben at ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk or phone Ben on 07858 775922.

Please click on this "link" to go back to the main "Commercial head shots" section of this website

Stu & Pips Worcestershire Wedding

2011-07-20 20:17:56

I met Stu & his best man (and also cousin) Nick - who were in very good spirits, by Stu's Folly - one day he'll finish it!

Friends Rob & Stu provided the music....

You couldn't get a more typically English affair if you tried....

It was now time for me to see the ever stunning bride Pip & here father outside the front of Stu's family home

Pippa set off to arrive in the field in style....

The ring will go on....

...honest!

They did it!!!

It's confetti time folks - now grab as much as you can........

....and let the party commence....

Kids paradise- Bails of hay, cars & guns!

Relaxed group family photo's - that's the way we like it!

Time now for Afternoon Tea & Cake. How very British.......

I love to use this time to photograph the guests having fun & unaware that they are having their photograph taken...

Beautiful moments between grand parents & grandchildren.

Yeahhh cake...!

Old school dj!

Pre speech nerves!

it was now time for Nick to tell a few charming tales about Stu.....

And now time for Stu & Pip to spend some time together........

If you would like to find out more of what I have to offer for your wedding please click this link on the "Wedding" Section

Lydia & Phils Wedding at Kingscote Barn 10th June 2011

2011-07-18 16:23:21

I was so excited with the prospect of photographing Cheltenham couple Lydia & Phil. They had chosen the beautifully grand St Mary's Church, Tetbury to get married & the wonderful Kingscote Barn for their reception.

Phil was ready and waiting at the door!

I don't know who is more nervous, the groom or the best man?

And they did it!

You really are "a celebrity" for the day!

I love to mingle around the guest's - people generally stand with who they want to, and thus less need for the expansive formal shot list (although formal list's do have a small role to play), this allows you and your guests to enjoy this important time without the fake "cheese"!

There's always one who has to go too far!!!

Whilst the guests went off to Kingscote Barn, Lydia & Phil went for a secret walk around the market square of Tetbury..

Lydia & Phil were warmly greeted with a champagne glass on arrival.....

....and a huge cheer when they stepped through the door.

What I love about Kingscote Barn is that there are so many gorgeous parts to it. Guest's can relax & mingle freely inside & out & you tend to get a wonderful "party" atmosphere :-)

It was now time for the "formal" photo's to be done, although I try & get them done in a short time period (10 - 20 min) and break them up by carrying on photographing what is around me.

Out of all the group photo's, the "everyone shot" is the most fun to look back on in time, of who's who!

Just as everyone is going into the "wedding breakfast" is usually when I take the "couple" shots. It's always nice to allow the couple to walk around the various points of the venue.....

....have a "moment" with themselves & take natural shots without them having to look at the camera. It is after all about them & not about me the photographer.

Rain clouds were looming, however I do love them for they provide such dramatic shots!

Lydia & her flowers & dress look stunning.

As ever the main hall of the barn looked stunning :-)

Here's a bit of serious betting going onto see "how long?" the best man's speech was going to last!

Children are ace & are always lovely to photograph mucking around

And here's the first dance....

....and time for the dad dancing

I love to set up a few different "light" shots of the couple

If you or you know someone who is getting married & wants a fabulous photographer that captures the beauty & essence of the day in a relaxed & amendable manner, please phone Ben on 07858 775922 or email

ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

If you would like to find out more please click this link of "wedding - what to expect?" section.

Alex & Martin - 18th June 2011 - The Dark Barn

2011-07-12 10:14:42

I'd been looking forward to photographing Alex & Martin's wedding at The Dark Barn Lodge, Rudford for quite a while. We'd already met up several times before, and I had got to know their style when photographing their "engagement shoot" (please click here to

see the engagement blog postin g).

The day of the wedding was forcast to be rain, however as soon as I approached The Dark Barn Lodge, the rain clouds gave way & the sun shone, which alway's put's a smile on my face (and the guests too!)

The Dark Barn looked stunning inside, laid out with beautiful covered chairs & a rose arch.

Alex had surprised Martin & his best man with a chauffeured Bentley from home to the Dark Barn Lodge.

Martin & the Boy's were in good spirits and they made sure Martin was relaxed in the pre-wedding shots

It was then time for me to head over to Alex, who was getting ready in one of the rooms of the Lodge

And Alex, I'm sure you would agree looked stunning with the dress on.

Mum was going to give Alex away so this was a very moment just before they left to "walk down" the isle.

Martin was "ready" and Alex was traditionally a couple of minutes "late"!

The ceremony was individually emotional for everyone

But they did it!

Mmmm canapes.....

Bling-tastic.....

..and the cuff's are out!

As you see I love to take informal shots of guests however I'm more than happy to do "formal" setup shots; as on an occasion such as this, I feel it's every bit as important to document as much as possible for future generations to look fondly at :-)

For me, the best bit about "The Dark Barn Lodge" is that it has a photogenic lake which meant I was spoilt for choice when photographing Martin & Alex's "Just Married" shots :-)

Well we thought it would be raining - so we had to use those "fab" umbrella's!

ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk.

If you would like to find out more please click this link of "wedding" section

Tim & Caroline Engagement Shoot - Pittville Park, Cheltenham

2011-07-07 08:13:21

Tim & Caroline are getting married in September this year, however like most people they had nerves about being in front of the camera. What better way to relax the nerves than to have an engagement shoot with me - I find these shoots invaluable to put people at ease and also to get to know the couple further, making it less unobtrusive for couples on their wedding day.

So we went for a walk in Pitville Park, Cheltenham & so the photoshoot begun......

The aim is always to have fun! Thus you relax and start to enjoy the experience of being in front of the camera :-)

If your (or know someone who's getting married) looking for a wedding photographer who's relaxed and takes amazing photographs of your special day please get in touch. (07858 775922)

If you would like to find out more of what I have to offer please click this link on "What to expect"

Love The Salon - Summer Sun Care Event

2011-07-05 21:29:07

Love The Salon - are a innovative hairdressing salon that likes to let their customers know secrets behind the many hair / skin products. I was asked to photograph their latest Sun Care Summer Event at their Gloucester salon so that they could use the images for PR purposes, be it for their social media sites (their Facebook site, twitter e.t.c) newspaper articles, (the list goes on!)... If you own a company or work for a company that needs a event covered professionally, give me a ring on 07858 775922

If you own a company or work for a company that needs a event covered professionally, please give Ben a ring on 07858 775922 or email ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

To go back to the main Commercial "event" section of this website please click this "Link"

Product photography: Bank House furniture

2011-06-27 20:45:19

Gloucestershire retailer The Bank House Furniture needed quality product photographs to back up their high end product range. So they called in one of Gloucestershire's leading photography company, Blooming Photography's expertise in product photography. These photographs were to be used both for their new website & also for accompanying literature.

Due to the size of the products, Blooming Photography offers a unique service in that they bring the studio to the premises thus removing the hassle for the client & avoiding large transportation costs. (Smaller items are normally brought to our studios).

Products are photographed at a variety of angles:

We also can create any background to suit your company's identity.

Whether your company has a couple of products or an entire range for a catalogue that need photographing we are happy to help.

Please don't hesitate to call Ben on 07858 775922 or email ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

Please click on this link to go back to the "Product" section of our website

The marriage of Harriet & Richard,Trinity Church Cheltenham, 28th May 2011

2011-06-22 21:23:57

Harriet & Richard's wedding was alway's going to be exciting. With 300 plus guests to witness it, it was already Trinity Church's "Wedding of The Year" - yep that's right 300 voices to make sure it was a joyous celebration that Harriet & Richard will never forget.

The day for me started with photographing Harriet getting ready with her girls at nearby Clarence Hotel.

With time ticking on for the 11am ceremony it wasn't long before I head off across the road to Trinity Church.

Richard & bestman Wayne were actually very relaxed & in high spirits

Harriet arrived and looked simply elegant.

A very proud brother Guy who was also going to give Harriet away.

If only the camera could pick up the goose bumps on every one present - truly atmospheric.

They did it!

A very proud mum.

Time for some nibbles!

Formal photo's don't have to be "Formal"!

The wedding party then slipped off to Pittville Park for some fun group shots.

It then time to get back to Trinity for the cutting of the cake & speeches.

Even Nintendo DS's were used to capture the action!

A very funny, speech being delivered by the best man, Wayne

It was then time for the party to really begin, let the hair down or hat's or whatever.....!

And with 300 guests a first dance to get everyone started!

Just hanging out!

This whole wedding malarkey is tiring eh?

This ponders the question?

If you would like to find out more please click this link of "what to expect"

Stereo Influence

2011-06-20 15:12:42

"Stereo Influence" is the brainchild of Marcello Constantinou & I was asked to photograph the upcoming Cheltenham band in time for their new album to be released this summer - which will include guests such as Angus Wallace who did all the drum's for "The Progidy's iconic album "The Fat of the Land", Diane Charlemagne (Moby) and Neville Staple (the lead singer from "The Specials").

Here's a few pictures taken from the session using a mixture of outdoor backdrops & also using the Blooming Photography Studios.

Here's a link to the Stereo Influence's music

If you need outstanding images to accompany outstanding music then don't hesitate to give Ben a ring on 07858 775922 or email ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

To go back to the main "Commercial Section" please click this "link"

Mr & Mrs Kelly, St Katharines Church 14.5.11

2011-05-20 14:58:46

Claire & Lee have looked forward to get married to each other for a very long time which made their day even more special. They chose the stunningly beautiful St Katharine's church on the edge of Gloucester for their marriage ceremony.

Lee being an Everton fan (poor him!) chose the theme of blue & white.

Their son Jack was also a proud best man & held tightly on to the rings.

Lee's dad was intent on making a grand entrance whilst also winding up Lee's mum with her hat!

Claire & her dad arrived in style

And doesn't Claire look very chic

Claire & the bridal party looked spectacular as they walked up the steps to the church.

When you get married these days you really are the celebrity for the day!

It was then time to go to the Hallmark Hotel where the couple were again greeted with more champagne - it's a hard life this wedding malachi!

The kids had been left just five minutes & didn't look like they were up to mischief!

It was then time to take some shots of Claire & Lee

Lee & Claire had only wanted me to cover a couple of hours of their wedding day which I was more than happy to do so. I can cover an event from just 2 hours to 22 hours! I can always tailor make my packages to suit you & your budget & just because the "wedding" word is used, doesn't mean I add 000's to my prices!

If you would like to find out more please click on this link "What to expec t "

Actor Head Shots - Gloucestershire

2011-05-15 20:07:41

What to expect

I spend time with them to allow at least a couple of changes of clothes during the shoot plus we work with different lighting techniques & backdrops both in the studio and also outside. This gives so much choice when choosing their favourites (more of that in a minute!) and actually looks like they've had 3 or 4 photo sessions to combine their portfolio rather than just the one.

Each image is cropped to the standard 10" x 8" ready for printing, plus you can also have choice both colour and black & white images.(No extra charge)

You also don't necessary to have to look at the camera to have a good profile shot. It is totally up to you, I can cater to any requirements so that you can stand out above the crowd.

So whats The Deal?

I take approximately 100-150 shots of you (however there is no limit) then edit them down to 50-80 for the viewing.

You choose 4 of your favourite images. You can have both Colour & black & white of each image.

Price

I'm currently offering this service at a reduced rate of just £125 (from last years £150)

* At a small extra charge if you feel your spoilt for choice you can have more than four images if you want!

How to contact me?

To book your session you can either email Ben at ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk or phone Ben on 07858 775922.

Please click on this "link" to go back to the main "Commercial head shots" section of this website

Alex & Martin Engagement Shoot

2011-05-14 21:17:10

Alex & Martin are getting married in June this year, however they had nerves about being in front of the camera (as most people do). What better way than to have an engagement shoot with me - I find these shoots invaluable to put people at ease and also to get to know the couple further, making it less unobtrusive for couples on the day.

Every time I photograph Pittville Park I always try to look for somewhere different so it was time for a walk in the park, again giving me more time to chat & find more about Alex & Martin's personality's. I try to then fuse their character on camera, which normally result's in a different style of photography.

Oh I do love the park! I quite like my job too..... Can you tell! :-)

Baby Annabella, Sam & Grace

2011-05-06 10:07:59

Sam, Grace and four month old baby Annabella came to the Blooming Photography Studios to have their first photographs as a new family.

Annabella's a little bit scrummy!

Please don't hesitate to give Ben a call on 07858775922 or email ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk to book an appointment.

To go back to the main "Studio" section please click "here"

To find our amazing "studio prices" please click "here"

Cotswold Family Photoshoot: The Phillips Family

2011-05-06 09:42:33

The Phillips family wanted to commemorate their dads birthday by hiring a cottage in the stunning Cotwsold village, Snowshill. I was asked to photograph the family as a gift for their father/grandfather.

Its always a pleasure to document a family at different stages of their lives and without the confines of a photographic studio, people are always much more relaxed & so are the photos!

Book your family portrait (with a difference) now 07858 775922!

To see more about the "outdoor" please click here

To see the amazing prices please click "here"

Cotswold Pheasant Shoot, Lower Barn Farm. Gordon Gilder Transport

2011-05-05 11:21:44

Back in December, I was asked to cover the shoot at Lower Brook Farm, near Northleach for Gordon Gilder Transport. The weather was crisp, the ground hard, but the light and wind was perfect to capture what was going to be a memorable day's shooting. We set off in a converted horse box with high spirits from the farm.

And it was a good chance to have a quick tipple before the first shoot.

It was a stunning walk out form the woodland out onto the freshly covered snow to the first peg.

The birds flew just right, thanks to the beaters and more than a handful of birds where shot.

Time for a bite for a chat, bite to eat & quick drink to warm up the cockles!

With cockles warmed we were eager to get on to the next drive. I love to document the day by capturing not only the action but also to photograph the gunners for their portraits. This adds to the days shoot & is ideal when putting together an album.

With the beaters in place it was time for action. We waited patiently....

But then we were spoilt for choice

A great day was had by all. If you have a shoot or event that needs covering beautifully, please don't hesitate to contact me on 07858 775922 or ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

Engagement shoot In Cheltenham

2011-04-26 14:40:54

Engagement shoots are an ideal way for 1) my couples to get used to me and really see that I do take natural relaxed photographs.

2) for me to find out more about my clients and how they interact in front of the camera.

I was delighted to meet up again with Harriet & Richard to photograph them for their engagement shoot in sunny Pittville Park, Cheltenham.

The sun shone and so did the blossom in the park to make an ideal shoot - here's a small selection of the pictures taken:

If your (or know someone who's getting married) looking for a wedding photographer who's relaxed and takes amazing photographs of your special day please get in touch. (07858 775922)

Family Portraits In Cheltenham

2011-04-26 14:08:26

Kim wanted to get her husband an ideal present for her husband - she needed to look no further than the Blooming Photography Studios.......

The Kids had a ball of a time and looked relaxed in the photo's because they were! Perfect way to spend time during the school holidays....

These images look amazing big (on your walls) or small on your desktop - all can be brought from the Studios and not as expensive as you'd think.....

Come on - don't think about it any more, book your session now (It's free so what have you got to loose + no hard sales like those other photo people on the high street!!) Call Ben on 07858 775922 or email ben@bloomingphotography.co.uk

Please click here to go back to the main "portrait" section of the website

Family outdoor portraits in Cheltenham

2011-04-19 11:26:34

The Footer family came to me wanting a family photo shoot that was laid back and without poses!

What better way to do it than use the outdoors and where better in Cheltenham than the stunning Pittville Park.

Going for a walk is relaxing and so are the photographs!

What's great about the outdoors, is that there are no boundries and the possibilities are endless.

Photos on your wall should encompass the personality the memory, freeze the moment in time!

Most people actually don't like having their photograph taken (I don't!) however I have many tricks up my sleeve to ensure that YOU WILL LOOK AMAZING in photo's and they will never become a chore again! Book your family portrait (with a difference) now 07858 775922!

To see more about the "outdoor" please click here

To see the amazing prices please click "here"

Mr & Mrs Riach - 12th March 2011 Bowden Hall, Gloucester

2011-04-19 10:12:18

I had the pleasure of meeting Rob & Rachel over a year ago when they where planning to get married at the stunning Bowden Hall in Upton St Leonards, nr Gloucester. Bowden Hall is a period building set in the beautiful countryside with large landscaped gardens that lead down to a large lake - perfect for weddings!

With the ceremony over it was now time to sip champagne & RELAX & ENJOY!

I promise you this was not a set up shot!!

Rob & Rachel went off on to their honeymoon in Sri Lanka (ooh I wish I was going!) with smiles on their faces knowing that their day had been truely special.

Cheltenham Portraits | Craig & Lauren

2011-04-19 10:00:12

Tired of seeing themselves as young children on the home mantlepiece, brother & sister Craig & Lauren came to the Blooming Photography Studios to have long awaited updated photographs of themselves. They wanted a fresh new look - without all the poses that come with a normal photoshoot - they came to the right place!

Family Perry Photo Shoot In Cheltenham

2011-04-01 12:01:07

I first photographed Chris & Sally for their wedding a couple of years ago - things have moved on a bit for them with their latest edition "Emma" now a adorable seven months old girl.

I told you she was gorgous!

You can see both mum and dad are rightly besotted with here. It makes me even a little broody again shhhhh don't tell my wife!!

I can't wait til the Perry family return to the studios again - it's always amazing to watch families grow.

Mr & Mrs Smith, Cripps Barn, Bibury

2011-03-18 18:13:13

You would have been right to think that the morning of the 4th March was cast more like a special summer's day. Blue skies dominated and this not only marked the first day in Spring, it was also Simon & Aimee's special day.

I can't quite put my finger on it but there is always something special about Cripps Barn, Bibury, be it the relaxed setting in the heart of the Cotswolds, or fantastic people who run it seamlessly. This in turn ensured that Aimee & Simon appeared thoroughly relaxed at the start of the day.

I first started to photograph Simon in his sparkling uniform & his best man Paul outside the sparkling new entrance of Cripps Barn.

Time soon ticked by and Aimee soon arrived in style. And as you would agree she also looked absolutely stunning.

With the fire roaring it was time for the ceremony, a few nerves, but wonderfully individual

With the ceremony over it was time for a posed signing for the register with the very happy Mr & Mrs Smith;-)

Now time for the FIZZ!

And then for the best bit, time to mingle in with the guests.

There was no shortage of fun & laughter at this wedding!

The children had a great time in the grounds too..

With swords drawn - Let the battle commence.....

Nice move!

With the battle over it was time for a romantic walk complete with the pink wellie boots (I like, I like a lot!)

With the walk complete it was back to the barn just in time to take a couple more shots complete with Simon's friend & sister in the background making a surprise appearance!

I love this new door/window at Cripps Barn the light literally floods in :-)

It was now time for the famously good nosh. I left Simon & Aimee to enjoy their good company & food whilst I set up this shot in between courses.

It was soon time for the speeches where the barn's ambience taking effect.

With Simon humiliated from the speeches it was time to draw his sword once more to cut the fabulous cake made by Simon's sister Debbie.

With my work more or less done it was now time for the new Mr & Mrs Smith to take things in and relax and chat with their guests and for me to go home fulfilled that I had photographed another good wedding at Cripps Barn

Pregnancy Shots - Blooming Photography Studios - Shelly & Jermaine

2011-03-07 16:52:10

Eight month pregnant Shelley & partner Jermaine got given a Blooming Photography voucher for christmas. The couple where eager to document this special stage of their life before their "new" arrival.

So with voucher in hand, where better to go than Blooming Photography Studios, Prestbury Cheltenham?!

Family Portraits In Cheltenham - Yeneralski Family

2011-02-28 16:26:20

The Yeneralski family have been coming back to the Blooming Photography Studios since the twins were 1st born and it was lovely to see them again - The twins are now at Pre school and their little brother is well not so little any more :-)

Outdoor Portraits: Rococo Gardens - childrens shoot for www.kidsonestopshop.com

2011-02-28 13:35:16

I've been working with www.kidsonestopshop.com for nearly two years now and as the site develops so is the need for up to date original photographs. Based on what I do for families coming to me for a photo shoot with a difference - we generally use the outdoors to let kids be kids - which in turn produces natural portraits.

This time we wrapped up warm and went to the stunning Rococo Gardens (www.rococogarden.org.uk), where as you can see the sign's of spring are already showing.

Yes we were turning heads with that funky pink dress! The children were having fun and I love to engage them by giving them a stick and playing games and saying rhymes/stories like "We're going on a Bear Hunt"

This way generally the children don't ever play up - they perform! And with the backdrop of the Rococo Gardens the results are fab!

So cute!

I'm looking forward to our next location shoot with www.kidsonestopshop.com but in the meantime if your looking for family photographs with a difference don't hesitate to contact me!

Gloucestershire Wedding at Pittville Pump Rooms: Annabel & Simon Edmondson 17.2.11

2011-02-28 10:16:44

Welcome to Blooming Photography's first ever blog! This is something i've been meaning to do but haven't. This should give you the chance to keep an eye of what I'm up to in pictures (and as you can see a little bit of text).

My first post covers my last wedding on the 19th February for Annabel & Simon at the Pittville Pump Rooms. An very intimate wedding (they only had 10 guests!) that was a joy to photograph. They just required me to informally photograph their ceremony, guests and of course them for just an hour and a half.

Their ceremony itself was upstairs in the balcony area of the Pump Rooms, Cheltenham

The couple and their guests then came downstairs to mingle, try the Pump Rooms water (not advisable as Annabel's father found out!!!)

The weather dried up to allow the guest's to mingle outside throw confetti at Annabel & Simon and off course have a glass off fizz

We then had a time for a few group portraits - this one being my fav of all the family:

However I had to get Annabel's amazing shoes in their wedding pics and I used the bandstand once more:

See I told you they were amazing! Next it was time to show off the Pittville Park - ok its the middle of February but it still looks stunning!

We then went off for an impromptu walk

However being the fun couple they were, Annabel wanted Simon to carry her back to their guest's - Piggyback style!

I then took a selection of informal pics of Annabel & Simon around the Pittville Pump Rooms but this one is my favourite (again showing off those fab shoes:

I hope you like my first posting. I've got a packed spring & summer to come - so i'll do my best to keep you up to date with my latest pics.

If you'd like to find out more about my weddings please go to "What to expect" section on my website.