The Golden Hour – family photoshoots

With the amount of rain we’ve had in Kent recently, it’s difficult to remember what warm weather feels like … but it will return. It will.

Although it’s great to have a bright sunny day for photographs, it isn’t always the best light as far as photography is concerned. Harsh, bright sun can cast unattractive shadows on the face and that’s why you’ll often find photographers looking for “open shade” or an area that isn’t in bright sunshine.

Early evening photoshoots at this time of year are perfect for capturing those lazy summer days.

We are so lucky in our local area of Faversham, Whitstable, Canterbury and Herne Bay that we are surrounded by glorious and photo-perfect areas.

If you are considering booking a family photoshoot over the summer, please do feel free to get in touch by emailing me sam@samanthajonesphotography.co.uk – details on pricing are here – prices are from £195.

Hope to hear from you soon!

 

I have no words … Alex and Sam’s wedding {sneak peek}

I may have mentioned previously how much I love my job. I get booked by amazing people who allow me to share some of the most incredible days of their lives … and Alex and Sam are now on my list of amazing. Spectacular. Attention to detail. Hot. Smiling. Laughter. But, most importantly …

Love.

I knew Alex and Sam’s wedding at The Crescent Turner in Whitstable would be full of details.  I had met Alex first at a wedding fair with her wedding planner, then at another one with her cousin … and then I had the pleasure of a family photoshoot in the snowdrops … and another consult …

But I didn’t know it would be this great.

Three pairs of shoes for the bride … engraved wedding rings from Rings Rock …

Amazing cake (as ever) by the talented Sonja at The Whitstable Cake Company … note the sparkly bride’s shoes!

Swoon … Alex, you looked amazing and such a beautiful dress made by your nan, Brenda … and Sam, I know you aren’t too keen on having your picture taken but this is just perfect!

The most beautiful hydrangea bouquets from the incredibly lovely Jane at Graham Greener …

The cutest and most lively flowergirls and the awesome bridesmaids, who could not have done more to help me on the day … girls, thank you!

And the laughter. Oh my goodness. It was so hot, scorchingly hot and yet you both stayed cool and calm and took my breath away!

Oh, and I haven’t mentioned the first dance. Choreographed to “Dancing in the Dark”, step perfect and full of energy – how you managed after such a full on day, I don’t know! Note: second pair of shoes …

You both totally rocked my world. You made it so easy, such fun, so incredibly enjoyable. Note: comfy sparkly Converse. And great light up initials from Sarah at Light of My Life.

I am so glad we found each other. I am truly honoured to have been a part of your day.

I’m sure our paths will cross again in the future … and I wish you both the happiest and healthiest start to your married life together with your beautiful girls.

Much love and huge hugs to you all xxx

Autumn is here and it’s time for conker fights, kicking through leaves and family photoshoots …

As I walk through the woods with my two Tibetan Terriers, it’s really easy to notice the chance in seasons. The colours of the trees are becoming vibrant, a hint of wood smoke in the air and conkers everywhere (I’m sure when I was younger, there weren’t so many conkers …).

So it’s time to launch another round of family photoshoots. Half term is a great opportunity for families when they are relaxed and have time to spend with each other. When better to book a family photoshoot, on the beach or in the woods, to capture your children doing what they naturally enjoy the most … kicking through leaves, collecting conkers … being children.

And, of course, if you have dogs, they are more than welcome to come along too!

Please do email sam@samanthajonesphotography.co.uk for availability of the sessions.  A great way of spending time with the family and getting images which really do reflect their personalities.

Sessions last between one to one and a half hours and will be in the local vicinity of Faversham and outlying villages (including the seaside) so long enough to get wonderful images but not too long!

Judith and Derek wedding anniversary photoshoot at Tankerton Slopes {sneak peek}

I was delighted to be contacted by Amy who had been recommended to me by her neighbour … Amy wanted to book a family photoshoot on the beach to celebrate her parents’ wedding anniversary. I found out on the day that it was a surprise – right up until the day before!

And Judith also mentioned that the last time they had a family photoshoot, it was 20 years ago … so about time for some new photos!

It was lovely to meet the family and to work with their little ones … and I was especially given the run around by this little cutie …

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time on the beach in such perfect weather. And interesting to hear about that family photo in the checked shirts Amy …

Can’t wait to share your images with you all!

Jill and Kevin and their autumn themed wedding at East Quay in Whitstable {sneak peek}

We had all been checking the weather reports for Saturday. During the week, the forecast had changed from “persistent showers all day” to “isolated heavy showers” to cloud. I’m delighted to say that the forecasts were wrong.

Joining Jill and her bridesmaids at Flow & Co in Whitstable was a great start to the day. Right by the seaside and full of fun and laughter … and stories of flaming sambuccas (perfect preparation for a nervous bridal party!). There was not a sign of a hangover, indeed, hearty breakfasts had already been taken.

And the weather. The seaside. The obvious delight and love that Jill and Kevin share for each other. The giggles. The holding hands.

The antics …

The sunshine …

The hooting tugboat …

My amazing couple …

Thank you so much, Jill and Kevin, for making Sarah and I feel so very welcome. I’m delighted that your guests thought we were your friends … it kind of feels that way! Can’t wait to share your images with you on your return from honeymoon. Have fun! xx

Jumping groomsmen at Bickley Manor – Tracey and Andy’s sneak peek!

Just a quick sneak peek before I leave to photograph my next wedding – I had the pleasure of joining Tracey and Andy and their guests yesterday at Bickley Manor. It’s the first time I’ve photographed a wedding at this venue and I must say that the grounds are really well kept! The sun shone all day which meant that the bride and groom could mingle and chat outside with their guests … so their sneak peek is of them and their gorgeous little son …

And, of course, of the jumping groomsmen … I think a couple were a bit keen!

I hope that you enjoyed the rest of your evening and that the celebrations lasted long into the night. Thanks so much for having me along and it was a special bonus that some of my own family were there too and so I got to spend time with them too! Much love xx

Claire and Marc’s sunshine filled wedding at The Old Kent Barn {sneak peek}

Yesterday was an amazing day. Full of laughter, love, honesty and French. A father-of-the-bride’s speech in two languages, the most beautiful venue at The Old Kent Barn, and a couple who are very obviously smitten with each other. I’ve uploaded Claire and Marc’s images and I’ve had problems. I’ve struggled with which image to show as their sneak peek …

So here are three more …

The skies were blue, the sun was warm and Claire looked amazing (yes, Marc, you looked fabulous too …). I felt welcomed with open arms even though my schoogirl French is pretty dreadful … There is just never enough time in the day to fit in everything and chat to everyone but I left Claire and Marc’s wedding with the sounds of Kai McKenzie who is a Michael Buble tribute act and safe in the knowledge that the sheep who bleated repeatedly during the ceremony will be remembered for a long time to come!

Congratulations to you both and I’m looking forward to sharing your images with you and your families and friends. Much love xxx

Poppies, barley and rabbits … the Spillett family {sneak peek}

The sun shone. It really did. After what seems like the longest winter and spring ever, it was warm today. And what better way to spend an hour than with the fabulous Spillett family. I first met mummy Helen when she “won” me in a raffle and we’ve kept in touch ever since. I’ve photographed her gorgeous children many times and they are absolutely delightful and a credit to their parents.

Without further ado, and because I know that mummy can’t wait … here’s your sneak peek!

Tom … oh Tom, you are going to break some hearts …

And Freya, last time I photographed you, you were just tiny … and now …

And I think that mummy and daddy were just so happy to be with their lovely children …

We took so many photographs. The light was perfect and the location was perfect and the images are just the best. I’m so pleased that we managed to schedule this shoot at such short notice and the forecast of thunderstorms wasn’t right. If you would like to book a shoot, please do fill out the contact form below.

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Thank you again to Helen and Harry, and Tom and Freya and I look forward to photographing you all for many years to come!

Finally! Some gorgeous sunshine for Rosie and Dave’s pre-wedding photoshoot {sneak peek}

It’s been a long time coming but is, indeed, very welcome! Rosie and Dave, who are celebrating their wedding in September, suggested that we meet up for their pre-wedding photoshoot right at the beginning of their break from school … and the weather was just perfect! 27.5 degrees and gorgeously warm which can present a photographer with a few lighting dilemmas. It seems rather strange on such a sunny day to ask Rosie and Dave to seek shade … but I think it was worth it. Here’s your sneak peek as promised …

There was a lot of giggling and smiles and a little bit of shyness in the mix too. I hope that our session yesterday has given both Rosie and Dave a bit more confidence about being the centre of attention on their wedding day but I am sure that it is a going to be a wonderful celebration for a couple who so obviously delight in each other’s company.

See you in just a few weeks time … can’t wait!

{Mount Ephraim} pre-wedding session with Lydia and Gary

How do I choose which pictures to show you? I met up with Lydia and Gary at Mount Ephraim on Sunday to chat more about their wedding plans and schedule and to shoot their engagement session. The day had started off rather rainy, but the sun broke through and showed the gorgeous Edwardian mansion at Mount Ephraim in its best light.

Lydia has been following my blog and had an idea of what to expect at the photoshoot … and I think Gary got into the spirit of things …

The grounds at Mount Ephraim are beautiful at any time of the year, but the magnolias and camellias are particularly stunning at the moment …

And the tulips …

And who would have known the instructions “make a heart with your hands” could cause such hilarity … in fact, Lydia and Gary barely stopped laughing for the whole session!

Lydia and Gary are planning to be married in the grounds at Mount Ephraim – the law states that you must be married under a structure, and the pergola in the grounds provides the roof …

Lydia is confident that it will look absolutely beautiful on the day and I believe her. The wisteria right next to the pergola is just starting to bud … will the flowers be out at the end of May?

There are just too many gorgeous shots to show … Lydia and Gary are also looking for more candid style of photography on their day and I think this next one is just fab …

I love using different depths of field …

And getting the whole picture …

We ended the session with a cream tea and discussed some final timings for the day. I really can’t wait to photograph Lydia and Gary’s wedding … in just over a month’s time! See you soon …