O'Boyle Family Portraits

Lorna and Patrick brought their two lovely children, wee Katie and baby Patrick into the studio a few weeks ago for a family portrait session. Little Patrick was sick before Christmas but I'm pleased to have discovered today that all is now well and he's back home and fighting fit again. As a dad, I'm only too aware of how precious our children are and I'm sure Lorna and Patrick are delighted to have their son back home. Here's a sneak preview for them of some of the images we captured in the studio:

David

Gallagher Family Portraits

It's a good bet that during the week I'll be shooting a family portrait or two, often more. When the whole family comes together for a shoot, whether it's in the studio or away on location, it's a great opportunity to create something really special that will add significantly to a family's artistic pictorial history. Even as I'm shooting, I can imagine the images we're creating being studiously admired in another 70 or a 100 years - just as today we enjoy looking back on the old photos we all have around our homes, some of them on display in ornate frames, others perhaps stashed in a suitcase in the attic.

The Gallagher family visited the studio a little while before Christmas and I'm grateful to them for granting permission for me to show some of their pictures here, starting with this beautiful shot of the whole family (without doubt one of my favourite images from a busy 2010):



This image of the girls is a thoroughly modern arrangement - don't think I have any old family photos in the attic that were posed like this. I wonder what future generations will make of it:



Here are the boys in a rather more traditional pose:



And finally, mum and dad showing the closeness they've shared down the years:



A lovely family and a real joy to photograph,
David

Carla and Rodney's Pre-Wedding Shoot

For my last shoot of 2010, between Christmas and New Year, I had the pleasure of photographing Carla and Rodney. We were originally supposed to meet up a few weeks ago but Rodney managed to get himself a ticket for Ireland's match against the All Blacks so we had to re-schedule. Altough Ireland lost out that day, I'm sure Rodney was glad he went because he witnessed an amazing try when Brian O'Driscoll single-handedly scooped up a loose ball and used all his power to barge across the line - for me, it was the highlight of a cracking match.

Carla and Rodney's photo-shoot was, I'm pleased to say, conducted at a more sedate pace. We met up in the beautiful village of Caledon and also took a handful of shots by nearby Enagh Loch (where we all ended up with soggy feet due to the amount of water lying around). Still, no pain no gain! Here's a selection of images from the shoot:















I had a whole lot of fun with this lovely couple and Rodney kept me splendidly entertained with his wry banter. I'm very much looking forward to showing Carla and Rodney the rest of their images soon.

Happy New Year, David

Nikita & Gary in Scrabo Country Park

Just before the snow arrived yesterday I was back at Scrabo Country Park to photograph Nikita and Gary. I thought it had been cold the last time I was there but yesterday it was a wonder we weren't blown right of the hill and down to Newtwonards! Unbelievably, Gary wore just just a shirt and a light jacket whereas Nikita and I were fully wrapped up against the elements in every conceivable bit of clothing you can imagine. Quite how Gary had any feeling left in his body at all is beyond me! Funnily enough you can't really see how cold it was in their images. They're full of warm colours (except the black and white one, of course) and they really bring out the warmth of Nikita and Gary's relationship. Here's a sneak preview of their photographs:



Look closely and you'll see Nikita and Gary at the foot of the steps beneath Scrabo Tower:












What a lovely couple. I really enjoyed their company and look forward to seeing them again very soon for their viewing,
David

Sarah & John's Pre-Wedding Shoot

Yesterday I met up with Sarah and John just outside Crawfordsburn and we took a brisk stroll along a wooded path that leads down to the coast, overlooking the Irish Sea. Sarah and John are a great couple, clearly devoted to one another. As we chatted away, it was obvious how much they enjoy one another's company and I think they really enjoyed their photo-shoot. Once again, I was left wondering at the good fortune I have to work with so many lovely people. Here are some of the photographs from the shoot:



I think this one is the very epitome of what it feels like to be with the one you love:












David

Sarah & Gareth in Scrabo Country Park

This afternoon I had the pleasure of joining Sarah and Gareth for a walk around Scrabo Country Park. And what a stunningly beautiful place it is. The wooded areas are wonderfully sheltered and still have their autumnal colours - which I was very happy to take advantage of. While the hilltop tower is more exposed and offers amazing views, as well as playing havoc with Sarah's hair! It was my first visit to Scrabo but certainly won't be my last - I'd love to take my boys up there when the tower is open (and perhaps on a slightly warmer day, too). Sarah and Gareth are a lovely couple and I really enjoyed spending time with them. Here's a small collection of images I've had chance to edit before leaving the studio:















David

Cassandra and Wayne in the Snow

As I look out of the studio window right now there's not a drop of snow in sight but last weekend there was no sign of a thaw at all. Yet that didn't prevent Cassandra and Wayne from going ahead with their photo-shoot in Peatlands Park. Wayne even came out without a coat. There was no way I was going for a walk around the park without mine, though, nor my hat. And as for Cassandra, she had two coats with her! Now that's what I call being properly prepared. One thing's for sure, the cold couldn't mask the great warmth that Cassandra and Wayne share, and that really shines through in the photographs we took. Here's a small selection:















As always, I'm really looking forward to showing Cassandra and Wayne the full collection of photographs from their shoot as I have plenty more lovely images for them to view.
David

Heather and David's Shoot

I have to give top marks to Heather and David. They braved extreme temperatures during their pre-wedding shoot in a snowy Lurgan Park recently. It really was perishingly cold and I could only admire their enthusiasm as we spent over an hour capturing some wonderful photographs of the two of them. I could see instantly that they very much enjoy one another's company and I hope this small series of images shows how close they are:















I love the fun of the final colour image, shot beside one of the climbing frames - though both Heather and David had to climb down on their knees to make it possible! Looking forward to showing you the rest of the pictures soon,
David

Kathryn and Matt's Shoot

Just before the recent snow arrived I caught up with Kathryn and Matt for their pre-wedding shoot in the lovely Gosford Forest Park. It was perishingly cold and I have to say that both Kathryn and Matt were very game for going ahead with their portraits at such low temperatures. It was well worth the effort, though, as we put together a great series of images. Here are a few of my favourites:

I hope you like these and look forward to showing you the others very soon,

David

Michelle and Gary's Pre-Wedding Shoot

Last weekend I photographed two couples in Caledon. Rebecca and Richard's images were featured in my last post, and this time it's the turn of Michelle and Gary. Braving the elements with their lovely daughter Amy, we created a great selection of images. I'd normally write a few more lines than this but having just spent hours clearing snow from the drive my fingers are killing me, so I'll simply settle for saying here's a few of my favourites:


















What a lovely shot of Amy to end with,
David

Rebecca and Richard in Caledon

On Saturday morning I met up with Rebecca and Richard in the lovely village of Caledon, Co Tyrone. It's a great spot for a gentle stroll and also has a variety of wonderful backdrops for creating beautiful photographs. And after several days of torrential rain and wild winds, we were very lucky to catch a glimpse of morning sun, and the shoot was made brighter still by Rebecca and Richard's great humour and willingness to try pretty much anythng I suggested. Here are a few of my favourite shots from our session:















I hope you both like these pictures and look forward to seeing you again soon to show you the others we made,
David