Brian Harte People Photographer

I was chatting with Rudding Park a couple of weeks ago when they told me they were holding a Valentines Ball.

My mind starting whirring with ideas and I asked “Do you have a photographer in case any one goes down on one knee?”…within a few seconds I’d somehow managed to volunteer to be offical photographer for Rudding Park!

So on Saturday evening I arrived in Harrogate hoping that someone would pop the question and knowing that even if they didn’t I’d still have some fun taking photos.

A few moments after midnight, in the early hours of February 14th, Robert Bell surprised his Valentine Tracy Kipling by proposing on one knee.

She said Yes!

Full of happiness they immediately hit the dance floor to celebrate the moment.

I am sure Robert must have been on edge all night knowing what he was about to ask. I could tell they were so in love before he asked and they were even more so after.

It was a privilege to capture the memory for them and I wish them all the best in the future!

They had a fab swing band on the night called Chris Hiltons Little Big Band (formerly Simply Swing).

If you are looking for a swing band for a wedding or event they were very good. Check them out here.

As well as Robert and Tracy there was lots more love at The Valentines Ball…

Plus lots of fun and dancing…

There was even a photo of me taken sporting my winter beard!

I had to leave before it finished as the next day I was at a wedding fair but when I left the dancing was still going strong!

This year I have met so many frustrated photographers. Camera’s have become much more affordable but we never have the time to learn how to get the most from them.

I’ve set myself the challenge to get you guys taking better photos, ones where you are in charge of the camera not the other way around!

Want to take pictures that you can be proud of?

I’ll be holding a full day all you need to know to make creative choices workshop at The Mansion House, Roundhay Park in Leeds Sunday 1st November 2009.

Running through the functions of your camera I will show you how to use the modes and functions available to get to grips with your photography.

Aimed for beginners through to intermediates you will go away with new ideas and knowledge you can immediately put in to practice.

Full day course £120, gift certificates are available to purchase contact brian@brianharte.co.uk or 0845 257 1758 for more information.

Take a look at all the photography training workshops

I love it during the ceremony when there is lots of eye contact, exchanged smiles and sometime a fit of giggles as it gives me opportunities to take photos. You cant fake these moments so I know that the couples will love looking at them after the wedding.

Bride Can’t Stop Laughing During Vows

I had a couple last year who couldn’t stop looking at each other. From the moment Charlotte entered the Church it was as if she and Charles were the only two people there.

Even the Wakefield wedding videographer Ken Wilson commented on how in-love they were. All I had to do was hitch a ride on their love for one another to get fab photos at both the Church and Bagden Hall.

Charlotte & Charles had booked an old red route master bus to take their guests to Bagden Hall and it made a fab place to do a confetti shot too.

Charlotte’s father had passed away and could not be there for her. Charlotte invited me along as she paid a visit to her father’s grave to lay a flower from her bouquet.

It is times like this where you stand back and give people time and space and I was happy to record the moment for them in their album.

Today I was visiting the National Media Museum with a friend and we decided to make a trip around the photography exhibition.  Part of the exhibition was audio visual and part was photography and what struck me was the lack of photography in the photographs.

For me photography has always meant drawing with light (from the Greek phos (meaning light) and graphis (meaning stylus or paintbrush) and although the photographs exhibited were full of concept and semiotics they lacked in photography as I know it. The art of using light to paint a picture is poles apart from simply pointing and shooting.

Last Sunday I shot family photos for a client and old friend. Upon seeing the photographs of their young children the father confessed that there was a world of difference between photographs and photography and when pressed for an explanation told me that any one with a good camera can take a photograph but what I had created for them was completely different. It was a wonderful sentiment that made me stop and think about what photography means to me.

When I hold a training day for eager photographers I say that once you learn to see light as a photographer the world is forever changed. From small things such as observing in a casual conversation how light is striking my friends face, and knowing instantly how to modify it, to seeing a space in the world and seeing the quality of light that is in that space, even before we have arrived at that space. Sometimes that space is a corridor or break in a forest other times it can be that the light has changed all around us with a subtle movement of a cloud or the setting of the sun.

Apart from the art of my profession, photography for me is a social interaction. A perfect blend of entertainment, hospitality and psychology. I love being able to talk, play and explore with people to relax and unlock the social barriers and get photographs that people relate to and empathise with. From the self concious 6 year old girl who thinks she must do as she is told (until she realises she doesn’t) in the photos through to the at first moody teenage boy who opens up when we discover a shared interest in science every one is different and everyone has a story.

No two days are the same…there is always different light and there is always different people which makes me realise that my original career choice to be an optician was working with the right elements of people and light only the wrong mix.

And so to answer my question: photography, for me, is the right mix of light and people.

I met with Daniel from Dine catering earlier this year at Nostell Priory. Daniel couldn’t contain his excitement about his new venue in Yorkshire and his excitement quickly rubbed off on me as I agreed to shoot some photos for their up coming brochure.

I hadn’t known about The Mansion House in Roundhay Park, Leeds and the state of disrepair it had fallen into however what I do know is that it will become one of the best wedding venues (also corporate meetings & events) in Leeds.

At the side of the house is the stunning colonnades which make a great feature for photos.

I had a bit of fun shooting this photo…I don’t know what Susannah was thinking but lying on the floor shouting and whooping certainly made her smile.

Here Susannah was playing with her dress while the wind was blowing.

Using the colonnades I was able to shield Susannah from the direct sun and get some beautiful light in her eyes.

The interior of the house is very fresh and vibrant with a lovely symmetrical staircase.

I made great use of the staircase to frame Helen (who also modelled for me) lounging on one of the funky chairs.

Daniel had told me that he thought the photos should be elegant and I pulled out my portable flash equipment for this shot to see how elegant I could take it.

The detailing inside is simply stunning…

And here is one of the funky chairs with a diamond in the middle of the cushion, how cool…

The walls are decorated with framed photos showing the history of The Mansion House…

Even the rest rooms are gorgeous. I spent about 20 minutes taking a multitude of photos including using the reflection in the full length mirror.

I had to be careful not to get myself in the reflections…although I couldn’t help taking this one as I don’t often get to feature in photos!

The Colonnades Room where your ceremony is held has fantastic light for photos with a beautiful warm glow.

With a little bit of furniture re-arranging I was able to take a few photos of my bride too…

For larger wedding functions The Mansion room is just the ticket and with a permanent dance floor at one end there is no need to leave the room and then come back in at the end of your meal.

With several rooms available The Mansion can also cater for smaller weddings including this room set up for the very intimate wedding breakfast.

All of the rooms have fantastic views of Roundhay Park.

Susannah an I took a trip out in to Roundhay Park to see what we could find as a location for photos and as we were The Roundhay Land Train pulled up and we did the done thing and hitched a ride!

The light in park is great for some natural photos…

…and only a few minutes away we found a band stand.

I love the mirror in the lobby and it’s positioned quite high which is a bonus for me as at 5′6″ there is little chance of my reflection appearing in the photo!

I normally dont like completely defocused pictures however as I had a bit of time I had an experiment and took one of their crystal chandelier that works well.

I would like to thank Helen and Susannah for their time, Anita Massarella Design Couture of Leeds for the loan of her wonderful dresses and Kath from The Wedding Flower Company Leeds for arranging a bouquet of flowers at super short notice.

I would also like to thank Richard the head butler at The Mansion who not only doubled up as my assistant from time to time but also made sure I was supplied with all The Mansion’s own bottled water I could want (some say they have their own spring?)

Richard is ace….he reminds me of Alfred the butler in Batman.

If you would like to know more about weddings or corporate events at The Mansion Dine can be contacted on 0345 450 4545.

Luke warned me last week that his wedding would “be like no other” and he didn’t dissapoint!

You might remember Luke and Sara from the wedding invite photo.

Luke and Sara married abroad with plans for a wedding party with friends a month after they returned. They had chosen Middleton lodge near Richmond in North Yorkshire for their wedding party venue for the buildings character, setting and isolation (the last as Luke’s parties are well know to continue past sunrise!).

Middleton lodge can be booked for exclusive use from the Friday right through to the Sunday giving extra time to enjoy it’s beautiful building and grounds.

The day started with some clay pigeon shooting for close friends and family.

Sara was doing really well and showed her excitement after a particularly good set.

Spencer, a close friend, got two on his first go…

After the shooting Luke and Sara got changed and we had a few photos while the guests arrived.

With the morning shooting Sara had got to know me and was relaxed from the first moment with her photos. This one was taken using the window her their suite.

and I just love the light on this one…

We had about half an hour before most of the guests would arrive and walked around Middleton Lodge taking photos as we went.

I love the doorway framing them here…

Luke and Sara were enjoying themselves so much I think they even forgot about the camera.

We then went outside for a walk next to a field of cows. A couple of the cows decided to get a bit amorous and Sara developed a fit of giggles…

While walking Sara’s dressed kicked about giving me an opportunity to capture all the detailing.

At the front of the house our photos were gatecrashed by a friendly cat who had decided that she wanted to be part of their day.

Luke and Sara really relaxed with the camera and it’s when people relax completely that I get the best photos.

Guests started arriving and there was an impromptu group shot.

By now I was starting to get that the night was going to be a bit different.

There was a brief shower and I noticed a full rainbow so I grabbed my camera and took a shot. Just as I was doing so Luke arrived to tell me he’d booked that too.

Although the guests had free roam of the house the main party was in a marquee in the grounds.

After dinner the music took off and people started let their hair down on the dancefloor.

And it wasn’t only the hair being let down on the dance floor, the wig made several appearances in the night worn by almost everyone on the dance floor at some point or another.

I was framing up for a shot of Luke having a boogie when I got this shot of the wig thrust in front of his face!

Luke told me that he wanted plenty of comedy shots of people having fun on the dance floor. You can’t get more comedic than this one…

For a closing shot we went out in to the grounds and took a photo of Luke and Sara with the house and marquee at night.

I’d like to thank Luke and Sara for inviting me and for the top class fish ‘n’ chips & mushy peas….how did you know it’s my favourite!

Katrina booked me for their Swinton Park wedding last year after meeting up for afternoon tea at the castle. I have been looking forward to shooting their wedding since their engagement shoot when the were telling me about the different flowers.

I was also looking forward to Ashley’s speech after having a taste of his jokes during the engagement photos!

When the day began I was a little worried about the weather. I wasn’t worried for me because I know that I can get fab photos even on the wettest day, I was more worried that the guests wouldn’t get the chance to make the most out of the amazing grounds around the castle.

The ducks seemed to be enjoying the rain…

Katrina had told me about the flowers and orchids. The bridemaids each wore an orchid in their hair as well as a white orchid bouquet.

Katrina took a few moments to relax before rushing to Swinton as she remembered the registrar had said she couldn’t be late!

Katrina & Ashley got married in the Library which had the most beautiful light.

Swinton Park was overflowing with flowers and Katrina’s sister Emma read a passage from Winnie Pooh.

Little Ben was the Bestman for the day and he did a stunning job. During the meal he kept popping in to the drawing room to keep me company by telling me stories and crack a few jokes.

After the ceremony Katrina and Ashley relaxed with their friends on the lawn. Then they had a few photographs…

The cars were supplied by Keith Snowden and were stunning. I managed to get their details before I left… tel. 01765 604417 or their Wedding Cars in Harrogate and Ripon website

The room was set out to perfection with different Roses on each table.

A guest joked that with The Chelsea flower show on the same weekend that Chelsea had been left short of roses for their displays!…(I hope they were joking) The wedding flowers were from Lynda Moss Flowers in Harrogate.

With the guests taking their places Katrina took a few moments out in the drawing room.

Chris, a friend to Ashley & Katrina, embraced to role of Master of Ceremonies…

linking all the toasts and speeches with some witty humour.

The food was a work of art…I overheard the kitchen speaking in french which could have been one of the reasons the standards were so high.

I love the light in this shot with Katrina and friends.

I didn’t stop taking photos and even borrowed their wedding rings to take a shot using the reflection on the piano surface. Ashley joked that having given me the rings it might be last he saw of me!

Katrina had told me all day that she had a second dress which she was planning to do the first dance as she was worried about tripping on her train. In the end she didn’t need it as they spun each other in circles on the dance floor.

I stepped outside to take this shot as the sun set with the party going full swing inside.

The night ended, for me at least, with seven minutes of fireworks. I got some great photos of which my favourite is this one with the warm glow of the castle.

I really enjoyed shooting Katrina & Ashley’s wedding photos and can’t wait to meet up with them again.

It was my first time at Swinton I realise now how special it is as a wedding venue. Katrina & Ashley had booked exclusive use which meant they could really let their hair down and enjoy getting married in a real english castle!

If you’d like to know more about weddings at Swinton Park you can contact Hannah Hinchcliffe on 01765 680971 or hannah@swintonpark.com

Last week it was announced that Sir Alan Sugar may soon become Lord Alan Sugar. Ok, I didn’t take Sir Alan’s photos but I did manage to take photos of another Lord at the recent wedding of Helen & David Murphy.

Here is Lord Richard Musgrave having his make-up topped up half way through the wedding breakfast.

Helen tell’s me that he is known to flash his card with his title on to get the best table when booking a restaurant!

I am yet to find out how his came to be a Lord but I am sure I will find out! Helen also said that he is one of the funniest guys she has ever met and I can vouch for that as he had me laughing my head off at Oulton Hall.

Last year I took Mike and Rowena Rogers wedding photographs at The Hospitium in York.

This year I sent them a sample of the photographs as a thank you for being wonderful co-ordinators and venue hosts. Looking through my web statistics I noticed a lot of visits from The Hospitium website and was pleased to find that they liked the photos so much they are now using them to advertise the venue!

The two photos they chose to use are Mike and Rowena walking through a glade of trees and Rowena chatting with friends at the reception….

There will be more of Mike & Rowena’s photos to come.

I was invited by my good friend and fellow photographer Annemarie King to come along for a super sunny wedding this weekend.

I have known Annemarie for a few years now and we each bob along on one another’s weddings when we have the chance. It’s great for us as we have such a ball trying to out do each other with the best photos and it’s great for the couple as they get two fab photographers (can I say that about myself?) shooting for them.

It was the hottest day of the year and Jamie told me that he had booked the weather especially for Claire. Here is Jamie getting ready and having a little trouble with his winsor knot.

Claire had chosen a wonderful fairy like wedding dress with fairies and wild flowers as their theme.

They held their wedding at the Church of St. Botolph at Bossall in North Yorkshire. The priest was a family friend who had seen Claire growing up from a young age. Here he is contemplating his service before Claire and her father arrived.

The Bridesmaids arrived by black cab which was decorated in wedding ribbon. It proved to be a great way to arrive as the doors were large enough to get in and out easily. If you’d like to book the taxis you can contact Ian or Dave on 01904 791739.

Claire arrived in a vintage chevvy…

Claire and her father were greeted at the Church by their priest.

I cheekily moved up the aisle to capture this fun moment…

Claire and Jamie held their reception on Claire’s parents farmhouse…

…where they opted for Papakata tipi style tents instead of a marquee where they had lounging sofas and real fires burning.

One guest had left a present for Claire and Jamie on the top table, a knitted wedding cake!

Annemarie’s mum was one of the guests and I took a quick photo of them when I saw them together.

As Claire and Jamie started their speeches I packed my camera away but not before I had time to take this closing shot of the Papakata tents in the lovely gardens.