Welbeck Colliery

After nearly 100 years of history Welbeck Colliery closed on Tuesday 11 May.

A group of miners had been chosen to represent the men either losing their livelihood or travelling 140 miles per day to work at other mines owned by UK Coal. There were more press, camera men and photographers than men on the cold and blustery Tuesday lunchtime. Listening to the men being interviewed there was a camaraderie between them, almost a gallows humour. Perhaps looking at reality is easier through eyes filled with laughter rather than tears.

This event brought home the work I had done. Up to now I saw the beauty and the magnificence of the mines I had visited. Pleasley was a picture of tranquility sat as it is amongst a nature reserve. I am concerned about the loss of these buildings on the culture of nottinghamshire and the East Midlands but here I saw the real cost - friendships broken and communities split.

Andrew Collier Gallery - Relive the moment

Whilst everyone was anxiously watching the votes roll in on the 6th May, we at Paul Storer Photography had been invited to celebrate a gallery opening for Andrew Collier, a fellow student of the Annabel Williams photography school.

Paul Storer Photography was invited to show two images at the gallery. It was a delight to be able to show in such a stunning venue, surrounded by the colourful and emotive photography that Andrew's success is based upon.

We were all put to work when we arrived hanging pictures and washing glasses ready for the copious amounts of wine that would be flowing later! Half an hour to get changed from the long drive and it wasn't long before the guests began to arrive. In fact it got so busy that we couldn't even see Catherine from AW cut the ribbon to officially open the gallery!

We definitely recommend taking a look at his work and reading his blog and if you're in Warrington, taking half an hour out of your day at least to go and visit.

Props

Lots of exciting ideas being generated at Paul Storer Photography at the minute. One idea is leading to us looking for wedding dresses on Thursday that we can chop and change to suit the model. We seem to be heading for a Vogue vs Miss Haversham type shoot.

So we need to know where we can get some discounted/second hand wedding dresses. We know of a place in Sutton, but does anyone else have any ideas?

Stubton Hall Wedding Fayre

The other Saturday we were at Stubton Hall as a wedding photographer for White Media’s Wedding Fayre, originally scheduled for February but cancelled due to the snow. This time there was no sign of snow, thankfully, and the sun was shining, even it was a little cold!

Stubton Hall is beautiful location and a wonderful setting for a wedding. They event organisers made it more interesting for guests with a suprise hog roast arond the corner, an added, if strange, bonus to any wedding fayre! It was nice to see some friends from previous events: Jeanienne from Strawberry Cupcakes (pictures of her amazing cupcakes to come in another post soon!) and Jayne Cook from the Wedding Magazine.We also made some new ones!

Business-wise, despite a slow start from a few other wedding fayres this year (thank you , recession), Stubton Hall was suprisingly busy. Had interest from a few lovely couples with weddings at the Hall and around the area, so only time will tell!

Blogging tips

Setting up the business over the last year or so has been a long trek but tremendously enjoyable. We still have lots of aims for the business (eventually there will be a gallery) and so we decided to take on the world of social networking. Starting up a blog has been therapeutic, but blogging has so much going for it, it's always difficult to know where to start! Its also been a learning curve for those of us not necessarily web savvy!

Luckily, there are lots of people out there willing to share their experience, like this post from Problogger.

If you have a blog, what did you find difficult about starting up?

Lavish Flowers and Events

Having talked to lots of people about their weddings, it's clear that the venue, dress and photographer are the first steps to take. After that it gets a bit...hazy. Flowers can sometimes be a bit of a problem. How many florists do you see around that have the same displays as the one a few streets away? What if you want something a bit different?

At a recent wedding fair with Paul Storer Photography, I met Zorina, of Lavish Flowers and Events. Wickedly sexy reds, bright greens and blues, subtle creams and pinks. Any colour you can imagine on the prettiest flowers, arranged into eye catching displays. If I seem a to be becoming a little over effusive in my praise, then you'd be right. And yet somehow Zorina Handley, the brains and talent behind Lavish Flowers and events, seems to bring this out of me.

She was kind enough to let Paul Storer Photography take a few shots of her flowers. Paul does like his flower pictures.

What are your most troubling finds for a wedding?

youtube photography

So it has now been uploaded onto youtube!

Have a look at it here.



Paul Storer Photography took part in the Bespoke Annabel Williams Course and this was his end of course display.

We were in Derby at a wedding fair on Sunday. Met some fabulous businesses. More to come when the photos are ready to go up!