Whilst many may view the game as almost barbaric, Oscar Wilde once described it as “a good occasion for keeping thirty bullies far from the center of the city” I think it’s a great game with a code of respect that many sports ‘stars’ from other sports should look up to and admire. Watching yesterdays game between the Saints and Bath today (courtesy of Sky+) this code of respect was clearly evident during an exchange between referee and player, where the player was clearly being read his rights and he simply responded with ‘yes sir’ and walked away. Take note Mr Rooney and co! Old Northamptonans rugby images, photos, ON’s rugby

Living in Northampton I follow the fortunes (…and misfortunes) of Northampton Saints, I guess they are ‘my’ team, watching whenever they’re on Sky Sports and occassionally popping along to Franklin’s Gardens. I’d love the opportunity to photography a few games there, but as I don’t work for a major picture agency, know the ‘right’ people, wear a coloured hat, or have perfected the art of jumping through hoops – I’ll put that on the ‘to-do’ list!!

I also follow the fortunes of a couple of lower league rugby union teams and occasionally pay a visit to watch the Old Northamptonians 1st XV in action at their Billing Road ground. Yesterday was one of those occasions, a lovely (but cold) afternoon – nothing else on, so I braved the chill in the air and ‘snapped’ their game against Syston RFC 1st XV in the RFU National League 3 Midlands

Here follows said snaps… Old Northamptonians images, photographs

It was a long 18-hour day at two venues in London (and home at 2 in the morning) but the ‘turn’ for the evening’s entertainment made the long day worth it (apart, obviously, from the pleasure of covering the clients event and the fee!).

The highlight of the night for me was a drum solo by the drumming legend that is Gilson Lavis. Gilson Lavis images photos photographs

Below are just a handful of the images I captured of Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra along with a guest appearance by Marc Almond….

Jools Holland Rhytham and Blues Orchestra, Marc Almond

Kian is a mad about rugby being a Northampton Saints fan (and season ticket holder) and a Munster fan (divided family support!), so we had to get some images wearing the shirts of his favourite teams. Northampton kids childrens photographer

A few from the session below. Northampton lifestyle portrait photographer

To book your lifestyle portrait session please use the contact tab at the top of the page. kids portraits Northampton

The ceremony took place at St Edwards Church in Kettering, followed by the reception at the Kettering Park Hotel.

A great day and a pleasure to be part of it.

A few images below… Northampton wedding photographer

A small selection from the day…. Highgate House wedding photography

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Last week I drove north of the border to Edinburgh to meet up with the The Royal Scotsman train which is part of the Orient Express company. I was on the train for a limited time, including one night (thankfully – as the beds are a just a wee bit smaller than I am!), and as you’d expect the experience was one of complete luxury. The train is obviously steeped in history and it was a real privilege and experience to travel on this very special train.

The one thing that really impressed me was the standard of the food prepared by Head Chef – Mark and his Commis Chef – Kyle. They really did turn out food that would put some restaurants and hotels to shame from a kitchen that was barely six-feet wide. They were clearly great chefs and nice guys too giving me full access to the kitchen during service.

I’d never worked on a train before and hadn’t really thought about the limitations brought about by the confined space and consequently finding different angles proved a challenge.

A small selection from the trip… The Royal Scotsman, Orient Express, kitchen, food, chef, train 

A cabin on The Royal Scotsman

The Royal Scotsman Observation Car

A dining table on The Royal Scotsman

A waitress waits collects food from the kitchen, The Royal Scotsman

Chef prepares food on The Royal Scotsman

Chef prepares food on The Royal Scotsman

Chef dresses food on The Royal Scotsman

Food Order Tickets, The Royal Scotsman

Plated Food, The Royal Scotsman

Whiskey selection, The Royal Scotsman

Gleneagles Station sign

View from the Observation Car platform

Last year the Audi quattro Cup celebrated its 20th anniversary with 52 different countries organising a total of 760 tournaments in which over 87,000 amateur golfers participated.

This year the world final takes place in Hong Kong at Mission Hills in early November. Good luck to the Audi UK participants. Audi quattro Cup UK Final 2011

Here are a few images from the UK Final…

Audi quattro Cup Uk Final 2011, corporate golf images, corporate golf photographer, northampton golf photographer

I got ‘upgraded’ in hotel terms to the Penny Hill Park Hotel which I shared with the England rugby squad. I saw some of them during the evening in the lounge and strangely there seemed to be a slight ‘atmosphere’ between some of them! The Berkshire Golf Club images

On the same night some of the worst London rioting was happening and a part of me wished I was the kind of photographer who was in the thick of it documenting the troubles on our streets. But these photographers know their stuff, and more importantly how to survive. Me? I’d probably just run scared. So huge respect to the photographers whose images graced the national papers and websites during the unrest. A great account of his experience photographing the riots can be seen on Leon Neal’s blog.

Some of my favourite images from the day… The Berkshire Golf Club

Corporate Golf Photography, Corporate Golf Photographer, The Berkshire Images, Northampton golf photographer

José was a feisty dog, but very cute with it and as puppies do just wanted to play. The sound of the camera did nothing but increase his excitement which made for keeping up with him a challenge. Luckily he calmed down and tired as the session went on and we managed to get some great portraits. Pet Photography Northampton

A small selection from the session below. Pet Photography Northampton

If you’re interested in getting some pet portraits done then please get in touch to discuss your requirements. Pet Photography Northampton

They were married at St Mary’s Church in Haversham and the reception took place in a wonderful garden marquee.

Here are a few from the day… Northampton documentary wedding photography

Wedding photographer Northampton