When Zoe and I first spoke about her wedding, she told me she had lots of ideas for her photography, including using lots of the features of the venue - Stoke Place - such as the bikes, boules, giant chess set and croquet, and I was only happy to oblige as I love to capture the bride and groom enjoying themselves and having fun. Stoke Place is a fab boutique venue - the whole day was hosted there, from getting ready to ceremony to reception. There's lots of lovely features inside and out, and I just loved the duck-egg-blue staircase and the lake proved an excellent backdrop for photos in the sunshine.
The flowers and decor were by Seventh Heaven who have done a few weddings I've photographed recently and can really make the most of a venue. I also really enjoyed working alongside the DJ at this event - Mark from Mighty Fine Entertainment, and Zoe and Richard truly enjoyed their disco, as you can see. Congratulations Zoe & Richard, it was a pleasure to be part of your day!
Before each wedding, I send the bride and groom a questionnaire gathering the little details that will ensure I capture their day perfectly for them. One of the questions is "How would you describe your wedding in three words?" I knew I was going to have a great time when I read Kim & James' answer: Vintage, Relaxed and Fun. That's exactly how I would describe their wedding, and I hope they'd agree that the photography was relaxed and fun. I love that the photos are filled with big smiles, laughter and giggles.
Not only were the bride and groom lots of fun, they're a pretty talented pair. Their day was filled with lots of special touches, much of it hand-picked or hand-made by the couple - from vintage tea cup favours, to a seven-foot photo booth crafted by the groom, to the amazing four-tiered wedding cake and dozens of cupcakes all made by the bride herself.
The mother of the bride also got in on the act, creating the amazing bouquet and flower arrangements.
There were lots more unique touches to the day: Kim wore the most amazing shoes, and I loved the purple camper van - by the name of Dotty (from The Cake Revolution) - that took the bride and groom from their ceremony at Easthampstead to the reception at the Ely Hotel; and before and after dinner, guests were entertained by a magician (Mike Stoner).
Thanks Kim & James for choosing me to capture your special day - it really was fun!
So, it's taking me a while to update my blog as I've been deep in wedding season, but I'm doing my very best to bring it up-to-date. Sat here with the sun shining outside today, this feels like a looong time ago. Jana & David's wedding was a lovely intimate family affair on a cold and windswept March day. The wedding took place at the Windsor Guildhall and then the wedding party took a stroll through Windsor and across the Windsor-Eton bridge for a reception at Cote. I had so much fun photographing Jana & David. I've worked with them before, photographing them for headshots for their work - Jana as a performer and balloon modeller, and David as balloon modeller and magician - they're a really interesting couple! Despite the windy day, we managed to get a few shots on the bridge, but soon headed inside to the warm for family to toast the bride and groom. Congratulations both of you and thank you so much for choosing me to capture the memories of your special day!!
This little chap was such a smiler with a really infectious giggle. His parents had asked me to capture some natural photos, most importantly, a memory of that giggle whilst he's still little.
This is a great example of a photoshoot at home, without using studio backdrops. It's lit with a mix of natural and studio lighting, but we used the client's home as the backdrop - a whitewashed wall with bed & white fluffy duvet, their wooden floor, and shelving units, all made interesting backdrops. See more examples of family photoshoots in my family gallery.
Many congratulations Mark & Michelle! I thoroughly enjoyed photographing your special day - such a lovely and intimate family occasion. I wish you every happiness together!! I have plenty more photos for you, but here's a little taster...
I love to get natural reactions from kids! If you book a shoot with me, you are not going to hear me say "cheese", instead you'll probably find a little bit of madness unfolds. The best feedback I can get from my customers is when they tell me I've captured their children's true personalities. Reviews like "you have managed to capture everything we love about him", "her character really shines through" and "the photos make me laugh every time I look at them, you've got their personalities right there" are always guaranteed to put a smile on my face!
So, how do I get these lovely reactions out of kids (stand by, I'm about to reveal my trade secrets here!)...
If you want to capture them as they truly are, then it goes without saying that you have to let them be themselves. Don't say cheese, have fun and try one of the tips below. Lastly (and it's no coincidence that I'm posting this on April Fool's Day), you have to be prepared to play the fool - most of my shoots end up with me or mum/ dad of the kids I'm photographing making getting a little bit silly - guaranteed to get kids laughing!
1. Creating silly combinations on their favourite food - 'worm pizza' or similar - lots of kids love this and will get involved making their own silly combinations up and giggling along.
2. Asking them embarrassing things about mum and dad, e.g. 'who's got the cheesiest feet?' It makes them laugh but they also love that they think they're revealing a family secret!
3. For younger kids, toddlers and babies, a game of peek-a-boo, with mum and dad popping out from behind me always gets a smile.
4. For older kids, I'll ask them their favourite joke. This one is actually a double-whammy - I'll get lovely thoughtful-looking images while they try to think of it, then a smile as they tell it.
5. If all else fails... tickle! I'm yet to meet a kid of any age that doesn't love tickles and I'll capture some lovely laughter while mum and dad get in on the fun.
I'm now looking for you to share your tips! What makes your kids laugh, what is guaranteed to raise a smile or a giggle? Tell me your kids' favourite jokes. Add yours in the comment section below - the one that gets the biggest laugh out of my 2- and 6-year-old will win a mini-photoshoot (45 minutes, on location in Windsor) with five printable digital images. I'll leave it open for the Easter holidays, so get your kids involved and get your jokes and tips in by midnight on Saturday 18th April 2015.
Over to you - make us laugh =D
Terms & Conditions: 1. Please enter by 'liking' my facebook page (Photography by Abi Moore on facebook) and posting a comment here. 2. Closing date 18th April 2015. 3. The prize is a mini-photoshoot (45 minutes) on location in Windsor with five downloadable printable images from the shoot. Maximum five people. Shoot to take place in June/ July 2015. 4. Prize has no cash value, and cannot be transferred or sold. 5. Winners will be notified via my facebook page and in reply to their comment on the blog.

Back in January, this gorgeous little girl came to model for me. I was looking for a set of images that I can submit towards my qualification panel with the Guild of Photographers as well as for their monthly competition. I was delighted that one of the images was given a bronze award. The competition is international and judged by a panel of respected judges; bronze awards are only given to images of a high standard, so very exciting for me!
You can see my previous award winning images here and here.
I spent a very enlightening day at Aspire Photography Training on Friday last week, learning all about posing people - men, women, couples, families and groups - you name it we covered it. From simple concepts such as your posture and expression, through to considerations such as where you place your arms, hands and shoulders. Did you know that something as simple as how relaxed your fingers are or which direction they're pointing in can completely change the feel of a photograph?
Whether you're looking to stand more confidently, appear slimmer or more curvy, or simply want to look better in photographs, I'm now armed with tips to give you images that are flattering for you. When we plan your photoshoot or wedding photography, let me know what you like and don't like about photographs of yourself and we can work together so that you look your best!


December means chilly days, but if you wrap up warm, an outdoor location photoshoot is not out of the question.
It also means afternoon sunsets and bright blue skies, which can make for some lovely photographs. We took advantage of the early sunset and headed out to catch some gorgeous golden light with this lovely family and their dog.
This is one of my favourite spots in Windsor Great Park, it's perfect for photography at sunset as it catches the sunlight from the West.
You might recognise this spot from this maternity shoot at the end of last summer.
If you'd like to book a photoshoot at sunset or are looking for recommendations of locations in and around Windsor, then please contact me.
January has been super busy and I've been neglecting my blog. I still had a couple of my favourite shoots from the end of 2014 to upload. This being one of them. The family of this gorgeous blue-eyed boy came to me for a photoshoot for images they could give as Christmas gifts, as well as wanting to capture his stunning blue eyes on camera - aren't they just amazing?!