Very many congratulations to Jay & Mikel whose wedding I photographed at Bisham Abbey on Saturday. It was a very emotional day (I almost found myself in tears at one point!), but also one that was filled with laughter and fun. So much thought had been put into all the little touches for the day, I had an amazing time capturing the details. Jay & Mikel: I'm so glad you chose me as your wedding photographer, I hope you like your sneak peek, I will have lots lots more for you. Thanks for involving me in your day. Wishing you both a very happy life together!

Today is the first day of autumn, the days are drawing in with nights now longer than the hours of daylight. The summer is well and truly over (although it may have felt like it for a few weeks now). And to all of that, I say 'hurrah'!

I have always loved autumn and winter. I remember learning about seasons at school and when most of the class agreed their favourite season was summer, I was in the minority singing the praises of falling leaves and snow. I love to get cosy curling up with a mug of tea, whilst outside it's getting chilly; watching the leaves turn colour on the trees; fireworks, bonfires and Christmas - it all gives me a special warm feeling inside.

You may think that with summer gone, the opportunity for outdoor photoshoots has passed too, but you couldn't be more wrong! Here's five reasons why you too should love autumn and winter, as it will give you some brilliant photos:

1. Cloudy skies

The summer gives us harsh bright sunlight, which we photographers have to be quite clever with to avoid harsh shadows and squinting. With autumn and winter come cloudy skies and low sun, giving us a much softer light and more shade. You also get some beautiful bright blue skies with lovely white fluffy clouds in the background of your photos, which can often be missing in summer as the light is so bright.

2. Golden hour

The hour before sunset is known as golden hour. It gives the most beautiful soft golden light, which is super flattering for photos. In the summer, golden hour is not that practical for family photoshoots, with it being after most kids bedtime. During autumn and winter it's much more accessible. I'd urge you to consider booking your photoshoot in golden hour as you will get such beautiful photos!

3. Falling leaves

Autumn provides us with the most amazing photshoot prop. Big and small kids alike will love kicking through fallen leaves or throwing them in the air for a great action shot. The browns and reds also provide a rich coloured photo backdrop.

4. Woolly hats and scarves

Styling for autumn and winter shoots is easy, adding personality and colour through your chosen accessories, whether it's colourful scarves or bobble hats. Alternatively fur hoods provide lovely framing for gorgeous little faces. Colourful wellies and even umbrellas are also great styling options.

5. Christmas (sorry!)

I'm such a big kid - I love Christmas! It's a great time for photography giving you lots of lovely gifts to share with grandparents, family and friends. I'm sorry to be mentioning it in September, but if you'd like photos in time for Christmas, your shoot needs to take place in November. It's always my busiest time of year for family photoshoots and does book up quick, so make sure to get in contact soon if you'd like to book.

If that hasn't convinced you or maybe the rain this week has dampened your spirits, then I always have a studio kit if you'd like to head indoors for your photos. When booking outdoor photoshoots at this time of year I always agree a contingency plan in case of bad weather, either we'll reschedule to another day, or we can head indoors. I hope to hear from you soon, let's wrap up warm and get outside to have some fun and capture some beautiful memories for you!

Very many congratulations to Sarah & Ben whose wedding I photographed this weekend. The sun shone on a day filled with love and laughter. Thank you for choosing me to capture your memories. Here is a little sneak peek, there is plenty more to come!

I was absolutely delighted to learn yesterday that I have achieved Qualified status with the Guild of Professional Photographers! Scroll down to find out more about what this means for me and my clients...

What is the Guild of Professional Photographers?

The Guild of Photographers is a highly regarded national body for professional photographers whose members are dedicated to enhancing their skills in the art, craft and profession of photography.

What is a Qualified member?

Becoming a Qualified member involves a very rigorous assessment process and is only granted to photographers who can evidence that they deliver high quality images, products and customer service.

How did I become a Qualified member?

I submitted a panel of 21 images that I have taken for recent clients (shown in the slideshow above). These all had to be relevant to the area in which I was seeking qualification, so I chose a panel of family portraits that reflected both my studio and location portrait skills. These were assessed by a panel of respected judges from a broad range of backgrounds. I also had to submit a brief explaining the clients' brief, and the technical and creative sides of the images, as well as proof that I am fully insured.

What does being Qualified mean for my clients?

As a member of the Guild of Photographers, I'm demonstrating my commitment to achieve the highest standards of professionalism for the benefit of my clients. By achieving Qualified status, my clients can be assured that this commitment has been rigorously assessed, and indicates a professional competence to a level where the Guild is willing to recognise me as an ambassador of the association. My clients can expect a level of professionalism where they should be delighted with the results of my work and the service they receive.

Why is being Qualified important to me?

Achieving Qualification is a culmination of years of experience, training and hard work. I have been working with a mentor from the Guild of Photographers over the last six months to finesse my photography skills and perfect the panel I submitted for assessment. I have a lot of respect for the Guild's judges and I'm delighted that they have recognised my efforts in awarding me Qualified status.

What next?

I'm continuing to work with my mentor, improving my photography skills and the images I produce. I hope to continue winning awards for my images in the Guild's monthly image competition. I also plan to work with a mentor for my wedding images and work towards the next levels of qualification within the Guild.

Award-winning baby imageChild and baby photographer Windsor Berkshire

I was delighted to learn this week that I have won two bronze awards with the Guild of Photographers' monthly image competition. These two images of this beautiful baby were taken at one of my mini-photoshoot sessions at a local baby and toddler group. I also use the same studio kit for a photoshoot in your own home - you'd never know they weren't taken in a studio, with the added bonus of having snacks, outfit changes and other home comforts on hand. If you'd like to book a family photoshoot, please get in contact. Or to be kept up-to-date with my next mini-photoshoot dates, please like my facebook page.

Award-winning baby imageChild and baby photographer Windsor Berkshire

I love food photography, so much so that I sometimes bake just so I can photograph the food! So I was delighted when Doodle's Den asked me if I would photograph their new summer menu for their website. These are a few of the dishes you'll find on offer when you pop in - scrummy milkshakes, salads and bagels, plus dishes made just for the kids! Food photography is as much about how you present the food as photograph it. If you run a food business and would like me to provide product photography for you, then please get in contact and I can advise you on styling and presentation.

Last month, I was fortunate to photograph two weddings at the Macdonald Berystede Hotel in Ascot. It's a fabulous venue that can cater for weddings of all sizes (one of these had 30 guests one had more than a hundred!). There are lovely grounds and features that look amazing for your wedding photography (including the gazebo featured in one of these images, which has the most amazing light for some beautiful portraits). And last but not least a stunning bridal suite complete with four poster bed in its iconic tower.

Rob & Bee's wedding was quite late in the afternoon, and as I knew they were getting ready together, I suggested that we head out a few hours before their ceremony to do take some relaxed bridal portraits (this is quite common in the USA, known as 'first look'). I was thrilled when they agreed, and we decided on the banks of the River Thames for the location. Their ceremony was at the iconic Windsor Guildhall - every time I photograph a wedding here, I thank my lucky stars that my local registry office is such an amazing historic and beautiful building. After the reception we headed to the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park for more portraits, then back to the ceremony at the Macdonald Hotel Windsor.

Rob & Bee recently posted some lovely feedback on my facebook page, which I'd like to share here, as it really put a smile on my face:
"We can’t sing the praises of ‘Photography By Abi Moore’ highly enough! The photography service that we received was exemplary in every respect. We are very pleased that we chose Abi to capture the story & the memories of our special day. Thank you for looking after us so wonderfully well, Bee & Rob."

Thank you so much for the kind words both of you, and thanks again for choosing me to capture your memories!