A short visit to Shanghai...

A sprawling city working very hard to push into 2010 as an important part of modern China, Shanghai certainly is a worthy stop on a trip to China and an exciting way for me to finish off 2009 both work related and as a tourist. I was working for a private client but had plenty of time to myself. It was my first time to China and was a good introduction to China.

With Shanghai being as modern as any other city, it's left me wanting to go out there again to see Beijing, Xian, the other Provinces, the Wall etc... what I would've classed as "real China", the China I learned about growing up. The China that captivated my generation through the movies it produced, that motivated my dad when he was young to learn Chinese, martial arts and become a Kung Fu master (a title he doesn't personally use though. His students call him Sifu Leung)... anyway, that's the china I still have to see more of but for now.. Shanghai was a good experience. Plus while they have WuShu Master on regular tv... what do we get here in the UK? Total Wipeout.

Yes it was busy, cold (but not as cold as home!), and I fell and fractured my hand but it was a place full of sights, interesting people, very cheap and very wholesome food and tea, tea, tea... love it. 12 hours on a plane and 8 hour time differences I could do without though!

Here are a few cool shots, taken with a point and shoot (canon g10):

Entering Shanghai the fastest way possible (on land).. The Maglev at 430km/h (hence it's a bit shaky)

Ok so I go to grab a coffee and what do I find?

There are a whole lot more on my facebook page so feel free to check that out at http://www.facebook.com/db247

I had planned to do a 2009 wrap up post while I was out there but hadn't figured on blogspot being a banned website over there so I haven't been able to access my own blog, facebook, twitter etc while I was there! So I'll do that very soon! It's been a year of extremes... And I think it'd be good to put it into words, and images where possible... So, see you next year!

Final Wedding shoot of 2009 - Shugborough Hall - Katie and Simon

So I've survived 2009! And to finish off, as far as weddings go at least, I shot a cool wedding at Shugborough Hall last Saturday. Of course, England being England, it was freezing cold and for once I mean it wholeheartedly and literally! But the wedding party had hot chocolate, mini mince pies and brownies after the ceremony while everybody enjoyed the afternoon at Shugborough.

Thanks to the venue, and for their amazing compliment - They said I was "the nicest photographer they have ever had!" What a compliment! If you want to check them out for your wedding take a look at their site at this link http://www.shugborough.org.uk/weddings-190

Now I know a few great photographers that shoot there too who I'm sure are at least as "nice" as me, so I accept the compliment but won't get big headed! I guess it's because we choose to shoot the wedding mainly in an informal manner, stealth/ninja like ... and so we don't boss people around or try to control the day. I believe a wedding should be shot like that, I'm there to report on the day not to make it happen. This isn't 1985!

Right, so thanks to Katie and Simon for having me along.. it was a short session and one to remember. Couldn't have asked for better! So here are a few favourites, which I struggled to choose.

If you're interested in booking or know anybody who might be interested in my style of photography and working, then please say hello. Email me or give me a call. I can be found on twitter and facebook too.. click the links and say hello.

I'm off on my travels again this week, this time I'm being sent to Shanghai, China! I missed out on a wedding in Mexico in Summer 2010 by the way, because I was already booked up! So.. please... book me somebody in Mexico ;)

Right... Photo time:

I'm back... after a long ... long.. well I was busy, then I was away...

Sorry for the big gap between last posting! What's been happening? Well... I was very busy with the end of the season, still have another few shoots before the year is out including a trip to China later this month!

Most recently I was away in Jamaica. Spent a day or so in Spanish Town and then 10 days in Ochi (Ocho Rios) ... I loved Jamaica, the people, the food, the weather of course! Going from 30+ everyday to 3/4 degrees here is not fun! Where did I leave that bottle of rum again?!

So as it's been awhile here are a bunch of point n shoot snaps I took while I was away... the rest are on my facebook page if you're connected with me on there. If not... click and add me!

Remember, bookings are going well for next year and 2011 but please give me a shout if you need anything doing. I look forward to hearing what you thought about this years work as well!

Out with the disaster relief team... hauling a big piece of machinery up to the top floor.. no cranes involved... MORE MANPOWER!

This cat even passed by the place we went out for my send off on the last night... Spy cat?

As you can see Jamaica is full of amazing sights, people and food. I love how the majority live off the land, share produce, and create some great food. Go there, if you know people there or you know people who know people, hook up with them from day one and see the real Jamaica, not the safe all inclusive hotel boundaries Jamaica. Otherwise, do some tours... stay safe but enjoy yourself.

Oh if you're reading this and think I should practice my point n shoot technique, and would like to send me off travelling from time to time, then get in touch :D