Ballet at Oakwood School, Chichester ...

After a busy weekend of sports photography and a late Black Tie, I had a fabulous, creative Sunday to look forward to at Oakwood School.  The girls (and a few boys) from Sue Bethel's Sussex Ballet School had ballet exams this weekend.  Oakwood House is a large Georgian country house with floor to ceiling bay windows upstairs. As soon as I saw these windows, I knew I had to use them. My favourite is when the older girl came running up first and she was performing an arabesque in the window when her mum came in and said, "She has my ballet shoes on" ... if you look closely, you'll see they are way to big and she is holding on to the window for dear life ... but still as graceful still ... enjoy.

 

the sisters ... 

Boxgrove Priory Christenings by Ali Gaudion Photographer ...

I have photographed many Christenings in my time ... the first of many was 18 years ago at the beginning of my career. I remember seeing the parents faces as their baby was splashed with the waters. They looked proud, relieved and emotional. Now, 20 years later, after doing this for a living, and having had my own children christened, I really know how the families feel when this special day comes around.  Boxgrove Priory is a stunning Church and as you'll see from the images, I capture the day in its entirety. I have to say, my favourite image is of the light pouring through the stained glass windows.

Sammie's 21st Bash! Glitter & Beauty

Tonight I had the honour of attending the 21st Birthday Party of Sammie Jo ... the daughter of my school friend, Melanie. It was held at Tottington Manor, where I have photographed a few weddings. It's a wonderful venue, by Steyning and surrounded by the Downs. Lit with pink and purple lights, there were sweets, diamonds, balloons, a live band, chocolate fountain, curry, fish pie!, and tanned, leggy 21st year olds in abundance. An amazing party ... here are the highlights. More photos here Ali's Facebook

Serendipity Ball .. Avisford Hilton

My Auntie Tina was sweet enough to organise The Serendipity Ball for the Chestnut Tree House, a charity close to her heart. They came, they ate, they danced and they posed. I'm available for Balls, Proms and we print on the night; you get a photoshopped photo, in a mount, in a bag so you can leave in on the table and it does not get ruined. We are fun and professional. The backdrop is big and the printers are fast.  It's free to hire us, and we charge £10 per shot. Call on 07747773880 if you would like to earn 20% commission for your party/charity.

The Princess Photoshoot ...

My daughter and her friend, who came for tea, decide to have their own photoshoot complete with princess dresses and bed jumping. 

Photographing youth is always easy. Not only are they completely without inhibition, they have skin like creamy silk, with no imperfections, wrinkles or impurities.

Photographing these babies was bliss ... (View more shoots from my studio/bedroom here)

In their world, everything is pink ...

  And hilarious (which isn't a bad way to be)

 And yes, they did break break the bed.

Sweet Sienna's Baby Photos

So, I get the honour of photographing Baby Sienna. In the Winter, wedding photographers move from Brides and wedding photography to Babies!  Sienna is 9 months and almost ready to get up and run. We caught her just before Christmas, just in time for her Christmas Card photoshoot.  How gorgeous and easy was she to photograph. We set up a mobile studio on a bed, which is easier for babies as it's a soft but firm surface and easy for her to roll around on and not get hurt.  She can also, lay, fall, jump, crawl and the white room is great for bouncing light everywhere. These photos were taken with a Nikon D700, at 2.8 ISO 600 1/60th. The lower the shutter speed, the warmer the shot. We also used the light that was coming through sheer curtains. The sheerness creates a muted light that softens the shot. Easy baby and gorgeous mummy Sarah.