Greenstreet Photography Blog

Louise & Matt at The Beauchief Hotel

2012-02-12T08:29:00.001-08:00

Louise & Matt were married at Sacred Hearts Church in Hillsborough Sheffield.
This is one of our favourite Sheffield churches and we are privileged to know Father Shaun who resides and preaches there and goes out of his way to make everyone feel at home in his Church, including the photographers!

Gorgeous wedding cars were supplied by Balmoral Wedding Cars who always give a great service.

After the wedding service we captured some lovely shots at Millhouses Park very near to the venue at the Beauchief Hotel. Millhouses park is a lovely place to walk at the side of the river, a popular picnic spot during the Summer months and offers lots of open space for families.

The Beauchief runs a restaurant now known as Christians which is one of Sheffields most popular dining venues.

Rachel & Mark at Hardwick Hall

2012-02-08T06:19:00.000-08:00

Having public access to so many English Heritage sites is so understated in my opinion as they are such a valuable asset to our beautiful country. Thanks to the existance and work of the Peak District's National Trust and English Heritage, we are able to visit and experience these beautifully restored historic homes and gardens that capably transport our hearts and minds back as early as the 16th Century.
Hardwick Hall one of our oldest Elizabethan houses stands within 300 acres of parkland featuring some beautiful gardens with its extensive lawns, attractive hedgerows, herb gardens and orchards, making an idyllic setting for any wedding.
We are always humbled by the sheer expanse of these grounds and the view of the entrance courtyard with the buildings stately pillars is truly magnificent.

We had an opportunity this year to photograph Rachel & Mark who chose this monumental and iconic venue for their wedding ceremony.
The main Gallery Hall where the ceremony was held is dark and dramatic and a beautiful 16th century polished oak feasting table dominates the room floor. Using only the naturally available light we created some naturally atmospheric shots of the ceremony.

The Hall is open to the public both weekdays and weekends and although special provisions are made to minimise tourist traffic during the wedding, it naturally presents some challenges to the photographer to create undisturbed views and backgrounds for the wedding couple.
With minimal intervention, our walk around the grounds proved rewarding and we captured some timeless photographs.

In keeping with the excellence of the wedding venue, Rachel & Mark organised their wedding feast locally in an exquisitely finished marquis sufficiently large enough for all their guests with separate bar area and cooking facilities for their caterers. (panoramic pic) From the photographers viewpoint this marquis was impressive indeed, the size of an aircraft hanger with enough space for 6 light aircraft came to mind! On reflection perhaps a slight exaggeration but what an impression!

Hardwick Hall

Walking down the isle alongside the 12th century Oak table that runs the length of the High Great Chamber Hall.

The Hall is quite dark and feels like you are reliving times long past with its dark oak panelled walls and only a small window at the back offers some natural light into the room.

Truly wonderful!

This photograph was taken with that in mind, to show the true ambience of the moment.

The day was concluded in a magnificent marquis that had been installed in the family garden. We always enjoy the special first dance moments and our opportunity to capture a great picture. Immortalised by yours truly :-)

Melissa & Jon at Hassop Hall

2012-02-08T05:55:00.000-08:00

A fantastic choice of venue for Melissa and Jon who chose Hassop Hall, one of Britains most romantic settings in the picturesque village of Hassop in the Peak District near Bakewell.
An eclectic mix of people made this wedding quite special for us and made willing subjects for our two cameras.
Melissa's beautiful wedding gown certainly stole the show although it made walking somewhat challenging at times.

Dona & Colin at Hellaby Hall

2011-10-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hellaby Hall is one of our favourite local venues, situated so conveniently just off the M18 motorway and just 3 minutes by car to our studio!

It is perhaps quite underestimated being a 17^th Century listed manor house hiding behind several trees just off the main road leading to Maltby, Rotherham.

http://www.primahotels.co.uk/hellaby/

The grounds aren’t extensive by any means, but sufficient to capture nice photographs against the very interesting building facia and two gardens with its paths and connecting walkways.

We enjoyed photographing Dona & Colin and the ceremony was informal and friendly.

We were fortunate with the weather, and bright sunlight cascaded down reflecting through the trees making a beautiful setting for Dona & Colins walking shots. The white parasol comes in handy sometimes, we always carry it with us for the right occasion.

On leaving Hellaby Hall well into the night after photographing their first dance and evening celebration, we finished off with a panoramic night shot.

We are always impressed to see beautiful old buildings properly lit, not only good for venue promotion but great for the wedding album too!

Megan & Scott at Mosborough Hall

2011-07-02T04:36:00.000-07:00

The Wedding of Megan & Scott on 21^st May 2011.

Every wedding is unique in some way and every wedding is special. But what makes the wedding photography special to you? Is it as straightforward as taking pictures of all the events that happen during the day or is it more technical and more in depth than some imagine?

With each wedding, we try to bring something special and unique into their day and we believe it is in the individual approach to each wedding that lies the success of the wedding photographer/s

Megan & Scott enjoyed a fabulous day and putting our mark on it in our usual individual way, made it equally special for us too.

The mayhem of the preliminaries can be a joy to watch and photograph, and the make up artist, hairdresser, busy bridesmaids all add to the fun of the morning.

On this morning, Scott was to be given reprieve as they chose to have only the brides preparation photographs. It was a joy for me to contribute but my time was short as I was to meet the Groom and his merry men at the Church before the ceremony for photographs.

At Eckington Church I negotiated with the lady minister who rather surprisingly asked that no photographs were to be taken whatsoever during the entire ceremony!

I was thus to position myself in amongst the Choir where I would best capture the ring exchanges. Discreetly sandwiched between them, I was amused when asked if I would join in with the singing. I do admit I did give my vocals a stretch at one point during the proceedings and I thought I blended quite well!

More importantly I was able to capture some lovely photographs of Megan & Scott at their penultimate moments.

Weather stayed good throughout and the reception at Mosborough Hall was nothing short of excellent. Some very naturally beautiful shots of the couple in the gardens and later we suggested a boudoir session in the bridal suite.

Putting that individual approach into action, we were followed by some very enthusiastic guests who wanted to get in on the act and resulting in some more memorable photographs.

Speeches and dancing followed and photography came to a close at approximately 11pm. Wedding photographers with such enthusiasm find it equally difficult to leave the party!

Viewing completed and album well underway in just 4 weeks!

Nigel Greenstreet.

Greenstreet Photography

07836 233022

www.greenstreetphotography.com

Kaylee & James ay Wortley Hall 30th April 2011

2011-06-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Wortley Hall is one of South Yorkshire's popular venues for weddings and civil ceremonies.
It is steeped in history as both stately home and official meeting place for the Trades Union and British Labour movement.
With its huge window casements and sashes offering exciting natural photo opportunities as well as the extensive grounds and views overlooking the elegant facia of the building.

It was a good weather day for Kaylee & James so we were able to capture some lovely blue sky shots in the garden. Some relaxed walking shots are always favourites for the album. Kaylee & James clearly benefitted from the walking practise we gave them at their pre-wedding shoot only 6 weeks before their wedding day.

This one was definately worthy of a place in their digital wedding album, our 30cm x 20cm digital book favourite this year. Stunning!

...and as this is just a fleeting glimpse of the occasion, we ended their wedding day story with one of our classic 1st dance shots. We especially like the sexy smouldering mood of the monochrome image, with of course a few special tweaks here and there!

Thanks Kaylee & James. We really enjoyed ourselves in your company on the day and thanks for making our job so easy.
Nigel & Sue.

Fairytale Wedding at Clearwell Castle

2011-03-15T05:35:00.000-07:00

Marise & Rob's Wedding on the 21st February 2011

Clearwell Castle is situated in Clearwell, The Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. A stunning venue providing the perfect setting for any wedding. It was the winner of Wedding Ideas Magazine and voted 'Best Wedding Venue' in 2010.
It was a pity that the weather conditions prevented us from taking more photographs outside but the rain held off just sufficient for us to capture some beautiful walking photographs in front of the castle and of course some 'singing in the rain ' shots were inevitable!

We couldn't resist taking a night shot of the castle just as we were leaving!

Wedding Fayre News - Update

2011-02-26T07:52:00.000-08:00

Successful day for all last Sunday! Congratulations to Hallam FM for running a great show. Thanks to everyone who took time to talk to us at the show and all the fantastic comments about our wedding photography and latest albums.
The prize draw was held at 3pm assisted by one of Hallam's brides for the day, thank you for helping us out and making the draw on our behalf. Nicola Tweedale was the lucky winner of an album and prints for their free engagement shoot - to be arranged.

23 free engagement shoots were signed up on the day and we are now in the process of making the arrangements for the shoots to take place on mondays and wednesdays each week, also weekends subject to availability.
Anyone who didnt manage to attend the wedding fayre and would like further information and availability on our engagement shoots or other studio or on location shoots, then contact us on 01709 730011 or mobile 07836 233022

Hallam FM Wedding Fayre at Holiday Inn Royal Victoria Hotel

2011-02-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

Hallam FM Wedding Fayre
A major wedding fayre event takes place on Sunday 20th February at the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria Hotel Sheffield. It has been organised by Hallam Fm and is expected to attract a large local crowd.
We at Greenstreet Photography will be in full force with sample books made up from our latest weddings and with an impressive visual multimedia display of images from last season.
We are running our FREE ENGAGEMENT SHOOT promotion with an added prize draw with a good chance to win an album. the combined value of this lifestyle on location shoot and album are worth over £125 so it would be a shame to miss it!

This free promotion has no strings attached! couples are invited to spend an hour taking photographs and experiencing our personal style and technique in wedding photography. It is a relaxed and friendly shoot that will help couples prepare for their big day regardless of which photographer/s they choose. All that we ask is that you have not already chosen your photographer.

Come and visit us on the stand on Sunday and don't forget to ask for a prize draw voucher which will be drawn at 3pm! You could easily be the lucky winners!

Engagement Shoots

2011-01-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

Choosing the right photographer isn't as easy as some people think. In todays competitive market there is a proliferation of new photographers coming onstream every month and although this should generally be considered good for the consumer, having so much choice without really knowing the people or the products its really like just putting your roulette chips on a few numbers and hoping you get lucky!
Hiring a photographer before you know how he operates how he manages people and how socially skilled he/she is therefore quite daunting.
This is where we at Greenstreet Photography have created the solution to this problem with a FREE ENGAGEMENT SHOOT that isn't dependent on a firm booking or subject to fees or even pressure to buy. It is the ideal opportunity for couples to see a photographer at work and to judge for themselves if we are simply right for them.
For us it is also an opportunity for us to show you just how comfortable you would feel if you did book your wedding with Greenstreet Photography and to show you the standard of our real work rather than the samples all photographers show you.
After the shoot you will be invited to our studio to view the images on a large screen and at the same time you will receive a free 10x8 portrait print from the image collection. We are currently offering this FREE shoot to all couples who contact us during the next few weeks. Come and see us at Hallam FM's Wedding Fayre on February 20th at the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria Hotel Sheffield as we will be exhibiting and offering not only our FREE ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS and FREE PRE WEDDING SHOOTS but also entries to our prize draw to win a 10 page portrait album worth £50.
We also recently registered with UKBride who offer a great network of information to help with the planning of your wedding.

Check us out there too just click on the UKBride logo.
For weddings in sheffield we can highly recommend the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria Hotel Sheffield who are situated in a central location in the city centre. We expect to run a feature on this venue very soon!.

Wedding Fair News

2010-10-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

Wedding Fayre News

One of the best ways to spend a rainy Sunday! There are always Wedding Fayres you can visit and take some relaxed time to think about planning your big day. Tankersley Manor, originally a 17th Century Manor House situated just off the M1 just 20minutes from Sheffield and stands in an imposing position in its own grounds with ample car parking for its hotel guests, conferences , fairs and special events.

Wedding Fayre - 19th September 2010
It was great to meet you all and to get another chance to chat to some of our 2011 couples we signed up earlier this year.

There were as many as 7 competing photographers on the day, providing a huge choice in terms of photography style and price. This is always considered a good thing for consumers, in this case wedding couples who really need to get to grips with exactly what they can expect to receive for their outlay.
There is no doubt that second only to the cost of venue itself, photography is a major expense and needs some time and consideration.
From the many enquiries we receive both directly from our website and also from wedding fayres themselves, we do try to bring some clarity to peoples minds, because in today's market place choosing the right photographer can be a daunting task!

Here I think are the important elements that must be part of your decision process..

1. PRESENTATION - The first impression really matters! You will be spending most of your day in the company of your photographer/s so you want to feel comfortable with him/her/them. Your relatives and friends too will feel the presence of your photographers. Will they like them? Their management style and organised manner must be well practised and practically flawless. You want your day to be happy, and you will want your photographers to look happy too!

2. EXPERIENCE - With the huge upsurge in digital camera technology there is a growing number of new photographers entering the market. Everyone has to start somewhere and we all have to learn all of the technical and management skills necessary, but how can you be sure your photographer will deliver the service you expect?
Are the photographs displayed in the albums taken from actual current weddings or are they advertising samples? What cameras do they use, entry level DSLR's or the very latest HIGH ISO top range models that can take sharp pictures in a dark church!! It's worth asking the questions!

3. QUALITY - You want photographs that are outstandingly better than any of your family and friends might take. Look at the arrangements of the groups, compositions and cropping and look for presence of unwanted lamp-posts, fire hydrants, exit signs, and any other untidy distractions that could be removed.

3. COST - You may have a ceiling cost in mind, but many of the issues already discussed in terms of presentation and experience can often be reflected in the asking price, so its worth bearing that in mind. I think its fair not to expect 'the earth' if you are paying less than average to a part time non-professional.

So to recap...I would strongly advise taking a close look at the work of several photographers. The images should be strong and stand out from the pages. Look for light in the eyes and the general composition of each photograph. Are they the type of shots you want in your album?
Once you have decided who you want, then negotiate a price and not the other way around!

Wedding fairs are a great way for this kind of research so jump in at the deep end and ask lots of questions!

We can recommend Tankersley Manor as one of the good sources of suppliers in our area.
We enjoy wedding fayres as they not only put us in touch with new Bride & Grooms but also allow us to meet up with existing customers who have already chosen us as their photographers. Its a great opportunity to show any new wedding books we may have on display. Once we have a firm booking we keep in touch with you and keep you informed about any fayres we are doing during the season.

Tankersley Wedding Fayre was another successful day I'm sure for both brides and exhibitors. One particular stand I thought was worth a mention, positioned directly opposite our stand Casino Knights providing some light entertainment for your evening event. A little something different to make the evening go with a swing and their evening rates won't break the bank!

Aimi & Gareth

2010-08-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Aimi & Gareth

Hathersage Church – Ringwood Hall

9^th August 2010

Hidden at the back of Hathersage main street is an old Church steeped in history, first built and opened in 1692 and having been burned to the ground in 1723 by a mob, was rebuilt in 1806 and stands as it was, today as the very charming and atmospheric Catholic Chapel of Saint Michael, the Archangel.

Aimi & Gareth were fortunate enough to celebrate the event of their wedding at Saint Michael’s Church on 24^th August and we the photographers felt equally privileged.

Set at the foot of a long drive amidst trees and shrubbery both sides to form an arch, meant an attractive shot of the arrival of the wedding cars, beautiful Daimler saloon followed by the Bride and father in ‘Kirby’ an attractively restored classic that never fails to turn heads – service by Cloud Nine wedding cars who never fail to wow their clients with their impeccable style and reliable wedding car service.

The resident priest gave one of the most personable, warm and friendly services

I have come across. Particularly for ourselves as photographers, as we were immediately comforted by the words, you may take whatever photographs you please. Unrestricted therefore, this made it much easier to capture some beautiful images during the service.

After the ceremony and time to be welcomed by the guests we arranged some family groups outside the church.

Later at Ringwood Hall, main groups of all the guests and our very popular ‘all the ladies followed by all the guys’ groups, taken from one of the hotel balconies.

Some threats of showers held off, and we were able to capture the usual reportage (natural shots) of guests partaking in champagne and canapés before the meal.

On this ocassion we were taking photographs up to the main meal service and so we were as usual able to capture shots of the dining room layout, top table, and Bride & Groom’s table settings.

We finished our day on this ocassion with photographs of the cake cutting (a mock up only ) just before guests were invited to enter the dining area.

All in all, an excellent day for both Bride & Groom and their happy photographers.

Aimi & Gareth were invited back to our studio just 2 weeks later for a presentation of the finished images and they showed their appreciation by leaving us with a glowing report and some very kind words. We have published these on the website in the testimonials section.

Nigel Greenstreet.

Kerry & Chris

2010-07-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

Kerry & Chris @ Aston Hall - 24th April 2010

Fabulous day on Saturday and probably one of the best weather days to date this year.

Kerry & Chris decided on our full package which included preparation photography of both bride and groom and an extension into the evening, covering speeches and first dance. We say first dance, but in reality our day normally finishes around 10pm and on this occasion we were able to take full advantage of the clear night sky and mild conditions to grab a few shots outside of both bride and groom with the Aston Hall building as backdrop beautifully lit as usual.

Their ‘wedding–photography’ day started out at Aston Hall at 9.30am and managed to take all the necessary shots of the groom and his team of 7 ushers + pageboy within an hour.

I was privileged enough to accompany them limo style courtesy of americanpie limos in their flagship 30 feet white Hummer and during the course of the journey managed to get some rather characterous shots of the guys enjoying champagne and their selection of loud rap music .

A 30 minute journey saw our arrival at Sacred Heart Church a beautiful 19^th Century Church set in a surprisingly tranquil and well hidden area in Hillsborough, Sheffield, quite close to the Old Army Barracks now famously known as Morrisons Supermarket.

My colleague and partner Sue joined me at the church about 20 minutes before the bridesmaids and bride arrivals.

Sacred Heart Church has a gallery overlooking the main hall which allowed Sue to capture some stunning photographs of the whole proceedings whilst I was as usual positioned up front for the more intimate close ups.

Afterwards the wedding party moved back to Aston Hall where theye were greeted with Champagne and canapés.

Photography continued with reportage coverage and some special shots of the Bride & Groom in the grounds at Aston Hall before being called to the line up at 3.45pm

During the meal we were able to snatch a few minutes to eat and refresh ourselves ready for the following speeches and then evening celebrations.

The end of the photographer’s day completed at 10.30pm .

We are looking forward to the viewing for Kerry & Chris in approx 1 week.