Saturday 5 February 2011
I've moved....to natashahurleyblog.com
I have created a sparkly new blog where I will be posting all future blog entries. Thank you to everyone who has followed me and dipped in and out and taken the time to read what I have written. To continue finding out what Im up to please go to my new blog. You can also find a link on my website which is still www.natashahurley.co.uk
Thursday 27 January 2011
I heart heels
To start with - Im sorry. I know. I havent posted anything in AGES and this was one of my "things" to get better at this year. Can I say that, like exercising I just havent had the time? Nope I thought not. I promise to get better. So why did I decide to post today? It all started like this.
Running upstairs, thick carpet underfoot, the creek of the door opening after being taken off the grey door-stop. I was excited. Like really excited. Turning to my left I was in front of another door. This time it was the door of the wardrobe...and inside (no, not Nania) were a pair of royal blue patent heels. HEELS. There they were sitting in the bottom of the wardrobe, waiting for me. I would gently take them out and carefully put them on. They were gorgeous. I would then parade downstairs - elegant, sophisticated, regal - at the age of 8 clomping about in shoes to big for me. Looking back, not all that sophisticated, but I didnt care. It was amazing to just be wearing patent heels.....The love affair hasnt ended and whilst I can no longer fit into my Nana's slim size 4's I do have a pile of somewhat more giant sized 8's, all deliciously uncomfortable, impractical but that make me happy just looking at them.
Wednesday 5 January 2011
Claire + Tim's English country winter wedding
Here's a little sneak peek of Claire and Tim's gorgeous winter wedding in Oxford that I shot a few days ago. Their story will be posted shortly I've finished the post production and they are back home. In the meantime I will leave you with a flavour of their wedding...think old stone church in the heart of Oxford, Christmas trees and sparkly lights, tails for the men and long satin rich blue dresses for the bridesmaids. Candelabras and orchids, ivy and the scrummiest cake ever. A glistening bride with a shimmering neckline and flowing skirts. A foxtrot and a raucous Austin Powers flute playing. Yes it was a true celebration! So, Claire and Tim, whilst you both soak up the exotic streets of Zanzibar here's a gorgeous image from your wedding. x
Tuesday 4 January 2011
La Roux our "dog"
I had found it. In the sock drawer under the bed. La Roux's toy has been lost for the past month. Its not just any toy. Its his favourite red and white mouse. Half its fur is missing and it no longer has a tail. But Roux loves his mouse. And, when we throw it, Roux like a good dog fetches it and brings it back for us to throw again. We played this game yesterday morning and decided to video it.
This was my first real try at the HD video function on the Canon 5d Mark II that I shoot with, and although the manual focus took a bit of getting used to - OK I was rubbish at it, the quality and colour is fab. More of these to come this year.
(theres some music too - we got very excited by it all).
x
Sunday 2 January 2011
Ally + Brad's winter wedding
It is the smell of winter. The cold crisp air, the cinnamon and mulled wine, the crunch of frost under foot. Lights twinkling as the daylight fades early. They tried not to fall in love, walking in the parks of London. But it didnt work. Her laugh, exuberance, sense of fun and creating an atmosphere of happiness around her that are infectious. Brad loved her. And she loved him. His assuredness, the fact he's a man's man with a caring heart. That they both are so expressive in the way they talk and laugh. It was fate that caused them to meet and fall in love. So, when Brad suggested they have more tea before their planned trip to Paris Ally reluctantly said OK. Why was he dragging out having another cup of tea when they had a trip to pack for. Why. Because he had a present for her. Reaching over he handed her a gorgeous ring and asked her to be his wife. She starts to cry. As Ally says - like a clown, and puts the ring on her finger. Brad gently gently asks her - is that a yes. And she says emphatically - YES!
I think I could photograph Ally all day, she has such a 50's movie star quality. Gorgeous.
Ally's dad let me in when I arrived. The girls hadnt come back from having their hair and makeup done so I had some time to photograph the details.
I Love this shot of Ally's shoes. The defused light through the window spotlighting the shoes and the old leather chair creating a depth like an oil painting. Well thats what I think.
Ally, her sister and her mum. What a moment. And what a classy family - I loved the black dresses.
I asked Ally to put her dress on in their drawing room which had lovely light and a great backdrop of books and antiques. If I spy somewhere with better light than the bedroom which is the natural place for the dress to be put on I will suggest moving. It makes so much difference to the quality of the photographs if there is good light.
Ally in her dress. I asked her to look out of the window so I had her face framed in natural light and the background light from the lamp creating a colourful juxtaposition between the white/blue of outside and the yellow of the tungsten light.
Brad waiting for Ally to arrive. His son in the bottom lefthand corner.
Ally with her dad proudly walking down the aisle. As a professional photographer himself I felt completely in awe of. And yet, this was just me because Mick was so so genuinely lovely and made me feel so at ease.
I was allowed to take photographs during the ceremony - yeay. The lighting wasnt the best, but with the 50mm 1.2 lens, the white balance and colour came out alright.
The kiss.
And the beautiful moment afterwards - both Brad and Ally shining with happiness.
So, I knew that with the schedule Brad and Ally had for their wedding I wouldnt get to the reception before it was dark. So I went there before the wedding started to get some daylight shots. Heath and the staff were still setting up but luckily the top table was already dressed. And how gorgeous does it look.
The little details were fantastic too - this was hung above Brad and Ally's seat.
Ally had hand stamped each of the table place settings and slotted them into antique looking Christmas baubles. Such a classy affair.
Seasonal white flowers were understated and perfect for the venue and the feel to their wedding.
Wreaths of firs and cones with little robins and fairylights. Such a great way to make it feel Christmasy without it being over the top.
After the ceremony Ally and Brad had allowed half an hour for photographs of them. I always think that it is great when my couples decide to dedicate some proper time for photographs. Not only can I take better shots if I have more time, we can also have fun with the location and it gives my couples some alone time.
I had spied the village green in Highgate which had been decorated in fairy lights and was perfect with the snow that had also fallen in making a truly magical setting for photographs.
Wow! This is one of my favourite pictures. Like a fairytale. I was so busy loving the setting and taking pictures that I had forgotten I had dumped my camera back on a park bench the otherside of the park. All OK thought.
I love this picture too - its like a movie. I know in terms of photography its not perfect but hey. Sometimes its the risky shots that turn out to be so evocative. Here we had just jumped in the cab after the shoot so my camera lens was all steamed up, so Ally has a misty quality surrounding her.
The Red Lion and Sun gastropub which is gorgeous. I have photographed three weddings in gastropubs this year and would totally recommend it. The food is always hearty, served quickly and a laid back venue. The managers have always been so so accommodating. Heath was no exception and couldnt help Ally and Brad enough. I think it is such an important event that pubs rarely get the chance to host so its extra special for them too.
The new Mr and Mrs as they arrive at the pub.
This is so typical of them both as people. Having fun and a laugh. Here they are getting ready for the reception dinner - of homemade burgers and fries. Perfect.
The cake, baked by Ally's mum and decorated by Ally's dad and sister. Gorgeous, and tasted lovely.
The speeches and the moments between.
Ally's dad's speech was so heartfelt. And Ally loves her dad so much. I love the frame of the paper from which Mick is reading, and Ally's expression.
And then the best man's speech. So funny!
The raucous cake cutting - there wasnt much space so I focused more on Ally and Brad's expressions which are so great.
The first dance. Another true movie still photograph (in my eyes anyway). I love it.
And the quiet moment. Ally, with her man.
Fun with the guests - here one of the boys has very fetchingly put on one of the girls headpiece.
Natural light, no flash - yes it was this dark, but close to the bar it created a very "Godfather" type lighting effect.
And, at the end of it all, Ally and Brad stepped out for a shot underneath the arch of branches outside the pub. Perfect.
Their wedding in December celebrated the smell of winter which is forever part of their romance. They were married in the Highgate Scientific and Literary Institute which was a short walk from where their reception was held in the Red Lion and Sun pub where the fantastic Heath and his team decorated and then fed and watered all the guests.
The details were gorgeous, Ally had painstakingly stamped each place setting. The tables were decorated in tea lights, white and green seasonal flowers in silver pewters, napkins tied in black ribbon with silver thread. There were garlands of winter firs, holly, ivy and mistletoe. Fir cones dipped in silver twinkling with robins hidden in their midst. Scented candles, mulled wine and log fires burning created a heady mix of Christmas gorgeousness. And, the boys in black suits, the girls in black and Ally in a floor length sweetheart necked gown and bolero. Her sister made her birdcage veil and for the evening Ally added a black sash and let down her hair.
Ally and Brad, you are both such lovely people. Ally, you are truly gorgeous, inside and out. Such fun to be around and giggle with. Brad you are so generous. With everyone. Your warmth and humour are infectious. So, thank you. Thank you for asking me to be your wedding photographer. It was a real privilege to shoot your wedding, and just to be there and see you both get married. Congratulations. x
I think I could photograph Ally all day, she has such a 50's movie star quality. Gorgeous. 
Ally's dad let me in when I arrived. The girls hadnt come back from having their hair and makeup done so I had some time to photograph the details. 
I Love this shot of Ally's shoes. The defused light through the window spotlighting the shoes and the old leather chair creating a depth like an oil painting. Well thats what I think. 
Ally, her sister and her mum. What a moment. And what a classy family - I loved the black dresses.
I asked Ally to put her dress on in their drawing room which had lovely light and a great backdrop of books and antiques. If I spy somewhere with better light than the bedroom which is the natural place for the dress to be put on I will suggest moving. It makes so much difference to the quality of the photographs if there is good light. 
Ally in her dress. I asked her to look out of the window so I had her face framed in natural light and the background light from the lamp creating a colourful juxtaposition between the white/blue of outside and the yellow of the tungsten light.
Brad waiting for Ally to arrive. His son in the bottom lefthand corner.
Ally with her dad proudly walking down the aisle. As a professional photographer himself I felt completely in awe of. And yet, this was just me because Mick was so so genuinely lovely and made me feel so at ease.
I was allowed to take photographs during the ceremony - yeay. The lighting wasnt the best, but with the 50mm 1.2 lens, the white balance and colour came out alright.
The kiss.
And the beautiful moment afterwards - both Brad and Ally shining with happiness.
So, I knew that with the schedule Brad and Ally had for their wedding I wouldnt get to the reception before it was dark. So I went there before the wedding started to get some daylight shots. Heath and the staff were still setting up but luckily the top table was already dressed. And how gorgeous does it look.
The little details were fantastic too - this was hung above Brad and Ally's seat.
Ally had hand stamped each of the table place settings and slotted them into antique looking Christmas baubles. Such a classy affair.
Seasonal white flowers were understated and perfect for the venue and the feel to their wedding.
Wreaths of firs and cones with little robins and fairylights. Such a great way to make it feel Christmasy without it being over the top. 
After the ceremony Ally and Brad had allowed half an hour for photographs of them. I always think that it is great when my couples decide to dedicate some proper time for photographs. Not only can I take better shots if I have more time, we can also have fun with the location and it gives my couples some alone time.
I had spied the village green in Highgate which had been decorated in fairy lights and was perfect with the snow that had also fallen in making a truly magical setting for photographs. 
Wow! This is one of my favourite pictures. Like a fairytale. I was so busy loving the setting and taking pictures that I had forgotten I had dumped my camera back on a park bench the otherside of the park. All OK thought.
I love this picture too - its like a movie. I know in terms of photography its not perfect but hey. Sometimes its the risky shots that turn out to be so evocative. Here we had just jumped in the cab after the shoot so my camera lens was all steamed up, so Ally has a misty quality surrounding her.
The Red Lion and Sun gastropub which is gorgeous. I have photographed three weddings in gastropubs this year and would totally recommend it. The food is always hearty, served quickly and a laid back venue. The managers have always been so so accommodating. Heath was no exception and couldnt help Ally and Brad enough. I think it is such an important event that pubs rarely get the chance to host so its extra special for them too.
The new Mr and Mrs as they arrive at the pub.
This is so typical of them both as people. Having fun and a laugh. Here they are getting ready for the reception dinner - of homemade burgers and fries. Perfect. 
The cake, baked by Ally's mum and decorated by Ally's dad and sister. Gorgeous, and tasted lovely.
The speeches and the moments between. 
Ally's dad's speech was so heartfelt. And Ally loves her dad so much. I love the frame of the paper from which Mick is reading, and Ally's expression.
And then the best man's speech. So funny!
The raucous cake cutting - there wasnt much space so I focused more on Ally and Brad's expressions which are so great. 
The first dance. Another true movie still photograph (in my eyes anyway). I love it.
And the quiet moment. Ally, with her man.
Fun with the guests - here one of the boys has very fetchingly put on one of the girls headpiece. 
Natural light, no flash - yes it was this dark, but close to the bar it created a very "Godfather" type lighting effect.
And, at the end of it all, Ally and Brad stepped out for a shot underneath the arch of branches outside the pub. Perfect. Wednesday 29 December 2010
Merry Christmas
My sister and I always say, its when we hear the coke ad holidays are coming that heralds the start of Christmas. We call each other and shout out. Its Christmas. I love it. Its been harder this year to get into the spirit of Christmas, but the thoughts of going home to wales where my mum will have been cooking for the last month and have a stocked larder and fridge has been like a beacon in the rush of city life. Its sometimes difficult to stop. To think and to remember to be grateful. Because I am. I have a family that I love, a roof over my head. So whilst the electric blinkered and went out on Christmas evening I thought to myself, I am thankful. I am here and its home. Plus extra bonus to mum for organising a second year of snow. Snowboarding and fab snowy photographs. Here are a few shots...Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you had a happy time.
Christmas morning I was up at 8am (La Roux licking my face), and went straight outside to watch the sun rise over the hills.
I love fairy lights, and will always try and shoot wide open (f1.2) to bring the fairy lights out of focus but far more dramatic.
As the sun was rising, I saw the moon behind me - the roof of home at the bottom of the frame.
Mum and David bringing the sledges - the ride down was good, the walk up was painful!
My model brother. Seriously I know I bug him and ask him to pose for me to practice my shooting but he is sooo photogenic.
As is Mum's crazy cat Noah - he was rescued from the side of the road and is quite obviously a wild cat - slightly cross eyed, and this year with a fur coat that resembles a Yeti.
Christmas morning I was up at 8am (La Roux licking my face), and went straight outside to watch the sun rise over the hills. 
I love fairy lights, and will always try and shoot wide open (f1.2) to bring the fairy lights out of focus but far more dramatic.
As the sun was rising, I saw the moon behind me - the roof of home at the bottom of the frame.
Mum and David bringing the sledges - the ride down was good, the walk up was painful!
My model brother. Seriously I know I bug him and ask him to pose for me to practice my shooting but he is sooo photogenic.
As is Mum's crazy cat Noah - he was rescued from the side of the road and is quite obviously a wild cat - slightly cross eyed, and this year with a fur coat that resembles a Yeti. 
And the last picture of La Roux - his first Christmas. Travelling up on the tube and then a five hour train journey. No moaning or groaning. Taking it in his stride. Such a cutie.
Monday 13 December 2010
Kizzy + Myles
Thats it - the VW campervan. With Simon busy washing it. Nervously I approached and said Hi. Was this the right campervan - would the guy think I was crazy. Yes it was the right campervan, and yes he probably did think I was a bit crazy stopping him in the street like that. But, Myles and Kizzy had told me about him and the VW that was going to be taking Kizzy to the church. With a jolly laugh he said hi back and asked about what colour ribbon he should use. And thats how everyone was. Lovely. You could see Kizzy and Myles' family and friends getting involved, wanting to help see these two people off on the start of the married life together. Because thats what they are like. Generous, kind and so warm. Radiating goodness.
I arrived at Kizzy and Myles' flat where Kizzy was busy getting ready. The light bulbs had given up, there were last minute alterations being made to bridesmaid dresses, the flower girl twirling around, sandwiches were being made and in the midst, a calm, radiant Kizzy. And thats how it stayed throughout the day. Just happy. Meeting Myles at the church beaming as he welcomed guests - many who had come from Australia. And just before Kizzy walked down the aisle Myles turned around, and looked at his mum.
From the church to the reception Kizzy and Myles had allowed enough time for some photos of them. Yeay. I am always whooping when this happens. So, far too over ambitiously I suggested South Bank. I will always remember Kizzy walking bare-foot along the pavement, cheers going up, and the biggest smiles ever.
So, here are a few pictures...what a gorgeous affair, full of happiness, details everywhere and Kizzy and Myles - the most perfect of matches. Here's to you both. x
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