2012 Ride of Respect at Wootton Bassett

Sunday 18th March 2012, the day of the last 'Ride of Respect'.

For the past 3 years bikers from all over the country and made the trip to Hullavington Airfield, where they started their ride.  They were here to show their respect and support for all the military personnel who have served our country, and especially for those who lost their lives.  The bodies of killed servicemen have always in the past been flown into RAF Lyneham and then driven through the town of Wootton Bassett, who became Royal Wootton Bassett as a mark of the attitude the town towards the these dead soldiers while they make their final trip home.

There were approximately 8000 bikers in attendance, with many an old soldier visible, and it was a very moving experience for all.

There were so many in attendance that they had to go out in waves of 700 bikes, there were at least 4 waves in total, with another for the organising staff at the end.

It has been said that this will be the last event, but we would suggest you 'watch this space' you never know what the future will bring.

Here are just a very small example of the photos taken on the day.

Lynn & Vince pre wedding photo shoot

Last Friday I had a great photo session with a new wedding couple, Lynn and Vince.
When they first came to my home to discuss the possibility of Oakfield covering their wedding day, it became obvious that the Groom was very nervous of having his photo taken.  I offer all my couples a free pre wedding photo shoot and thought that Vince would really benefit from this.  A date and time was set and we just had to hope that the weather would remain dry long enough to get the shoot done.
On the morning of the shoot the weather was overcast and cold, but no rain.
We started slow, just a few shots with them sitting on a bench and then spent the next hour walking around the castle grounds.  As the shoot progressed Vince became more relaxed and we all got to know each other.  I had a few wild moments while I held the dogs lead between my legs to get a shot of the couple on their own, I forgot to mention they brought their dog with them, and I hope both vince and Lynn got some enjoyment out of the session.

The Pre Wedding Shoot

The pre wedding shoot is a vital and often overlooked part of the wedding photography experience.  The reasons for this shoot are often misunderstood.  The reason normally given is so that the couple can use the photos for their wedding stationary, which of course they can, but this is not the real reason.

The real reason is for the couple and the photographer to get to know each other.

The wedding couple have an expectation that the photographer is going to be able to capture all the emotion and intimacy of the day and in order for the photographer to achieve this the photographer will not only need to be able to blend into the environment while the emotions are being shown but couple and their family will also need to feel totally at ease in the presence of the photographer.

When I arrive on the morning of the wedding, I don't want to hear the call that the 'photographer' is here, no I want to hear the call 'Stefan' is here.

I am normally met at the door, on the morning of the wedding, by the bride in a dressing gown and handing me a mug of tea and telling me to make myself at home.

I have pored drinks for the bridesmaids, laced up the wedding dress for the bride and always fully enjoyed the day and the company of all present.

The pre wedding photo shoot is the start of the process.  Here the wedding couple and the photographer get to know one another in a friendly and stress free environment.  I like to take the shoot at a location which is special to the couple, such as the spot they first met or where the proposal took place.  Here we spend at least one hour walking and talking, while we get time in front of the camera.

If you have a choice always have a pre wedding photo shoot and use this time to get to know your photographer, his way of working as well as his personality.  Get this shoot done well in advance of your wedding day, so if you find any incompatibility problems you both have the option of making a change.