So I'm guessing some of you probably got a nice new camera for Christmas? Or like many others you've been taking a fair few pictures at various parties and gatherings. Did you know that even simple relatively inexpensive cameras are packed with features and settings that, if you knew how to use, would allow you to take even better pictures?

There's so many really cool and simple to do things with a camera that most people will never know and I'd like to share them with people who are enthusiastic to take better photos.

I'm really pleased to announce that I will be running my "Take Photos Like A Professional" Photography Training Day in Leeds at the Hilton Hotel (situated near Leeds train station) on the 26th May 2012. This is a rare opportunity and I'll be keeping the numbers down. On this practical course I will be sharing my experience and knowledge on cameras, techniques and tricks as well as what to do with the picture after it's taken - photoshopping and image editing. I'll also reveal my professional workflow too!

Coming from London? I've got a number of people further south in London who are interested in attending so I've made the times suitable for those travelling up by train.

See you there!

Over the years I've done a lot of studio work and weddings but earlier this year I had the pleasure of merging the two together into a Pre-Wedding Studio Photoshoot. The bride and her maid of honour (well we can't have the groom seeing the dress before the wedding!) turned up, and with the hair and makeup professionals on hand to assist, had a great pre-wedding shoot.

Everyone will have a different reason for wanting a prenuptial photo session, maybe you want to send images to a relative who can't make the big day or perhaps family and friends overseas. Maybe it's because after all the effort you've put into the wedding dress you want to get some lovely pics of it away from the hussle and crowds on the big day. Or maybe you just want to have fun with your girl friends?

Find out more about a pre-wedding shoot. And if you're more into organic photography and nature then I'm happy to escpae the studio with you and shoot on location, for example: the beach; at a hotel; in the countryside; at a famous location... whatever you can imagine, at night, at sunrise, sunset?...

As a professional photographer, I sometimes find myself in "interesting" situations... It's York, Yorkshire, there's about 30 mins till sunset and I'm in the car with a client at the end of a long day of shooting inside and outside various properties in and around Yorkshire.

"Let's just get a quick photo of this property we're renovating, it would be a great promotional image for our website."

"OK" I say and so we get the owners permission and setup the shoot.

Normally I'd have my step ladder on me but this is an impromptu shoot and so I have to think out the box. Luckily there was a pallet of bricks that my clients team had on the drive way... perfect! You see when photographing buildings it helps to get elevation.

The images above were taken by the client who was entertained by my enthusiasm to clamber up the bricks. Well for me it's all about getting the right shot!

I'm just reviewing the images from yesterdays photo shoot at the excellent Starr Studios in East London. The shoot was a pre-wedding shoot and for now the photo's have to remain top secret! but I can tell you the clients were delighted with the results and it was a real pleasure working with them. Starr studios are an excellent creative venue in east London run by Vincent Starr.

I was assisted by the talented photographer, Maria Bow and the shoot was shot on Pro Canon gear with a range of L series lenses - amazing glass! Lighting was by Bowens and shooting was tethered with Capture One which enabled us to work closely with the hair and makeup artists.

Behind the Scenes:

In the image above: Top left: light meter readings. Right: Maria B and myself posing for a test shot. Bottom left: the flashes fire as Maria takes a behind the scenes shot.

Big thank you to Maria Bow, Vincent Starr, the clients (who must remain secret), and the hair and makeup.... a team effort!

You may have noticed that I've made a few updates to the site recently. Well there's now a gallery for each of the weddings I'm showcasing so there are more examples of wedding photography from around the UK including Leeds, Nottingham, London and Kent. Click to visit the wedding galleries and see what you think. Enjoy! Mark