70th birthday

You've arranged a fabulous party for a wedding anniversary, or a significant birthday and you've hired a photographer to capture moments of this special occasion for you. Here are a few things you'll want to think about before the day to ensure that the photography goes smoothly. Having done special occasions photography for a few years now, I know what questions to ask.

A few weeks ago I did a family portrait in Northumberland. We went to the riverside at Rothbury which was absolutely glorious. It did mean that I was trying to find some shade to avoid harsh shadows. There wasn't much shade but we managed and here are a few of the shots that I got. There was also a massive tail back on the A1 past Morpeth so we all arrived about half an hour late! This meant that the sun wasn't as harsh but the 2 year old was more tired than he would've been.

What finer surroundings to celebrate your 70th birthday than Matfen Hall? I spent an hour photographing some family groups and mingling shots before everyone went in for their meal.

This week's sneak peek is a shot from the 70th birthday party I photographed at Matfen Hall. The drinks were served in the elegant Drawing Room before a meal in the Library Restaurant.

This was a surprise family portrait for a 70th birthday gift. The recipient didn't know that I was coming to take pictures so it was a complete surprise. I don't think he'd have agreed to it if he'd been told about it though. This way he couldn't refuse which is just as well because the whole family now have beautiful pictures of them all together to look back on.