About Shona Branigan

Welcome to my new web site design which has just gone live in January 2012! Many thanks to Ben from Umbrella Tree. I have been trading since 1998 so I have lots more content I would love to add. As the site will grow and develop please do drop by regularly to see what's new.

I am a very natural photographer and I don't know any other way to be. I see a picture make itself and I can feel when good photographs are possible. Photographing people is a collaboration, I couldn't do it without you! I treat you with respect, respond to you, and follow your wishes. Although the photos are natural and often candid it is still very important to me that they are flattering and beautiful. It's a wonderful feeling when client's tell me their photos are beautiful.
I took an HNC in Photography in 1998 and loved it all! Gaining lots of Distinctions I photographed my first wedding whilst still at college. Many thanks to Elaine. Although I was new to photography I had spent 16 years as a professional advisor and so my social skills were developed, assessed and evaluated continuously. A fantastic foundation for my new career. Years later and I am still developing but aim to stay true to what I can do well.
I will always love photography for the miracle it is. The chance to keep a little bit of our lives for ever. x

Shona Branigan BSc, BTEC HNC, Dip CG, ARPS, WPJA.

MY STUDIO.

My studio deserves a special mention. It is on the banks of Derwent Reservoir in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it is a special place. I was very lucky to find my house and studio here in January 2011 and I would like to thank the Minsteracres estate for being so supportive. The studio needed a lot of renovation and the estate were as enthusiastic about this as I was and provided a lot of additional work. Thank you. It is now a comfortable and inspiring place to be. Please do visit if you would like to, I am often here and you can always ring first if you prefer. If you would like to get in touch to enquire about wedding prices, portrait options or a commercial quote I have a contact page or you are welcome to ring if it is urgent.

MY SERVICES.

I offer a wedding, portrait and commercial photography service.

Weddings are natural, relaxed, and the way you have imagined. The photography feels like a comfortable part of the day and doesn't intrude at all. I provide packages to suit your wishes starting with the essentials of coverage and images with copyright which you can then add to as much as you like either before or after the wedding. On line galleries for previewing and ordering, and a complimentary portrait session to use at any time which suit you. My packages are flexible and very good value.

Portraits are natural and relaxed too. My studio has indoor space lit without flash so it's very gentle for children and adults alike! We also venture outside into the beautiful countryside here so that you can all chill out and enjoy some quality time and I have endless opportunities for quiet unobtrusive photos.

Commercial work is varied ranging from shows, events, meetings, portraits, buildings, interiors, products. Quotes are based on a detailed brief and the agreed time to cover this and include the photos on CD with the copyright license you need. My prices are very fair for this too and I often have regular work for the same clients.

I am CRB cleared and have full Professional indemnity Insurance. I am a proud member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association.
The Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) is a professional organization composed of photojournalists and wedding photographers from around the world. What sets our members apart in the industry is their candid, documentary approach – a distinctly artistic vision toward wedding photography.