Sophie came to the studio at the end of January, so it was a bit chilly!

She played outside for a little while and found various things fascinating. When I start photographing young children they are very curious about it, and so I show them their photo on the back of the camera and ask their approval, which I am happy to say I always get.

Children then soon forget I am taking their photo and they play looking up every now and then to see if I am still paying attention to them. All children like attention if it's gentle and friendly.

So it's nice when Sophie looks at me and the camera, and how relaxed she is.

It starts to snow slightly, you can see it in this photo, so we go inside to the studio and get some toys and books out.

Sophie's favourite teddy. I never tell children what to do I just let them be, and play with them which is a delight.

When the session is over I offer to hold Sophie's hand to walk to the car. When she takes it happily and doesn't want to go, I feel the session has been a success because it's as important to enjoy being photographed as it is to enjoy looking at the photos themselves. They do go hand in hand.

Sophie's portraits were made into a book as a present. The Queensberry Press Books are beautiful, it's always a thrill for me to design and order these for clients. Sarah chose the photos she wanted in the book, 36 altogether and I created a layout for her to preview.

Sarah had plenty of choice over the colour of the book, and she chose Pacific which was perfect. We also then added a Maya case which is shown with the little clasp. It's a lovely way to keep the book safe.

Sarah was delighted with the book, as I was and let me know last week that the birthday present was a great success. Queensberry press books are a great way to keep your photos, Sarah was able to have 36 images in her book for the same price as ordering 36 separate prints at 9x6 inches, so it's actually very good value too.

I photographed Harry for the first time in April 2008. We went for a wander around my woodland.

He did what all children do, explored, played, found sticks.

Harry came back to my new studio at Derwent Reservoir this April, and he's still very keen on sticks, or rather challenging logs. How the little boy that was has transformed into the savvy 6 year old.

He came with his cousin.

We were caught in very brief but exciting hail stones.

It's ok for a savvy 6 year old to be cuddled.

I photographed Katie's wedding in 2000 and Jane her sister is the bridesmaid on the right in the car.

It was lovely then to photograph Jane's wedding 10 years later in 2010 at St Oswin's Church Wylam.

It was December 2010 with sharp and bright winter light.

Confetti lines are wonderful, I love photographing them and it's a great way to mark the new life of the married couple as they leave the church.

Removing confetti in the soft sheltered natural light of the vintage car.

Langley an iconic venue for Weddings.

Jane and Frans wanted to walk up to the castle.

Warm, red, cosy intimate inside the castle, the perfect contrast.

Studio portraits are natural, unposed and spontaneous so that the children can relax enjoy the experience and receive some positive attention which they love.

All children have their own personality, so allowing them the space to play, allows their individuality to shine through.

Why make your children look 'corporate' for photo sessions by putting them into white shirts and denim. The patterns and colours become part of the composition. Lovely.

I have photographed this little girl three times now. In 2006, 2008 and 2009 and probably again this year. I wonder how she will have changed.

This is her before her little sister was born.

Here is her little sister.

And here is her little sister the following year as she grows up and can now play with her too.

In three years these two will have grown up a lot, its a privilege for me to be able to photograph them regularly.

Laura and Euan were married at Hexham Abbey. The groomsmen got ready at Slaley hall Hotel so I spent a little bit of time with them before moving on to see Laura.

Laura's dress suited her perfectly.

It's starting to feel 'real'. It's always an exciting time for me too to head off to the ceremony.

Wedding's at the Abbey are special and attract attention.

Heading off to the reception at the Hexham Hydro Hall, I love photos from inside the car and the beautiful smell of the vintage leather seats.

The Hydro Hall looked beautiful with wonderful flower arrangements.

The evening dancing was a ceilidh, a brilliant end to a wonderful wedding.

I spent half a day at the Kingswood Outdoor Centre in Hexham and photographed a variety of activities for their publicity and web site use. I love this kind of photography. It's the chance to be involved with what is happening as the quiet observer and recorder. The children has a fabulous time. They were challenged and stretched an their expressions say it all. Kingswood were very pleased with the photos supplied and have added my details to their information pack to schools as their recommended photographer. I also obtained my CRB through Kingswood so I am cleared to work with children in all situations.

I watched this girl climb a telegraph pole, stand on the top of it and then jump out into space to catch a trapeze bar. She was so brave I didn't think I would have the courage to do it myself. The glint in her eyes when she got down is full of her achievement.

This was a new piece of equipment in which the children are hoisted as high as possible and then the swing drops. Eek. I took some very funny photos of the kinds of expressions this produced but it wouldn't be fair to show them here.

Team work is just as important as individual achievements.