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.

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.

These photos were taken at my studio last year. It's a nice contrast to move from outdoor shots to the studio.

When I am photographing you it's very important that you feel relaxed and comfortable so we go with the flow and see what happens.

Ben and Kate were married at Ponteland Methodist Church.

Some beautiful details from the wedding.

And wonderful colours too!

New wedding cars are just as sumptuous as the vintage one's.

Otterburn Hall's front entrance is beautiful and great for group photos too.

Sometimes a shot of the group getting itself together can tell its own story.

This was quite a large wedding so the couple had a marquee at the Hall. it looked gorgeous.

Otterburn Hall boasts a London Bus!

As always the spontaneous natural moments tell their own story.

Melanie and Keith were married at Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle. Even though it's close to the centre of the city, it's also quite tranquil.

Melanie looks very beautiful in her lace wedding dress.

The sumptuous reds are gorgeous.

The girls were having a great time blowing the bubbles.

It's always nice to make a little bit of time to show the dress the way it was meant designed to be seen.

Fabulous cake!

The Hall at the Hotel is beautifully lit for dinner and the speeches which went brilliantly.

This speech had everything, drama and tears.

Newcastle Registry office is in the middle of the city but has a small garden area with just the right amount of space and soft light to do some nice photography. There is also a pretty lake with bird sculptures too for those who want to spend some time at this location for photos.

This couple were heading off to the Biscuit factory where I met them later in the day.

I have photographed Bespoke Fitness a couple of times now. At the first session we concentrated upon the images they needed for their web site, so I photographed them demonstrating exercises and their range of portable equipment. The second shoot was at their very successful Fit camp sessions and I was so impressed by the commitment of the participants.

One of many photos I took in my studio of the equipment Bespoke Fitness can provide.

The Fit Camp session at Blaydon on a lovely sunny evening. A wide variety of activities and full on enjoyment.

I have worked at the Centre for Life many times over the last few years photographing a variety of events. This is a Life lab Genetics workshop in their Educational Department organised by The UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres. Each week, ASDC members engage 385,000 children and adults with science, how brilliant. The brief was to photograph the session, and to do some close up photos of equipment. I did this without interference so that the photos are authentic. Here are a few examples from the 116 provided. Feedback from ASDC was "they look fabulous".

Tim and Ailsa were married at Newcastle Registry office in 2002 in the days when I worked with film camera's. This meant that you got it right in the moment and I didn't do any post editing as the films went straight to the lab. I have since seen Ailsa and Tim with their children for a portrait session and they are planning to visit again this year.

We went to Malmaison for some social time and drinks before heading over the Bridge to the Baltic.

Fabulous contemporary, delicious looking wedding cake.