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.

Liz and Tom were married at Hexham Registry Office in the sumer and then in the evening arranged a wonderful reception in Simonburn Village. A lovely small village in Northumberland with cafe and church great to stop off at for a bit of tranquility and cake of course.

On the way to Simonburn the couple had dinner at The George Hotel, Chollerford.

A relaxing summer evening in a beautiful country cottage garden.

The ceilidh came to entice the guests who were so happy chatting and eating lovely puddings! Walking gently through the village streets with music, how nice it was.

The guests are ready to head off to the dancing a short walk away...

I wonder if this little boy will remember this?

Leaving the wedding I walked back through the village past the now quiet garden, only a few birds chirping still.

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.

I was commissioned by Francis and Lewis International Ltd to photograph one of their met masts which was put up at the new wind farm being constructed at Kiln Pit Hill, County Durham. The weather was fantastic!

I had a brief to photograph all the met mast, looking up at it, and some close ups.

I really enjoyed this commission as I find visiting sites really interesting as there is always something new to learn. Also its great to be able to look carefully at something which you haven't been close to before.

Vicky and Craig's wedding at Langley castle was a rich feast of colour and texture. The castle is beautiful and Vicky had added an array of naturally inspired flowers, mosses, and butterfly's. Really lovely.

The ceremony took place in the drawing room which was flooded with sunlight.

Opportunities to be outside and to bask a little in the March warmth!

Then up onto the roof of the castle which gives great views all around for those brave enough to look over the edge.

Vicky's ideas and attention to detail were a delight. Wonderful colours !

The Castle now offers a great mix of traditional 'baronial' with the lovely new addition of the contemporary light "pavilion" where the wedding guests were dining.

Caroline and Andrew were married at Cambo church Northumberland.

It was a warm wet summer day.

A pause for a moment before everyone starts off for the church.

It was only a short walk from the house to the

It only takes a moment to pause at the door before coming out.

If I work discretely at some moments it's possible to capture the reality of the event, one in which everyone takes part.

Which led to this image showing the bride's Mum looking on and smiling.

The marquee at Wallington Hall was beautiful, I always love marquees as the light is so pretty.

Some photos inside the Hall itself.

And then outside too.

Redworth Hall is a lovely mix of traditional with contemporary style and comfort.

I photographed Max's christening at Slaley Church and then we went back to the house for some photos. The light was lovely.

Henrietta and Alastair were married in the Great Hall at Matfen Hall which gives a fabulous entry for the bride and bridesmaids. But first some getting ready time in the Hotel.

I work quietly, taking shots unobtrusively and then a moment when Henrietta looks at me and smiles.

It's a lovely bedroom full of natural light from it's large windows. Gorgeous.

For each wedding I receive a list of the group photos the couple would like. I like to let the group get comfortable.

Coming down the stairs into the great Hall is a lovely entrance to the ceremony. These photos were taken without needing to ask anyone to pause.

Going with the flow, in this case some spontaneous confetti throwing.

And then some more confetti throwing.

Matfen Hall gardens are very pretty so we made use of the dappled light and shade.

My favourite kind of portrait, beautiful light, unaware of the camera.

Anthony and Amy were amrried at Deneholme Country House near Allendale.Amy's flowers were stunning as was her dress.

It's nice when groups find their own 'voice' once the neat and tidy one is taken, always spontaneous and not forced by me.

Two best men and two very good speeches.

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.

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.

This couple were married at the Registry office in Durham City which is a short walk from the river bank with lovely views of Durham Cathedral.

As part of their day they had decided to row along the river. Brilliant.

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.

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.