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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Langley castle on a bright crisp day. Bride looking stunning.

The groom meeting his groomsmen at the front of Langley Castle. Informal photos show how everyone is feeling.

Some trepidation among the pageboys!

Entry into the ceremony room is always beautifully choreographed by the Hotel staff.

And then outside into the bright sunshine.

Lovely late afternoon sunshine.

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.

Shona and Paul were married at Otterburn Towers in the summer.

The ceremony is over- they are married!

Fantastic reds!

Jenni and David were married in August 2011 at Beltingham Church. I managed to visit the church to see the flowers before the heavens opened and gave us a continuous summer downpour! My first studio was a mile away from this church and I was there from 1999 to 2003. It's a wonderful church to visit as it has a Yew Tree behind it which is at least 900 years old.

Children are very important to Jenni as she is a nanny and so they feature very much in the photos too. Jenni gave her flower girls their necklaces so it is so natural to see them holding them here.

The lynch gate at Beltingham gave us all some welcome shelter. You can see how heavy the rain is as it falls in front of the trees.

Jenni and David had a marquee at her parent's house and it was beautiful, warm and comfortable inside.

The adults are busy being served with the wedding breakfast. The children have found how much fun the black and white squares are! It's very rare for a lot of rain all through a wedding but it never spoils it at all it just adds to the atmosphere and for me it becomes a natural part of the story telling. Also it's supposed to be good luck too x

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 was lucky enough to be able to pop out of the house and catch the race passing by last summer 2011. "Northumbrian Water is once again proud to host and sponsor the 2011 Northumbrian Water Tour of the Reservoir in partnership with the Tyne Valley Cycle Club and welcomes all competitors, spectators and visitors. The 1,000 acres of the magnificent Derwent Reservoir make a spectacular backdrop for this major national cycling event"

It's always great to be able to photograph fast moving unpredictable events as it gives opportunities for the unexpected. I photograph Appleby Horse Fair regularly too which is also visually very exciting.

The final leg along to the finish line on the Dam.

The winners and the Champagne I got drenched in which makes a change from confetti.

If you would like to view the whole gallery it is on the client area site where images are available to purchase. http://shonabranigan.zenfolio.com/tyne/valley/cycle/club/tour/of/the/reservoir/2011

I have been very lucky to be invited to act as one of the official show photographers every year since 2009. I have a very open brief which is to cover a few of the areas of the show and to "capture the magic".The show wouldn't happen without the dedication of those who plan it and run it, but it's also dependant upon the enthusiasm and commitment of those who travel vast distances to take part. So it's a delight to share in the show experience. Watching the judges I have learnt a little bit about poultry.

The commentary is always very interesting, informative and entertaining. The winners of the best breeds are paraded through the main arena to have further judging to find the best in show overall.

An intimate family wedding at Lindisfarne Castle. The Castle lends itself well to small weddings, even just the 'two of you'. It's a location full of atmosphere which you never forget.

The boys had cool sunglasses- so did the girls- and then the case with the gramphone, very cool!

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.

I photographed this couple at their wedding a few years ago in Northumberland. It was lovely to see them again this summer at my new studio at Cronkley.They didn't want to do any indoor photos so we went straight out for our walk from the studio a few yards to this spot and then off into the wood and along the shore of the Reservoir. It was a beautiful hot August day and for a couple who live and work in London it was an opportunity to chill.

Children know how to have fun, go with the flow and they find things of interest everywhere around them. I like to think I am like that too.

He had picked up a piece of grass and was so intent upon it. I was crouching down on one knee and he wandered over towards me. I didn't know if I would get this shot as he was moving and was rather close. I am so glad it worked. I love the light, the shapes, the intensity. One of my great joys with photography is the unexpected moment. The composition which you couldn't design yourself but in the freezing of the moment in the photograph it gives you the time over and over again to savour it.

Katy and Jonathan were married a few years ago now, I photographed their wedding. So it was lovely to see them again with their children. All my wedding clients receive complimentary portrait sessions and the majority use them when they have children rather than a pre-wedding shoot. I love this because when I started out in photography years ago I very much wanted to be the family photographer. The person the family turns to when they want photography to record their family history.

We went outside shortly after doing some indoor photos on the 'bean bag' settee I have. Children are so expressive as their feelings change from moment to moment. I photograph children by watching and waiting to see what happens. As long as they are playing and enjoying themselves with a bit of exploration and wonder thrown in it gives me all the material I need.

If my memory is correct I think we were all listening to an aeroplane far overhead. She stopped to listen intently. Her blue coat is very beautiful.

I have photographed the Wilson family a number of times now. So they have photos of their daughter when she was a baby and now growing up. She has a brother too. I love the colours in these photos. I never tell my client's what to wear for their portrait session but if I am asked I suggest you wear what you feel most comfortable in and if the children have favourite clothes they could wear those. I can remember some of the dresses my Gran made for me when I was a child I loved them but sadly there are no photos of them and they were thrown out long ago. It's another way of making the portraits more meaningful to you and young children often bring their dolls and teddies with them. Which is brilliant.

These photos were taken on location at the children's grandparents house.