merille jane photography

Prize Draw ~ winners!

2012-01-27T20:39:00.000Z

Hurrah and hurray! Merille Jane Photography has some prize draw winners of free photoshoots.

Dear daughter was enlisted to help and we cut all the names into strips and put them in a basket.

After a quick brush of the hair (which is beginning to look somewhat Rapunzel-like) my DD was ready to draw the winners.

Drum roll.........

Taa Daa! The first winner is Paige Jackson....

And the second winner is... Fionna Roberts

Congratulations to you both, I look forward speaking to you soon and photographing you and your families

Merille x

Shabby Flowers ~ fine art flower photography by Merille Jane

2012-01-27T20:04:00.000Z

I do love a bit of flower photography!
I find it wonderfully relaxing to tune into flowers, breathe the scents and fill my lens and eyes with close-up colour. In the winter months a bunch of flowers from the florist and light from a window is good value for an hours relaxation, later in the year I prefer to be out and about and get down in the grass for an insect's eye view of the flora.

Here is a tulip. They are wonderful in all guises although I much prefer them drooping and just beginning to drop petals, more interesting than when standing like soldiers.

Merille x

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T16:53:00.000Z

I wish all my blog readers a very happy and peaceful New Year.

Merille x

Shabby Flowers ~ fine art flower photography by Merille Jane

2011-11-06T16:32:00.000Z

At this time of year the portrait side of my photography tends to slow down and I have time for some of my personal projects. One of the things I enjoy is developing my 'shabby flowers', these are flower portraits with an aged vintage vibe that I tinker around in Photoshop to produce. Sometime I like to incorporate one of the pieces from my vintage linen and embroidery collection, or perhaps an old tea cup or vase. Other times it might be a flower captured with my macro lens to show some detail that you wouldn't normally notice unless you look closely.
This is a closer view of tulip stamens of a red and white striped tulip when the petals are on the verge of dropping and you can see the scattering of pollen grains.

My shabby flowers are available to buy as mounted prints, please get in touch via my website for more information
portraitsbymerille.co.uk

Thanks for looking, Merille x

Laura ~ natural portraits by Merille Jane Photography

2011-11-06T16:06:00.000Z

And here is lovely Laura in colour....

such a gentle and pretty picture, just right for a gentle and pretty girl

Lovely Laura ~ natural portrait photography by Merille Jane

2011-10-01T18:18:00.000+01:00

Earlier this year I was very happy to photograph lovely Laura. It was a session that combined some of my favourite elements: a natural environment, low sunlight and back-lighting.
We went to a beautiful wheatfield that I know, and have permission to shoot in, towards the end of the afternoon when the sun was low and casting long shadows. By working into the light I was able to highlight Laura's very blonde hair to almost whiteness, and with her make-up and styling I think these warm toned black and white pictures have a retro feel. A hint of the Calvin Klein ads for perfume in the 1980's.....

This picture typifies Laura's playful nature and also demonstrates how relaxed she became as the shoot progressed.

The sun-drenched colour photos from this session deserve their own separate post, coming soon.

If you would like some natural portrait photos of yourself or a loved one please do get in touch via my website:
www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk

Merille x

jewelled webs ~ garden photography by Merille Jane

2011-09-25T11:32:00.000+01:00

Soft rain highlights spider webs in a beautiful way......

Arachnaphobes beware: the last picture features a fearsome garden spider!

wonderful workshop ~ location portraits by merille jane photography

2011-08-23T16:37:00.000+01:00

A few pictures from a wonderfully stimulating workshop with Annabel Williams that I attended earlier this year..... I try to attend at least one workshop a year to keep my skills up-to-date and also it's a great time to swap stories with other photographers.

These gorgeous people are not professional models, they worked at the premises where the workshop was held and got roped in as our models for the day - they were fantastic!

Young Love ~ a couple photoshoot in Somerset by Merille Jane Photography

2011-08-16T14:04:00.000+01:00

"she's a good girl, loves her mama
loves jesus and america too, she's a good girl, crazy 'bout elvis
loves horses and her boyfriend too"

Free Falling by Tom Petty

In a high field filled with wild flowers and the gentle buzz of drowsy bees two young people contemplate their forthcoming marriage. The warm afternoon sunlight and hazy grass seemed a perfect place for photographs and for a while as I worked, Ben quietly played guitar and sang Free Falling to Tash, his lovely wife-to-be. She is a good girl and certainly loves her Mama and Jesus, but Ben is not a bad boy! He is a talented musician and songwriter, check out his website - www.benwinwood.com

Young love touches the hearts of others in a most special way and this is one of my most favourite photoshoots of the year so far. I love to make pictures that show love and emotional connection.

This last one is probably my favourite as they only have eyes for each other.

Portrait of a special dog ~ natural pet photography by Merille Jane

2011-08-10T20:59:00.000+01:00

Warm, intelligent, willing, responsive and very sensitive...... Ella

I have a glorious set of pictures from sessions with this marvellous dog but just had to post this one straight away as it is so striking.

I really enjoy photographing dogs. I would love one of my own but with my busy lifestyle it wouldn't be a smart idea, so I am always excited by the prospect of a doggie photoshoot. I get to go on beautiful walks, play lively games and scamper about knowing that I don't have to deal with the muddy paws back at home!

If you would like some portraits of your hairy, most loyal friend I would be delighted to hear from you.
You can contact me through My Website

Merille x

@Wayside House ~ couples photography by merille jane photography

2011-07-03T16:21:00.000+01:00

Last week I paid another visit to Nicki and as this time we weren't making pictures as presents for her husband we don't have to keep everything under wraps. So here is a little preview of pictures from our photoshoot.
All the pictures were taken at Nicki's home in her beautiful garden, it is a very beautiful and tranquil place as you might expect from a natural health therapist and Reiki healer. Have a look at Nicki's waysidehouse website and you might be tempted, as I have been, to have a fabulous facial. I recommend them to all my friends!

So we drank tea, talked, had some giggles, talked, played with Bob the Dog and chatted some more and all the while I took pictures. Here are just a few:

Bob the Dog has all the best attributes of a Border Collie including an obvious intelligence and a great need to be busy. I was very happy to catch this brief moment of quiet but look at how alert his expression is!

Nicki picked these lovely flowers from her garden

Nicki and Chris, your gallery will be ready in about a week, I hope you enjoy these few to be going on with. Thank you for a lovely photoshoot!
Merille x

You can contact me through this link to arrange your own photoshoot with me.

twelve ~ some birthday portraits by Merille Jane Photography

2011-06-06T19:52:00.000+01:00

Every year at about the time of my daughter's birthday we make some special portraits to mark that time in her life. When she is 18 I shall enjoy designing and giving her an album filled with beautiful portraits that show how she has grown from a baby. My wish is that it will be the sort of gift that becomes even more meaningful as she gets older and eventually (I hope) has children of her own.

For these pictures we kept things simple and just played about in the garden. I find that even the most ordinary surroundings can yield some interesting backdrops for my photographs....

There is such a simple timeless pleasure in playing with daisies on the lawn

This is our favourite and will almost certainly be used to update one of the frames on the walls at home.

I had fun playing with the light while my daughter had fun larking about.......

and I love the simple elegance of this shot.

If you would like portraits of your family please get in touch. My photoshoots usually take place at the clients home and even if you think your garden isn't 'good enough' believe me I can find areas for photographing in that will work very nicely, even in small spaces!

You can contact me through my website

Merille x

my website - www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk

Summerland Flowers at Folksy ~ fine art flower photography

2011-05-22T16:16:00.000+01:00

As those who know me will already know, I am a nature lover, and as a nature-loving photographer I am inevitably drawn to photographing the lovely things that I see when I'm out and about.

I have many hundreds of photographs of flowers, British wild flowers I find especially attractive although garden flowers can be equally irresistible. However I think that we have all seen so many pictures of flowers that now we need to see a little something extra to lift them beyond the ordinary, sometimes that can be a shaft of evening sunlight that catches the petals alight, or an extraordinary composition that makes us look at them in a different way. Recently my way of making my flower images a little bit different to the norm has been with image enhancement in Photoshop and, many hours of tweaking later, I now have some unique images for my walls.

In my home I am drawn to a cottage style of decoration with a vintage vibe and so I wanted to make my flowery pictures look more comfortable sitting on my walls. I am so happy with the results that I have listed some of them in my Folksy shop, please take a look at Summerland where you can buy them securely.

Here is a taster,

For those not familiar with Folksy ~ www.folksy.com

"Folksy is a place to buy handmade things, and for makers to sell their work and find supplies. Based in the UK, it aims to reclaim craft and showcase talented makers and their work.
Since being established in 2007 Folksy has grown to include host thousands of shops run by independent designers and crafters who make unique handmade items. When you buy on Folksy you are getting something you won't find on the high street and you're also helping to support small businesses in the UK"

My Folksy Shop ~ Summerland

I'd love to know what you think of my creations!
Thanks, Merille

Easter Greetings

2011-04-24T14:45:00.000+01:00

Happy Easter to all my blog readers, I hope you're all enjoying happy times.

I have been working on my flower art prints and they will be available to buy soon at my Folksy shop!

my portrait website

my folksy shop

Lovely Labbies ~ dog photography by Merille Jane

2011-04-22T20:59:00.000+01:00

I am a dog lover and am always delighted when I'm asked to photograph dogs, especially when I know my client is looking for something a bit different to posed studio pet portraits.
Last week I had a very special doggie photoshoot with two gorgeously lively black Labradors and their owners. We went to a lovely little corner of Somerset where my client has some land with lots of room for running about and also a lake for swimming. After I had captured pictures of the labbies looking beautiful in the sunshine with their owners then it was time to play and capture some action shots.
I had such fun, and so did the dogs!

Jessica is the slightly older and wiser dog, and Lucy is the energetic, enthusiastic puppy dog; both dogs were delightful company and as well mannered as any well brought up children.

Retrieving from the lake is a great game that these dogs don't tire of playing. I was very happy to capture an unrepeatable moment which was Lucy's first ever successful retrieve from the water, usually she is beaten by Jessica who is the stronger swimmer.

Having retrieved the stick you can see exactly what Lucy thought about having to give it up, the poor thing looks so bedraggled that this picture made me laugh out loud when I first saw it.

Ears flying, no time to shake the water from the fur.....

If you would like some action portraits of your lively family - whether human or canine! please get in touch to book your session with me.

You can contact me through my website at www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk

or send an email to: info [at] portraitsbymerille.co.uk

A good year for blossom ~ flower photography by Merille Jane

2011-04-19T15:40:00.001+01:00

This is proving to be a very good year for blossom of all kinds. The blackthorn in the hedges has been wonderful and that bodes well for insects now and also for making sloe gin later in the year.
The magnolias and cherry blossoms are about the best I've seen in years and when I visited the Botanical Gardens in Bath there were quite a few photographers enjoying the blooming abundance.

The apple orchards will soon be flowering and that provides wonderful opportunities for some really pretty portraits. Please get in touch soon if you are interested in photographs with a blossomy background as it doesn't last for more than a week or two.

my website www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk

vintage chic ~ baby photography by Merille Jane

2011-04-09T23:02:00.000+01:00

I have been tinkering with a vintage editing style for my photographs recently.It's the sort of styling that has sunshine bleached colours and is a bit reminiscent of the 70's, I think it has the sort of romanticism that you sometimes see in Country Living magazine.

Twitter helped me to find a perfectly beautiful little model in Bath as I wanted to shoot in Victoria Park. We played in the dappled light under the blooming magnolia trees, and a vintage patchwork quilt and some polka dot accessories helped to complete the scene.
Incidentally if you wanted to follow me on Twitter you could also get to hear about my shoots and from time to time I make model requests for shoots like this one.

Many thanks to Lauren for helping me with this set of pictures, I hope you like how they look.

I think the pictures look lovely all together in this storyboard collage.

magnificence ~ garden photography by Merille Jane

2011-04-04T23:05:00.000+01:00

The botanic gardens in Bath's Royal Victoria Park are lovely at any time of year but particularly so in the Spring when the mighty magnolias are in bloom. So often magnolias need to be pruned to keep them garden sized but in the park there is room for them to grow to their full magnificence.
On the pretext of a recce for a portrait shoot later in the week I enjoyed an indulgent hour today photographing flowers in the botanical gardens and here are a few of my pictures.

This is my favourite narcissus - narcissus poeticus, also known as Pheasant's Eye, it has a wonderful fragrance and blooms later than the yellow daffs.

And the glorious magnolia.... both white and pink varieties.

Little Miss Sunshine ~ baby photography by Merille Jane

2011-03-24T21:01:00.000Z

I love to photograph babies for several reasons, not least because I love babies, but there is something about the non-verbal communication that makes it all rather fun and rewarding. There is also something rather special about spending time with young families and being entrusted to take their portraits. I know from experience that the pictures you have of your children whilst they are small become ever more precious as they grow up and it is an amazing privilege to know that my images, whether in albums or as wall art will stay within the families I photograph for years to come and will be looked at and enjoyed over and over again.

I photographed this little family recently and it was a joy from beginning to end. Baby Martha was such a happy little soul and she has truly enviable eye lashes.
The sun shone, the birds sang, and we had a lovely time in the garden playing and chatting in the sunshine.

If you would like pictures similar to these of your children please get in touch either through my website or by emailing me
info{at}portraitsbymerille.co.uk
www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk

Merille x

Postcard from Lytes Cary, Somerset

2011-03-23T20:29:00.000Z

Lytes Cary, near Somerton in Somerset has a wonderful garden; in the Arts and Crafts style it has a series of garden 'rooms' and the most marvellous topiary, it is also an ideal garden for kiddies to play hide and seek. On a recent visit I noticed a delightful family with three small children playing a wonderful game, Mum & Dad thoughtfully weren't hiding too well.

Lytes Cary is a great place for a day out, perhaps for Mother's Day or to celebrate a birthday. It is also a really good place to enjoy a relaxed photoshoot with me as there are lots of different photogenic backdrops in the gardens and their intimate nature would mean you wouldn't feel 'on display' to strangers!

After my visit I put together this 'postcard' of some of my black and white images that caught my eye. I am planning to return later in the spring for some more colourful pictures.

If you would like to book a family/child photoshoot with me at Lytes Cary or at any other of your familys favourite places do get in touch-

email: info{at}portraitsbymerille.co.uk
website: www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk

Merille x

Blossom

2011-03-23T18:33:00.000Z

I love this time of year, after a day of sunshine you can almost hear the soil pushing forth the new shoots, and the crackling of buds as petals start to emerge.
I haven't blogged recently so apologies to my regular readers but I will do several posts over the next few days!

cats!

2011-03-15T21:45:00.000Z

I stumbled across this quote earlier and gave a wry smile, I'm not a writer but do spend a lot of time in front of the computer editing picture files.
My little cat often keeps me company and that can be a mixed blessing, especially when she spots the moving cursor on the monitor.

Best Friends ~ child portraits in Somerset

2011-03-02T21:44:00.000Z

I am planning a new portrait product, (more on that in a later post!) and whilst looking through my picture files to decide which ones to use in the sample product I happened across these. Far too charming to be left on my hard drive I think, and they give a nice little reminder of summery sunshine....

Making friends ~ baby photography by Merille Jane

2011-02-26T21:02:00.000Z

I really enjoy photographing babies and young children, particularly when they are old enough to let you join in with their world. Often it is a wonderful magical world of make-believe; I really like eating pretend cakes and looking for fairies in the garden.
By taking time to play and talk I can find a level of communication with my new little friends so that when I take their photographs I get natural expressions and smiles. I hate the whole idea of posing and saying 'cheese' and I can spot a forced smile from 20 paces!
This little toddler wasn't yet communicating with many words but we had no difficulty in making a connection and I was so pleased that I captured the sequence of expressions that she went through as she decided that my ridiculous sing-songs meant I was harmless and therefore ok to be friends with! We went on to have a wonderful session, both indoors and in the garden, with many natural and beautiful smiles.

Please do get in touch if you would similar pictures of your little ones.

My website

Incidentally I have been developing my own conversions for black and white pictures, rather than use ready made products. For these pictures I made a warm split-tone conversion that I have called 'Golden Boy', I like the warmth from the gold tones as, to me, it seems more appropriate to child images than the crisp, slightly chilly tones of a traditional black and white.
Feel free to leave a comment, Merille

Collett Park, Shepton Mallet ~ family photography by Merille Jane

2011-01-29T00:59:00.000Z

Last weeks family photoshoot took place in Collett Park, it's a fabulous place for a shoot and we had great fun feeding the ducks, playing hide'n'seek and pooh sticks and then after some group shots in the bandstand it was time for the zip wire and the swings. It was a 'full-on' morning and I have loads of pictures that I'm really happy with, I have chosen for now just a few of this wonderful little man who, in my eyes at least, was the star of the morning.
The rest of the gallery will go live on my website sometime over the next few days, in the meantime to the Baker family enjoy your sneak peek!

Please get in touch if you would like some relaxed fun portraits of your family, you can contact me through my website www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk I'd love to hear from you

Merille

Guild of Photographers

2011-01-26T18:37:00.001Z

Last year I decided to join a professional photography association and I chose the Guild of Photographers mainly because they seemed a friendly bunch and approachable if I wanted any advice. Well they have definitely proved to be friendly and approachable!

I'm very pleased to announce that after having submitted a panel of images for their scrutiny I now have Qualified status.

Also throughout the last year I've submitted images to their monthly competitions for grading and to gain awards and the results are in!!!

"Dear Merille,

We are pleased to announce that you came 6th overall in the Guild's Photographer Of The Year Competition 2010 AND Joint 6th in the non-wedding Sector (Professional Photographer Of The Year 2010).

A great achievement (especially as you didn't enter every month)."

Woo Hoo I'm very happy with this!!
Thank you Guild (Steve and Lesley) I'm delighted and rather surprised to have come so high in the placings.

The Guild of Photographers

some winter portraits by Merille

2011-01-24T23:51:00.000Z

This was such a fun photoshoot! I just had to post a few pictures, the full set is on my Facebook page if you'd like a look - here is the link.

natural portraits by merille jane ~ in a field in Somerset

2011-01-07T13:50:00.001Z

I'm still playing with my storyboard templates, here's one with some pictures from the Summer.
It seems like a long time since we enjoyed warm sunshine in golden fields and bright sparkling light to make your soul sing!

If you would like some natural portraits please get in touch via my website, and if you have any comments feel free to leave them here, I'd love to hear from you :-)

www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk

Thanks, Merille

storyboard ~ baby photography

2011-01-07T10:54:00.000Z

I have been playing about in Photoshop this morning and making some new storyboard templates.
This one features a very sweet and much adored baby.

If you would pictures of your much adored little one please get in touch via my website

www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk

Ring in the new.....

2011-01-06T17:40:00.000Z

"Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true."
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

"The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective."
G.K. Chesterton

The New Year break has given me time and the incentive to start afresh with my website and so I am rewriting the written bits and updating the galleries with new pictures. It may take a few days so please be patient if you find the website is behaving oddly, hopefully it will be worth it.
The blog and website will also be dressed in my new duck egg blue colour, it sets off the black and white pictures particularly well. I'm also trying to find a way of also incorporating my other favourite colour of faded rose pink into the scheme but so far it just looks too garish for computer screens so I may keep it for the ribbons and tissue paper that I use for wrapping your goodies!

A blog post doesn't feel right without pictures so here are a few snaps that I took on our Christmas Day Walk, it was just before sunset and the colours were amazing. It was such a wonderful feeling to be kicking through the snow on Christmas Day itself, just like a story book Christmas and so beautiful to look at, and then it was home to sit by the crackling fire and eat the pud that we hadn't managed earlier!

snowy scenes in Somerset (Photography by Merille Jane)

2010-12-18T12:50:00.001Z

This was the scene that many of us woke up to this morning.

Two roads leading from my little corner of Shepton Mallet were closed due to snow so I picked up my camera and took a nice walk up the lanes.

As well as 7-8 inches of snow we had fog this morning so I haven't captured any sparkling picture-postcard images of snowy scenes. However with a blue-toned conversion to monochrome I think the scenes below look rather atmospheric. What do you think? Please feel free to leave any comments :-)

Frosty: nature photography in Somerset

2010-12-09T23:22:00.000Z

I've really enjoyed living in Narnia this week and have lots of frosty pictures!

Here's just one.....

Isle of Avalon (photography in Somerset)

2010-12-07T22:23:00.000Z

On my way home after a portrait session on Sunday I spotted a wonderful mist lying low on the Somerset levels and I wanted to capture Glastonbury Tor poking out of the mist, actually it was more of a freezing fog but it did look wonderful from Priddy where I had a good viewpoint across the levels.
Thank you sheep for being in just the right place!
It was a scene straight from the Mists of Avalon (one of my favourite books)

Also took a few pictures of the berries and plants, I might use this one as a card.....

Baby love {indoor natural photography in Somerset}

2010-11-30T20:42:00.000Z

The weather outside was icy cold but this little lady was basking in the warm love of her family. We sat and played on a rug in the light from the window and I took photographs, some posed and some of moments just as they happened.

Here are just a few pictures from the many I took that morning....

If you would like some natural portraits similar to these then please get in touch,

I'm now taking bookings for sessions in February onwards.

www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk

baby loves mama and mama loves baby (baby photography south west)

2010-11-24T15:53:00.000Z

I love this little sequence of pictures, the bond between mother and child is so clear, the babe is gazing at mum and puts his little arm up to hold her head close. You can feel the love :-)

These are possibly not pictures you would choose to put on the wall or give to Grandma for Christmas but they are perfect for inclusion in an album or a coffee table book to show the whole story of your child at that age. Pictures that have emotion and real meaning to the people in them

If you would like some natural pictures of your little ones please get in touch with me

www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk

admin@portraitsbymerille.co.uk

baby wriggles (baby photography in Midsomer Norton)

2010-11-21T17:42:00.000Z

Lots going on at with Merille Jane Photography so my blog posting has been slipping down the 'to do' list but now it's back on track!

Here are a couple of pictures as a quick preview for Harley's family of today's session, I was inspired by the grey November skies to convert these to black and white.

I really enjoyed playing with baby Harley who was an absolute darling. He loved all the attention and wriggled and squealed very happily while his Mum and I oohed and aahed over his gorgeousness.

He seemed even happier when his clothes came off and got very chatty and even more wriggly.

I love baby toes......

Natural light photography can be a little tricky in November and December when light levels are frequently low, especially indoors. Today I chose to use my 50mm f1.4 lens as this is a great little lens for indoor work, it brings in a lot of light making focusing easier and it is smaller than my zooms so is less intimidating for babies and children.
I believe that if you use natural light and work in a low key way without complicated backgrounds and studio lights you can get images that really capture atmosphere and emotion.

If you would like to book your own session with me please get in touch via my website www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk

Please.... .. .. . (newborn baby photography)

2010-10-31T20:00:00.000Z

A quick plea

I have just a few pictures of tiny babies and I would love (really really love) to photograph a newborn babe.
If you have a new baby, or one due soon, please get in touch and I will do a free session with a complimentary print (altogether worth £69). What's the catch? well there is no catch! I would just love to have some new baby pictures for my portfolio.

Autumn glorious light at Stourhead

2010-10-25T23:44:00.000+01:00

Sunday afternoon was so glorious that I couldn't resist a trip to Stourhead to photograph the amazing Autumn colours all lit up with sunshine and set off beautifully by the blue sky.

It was just a brilliant way to enjoy the day and although I'm no landscape photographer I hope this gives you an idea of the magical light that we enjoyed that day.

This one is not a conventional view of Stourhead, although regular visitors will recognise the folly tucked in the trees (this is the folly where the Stourhead weddings take place - a photographers dream!)

The tapestry of trees all lit up with the warm light of the afternoon was irresistible.

Gold (portrait photography in Somerset)

2010-10-13T19:45:00.000+01:00

My recent portrait photoshoots have all been arranged to provide pictures as Christmas presents which is lovely but means they have to stay under wraps for now just in case....

However these images are from a marvellous fun shoot in August, we went to a nearby field of ripening wheat armed with bunches of flowers. I had hoped for golden evening sun but the sun was playing hide and seek with the clouds, it mattered not though as we had a blast anyway and the girls loved their pictures.
These girls were celebrating their friendship at the end of their shared junior school experience before going different ways to separate Senior schools. I think it's lovely to mark this sort of significant time with pictures, it was a happy hour that neither girl will easily forget.

Kelly and Matt (wedding photography in the West Country)

2010-10-04T23:20:00.000+01:00

Here are just a few pictures of Kelly and Matt on their wedding day, I hope you like them.

The wonderful sunshine and this interesting church porch was just crying out for a near silhouette.

Then we moved to some trees that I had spotted earlier that had the most beautiful dappled light filtering through the leaves. You could just see the first signs of Autumn in the yellowing leaves.

Everything about Kelly and Matt's wedding was very beautiful, well thought-out with an understated elegance and a good eye for detail, rather like Kelly herself I think.

Thank you Kelly and Matt for inviting me to record your day, I am looking forward to showing you all your images.

Seeing Double at Kelly and Matt's Wedding ( child portrait photographs)

2010-10-01T21:49:00.000+01:00

Kelly and Matt had a most beautiful wedding last week and I have lots of lovely images but I thought I would start with these two little boys. Twins that seemed alike at first glance but then quickly showed their different personalities; they were very delightful little people and it was a bit of an effort to remember the other guests at the wedding and not be continually beguiled by their antics and smiles.
However I'm sure Kelly and Matt will enjoy looking at these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.

St. Andrew's Church, Trent (wedding photography in the West Country)

2010-10-01T18:57:00.000+01:00

Hurrah and Hurray!!
I've found a work around for the photo upload problem I've been experiencing with Blogger, slow though so just one photo for now....

This is St. Andrew's church in Trent, Dorset, a very beautiful church in one of the prettiest villages in the county. After photographing the speeches at a recent wedding I was on my way back to the car when I noticed how the evening sun was sloping across the churchyard and lighting up these early Autumn oak leaves.

Blogger has a problem with pictures from my computer

2010-09-30T23:19:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the lack of blog posts this week, I seem to be having some technical problems uploading pictures, and really what use is a photographer's blog post without pictures?!

I've Googled the problem and it seems that the Blogger settings have changed and I'm not alone in my frustration, if anyone knows a solution or a work around please leave a message for this very frustrated and tired photographer.....

butterflies (nature photography in Somerset)

2010-09-13T22:58:00.000+01:00

You may be curious about how I, as a photographer, enjoy my spare time...

In the summer months one of my favourite things is visiting the wonderful nature reserves we have in Somerset armed with a macro lens on my camera and a fair bit of patience. Following butterflies about a field and creeping closer and closer to get the shot one wants could easily become a frustrating exercise if your sole aim is to get picture perfect images of butterflies.

But on the other-hand what could be nicer than drifting around a beautiful nature reserve looking closely at the rare flora, listening to the birdsong and just enjoying nature for the sheer pleasure of enjoyment. If I happen to come home with some nice pictures of flowers or butterflies then I'm extra happy but the main thing is I go home relaxed and refreshed by the very close interaction with our natural world. As an environmental scientist by training there is, for me, nothing better than a communion with nature.

Here are some pictures that I took earlier this year at Combe Hill Wood near Street, Somerset.

First the normally common small tortoiseshell, I have seen far fewer than normal this year.

A Chalkhill blue butterfly feeding on a Devil's bit scabious flower

The following pictures are all of the Common blue butterfly

This is a Common blue butterfly nectaring on a knapweed flower, backlight by the sun

it made a pretty sight. This is one of my personal favourites :-)

My nature photographs are available as prints, greeting cards and digital files,

please get in touch with me via my website if you are interested in purchasing, and also feel free to leave a comment for me to read here if you like these images.

playing in the garden {baby and child photography in Somerset}

2010-09-02T17:38:00.000+01:00

Here is just one photo as a sneak peak from a wonderful session on Sunday.

With two preschool children and two toddlers it was a really busy and fun session, we played in the house and the garden, we collected apples and blew bubbles!

I'm looking forward to posting more from this session but not until after the Mums and Dads have had a look at their pictures.

Special Editions {portrait photography with creative digital enhancement}

2010-08-25T22:16:00.000+01:00

When I was first learning about photography I adored the dark-room, it really did seem like a magical process to transfer the sheets of photographic paper from enlarger to chemical bath and see the picture gradually develop. Although my brain understood the science there always seemed to be an element of magic or alchemy about it. I have never forgotten the feeling of watching my first prints develop, it was always the eyes that emerged first and held my attention as the rest of the picture formed.

Now instead of those mysterious red-lit darkrooms with their sequence of chemical baths we have the convenience of digital imaging and that can be just as magical at times. Photoshop won't (IMO) turn a poor picture into a good one, but it can dramatically enhance a well exposed and properly focused image into something eye-catching.

Special Editions are the result of my urge to create and play with my images. You won't find that all of your images from a photo-session look like this but you may find that I have been drawn to one or two in particular and they will have been developed further to give a Special Edition. All Special Editions are unique and individually created by me.

more awards from the Guild {natural portrait photography}

2010-08-21T14:35:00.000+01:00

I'm very happy to tell you that all three of my entries to the July round of the Guild of Photographers competition won Silver awards. It's good to know that my work is consistently achieving the high standards that the Guild require for their awards.

Here are the pictures....

Out of Office

2010-08-02T20:03:00.001+01:00

I shall be enjoying an island paradise from the 2nd to the 12th August and unfortunately unable to respond to enquiries until my return. With no computers and no cars it should be wonderful :-)

I will of course have my camera with me and I plan to take lots of seascape pictures and some sea shore abstracts too.

Alex & Areum {wedding photography at Somerton Court, Somerset}

2010-07-27T10:45:00.000+01:00

Last week I photographed the English wedding ceremony of Alex and Areum at Somerton Court. After a grey start to the morning we were rewarded with a beautiful afternoon and guests were able to enjoy Pimms and canapés on the lawn and enjoy the lovely gardens. Alex and Areum made the celebration very personal with lots of well thought out details and home-made touches, I loved the paper cranes and pom-poms!
Here are just a few of my favourites from the day, the full gallery will go live on my website at the end of the week.

Somerton Court has a large cedar tree on the lawn, and Alex and Areum had the lovely idea of arranging a long string of photographs around the trunk. The guests enjoyed looking at the pictures of of the bride and groom as children and swapping stories

wedding photography - recce to Somerton Court

2010-07-15T21:29:00.000+01:00

Today I visited the venue for Saturdays wedding and of course I had my camera with me. Luckily the grey skies and spots of rain had completely blown away when I got there so I had a happy half-hour taking a few pictures of the very beautiful Somerton Court.

I loved this lichen encrusted cherub

This looks like a good spot for some small group portraits

Beautiful gardens

This cedar tree is magnificent

There was such an air of tranquility about this historic house and the gardens are beautifully arranged. I am really looking forward to Saturday, it will be marvellous to photograph in such a lovely setting.

Somerton Court Country House

June awards from the Guild of Photographers

2010-07-14T20:16:00.000+01:00

After winning the first competition I entered with the Guild of Photographers I have been encouraged to continue entering to have a chance at the big one! All points from the awards will be used to determine the Guild Photographer of 2010 and this month I was very happy to be awarded two silvers and a bronze.

Now I have to really push myself to make some eye catching and creative images for next month!

These are the images from June's competition:

Jen - bronze award

Buttercups and Dandelions - Silver award

Painted Lady - Silver award

English countryside {couple photography near Bath, Somerset}

2010-07-05T22:26:00.000+01:00

A feast of happy-loving-couple pictures taken in a practically perfect wheatfield on a beautiful summery afternoon.

The only thing missing was a handful of bright poppies but they seem to be nearly absent from the fields in Somerset that I've seen so far this year, but no matter we made do with beautiful blue meadow cranesbill instead and they looked very lovely indeed.

As an aside if anyone has spotted a field (in Somerset) with lots of poppies this year please let me know and I'll fix a photoshoot for that lucky person!

(Alex and Areum I have posted the full set of pictures on my website, there were just too many for the blog!!)

pre-wedding photography in Somerset

2010-07-03T18:25:00.000+01:00

To Alex and Areum - Thank you for a wonderful shoot this afternoon, you were both an absolute delight to photograph and I'm really looking forward to capturing your wedding.

Here is a quick peek at one of your (many!) pictures that I took today, this one jumped out at me as Areum looks so beautiful. The others will follow in a few days time.

Bridal model photography in Bristol

2010-07-02T22:43:00.001+01:00

Some more pictures from the recent photoshoot in Bristol, this is Clara.

Clara looked wonderful in this wedding dress and was very happy and patient about being photographed. I loved the unusual styling of the creamy-white dress with black shoes, this was picked up with the cream roses decorated with black filigree butterflies

We started with a walk along the harbourside where there was some interesting iron-work to use as background and then we returned to the boat for some more pictures.

Clara B http://www.modelmayhem.com/1417038

Venue The Harmony II http://www.harmonyyachtclub.com/

Dresses http://www.vintagedress.co.uk/

Flowers: Floriture http://www.floriture.com

Vintage wedding photography - cupcakes and tea plates

2010-07-01T18:33:00.003+01:00

I was recently very lucky to get-together with a bunch of photographers and models for a vintage photoshoot. Not only did we have beautiful models in gorgeous frocks but also a whole table of goodies set up for a fabulous tea party.

I shall begin with some of the table detail photos....

Credits:

China and table styling http://www.vintageteasets.co.uk/

Catering was from McBaile http://www.mcbaile.com/

Cakes: Sheona's of Cake Matters http://www.cakematters.co.uk/

Flowers: Floriture http://www.floriture.com/

Vintage model photoshoot

2010-06-20T14:27:00.000+01:00

Beautiful models with beautiful vintage dresses and accessories....

Headshot portraits in Glastonbury

2010-06-17T20:33:00.000+01:00

I couldn't resist blogging another couple of portraits from Saturday's headshot photoshoot. We found some colourful graffitti in the park which looks great with Tine's Nordic blue eyes, it would also be pefect for some funky teenage portraits!

This was a natural capture as we moved between locations.... such a lovely sunny smile

The full gallery from this session will be on the website very soon.

Portrait headshots in Glastonbury

2010-06-15T23:10:00.001+01:00

This very beautiful lady booked me to take some portraits because she wanted some headshots for her forthcoming business website.

Saturday morning was one of those sunny bright happy days and we had fun chatting about our lives and walking around Glastonbury trying out different locations. I was very happy because we found some lovely light and there are loads of beautiful images to choose from. I have chosen to post this one on the blog because I just love the gentle colours and it shows the happy serenity of Tine's lovely face.

Headshot shoots are ideal for personalising and promoting your business and I supply high resolution files that you can print yourself as well as low res images ideal for social networking sites.

award winning nature photography

2010-06-12T13:12:00.001+01:00

This picture of mating damselflies was captured at the Ham Wall nature reserve, near Glastonbury. It's a beautiful place to enjoy a walk and I visit often to indulge my liking for insect photography.

I was honoured to be awarded a Gold Bar from the Guild of Photographers for this image.

Artistic portrait photography by Merille

2010-05-19T22:50:00.001+01:00

What is it that elevates a photographic portrait to become an award-winning artistic image?

Possibly when the colours and composition become more important to the overall image than the actual depiction of the face. This is an image that would sit very happily on a wall, perhaps as a large canvas.

I'm also very happy to tell you that it has been awarded an 'Editor's Choice' on the photo sharing site Ephotozine :-)

If you would like artistic portraits of your children please get in touch soon - I have some sessions still available for the end of May and half term week.
http://www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk/

Award winning photography by merille jane

2010-05-07T06:49:00.001+01:00

I had some wonderful news last night!
I have recently joined the Guild of Photographers as I believe this will help me to grow my business and I will soon be seeking qualified status with the Guild. In the meantime I entered three images into their 'open' competition. Well what a wonderful beginning to my association with the Guild, I have been judged by a panel of highly respected professional photographers and awarded both first and second place!!
My images were judged to have artistry and good creative interpretation as well as technical skill and it is a great accolade to be judged so highly by my peers.

Natural light photography in Somerset

2010-05-06T16:39:00.001+01:00

Firstly... sorry to my regular visitors for not blogging more often, I am a sloppy blogger but will try harder!

I am often asked whether I use a studio or bring studio type lights with me on a shoot and the answer is no. I use whatever natural light there is available on the day and this makes each shoot a bit unpredicatable and different to the last. I might ask to work in the room with the largest window, or a window that has voile curtains to diffuse the light if it's a bright day, or even the bathroom which often has a lovely brightness from all the shining white porcelain!
Using the natural light creatively is skillful and can be technically demanding but the resulting portraits will have an artistry and a unique quality that can be lacking in studio portraits where the lighting is set up to produce very predictable results.

This picture was taken in a hallway with some softly diffused light streaming in from the obscure glass panel in the front door. The challenge for me was to encourage the young lady whose portrait I was taking to sit in just the right spot so that the light created this lovely atmosphere and then to encourage the right mood which generated this beautiful smile. It was all captured by my camera and then enhanced with a little processing on the computer.
The end result is a great success with her Mum who loves this image of her daughter especially the impish grin.

If you would like some creative portraits that you would be proud to hang as artwork on the walls of your home please get in touch with me via my website.

http://www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk/

Couple photography on location in Wells

2010-04-08T18:27:00.001+01:00

I love photographing happy young couples, these two are sooo in love I don't think they really noticed the rain!

Thank you Becky and Adam for being such stars, your gallery will go onto my website very soon.

Nostalgia at No.1 in Shepton Mallet, Somerset

2010-04-05T22:17:00.000+01:00

The marketplace in Shepton Mallet is looking much more interesting lately with the recent opening of a new shop.
Nostalgia at No.1 is a fabulous treasure trove of vintage delights many of which I would like to add to my own collection of bits and bobs. The owner, Niki, has a great love for vintage fabrics and some of them get given a new lease of life as beautifully crafted bags and cushions.

Sumptious fabric on this cushion

This chap has obviously been very well loved!

Nostalgia at No.1

Baby photography near Keynsham, Bristol

2010-04-03T22:12:00.000+01:00

This lovely baby has the deepest of blue eyes and fabulous long lashes, lucky girl!
Thank you N and C for allowing me to spend some time with you all.

black & white baby photography near Keynsham

2010-04-01T10:11:00.000+01:00

What a joy it was to photograph this gorgeous baby, she was so content and she has the prettiest of faces. Thank you N and C I hope you like this little selection. It was very difficult to choose just a few, these are some of my black and white favourites from our session, I'll post some colour pictures soon.

bashful bertie's beautiful beaming smiles

2010-03-17T21:06:00.000Z

This little chap was shy and rather reluctant to have his photo taken at the start of our session.
I always take the time to get to know the children that I photograph which is why sessions can last a couple of hours but I believe it is completely worthwhile to achieve images that show real feeling rather than posed 'cheesy' smiles.
So we played in the garden and talked about the fantastic explorers that lurked in the vegetable patch, and then we moved indoors where I was able to capture some gorgeous grins by the light of a window as we discussed superheroes.

Looking at these pictures I can still remember the conversation even though we took these at the end of the summer. My portraits usually have such strong eye contact although happy grins are optional, and always completely natural!

Littlest Heroes Project

2010-03-09T19:25:00.000Z

The Littlest Heroes Project was started by a remarkable young woman as a way of giving something back to children who have suffered any type of serious illness.
The Littlest Heroes Project is a non-profit based organization made up of photographers world-wide that provide free photo sessions (and free prints) to our nations Littlest Heroes.
"Through the power of photography we are banning together to bring to light the beautiful faces and stories of our nations smallest heroes"
Meet some of the little heroes

I am very pleased to have been accepted as one of the UK photographers for this amazing project, and I am currently the only photographer for this in the West Country. If you have a 'little hero' in your family and would like a photosession please apply through the Littlest Heroes Project website.

Weekend Woodland

2010-02-15T19:15:00.000Z

A walk in the woods this weekend was the perfect opportunity to indulge my love of black and white images. In monochrome portraits there is no colour to invoke an emotional response so expression is everything - i love the expression in this one.

Monochrome images need interest from texture and pattern, these trees provided plenty of that, although my eye was also drawn by the detail in the dried leaf.

Ellie and Jess

2010-01-31T21:29:00.000Z

On Saturday I had the absolute pleasure of a photoshoot with some beautiful dogs. The low afternoon sunshine made for some atmospheric shots; lots of glowing backlight and steaming doggie breath!

Thank you Sharon for bringing your gorgeous girls, Ellie and Jess and I hope you enjoy this little preview - your full gallery will be on my website next weekend.

Ben

2010-01-16T19:09:00.000Z

These images are from a most enjoyable shoot with a very talented young musician; it was wonderful for me as Ben played his guitar almost constantly whilst I shot around him. The flatness of the dull winter light lent itself well to these warm-toned black and white conversions.

Not only is Ben a very talented musician, he also writes and performs his own material, check out his website - http://www.benwinwood.com/ , all that talent and a good looking, charming young man - he's clearly heading for stardom!

Ben's hands were fascinating as they danced across the guitar strings.

Thank you for the wonderful shoot Ben, and lots of luck in your musical career.

Photographing Birds of Prey

2010-01-07T22:32:00.000Z

A day spent photographing the birds of prey at the Barn Owl Centre, Gloucester, was a Christmas present that I greatly enjoyed on Sunday. I was so engrossed with the beautiful birds and the challenge of getting images where all the elements of composition, exposure, focus and appropriate depth of field came together that the cold didn't seem to matter too much - the 5 layers of clothing helped too!

I was particularly pleased with this kestrel picture.

First Blog

2010-01-02T20:24:00.000Z

I am a lifestyle portrait photographer; utilising natural light and the backdrop of your own surroundings I create individual portraits that capture some of the wonderful moments that make your family unique. To see some of my commissioned portrait work please visit my website at http://www.portraitsbymerille.co.uk/

I have decided to make a blog so that clients both new and existing can keep up with my current work. I will be showing some previews from booked photosessions, possibly some family snaps and also some photography from personal projects - in the summer I have a passion for British wild flowers and the ephemeral beauty of butterflies.

Hopefully people will leave comments on my blogs, I would be very happy to read them!