Both Sharon & Duncan live just outside London but decided Galway was where they were to get married as Sharon is originally from the area and also went to the university here too. I love going to the NUIG Chapel in Galway and because of its size, it is such an intimate location. Also, with the amazing amount of natural light in there, is just brilliant  for us photographers.

And to be a little different from most weddings. The groom has his sister as the best (wo)man!!

Church:  NUIG Chapel, Galway
Reception: Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Galway
Hair: Pater Mark, Galway
Flowers: Knocknacarra Florists
Dress: Madeline Gardner New York dress from Tracy Bridal, Galway

I was looking to do a few portrait shots recently as I wanted to try out some new techniques and add some new images to the portfolio of course. I asked my good friend Maja, who is a great photographer in her own right, if she would be up for having a go on the other side of the camera for a change. She jumped at the opportunity and the day we decided to do the shoot she even brought a change of clothes which meant we could try some different styles. The shoot also served another purpose as as we wanted to get some shots of her so she could use them in the “About Me” section of her web site.

We had such a blast that we decided that another one was going to have to be done in the near future. The biggest difference with the next session is we are going to swap places with me on the receiving end of the camera especially as I mentioned I needed new pictures for my section too.

After I had the initial call I just could not wait for the day to arrive. Sit back and visualise – 20 women, hen party, amazing location, “Mad Men” TV series themed and me to shoot it all – bliss!!!!!!!!!!

So to wet the appetite, here are a couple of teasers – enjoy!!

I posted a sneak peak of Evelyn and Andrew’s wedding a little while back so I thought it was time for me to add a few more images for everyone to see how it all went for for the day.

The wedding took place at St Michael’s Catholic Church and then at the magnificent Middleton Park House, a Victorian Country House in Castletown Geoghegan, Co Westmeath. The day started slightly overcast but that soon cleared and we had amazing sunshine.

I kept talking about this infamous dip that Evelyn did and without any further delay, I present one amazing dip ……………

I have this fantastic couple to thank for the referral for this wedding – you guys rock!!!!!

After a short pit stop at the pub across the road from the church we went back to Middleton Park House. We went straight to the bridal suite for a breather which meant that we were able to grab a couple of shots that would would not be got in the hussle and bussle of a normal wedding.

Whilst chatting and offloading my camera gear, I turned and noticed Evelyn was on the Chaise Longue taking a few minutes breather. It was just too good an opportunity to miss.

Once I left the happy couple alone for a bit of “alone” time, it was back to the guests and time to cut the cake.

And to finish off this fantastic day. A couple more images from the dining room itself.

Church:  St Michael’s Catholic Church, Castletown Geoghegan
Reception: Middleton Park House, Castletown Geoghegan

Sooooo, I hear you all saying, “what the hell is Rock the Frock??”

I decided a while back to use that description instead of the one which is much more widely known ie Trash the Dress. In Ireland,  it is still a relatively new idea and lots of brides (and some grooms too) thanks to the internet are a little more adventurous and giving it a go. But for most, the first impression is that you are going to literally “trash” the dress which is misleading and as a result are dismissing the chance to have a go.

So for those still unsure as to what it is all about. In a nutshell, it is an opportunity for either the bride or both the bride and groom to get their wedding outfits on again and head out to have alternative pictures taken. The location can be wherever you want it to be and how extreme you want to be is down to you. I would suggest that you do talk it through with your photographer first as to what your expectations are, what kind of locations you want to use and that will enable you both to have a clearer idea.

So onto Lydia and Lars.

What a fabulous couple they are and in 7 days, I did their engagement shoot, wedding and the Rock the Frock session and boy oh boy did we have fun. So without any further hesitation, here a few of the images we had taken on the day - enjoy!!!

It is hard work having to strut your stuff and do all this posing malarkey, so a tea break was in order  :-)

and back to work we go lol

Once we finished at the disused railway station, we decided to head to to the coast.

I have been a member of Facebook for a number of years. But literally in the last couple of weeks I decided that I wanted to have a more formal page showcasing the photography side of things. The plan was to leave my own page for more personal bits and pieces, so I created the Mike Patterson Photography fan page where people can head over and see anything and everything relating to what I do photography wise.

I did it for a number of reasons (no apparent order):

• Facebook has over 53 million users
• This will allow me to have more of an official status of Facebook rather using my personal page for work related matter
• I can use it to promote the business with events or any special promotions
• Allows family, friends or clients to become a fan without having to become a friend first
• (saying that, some clients have become great friends)
• I wanted the prestige

You get the idea.

Please make sure you head over to Mike Patterson Photography’s Facebook page and become a fan and more importantly, say hello.

A sneak peek from Demelza & Ronan’s wedding that took place in Roscommon.

RSVP Magazine asked me to do a shoot of Irish country singer, Mike Denver, along with his beautiful girlfriend Liz for a forthcoming edition.

The shoot took place at the fantastic G-Hotel here in Galway and were fortunate enough to be able to use a few locations within the hotel including their stunning Linda Evangelista Suite. This allowed us to have a variety of images in different settings using the very cool and funky designs within the hotel.

Mike and Liz were real troopers who were up for trying all sorts of locations and ideas – thanks again guys  :-)

I was recently asked why I watermark my images when they are posted on the blog??

In a nutshell, I do not want people to steal my images and use them without my permission or knowledge. Granted, I could place a really unsightly watermark right across the image but for me it takes away any impact from the image itself so having a slightly more subtle version is still a deterrent for most. Another alternative is to digitally watermark your image(s) where all the information you want to include is embedded digitally and can be very difficult to remove. The great thing about this form of watermarking is unless you have very specific (& sometimes expensive) software, you will not know that it has been “stamped.”

I belong to various forums, whether it is work related or not and over the last few years I see and read constantly about how people are finding their images on other sites. To make matters worse, they find that they were:

• not asked if image(s) could be used
• Not given credit or said where the image was obtained from
• Used by another photographer to sell their product ie wedding, products, landscapes etc
• Used by a business for marketing for marketing a product or service
• Not being compensated for use of image(s)

The www as a resource is simply outstanding and if used right, can be invaluable but yet the majority of people are having to resort to making sure they can safeguard their property.

Anyway, I hope this answers the question but if anyone else wants to ask me anything else, then please feel free to get in touch.