March 2017

In May of 2016 my son and I headed off to America for a month to visit my sister. Leigh, my sister, lives in the town of Cabot just outside
Pittsburgh. But whilst we was there one of the many surprises she had for us was a trip to New York. Somewhere I have always wanted to go. China Town, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Times Square, Central Park. There is so much to do and see there. We stayed for three days and three nights but that still wasn’t enough time to see everything. If you think New York is big, you don’t really know till you have been there.

One of the sights I was most eager to see and experience was Brooklyn Bridge. The famous cable/suspension bridge built in 1883. It’s just over one mile long and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. And in the city that never sleeps, neither does Brooklyn Bridge.

We only ventured half way across the bridge but on the way back I spotted a small gathering of people. They had surrounded a Bride & Groom whist what looked like a friend was taking photos. A Bride & Groom on Brooklyn Bridge. I couldn’t resist and over the crowd grabbed a couple of shots.

I was unable to capture anything pleasing from where I was and as I left the scene I also felt bad about sneaking pictures of someone on their Wedding Day. So I immediately turned back around and approached the happy couple. I introduced myself and explained I was a Wedding Photographer on holiday from England and when I spotted them on such a famous landmark I couldn’t help myself and captured a few images. I explained I felt bad and somewhat unprofessional about doing this and if they wanted I would delete all images from my camera in their presence. Or, if they wanted, I would be happy to email them the photos once I returned to England. I handed the couple one of my business cards which had one of my favourite wedding images printed on it. The Groom took one look at the card, looked at me with a smile and asked, “Do you have a few spare minutes to take some more?”

I instantly looked to their photographer, who as he was carrying a smaller compact camera looked like possibly just a friend capturing a few pictures on their day, and asked him if he minded. I didn’t want to step on his toes. He shrugged his shoulders and said they are all yours.

Now, I only had my 70-200mm lens with me which is hardly ideal when working in such a confined space. By this I mean Brooklyn Bridge is huge, but very busy. Despite it’s size there is not a lot of room to move around. I would have loved to have my 50mm Sigma Art lens but I had no idea an opportunity like this would be presented to me. But regardless, it was still an amazing opportunity.

I have emailed the images taken to Tamera & Ivan, the Bride and Groom, and received a lovely email back from them thanking me for the images. One of which they said they were so happy with they had it printed on a high canvas for their home. You can slide through the images at the top of this page to see more. It was an absolute honour and stroke of luck for all of us I guess that we all happened to be on Brooklyn Bridge at the same time. Talk about being in the right place at the right time.

I recently exhibited at the Eastern Daily Times Bride Wedding Show at Bedford Lodge in Newmarket. Wedding Fairs and Shows are by far the best place’s to go when you are planning your wedding as you get to meet suppliers from all areas of the industry face to face. Being a regular exhibitor with EDT at shows including Ivy Country House Lowestoft and Crowne Plaza Hotel Colchester, they were kind enough to add a feature on me in their brochure for their latest show. Here I have attached a copy of their article plus the contents:

Wedding Photography by Neil Baxter has a reputation for passion and professionalism when it comes to shooting your big day. Neil, one of todays exhibitors, talks about his work…

• How would you describe your style of photography and how does it set you apart from the competition?

I offer a unique and creative yet unobtrusive style of wedding photography that is fully committed and prepared to capture all the magical moments of your special day and more. I’m always looking for new ideas or a new way to capture a certain image. I love to give my clients something different and original that they can look back on together and cherish with future generations. 

• What are your photographic inspirations?

There are many photographers I look up to as inspirational but I would say I take most of my inspiration from everyday life. Experiences and things we see everyday. Visualising and trying to portray emotions in an image. It helps to think outside the box and look at everything from different angles. 

• What is the most challenging part of photographing a wedding?

It’s hard to say. Every wedding is different. It might be a bride slightly behind on time and having to squeeze in those last minute photos before the ceremony. It could be organising the guest for the group photographs. Whatever the case the important thing for me is I stay relaxed and be prepared. It helps to think ahead, plan well, be ready for everything and overcome the challenge. 

• Why is wedding photography worth the investment?

I have a strong passion and love for photography and art. Being trusted to capture one of the most important days of their life is and absolute honour and privilege. The joy and happiness I see and hear in my clients faces and comments after they have received their wedding photos is the most satisfying part of my job and something I am veery proud of. 

Thank you to all the lovely ladies at EDT for the hard work they put into organising every show. The next EDT Wedding Show at Bedford Lodge is on the 15th October 2017. Doors open from 10:30am till 3:30pm.

South Wales. A beautiful place full of gorgeous landscapes and countryside. Historic castles, Severn Bridge, the nations capital Cardiff. It’s somewhere I have always wanted to visit and explore. And when Stephanie and Justin approached me at the Take My Hand Wedding Fair in September of 2016 I got my chance.

“We would love for you to capture our special day but it’s all the way in South Wales?” they said.

“And?” whilst smiling was my reply. “I’d love to.” Immediately checking the date in my diary and thankfully I was free. As they described the area in which they were getting married, the beautiful village of  Llandenny, stone cottages, miles of fields, hilltops. I stopped them to say, “Sorry but whilst your describing this it’s taking my mind through the opening credits to Emmerdale Farm!”

They laughed and explained it was just like that. “It sounds lovely,” I said and we went on to confirm the booking.

Whilst going through their plans Justin mentioned the name of his Bestman. “I think you know him!” he said. We actually grew up in the same street! He’s a lifelong friend.

With the Wedding Day in the not to distant future, I looked to book somewhere to stay a few weeks ago. I will be travelling to Wales on the Friday to make sure I am there and ready for the Wedding which is on the Saturday, and I will return home on the Sunday. As the couple are local to me I contacted the Groom to see if he had anywhere he could recommend, possibly somewhere where a few guest were staying so I could get to know a few faces and spend a little time with them.

“Try the Llangeview Lodge. Jim, Clive and a few others are staying there.” Clive I used to work with. Jim is a policeman, and extremely funny. Back in the day Sunday evenings used to consist of Jim, David, myself and a few others sharing a few pints and jokes in the local pub. It definitely is a small world.

I have displayed a map of the journey I will be taking to get to Llandenny. Although I think I will divert on the way home and cross the Severn Bridge. I have already offered to transport any guests that would like to join me on the road trip.

I look forward to all the Weddings I am lucky enough to capture but this is another I am extremely looking forward to.

As I continue my quest to capture weddings across the UK and abroad this is another Wedding I am very excited about.

Recently I have confirmed bookings in South Wales later this year and in 2018 I have Weddings booked in Leicester, Liverpool, Mexico and now Boturich Castle in Scotland. A truly beautiful setting for a Wedding, the castle is set on the banks of Loch Lomond.

I made the booking at a recent wedding fair at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds. Kevin and Rebecca approached my stand whilst I was discussing details with another couple. As soon as I had finished they told me they had followed my work on Facebook and had already decided they wanted to book me. Would I travel up to Scotland to photograph a wedding in a beautiful historic castle? Of course I would. Thankfully I was free on their Wedding date.

Boturich Castle is a stunning venue inside and out which is surrounded by the gorgeous landscape around Loch Lomond. The Wedding Ceremony can be taken inside this historic building or outside overlooking the Loch. Both options provide the perfect setting.

I love venturing to new venues. Especially ones in different parts of the country or world. It’s one of the many things I truly love about my job. It brings a sense of adventure for me. And the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful buildings up close on what is the most beautiful days in two peoples lives. This is another Wedding I am very excited about. Thank you Rebecca and Kevin.