Happy Birthday Hebden Bridge Arts Festival!

As I'm writing this it's bucketing outside and I've just lit the fire, welcome to June!  June already!  And that can mean only one thing, the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival is just around the corner...

2011 sees the HBAF coming of age and it's the 18th consecutive year it has been held.  To celebrate this landmark, special events exploring rites of passage have been programmed.  This year, I am the official Festival photographer.  I'll be documenting behind the scenes preparations, street entertainment, music, exhibitions, the Hebden Shorts, comedy performances and much, much more - always wanted to say that!

For more information go to www.hbaf.co.uk, for regular updates - www.facebook.com/hbartsfestival and for twitterings @hbaf.

Here are just a few photos I took at last year's Festival including  a couple of pictures of Martin Parr which has to be one of the scariest moments of my photographic career so far.  He's a very tall man...

Anyway, here's to a great Festival and Happy Birthday!!

The Festival Office in full swing:

 Hebden Shorts

Martin Parr at The Picture House

Hebden Hop

 

Rich Hall at The Picture House

 

Kissmet at The Trades Club

Alison Weir & Suzannah Dunn

Millegro at Wainsgate Chapel 

Tom Wrigglesworth at The Picture House

Rodina at The Hole in t'Wall

Last Night!

Jenny & Darren

I shot Jenny & Darren's wedding last year and thought I'd put a few images up this weekend as they are expecting their first child!  The ceremony was held at Southwood Lodge, a hidden gem in the heart of Skircoat Green.  The wedding was so colourful with the flowers, wedding bus and Jenny's fantastic red shoes!  From Southwood we went onto the Square Chapel for the reception.  I took a few photos there and then whisked them away, armed with champagne, for a short stroll around The Piece Hall.  Such a stunning location anytime and it made the perfect setting for images with Jenny & Darren.  I've also put a few pictures up from the wedding album I designed for them, handmade by Cragg Vale company Butterwick Wells.  Myra & Richard make fantastic albums using the traditional methods and they're a great couple too!  More wedding to album shots coming soon....

 

Michelle & Matthew

I met Michelle and Matthew last year along with Michelle's Mum and Dad.  From the moment I started talking to them, I knew it was going to be a terrific day, a real celebration.  The days running up to the wedding saw the skies fit to burst with rain but on the Saturday we were so lucky and only had to dodge a shower at the end.  We had a beautiful spring green backdrop at the church and superb old stone archways and wooden doors with bags of character.  I love using these textures in my photos.  Here are just a few images from their day.  Just about to hit the peek of the wedding season so expect more celebratory blogs soon!

 

Smoke Fairies

When Mal from The Trades Club asked me if I'd be up for taking a few images of the Smoke Fairies at their sold out gig this week, it was always going to be a big yes.  I saw them at the End Of the Road Festival last year on a lazy Sunday afternoon.  Whilst sat on a deckchair soaking up the sun and atmosphere of the amazing Larmer Tree Gardens, along came Smoke Fairies with their infectious blues/folk riffs and two part harmonies to die for.  My memories of a great afternoon at the festival were revived on Sunday at The Trades.  Here's hoping they make their way over the cobbles again soon...

Chloe & Thomas pre-wedding shoot

When Chloe and Thomas asked to have their pre-wedding shoot in Hardcastle Crags in the spring, I was keeping my fingers crossed for the bluebells! We were in luck and not only that, the sun was shining and their lovely daughter Phoebe came along too!

Beautiful dappled light coming through the trees

I love pre-wedding shoots for these moments..

This last image is the one Chloe & Thomas have chosen for their signature board at their wedding in September.  I have the print mounted and guests can leave their messages.  This was a really relaxed shoot with a great couple, can't wait for the big day!