Sarah Aires Photography

Photographing Nick Clegg and Ed Milliband – Events: Make sure you make the most of your VIPs!

sarahaires — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 22:34:10 +0000

You’ve been asked to put together a fantastic event. All the team are to attend, there’s inspirational addresses by some big cheeses, and you’ve invited more than a smattering of special guests. It’s vital that you don’t miss the opportunity for your event to do double duty for your marketing material – make sure you capture some great photos of it! And its not a good idea to leave any of that to chance – you’d be best advised to get a professional.

It was for just such an occasion that I felt truly honoured to be called in to photograph the Parliamentary launch of the fantastic ‘IF’ campaign.

Rt. Hon Ed Milliband MP, Leader of the Opposition

The campaign builds on the momentum of the previous ‘Make Poverty History’ campaign and draws together many of the major charities to call on the government to use their chairing of this years G8 meeting to rectify many injustices that the world’s poorest people face. Tearfund asked me to take photos at the launch at Speakers House in London, where many well-known VIP politicians heard cross-party support for the campaign from Nick Clegg, Ed Milliband, David Cameron (via a video), John Bercow, Natasha Kaplinsky and others explain the aims of the Campaign.

Rt. Hon Nick Clegg MP, Deputy Prime Minister

Now, a Tearfund intern could’ve just pulled out the office point and shoot camera and snapped some pics. But… when everyone’s there and the pressure is on, do you really want to risk it?

There’s more to this situation than meets the eye too. You typically need:

A camera setup that can cope with low light (usually a professional camera and lens) (Typically about £3,000+)

A decent flashgun (costs more than most point and shoot cameras alone!) (about £350!)

Someone who knows how to use them, and where to stand to capture a nice image

Not only that, but for your publicity shots, you’ll need a professional photographer who can quickly (don’t want to waste VIPs time), but politely direct people to get a relaxed yet quality shot. If you are looking for an event photographer for your next ‘do’ then do let us know.

Natasha Kaplinsky, IF Campaign Representative and Save the Children Ambassador

Rt. Hon Justine Greening MP, Secretary of State for International Development

And please sign up here and support the Campaign.

Enhancing your home with custom portraits and frames

sarahaires — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:11:37 +0000

Its always lovely to receive a glowing testimonial. Here’s one I received from a recent customer who asked me to photograph her children at home. She had plans to redecorate her living room and was keen to have both pictures and frames that would compliment the new decor. She had planned for beautiful soft greys and silvers so we had in mind that some black and white images and silver frames would be best. It is always so good to see portraits in situ – and now she’s completed her living room the pictures are in pride of place. Here’s one of her sweet daughter Lily – apparently the pictures are talking point with most people who visit! ‘I would just like to say a ‘BIG’ Thank you for the beautiful pictures that were taken of Harrison and Lily, they are so natural and exactly what I had asked for. The way that you dealt with the children was lovely and they thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, which with previous experience of photos session can sometimes be both stressful for me and the children.
The service I received from you throughout the whole experience from advising me on settings, ideas for clothing for the children, the actual photo shoot and then to viewing and ordering the photos was above and beyond my expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend you to anybody.
Thankyou again for the wonderful photos’

Louise T

We took a range of pictures in the house and garden and included the children reading favourite books and wearing their favourite clothes. It was much more fun than they expected!

Love is in the (nearly Autumn) air!

sarahaires — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 23:48:25 +0000

There’s been a very nice flurry of bookings over the last few weeks for nuptials next Spring and there’s also a good few weddings coming up soon as we move into Autumn. Autumn and Spring seem to be my busiest times which works very well for me.

I absolutely love both these seasons.. But then I absolutely love Summer and Winter too! I am so glad we live in the UK and can witness these changes in the colours and the light and enjoy different activities in each new chapter of the year. (It’ll be blackberry picking right now in the Aires household but that’s another blog post perhaps!)

But this weather, this glorious early September sunshine we’ve enjoyed – doesn’t it take some beating!? And how special for this great couple Regan and Tristan to have their wedding practice session in the sun and on the ‘beach’ at Frensham, Surrey.

Although these two look so incredibly relaxed in front of the camera there was the usual slight nervousness at the start… Tristan especially didn’t seem terribly keen to begin with (like almost all Grooms-to-be) but we had their trusted Collie companion Skye join in the pictures and then any hint of awkwardness seemed to melt away. I like watching this happen and its why I’m so fond of the great outdoors for taking pictures like these… being out and about and in nice settings like this seems to bring out the best in us all (and allows family pets to be included)!

Here’s some of the bubbly, lovely bride to be, Regan whose hair and makeup looked truly fab for the pictures….

I had an unusual thought that I should request these guys wear purple as I knew there was heather in the dunes and thought it might be something to have everything blending in. Then I stopped myself thinking that, ‘not everyone has purple, or suits purple or would be up for me suggesting such a bold main colour’ – so I didn’t mention it but, lo and behold they must have read my mind! Tristan turned up in his bright Joules top and Regan complimented in her casual blue and pink check. I am so chuffed this happened – I think they look fab!

I’m really looking forward to their wedding now in just over a months time at the friendly Devere Gorse Hill hotel round the corner from here in Hook Heath, Woking.

Thanks Regan and Tristan for a fab afternoon. Can’t wait to get snapping again on your big day! xx

Amy and Phil’s ‘walk in the park’ – all camera-shyness now gone!

sarahaires — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 09:22:36 +0000

We had a little sun a few weeks back (do you remember!?) and were straight out into it to meet Amy and Phil who had just booked us for their Wedding in April.

Amy told me before we met that as they were both incredibly camera shy our pre-wedding practice session would be especially helpful. As so many people are less than confident in front of the camera I very frequently find myself having to reassure people. I guaranteed Amy and Phil that their little engagement shoot would be perfectly relaxed and that they really shouldn’t worry.

As soon as we met (this was the first time) Amy and Phil looked relieved. A chat and a stroll (and a quick peek at the back of the camera for Amy and Phil to see what I was snapping) and the session turned out to be a walk in the park both literally and figuratively!

We had lots of lovely natural smiles and gorgeous infectious giggling!

Here’s what Amy emailed after our session,

‘Just wanted to email and say a big thank you Wednedays engagement shoot. We were both SO nervous about having our photos taken and being in the spotlight but both yourself and Sarah W. did an amazing job at making us feel at ease. We can’t wait to see the results of it all now!!’

Thanks Amy and Phil – we’re really looking forward to the wedding.

Meeting Kate – Fashion portraits

sarahaires — Sun, 13 May 2012 21:38:14 +0000

We had a hugely enjoyable photo session last week with the lovely Kate at her home in Peaslake, Surrey. I’d been commissioned to take her portrait for a fashion and art study by Emily Hoyle in which she features.

From just talking to Kate briefly on the phone I knew we’d have a great session and sure enough Kate’s wonderfully relaxed and gentle nature made her a dream to photograph – not to mention her amazing blue eyes and happy disposition.

Kate’s two year old daughter with her big personality and fabulously wild curly hair was thankfully persuaded to sneak into a few unplanned pictures. Here she is showing us through the window where the chickens live.

Not busy enough with three little girls under six years old, Kate’s soon to start blogging about her passions in health, beauty and fashion. You can be sure that we won’t need much of an invitation to return to these lovely girls when she’s needing some more pictures!

Corporate images for Simon and Sarah

sarahaires — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:49:18 +0000

Simon and Sarah of Clarus Wealth Ltd asked me to take some pictures of them looking suitably professional but relaxed for their new website (soon to be launched).

Local family business Clarus Wealth assist their clients in creating bespoke Wealth Creation and Weath preservation plans enabling them to achieve their aims and objectives throughout life.

Simon and Sarah have a lovely little boy who came along to our venue too. He was looked after by Grandma Ruth while I snapped his Mum and Dad.

We managed to squeeze in a few family pictures after we’d done with the suits!

Mum of five Ruth is ‘expecting’ three more grandchildren the space of a couple of months at the end of the summer and would like to have a photo session then with all 17 of the family! That’ll certainly be great fun!

Spring sunshine – Engagement session with Natalie and Matt

sarahaires — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:11:31 +0000

Isn’t this unseasonably good weather just fabulous! There’s not much I enjoy more than the English countryside in the Spring sunshine.

A couple of weeks ago I spent a really lovely afternoon wandering through the woods at Winkworth with this sunny bride and groom to be, Natalie and Matt. A relaxed ‘practice’ or engagement session is such a great way to get to know a couple ahead of their wedding.

This couple’s wedding is going to be wonderful. Matt had Natalie in stitches most of the time which is such a joy to watch! I am completely in my element capturing genuine fun and laughter - it makes for such lovely romantic pictures!

Our New Website – Part 2 (Awards & Cakes!)

sarahaires — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:07:43 +0000

Since our website went live a couple of weeks ago we have had some great encouragement about the design and direction we’ve chosen and also a little official opening celebration…

CSS Design Awards added us to their Nominees Gallery to be in the running for an award. (CSSDA is living archive of the world’s greatest websites and a showcase of talent and inspiring design) To be added to nominees’ gallery is in itself a great achievement – so we, and our fab design team are pleased as punch with this!

Then we had the happy news last evening that Sarah Aires Photography has won a Mumpreneur UK Gold Website Award!

“As well as supporting and celebrating “mumpreneurs” (a mum who juggles running a business with family life) Mumpreneur UK are keen to provide information and support for mums in business. We want to ensure that these {web} sites are rewarded, and that their customers can see that their high standard is being recognised. We’re looking to acknowledge mumpreneurs who have realised the importance of getting your business online, and doing it well!” Mumpreneur UK’

Websites submitted for the awards are judged by online professionals for content, design, navigation, ease of use and overall presentation. The gold award is the highest level presented – so we’re absolutely thrilled!

Its really great to have these accolades that show us others love our website too! Massive thanks and well done again to the creative team at B:Websites who ran with our vision and demanding brief – and then delivered such a superb design and build! Kevin and I went to their offices (literally 5mins walk away!) and held an official ‘opening ceremony’ and celebration with Zoe and the team there, complete with some fun branded cupcakes and champagne!

Our New Website – Part 1

sarahaires — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:19:08 +0000

Hurrah, our newly furnished website is here at last!

For our new design, I was keen to have some ‘wow’ factor whilst also creating a place that would be warm and inviting. Kevin, my other half wanted something very ‘designed’ – a site that would entice, surprise and delight.

We hope that’s how it feels, and that it shows what we are all about – taking pictures of you and your family that will be admired and loved, and that perfectly compliment your home. We wanted to reflect what we are passionate about - creating images that will put a smile on your face when you walk past them – a reminder of happy days for years to come!

We are really grateful to Zoe Brown, Christina and Richard from local web design firm (literally 5mins walk from where we live!) B:Websites for doing such a sterling job on the site and for putting up with our deliberations about cushion colours!

We hope you like it!

We’re the Most Loved Business in Guildford!

sarahaires — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:31:07 +0000

I was thrilled last month to be supported by so many of my local customers as they sent testimonials into the Bestof.co.uk during the website’s 14 days of love campaign. I received over 80 glowing reviews and as a result was awarded the accolade ‘Most Loved Business in Guildford’. With so many lovely testimonials I also achieved ’3rd Most loved Photographer’ in the UK

Sarah receives 'Most Loved Business' in Guildford award

Here’s a picture of me receiving my award from the lovely team at Best of Guildford at the latest members event at the local lovely De Vere Gorse Hill - from super supportive Sally Castro and Paul Bridgland.

It was truly heartening to have so many mentions of appreciation for the things I strive to provide: enthusiasm and energy, warmth, creativity, attention to detail and excellent customer service. A great big thanks to all my lovely, loyal customers – running this business is such a blessing as I love my work so much and it makes people happy.

My win has also been picked up in the local press – last week’s Woking News and Mail and today’s Surrey Advertiser. And with a big buzz from our new website launch all happening in the same fortnight I’m on a real high! Very excited about the year ahead!

Here’s a picture from the Surrey Advertiser…

Kevin and Sarah Aires on the other end of the camera lens for a change!