Weddings by Rachel Fox

When life gets in the way.

2012-02-01T17:19:00.000Z

I made a commitment to update the blog and facebook regularily. I know that.... My intentions were well meant, you know that and I have kept the facebook side quite well but sometimes life just gets in the way. I feel very lucky though that over the weekend I had 1 very productive day giving me a few album designs, especially since the last few days I have suffered awful insomnia.

Christmas is long gone now, even though my lovely husband refuses to take down his beloved rope light, love you chicken, my quiet time is coming to an end too. Although January was wedding free there were remenants of editing and album designs to be completed so do not pity me, I was not just sitting around waiting for something to do but I have enjoyed down time yet I am rearing to get going again, best under pressure I LOVE a heavy workload.

One thing I do have to say though is this, when life gets in the way of well meant intentions, isn't it great when life can look like this:

I HATE websites

2012-01-10T20:25:00.000Z

Yes it has been a while, and I did promise to be more consistent with my blogs but I have been trying ever so hard to get my new website up and running. Yes, it is almost a yearly thing at this stage getting a new website but sure why not?

Why not? I have plenty of reasons why not actually. The fact that I have to wait hours, even days to see if I have successfully pointed my url correctly, that I have to converse with 2 separate companies to ensure I am taking the correct steps and the fact that if it is still not working each company always blames the other!

I am slowly been driven quietly insane, well not so quietly insane, more so you should all feel sorry for Kev type of insane ;)

You know what though, I am not sorry I started, I will not be sorry when finished, Kev might be, I won't. I am not sorry for the simple reason that my phone rang all day yesterday, all day! I have passed out a temporary link to the new site on facebook, which is www.rachelfox.photoshelter.com and it seems that people are impressed, the diary is filling with bookings and meetings which means I am smiling quite a lot, in between ranting about my url that is.

So when this is finished then fingers crossed I will be able to take the time to write up on more recent weddings but until then my peeps, take care xxx

Crazy Season is over!

2011-11-29T20:00:00.000Z

So the last couple of weeks I have been quite quiet right, that is so unlike me! I met with someone today about a job I am doing for my dads GAA club (congrats Dad on making chairman again) and one of the first things Cara said to me was, Rachel your dad tells me you are a bigger waffler than him!!!! Thanks Dad, but it is true, I do get it from him though. So I haven't waffled much lately and I have had a hell of a lot to waffle about, what is going on?

CHRISTMAS IS HERE

The last few weeks my mind has been completely consumed with Christmas, really. I have spent a ridiculous amount of money on decorations but it is soooo worth it as I now have not 1, not 2 but 3 Christmas trees in my house. We have one in the porch for the passerbys to see, we have the tackfest in the playroom as there was never a hope in hell of the kids decorating the main tree and then we have the main one in the living room.

Finally the time came when I could get THE tree, whatever tree I wanted, I worked hard this year so why the heck not....? Then when it came to it I couldn't help but say, do I really need to spend €250 on a tree? No I didn't. Still though, I went to homestore and got a fab tree for €100, 7ft of artificial beauty and adorned it with the most gorgeous decorations, poinsettia flowers, red glitter butterflies, gold stars and snowflakes and oversized bows tied by myself and my little Kelsie, poor Nikki just couldn't quite get hers right and gave up as soon as she started.

This year I decided to go ahead and do them when Kev was out working. Well, I had 2 choices, do it while he was gone or do it while he was home. Previous experience has told me that best let him off altogether as he gets quite upset when I redo the tree after him. Thankfully though there were no arguments over it, last year for once I gave Kev full reign, he wanted tack I said ok, do what you like. It was a lesson learned though as after a week or so he did admit that all previous trees looked better and I was right, he was wrong.

Wow girls, don't you love it when they admit you were right, I mean admit without pressure, just out of the blue.

So yes, I took my mind away from weddings for the last few weeks a bit and focused on my favourite time of year, but boy am I happy sitting here beside this piece of beauty!

What happens when you leave a wedding photographer at home alone, bored and hungry????

2011-11-08T11:35:00.001Z

As we were shopping last night I noticed a novelty mug, I asked my hubbie who did he think would buy it for me for Christmas. He laughed as we both know someone will, it was one of those along the lines of 'we can't all be a domestic goddess'. It is so true though, that cup is destined for me. I have a friend come and clean for me because I just can't do it, I took a tracksuit out of the clean washing this morning to find it not cleaned, I only washed it!!!! Somehow I can manage to make a nice stew, lasagna and bolognese but I do quite often burn the pasta or overcook spuds.

Why am I telling you all of this? Walking around the supermarket with Julie & Celine this morning I was starving, the smell of bread makes me so hungry, I thought no, not today! Then in my boredom waiting for Julie to stop yapping I looked at the cheese aisle and thought, that's what I will do today..... make a cheese filled croissant.

When I was a kid I looked forward to meeting my nanny in town on a Saturday morning, true every kid would look forward to ice cream from their nanny for breakfast and that did play a part but mainly, right next to the elevators to the car park was La Croissanterie, yes, my dreams would all come true when my mam said, come on and we get a croissant, and so I did, every week. Being a teenager eventually it was no longer cute to bring me along, thankfully though another branch opened close to my home. I loved the girls in that shop, especially when they upgraded me to a large size croissant. Then it closed down... Then the one from when I was a kid closed. Now there is one left, every couple of months we venture in sadly though, last time in the rush I got a take away, only to open it in the car and realise everything was different, I couldn't eat it, I was sad for days...... I have yet to find a replacement so I thought you know what, I will learn to do it myself.

I melted the butter, I had no plain flour so used self raising, no cream so used milk to create the most disgusting looking mixture I have ever seen. But it was ok, stashed in the back of the press was a sachet of white sauce powder. As it bubbled I added the cheese, stirring slowly, filled the croissants and topped off with some more sauce. When they came out of the over I thought, nobody is going to believe that I did this, not me so I grabbed the camera. With the plate by my side cooling down I started to upload thinking yes, I have just kicked la Croissanteries butt!

Butt..... but I haven't. Not a hope. So I sit here disappointed looking at what appears to be my perfect croissant sitting next to me, thinking of how I could have written this with pride about the perfect texture and taste, but I can't, instead of what was to be a moment of pure excitement and delight I have now realised I have wasted the last hour and a half of my life!

Nice pics though;)

Wedding Photography for Keith & Ian Tankardstown House

2011-11-03T09:33:00.000Z

Taste, elegance and style in every sense of each word, details in excess......

From the ultimate venue, to the sequenced boxers, everything was thought through. Yes some wait all of their lives for their day, for Ian & Keith though, finally they could take their vows legally in Ireland and they made sure that they did so in high class.

Arriving at the venue, I was greeted by both grooms, standing by the door they were the perfect hosts, greeting every guest personally and even helping carry bags to rooms.

The day was obviously going to be different from my norm, but I was super excited as today we were doing a first look. Both Ian & Keith would dress in seperate rooms off their suite and we would have the big reveal when they would first set eyes on one another. In that moment, those few seconds, I had a glimpse into their hearts, the joy, the happiness they both felt that this was their day and they truly deserved their day.

So to Ian & Keith I wish you many many more moments to set eyes upon one another and remember this moment, when looking into each others eyes brought tears of happiness.

All of my love and congratulations xxx

2011-10-29T09:30:00.000+01:00

Quirky.... Inspired.... Original.... So many words....

Within minutes of arriving I was so excited for the day ahead, a pageboy with converse, a completely individual dress, a flower girl with a quirky here comes the bride sign, so much to work with...

And then came Michael Schumacher who was so kind to look after the veil for the couple of weeks prior to the wedding!

A school teacher with a dad who looked like he might possibly be the most intelligent person I have come across, Niamh is perfection, simple elegance through and through, she was so excited to be marrying her man of dreams that she had her special stash of tissues to hand all day.

When the heavens opened upon exiting the church even the inches of rain couldnt dampen the mood, whilst sheltered indoors for the few minutes there was laughter and joy.

We enjoyed an afternoon of racing, girly twirls, jumping contests and I am sure after I left the fun just went on and on.

So to Niamh and Peter, the biggest few weeks of your lives have gone by, filled with sadness and joy, ups and downs. Those weeks have finished off making you man and wife and as you stood together before your wedding holding each other up, I hope you continue to do so for the rest of your lives, all of my love to you both and best wishes for your future xx

The Newest Addition - Wedding Memory Key

2011-10-27T21:18:00.000+01:00

The sample memory key arrived this week. In the moment I signed for it I never loved anybody more than I loved my postman! As I tore open the package with anticipation I thought right I have gone crazy, this is what my life has come to, the best moment of my week, receiving a work sample haha.

I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. In fact, I beamed all day long and thankfully it was not only me who was excited. As I walked into the school yard I was collared by Susan, a recent bride who said Rachel, please can I have one, please?

And after all that, here it is, make your own mind up about how crazy I am but I adore this!

Heather & Colin - Wedding Photography St. Marys Lucan and Leixlip Manor

2011-10-25T11:13:00.000+01:00

I was so excited about this wedding. As soon as Colin mentioned the yellow pick up truck I just thought, yes this is going to be fun.

As is the norm for me, whilst discussing the truck I mentioned to Colin that my dad bought his trucks through that garage and of course, yes there was some recognition there, I can't go anywhere......

Putting that aside and focussing on the day itself, entering the bridal suite this morning I was greeted by 3 gorgeous little girls and the handsome baby Conor. I love kids at weddings, they give so much opportunity for photographs and these ones certainly did not disappoint. From the gorgeous flowers in the girls hair to baby Conors smiling face these kiddies were the height of cuteness. Junior bridesmaid Emma really was sure she was the most beautiful girl in the world, but then Heather put on her dress and sure don't we all know, there is nothing in this world that makes a girl look so fabulous as the bridal glow, the glint in the eye, the excitement, the emotion and the months of planning coming into fruition and well, yes, Heather truly was absolutely stunning.
Colin had an air of giddyness (if that is really a word) about him when I met him and the boys at the church. His eyes watered as he first saw his gorgeous daughter Rebecca but he held himself together like a true man and looked lovingly upon his bride walking down the aisle. The ceremony itself was a delight, the sly whispers here and there, the smiles and laughter, like little schoolkids messing when they weren't supposed to....

I could not fault this pair in any way at all, having chosen my locality to celebrate their big day, St. Marys in Lucan village is a highly sought after church and the Leixlip Manor is a hidden gem with a very country chic feel about it. After an enjoyable day photographing Heather & Colin, or should I say, Mr & Mrs Fairbrother, I sat down to enjoy the most beautiful bowl of soup I have had in a long time which was presented perfectly in a bowl matching my first impressions of the Leixlip Manor house, country chic to the core......

Congratulations to both of you, I had a fantastic day with you and cannot wait to meet up very very soon to go over all of these gorgeous pics I have waiting for you.

Engagement shoots - wedding invitations featuring photography

2011-10-20T10:55:00.000+01:00

I really do enjoy engagement shoots, I wish all brides would want an engagement shoot as it really gives time to bond and enjoy both that shoot and the wedding day.

Take Adel & Joe for example, I really love this couple, a word I do not use often but uber friendly!!! Seriously! We had so much fun getting the shots for the engagement shoot that when it came to the wedding day these guys were unbelievably comfortable, ready and willing for everything, even wanting more and more, as they had seen the results from a 30 minute session they were more than willing to give that little bit more time to me than usual on their wedding day. In the end we had indoor pics, outdoor pics, bedroom pics, cake pics, gym pics, tonnes of pics which is JUST the way I like it!

Another option with engagement photos is to have personalised wedding invites made with them. A simple relaxed photo with caption on a nice 6x4 card is an affordable way to invite guests to a wedding without having to spend a fortune. Cards are often ordered as thank you cards with images on the front so why not invite cards too? A set of 100 cards with white envelopes comes in at €120.

There is food for thought for you, speaking of food ........ brekkie!

Wedding Photography Blog - New found dedication

2011-10-16T10:51:00.000+01:00

It is quite unfortunate that I do allow my blog to fall to the wayside from time to time - well no more I say! Yes I do update daily on facebook but lets face it, facebook is not for everyone so for those of you who are not interested in social networking, I hereby promise to update regularly to the blog and feature weddings, thoughts, photos and so much more.

So from me to the world of internet - I apologise, this is it, I mean it now - HERE I AM, wedding photographer blogger extraordinaire!!!!!!

Different ideas for photography

2011-10-14T11:05:00.000+01:00

Photos can be so much, a single photo can be so important to someone it might be the most valued thing they own! I often think photography can be underappreciated, I don't mea that in a selfish way, I actually mean it. We can do so much with photos, we can portray a feeling by capturing an image of a flower, we can remind someone of the emotion they felt on their wedding day by capturing that one stray tear or the huge bear hugs from friends but what else can we do.....

I love cuteness, I love attention to detail and ok, I may not be the most artistic person in the world but I have a terrible habit of making a fuss of family occasions. It mainly began when my dear old dad ;) (dad I know you're not really old, sorry) turned 50, an uncle had written a poem about him years before and I decided to use it, I designed a folded card with old images and verses inside and left them at each table. After that I decided, well I can do this more often, so I did it for another family friend, this time writing my own poem, then for my mam, then for my dads wedding blessing and so on and so on.

Anyway, the point is, I have realised a simple and easy way to make the kids feel special, and here it is:

A personalised invite, designed by myself through photoshop and printed at the local photo lab giving me cost effective personalised invitations for my kids parties.

Happy Birthday Baby, love you lots and lots like jelly tots xxxxxx

Susan & Daniel - Army wedding at the Spa Hotel, Lucan - Wedding Photography

2011-10-13T10:51:00.000+01:00

When Siobhan first contacted me I was already jealous, a bride who did not even have to arranger her own wedding as it was not Siobhan getting married but Susan, her sister.

Meeting the girls at the hotel to discuss how the day would go I was excited about it from the start, come on girls, you would all be excited to photograph an army wedding with guard of honour, i.e. hunky men in uniforms....

From the very start of the day I knew I was in for some fun, photographing the guys in the hotel getting ready I was in my element, this was my first army wedding and as I photographed the medals and patches on the uniform I was told what each stood for, also being informed that the best man would be the highest ranking soldier there, which worked great to my advantage! Why you ask? How much fun did I have photographing the guard of honour with the best man on my side shouting orders, the lads had to obey, standing to order on command. Pity though, no matter how much I asked they would not salute me, but salute Susan they did and sure why the hell not, from the moment she put her dress on she felt like a princess. Beaming ear to ear, this was her day, this was her dress and he was her man! So to Mr. & Mrs. Hooper, congratulations I wish you all the best in life, let every day be as happy as your wedding day xxx

Busy busy meee

2011-08-24T18:44:00.000+01:00

Well here I am in the middle of my busiest week of the year and I am loving it. I may be taking a little break to write this post but sure hey, we all deserve a break don't we!

Today, for the second time this week, I read a Jasmine Star blog, I am sorry but I will never be able to write the way this girl does, the words just flow so smoothly, everything seems so romantic. I am what I am though, and I am loving it all.

On Sunday myself and the hubbie with kids in tow went to see the Entourage wedding band play locally in the afternoon. Jenny really has some voice and as friends had seen us chat before the gig started many came over throughout to say what a superb voice she had with one even saying Rhianna couldn't sing that well!

Thanks to Jenny for giving a little speech on me during the gig too.

Yesterday I met with Danielle & Iain in Dublin city centre, Merrion Square to be exact. They had a private ceremony in the local registry office and came down the street to meet me for a few pics afterwards. As I stood there outside the park I was in excited beyond belief to see the married couple, I am usually there for the preperations, watching the nerves and this was my first time to actually meet the couple after the ceremony.

As they got out of the car I could tell straight away both Danielle and Iain were thoroughly enjoying their day. Carrying a cooler, Iain was well prepared with a bottle of champers to relax any nerves.

Although I had only arranged to photograph at the park when I heard the reception was to be held in the Anglers Rest in the Strawberry beds I had to go. Growing up for me close by it was the cool place to be and over the last few years has undergone a huge makeover giving it a very quaint shabby chic feel to it.

The newlyweds were completely relaxed enjoying the warm weather outside with their guests before the meal started and obliged me for some photographs upstairs too.

As the saying goes, behind every good man...... well behind every good photographer there is a team of friends and family willing to help. Not only are they willing to help with child minding and house cleaning they are also all too often willing to listen to me ramble on about work, which I do you know, it is a personal obsession of mine, about cameras, about editing techniques, you name it. I know deep down they really don't give a damn why I prefer to with no flash at times and with at other times but they listen anyway as they are genuinely happy for me and how my hard work over the last few years has brought me to this stage.

So thanks to all of my friends for helping and all of my beautiful brides and grooms for allowing me to be a part of their day, here is to many more!

Glyder Live Rehearsal

2011-07-21T18:05:00.000+01:00

So after a few weeks of wedding related work last night I got to let my hair down. It has been a while since we visited all of our pals in Ballyknockan, fondly known as Ballyrockan because of the immense talent this tiny place has.

The new line up of Glyder put on a great show, their first live performance. It was great meeting the new lads and hearing some of the oldies along with some new songs too.

Just before the performance I took the lads outside for a couple of pics, we spent no more than 5 minutes, it hadn't been planned and time was tight so a few quick shots as a group and then inside to get rocking!

I cannot wait for some more Glyder gigs and here is hoping this is the beginning of something special......

2011-06-22T11:23:00.001+01:00

There is a bit of a connection with Fergal & Karen, my brother is married to Fergal's cousin so when I received a call to cover their wedding I was over the moon. Having met Fergal a few times before I had yet to meet Karen and their lovely little boy Daniel. As always we met in their home and agreed photography would go into the evening.

I am delighted that we arranged for late photography, not only because food in Lyrath Estate is amazing and I had a beautiful dinner but also because this couple are just so laid back and fun I would have been disappointed not to have spent more time with them.

When meeting Fergal & Karen you immediately realise you have met two lovely genuine people who are truly inlove, only later do you realise that one thing they have in common is their wild streak.

The couple themselves were so much fun on the day, from preperations right through to dancing there were non stop laughs but what stood out for me most, something no other couple have actually done before (that I have seen) is both of them jumping for joy after their first kiss in the church, the guests erupted as Fergals fist punched the air and in that moment you knew, he truly was the luckiest man alive as he really had married his best friend, his soulmate.

As the fun continued throughout the day we were blessed with a stunning location, sunshine and a fantastic bunch of guests to make every second of it enjoyable. There were constant reminders throughout the day of how perfect this couple were for each other and Fergal could not contain his happiness again jumping for joy at the beginning of his speech speaking of his stunning bride, and she truly was stunning.

Karen left nothing to be desired in the planning of the day, from the dresses to the decor every detail was perfection but nothing so perfect as they joy on her face and in her eyes as she married the man of her dreams.

Best of luck to both of you with everything in live and I am sure we will cross paths many a time to come!

Anthony & Lisa

2011-04-02T22:16:00.002+01:00

When I answered the phone to a very friendly Anthony I just knew straight away this was going to be a great laugh. Anthony was referred to me through my uncle, a friend of his. I can see why they were pals, very down to earth, chatty and really easy to get along with and Lisa was no different at all.

I was slightly taken aback with this couple as Anthony, or as he likes to be known Anto, was really the driving force behind this and Lisa was super cool and laid back.

The morning of the wedding came and as I walked into Lisas house I was overcome by the amount of people, every single one of them smiling, excited and extremely welcoming.

Lisas dress was out of this world, her tiny figure looked stunning in it and she really was a glowing bride. Against her plans Lisa tried on the bolero that came with the dress and it did not come off for the rest of the day, it really did top off the whole look.

Laughter surrounded this wedding, with two large families coming together and a large group of friends this super laid back couple were completely at ease. I can't even put a number on the amount of times I was literally bent over laughing and I really enjoyed including some of the shots from the funnier moments in the final album design.

True to the couple themselves, the end results show the beauty, the sincerity, the fun and the laughter that was their wedding day.

Congratulations to both of you, I wish you every happiness in the world.

Visit www.rachelfoxphotography.com

Something a little different

2011-01-19T20:58:00.000Z

I only ever seem to blog about weddings, I may be overly addicted to weddings but hey that can only be a good thing can't it, to enjoy work.

So every once in a while I like to do something a little different. Since I originally had the weekend off I arranged to do a photoshoot with my friend Anti. Anti is in college for makeup and fashion and needed to do some portfolio work. Obviously we needed a model so I called on a local girl, Ciara. I have to say in all honesty, Ciara is the nicest teenager I have ever come across, if my girls come out half as nice, friendly and respectfula s she is I will be a very proud mammy.

We started shooting at my house at around 10 am with Ciara who left at 2 to go to work. We continued our shoot with Antis sister Christine. Along with the girls, my kids decided they wanted in on the action and jumped inf or a few shots too. The girls were amazed looking at the clothes and makeup Ciara had on and Kev was extremely surprised to say the least when he walked in on the action.

For any girls out there that fancy something different themselves, give me a shout and we can have some fun!

So here is a sneak peak on some of the pics. Enjoy!

Beat the New Year Blues

2011-01-10T15:22:00.000Z

Special Offer

We're into another New Year and all the excitement of Christmas is over. Cheer yourself up with a special discount.

10% discount on all wedding bookings made before January 31st 2011.

To qualify for the discount contracts must be completed and deposits paids before January 31st 2011.

Storybook Albums from Rachel Fox Photography

2010-12-07T22:46:00.002Z

There are so many ways to describe a wedding album, but it is not the album that is important, it is the images within. With this in mind, I design each album myself, using the images I feel best portray my clients and the most memorable parts of their day. My clients each receive a proof of their album after which they can request images to be included, this means that with both my own unique design and my clients input each album tells the perfect story of the day.

The beauty of the storybook album is the fact that there is no limit to the images included which means that every part of the day can be included in the album itself from preperations through to the end of the night.

Gone are the days where brides need to select a maximum of 30 images to be presented int heir album, giving them a chance to really show, in years to come, how the day unfolded.

These albums are included in the standard wedding packages.

30th birthday present

2010-10-24T14:41:00.001+01:00

Yes, the milestone is near! To celebrate my 30th Birthday I am offering 30% off all rock the frock / trash the dress shoots booked before my big day, November 10th.

Fiona & John

2010-09-21T20:48:00.000+01:00

As I pulled up outside the house Fiona came out to greet me. I waited painfully as her phone rang and she answered flustered asking whats going on, what is wrong! I thought no, this could not be, but as Fiona laughed those 2 minutes of near heart failure ended. John had a razor incident and ended up having to shave his hair on the morning of the wedding. It was not the be all and end all of everything and Fiona took in in her stride. Forr me the tears started to well up in my eyes firstly as Fiona walked into the kitchen in her dress. Her gorgeous daughter beaming from ear to ear. I asked them to dance for some photos and the joy, happiness and excitement melted my heart. Again my eyes welled up in the church as Fiona glanced at me, with the biggest smile and I could see how happy she was that yes, this was her moment.

There are so many things I can say about a wedding, so many details of the day such as the most beautiful flowers, the gowns, the jewlery, the button holes, the cars, but to me, this wedding was all about those 2 moments when my eyes welled up. For those 2 moments are what weddings are all about, the moments when the heart shines.

New Bookings

2010-09-16T00:24:00.000+01:00

Wedding photography is not just about the photos, honestly it's not! Yes the photos are very very important but a couple need to know they will enjoy their day, they need to know what to expect!

Ok so we all know that I love wedding photography by now don't we...? Well if not, I do, I am addicted, I admit it, it is all I have ever wanted to do and I'm loving it. To ensure that I can give a good service and experience I like to meet my clients first before taking the final booking where possible. A face to face meeting gives the security that I am right for my clients and they are right for me. I love people, I love social interaction and being part of the excitement, I want to continue to love every part of my job for a long time to come, as much as I pretty much get along with anyone if a client didn't feel that they could gel with me then they are much better off booking elsewhere, I am honest about that as I think it is important to show people that to me their enjoyment of their wedding day is paramount. I have been a bride, I know that although we all want gorgeous images we don't want to spend forever getting them, interaction is they key and setting out the plans you have for the day also.

So on that note, tonight I met with Mark and Jean. They are due to wed in November of next year. I have to say, I usually stay with clients for about an hour during our first meet, going through the details and getting a feel for them. I stayed with Mark and Jean for 2 hours!!! I know, when I looked at the time I just though oops, my hubbie is going to kill me but heck I can't wait for their wedding. I can't wait for any clients wedding but walking away after taking a booking knowing that this is the perfect fir for me as a photographer and them as clients puts me in a damn great mood.

It's funny, I don't know if it seeps out of me or something but anytime I am in a damn great mood people just talk to me, strangers, haha, even the checkout lady in the shop in the way home had a good old story for me.

Smile and the world smiles with you;)

Classic Black and White or Glorious Colour

2010-09-14T13:36:00.001+01:00

It's a hard decision isn't it, black and white or colour. For years people have enjoyed beautiful colour as it is still relatively new but in this digital age it is so easy for us to choose afte rthe photograph has been taken.

Is it that simple though...? Sometimes images will work only in black and white for many many reasons, in music it may often be due to colour casting from stage lights, sometimes it may be due to colour balance or a high level of noise form a night time shot but with weddings, well you can pretty much choose colour or black and white. How do you make that choice? Why do you make that choice?

Brides spend so much time choosing their colour schemes, from the colour of the bridesmaids dresses, the mens waistcoats, flowers, even down to nails and eyeshadow and then we take it away by transferring to black and white! Colour photos can be so vibrant and beautiful but we are still intrigued by the timeless feel we get from a stunning black and white classical portrait.

So which would you choose, why would you choose it? Sure why not just get both, all of my images are supplied in colour and black and white for my couples to choose from themselves.

Suzanne & Peter

2010-09-13T15:46:00.000+01:00

So on the wedding day, well there was a nip in the air, a nice bright crisp morning, I arrived in Navan with some time to spare so I stopped off at the church first to get some pics before anyone arrived. When I arrived at Suzannes house the girls were full of excitement. Makeup and hair was just being finished so off I went to photograph the dress and details. I was pleasantly surprised by Suzannes choice of footwear, gorgeous white boots. Its always nice to be different and this were absolutely stunning.

Peter was waiting for his bride at the church with his family & friends. Peter is one guy I could not imagine angry, this guy always has a smile on his face and family is obviously very important to him, giving his sons lots of attention throughout the day.

I have been lucky to meet with this lovely couple again since the wedding, most recently when I shot Suzannes mothers surprise birthday bash this week which I am sure I will post on the blog soon enough. It's always a pleasure to work with some nice people and not only are Suzanne and Peter very welcoming but so are both of their families. Best wisshes to you all in the future.

High quality albums

2010-09-08T21:49:00.000+01:00

For a long time I have been wanting bigger and better albums, well today I have finally settled on the one. The Graphi album. I am delighted, I have decided the cover I am going to run with too and can't wait to order one, I'm really excited to see how my images look in these albums.

So time has come for bigger and better things, the first step has been the graphi album, an album which is made in Italy, one of the most sought after on the market and has the ultimate wow factor combining modern print with traditional classic stylish covers. Whats next...? Framing solutions have been put in motion and my ear is stuck to the ground waiting for the best possible location for Rachel Fox Photography studios. Fingers crossed it doesnt take too long.

Being recognized

2010-09-06T14:05:00.000+01:00

This week I covered a birthday bash, which of course is always great fun. This was no ordinary birthday bash, 2 bands on the main stage with an acoustic corner in another part of the venue there were musicians everywhere and everyone was enjoying the night immensely. It was great to have the opportunity to photograph both the Blood Brothers and Pat McManus performing.

I was a bit taken aback however at being recognised myself. Last year I photographed another bash when a girl came asking 'oh my God are you Rachel Fox', to say the very least I was dumb struck, I mean I take pictures of other people so how I was recognised then amazed me. This weekend I was approached on two occasions, one girl saying oh you're Rachel Fox you photographed my friends wedding and again a couple asking was I the Rachel Fox who photographed Siobhans wedding and would I photograph theirs.

It was great fun and a change to be recognised myself, thanks guys, you made me feel extra special. So a picture of Siobhans wedding here since I was recognised for that wedding first.

Meeting with the client

2010-09-02T23:11:00.000+01:00

Today I delivered the disc of images to Mary. I like actually meeting up with my clients after the wedding day, I love seeing the looks on their faces as they look through the pictures and Mary didnt let me down. She was absolutely delighted, and with her family around her looking through I was over the moon with their reactions.

I'm delighted with the images and I really enjoyed the time I spent with Mary and Ciaran, and Marys family really are a lovely bunch of people and I look forward to hopefully meeting up with them again.

Cheers guys!

Mary & Ciaran

2010-09-01T17:25:00.001+01:00

Well what can I say about Mary & Ciarans big day. Despite weather forecasts the day was lovely. I arrived at Marys house early on the day, as I tend to do and I was completely overwhelmed by her family, never mind just the size but the kindness and friendliness of everyone,t hey were all a pleasure to work with.

Mary looked absolutely stunning in her gorgeous white gown and I was delighted to see she had chosen my favourite style of shoe, a simple court heel. With such a tall strapping hubbie the heels were about 5 inches high but Mary floated around in her dress like the shoes were made for her.

There wer eno nerves when I arrived at the church and although there were moments when Ciaran looked at me like I was mad he was very co-operative and relaxed to allow me to get the job done with ease. We had a laugh but we weren't waiting long for the bride to arrive, she couldnt wait to walk down that aisle.

The reception venue was amazing, Westgrove Hotel in Clane and all the staff were a pleasure to deal with. What a lovely location, the hotel is huge and even though they do not have extensive grounds they have made great use of the area they do have, very easy to photograph in.

It was a pleasure to photograph this wedding and Mary & Ciaran I wish you both the best in the future together. Looking forward to meeting up and showing you all the pictures.

Darren & Michelle

2010-09-01T01:24:00.001+01:00

Last week I had the rare opportunity of photographing a friends wedding. The nerves got to me a little bit more than usual, thinking constantly of how all eyes would be on me, more than usual and how I couldnt make too much of a fool of myself. I tend to get very into photography sometimes and act a little silly.

Well as soon as I arrived at the house all my nerves were gone, Michelle was a vision. Having first met Michelle a good 7 years ago I was delighted to be such a big part of the day and looking at how amazing she looked, the fact that it brought me close to tears, I couldn't even imagine how Darren would feel when he set eyes on her. At one stage I looked at the camera reviewing an image of Michelle by the mirror, and thought to myself, wow today she really is the most beautiful woman in the world.

On to the church it was fun and laughter with the boys as always, dressed in traditional kilts, the socks slipped from time to time and they refrained from using false tan, but lads, you looked mighty fine. Darren scrubbed up quite well, as did the rest of the lads and stood proudly waiting for his bride.

The whole day was an enjoyable experience but Darren and Michelle put a lot of thought into the evening. Hiring the best band in town, yes it was my husband so I have to say that, the crowd got into a setlist of pop and rock and Darren even took to the stage to play along for a couple of songs. What topped an amazing day out altogether was a nice acoustic session in the residents bar with Distraction.

Congrats Dar & Michelle. Hope to see you guys very soon.

Wedding Photography Slideshow

2010-08-31T16:58:00.002+01:00

Here is the first installment of my slideshows. Enjoy pictures from the wedding of Erin & Mark in July 2010.

Introducing Me!

2010-08-30T20:47:00.001+01:00

Well folks, the time is here, Iain has done a fantastic job. The new website is up and running after less than a week and I extremely grateful for all the work that has been put in so if anyone out there is looking for a new site I would highly recommend Iain Nash.

Let me know what you guys think, I like it but more importantly, do you like it?

Some more recent images in there also and it should be updated regularily.

Enjoy.

http://www.rachelfoxphotography.com/

Sunday relaxation

2010-08-29T22:04:00.001+01:00

I just sat down to watch Jasmine Stars last session on creative live as they were taking their break so this is a good time to take a moment to write.

I am completely over the moon that a new friend has put so much work in over the last few days building a new site for me. I didn't even ask so I am astounded that the lovely Iain Nash just decided to give it a go, fair play, the world is full of good people, unfortunately we don't hear too much about them. So here's to you Iain, you rock!

Last night I had a child swap with Ruth, a good friend of ours. Ruth came around today to swap back and sure ended up staying most of the day, my rock wife, aka Kev, made dinner for the 5 kids that were here, myself and Ruth. We had hours of kids coming and going but it was a nice relaxing Sunday.

I didn't even take the laptop out until about an hour ago, which is when I decided to show Ruth the preperations of my new site, again, thanks Iain. Whilst going through the site I kept going back to this one picture.

This is Fidelma and Dave. I shot their wedding last August (2009) and really enjoyed it. I love Fidelma, we chat all the time and really hit it off. This is one of the great things about my job, yes I go out and do some work that I enjoy but from time to time I also make good friends through it. Dave recently went through an operation on his knee and suffered some complications. Last I heard he was hoping to get out off hospital tomorrow so fingers crossed that goes well. Best wishes to you Dave for a speedy recovery.

Jasmine Star

2010-08-28T20:38:00.001+01:00

I am loving the Jasmine Star course streaming. I love how relaxed she is with her clients, I dont think wedding photography is an area where you can be overly professional. I feel my clients relax more when I behave like me, there is no point in pretending to be something you are not, others will pick up on that and often dislike you for it.

I am me and I hope this plays a part in why my clients book me and not only because of the style and images.

Has anyone else watched? I'd love to hire her as a husband trainer, seriously that JD rocks, he follows her around like a puppy. Jasmine, train my hubbie! Haha, no Kev you rock too, thanks for doing the rock cleaning and making me dinner when I came home from work today!

Go Jasmine!

My 3 words

Romantic, Fun & Relaxed.

Sinead & Liam

2010-08-26T19:56:00.001+01:00

Sinead & Liam, yes it was in April but this couple have really left an imprint on my memory.

So I'll start with Liam and the boys, wow what fun I had, I love meeting a nice group of lads and these lads were great. These 3 brothers were complete jokers, I like to have fun so we got along just perfectly and well you know what, they scrubbed up well, didn't you boys!

When I reached Sinead, well what a laid back girl, there was no rush whatsoever in preperations, this gorgeous bride was in no rush at all, sorry Liam. In this stunning gown Sinead really shone as the perfect bride to be.

The girls travelled to the church in Sineads fathers old limo, with the large windows it was oerfect for getting a shot of the girls as they pulled up outside the church.

Pink tulips hung fromt he pew ends in the church where the altar was decorated by flowers. Liam stood anxiously waiting his bride who walked up the altar on the arm of her father.

With many guests bring part of the deaf community Sinead and Liam had a sign language interpretor on the altar. I loved when one guest came do to a reading and the interpretor read the words as the guest signed. The fact that when this couple look back on the pictures of their vows they know the exact words coming out of their mouths at that moment because of the sign, this is so romantic.

After the ceremony guests gathered outside the church to congratulate the happy couple. I loved the confetti, in this day and age it is more unusual especially with some officiants regretfully disallowing the use of confetti. I love the results from confetti, from time to time I come across images with digital confetti scattered across the picture and there is absolutely no comparison.

Sinead and Liam were both completely at ease in front of the camera, I enjoyed every moment photographing them as I did with the rest of the bridal party. We had great fun and even though at a time the lads were worried about their knees, I still can't understand that lads, embrace your youth, we still got the shoes off and got on with a bit of fun. So all in I enjoyed the whole experience of dealing with this lovely couple, from our first meeting to delivery of the finished album I would do it all over again.

Lots of love to both of you guys and enjoy the rest of your life together. xx

Weddings

2010-08-26T18:11:00.002+01:00

I'm not the best blogger in the world am I? Sure that is going to have to change, I have been spending sooo much time on facebook I have completely forgotten about my blog.

So I have titled this entry weddings, why you ask, well because I love weddings and that is all I have been focussing on this year, well apart from the odd rock star or two but wedding photography is where my heart lies.....

I love my name, it's cool but I sometimes think should I have used my maiden name for photography, Harte Weddings would be so cool, photography from the heart, excuse the pun, haha, well with Rachel Fox you still get photography from the heart (or Harte) so it's still cool and I dont want my hubbie to divorce me so Fox it is!

December 09

2009-12-04T23:28:00.001Z

Its been a while since I updated here. Firstly I need to mention the loss of my Nanny Harte who is sadly missed by all. My Nanny passed away after a long and happy life with a lovely family who all adored her. We are grateful that she was taken in the night just as she would have wanted.

Lately I have been working hard at model portfolio sessions. I have been lucky enough to work with some lovely girls to achieve some shots I am more than happy with. I have been spending so much time on weddings now we are into the off season I have time to focus on other areas also. Its so much fun getting stuck in and I have had a great time working with various girls. Antoinette has now dug her heels in far enough to obtain a lovely title, she is my 'creative director' for fashion shoots. Antoinette has a great eye for clothes and accessories

Both myself and Anti are now really looking forward to our next step which will be couple shoots. We have set up a few inexperienced models to get together with us and do a steamy shoot. Its a really exciting concept and although I know in my head exactly what I am looking to achieve I am going to keep that to myself for now.

--
Visit www.rachelfoxphotography.com

A different approach

2009-09-04T18:24:00.001+01:00

I have been a bit tired of late with the back to school hours, I was getting very comfortable with my lie ins. After editing all evening yesterday I awoke this morning with no pizazz. There was nothing in me today it was like every ounce of creativity had left my body.

In order to revive myself I went off out to Dun Laoighaire. My husband thought a change of scenery would help and the lovely Paul Walsh insisted if I got some nice flower shots I might get going again. So I took their advice and off I went. After just an hour casually taking photos I returned home delighted with my accomplishments.

Along the way I did take a couple of 'flower' shots to please Paul, however I have never been known to shoot landscape or scenery pictures. Some people may go out and take amazing shots of just a bird in flight, or a different view of a statue or whatever people do when they go out photographing a city or town. So I decided on going a little abstract, I took pictures of some inanimate objects, like bins and broken gates. As much as I know the seaside is a great portrayal of our lovely country there are many parts that are hidden. I would not be into street photography as it has become known i.e. shooting people as they sit having a drink etc. I do feel though the shots today represent the normal parts of each town that we look past and ignore. Almost an urban feel with my selective processing and I am happy with the results. And here is one to share......

--
Visit www.rachelfoxphotography.com

Busy week

2009-08-18T17:38:00.001+01:00

I have been very busy this last week catching up on edits from the previous week and also shooting each day this weekend.

I enjoyed myself on Friday evening take photos of Finbarr & Rachel at their wedding party here in Dublin. We spent an hour or so taking some family pictures which they did not get at the main wedding in Cyprus. This time was focussed on getting some good pictures of the lovely couple with their children.

On Sunday morning we met up again for some more pictures, this time very much in a trash the dress styale. I will include one picture in particular due to the fact that it is the same location as the main picture on this page. I spent my editing time focussing on a certain style. It has long been my aim to adapt a style that will be mine and make me unique. I think through heavy concentration on this shoot I have settled on my direction and I am now working towards including this style in all my weddings. These pictures have been very well received up to now and I hope will continue to be well received.

On another note my website is almost finished, thanks to Leanne Harte who has continuously been working very hard and dedicating a lot of time and energy to getting it spic and span. I can't wait to announce the finished site, I am really looking forward to it and I am sure it will be a HUGE improvement on what I have already.

I also enjoyed shooting the lovely Amie and her family, we were specifically getting a picture of Amie and her cousins to give to her grandparents as a gift. We all had a great time out in the park and got some lovely group and individual shots. I met with Amiw and her mother and aunts last night and was delighted as always to see the reaction as they went through the shots.

As always I am sure there will be plenty more occasions where I shoot Amie, surely she will feature in another post some time soon.

--
Visit www.rachelfoxphotography.com

Re: First Post

2009-08-11T16:38:00.001+01:00

Welcome all to my blog and thanks for reading my first post and visiting here. Any information you need to know about me and my work will most likely be covered in the about me section. So for my first post I think I will just aim to start as I go on and review the past week or so.

So in the last 11 days I have had a fair amount of work on. I covered 2 weddings, Siobhan & Mark and Fidelma & Dave. As always I thoroughly enjoyed each day and could not compare the two. Every wedding hits me differently, I have shot friends and family wed, complete strangers who I will never meet again and sometimes, such as in the case of Fidelma, I am lucky enough to say that I have met people I know I will keep contact with. Both weddings were completely different in every way and I can't wait to show the results to both brides.

Also this week I delivered an album to Emma & Peter, I always enjoy the look on the bride & grooms faces as they look over their album for the first time, the little gigles and the memories coming back.

On the other side of my work I was thrilled to work with Glyder twice in this period. Glyder is a band who I am glad to say I am good friends with. I first met the lads when they went by the name Hollywood, before they even released their first album and even then I liked them. It's amazing to see the journey they have gone on since first meeting them and in actual fact even the difference in myself, when I first met them I never imagined I would be photographing them since I hadn't even began photography then.

Last week Glyder supported Metallica and I was delighted to be given a pass to photograph them on the big stage. I enjoyed it so much and even found myself stand back and clap along with the crowd. In those moments I was very proud of the lads and what they had achieved, and being so close to them on the stage I could see how much they were enjoying it. I have to say it was probably the most I have enjoyed photographing any band, I even put it above Nuno Bettencourt now!

So the lads asked me previously would I photograh them for their album. A million and one ideas were going through my head and there are so may variations you can cover but I wasnted to be sure that I photographer them in a way that would reflect their style and their music. We took a trip to the Guinness storehous early on Saturday morning. It was an amazing location with such a variety of shots. We went straight to the top for a pic in the skybar before it got too busy and made our way down from there. We took some shots outside and then we went on to St. Peregrine's clubhouse for some more shots. The last set of shots taken were ones that I had planned specifically beforehand and were harder to take than those at Guinness. The lads didnt understand exactly what I was going for with these shots but gave me the chance to shoot anyway and do my thing. Attached is an example of this, meet Davy from Glyder.

Anyone interested in checking them out can do so at www.myspace.com/glyder

....and thats a wrap!

--
Visit www.rachelfoxphotography.com

--
Visit www.rachelfoxphotography.com