Documentary Image - creative photography by Morag MacDonald

Lovely words from a lovely customer

2011-12-06T14:11:00.001Z

Just recieved this beautiful email from one of my lovely clients, I love meeting so many lovely people in my work...... Images below.

Hi Morag
My apologies - I meant to thank you earlier for sending the other photo (I have been extremely busy at work - poor excuse I'm afraid).
Anyway I also wanted to let you know how much we all LOVE the photos and all our friends & family who have seen them so far are so impressed by how beautiful they are. The big photo has been hung near the bottom of our stairs in the hall & as I come down each morning it puts a huge smile on my face.
As I said to you I think your work is truly sublime; beautiful natural images & no gimmicky quirky poses. You have captured Abbie & George so perfectly. I will treasure these photos for years.

Many many thanks

Maggie

Portrait photoraphy by Morag MacDonald, Documentary Image 0117 9720834

http://www.documentaryimage.com/

David Rio Trophy then finally meeting his family...

2011-11-15T19:43:00.001Z

In the spring of 2010 I had the great honour of winning the David Rio Trophy for a triptych if images from Neil and Jessica's beautiful wedding, submitted into a Master Photographers Association competition. I was overjoyed to retain it for a second year this year, this time with three images from Abby and Peters winter wedding.

David Rio was a local photographer who worked out in the states for some years, the trophy set up in his name after his death is to remember him.

Can you imageine what an honour and sunrise it was to be contacted by David Rio's son Ryan and wife Lindsay for a family studio shoot. Below are images of little Amelie, aged just 4 and the granddaughter of David Rio.

A little gem.

Below is the triptych that won me the 2010 David Rio Trophy...

And finally the triptych that won me the 2011 David Rio Trophy....

Sam and Andrea's autumn wedding....

2011-11-14T18:58:00.001Z

Sam and Andrea's wedding photographs were taken at the Merchants Hall where they were married and at their wedding reception at (one of my favorite venues) the Clifton Club.

I am so looking forward to showing the complete wedding to Sam and Andrea when they return home. x

A few shots from Liz and Pauls wonderful wedding in Wells.

2011-11-14T14:53:00.001Z

Lizzie and Paul were married in the beautiful city of Wells in Somerset a few weeks ago, with unseasonably warm weather it was a most perfect day....

Location portraiture with Morag MacDonald

2011-09-15T18:20:00.000+01:00

I seem to have neglected my blog lately, instead putting up images on our facebook page. I thought I would share a few images that show how I photograph on a location shoot. My beautiful models are Martha and Joshua.

If you would like to book a location or studio shoot with me please call me on 0117 972 0834.

M x

Somerset wedding photography

2011-05-28T19:00:00.001+01:00

Lorna and James made the long journey sown from Glasgow to stay Charlton House near Shepton Mallet in Somerset the over the period of their wedding. The wedding photographs are at nearby Kilver Court Gardens.

Ivy's first photoshoot

2011-05-05T16:13:00.000+01:00

Little Ivy needed waking up for her first photo-shoot!

Wedding Photography in Bristol in April sunshine.

2011-04-10T01:13:00.001+01:00

Its been a long day, but a great day - here are just a selection of the many taken.....

Lydia and Martin,

Wishing you a wonderful honeymoon, x

A beautiful wedding in Bath

2011-04-05T17:15:00.001+01:00

Wedding photography from Vanessa and Duncan's beautiful wedding at St Johns Catholic Church in Bath, with a reception at Priston Mill.

V&D, see you very soon xx

Studio portrait photography

2011-04-02T17:09:00.002+01:00

Gorgeous little miss Nancy in the studio the other day.

Portrait photography in Bristol on a rainy day...

2011-02-26T15:59:00.001Z

Sometimes my favorite images are not the ones chosen. This is Halle, photographed on a very wet day in Bristol with her two sisters. With bright pink wellies and umbrellas the weather did not dampen spirits. But it was this image, made at the end of the shoot, that I love. It has a fairy-tale quality that gives her a sense of 'otherness'. She is somewhere else in her mind, a hard shot to get with such a gorgeous smily child!

Wedding Photography at Thornbury Castle

2011-02-23T19:55:00.001Z

Sarah and Ben were married at the wonderful Thornbury Castle. Such a splendid setting and a winter wedding. The rain held off till the evening and the whole day was fantastic.

So looking forward to showing the whole wedding to Sarah and Ben soon.....

To find out more about Morag's wedding Photography please visit the website:

www.documentaryimage.com

PR Award won in Egypt!

2011-02-15T19:41:00.002Z

Being in Egypt with the recent troubles was an interesting experience. As we were some distance from Cairo we were not in any danger, but with communications difficult and emails suspended it felt like we were on the other side of the world!

The organisation I was with is Photo Training Overseas, is is a wonderful week mixing with some of Europe's most amazing photographers. A whole week immersed in photography, talking shop till the small hours after days filled with lectures and shooting on location.

I was lucky enough to be awarded PTO PR Photographer of 2011, winning myself a fantastic Fuji which I am looking forward to having fun with.

Below are just a few of the images I made whilst in Egypt, more will follow soon.

Please become a fan of my facebook page to see more

click here to view

A very special winter wedding....

2010-12-18T14:25:00.000Z

Abby and Peter were married at the magical St Mary Redcliffe in Bristol then on to a wonderful reception at home in Wraxall. Daring freezing temperatures we dodged the odd shower - but no snow!

I don't normally hark on about equipment - a camera after all is just the tool of the job - but Abby and Peters wedding put our equipment through it's paces. As it got dark so early we found that shooting on Nikon D3s and D700 we really needed the extended ISO ratings possible. Shooting winter weddings is such fun as the scope for creative lighting is so great, using both off camera flash studio flash and tungsten light outdoors Jo and I were able to create the following images.... Hope you like them......

All of the images from Abby and Peters wedding will go into the client area after the 4th January when Abby and Peter are viewing their images.

Morag x

The Miracle of life......

2010-12-14T16:41:00.002Z

I first met Claire when she joined one of the 'Starting out in Digital Photography' courses that I run. Soon afterwards she called me to say she was pregnant. I photographed Claire and Andy just before Joshua was bern, then again just after. The first few days of life are so precious - I am so moved each time a tiny baby comes into my studio.... I think (to all the parents out there) that it makes you think of your own children, that feeling of unconditional love.....
Claire and Andy made the long trip from Plymouth recently to have baby Joshua photographed again at 9 months old - I hope you enjoy the following images from the 3 shoots........

If you would like to find out more about maternity (pregnancy) photography or portrait photography please call me at the studio on 0117 972 0834

X

www.documentaryimage.com

Wedding photography at Halswell House in Somerset

2010-10-19T23:03:00.000+01:00

Helen and Robert's wedding photographs were taken at the wonderful Halswell House in Somerset. A wonderful day, with just a little rain! Letting doves fly free after the service added a little magic to the day. The highlight of the party was the magnificent Bristol band 'Gee Baby I Love You.'

To Helen and Rob,

I am so looking forward to showing you the rest of the images when you get home.

Morag x

New born baby photography in Bristol

2010-10-16T10:36:00.000+01:00

I love to photograph new born babies - Henry was just 16 days old when he came into my studio to have his first pictures.

Mike and Melanie's wonderful wedding

2010-10-11T11:17:00.001+01:00

Mike and Melanie made the long trip from St Louis in the USA for their wedding at Leigh Court near Bristol. With friends and family flying in it was a wonderful day - the following photographs are just a few from the day.....

Twins photography!

2010-09-15T20:42:00.000+01:00

A few days ago Richard and Carmen came into my studio with twin babies to photograph. Here are just a very few of the shots taken. What a treat!

To find out more please visit

www.documentaryimage.com

A very wet and wonderful wedding!

2010-09-10T00:19:00.001+01:00

Peter and Beth were married in bristol and had their reception in Somerset. The weather was wild, but spirits were not dampened on what was a wonderful day.

Tea in the marquee was followed by a brief respite in the weather - which allowed everyone to get out into the garden for a while before a heavy downpour as we went to take some quiet shots with Beth and Peter. As the sun was shining as the rain fell the l became so intense - a real photographers treat!

So wonderful to catch up with my good friend (and fellow Photographer) Katherine. I was made so welcome by all, a meeting truly great people.

Wedding Photography in Worcestershire.

2010-09-06T12:30:00.002+01:00

Andrew and Helen's wedding was at the beautiful Birtsmorton Court in Worcestershire. These photographs are just a few of the many taken.....

A truly wonderful day!

Newborn baby photography in Bristol

2010-08-26T13:51:00.001+01:00

The following images are of little Naomi, just 2 weeks old....... I hope you like them....

Pre-wedding shoot on location

2010-08-24T12:39:00.003+01:00

Abby and Peters pre-wedding photographs

Wedding photography in Bristol - Michaela and Graham

2010-08-19T23:37:00.004+01:00

New look blog and website!

2010-07-19T12:40:00.001+01:00

We have been working on our website: www.documentaryimage.com for some time now and it is finally taking shape - please take a look and give us any thoughts....

Portraits in the park

2010-07-19T09:55:00.011+01:00

The best part of my job is shooting kids outdoors in the environment. Jez and Suzy's wonderful family was a joy!

Somerset wedding....

2010-07-15T22:46:00.016+01:00

The heat of the summer was broken by cool winds on the beach at Sand bay at Emma and Toms wonderful wedding. It was my second visit to the newly refurbished wedding venue, Coombe Lodge, near Blagdon. Such a wonderful setting for a perfect wedding!

Tom and Emma, hope you are having a wonderdful time away

Wedding photography in Bristol - on a summers day!

2010-06-25T19:32:00.007+01:00

Liz and Matt were married at St Mary Redcliffe in Bristol, with such a stunning setting the wedding was really wonderful. A short boat ride brought Liz and Matt to the Riverstation restaurant for the reception, renown for it's great food the evening drifted seamlessly (with a little help from a band called the 'Rinky Dinks') into a party.

Join us on Facebook!

2010-06-18T13:54:00.004+01:00

Join us on Facebook to keep upto date with our shoots, news and current offers. Just click the link below and become a fan, hope to see you there soon....

Morag MacDonald - Documentary Image

A beautiful summer wedding in Somerset

2010-06-18T13:38:00.010+01:00

Zoe and Craig's wedding photographs were taken at the newly refurbished Coombe Lodge in just south of Bristol in Somerset.

A wonderful day, all round!

Zoe and Craig,

I hope that you are having a great time away and I really look forward to seeing you when you get back,

Morag x

Alice and Marcs beautiful wedding in Essex

2010-06-03T18:24:00.007+01:00

Just over a week ago I made the long journey to Essex to photograph the most wonderful wedding. Below is just a small taster...

To Marc and Alice,

I hope you honeymoon is everything and (more than) you dreamed of,

M x

Zoe and Craig

2010-06-02T19:33:00.003+01:00

These shots are from Zoe and Craig's gorgeous pre-wedding shoot, I am so looking forward to their wedding in a couple of weeks.

Natalie and Dan's wedding

2010-05-20T14:27:00.013+01:00

The following photographs were taken at Natalie and Dan's wonderful wedding in the Cotswolds. The ceremony took place at the beautiful Malmesbury Abbey and festivities at the Manor House in Castle Coombe.

Jules and Richard's wedding in Bristol

2010-05-18T20:32:00.003+01:00

Wedding photographs from Jules and Richard's wedding in Bristol. Jules not only made her own dress but many of the other outfits, it was a wonderful day spent around the dock area, finishing with a boat trip and lunch with their closest friends.

For guests and friends the whole wedding will be online on Saturday, passwork=d is Jules' surname.

B&W...

2010-04-28T21:03:00.003+01:00

My favorite image at the mo....

I am such a sucker for B&W images.... And bubbles....

If you don't know already we now have a facebook page. You can keep up with what we are doing by joining us - here!

What i have been up to...

2010-04-28T20:59:00.001+01:00

What I have been working on lately:

Find us on Facebook!

2010-04-07T18:09:00.004+01:00

Wow we are finally now on Facebook, please come and join us by becoming a fan!!

Click Here

Just a few images from March, more to follow soon...!

2010-04-07T17:59:00.006+01:00

A few images from March, more coming soon.

Some cheeky pictures for Flo-Jo clothing!

2010-04-07T17:10:00.003+01:00

These cheeky shots for Flo-Jo clothing were taken in the fabulous airstream Diner at the Paintworks, if you haven't already visited the Diner make sure you take a look next time you're in the area for some great food and retro surroundings.

Pictures from February

2010-04-07T16:45:00.003+01:00

A small selection of images from February, we had a fantastic time out in the snow making the most of a totally different landscape.

Next Training Course...

2010-03-10T22:55:00.004Z

For anyone who reads my blog and interested in joining us for a 2 day intensive wedding photography training course then the next one is on the Monday the 22nd and Tuesday 23rd of March. The course is a 2 day including shooting with models, I can't promise such dramatic weather as we had in Turkey but I can promise lots of new tips and techniques. I will also be sharing the way I achieve lighting such as in the Turkey shots below so that you may put this into practice in your own work.

For more details look at the training pages of our website or call Jo or I at the studio on:

0117 972 0834

My training course in Turkey at PTO

2010-03-10T22:47:00.005Z

When teaching at PTO in Turkey I continued the theme started in London of shooting in low light levels and using off camera flash for dramatic results. Here are just a few of the shots taken over the 4 workshops I ran.

Models Sasha and Simon certainly became aware of the terrible weather we had whilst modeling for my classes.

Sorry Guys!!

My Superclass photos from the SWPP Convention 2010

2010-03-10T22:36:00.006Z

This year at the SWPP Convention I ran a 2 hour Masterclass and a 4 hour practical Superclass. Jo was my long suffering model for the event, we had a full class with 10 delegates where I demonstrated off camera flash and taking images in low light situations. We finished with street photography with only £2.99 lights as our aid!

For more on my lighting courses please visit the training pages of my website: www.documentaryimage.com

PTO in Turkey

2010-03-10T21:24:00.012Z

This year I was lucky enough to be invited out to Turkey with PTO (Photo Training Overseas) as one of their lecturers. PTO is a wonderful organisation run by George and Glenys Dawber who organise annual training events in a different overseas locations. 100 or so photographers (and families often too) are presented with a variety of fantastic speakers and hands on Masterclasses for a full week. The beauty of this sort of training event is the networking you do (mainly in the bar!) with other photographers as well as attending the Workshops and lectures.

While I was there I got a little time to nip off with some of the other people to see a little of Turkey. Here are just a few of the images I made:

Photographer and fellow lecturer Mike Brookes-Roper hard at work!

Mike again with my good friends Jeff and Lyn from Albums Australia.

Turkey is a fascinating and wonderful place just littered with Roman ruins including this amphitheater that is still used and can sit 15,000 people. A truly special place with really great people, I will definitely return.....

Elizabeth and Peters wonderful wedding aboard the SS Great Britain.

2010-01-23T20:17:00.005Z

These images are from Elizabeth and Peters wonderful evening wedding aboard the SS Great Britain. Being winter we popped back a couple of days later and shot a few exterior shots, Elizabeth was so brave as it was sooooo cold!

Quick note to Elizabeth and Peter;

I had thought I had blogged these already, Your images are now on line so you can view the complete wedding.

Sorry for the delay on the blog... Morag xx

Sorry about the christmas photo, this was supposed to be ironic by the way....

2010-01-06T23:54:00.011Z

I never put anything personal up on my blog. But I did try and work so hard today.

Snow today meant that is was hard to get to work. I tried driving out, but a slight camber was too much for my brand new winter tyres. Cardboard and boards did not work. Into the garden to get the shovel, my kids and I then dug the car out.

I arrived an hour late for my first appointment, with 2 kids in tow. My client did not make it either, so we went out and enjoyed the snow around the Paintworks....

I don't know how the diner survived, hatch open and all....

My kids hijacked the diner snow (wo)man.

Izzi, off guard for a (un) posed moment.... Britain's next top model... ? ( I hope not!)

then made their own....

Rudy puts the face in place...

Rudy will be Bristol's next great photographer; she captures moments, like this embrace with Izzi so naturally.....

Result!

With our heart felt thanks to the Bocca Bar for the olives and cocktail sticks to accompany the carrot I had in my purse all day.

Two Snowmen standing in a field.

One turns to the other and says:

'Yeeere (Hear!);

Can you smell carrot?

Happy Christmas!

2009-12-21T15:58:00.002Z

Happy Christmas to one and all!! We are closing the studio between Christmas and New Year, though I will be back to collect messages and answer emails on occasions. With just one wedding left this year it is time to kick back and put my feet up!

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

A winter wedding at Hotel Tesanton

2009-12-18T18:33:00.010Z

Hotel Tresanton in St Mawes in Cornwall is one of my favorite places and where my husband and I spent a very special anniversary last year (we were married on the leap year so only get an anniversary every 4 years!). To visit again in superb winter sunshine was such a pleasure.

The following photographs are from Phil and Sam's truly wonderful wedding. We spent the evening before in Hotel Tresanton's wonderful restaurant, and the ceremony shots were taken at St Just in Roseland. The church is such a special place with the sea lapping up almost to the doors.

Such lovely people, such a great place....

....here are just a small selection...

Kind words...

2009-12-08T16:54:00.005Z

It is so nice to hear back from people once they have their images. I was so touched yesterday to received this wonderful message from Sarah (after photographing her daughter Amy before she went off travelling):

Hi Morag,
Thank you so much for the most fantastic photos of Amy ...and even one of me. You completely fulfilled my brief of having a collection of beautiful shots of Amy – really lovely full of personality and very her. I will just love looking at her whilst she’s on her travels around the world, which she’s now extended to nearly 6 months!! I also love the one of her and me – you even made me look good!! A big thank you for that.
I am absolutely thrilled with the pictures and have been meaning to write and thank you, but every time I remember it’s when I’ve turned off my computer or lying in bed looking at her!
I have given out you cards to so many friends, one of whom I hope has booked with you, Michelle. I have been asked by so many about you, so I do hope you have a good new year.
Thank you again Morag, I really am thrilled and delighted with the results – even the frames look wonderful.
I’ll be bringing the boys to you when they go off travelling too in a couple of years.
Kind regards Sarah.

Here are just a few of the many shots taken:

Boudoir and Makeover Photography - the ultimate Christmas present!

2009-12-01T12:40:00.010Z

There are only a handful of studios that offer really high-end Boudoir and Makeover photography in Bristol. I have done a few more boudoir shoots than normal over the last couple of months, so look out guys you may be in for a very different Christmas gift!

Girls, if you are thinking about having a shoot to surprise your loved one then book in quickly as I don't need to remind you that Christmas is coming up very soon, we will need to move quickly to get images back in time.

Guys, a Boudoir or Makeover shoot can make the most wonderful present for the lady in your life, gift wrapped sessions can be purchased, give us a call to discuss: 0117 972 0834

A few images from a recent teen makeover shoot:

My Boudoir Photogrpahy is designed to be fun and flirty but tasteful! See what you think:

To view more of my Boudoir images please visit my website Bristol Boudoir Photography; or call me at the studio on 0117 972 0834.

Reacent work

2009-12-01T12:29:00.004Z

I have done so many wonderful family shoot over the last weeks, here are just a very few:

Anna and Marks gorgeous little one....

Annie's wonderful little boy....

The Walsh family.....

Remember that you can buy a portrait gift as a Christmas present. We are offering a beautifully wrapped portrait gift voucher worth £130 for only £35 (you may also add face value vouchers as needed). The offer includes a studio or location portrait session (an hour of photographs out or indoors - usual cost ££50) and a 10x8 framed image (usual cost £80) for just £35!

Call us at eh studio quickly to receive by Christmas!

0117 972 0895

What no Blog???

2009-12-01T11:12:00.007Z

Here goes again, I seem to just blog in fits and starts!

I have had a really interesting time of late not just in the business but in general. We had a great meeting with my locat MPA branch about a month ago, Peter Prior came down to run a wonderful seminar on wedding photography. I think I as most professional photographers forget to put back in very often so seminars like this are a time to look at the way others work and gain ideas and inspiration, Peter is a wonderful photographer.

This time of year is so busy, lots of portrait shoots and getting the summers wedding albums our by Christmas. The other seminar I could not miss meant that I had to go up to london quickly on Friday to hear one of my all time heros (even my cat is named after him!) speak at the BJP (British Journal of Photography) event. Eugene Richards (a member of Magnum) is one of the worlds greatest documentary photographers, I first came across him in the early 90's, when his harrowing book 'Cocaine True, Cocaine Blue.' came out it was clear to me that he is a man of the highest integrity and humane compassion. To hear him speak and go through his life's work to date (including numerous long term projects each ending in a book - 18 to date!) and view his current work was a real pleasure and an honour.

To view his website follow the link to: http://www.eugenerichards.com/

While I was there i also had the honour of hearing Steve Bloom speak about his latest project and being one of the first to get a signed copy of his book to accompany this work (the book was launched at Vision). Struggling back on the underground was fun armed with four heavy autographed works! - it was a great joy to hear such talents talk and so inspirational!

Visit Steve Blooms website to view his work: http://www.stevebloom.com/

We are also trailing our very own fine art printer - I have for a long time wanted to take control of all the large prints leaving the studio, finally yesterday, with the correct profiles in place and beautiful paper made by Hahnemuehle, I achieved my first fine art print since leaving college and the wonderful printing facilities of Newport College of Art and Design! I will be working on an exhibition over the next year and will invite you all to come and scrutinise the printers extraordinary quality (or of course you could book in for a shoot as all our framed images will now all be printed in house on fine art papers....).

Our website is also having a long overdue overhaul by some very talented neighbours of mine here at the Paintworks! Glow Creative are a hugely talented web-design company more to follow soon....

Anway I will try and post some new work later today....

Power to your clicking finger!

(as Murdo McLeod said many years ago!)