A simple Portrait of a child, but a Portrait with a challenging story

Photographing Children with Autism

Unfortunately, this is a story very close to my heart. One of our children suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, a condition on the Autistic Spectrum, so when a phone call came in from this particular anxious mother I could very easily put myself in her shoes.

This lady had been brought one of our Gift Vouchers, to enjoy a photoshoot of her family. But out of concern as to how her son would cope due to his Autism, and with fear of being embarrassed if he didn’t behave she wanted to called in to discuss it first. I reassured her of my personal experience with our son, along with other children we have photographed, and explained that I totally understood that it may be a difficult shoot but that she certainly shouldn’t feel embarrassed if it didn’t go well.

On the day of the shoot it didn’t go well, as you can see below. Infact being completely honest it didn’t really even start. We had taken a few shots, but the sound of the lights flashing – not the light itself but the sound of it flashing (they make a little pop sound) was really scaring him, as you can see in the pictures of him clutching his ears, I stopped straight away but as mum feared he went into his own little melt down. He calmed a little but latched onto one of our bar stools at our make up bar, again when mum moved him off the stool his melt down rapidly brought the shoot to a crashing halt.

After the family had left, I sat and thought as to what i could do differently. The stubborn streak in me, that doesn’t like failure to deliver great images, kicked in – and I later phoned the mum back. I wanted to make sure she was ok – but also to ask if the family would return another day, to see if we can learn from his reactions and try things differently.

It was quite evident that this little boy was very sensory, especially with sound. I spoke to mum to see if he liked music – a resounding yes – so after investigating what music further we booked another date.

On their return the studio was totally different, no bar stools were out – they were all hidden, his favourite music was playing quite loud throughout the studio and the office, the studio was set up differently with the lights a lot closer on lower power so any emitting noise was very, very quiet and drowned out by his favourite music. So once we had him feeling really happy with his music and toys, we gently eased into the studio, triggering the lights without even taking photos to make sure the noise wasn’t affecting him, and that he was reassured that it was ok when there was a flash. Then, after a bit more chatting and play and being very aware of the tone and volume of my voice, I lifted my camera. Asking him about the music kept him engaged with me, changing the song to one of his choice kept us friends and made him relax and feel safe – I’d even say he had fun.

Unfortunately there was no speech from this young boy, his words came through his eyes and his smile – neither of which I saw in the first attempt. It wasn’t a long Portrait Session – but long enough to capture some wonderful photos of him – something mum and dad had never ever had before. A great result simply from not giving in, knowing that everyone and every condition is different and being willing to try something just a little different.

Thanks to his mum and dad for giving me that second try xx

The Sounds of the lights really scared the little boy

The second shot, I stopped after this but the meltdown still occurred

The results 2nd time around. A few subtle changes and a very calm, happy young boy

Relaxed and smiling. A portrait photograph - the first mum and dad have ever owned.

Storm Skies over The Great House Sonning, Berkshire

Rain doesn’t stop a Wedding Day

As we approached the Great House at Sonning, in Berkshire, the sky was getting darker and darker. A thoroughly miserable Friday morning in April – all except for one thing, today was one of our Bride and Groom’s Wedding Day, so actually it was going to be a great day.

In all of our planning meetings, we assume it is going to rain and together with the bride and the groom we plan for rain. Naturally we don’t actually want it to rain – but if it does it means we can embrace it and make it part of the day – rather than letting it ruin the day.

Our Bride and Groom this wet, gloomy Friday obviously listened well, and took our advice. We arrived to a smiling and relaxed bride, who laughed as she glanced to the corner of the room to ensure i noticed the bright colourful wells and umbrellas. Perfect. She was dealing with the inevitable slight disappointment of rain with exactly the attitude we instilled n her, this won’t impact on the day and that the day will still be great.

Our attitude doesn’t alter on a rainy day – we still strive to capture beautiful images and won’t let a bit of rain stop us from getting outside with our couples. This couple heard us say, as all of our clients will, that very rarely does it rain all day – but plan for rain with umbrellas and funky wellies at the ready we can still get outside, then when there is a break in the rain then we can go for it and get the guests outside as well.

As to not disappoint or prove us wrong, the weather continued to change throughout the day. Heavy downpours and stormy clouds gave way to beautiful sunshine and then back again, yielding some awesome and varied photographs. I am really pleased that these guys listened and had the perfect attitude, embracing the rain as just a part of their day and not worrying that it would ruin it. As they said themselves “it made the days leading up to the wedding less stressful as we didn’t need to worry about what the weather was going to do, we can’t change it regardless and we felt relaxed that Adam would just make the day work”

So whilst we are looking out of the windows with increasing frustration at the rain and grey monotonous skies – if you are a bride and groom relax in the knowledge that it doesn’t menthe day is ruined and the photos will be awful – far, far from it – actually it can add an amazing dimension to the photography of a wedding

Simple shelter from another threatening storm

Honestly this was the same day, the blue skies didn't last long, but we were ready for them...

AHP Studios Commercial Photography Launches in Newbury

AHP Studios launches

The Team at Adam Hillier Photography are pleased to announce the launch of our new specialist Commercial Photography division, AHP Studios.

Based in Newbury Berkshire, the team in our specialist Commercial Photography division AHP Studios can provide all of your Commercial Photography requirements, reflecting your brand and its values.

Whether you need a set of Commercial Portrait Photographs of yourself or the staff, new images for your website or brochure or you have an event that you want photographed, our team of Commercial Photographers will provide a professional service tailored to exactly what you need.

Improved Commercial Photography Service

We are now proud to be able to provide a full range of professional Commercial Photography including:

Visit our New Specialist Commercial Photography Website

Find out much more about our Commercial Photography  by visiting our Specialist Commercial Photography website, www.AHPstudios.co.uk

Last week I had the opportunity of photographing a very intimate and private wedding, deep in the Cotswolds, between Anne and Frank.

First we headed to the splendour of Eynsham Hall to catch up with our bride to document the bridal preparations. Anne was in the safe hands of our highly recommended make up artist, Gemma Martin, and our equally highly regarded hair stylist Renee Riley. From Eynsham Hall we head further in to the Cotswolds to one go the most beautiful little churches I have had the pleasure of photographing in. Frank was eagerly awaiting his beautiful Bride, and after a very touching ceremony followed by just a few stunning images of them together, to newly wed couple left to spend the rest of their very private day with family and friends.

A unique wedding, but one that conjured some beautiful imagery and that whilst brief was full of excitement, fun and celebration. Congratulations to you both.

Mothers Day Present Special Offer

Warning… Mother’s Day is on the 18th of March

This year, don’t leave organising a present for Mum to the last minute (with a panic dash to the local BP garage to see if they have any flowers left), we have the ideal present guaranteed to be ready for Mother’s Day. Treat Mum to something very special and personal with a stunning collection of Photographs.

What is involved?

Book one of our Special Mothers Day Portrait Sessions, all held on the 25th February, you will enjoy a fun mini portrait session (approx 20 minutes) from which we will provide you with the fully edited images on CD – at full high resolution, so you can then use the images for any kind of printing large or small. All this is just £75.00 in our first come first served Special Offer for Mother’s Day.

Be creative

With your final edited images, you could give Mum a beautiful framed photo, a canvas or maybe even have a mug made – our CD gives you the freedom to create any kind of personal gift to give to Mum this Mothering Sunday.

Limited Spaces

As we are doing these Special Mother’s Day Portrait Sessions all on the 25th February, sessions are limited, so book now to reserve yours call Adam Hillier Photography on 01635 766066 or Contact Us quoting Mothers Day Promotion

Is your wedding day looming, are you a Bride to be thinking about indulging in some beauty treatments to prepare for your big day?

If so, please do make a visit to Hair and Skin Perfections in Newbury. Their stunning, and newly refurbished Hair and Beauty salon in Newbury, is the perfect haven for any bride and bridal party to enjoy some early preparation Beauty treatments. The team at Hair and Skin Perfections are vibrant and fun, making the whole experience fantastically enjoyable. These beauty treatments are the perfect confidence boost – leaving you radiant and ready to shine in your wedding photographs.

The range Beauty treatments offered by the team at Hair and Skin Perfections is amazing, including some very specialised ones:

Caci Treatments – a combination of slimming and toning applications, the CACI Quantum works to restore and redefine facial muscles, reducing lines and wrinkles while simultaneously tightening and toning sagging body muscles

Microdermabrasion – a treatment that treats wrinkles, fine lines, dull dehydrated skin, sun damaged or acne prone skin

Oxygen Therapy – this treatment replenishes lost oxygen in the skin and the active ingredients in the serum restructure the skin from the inside out, visibly pumping lines and wrinkles while firming the skin around the eyes face and neck.

More traditional and very popular Beauty Treatments offered to Bride and bridal parties leading up to a wedding are:

• Arm, Leg, Bikini Waxing
• Eyebrow tinting and shaping
• Facials
• Manicures and Pedicures
• Relaxation and Aromatherapy Massages

To find out more about Hair and Skin Perfection’s vast range of Beauty Treatments that are are a perfect preparation for any soon bride to be in Newbury Berkshire, visit www.hairandskinperfection.co.uk or call 01635 580900 and speak to Becky or one of her team.

The Fun Team at Hair and Skin Perfections

Thank you to everyone who came to our Adam Hillier Photography Special Christmas Evening last night. It was a wonderful evening with some of our closest and highly recommended suppliers exhibiting their services, there was a great turn out of visitors who braved the horrible wet, cold and windy evening – so a massive thank you to those who came along as well.

For those that couldn’t make the evening, below are the companies who came and supported the evening, they really are some of the top wedding suppliers around – and come with our highest recommendations. So if you didn’t get to meet them, or can’t find their contact details please take the time to read below.

For those who visited and wanted information on our NEW Photography Training courses, click here to visit our Improve Photography website

to discuss any of our wedding suppliers then please feel free to call us on Newbury 01635 766066 or click here to contact us.

Wedding Venues

Donnington Valley Hotel

A fabulous venue either at the Hotel or at the Golf Club, beautiful grounds, rooms and really helpful staff – worth a visit for sure

Visit www.Donningtonvalley.co.uk or call Beth on 01635 551199

Bridal Shops

Mrs Jones Bridal Boutique

Make sure you take time to visit Mrs Jones Bridal Boutique, a warm friendly Bridal shop, with stunning dresses and a service to match

Visit www mrsjonesbridal.co.uk or Telephone Laura on 01635 35113

Alison Pordum Couture

When it comes to having a dress made for you, then look no further than Alison Pordum. 15 years as the Queen’s official dressmaker is one of the biggest accolades you could have globally, but at fantastic prices you wouldn’t believe possible, make sure you speak to Alison – you will be amazed.

Visit www.alisonpordum.co.uk or call Alison on 0786 1657474 

Wedding Hair, Make-up and Beauty

Evoke Envy

Gemma is an amazing makeup artist, having trained and worked for MAC makeup she really knows her stuff, with a fun warm personality she is the ideal person for your wedding makeup. We use Gemma for all of our Studio makeup.

Visit www.evokeenvy.com or call Gemma on 07771 787837

Renee Riley Hair Stylist

With a wonderful manor alongside an amazing talent for creating beautiful styles that will amaze (and importantly stay put) throughout your big day, Renee is a must contact.

Call Renee on 07765 442057 

Wedding Florists

Harrison and Green Bespoke Wedding Florist, Newbury, Berkshire

Really creative wedding florists who have an amazing talent in providing floral arrangements with a wow factor, perfectly complimenting your colour schemes and feel for the day, take them up on their free consultation.

Visit www.harrisonandgreen.co.uk or call Karen on 01635 32705

Table and Room decorations

Beau Events

Bespoke Sashes and great chair covers to dress your ceremony and wedding reception in the ultimate class. They actually make their own products so can tailor to suit you perfectly.

Visit www.beau-events.co.uk or Telephone Fiona on 0844 357 4120

Belly Button Boo

These ladies always add that special wow factor to your wedding day, with everything from your wedding stationery through to your table decorations. A must visit for anyone planning a wedding.

Visit www.bellybuttonboo.co.uk or speak to the lovely Emma or Claire on 07763 764574

Wedding daytime and evening Entertainment

Guy Portlock – Magician

Guy will certainly amaze, frustrate and confuse you – but mostly entertain you and your guests superbly. His close up magic skills are incredible, make an appointment with him to see for yourself

Visit www.guyportlock.co.uk or call Guy on 07883 095661

Moonraker Disco

If you haven’t organised the evening entertainment and you are thinking of a Dj or Disco, then look no further. The guys at Moonraker disco are excellent Dj’s, getting everyone dancing with awesome mix of music to suit you and awesome lighting rigs to create an amazing evening.

Visit www.moonrakerdisco.co.uk or speak to Ben on 0770 266 9408

Squiff and Tell Artistic Duo

If live music is what you are looking for then these guys are really well worth a look, stunning vocals alongside the lovely sounds of the acoustic guitar. 

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Wedding Cakes

My Yummy Mummys Cupcakes, Newbury, Berkshire

Lindsay is the creator and master baker behind My Mummys Yummy Cupcakes. I have said it before – I love cake, but these cakes are something else, amazing taste, simply stunning design and finishing touches – they really would make a wow feature for any occasion, they really are Lindsay’s edible art. Its not only cupcakes but layer cakes, cookies, brownies and many more baked delights.

Lindsay says “I try to make every design unique & special, we all love a bit of eye candy and its even better if you can eat it!”

Visit www.mymummysyummycupcakes.co.uk

Wedding Videography

Peter Cook, Newbury Berkshire

Peter has many years of experience filming a wide range of topics, but Wedding Videography is (in my opinion) his real strength. Peter works in a perfect manor on the day and his video editing is superb so well worth a meeting with.

Visit www.dudleighfilms.co.uk or call Peter on 01635 862413

AHP Shortlisted as “One of the Top 20 Wedding Photographers across London & the South East”

I am not one for normally sounding my own trumpet, but on behalf of the team at Adam Hillier Photography I am so happy, proud and amazed by the events of the last month.

We are a company focused on hard work, beautiful images and a great service – awards have never been a big focus for us. Most of the industry awards are linked to  advertising space you purchase – hence we have never entered ourselves for any awards. These National Awards are different, they are what awards should be, voted for by customers and judged on their feedback and the quality of the products and services provided – nothing else.

This started as a huge compliment of being nominated for an award by some of our Bride and Grooms, it quickly grew into many of our clients beaming with pride that they too had nominated us for this award. Yes it felt lovely, and to the team very well deserved recognition for the hours of dedication and the refining of what is a great wedding photography service. However this sense of achievement was just the start as we have now been informed that we have been shortlisted for this National Award. Wow.

Adam Hillier Photography has been shortlisted in to the final 20 in the most competitive and strong region for photography across the UK – London and the South East Of England. Suddenly the realisation that we are now regarded in the top 20 Wedding Photographer in this vastly talented region is simply staggering.

The final shortlisting for the National Award is announced at the end of November with the awards ceremony in London early next year.

I can honestly say that I would never have entered ourselves for an award, its just not my thing, but to know our wedding clients feel so strongly that they nominate us and to have this result in such success is beyond any of our teams imagination. Thank you so much to our loving and loyal clients, you will probably never truly appreciate what this has meant to myself and the team.

To find out more about our highly acclaimed Berkshire Wedding Photography service, or to have your wedding photographer being one of such a small elite group in our region please call us on Newbury 01635 766066 or click here.

Parkway Newbury – opens to the public – and AHP were the official photographers.

Wow what a week, at Parkway Newbury, for everyone in the team at AHP. A massive Commercial Photography job as the official photographer of the new Parkway Shopping Centre in Newbury Berkshire is nearly complete.

Our task was to cover the whole week, including the final finishing touches on Tuesday, the grand opening day on Thursday and then on Saturday to document the centre full of busy shoppers. Thursday, the official opening day was a great spectacle – only really let down by the poor weather, but 32,000 people still turned out to be part of this special day for the town. We woke this morning to deep blue skies and sunshine, and as a team made the decision to return, unpaid to capture the new centre bathed in beautiful sunshine. Adding a couple of hours, for free, meant we could include some beautiful sunny photographs and really complete a fantastic set of images showing everything the client wanted.

This example of going the extra mile and doing that little bit extra – unasked, is a great example of how we really strive to provide the best commercial photography service and quality of photography to our clients. This is what has helped us create a reputations as one of the leading commercial photographers in the area and results in regular repeat booking as we have already secured from Parkway Newbury management.

To find out more about our work for Parkway Newbury, our commercial photography or any other photography, please visit www.AHPphotography.co.uk or call us on Newbury 01635 766066

Thank you to all of the staff on site who helped make this Commercial Event a very fun and successful week. Below is a sample of the photos we captured for Parkway Newbury so far….. click the images to see them larger

What an honour and great experience, photographing Matt Fiddes and the British Martial Arts Championship 2011, images from the day can be seen by clicking here

Our primary task was to follow Master Fiddes and document this special day – a day made even more special as it included a spectacular first live performance by Matt Fiddes in many years, Master Fiddes was also presented with his 8th Dan degree – an amazing achievement, and finally a guest appearance by Nicola Mclean – who I photographed with Matt before the event started. These great moments really set up a great day for the Martial Arts British Championship.

The second part of our role really put our Commercial Photography skills to its test yesterday, covering the championship itself and capturing the atmosphere of the day. A tough challenge when bearing in mind the very low lighting in the arena combined with hundreds of very fast moving athletes.

There were thousands of people there, spectators, parents, martial arts experts and enthusiasts, trainers and instructors. The competitors were of all ages, both male and female. The competition was hot – fierce at times, but balanced with huge respect, honour and good sportsmanship.

It was a fantastic event to photograph, a complete credit to all involved with the Matt Fiddes Martial Arts schools across the country, I was so impressed with everything I saw and inspired by the people I met. A selection of images from the day are below, more can be viewed by clicking here