Made it on Pontypridd Observer again this week. This time I didn’t get a by-line (probably the designer had to leave it out because of the limited space). Anyhow, It’s still is nice to see your work get inked every now and then..this is my 5th publication on the Observer and I’m looking forward for more.

No by-line this time and the designer did some fancy editing on it as well.

the original shot

As usual, I went to Ponty Town’s game yesterday and as predicted the action does happen a lot on their side of the pitch. They’ve managed to put up quite a fight but Penrhiwceiber Rangers were too tough for them and the Rangers end up with a 3 points in their bag. As for me, I’ve been trying to get this particular shot for the past few games now, a shot of the keeper flying to save the ball and I did get my chance yesterday but I guess I blew it BIG time. It would have look great on the paper next week! Either my timing was wrong or my 3.5 fps body was too slow for the action, one thing’s for sure..I still need a lot of practice. Better luck next time!

Don’t get me wrong here, I would never do this as a professional sports photographer, not in a million years! But just to give you an idea of that golden shot that was playing in my mind during the game yesterday, I’ve made a super-imposed version of the photo to put a ball in the frame. The first image is the original shot (2nd frame from 5 consecutive shots) and the second image is the super-imposed version (how I wish it would be!). Have a look and tell me what you think..is it the timing or I really need a faster body?? 1Ds Mark III probably??

Non of the 5 shots in the sequence had the ball in it!

The ‘would be’ dream shot! but this is FAKE of course.

Pontypridd Observer - Thursday April 16, 2009 (out on wednesday)
Welsh Football League Div. 3
Llantwit Fardre v Merthyr Saints

About a month ago I did a wedding of David and Laura in Pontypridd. There’s also a preview of their BIG DAY a few posts below. Dave and Laura Met in October 2005 at GMAC when they worked together whilst David was between engineering jobs, from there they became good friends and then fell in love in April 2006. Laura grew up in Oxfordshire but have moved in to stay with Dave in Pontypridd. Dave on the other hand is a true Welshman and a king with his guitars! Professionally, Dave is an Aircraft Engineer, and most recently has been working for a precision engineering company while Laura still works for GMAC but have recently been offered a job as a property negotiator with local real-estate agent. The couple is blessed with Ella who is 4 and Aiden 6 months old cute baby boy. It was a beautiful day with lots of sunshine and blue sky. The wedding was held at St David’s Church and afterwards the party went to Pontypridd Golf Club for the reception. My thanks goes to Naz from bristol who have assisted me on the day and have come up with some stunning shots himself (his wedding blog is in the making). To the bride and groom, thank you so much for the trust and for letting me be a part of your history. You guys are awesome! Enjoy the pics.

Laura’s getting ready

with a cup of tea

and a glass of champagne

the make-up artist

Lovely shot of Ella by Naz. Just look at those eyes!

a few of Dave’s collection of guitars!

the bride’s shoe

the wedding dress

the mini bridesmaids and bestman all set to go to the church

St’ Davids Chucrh in Pontypridd

the party gathers outside

Quick one before going inside. Shot by Naz with 85mm 1.4. Awesome lens!

The Bride’s finally arrived

Laura’s Dad who flew in from Singapore helped her with the dress

they both walked calmly down the aisle

A wide angle shot of the Interior by Naz

taking the vows

prayers after the vows

Finally husband and wife!

group shot with the families

I just love the moment in this shot. They’ve just arrived outside the golf club and Dave bowed down to help Laura with the dress.

The golf club is situated on a very high ground and the wind was blowing Laura’s dress and veil. We did a few portraits by the cliff and at the background you could see the whole valley. What a view!

A few more shots before going inside for the reception

That’s hole no. 1 in the background

another one by Naz

Everybody were already sitted when the couple went into the clubhouse

some of the buffet served

the beautiful wedding cake

Ella was either bored or tired..I’m not sure

and Aiden was fast asleep in his pushchair

Dave’s sister the bridesmaid

I love the moment in this shot!

and also the moment in this shot

the bestman starts off the speech

followed by Dave’s grandad

and then Laura’s Dad who now resides in Singapore

the couple’s first dance

everybody joined in not long after that!

and finally the cake cutting

My work made it BIG today! This time on Pontypridd Observer and also Port Talbot Guardian. I had to drive all the way to Port Talbot just to get a copy of the Guardian but it’s all worth it after seeing my work printed almost double spread on the Guardian and almost full page on the Observer. I had to stitch one of them in photoshop since it was too big for my A4 size scanner.

On Port Talbot Guardian

BIG one on Pontypridd Observer.