CL Imaging Wedding & Portrait Photography

Carrie & Chris 2nd April 2011

2011-04-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

Carrie & Chris Pre wedding shoot

2011-03-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

A couple of shots from Carrie & Chris pre wedding shoot. Really looking forward to their wedding in 2 weeks time.

Charity Ball

2011-03-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

I shot a wedding last April for Sarah & Tony and was delighted when they contacted me about shooting some event photos at a charity ball they were holding in aid of Wizz Kidz.
A fantastic and successful evening- Well Done guys.

Newborn photography take 2

2011-03-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

Another huge thank you to Sophie for letting me shoot the beautiful Lola again just 3 weeks old.

Still no sign of a sleeping baby

Finally got a sleeping shot-but she wasn't in the mood to be moved about.

So we resorted to the dummy.

and a last tiny feet photo.

So grateful to both Lara & Sophie and it was great to meet Jack and Lola. I have learnt a lot from the sessions-including that babies no matter how young have very strong will!
But thats what it has all been about, experimenting and learning and it hasn't put me off.

Newborn photography take 1

2011-03-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

A huge thank you to Lara who allowed me to photograph Jack when he was just 3 weeks old.
Wide awake and alert for the whole session-no sign of sleeping baby shots on this one
.

Looking like big brother Harry here.

Think Jack had had enough by this point!

Not bad for a first go, next task a sleeping baby.

2011 Portraits so far

2011-03-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick glimpse of the portraits so far this year.....

This is Jasper who I have been photographing regularly since he was just 3 months old. I cant believe how quickly time is going. I also photographed his parents wedding a couple of years ago-its lovely when clients come back again and again and watching their families grow.

Beautiful Brooke who I have also been photographing since she was 6 weeks old.

As I mentioned it's lovely watching clients families grow and being a part of documenting this.

Bethan is baby number 3 for Ceri & Katie

2011-Finally here

2011-03-07T13:35:00.000-08:00

Well nearly a year later the blog is almost up to date, I have finally managed to get through the 2010 backlog and onto the 2011 posts, and will hopefully manage to keep up to date from here.

So whats the plan for 2011?
I have a couple of little projects on the horizon for this year, including branching out into newborn photography and some location portraits.

I will of course be looking for willing models who are happy to be included on publicity materials (which ties in with another of my 2011 projects) in exchange for free sessions.

But the main focus for 2011 is getting back to enjoying photography and being creative!

Dec 2010

2011-03-06T08:26:00.001-08:00

October 2010

2011-03-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

September 2010

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Georgina & Paul 4.9.10

2011-03-06T08:21:00.000-08:00

Angela & Ian 28.8.10

2011-03-06T08:20:00.000-08:00

August Portraits 2010

2011-03-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

Liz & Mike 7.8.10

2011-03-06T08:16:00.001-08:00

Laura & Sean 6.8.10

2011-03-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

Frances & Luke 31.7.10

2011-02-20T13:54:00.000-08:00

Natalie & Philip 17.7.10

2011-02-20T13:14:00.000-08:00

Charlotte & Alex 16.7.10

2011-02-20T12:42:00.000-08:00

July 2010

2011-02-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

Jasper's 2nd "my first year" session.

Vikki & Darren 3-7-10

2011-02-20T11:30:00.001-08:00

June 2010

2011-02-20T01:17:00.000-08:00

A quiet month just a couple of pics to share:

Anna & Ian 30-5-10

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Leanne & David 20-5-10

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Laura & Sean pre-wedding shoot

2011-02-19T14:02:00.001-08:00

Kate & Ben 21-5-10

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May 2010

2011-02-19T13:56:00.001-08:00

A few portrait shots from May 2010:

Sarah & Tony 16-4-10

2011-02-19T13:55:00.001-08:00

March 2010

2011-02-19T13:52:00.000-08:00

March 2010 and time for Ewan's 3 session of his first year package.

What a year its been!

2011-02-19T13:50:00.000-08:00

Well as you can see I haven't been updating the blog for nearly a year!

Last year was very busy both for CL Imaging and for me, as well as shooting several weddings and portraits I qualified as a teacher. Teacher training was quite intensive and as a result the blog had to go. So as its half term I have decided to try and get things up to date again.

Party fun!

2010-03-15T10:48:00.001-07:00

These guys were great fun, and some fab images to show for it...

More fantastic families...

2010-03-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

Catherine & Jason 20th Feb 2010

2010-03-02T13:18:00.001-08:00

Catherine & Jason got married on a lovely sunny day at De Vere Uplands in Amersham.

Dates Feb & March 2010

2010-02-21T02:57:00.000-08:00

2010 is already set to be a good year, with several weddings booked, especially for the summer months. As a result many weekends are booked up and portrait sessions are in demand. I aim to release the available dates and times on here from now on, so for Feb remaining session times are:

Saturday 27th at 3.00

Sunday 28th: 12.00, 1.30 and 3.00

March dates:

Saturday 27th 10.30, 12.00, 1.30 and 3.00

Sunday 28th at 1.30

April is fully booked due to weddings and holidays,

May currently available:

Saturday 8th 10.30, 1.30 and 3.00

Sunday 9th 10.30, 12.00, 1.30 and 3.00

(hopefully one additional weekend to be added in May)

If you would like to book one of these sessions or discuss your needs further please contact me by any of the means above.

New Toys!

2010-02-14T05:40:00.000-08:00

Finally made a decision on which new lens to invest in first, between the 17-49mm and 70-300mm lens. Well jessops kind of made it for me with their current offer of 12 months at 0%-So decision made buy both and spread the cost!

The wide angle on the 17-40mm will be useful for group and room shots at weddings, and the 300mm zoom will provide opportunity for some nice close up portraits and a few more candid bride and groom shots. Looking forward to using them next weekend at Cat & Jason's wedding.

Test photos to follow!

Portraits!

2010-02-01T10:18:00.001-08:00

Amanda & Phil 27th Dec 09

2010-02-01T10:10:00.002-08:00

A few shots from Amanda and Phil’s wedding back in December.

Great weather (again), fantastic venue and beautiful day.

Free keyring or magnet when you spend £50.

2010-02-01T10:10:00.001-08:00

Special offer valid until 31^st March 2010

All orders over £50 will receive a magnet or keyring containing the image of their choice free.

One year on.

2010-02-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about offering new baby packages is not only watching the child grow over the year, but also getting to know the family. Many baby package customers receive the voucher as a gift from friends and relatives who have previously had photos taken by me, when their child is born and some come along to the first session a bit unsure, but leave pleased with the results, by the time they have had all 4 sessions they are promising to come back again when the child is a bit older, or when they had another addition to the family, I even got a wedding last year.

I have recently finished baby packages with the lovely Harry and Eva.

HCC

2010-01-03T08:52:00.001-08:00

Some shots from a recent fundraising shoot for Hertstoppers Cheerleading Club.

Sarah & Chris 19th Dec 09

2009-12-28T04:56:00.000-08:00

A "white wedding"!! Snow didn't stop everyone turning out for Sarah & Chris' wedding last week, a beautiful wedding and fantastic day made magical by the snow, I was guest rather than photographer for the day, but couldn't resist a few snowy shots at the church.

And finally my favourite from the day!

Debbie & Paul 12th Dec 09

2009-12-26T05:26:00.001-08:00

2 weekends 12 sessions! BUSY

2009-12-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

Just a round up of my favourite images from the last 2 weekends.

Emma & Paul 5th Dec 09

2009-12-22T14:27:00.001-08:00

A lovely day and the weather held out just long enough to get a couple of pictures outside.

Natalie & Liam 7th Nov 09

2009-12-22T14:11:00.001-08:00

Still playing catch up, a few photos from Natalie & Liam's wedding back in November.

Myles

2009-11-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

A favorite image from a recent shoot of lovely Myles.

Canon Pro solutions show

2009-11-30T13:39:00.001-08:00

I recently attended the Canon Pro solutions show at the London design centre, a fantastic day chatting to other people in the industry and getting a chance to try out the latest technology. Including the new Hasselblad camera, with an amazing 32 mega pixels. A fantastic piece of kit with stunning image quality-but the price tag to match! A couple of images taken on the hasselblad on the day.

Later that week I was back in central London attending a lighting course run by photographer Jon Gray focusing on lighting for portfolio and lingerie images. After loads of ideas and discussion of images it was our chance to shoot some images of model Katie. A great day-possibly a few to many people for the time frame but I got lots of ideas and inspiration for future shoots, now just to find a stunning model and some time!

Katie & barry 16th Oct 09

2009-11-30T13:15:00.000-08:00

A beautiful location, lovely weather and a fantastic day. And one of the best cakes I have ever seen.

Jo & Allen 10th Oct 09

2009-11-28T03:57:00.000-08:00

I met Jo & Allen over a year ago when they bought their new baby son Sam in for some photographs at 3 months, with following sessions at 6, 9 and 12 months. Last month I was invited to photograph their wedding, a fantastic day with the weather holding out once again, a few of the images from the day.

Catch up!

2009-11-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

Wow its been a very busy few weeks, as you can see from my lack of blog posts, I am still playing catch up. So here is a quick round up!

Thank you to all those who too k the time to come and see me at the Pendley Manor wedding show on 25^th Oct, pricelists have been sent out and enquiries are already coming in.

Portrait sessions are now fully booked until the new year, but don’t worry if you missed out how about buying a gift voucher for that special someone to have a family portrait in the new year, or do you know someone who is expecting a new addition new baby package vouchers make a great present.

I have also recently treated myself to a new camera bag, by jill-e who specialises in camera bags for women.

Loving it so far, for starters it doesn't look like a camera bag! There is room for both my cameras with standard zooms attached, as well as charger, several batteries and cards and space to spare for phone, purse etc. Will be putting it to the test properly in a few weeks at my next wedding.

Jo & Jamie 5th Sept 2009

2009-10-27T02:56:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful wedding again with lovely weather.

Tessa & Alex 28th Aug 2009

2009-10-27T02:46:00.000-07:00

I am playing catch up a bit at the moment as things have been very busy. Here are a selection of images from Tessa & Alex's wedding back in August, a beautiful venue and the weather held out just long enough to get some lovely outside shots.

Feedback

2009-09-17T11:36:00.001-07:00

I have received more lovely feedback and comments this week and will be adding them to the testimonials page of the website soon.

“Claire was recommended by a friend, my daughter who is quite shy found the environment very comfortable and really enjoyed having her photos taken. The photos were really great, and would recommend to anyone looking for a personal service.” – M Dos Santos - Photoshoot

“I have used Claire for two photoshots so far and she is very patient and understands babys needs if they get bored or upset unlike many other photographers. My son was very comfortable around her and the pictures are beautiful I’ve recommended her to friends and i will definitely use her again for further pictures.” Chelsea Browning- New Baby Package

Harpenden House Wedding Fair 6th Sept

2009-09-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you at all who attended the wedding fair and came to chat to me, pricelists will be sent out this week, and I hope to hear from you all soon.

Seeing triple!

2009-09-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure photographing Darcie, Bryony & Sadie in order to update their agency portfolios, beautiful girls who were brilliant throughout the session. Here is a few of my favourite ones.

Testing Testing

2009-09-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

A few images from last weeks test shoot.

Photography by Claire Burton, Make-up by Lisa McNally, Hair by Lisa French, Models: Kiera & Sarah

New!

2009-09-01T05:45:00.000-07:00

Wow its already September-where is the year going? As CL Imaging’s 3^rd birthday rapidly approaches later this month, I feel it’s a good time to add new session types and products to the ever growing list of services I offer.

NEW BORNS & MATERNITY
Having a baby or know someone who is? How about a portrait session capturing the amazing time before baby is born. Maternity sessions are informal shoots just for mums to be, or why not bring along dad to be and any other children to share the experience.

Not keen on photos of bump? Then wait a few more weeks and bring your new born son or daughter along for a session to capture those precious weeks when they are still so tiny. Sessions cost £10 for 1 hour in the studio and a 8”x6” mounted print. – Check out the offers section of my website for a current offer on new born portraits. http://www.cl-imaging.co.uk/Port_offers.htm

PRE WEDDING SHOOT
All my wedding packages now include a pre wedding shoot, this is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other, and help you relax in front of the camera before your big day, and get some lovely pictures of you both of course.
1 hour in the studio and one 8”x6” image of you choice, with additional prints & products available to purchase including options for digital files to use on invites.

PORTFOLIOS & HEADSHOTS
A great option of models, bands, actors and dancers who need to update their portfolio, web page or promotional material. Portfolio shoots last 2 hours and include either twelve 8”x6” prints in black folder for £150 or upgrade to 10”x8” prints for an additional £25. Make up artist and hair stylist available on request.

Only need headshots? Then book a 45 minute studio session and receive 6 retouched images on disc for £50.

WEDDING PHOTOBOOTH
Bored of the standard wedding photos? Want to have a few more fun images of you and your guests from your day? A wedding photobooth could be the answer.

Having seen results from some of the automated photo booths at weddings, and liked the concept but been unimpressed with the quality & results , I think a mini studio could be the answer.
During the reception I set up a small white background studio with a real life photographer to help with ideas and poses- and you and your guests are encouraged to come and have some fun informal photos.

A great addition to any wedding and the results are never boring, we’ve had everything from funny faces to human pyramids and grooms being lifted up by the bridesmaids! Contact Claire@cl-imaging.co.uk for more information.

New toys

2009-08-31T12:59:00.001-07:00

I am very excited at the moment as I have just invested in some new lighting kit, 2 professional level 400 W flash heads by Lastolite, these will give me the chance to undertake more work and also allow me to be more creative with lighting on future shoots.

I have been having fun experimenting with the new kit on several shoots over the last week, results to be posted soon.

Having experienced a great portable studio set up at a recent event I attended, I have also bought a larger background and support system which will be ideal for big groups such as proms, parties and sports teams and clubs.

Babies, Babies, Babies

2009-08-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

I spent Saturday listening to the loud patter of several tiny feet. A whole day of baby photos several of which are part of the new baby package £20 which offers four separate shoots over the course of your babies first year, roughly at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months & 12 months, which a 8”x6” print from each. This package can also be purchased as a gift voucher.

Not a baby, but a beautiful big sister to one of the lovely babies.

Updated

2009-08-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say that the gallery pages of the website have now been updated, with lots of new images. Other developments to the site include new offers page, more testimonial comments and feedback from previous clients and the ability to download a full wedding price list in PDF format from the wedding photography pricing page.

The range of 25cm x 35cm italian storybook albums now include an A4 version, making these beautiful books even more affordable, with package prices from £650 including album, weblink & 8 hours photography.

http://www.cl-imaging.co.uk/

I am hoping to add more galleries to the site in the near future.

Free New Born Baby sessions

2009-08-14T03:17:00.001-07:00

I am currently offering free sessions including two 8"x6" prints and 10% off additional print orders for all new born sessions taken in Aug & Sept-the only condition is that baby is 6 weeks or less at the time of the session , click on voucher above for full size image.

Photo Pro

2009-08-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

There are so many photography magazines on the market, many of which I find full of adverts, or not relevant to my photography style and as a result I have spent far to much money and not got much for it.

Until I found Photo Pro, a fantastic magazine aimed at the business photographer, with great tips, interviews and relevant information and news-definitely worth a subscription, can't wait for next moths issue.

I have also got a busy few weeks with some exciting shoots lined up, two more weddings on 28th Aug & 5th Sept, a weekend of portraits 22nd/23rd, a model agency portfolio update for some very gorgeous sisters, and a couple test shoot days with model and full team (hair & make-up)- looking forward to the chance to be creative again. Keep an eye out for the images in the next few weeks.

Shahin & Marco 1st Aug 2009

2009-08-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

A selection of images from Shahin & Marco's wedding last weekend.

Join me on facebook!

2009-08-02T12:12:00.001-07:00

CL Imaging it's own page on facebook and I would love it if you could join the group and if you are happy with the service you received and your images please add any comments or feedback.

CL Imaging Facebook Group

Many Thanks

Claire

Party time!

2009-08-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that CL Imaging photoshoot parties are becoming more and more popular, and the feedback has been great, comments to follow. Here are another few party images from last week.

Prom night!

2009-07-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

Some photos from a recent school prom event at the beautiful location of Tewin Bury Farm, Welwyn.

Angie & Mike 21st June 09

2009-07-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

Just a few photos from Angie & Mike's wedding on 21st June 09.

Louise & Phil 13th June 2009

2009-07-06T09:19:00.001-07:00

Just a few shots from Louise & Phil's wedding a few weeks ago.

Summer 2009 Wedding number two

2009-06-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

I spent Sunday in a beautiful location on the outskirts of Henley to celebrate the wedding of Angie & Mike. The venue of Old Luxters Barn was beautifully decorated and the perfect size for the wedding, a lovely ceremony, moving speeches and a break from convention on a few occasions made for a great day, topped off again with sunny weather.

Again pictures will follow in a week or so.

The best possible advertising

2009-06-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

They say word of mouth is the best form of advertising there is, so happy clients is vey high on my priority list.

I recently found a letter a client wrote to me back in February and thought where better to share her feedback, I will also be adding her comments to the testimonials section of my website.

"My Daughter, was really keen to have a birthday celebration which was different from the usual parties that young girls have. A friend recommended CL Imaging photoshoot party which was a great success.

The 8 girls spent a full 2 hours posing and modeling for the camera, there were so many different poses, angles and combinations of groups that they were left with a huge choice of photos to choose from.

The girls pre-planned a costume colour scheme which worked really well, Claire added props and organised them into unusual group poses.

A great time was had by all and the resulting photos are fantastic and of excellent quality,"

E Howe (Feb 09)

Summer 2009 Wedding number one of many!

2009-06-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

This week is the beginning of my rather busy wedding season-the number of weddings for 2009 & 2010 has increased dramatically in the last few weeks so I am obviously doing something right!

It all kicked off last Saturday with Louise & Phil's wedding in St Albans & Shenley.

A fantastic day, beautiful ceremony and the weather was definitely on their side-although it did try to rain at the mere mention of BBQ. (Photos to follow in a week or so.)

Also this week I have been getting to grips with my new macbook, the PC to mac swith has been pretty easy and I love the macbook-just getting used to some amazing new software!

A couple more!

2009-06-11T01:41:00.000-07:00

Just a couple more shots from the half term week.

Half Term Fun!

2009-06-01T11:58:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it is June already!!

Last weeks half term holiday, was a busy week for me.

Here are a couple of the fun images from birthday parties and sessions last week.

A bit of competition.

2009-05-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about entering some awards for a while now, in order to raise my profile and also to compare my work to other photographers.

I have finally bitten the bullet and submitted two images to the AOP open awards.

Fingers Crossed.

Pendley Manor, Tring..

2009-04-28T11:01:00.001-07:00

Many Thanks to everyone who took the time to chat to me at the Pendley Manor wedding fair on Sunday, a very successful day with over 100 brides through the door. Information has now been sent out and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Oh My...

2009-04-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

Think the packaging for this black frame was a little excessive!Needless to say I was a little worried I had got my measurements wrong when such a huge box arrived!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-04-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been very busy indeed, the school Easter holidays bought a crazy two weeks of portrait sessions, not to mention the many wedding meetings with some lovely Brides & Grooms, many of which have resulted in bookings for 2009, 2010 is starting to look busy too which is good.

New Product-Glacier

2009-03-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

Another new product has been added to the range: The "Glacier" holds two 8"x6" prints, and is totally free standing, ideal for your desk or narrow shelves.

Cost: £40 including both prints.

Headshots

2009-03-07T04:19:00.000-08:00

As well as the portfolio option I also want to offer a headshots only package for actors & dancers as well as corporate ID headshots.

Being Creative again!

2009-03-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

I am looking to start offering a basic portfolio/make-over session to my current products, I recebtly did a test shoot for a model's portfolio here are some of the results:

Focus on Imaging.

2009-03-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

I atteneded Focus on Imaging (big trade show for photographers) at the NEC recently, it was a very busy day with lots to see and do. Despite being triing and running around like a headless chicken I did manage to pick up a lot of ideas as well as sourcing new products to add to my current range of frames, books and albums (more on those later).

I have also decided to join one of the professional bodies (BIPP or SWPP) and hope to take my first level qualification later this year.

Wedding Fair Success

2009-02-10T03:10:00.000-08:00

Many Thanks to all who showed interest in Wedding photography at the fair in Hatfield a the weekend, Price lists have now been sent out and I hope to hear from you soon.

Mother's Day offer

2009-02-06T04:23:00.001-08:00

Treat mum this Mother's day

click on the picture above for larger image.

Hour long family portrait session, framed 10"x8" print and two 8"x6" prints (unframed) all for £50.

New Website

2009-02-06T01:13:00.000-08:00

The new website should now be live and working, let me know if you come across and problems!

http:www.cl-imaging.co.uk

Re-branding

2009-01-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

A new look for the website coming soon.

I am currently working on the new CL Imaging website, which will have more information in what is hopefully a more user friendly site.

A screen grab from the new homepage which will link to this blog.

I have also updated the company logo for 2009!

A Very Busy weekend!

2009-01-26T11:20:00.000-08:00

I have had a very busy weekend, not complaining! 3 shoots Friday, 3 Saturday & 2 Sunday, nice to see how business can be-heres to a few more busy weekends.

A couple of shots from a baby shoot over the weekend:
The black and white stripes look lovely on the vivid red and with the graphic black, the new beanbag workd wonders for a few sitting up shots. I needed a bit more inspiration for baby shoots and am pleased with the results from this one.

Another option I am looking into is Fundraising for groups and clubs where I come in and shoot at a session/meeting, then the club gets a percentage of the print sales. So sports teams, toddler groups, brownies, guides or whoever get in touch and earn some money for your club or team and get some great photos.

Hertstoppers Cheerleading Club:

Wedding Fairs

2009-01-20T03:33:00.000-08:00

WOW this wedding photography business is expensive, I have just booked in to do my very first wedding fair at the Ramada in Hatfield (8th Feb), an expensive experience but as long as it brings in some business I don't mind.

I have also had some new leaflets made up to be put in the bags they give out at the wedding fairs at Danesfield House (25th Jan) & Watford Hilton (22nd Feb), so if you are off to any of those fairs keep an eye out for me/my leaflets!

Welcome to Blogger! The Beginning

2009-01-19T03:33:00.000-08:00

Lets start with the basics and go from there; I am a wedding & portrait photographer based in Hertfordshire. I started CL Imaging about 18 months ago and am now getting to the stage where it is my main income.
So the publicity machine has been set into action and I am doing my best to get the name out there in the public eye.

Here is a link to my website: http://www.cl-imaging.co.uk

I hope to keep this blog updated on a weekly basis as much as possible with new work ideas and really appreciate any comments from fellow bloggers and customers past and present.

Also keep you eye out for occasional special offers and promotions.

Bye for now
Claire