zebra photography

The Magic of Lumb

2012-02-03T16:58:00.002Z

As a few of you have seen from my Facebook and Twitter pages, I had the most inspiring shoot at Lumb Bank a couple of weeks ago. Lumb is such a magical place. I've visited a few times and you can feel that there's something a bit special going on. The house used to belong to Ted Hughes and is now a base for Arvon, who provide writing workshops.

Tollgate PrimarySchool in Newham contacted Lumb Bank and asked for a week tailored to their needs around raisingconfidence and showing the boys that reading and writing can be fun. Fab poets Mike Garry and Luke Wright worked with the lads and delivered workshops on form and content as well as how to perform. I was taking photos as they were working on their poems in the morning. Then, just before lunch, the lads stood up in turn and read their work out. I have to admit I had a tear in my eye.

Here are just a few photos from a shoot that will stay with me for a very long time.

Christmas At Home

2012-01-17T10:16:00.000Z

I've been really looking forward to putting this shoot up on the blog! I know all the decorations have returned to their boxes and the last tree needles have been swept away, but I just wanted to suspend the magic for a little while longer with a gorgeous family shoot I did just before Christmas. I'm a real Christmas person, always have been. I have Christmas rushes - they appear, out of the blue, and it can happen anytime of the year. So, to say I was excited about this shoot is an understatement! It was perfect - Harry and Jemima dressing the tree with ornate decorations, opening presents and reading Christmas stories. Then to the kitchen, to make and decorate Christmas treats. Harry, in Great British Bake Off mode, was the master of the mixer and clouds of icing sugar filled the air. The finale of the shoot ended with fireworks - well, indoor sparklers, and I went home to wrap my presents well and truly full of Christmas!

This is the second shoot in my seasonal package with the family. We are now planning a spring shoot in the woods and a summer shoot by the seaside!

New Beginnings, Family Photos and Reminiscing.

2011-12-09T10:43:00.002Z

I've just spent a couple of days in the Dales at my parents' house, enjoying Mum's homecooked food and walks around Grassington. It's been good to have a bit of time to reflect and to think about the coming year. I'm really excited about new beginnings in 2012 with the launch of Sarah Mason Photography, lots of lovely weddings and photographing families through the seasons.

Over the past couple of days, we've been reminiscing and looking back at our old family photographs that Mum and Dad keep in an old Quality Street tin. It brought back a lot of childhood memories of family holidays, summer picnics by the river and building igloos in the depths of winter. But the majority of the photographs taken of me and my sister, Katy, are in the woods.

My Dad's a lumberjack - he's worked outdoors since he was 16. At this point in my ramblings, I'd just like to point out that he has planted many more trees than he has felled!

Dad getting a little bit of tractor help from my Grandad.

My love of the great outdoors has definitely been inherited from Dad. In the summer holidays, me and Katy would often go and join him in the woods for the day. We'd help by dragging the brash to the fire and collecting smaller twigs for kindling to take home.

Mum would have packed us potatoes in foil to put in the fire and we'd smother them in butter and salt and eat them for lunch. For the rest of the time, we'd build dens, climb trees and depending on the season, Dad would take us foraging and we'd take a stash of blackberries, hazelnuts and sloe berries home. We didn't sample the fruits of our labour on the latter for a few more years to come though!

Me and Mum

A love of the great outdoors and adventure, sprinkled with the magic of nature and the seasons are the qualities I want to achieve in my portrait photographs.

I'm now planning going 'back to work' with my Dad to take a series of new images before he retires next year. Bring on those fire baked potatoes!!

Anna and Jonny - an autumn engagement shoot

2011-11-25T16:18:00.001Z

What a day we picked for Anna & Jonny's engagement shoot. Being out and about in the countryside on such a beautiful day certainly set the mood. Our adventure took us over moor, through woodland, by water, and standing in a crop field! I think they both thought I was a bit bonkers when we pulled up by the edge of the field but I'm so pleased they went with it as we're all really happy with the images! They're a fantastic couple and I've really enjoyed getting to know them both over the past few months. Plus, everytime I pop round, Anna's Mum Carol has baked a new cake for us all to try out - perks of the job! I'm really looking forward to being a part of the wedding next August in the contemporary surroundings of The Hepworth. Enjoy the rest of the preparations you two!

Nicky and Ben

2011-11-11T12:54:00.003Z

I've had some lovely engagement shoots over the past few weeks. They are a great way for my future wedding couple and me to get to know each other and to have a bit of fun! Nicky and Ben's shoot back in October was no exception. We had been emailing quite a bit prior to the shoot about the usual things, location, what to wear etc. and then when I suggested the 15th October for the shoot Nicky wrote straight back to tell me this is the exact date Ben asked her out 7 years ago! Nicky's Mum and Dad live in beautiful Soyland so we decided to take a walk around the area for the shoot. Nicky's Mum, Ann joined us and quickly became chief balloon holder and we all ambled down to Millbank woods. It was so peaceful and the sun was shining through the branches, I love working in this light. It was a lovely way to spend a couple of hours on a sunny Saturday morning and here's looking forward to the wedding next year!

Jemima

2011-11-04T15:58:00.001Z

The Indian summer seems a long time ago now we are in the throes of autumn. This is when I had the first shoot with Jemima. It was the autumn session of my Seasons portrait package and we decided to photograph Jemima indoors. The sun was streaming through the windows - magic light! Mum Rebecca is a fantastic knitter and seems to be able to turn her expert hand to anything crafty. We had chatted about incorporating this element into the shoot. Rebecca's Mum had made a wonderful handstitched patchwork creation many years ago. Jemima sat on it whilst playing with her collection of toys, including my favourite, a cat on wheels! Here are a few images from this lovely shoot including brother Harry and Dad Simon. Roll on the Christmas session. I'm going to be photographing the children making goodies in the kitchen and decorating the Christmas tree!

Butterflies, Wonka Bars & 60's Chic

2011-10-07T18:32:00.000+01:00

When I met Thomas and Chloe for their engagement shoot this spring I knew their wedding was going to be a stylish and vibrant day! I've really got to know them both and their beautiful daughter Phoebe over the last few months in the build up to the wedding. Chloe looked amazing, rocking the elegant silver-screen look, Phoebe was adorned in a fairy garland and shared the day with her christening and Thomas had built an amazing sweet cart from scratch laden with treats including Wonka bars! I felt really privileged being part of their day - here are just a few images...

Charity Shoots - Cycle Rides & Close Shaves.

2011-09-27T09:11:00.001+01:00

Debs is one of those people who I aspire to be! She's a real inspiration, a great friend and has bags of get up and go. So it didn't surprise me when she casually announced she was doing the Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge. Debs will be doing the C2C this weekend with her work colleagues. They'll be cycling 135 miles over 3 days from Whitehaven to Sunderland and raising money for Doctors Without Borders.

From cycling to shaving! I recently took a selection of pictures for Zeitgeist Hair. The salon is supporting charity campaign Movember, which will see more than a million men around the world grow a Mo (slang for moustache!) throughout the month of November. The event raises thousands of pounds each year for men’s health charities such as The Prostate Cancer Charity and The Institute of Cancer Research.

I gave a couple of images the Sweeney Todd treatment!

Zeitgeist are looking for ten volunteers to take part in its sponsored Mo Grow event. Each volunteer will be treated to a luxurious wet-shave treatment on the first day of November and given advice on how to grow the perfect ‘tache. They will then return to the salon on the last day of the month to have their Mo styled and photographed (and shaved off if no longer wanted!)

Please contact Zeitgeist on 01422 844974 or email zeitgeisthair@gmail.com if you are interested!

Frances and Mark August 2011

2011-09-19T16:37:00.004+01:00

I've been really looking forward to blogging about this wedding and sharing the photos! Frances and Mark had their wedding ceremony at Todmorden Unitarian Church and then we all crossed over the county border to the stylish and elegant surroundings of Eaves Hall in Clitheroe.

The day started at Frances' Mum and Dad's house situated at the foot of the imposing Stoodley Pike. Frances was a very relaxed bride during the preparations, even having time for a coffee and cake break! There was a real sense of excitement and anticipation as I was taking documentary photos of their morning together.

And then onto Todmorden Unitarian Church. Perched on a hill, it's like a fairytale church with an amazing spire making it very photogenic! I was reading in the local paper this week that a couple who are members of the Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team, tied the knot here last week and arrived by sliding down zip wires! Although there was no abseiling for Frances and Mark, they both arrived in style whilst guest gathered outside in the sunshine.

And then a short drive over to Eaves Hall set within thirteen acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and with Pendle Hill as a backdrop. It makes a stunning wedding venue. Frances and Mark and their guests were greeted by a magnificent string quartet.

And before Frances, Mark and their guests sat down for the wedding breakfast, I took a couple of balcony shots. There were excited shouts from the crowd below willing the newly wed couple to share a kiss. Happily, they obliged!

Hebden Bridge Town Hall

2011-08-24T23:40:00.005+01:00

Last week I combined lots of local loveliness and talent in a photoshoot for the new Hebden Bridge Town Hall wedding brochure. I love the room, it's steeped in history, with fantastic wood panelling and quirky features. Plus, the walls are adorned with photos by none other than Alice Longstaff and the light is amazing!

In the morning I'd dropped into Fleur De Lys and no sooner said than done, we had a beautiful rose bouquet. Then, onto The Heart Gallery to pick up the wedding jewels designed by Amanda Cox. The first port of call with Kat, (who kindly agreed to be in front of the camera for this shoot), was makeup with the fantastic Joanne Normanton down at Beauty Point At The Image Warehouse. She was in the zone in no time and knew what look we were after!

Then a hop, skip and a jump to Zeitgeist with the lovely Debbie! If you haven't been, and you fancy a new do, I'd highly recommend Debbie and the team.

Beate from Makepiece then dressed Kat in lightning speed and off to the Town Hall we went. The light was perfect and the photographing commenced!

It's not often I have action shots - thanks Beate!

Makepiece are using this shot and a selection of others for London Fashion Week - very chuffed!!

A most enjoyable day and big thanks to all involved...

July

2011-08-01T22:47:00.000+01:00

I can't believe how quickly August has come around! July was a great month. There were weddings, the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival, launch events and commercial shoots. I also turned a year older, but I'm not sure if I'm counting this as a highlight! I'm also really pleased to be a part of the Hebden Bridge Times/Halifax Courier Summer Of Love campaign. There will be an article about Zebra Photography in the coming weeks and towards the end of the summer I will be revealing some exciting news, I'm just busy in the wings getting it all ready for the launch....

As the photographer for this year's Arts Festival, I tried to get round to as many events as possible. It was a fantastic two weeks and I met some amazing people both performers and the dedicated volunteers behind the scenes. Congratulations to Rebecca and her team for putting on such an eclectic Festival with reduced funding. Here are a couple of pictures taken at the beginning of July. You can see a few more at The Arts Festival Facebook page. Holly and Jan - social media for creatives did a fantastic job of covering the Festival by keeping us all updated via Facebook and Twitter.

Martha Tilston played The Trades Club. It's the first time I've seen her play live - brilliant!

The Moira Monologues with Alan Bissett:

Crime novelist Val McDermid signing books at the Little Theatre:

Peter Hook at The Trades Club. He played a great set, very much appreciated by people of a certain age! I am including myself in this group...

Robin Ince back stage with Rebecca Yorke at the Picture House.

Imove On The Street with The Demon Barbers. If you get a chance - go and see them!

From festivals to weddings. Christina and Matthew's was the first I covered last month. We had early evening hazy sunshine at the Gomersal Park Hotel which was perfect for our photo shoot. The couple had been married a month before at a very intimate ceremony over in Las Vegas. The reception over here saw them celebrating with family and friends.

There were some lovely touches - including a pick 'n' mix table where guests could choose from a selection of retro goodies and fill up a sweetie bag!

As the celebrations continued and the light began to fade, little paper lanterns with tea lights were dotted round the venue..

I've been working with Calderdale College since 2009 providing the lovely marketing team with images for their campaigns, prospectus and website. I covered the adult learners end of year art show at Todmorden College.

Then onto the monthly W.I. meeting where Debbie and the team from Zeitgeist Hair were demonstrating how to create vintage hair styles.....

Onto Emma and Rob's wedding in Todmorden. They walked from St Mary's Church round the corner to the reception venue - The Todmorden Vintner, followed by all their guests.

I met Sarah and Matt last winter to discuss their wedding and by the time I had come back to my car, it was covered in snow. It was a slow drive down the hill from Heptonstall back home! No snow on their big day but it was pouring with rain up until the couple had exchanged their vows. When we left Todmorden Town Hall, the sun had made an appearance and we went up to Heptonstall for a few more photos.

I met Rachel Lucie a couple of months ago and I bought one of her necklaces for my sister's birthday this month. We kept in touch and I was really pleased when she chose me to take new images of her work for her website.

Great modelling by Emma:

Sophie:

and Rachel!

Little Valley Brewery had their re-brand launch a couple of weeks ago. They are lovely people with a great work ethic.

From one launch event to the next. Marcus and Warren from Yorkshire Soap have just opened their new venture - Home OH! a new home and lifestyle boutique in Hebden Bridge. Great live music, pink fizz served in vintage tea cups and nice shiny things to feast your eyes on!!

The Mayor of Calderdale - Councillor Nader Fekri and his wife Helen enjoying a cup of bubbly!

Sarah Bratley - creator of Penny Masquerade Jewellery....

And so a new month begins. Whatever you are up to this summer, have a great holiday!

Now That's What I Call Spring 2011

2011-07-15T08:19:00.000+01:00

Although spring has come and gone and we are careering head first into summer, I just thought I'd post a medley of shots taken over the last couple of months. Dappled sunshine, forest walks, new life, new love and not forgetting the flowers...

Family Woodland Shoot

2011-06-27T14:10:00.001+01:00

Last October I had the pleasure of meeting Louise and Danny and their daughters Phoebe and Mabel for a shoot in Hardcastle Crags. The weather was touch and go to say the least but we just managed to dodge the West Yorkshire rain! We have stayed in touch and last year we talked about a family shoot in the spring bluebells. We got together a month ago for their second family shoot, the sun was shining and there were ice creams at the end! Here are a few shots from the day.

Gibson Mill Vintage Wedding Shoot

2011-06-19T14:12:00.001+01:00

I recently had a meeting with the super people down at Gibson Mill about photographs for their new wedding brochure. Set in the ancient woodland of Hardcastle Crags, it is one of my favourite spots for a walk. The Mill is a totally self sustaining building and is a stunning location for photographs in all seasons! In spring the woodland by the Mill is covered in bluebells and I did a number of family portraits this year amongst the flowers with the dappled sunlight breaking through the trees.

I decided to give the wedding shoot a vintage feel as it seemed to fit with the location and the history of the building. When the Mill was used as an entertainment emporium in the early 20th century, the middle floor was used as a Dance Hall and the top floor, known as the Lord Holme Restaurant, was a first class dining area. People from far and wide would come to Hardcastle Crags for high tea and a dance!

A very big thank you to Lucy Conroy from Lucy and the Caterpillar and Nathan Baker from Style Service. They looked fantastic! Lucy is playing on Sunday 10th July at Hole in t'Wall as part of this year's Hebden Bridge Arts Festival. Click on the link for more information.

If anyone is interested in a ceremony at Gibson Mill, please contact them on 01422 841 021.

Happy Birthday Hebden Bridge Arts Festival!

2011-06-10T17:19:00.001+01:00

As I'm writing this it's bucketing outside and I've just lit the fire, welcome to June! June already! And that can mean only one thing, the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival is just around the corner...

2011 sees the HBAF coming of age and it's the 18th consecutive year it has been held. To celebrate this landmark, special events exploring rites of passage have been programmed. This year, I am the official Festival photographer. I'll be documenting behind the scenes preparations, street entertainment, music, exhibitions, the Hebden Shorts, comedy performances and much, much more - always wanted to say that!

For more information go to www.hbaf.co.uk, for regular updates - www.facebook.com/hbartsfestival and for twitterings @hbaf.

Here are just a few photos I took at last year's Festival including a couple of pictures of Martin Parr which has to be one of the scariest moments of my photographic career so far. He's a very tall man...

Anyway, here's to a great Festival and Happy Birthday!!

The Festival Office in full swing:

Hebden Shorts

Martin Parr at The Picture House

Hebden Hop

Rich Hall at The Picture House

Kissmet at The Trades Club

Alison Weir & Suzannah Dunn

Millegro at Wainsgate Chapel

Tom Wrigglesworth at The Picture House

Rodina at The Hole in t'Wall

Last Night!

Jenny & Darren

2011-06-04T13:49:00.004+01:00

I shot Jenny & Darren's wedding last year and thought I'd put a few images up this weekend as they are expecting their first child! The ceremony was held at Southwood Lodge, a hidden gem in the heart of Skircoat Green. The wedding was so colourful with the flowers, wedding bus and Jenny's fantastic red shoes! From Southwood we went onto the Square Chapel for the reception. I took a few photos there and then whisked them away, armed with champagne, for a short stroll around The Piece Hall. Such a stunning location anytime and it made the perfect setting for images with Jenny & Darren. I've also put a few pictures up from the wedding album I designed for them, handmade by Cragg Vale company Butterwick Wells. Myra & Richard make fantastic albums using the traditional methods and they're a great couple too! More wedding to album shots coming soon....

Michelle & Matthew

2011-06-02T19:48:00.006+01:00

I met Michelle and Matthew last year along with Michelle's Mum and Dad. From the moment I started talking to them, I knew it was going to be a terrific day, a real celebration. The days running up to the wedding saw the skies fit to burst with rain but on the Saturday we were so lucky and only had to dodge a shower at the end. We had a beautiful spring green backdrop at the church and superb old stone archways and wooden doors with bags of character. I love using these textures in my photos. Here are just a few images from their day. Just about to hit the peek of the wedding season so expect more celebratory blogs soon!

Smoke Fairies

2011-05-18T22:57:00.004+01:00

When Mal from The Trades Club asked me if I'd be up for taking a few images of the Smoke Fairies at their sold out gig this week, it was always going to be a big yes. I saw them at the End Of the Road Festival last year on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Whilst sat on a deckchair soaking up the sun and atmosphere of the amazing Larmer Tree Gardens, along came Smoke Fairies with their infectious blues/folk riffs and two part harmonies to die for. My memories of a great afternoon at the festival were revived on Sunday at The Trades. Here's hoping they make their way over the cobbles again soon...

Chloe & Thomas pre-wedding shoot

2011-05-13T19:06:00.003+01:00

When Chloe and Thomas asked to have their pre-wedding shoot in Hardcastle Crags in the spring, I was keeping my fingers crossed for the bluebells! We were in luck and not only that, the sun was shining and their lovely daughter Phoebe came along too!

Beautiful dappled light coming through the trees

I love pre-wedding shoots for these moments..

This last image is the one Chloe & Thomas have chosen for their signature board at their wedding in September. I have the print mounted and guests can leave their messages. This was a really relaxed shoot with a great couple, can't wait for the big day!

New Life

2011-04-23T11:54:00.000+01:00

It’s been a gorgeous Easter week – not only the weather but new bundles of joy, Spring has definitely sprung.

Earlier on in the week I took pictures of the beautiful baby Edie, born only 2 weeks ago. She has a lovely nature and the best cheeks around - as you'll see from the pics. There were some lovely tender moments when Mum and Dad were holding her. Congratulations Rachel & Anthony, she's absolutely adorable and looking forward to seeing you all again soon.

From baby shoot to bluebells. We headed off into the woods for some test shots in the bluebells - I have a few family photo shoots coming up and really want to use these vibrant flowers in my portraits. Plus, they're going to be a feature in my new 'seasonal portrait packages'. More details to follow soon.

Happy Easter everyone.

Dawn & Brendan's Wedding - Derbyshire - 26th March 2011

2011-04-03T22:03:00.001+01:00

Wow, what a beautiful wedding!
We had such a ball photographing this lovely couple and their beautiful baby at Ringwood Hall in Derbyshire. Here are a couple of shots from the day - we hope you like them.

Zebra Photography - New Blog

2011-03-20T11:52:00.002Z

Hi everyone,

Welcome to Zebra Photography's new blog. We're new to all this so you'll have to excuse us while we learn the ropes!!

Zebra Photography are Wedding, Portrait and Commercial Photographers based in Hebden Bridge run by photographer Sarah Mason. We specialise in taking photographs on location.

After a slightly quiet start to the year down to the cold weather, the busy period has started again and we are due to photograph our first Derbyshire wedding this coming weekend. Dawn and Brendan, we hope everything is coming together and we're looking forward to photographing your special day on Saturday.

Off now for a portrait shoot on location in Hardcastle Crags with a lovely family. Beautiful day for it!

Enjoy the rest of your weekends.