Posted by: kenlam | July 29, 2010

Stacey & Wayne – Wedding at Holy Trinity Church

Stacey is one of my earliest clients who booked me in 2009 for her wedding this year.  I cannot THANK YOU enough for the trust and confidence Stacey had put in me.  Back then, I was so busy in my work that I had neglected the “qualification” side of my profession.  Stacey has done a lot of research into looking for the “right” photographer and she feels that she would be more confident if I was a member of the MPA (Master Photographers Association).  However, despite not being a member at the time, Stacey entrusted me with a lot of faith to become the official photographer of her wedding.

Half a year later, I finally had the time to submit my prints to the MPA and was accepted as a member succesfully.  In October last year, at the MPA Awards night, I was extremely honoured to be awarded the Kodak Wedding Photographer of the Year.  At that moment, I thought of Stacey and Angela (Stacey’s mum) who said to me: “Ken, although you are not an MPA, you are a brilliant photographer in our eyes.  We want to see your work being recognised…we know you can do it, go and get them!”  Stacey, Angela and Wayne, thank you so so much for your support – it means a lot to me.

For Stacey’s wedding, I really like how she has incorporated traditional and modern elements to the wedding.  A traditional church ceremony at the Holy Trinity Church, and followed by the reception at the modern Azzuri Restaurant in Quayside.  I also love the black & white theme (bridesmaids dresses and flowers) – they work very well for the photographs!

Here are some of my favourites from the day.

Stacey - The Radiant Bride
Stacey – Looking beautiful and radiant as the bride of the day.

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Posted by: kenlam | July 29, 2010

May & Simon – Sunset in Santorini

I have been busy travelling and working on wedding assignments in UK and overseas.  While I am travelling, I also have to work on my clients’ wedding photos.  I am sorry that I am not able to update my blog as frequently as before.  I can assure you that it will be better in August!

Some of you may have noticed that I rarely post my clients’ close-up photographs here.  The reason for this is, I am sure you would agree that everyone of us would like to keep a little privacy of our own, and so in order to help my clients maintain that, whilst also being able to showcase my work here, hence, there are not many closed-up photographs here.  If you would like to see samples of my work featuring some close-up shots, please write to us via the Contact Us page.

Talking of ‘privacy’, my dear friend recently shared with me a funny story: she went on a holiday to Amsterdam with her husband Mr. G recently and as all city hotels have small rooms, he’s asked that she leaves the room to go to the lobby while he does his ‘No. 2′.  He is embarassed by ‘toilet noises’!  I once read that as a husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, we should learn to make an effort to create a ‘good’ or even ‘perfect’ impression in our partner’s minds, so that we can always keep the relationship fresh, young and slightly mysterious.  Maybe we can learn something from Mr. G here. :)   I’d love to hear your thoughts/comments on this.

OK, enough said.  Here are some wedding photographs taken at Santorini for May & Simon.  We were very lucky with the weather; beautiful light during the day and a magnificient sunset.  I hope you like them.


I love their bridal suite and the lace details on May’s dress.


The sunset in Santorini is said to be one of the best sunsets in the world.  What do you think?

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Lately, our beloved city – Newcastle, has become an increasingly popular location for our pre-wedding sessions.  Instead of having their pre-wedding in the more well-known cities like Paris or Prague, our recent clients have opted for Newcastle!

Not surprising though for those who have not heard of this city will wonder what is it like to have their pre-wedding in Newcastle?  Are there any beautiful backdrops?

Well, here are some photographs and album design of Viridis & Francis who had their pre-wedding in Newcastle.  You decide.  Enjoy!

V & Francis braved the waters at Whitley Bay and jumped into the cold waters of the North Sea.  Later during lunch, I asked them how they felt about the photoshoot?  I did not expect them to say “Trash The Dress” is their favourite experience!  I mean, if I were Viridis, I would be quite upset to see my beautiful gown turn into a soggy, muddy dress.  But then I suppose you do not get to trash your dress everyday, do you… so it must be quite liberating!

From the look on their faces, V & Francis seemed genuinely happy!  Looks like they were honest when they said they ENJOYED the session with me!  So, V trashed her brand-new Mori Lee dress.  And she is still smiling. I am the lucky photographer!

Time for some classic photographs.  This is Viridis in her amazing Vera Wang dress – Audrey in Luxe Collection.  So beautiful.  The dress is worth ALL of my camera equipment added up together and more!  Francis is equally dashing in his Hugo Boss tuxedo.

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Hello! I’m Shirley – Ken’s wife, or in Ken’s words, I am the ‘boss’ (he knows deep down that I’m not!).  Well this evening, after putting our little son to bed, I have come up with an idea for Ken’s blog.  I would like contribute my little thoughts onto this blog.   I don’t know about you, but I think a blog of a photographer should not just restrict its contents purely on photography… agree?

Everyday we come across different people, experiences and lessons in life, so I’d love to share all of these with you all who have come to our blog, and hopefully this will also let you get to know us more.  Therefore from now on (*drums rolls*), when you see articles entitled : “FOOD FOR THOUGHT”, they are written by me.  Yup, just by me.  I want to keep them short, sweet and simple, somewhat casual.  There will also be some photographs taken during our (very little) spare time, and with a snippet of photography tip by Ken.  I will make sure Ken won’t get carried away with using too many F-words (not the swear word!  but the F values in camera terms).

This afternoon, we went to meet a couple who are planning a rather grand-scale 250 people wedding at Slaley Hall.  What they shared with us is a simple fact, so simple yet easily forgotten.  Before meeting us, they have already drawn up a short-list of some really excellent photographers in the region (because the bride herself is a photography hobbyist) but none of them suited their criteria.  The groom told us that the photographers they met have come across aloof and like to think that they are the person IN CHARGE and that they are all high & mighty, super-dooper photographer and so they know it ALL already.  And because of that, no matter how amazing their photographs or portfolio are, this couple have not chosen them.

Well although they have not told us of their decision to book us or not, I think this is a lesson for us all.  We may think that we are good in what we do, but who’s to say that?  There is a Chinese Proverb that goes like this: “For every mountain, there is always another higher one out there”.

In the meantime, talking of food, here is a photo of one of my proudest moment as a mother: when I saw Karl holding his first piece of bread (it is a very small piece so it is not obvious in the photo) and putting it into his mouth, all by himself.  It is such a basic human reflex that we take for granted day in and day out, but this development milestone is a beautiful moment and it gives me some sort of sense of achievement!

PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: This was taken at the Bewickes Restaurant at Close House Hotel, a very cosy and beautiful restaurant.  The food is top-class and has been rated as The Best Restaurant in North East 2009 by the Gourmet Society.  It was quite dark in the restaurant, so Ken moved the tealight on the table to the centre to light up our faces.  In a dark environment, when you do not have your professional lights with you (who does anyway?!), try using a little creativity.  Tealights, torch (if you have one) all works well.  These images were shot at 1/50 sec at f1.2, ISO2000, without flash.

Well, that’s all guys.  I’d love your feedback on this post, concept of the FOOD FOR THOUGHT series, or any suggestions on what other articles you would like to see on the blog.  Have a great week ahead!

After turning down the opportunity to photograph several weddings at the beautiful Matfen Hall in Northumberland last year  (I took a month off work because I wanted to witness the birth of our first child Karl),  I had been waiting for the day where I would get another chance to photograph a wedding there.

So when the lovely Fiona & Richard asked me to be the photographer for their wedding at Matfen Hall, I was very pleased indeed.

A wedding is definitely the happiest time for all the family to get together.  Richard’s parents have flown in all the way from the Middle East to attend the wedding.  Here are some of my favourites from the day.

Matfen Hall Wedding,Northumberland

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I have to admit that I am well behind updating my blog.  It is because I have been ill constantly because of fever and flu.   I think I’ve got to look after myself before the very busy season starts in 2 weeks time (I am excited and I cannot wait!).

As I have promised Ting Ting & Bryan that I would only post their photo slideshow after their wedding, so here it is.  Personally, it is one of my favourite slideshow. In fact, when I was in Rome last week researching on locations before the actual shooting date, and when I walked passed familiar places where the photographs were taken, it brought back memories of the photoshoot.

Ting Ting & Bryan, I hope that you will have a wonderful journey together as husband and wife. I am very happy that you are blessed with great friends and families who were there with you on your big day. Here is the slideshow.

Posted by: kenlam | May 17, 2010

Currently in Santorini, Greece

I am currently in Santorini, Greece for a wedding assignment and I will fly to Rome for another wedding assignment afterwards.  Shirley will frequently check the mailbox.  Please feel free to email us for any information regarding our services.  During this time, please allow up to 2 days before you can hear from us. Sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.

Thank you.
Ken & Shirley

P.S. I hope the Volcanic Ash wouldn’t disrupt my plans again this time :)

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