Samantha Gallagher Photography

Jon & Liz

2013-04-16T09:09:00.000+01:00

On Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Jon & Liz, they had a small do in the centre of West Bridgford and it really was lovely! At the beginning of May they'll be having a larger celebration in Granada, Spain and I will be photographing that too and if Saturdays festivities are anything to go by, I can't bloomin' wait! I feel so honoured to be a part of both of their bigs days, they're such a gorgeous couple! Here's some of my favourites from what they call their "Tuesday Birthday Wedding".

Such a happy pair and such a beautiful day, look out for more from these two in a few weeks time!
Sunny Spain here we come!

Samantha

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Night Portraiture

2013-03-18T19:18:00.001+00:00

A few weeks ago I decided I wanted to try some night portraiture, I've never done any before, not that I can remember anyway. So I enlisted the help of a model, Roxanne and we hit the streets of Nottingham on evening. I had lots of techinical issues and there was lots of fumbling around on my part, with tripods, which I'm not a great user of. On a shoot where I'm not the most confident I always say tha,t as long as I get one nice photo, that the shoot has been a success! Roxy was a star for putting up with the below zero temperatures and my fumbling and we came out with 5 nice photos so it was a super success in the end! :)

Samantha

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Next Top Model Parties

2013-03-18T10:28:00.001+00:00

A few weeks ago I was enlisted to take some behind the scenes photos at the launch of a collaboration between Jon Davies Photography and Party Entertainment & Supplies by Lisa. Their "Next Top Model Makeover" Parties are a great little event for young girls to be treated like the little stars that they are, with makeover by Lisa, a strut down the red carpet whilst being "papped" and ending in their very own solo and group photoshoots with Jon! What more could you want from a party?! Games and a disco? Oh yeah, they're included too! Brilliant! Get in touch with get in touch with either Jon or Lisa to book your "Next Top Model Makeover" Party today! Here's a few of the photos I took to whet your appetite...

Samantha

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Nottingham Silly Slingers

2013-03-17T12:08:00.003+00:00

This Thursday just gone our babywearing group decided to don our babies and our silly red noses in aid of Comie Relief. We walked around Nottingham City Centre past some infamous Nottingham landmarks, the route was approximately two miles which is no mean feat with a toddler in tow! The weather was perfect for our little jaunt, not too hot, nor too cold! Of course when we eventually made it to the end we rewarded ourselves with a lovely lunch. Here's some photos from the day...

Getting ready...

And we're off...

Posing at the sky mirror...

Heading down to the Park Tunnel...

Giving our love to Robin Hood. with a silent cheer... the babies were asleep... ssshhh...

Phew... we made it!

Our target for this walk was to raise £200, we smashed that and raised £257 instead which is brilliant! So thank you all for sponsoring us!

There are now plans for us to do a babywearing Race for Life in June so you've not seen the last of us!

Samantha
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1st outdoor ramble

2013-03-02T19:36:00.001+00:00

Today my dad and I took Louie for his first outdoor walk at one of our local parks, The University Boating Lake. He absolutely loved it and walked sooo far! We couldn't let go of his hands as he was so distracted showing off and smiling at passers by! Unfortunately noone asked how old he was so I couldn't reply smuggly! Although I did hear someone say "WOW"! Hehe! I had 40 very proud mummy moments today!
He walked over his first bridge today too!! Eeeeeeeee! I know the smugness will be wiped off my face soon enough when he starts trying to walk into roads and ponds and won't listen when I tell him not to but it's such a nice feeling that he's now officially a toddler, although I am rather sad it's happened so fast too! I just had to share my moment (or 40) with you! :)

He walked from side of the frame to the other... not literally mind. And that was only part of the walk! I'm so proud!

Samantha

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The life of a babywearer.

2013-02-22T23:46:00.000+00:00

Babywearing is something that's very dear to me and I've decided to start a project documenting the life of a babywearer, once completed it's going to look beautiful and hopefully will inspire many parents who know little about it to research and try it out with their bubbas.

Unfortunately for me Louie didn't enjoy being worn in the first few months, although it didn't stop him being carried whilst we had to push his pushchair! My back was very thankful when our cheapy Palm and Pond mei tai finally worked for us! For 6 months now we've ditched the puschair and carried him everyday, shopping, to baby groups, on buses, whilst cooking/cleaning, during teething and most importantly for us, to help make nap times easier. He loves being carried by me, and it's only natural, all babies love being held by their mothers and I love the closeness we share too.

With the love of babywearing, comes a love of all things sling. There really is one for everyone and if you don't believe me I could show you some online groups that will persuade you! Mei Tai, Stretchy wrap, woven wrap, ring sling, buckles, conversions. Oh and the sizes, the colour ways, the fabric blends and if you can't find something you like there are many many people who will make you your babywearing desire! Since Louie came along 10 months ago I have aquired and unacquired a Baba Sling, a ring sling, a mei tai and 5 woven wraps! I'm definitely a wrapper but have just found a wrap conversion mei tai I just NEED! Haha, anyway, I've digressed... back to the point of this blog...
For about a week or so now I have had a bit of a poorly foot... some new shoes and lots have walking are the culprit, boooo! So this week on Tuesday I decided to brave the buggy! Not to much avail as my terribly grumpy baby did not want to be in the thing, can't blame him really...he couldn't see me, talk to me or feel my warmth on his face when he fell asleep. AND I was constantly pushing him into roads with big scary cars on them. And needless to say I hated it, it's cumbersome (and mines a small one in comparison to others out there) and there's nothing more amazing than walking along and having your little one babble away in your ear, but I just couldn't interact with him! They do have their place for people I'm sure, and for those who can't babywear for medical reasons, it's just not for us! So as my young one didn't want to be pushed around, much like when he was wee, it was up to my good friend and model for this project to comfort him so I could keep extra pressure off my foot! Naturally this made for a great photo opportunity, and this photo is a sneak peek into a project that will probably become one of my favourites, will hopefully inspire non babywearers and will make current babywearers coo and giggle!

This is Mayita, tying a tandem carry with her Arlo on the back and my Louie on her front! :)

Samantha

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Babies babies everywhere...

2013-02-21T21:43:00.003+00:00

On a Tuesday morning I go to a mother and baby group at a local pub. There's about 8 of us that meet up every week, except when we have other baby engagements! 5 of the girls have known each other for quite sometime and all got pregnant within weeks of each other!! I like to take my camera to the pub sometimes and snap away, I can't help myself, the bubbas are just so cute!! On this occasion however, we're missing Caitlin, Arlo and my Louie... I'll get ya next time!!
Here, for your viewing pleasure are Harry, Enna, Allanah, Dylan and Toby. Whoever says babies look the same are wrong, wrong, so wrong!

How adorable!?

Imagine what I could in an hour portrait session! If you're thinking of booking a session for your children please don't hesitate to get in touch with me via samanthagallagherphotography@gmail.com

Samantha

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A 1st Birthday.

2013-02-20T22:06:00.001+00:00

Louie's little bestie had his 1st birthday a few weeks ago and I had the pleasure of taking photos at the joint (3 bubba's) party! Fun was had by all and I have been inspired to get my boy a tunnel for his first birthday which is extremely soon! Eeeeek!

Here's a few of my favourites, babies galore, enjoy...

If you have an event you'd like me to photograph please contact me at samanthagallagherphotography@gmail.com

Samantha

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Katherine Kerrison Bridal Shoot

2013-02-20T21:37:00.002+00:00

As my blog presence has been extremely quite since September just gone, I'm going to do a bit of a catch up on shoots and photos I took between then and now.
Back in November I did a shoot for one of my favourite local clothing designers, Katherine Kerrison. We've shot together about 6 times now, I'm beginning to think she's as much of a fan of me as I am of her! The weather wasn't great and we'd orginally planned to shoot outdoors, fortunately for us, Katherine's house made a lovely backdrop for her beautiful dresses! Always have a back-up plan! :)

Here's a few of my favourites from the shoot!
Hair by; Ayesha Caunt-Buonocore

Make-up; Sarah Vaites

Dresses by; Katherine Kerrison

Model; Georgia Vitkute

Katherine#s bridal dresses are stunning so if you've just got engaged and are wondering where to buy your dress from, look no further!!

www.katherinekerrison.co.uk

A couple of my images were also featured in the Nottingham Eveing Post's Weekend Magazine in November too, here's a peek...

Samantha

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All Things Nice

2013-02-20T20:58:00.002+00:00

Recently I have taken up jewellery making, well shrink plastic jewellery anyway. I've set up an Etsy shop to sell the wares and did a lookbook shoot for it today. One of my favourite local models dropped by and patiently waited for me to put finishing touches to some of the items, unprofessional I know, good job she likes me. (That and I threw her a pair of my teacup earrings to say thanks! Hehe!)
Here's a little sneak peek of what we shot.

Many images to get through so bear with me and saty tuned!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/XAllThingsNiceX?ref=si_shop

Samantha

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Back again!

2013-02-16T16:31:00.003+00:00

It's been a too long since I last blogged, partly been busy, partly not been bothered about blogging, which is bad, I know! Well, I'm back and I'm going to share a few behind the scenes photos from a shoot I did today! It was a little personal shoot in the comfort of my own home with great models, mua and a hair stylist I've worked with before. A couple of dresses borrowed from my favourite local designer. 3 models, 3 looks. A deer, a unicorn and a birds nest. I've just done the first pick of the images and I'm very pleased and can't wait for you to see the final results!!

Samantha -x-

41/365

2012-09-23T21:16:00.000+01:00

This is my friend Kath, she works for Rockey Scenery. They make some amazing stage sets for theatre shows all across the country, you've probably watched a West End show that this veru hammer has helped to build! :)

Please bare with me on the 365 day challenge as I am computer less and am only able to upload images when I can access my other half's computer!

Samantha
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Kismet Rose

2012-09-23T20:52:00.001+01:00

I am finally able to show you all the images I shot of Hayley from Kismet Rose Accessories, she hates having her photo taken but lord knows why as she looks stunning in these images! She even styled herself! Make-up by Flawless Make-up by Adele. I had the pleasure of being able to do this shoot at CocoStudios in Beeston, Nottingham. It's a great little place with lots of different backdrops and very reasonably priced. Check out their facebook page here; https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coco-studios/283631854989021

I hope this makes Hayley feel much more confident infront of the camera as I'm sure you'll agree she looks great! :)

Samantha

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40/365

2012-09-19T10:40:00.001+01:00

I recently did a shoot for Kismet Rose Accessories (if the name is familiar to you, this is our 3rd shoot) at Coco Studios in Beeston. The studio is brilliant value for money by the way, £15ph and it has loads of sets/backdrops, if you're a photographer in Nottingham you should check it out! This shoot was of Hayley (K.R founder) trying her hand at some modelling (and very well she did too). I haven't edited the other images just yet but this is a quicky I took of her shoes as she was coming down the stairs. Bit Guy Bourdin I think... that was the aim anyway! :)

This is the latest image I've edited thanks to my pesky computer deciding to quit on me, at least now I'm up to date (ish).

Samantha

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39/365

2012-09-19T10:34:00.000+01:00

I've recetly discovered Baby Cakes and one of my local pubs. Mum's and mum's to be are invited every Tueday to meet up and enjoy free cake with the purchase of any drink, it's pretty great although not for my diet! There was quite a few of us at the last meet and I didn't want to shove my camera in the faces of those I don't know so this is Arlo, he's been in my 365 three times now, lucky boy! :)

Samantha

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38/365

2012-09-19T10:28:00.001+01:00

Last week we went on a lovely day out to Darley Park in Derby. We were with fellow photography loving friends, which is a bonus when you want to take photos, they expect it and don't mind being the subject!

Samantha

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37/365

2012-09-19T10:25:00.001+01:00

This is my friend Gemma and her son, Daniel. You might remember them from day number 28 :)

Samantha

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36/365

2012-09-17T12:39:00.002+01:00

So, if you follow my blog you probably think I've given up already, I haven't. In actual fact I've been having some major computer drama, I'm not going to go into the terribly long and boring story but what I will say is my computer is now dead and awaiting new hard drive. I'm currently usong Phil's computer to post a few of my 365 photos.

This is my friend Steve, he's the new head chef at The Wollaton Pub & Kitchen. I went in for food one day and asked him if I could take a few photos of him, he kindly said yes.

Samantha

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35/365

2012-08-15T23:37:00.000+01:00

Today I was supposed to see Kate but things got in the way and that didn't happen, booooo! :( I took Louie to be weighed today and he weighs 13lb 15oz, judging by other babies I thought he'd be a lot bigger now but he's nice and healthy and that's all that matters! The rest of the day I did chores and tried to shoot this photo. Shooting self portraits is hard enough but doing it will a baby is ridiculous! I chopped my head off numerous times and even this one I had to head swap as my good head was on a bad body and vice versa. I was originally going to have this as a standard white background image but then Phil said he thought it'd be good to show my homemade studio that's currently taking over my living room...

Going to a weening class tomorrow, oh what fun! :)

Nighty night!

Samantha

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34/365

2012-08-14T21:29:00.003+01:00

It wasn't as nice when I set off for the park this afternoon but it was roasting when I walked home, melting and sweaty are not the words, haha, I'm attractive aren't I?! But I walked 11,000 steps which is good. I've been a bit lax with the dieting and I really need to get back on it!

Anyway, Mayita, Arlo, Louie and I all had a nice little picnic and assessed the progress our little ones had made, look! Arlo is sitting! Isn't he a clever cutie!

Got to get the little one weighed tomorrow and seeing Kate!

Samantha

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33/365

2012-08-14T21:28:00.003+01:00

Didn't do much today, just went to get little Louie's third lot of vaccinations, wasn't pleasant but that's it now until he's a year old! Yay! I still haven't put my lights away so thought I'd use Louie as a model again, I can't help it, he's so photogenic! Originally I wasn going to use a little wicker basket as a prop to put him in when he fell asleep but I underestimated how big he was and he looked silly so I just shot a cute photo of him on a nice blanket. :)

Going to meet my friend Mayita and her son tomorrow! :)

Samantha

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32/365

2012-08-12T21:25:00.003+01:00

As I am super lazy I still have my little studio set up up in my living room so I decided a little naked baby shoot was on the cards. Babies skin is amazing and flawless so I felt it right to photography my little Louie in his birthday suit! And look how happy he is! :) Also today he went to his first BBQ at Kate's house, was nice and the rain held off until the birthday cake came out, yay!

3rd set of jabs tomorrow, eeek!

Samantha

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31/365

2012-08-11T22:03:00.002+01:00

Today I photographed at the house of a couple who were with their family and celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary! 60 years! Such a special occasion and I feel privilaged to have been a part of it. Here's one of the photos I took...

Hope you all have a lovely Sunday! :)

Samantha

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Rhea Clements Sneak Peek.

2012-08-11T14:59:00.004+01:00

Here's a sneak peek of my shoot yesterday with Knitwear Designer Rhea Clements. This is our 6th shoot togther now so I'm hoping that means she likes my work! Haha! :) In the year and half I've known Rhea she's been wanting to make and use props in the photos but as she's so busy she's struggled to find the time to make any! This time, however she managed to make some pretty colourful yarn lanterns! The past Rhea's collections have been made from duller an pastelly colours but now she's ventured into the bright side of the world so this shoot was really fun and colourful!

Jewellery & styling; Rhea Clements.

Model; Paige Keeling.

Hair and Make-up; Rachael Gunn

To browse and purchase any of Rhea's products please visit her website at;

http://www.rheaclements.co.uk

Samantha

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29-30/365

2012-08-10T22:10:00.003+01:00

I keep getting into the habit of leaving my photo of the day until very late at night which is a bit rubbish as it limits my shot possibilties so number 29 is a little still life with Phil's bottle of wine. Number 30 is a shot that I took after a shoot I had today with Rhea Clements Designs. The photo is of one of the models, Paige, I loved her make-up so obviously took a few shots of her. For this one I held a small glass tube infront of my lens, it's created a bit of a dreamy effect but isn't quite what I was hoping for, could possibly use a bigger tube next time! :)

I have a little shoot planned tomorrow for a diamond wedding anniversary!

Night night!

Samantha

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