Life with a Camera

2011-12-07T08:11:00.000Z

This location is a fantastic venue for wedding photography, Broughton Hall at Skipton.

To view more of our wedding photography go to www.image-and-style.com

The 1940s in Haworth 2011

2011-05-22T18:58:00.001+01:00

Well, back in Haworth for a great event providing fantastic opportunities for portrait/reportage style photography. The village is decked out to depict the 1940's war years and a superb job they do of it.

From experience we think for photography it is best to arrive about 9.30am and photograph until lunchtime after which it is usually to busy and packed in the main street for what we call comfortable photography.

During that time though you will see a huge range of characters, uniforms, WW2 equipment and civilian attire.

All our photographs from this event can be viewed at

www.image-and-style.co.uk
(under Public Albums/Events)

Photography on the Wall

2011-01-14T16:27:00.000Z

Quite by chance earlier this week I came across a very interesting artists studio in Ilkley. I was walking along Leeds Road on my way home when I almost stumbled over an advertising 'A' board that had blown over onto the pavement, whilst picking it up and putting it back on display saw it was advertising an artists studio the 'Art Loft'. This was one I had not heard of before and as I was always on the lookout for places to exhibit our fine art photographs I decided to take a look.
Eventually found the studio tucked away behind Ilkley's main auction house, Hartleys.

Had a good chat with the owner /artist Liz Sutcliffe ( lizarra ) and discovered that her paintings have been finding their way into private collections all over the world. Liz has also accepted commissions from Italy and America as well as London.
As well as exhibiting her own work Liz has works by other artists hanging on the walls which give the studio a real feeling of warmth and vibrance. One of Liz's pastels 'Partners' is really impressive, in fact stunning, don't take my word for it, visit the Art Loft Studio or visit the website www.lizaraartloft.com

I am pleased to say that Liz has allowed Photography on the Wall to exhibit several of our fine art photographs at her studio.

Useful links

The 'Art Loft'

Ilkley, information

The Artist

Photography on the Wall

Photography on the Wall

2010-12-04T15:22:00.000Z

At long last after design work and much fine tuning our new new website is live. Its purpose is to display our landscape photographs for people to enjoy and hopefully to buy.

We have displayed the images in several galleries, landscapes, towns and cities, coastal, transport plus many more. As time goes on we will add new photographs both black and white and colour to the galleries.
The scene below is just one example, we were up at 5.30 am for this one, Sunrise at the Cow and Calf Rocks, Ilkley, West Yorkshire.

There are many other photographs of the Yorkshire countryside plus coastal scenes as well such as the Lobster Pots on the Quayside at Staithes

shown below.

The site can be viewed at www.photographyonthewall.com

Ilkley Rugby Club, a New Era

2010-09-15T12:31:00.000+01:00

This week has seen the start of a new era at Ilkley Rugby Club. A new clubhouse is to be built, contractors have arrived on site, erected safety fencing and site cabins.

Ilkley Rugby Club, site fencing

A new temporary changing room facility has been erected and the physio cabin resited.

Ilkley Rugby Club, warning sign

While the new clubhouse is being built Ilkley rugby club members will have the use of the Ilkley Cricket Club facilities just over the road.

Ilkley Cricket Cub

Over the period of the rebuild I will endevour to record the demolition and reconstruction in photographs which will be uploaded to an album on my Ruggerpix website.

Ilkley Rugby Club, safety fencing in place

The club warn all whilst at the ground to please obey all the safety signs around the ground and not to enter the fenced off areas. Also there will be no car parking at the ground because of building work, some parking will be available on nearby roads or at the swimming pool opposite.

The Old Stand, summer 2009

The Old Stand, seating 2009

From what I understand demolition will not take place untill next week so there will not be many changes visible if you attend this Saturdays league game against old rivals Keighley. Lets hope it doesnt rain.

Usefull Links

Ilkley RFC
Ruggerpix
Ilkley Cricket Club

Win a Wedding by Stray FM

2010-07-16T16:33:00.000+01:00

Last year we were invited to take part in a competition run by Stray FM called 'Win a Wedding'. Two weeks ago we photographed the wedding of the winners Mike and Amanda, both from Knaresborough. Below are some photographs taken including one of the presentation by Stray FM. at the Dower House, Knaresborough


Alex Cann of Stray FM presenting the prize to Amanda and Mike


Amanda, Preparation

Amanda. Wedding dress by Harrogate Wedding Lounge

Amanda and Mike. Car supplied by Stratstone Harrogate

Amanda and Mike at the Dower House, Knaresborough

Amanda and Mike at the Dower House Knaresborough. Flowers by Blush of Harrogate

Photographs by Stray FM of the finalists day at the Dower House, Knaresborough can be seen at
Stray FM

Photographs by Image and Style of the finalists day can be seen at Image and Style Stray Wedding Album

Wedding photography by Image and Style of Ilkley

The 1940's in Haworth 2010

2010-06-14T21:36:00.004+01:00

Even when we have a busy calendar the one event we always make room for is Haworth's 1940's weekend. It provides such a wide range of portrait /character subjects and really is a photographers paradise. Such a vast range of colourful uniforms from around the globe and all manner of civilian attire from the 40's era. Having visited several of these events we find it best to arrive mid morning when its relatively quiet this allows us a clear view of our subjects, later on usually just after lunch it just gets to busy and find more often as not someone will walk in front of the lens as the shutter is pressed. So photographers - get there early.

1940'S Weekend, Haworth 2010. Just a little bit busy down the Main Street

The style of photography we like at this event is what I would call reportage portrait, taking the shot while the subject is unaware, if possible and with an out of focus backpround or a background in context with the subject. Adopting this style will display more the charater of the era.

Haworth 1940's Weekend 2010

Haworth 1040's Weekend 2010

Haworth 1940's Weekend 2010

Haworth 1940's Weekend

Haworth 1940's weekend is held over two days usually in May, details can be found at the Haworth1940s website and in the local press just prior to the event.

Haworth 1940's Weekend 2010

Haworth 1940'sWeekend 2010

Hope you enjoy the sample photographs shown above.

Equipment used : Canon Cameras 30D and 20D Sigma Lens 75 - 200 F2.8 Canon Lens 28 - 135 IS

To view all of our photographs ( 262 ) from this event please visit our our website and look in the Events section.

www.image-and-style.co.uk

Usefull Links
Haworth1940s
Haworth Village

Barden Bridge to The Pavillion, Walk ( bluebell quest )

2010-05-26T15:32:00.001+01:00

Sunday was such a beautiful day we couldn't resist the temptation to go for a walk.
Decided on Barden Bridge to Bolton Abbey Pavillion and back. Good decision, the scenery was stunning.
On a walking day it usually takes about two hours but I had taken my camera which was a good excuse to stop at all the viewpoints and snap away, this increased the walk by two hours, very leisurely.
Some examples of the photographs below.

Barden Bridge

Barden Tower

Woods near The Strid

Bluebell Scene in Woods near The Strid

Photo Equipment used - Canon 300D SLR with a Canon EF 28 - 135 IS lens

Gdansk 'The Restaurant at The Opatow Palace'

2010-04-25T11:18:00.002+01:00

Not far from the centre of Gdansk is a place not to be missed it is called Oliwa Park.

There are several reasons for its popularity, extensive parkland initially constructed in the eighteenth century. Filled with flowered areas and pleasant pathways shaded by the trees,

meandering streams and ornimental ponds, all in all a very relaxing place.

But there is more, sat majesticaly in the grounds is The Archcathedral Basilica.

This is one of the oldest historical sights of Gdansk.

It houses the renown Rococo organ initially built by Jan Wulf and Frederick Rudolph Dalitz.

We were lucky enough to be there during a recital, its range and quality of sound is not to be missed.

Interior of The Archcathedral

Finally we come to a little oasis found under the shelter of some large trees,

in the eastern wing of the Abbots Palace,

it is called

'The Restaurant at the Opatow Palace'

its interior gives the impression of a sumptious and very stylish home.

Its cooking style is international with a hint of Poland.

In summer meals and snacks can be eaten outside on the decking with choice of sunny or shaded area.

As it was summer we ate outside and enjoyed a light snack

saving the best till last, two mouth watering classic polish cakes:

warm szarlotka (apple pie) with ice cream and raspberry coulis

and sernik with chocolate (cheesecake).

Sweet Memories!

Some useful links

Restaurant at Opatow Palace, Gdansk

Oliwa Cathedral, Wikipedia Description

Photographs, Imagine Poland

Germany on a BMW, Part 2

2010-04-23T15:35:00.018+01:00

After all the eager anticipation and planning the day had finally arrived. Two bikes from Silsden, one from Burley in Wharfedale and two from Ilkley, we were away on a five day tour bound eventually for Einbeck in Germany. Five bikers and myself as a pillion passenger.

Self Riding Pillion

The trip to our port of departure Hull was made in good weather, perhaps a little cool but not uncomfortable. Our bike arrived first and had no problem having our passports checked and getting our boarding cards and cabin keys. Unfortunately the there was a delay with the other bikes and we had to wait twenty minutes due apparently to a booking problem, it was resolved and on we went to strap the bikes down on the car deck. Our ferry that night was the MS Pride of Rotterdam and according to the technical data sheet available on board was built in Venice and launched on the 29th September 2000. We were to travel to Rotterdam Europort a distance of 204 nautical miles/378 km

Our cabins were small but functional for our one night trip, all bags were quickly stowed and we made our way to the bar and relaxation. The entertainment that night was in the form of a guitarist/singer with backing tracks followed by another singer also with backing tracks, I think the ferry company must be making cut backs as the last time I had the pleasure of travelling with them we were entertained by a full band, much more atmospheric but to give our evenings entertainment their due we all enjoyed that part of the evening.

Dining in Style

We decided as it was our first night to dine in the Four Seasons Buffet Restaurant, I seem to recollect the price was about eighteen pounds, it was well worth it including several courses and virtually all you could eat. One word of advice based on our experience, don't leave it to late to eat as some dishes at the buffet appeared not to be replenished as the night goes on. One nightcap after the meal and then away to bed, unfortunately I had drawn the short straw and found myself in the top bunk, okay to climb into but if you need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night in the dark its an adventure. The next morning we were awakened by the tannoy announcing our imminent arrival at Europort.

Europort

After a quick cup of tea and then repacking our bags it was down to deck seven, the car deck, to unstrap the bikes and prepare for the next leg of our journey, the destination was Munster via Arnham for late breakfast.

On Our Way

Usefull Links

P and O Ferries
Hull and East Yorkshire
Welcome to Rotterdam
Motorcycle Touring Advice

Germany on a BMW, Part 3 to follow

Germany on a BMW , Part 1

2010-04-14T15:13:00.002+01:00

Soon be going on a trip to Germany via Hull Rotterdam on the back of a BMW motorbike ( Oh Dear what have I let myself in for ) A group six, shall we say mature bikers, watch this space.

Weddings, Brollies and Wellies

2010-04-13T12:28:00.003+01:00

On one or two occassions we have attended weddings where the day has started in beautifull sunshine and then by noon the dark clouds have appeared followed by every brides nightmare - Rain, guess the one item thats been forgotten in all those months of preparation, yes The Brollies.

River Wharfe at The Red Lion, Burnsall

So I decided we would buy a few and keep them in the carboot for backup. I trawled the web, there were a few suppliers, Glasgow, Cardiff, London, then by chance I came across someone right on the doorstep here in Ilkley.

Valentines Day, Rombalds Hotel, Ilkley

So in your wedding preparation don't forget the Brollies, oh! and another popular item now, wellies. If you need anymore info on wellies and Brollies please follow the link. I hope you find it usefull.
Dazzle and Glitz

Ilkley in Bloom

2010-04-12T22:18:00.003+01:00

Most of the day has been spent sat at the computer, editing images and bringing websites up to date, So when Cecile came home and suggested we needed a few items from the supermarket intead of my usual moan and groan I saw an opportunity to escape into the sunshine and suggested we walk to the little supermarket on our high street. As we would be carrying bags on our way back I put my little Canon point and shoot camera in my pocket, Lets make the most of the walk, I had previously seen all the blossom that had erupted in the last few days and thought this was as good a chance as any to record it in the early evening sun.

The Grove, Ilkley

The Grove Ilkley

Betty's Cafe, Tea Rooms, The Grove, Ilkley

Christ Church, The Grove, Ilkley

Shadows on The Grove

Equipment - Canon Powershot A530

Last Stand at Ilkley RFC vs Hartlepool Rovers

2010-04-11T11:52:00.002+01:00

Saturday saw the last league game of the season to be played under the shadow of the Old Stand at Ilkley RFC. Stacks Field. Their opponents were Hartlepool Rovers.

Ilkley RFC Stand and Clubhouse due to be replaced 2011

Ilkley RFC Stand

Plans are well under way to demolish the stand/clubhouse and replace them with a new Community Clubhouse, completion of the new clubhouse is scheduled for the end of May 2011. The 3.00pm kick off saw the ground bathed in sunshine and more reminescent of a midsummers day.

Referee leads the Ilkley team onto the pitch

Ilkley started well and went into the lead

Ilkleys Chad Shepherd on his way to a try

but unfortunately for Ilkley, Hartlepool Rovers found their second wind later in the game and went on to win.

Hartlepool Rovers in possession

I managed to photograph the game from start to finish without any mishaps.

Ilkley Captain Stuart Vincent with Club President Ronald Obank and Chairman Richard Scargill

Photographs from the game can be viewed at Ruggerpix ( an Image and Style Gallery )

Details of the new clubhouse can be viewed at Ilkley RFC Website

I think this is as good a time as any to thank all the clubs in League North 1 East that I have had the pleasure to visit on my photographic quest, for their excellent hospitality, I have enjoyed some superb pies, Thankyou.
Peter Clark 11th April 2010

Image and Style Sample Wedding Album

2010-04-08T22:25:00.000+01:00

Rachel and Simon by Peter Clark ( Image and Style ) | BOOK INFO

Sunrise Service, Easter 2010

2010-04-08T17:25:00.002+01:00

Cecile and I went to The Sunrise Service at the Cow and Calf Rocks, Ilkley on Easter Sunday. One of our photographs and an article were published in the local paper.

On Easter Sunday Ilkley was still fast asleep when several cars from different corners of the town passed through the empty streets. I t was after 6.00 am and they were all going in the direction of the little car park below the Cow and Calf Rocks. Not only cars were there but also on the moors were a few brave walkers heading in that direction. It was still dark when at 6.30am the car park was full and around seventy people representing many of the churches in Ilkley greeted each other heartily. Gathered on the slopes by the famous Yorkshire rocks and waving colourfull ribbons everybody joined in the singing of the hymns. As the prayers continued the sun was rising and the group were taking in the light of the new day.


Rev. Dick Watson leading the service

For a brief moment betweeen one cloud and another the warm orange rays of the rising sun covered everything and everybody


Ilkley Moor, Cow and Calf Area

Rev Dick Watson

On this moment ' Thine be the Glory ' sounded really joyfull on this very special Sunrise Service. Rev. Dick Watson, the curator of All Saints church who was leading the service for the first time was as amazed as all the other participants with the wonderfull spectacle nature had shown us. As we were departing the sun was hidden again in the thick cloud but below in the Wharfe valley we could see the suns rays coming through illuminating the fields and woodland, very significant, bringing hope and proving 'every cloud has a silver lining'

Maria Cecylia Paslawska 4th April 2010

A Wedding in Fawsley, Northamptonshire

2010-04-04T12:44:00.002+01:00

A short while ago we photographed a wedding at the church of St Mary near the village of Fawsley in Northamptonshire. It was a unique wedding for us for several reasons, one of which was the distance from Ilkley which is our usual area of work, it is an approximate distance of 153 miles and because of this we decided to travel there the day before and stay at The Windmill Inn Hotel at Badby which is a traditional thatched country pub complete with log burning stoves and stone flagged floors. Another reason it was a unique occassion was the position of the church, which was in the middle of a field with the only access being along a rough track and because of this the Bride and Groom had requested the guests to bring their wellingtons in case it was muddy.

The reception was in the sumptuous Tudor house of Fawsley Hall which is steeped in tradition and rich in history, it is a stone's throw from the church. Both the Hall and the Church were in a beautiful setting, it was a wedding photographers dream.


An Assortment of Wellies

We really enjoyed our assignment at Fawsley, a truly wonderful day!


Bride and Groom

Google Travel Search

2010-04-01T16:39:00.000+01:00

After spending most of the afternoon following various instructions I have finally managed to add a Google customised search box which can be found at the top of our blog. This has been optimised for Travel and holiday search queries. I hope it will prove usefull.

Travels to Poland

2010-04-01T16:29:00.000+01:00

Sopot, Poland

I think its about time we taked about one of our more recent ventures, travel photography. After looking through our photographs from holidays we had taken in Poland we realized that many people were not aware of the beauty and character of the country and did not even consider it as a holiday destination. As a way of trying to rectify this and to encourage new visitors to Poland we decided to build a website with a view to promoting tourism in Poland, this would also allow us to display and sell our photographs, this hopefully would also make our website self sufficient. Our travel experiences could also be described. Thus 'Imagine Poland ' was born. Although Imagine Poland is in its infancy it is evolving quickly as we visit different areas of Poland and add more photo galleries. We have already visited Krakow and the Tri City area of Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot.


Kazimierz, Krakow, Poland

In Spring 2010 we plan to visit Wroclaw and Poznan taking in a few castles on the way.
As well as displaying photographs on Imagine Poland we intend to add pages displaying usefull information for tourists and travellers visiting the various regions of Poland in the hope that the website will provide a usefull source of information regarding travel and tourism in the country.
In future posts we will describe the experiences of our next trip to Poland, this will include flight details, accomodation, food and all points of interest cultural, modern and historic. To view our progress so far please please follow the link
www.imaginepoland.com
I hope you enjoy the photographs and if you have any queries or a venue in Wroclaw or Poznan you would like us to report on please email us at info@imaginepoland.com
Peter and Cecile


Gdansk, Poland

Sporting Camera Trauma

2010-03-29T15:36:00.001+01:00

My dictionary describes trauma as an emotional shock, I think that just about puts in a nutshell my feelings on Saturday afternoon at the rugby game, Gateshead vs Ilkley.
Had spent time preparing cameras, batteries and wet weather clothing, spent two hours travelling to the ground, enjoyed a superb lunch in good company in the clubhouse after which the game started, I managed to get a few shots and then the 'TRAUMA', my camera decided to switch itself off, I tried everything, rebooting, changing batteries, changing memory cards. I now looked as though I was giving a bad impersonation of a circus juggler, panic was starting to set in and the action on the rugby field was hotting up. Any self respecting photographer would now be dipping into his haversack and producing a spare camera body, but oh no, cleverclogs had decided to travel light. I was just about to resort to lump hammer technology, when my prayers were answered, the lights came back on, there was life in the camera, my composure was quickly regained and I took up my position at the edge of the pitch trying to look as though the tantrums of the last ten minutes had never happened.
The camera managed to last out untill the final whistle blew, what a relief, I could now retire to the bar and contemplate future contingency plans.
The final result of the game - Ilkley lost after putting up a hard fight. Photographs that I managed to salvage from the game can now be viewed at www.ruggerpix.com

Gateshead vs Ilkley, Ilkley in possession 27/03/2010

Rugby Moment

2010-03-26T11:14:00.000Z

Last Saturday due to the miserable wet weather I decided to take my photographs of the rugby from the covered stand. Ilkley were at home playing Durham City and a large crowd of spectators had emerged from the warmth of the clubhouse to watch the game. Durham were on the attack when suddenly their hooker John Nichols found himself on his back in the mud after a tackle, there was much whistle blowing and arm waving from the Referee and the game came to a standstill. It was at this point that a small white terrier hurtled onto the pitch, circled the players and then slowly walked up to John who was still on his back, the dog then sat down and affectionately licked John on the face. What a moment, the cries of the crowd suddenly turned from derision and heckling to that of laughter, it was magical and certainly broke the tension of the game, well for a few moments anyway.
I posted the photograph to the Ilkley RFC Facebook page and asked for a caption, the winning one was
" Throw it once more... please... please "

Haworth 1940'sWeekend

2010-03-25T13:59:00.012Z

Just discovered new dates for the diary the 15th and 16th of May.This is a not to be missed event "Haworth 1940's Weekend". We shall certainly be there to photograph the nostalgia. Have been to this event twice now, really looking forward to it. I suppose I should take the old box camera to blend in but I think the workflow would be a bit too slow.


Main Street, Haworth 1940's Weekend More photographs from previous 1940's events can be viewed at our website http://www.image-and-style.co.uk/

Recent History, Poland,Tourism

2010-03-24T16:58:00.002Z

Where to start.
Wedding photography as always features heavily in our calendar, Friday is now becoming a very popular day for weddings this is quite handy in the winter season as I always have several weekend sporting events to photograph, these are generally rugby union related and provide a source of entertainment as well as revenue. So generally if were not taking photographs we can be found in the office editing images and updating our websites.

We have during this time though managed to take some holiday, destination Poland, to cut a long story short we found it full of character and with so many varied subjects to photograph we decided to develop a website to display our work in the hope it will provide a resource for travellers and tourists visiting Poland. So far we have visited Krakow, The Tatra Mountains, Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot, non of which disappointed . If you wish to view the images please visit www.imaginepoland.com . Next to visit is Wroclaw and Poznan, this is booked for May so watch the site for updates.

Resurrection

2010-03-23T21:42:00.000Z

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, lets hope so, must be two years since my last scribblings. Taken a lot of photographs in that time and visited many places, seems a shame not to write about them. Watch this space !

Absence

2008-03-25T19:38:00.004Z

Sometimes when your busy something has to give, unfortunately it was 'The Blog'.

Been and done all sorts but to busy to talk about all of it it.

Walked over Embsey Moor, for those of you from far and wide thats in Yorkshire.

The image on the right is looking towards Grassington and the little road leads down to Barden Tower where the River Wharfe passes by.

In the distance you can see the smoke from controlled heather burning.

The image below shows a map of the area which can be found at one of the car parking areas, very informative, shows all the footpaths