This is the first in a series of “Behind the image” blogs, explaining why I love an image and why I took it.

So why do I like this image, well firstly its black and white. I love black and white imagery. I feel it gives almost any image a timeless look, no fake vintage or photoshop effects here.

Hi Katie here, Stuart's right hand woman. Well, more like his work experience student that never left, I'm 17 and currently studying a media course at Middlesbrough College. Hoping to move onto university in September, I was meant to introduce myself a long time ago and forgot so I'm here now for you all to get to know.

This has got to be one of the hardest blog I’ve had to write, in the 13 years of been a professional wedding photographer.

With Christmas time been and gone. The usual round-up blogs come to light. Reflecting on this year will be hard. Many businesses have seized trading, people have lost their homes, their cars. their jobs. Families have been torn apart by the viciousness of the ongoing pandemic.

I’ve worked with Kirstie on several occasions over the years, From a model to her bump shoot. So when she contacted me to capture some images of her new business venture I have no question.

The Pandemic has left everyone with such difficult living conditions throughout the world. We’ve certainly seen a massive difference to the level of business and bookings for that matter.

Luckily as the restrictions have being reduced, its allowed us to do some small family portrait shoots.

Grinkle Park Hotel has been one of my favourite venues for Wedding photography. This coming weekend see the gorgeous couple Dean and Sophie getting married there.

I’ve captured Pet Portraits now for the past 12 years, photographing everything from Dogs to Ferrets. I’ve captured Horses in their field, I’ve had rats, quail and rabbits in the studio.

Andy and Claire deserved a beautiful day and that is exactly what they got. For starters they booked the Arches Country House, In Brotton for their wedding day. Being an intimate venue meant they were close to their family and friends throughout the day. Which is exactly what a wedding day should be about, celebrating the day with the closest ones too you.

I told you i’d be back covering wedding photography in Middlesbrough very soon, this one though had a twist….. a first for me in the 12 years of professional wedding photography, that’s on average 30-35 weddings a year for 12 years = a lot of weddings (360 - 420 if you want to exact).

There are some beautiful churches in Middlesbrough and I’ve captured weddings at most of them. Jake and Zoes wedding ceremony was held in the very gorgeous St Josephs, Church on Marton road, Middlesbrough

Did you know I don't charge for pre-wedding photo shoots? I never have - I see them as a vital part of relaxing you in front of the camera before your wedding day.

This means your wedding images will be much more relaxed and natural - it's a WIN WIN situation, plus its a great way for us to get to know each other better too.

This is only the second wedding I’ve done at Acklam Hall and every time I go I’m very much impressed. The Hall and its surroundings are fabulous.

Jake and Zoe have got to be one of the most loving couples I’ve met. They seemed so natural together, The certainly didn’t need much encouragement to smile.

It’s not very often I take another booking when I have a wedding, In fact I never do. My wedding days are specific for my Client and no one else.

However on this occasion I broke my own rules and did a pre-wedding shoot after I had finished Ian and Laura’s wedding at LaRosa.

Once upon a time I covered a lot of weddings that featured beautiful couples from out of the area, heading to wonderful seaside town of Whitby in North Yorkshire to tie the knot.

I’ve even had couples drag people off the sea front, complete strangers at that, to witness them getting married. I myself have witnessed several weddings in Whitby for the same reason.

WOW! what can I say about Blackthorn gate Lodge? Words won’t describe it, the views across the fields looking towards the one of the main view points in the North East, Roseberry Topping are spectacular. Something that featured in most of the images. Has it stood in the background all day.

I love Whitby, especially on a nice sunny day. So when Ian and Laura said they wanted their pre-wedding photo shoot there I jumped at the chance.

Such a beautiful young couple, so very much in love. It seems such a long time since I did their pre-wedding photo shoot at Newby Hall Gardens. The weather hasn’t been kind to me this year and today was no different. The rain kept pouring, with no sign of a break. The cloud seemed an endless veil across the sky.

Ian and Natasha won our competition. The prize being myself covering their wedding day.

Whitby has featured quite a bit this year either with pre-wedding photo shoots or in fact weddings. So, when Darren and Fin asked to have their pre-wedding shoot in Whitby I have no question is rushing out of the studio to meet them.