Kirsty & Dan planned a week of activities in the run up to their wedding.  One of which was a speedboat trip, island hopping around some of the most stunning locations. I was lucky enough to be able to shoot the whole day with them and the entire wedding party. 

The day started early and we left Railay beach on board the speedboat to our first destination, the famous spot where the film “The Beach” was filmed.  As we saw the first glimpse as we approached, you coud see why the makers had chosen this as the place in which the film would be set.  It had a white sandy beach, was surrounded by huge cliffs and the water was so clear.  We were there for about an hour and a half and this was just the right amount of time to soak up the atmosphere. 

Dan and Kirsty’s guest swam and sunbathed, while I happily shot the story.  Dan and Kirsty were keen to replicate the famous shot at the end of the film – where everyone jumps in the air and after lots of jumping – we headed off before the crowds arrived, starting the day early had been a good plan.

I love this picture of Kirsty.

The replica of the famous picture from “The Beach”

From the beautiful Maya Bay we headed to Bamboo Island, famed for excellent snorkeling.

Throughout the day I tried to get some lovely natural portraits of the guests as they relaxed.

The view from Bamboo Island

After an hour or so, it was back on board the speedboat to head to the Hong Islands, a collection of islands with hidden lagoons and spectacular beaches.  After a great Thai lunch, the guests spent the afternoon, swimming, sunbathing and Kayaking through hidden caves and beauty spots.

The rain set in for about 10 minutes – when it rains in Thailand, it really rains!

Kirsty and Dan, two days before they became man and wife.

The guys played Frisbee – it was very funny to watch.

We made our way to my favourite place of the day – the truly beautiful Tut Island.  We were the only people there as dusk fell.  The guys on board the speedboat sparked up the barbecue – fish, kebabs and curry. 

I spotted the perfect place for a final group picture.

I love this picture of Kirsty and Dan.

As the night drew in, I spoke to one of our guides who told me that at about 6.30pm, 1000′s of fruit bats would fly across the sky.  We waited patiently and he was right…

They’re not like normal bats – they’re massive!!

As the darkness fell, there was no light to shoot by.  This was a 15 second exposure – taken by resting my camera on some nearby rocks.

We headed off to swim with bio-luminescent plankton in the dark.

It was a day I’ll never forget and I’d like to say thanks again for Kirsty and Dan for organising such a incredible experience.  I know it will stay with me for a very long time.

For those of you who came on the trip – you can register to see all the pictures after Kirsty and Dan have sent them by clicking here.

 “Wedding Photography – A Guide to Photojournalism” published by Oliver Cameron Publishing is my first book. 

The book is aimed at beginners all the way through to professionals. It’s 7×5 in size – so it fits perfectly in your camera bag for inspiration whenever you’re shooting.

I take the reader through every aspect of my shooting and thought process – I want it to feel like the reader is actually there with me on the shoot. I hope it’s well received as I put my heart and soul into it. 

Chapters in the book are:

• My approach to wedding photography
• The Basics
• Preparing for the Shoot
• Shooting the Preparations
• At the ceremony
• Shooting other kinds of ceremonies
• Drinks Reception and Cocktail hour
• Understanding the Importance of Light
• Shooting the couples portraits
• Wedding Breakfast and Reception
• When not to Shoot
• Shooting Destination Weddings
• Post-Wedding Considerations
• Developing your observational skills
• Be inspired

To see inside the book, in a special slideshow CLICK HERE

CLICK TO BUY IT

While I was there, I decided to venture to a local rodeo to take some pictures.  I called Cindy the chute boss of a local place called The Buffalo Chip a few days before and arranged an access all areas pass to get up close to the action.

What was most shocking was the age of some of the riders.  One of them was 12!!!  They seemed very young to be doing something so dangerous.  That night it was 15 bucks a ride.  Some of the cowboys asked me if I fancied giving it ago – to which I politely declined!

It was a great thing to document, I hope you enjoy the pictures.

These old cowboy boots were hanging on the ceilng of the bar – like trophys.