Level Eleven Photography Australia

Level Eleven Photography Australia: Our new family portrait studio in Caloundra is now open!

2010-09-29T15:38:00.000+01:00

Level Eleven Photography Australia: Our new family portrait studio in Caloundra is now open!

Our new family portrait studio in Caloundra is now open!

2010-09-29T11:55:00.004+01:00

Since we opened our reception studio in Caloundra a few months back, we've been literally inundated with enquiries for portrait sessions, which made us start to seriously consider finding a portrait studio to take photographs in. We'd already noticed that nearly all the studios on The Sunshine Coast are more geared towards glamorous 'makeover' sessions, and what was missing was a genuine family portrait studio.

So when the perfect premises became vacant in the Central Cinemas complex in Caloundra's Bulcock Street (our actual address is 7, The Strand, Bulcock Street, Caloundra) we quickly grabbed it! Its now fitted out with a reception area, professional Elinchrom lighting (ceiling mounted so you don't need to worry about the kids sending the lights flying!), air con and bathroom/changing facilities (oh, and a kettle - I'm a Pom!)

We specialise in photographs of real people - familes, kids, mum and dad, engagement sessions, couples, nans and grandads. Sure, we do occasionally photograph models but in all honesty that's more 'personal work' than our regular sessions. Our family portraits are dramatically different to the 'shopping mall' style "sit down, smile, flash, next!" photography that people often think of when they think of kids pictures. Whilst the staff at shopping malls are often part-time staff with no genuine photographic experience, I personally shoot every session in our studio, meaning I bring all my ten years, award-winning experience to your family-portrait session. We have loads more room, meaning the kids can move around and have fun - which makes for much more powerful images as their personalities come out.

To start things off, we're offering free kids sessions for the next few saturdays. Simply book a slot (these sessions will be a quick, taster photo-shoot lasting approximately half an hour), dress the kids up and bring them along - group shots with the siblings is fine too. But do book your date soon, I'm delighted to say that sessions are filling quickly!

The dates currently on offer for these free sessions are as follows.

Saturday September 25th 2010

Saturday October 2nd 2010

Saturday October 16th 2010

Sunday October 24th 2010

Family portrait sessions can be booked for any date you'd like, and we are currently offering Gift Certificates for $75.00 which gives you a $275.00 credit to spend on products from Level Eleven Photography. Our pricing is open, available and honest, just mail us for a copy of our price list.

So have a look at our website www.level-eleven.com.au or call us on 1-300 480 660

We look forward to seeing you in our new Sunshine Coast Family-Portrait studio!

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

2010-02-01T13:04:00.007Z

Our new site is nearly ready to go live, but we've had lots of enquiries from folks to see some of our favourite portrait work, so for convenience sake, I've dusted off our old blog and uploaded some images from the UK.

Now we're on the Sunshine Coast at Caloundra, we're keen to build a new portfolio of images, so we've halved our session fee to $75.00 for the first ten couples or families to book (be quick to reserve your date, especially if you want a weekend slot!) The full $75.00 that you pay for your portrait photography session is used as a credit and you can spend it on any of our products, so effectively, your shoot is free!

We operate a very transparent pricing scheme, just ask and we'll mail you full details. Mounted gift prints start from just $60.00 and we offer substantial on our collections - its all in the price list!

You can call or mail me (Russ) on 1-300 480 660 and russ@level-eleven.com.au

See all of our latest work on our new website www.level-eleven.com.au

NEW WEBSITE & BLOG!!!!!!

2009-09-10T11:27:00.002+01:00

Well, after many months of planning and techy stuff, the new Level Eleven website is up and running!

Part of the new site is that it includes a blog, so we won't be posting on this one any more - in future it's all under one roof.

The new site has some great functions - for instance you can build your own gallery, selecting images from a specific venue, or shot during winter for instance. There's also lots of complete albums searchable by venue, and it's integrated into Facebook and Twitter with RSS feeds for the blog etc. But the best bit is that you can click on the images and see them full screen. All terribly clever stuff and our thanks have to go to Tony at MT Studios for such a great job!

So, take a look at the new site at www.level11.co.uk - we'd appreciate any feedback too - is it fast enough? any pixellation of images? navigation clear?

And that's it for this blog, we'll leave it up for a while yet, but of course, all new posts and updates will be on the new one which is held within the new site.

Russ

Linz & Dom's wedding at Quex House

2009-09-07T14:08:00.007+01:00

Well, it was close run thing but Dom ultimately prized himself out of the Jaguar XJR-S that he'd treated himself to for the weekend.....and walked into Quex House to marry his gorgeous other woman!

Linz looked stunning, more than a match for a £90k supercar! After the ceremony, we took a drive in the Vintage Vows Rolls down to the beach at Minnis Bay for some off-the-wall wedding day photos!

Back to the sunny gardens at Quex House for a superb wedding breakfast, speeches and fireworks.

It was great to be working with our good friend Mark from The Short Film Company again, and you can see the 2-minute film clip HERE and Linz & Dom's album online HERE

Andy. It was Andy!

Great to bump into an old school mate Ian Mileham at the wedding -we haven't seen each other for about xx years!

Louise & Mark's engagement shoot

2009-09-02T13:29:00.005+01:00

I've been really looking forward to meeting up with Mark & Louise for their pre-wed. They booked us at the Cooling Castle last year. I well remember Louise suddenly grabbing Mark's arm as she saw the images on our stand and dragging him over to see them - we were booked on the spot! So, it was with some excitement that we met up for their pre-wed, I love photographing couples who appreciate their photography!

All the things I love.......!

2009-08-21T14:51:00.004+01:00

A couple of weeks back I was asked to shoot some images of Gardline's new catamaran operating from Ramsgate's Royal Harbour on the wind farm construction.

So, boats and photography then. Happy days!

With me mostly aboard a Rib operated by Dover Sea School, even the weather played ball and we got some lovely images of this fabulous boat. During the day I also met Ryan, and you can read below where that lead us!

'Model' shoot with Lauren & Ryan

2009-08-21T14:30:00.006+01:00

Sitting in a bar with my wife a while ago, I spotted Lauren. Well, you can hardly miss her! She's an amazing looking girl, tall with long blond hair and endless legs. In any case I handed her a card and told her to look over our website if she fancied having some photos taken. In the event, my assistant Katie photographed her a couple of months back and seeing the photos, I couldn't wait to book a date top photograph her as well! Whilst it had taken a while to arrange, last week I met Ryan whilst doing a commercial shoot for Gardline and knew that photographing the two of them on the same day would be a blast.

So here's a few. I really wanted a low-key grundgy kind of look to the images, and the back streets of Margate certainly provided it!

Felicity & Phil's wedding at St Paul's Canterbury.

2009-08-18T12:14:00.005+01:00

What a great day! Lovely couple, another vicar who put no restrictions on photography (two in a month.....wow!!!!) and a fabulous marquee reception in the grounds of the historic St Augustines Kings School just a thirty second walk away. On arrival, guests were greeted with Whitstable Oysters, Ice Creams, a coconut shy and Champagne - everyone seemed more than happy despite the weather getting the hump mid afternoon!

Fliss & Tim's engagement shoot

2009-08-12T16:51:00.006+01:00

With a three month old baby having just come along, it's taken a while to get Fliss and Tim in front of their camera and their wedding's nearly upon us - August 24th! It's a black tie do (it'll be nice to chuck the tux on again!) at Chilston Park with the reception in the hugely haunted village of Pluckley - gulp! Why will the gents be sporting dinner jackets for the big day? Would it help if I told you that Fliss & Tim's baby is called James......? Think about it!

So here's a few from our pre-wedding shoot. That's 'shoot' as in camera, not Walther PPK.

THE END

Fliss & Tim will be back on August 24th 2009

Rhonda & Mike's engagement shoot.

2009-08-12T15:37:00.007+01:00

Having just announced their engagement, Mike & Rhonda were beating down our doors for their engagement shoot. So we headed out to a blustery Ramsgate for some pictures. Rhonda giggled, Mike looked sternly at her for it and the combination worked somehow!

Their wedding is booked for June next year at a new venue called Winter's Barn in Canterbury.

A little holga magic! Taken with a plastic chinese toy camera - cool huh?!!

Charlotte & Andrew's wedding

2009-08-11T14:48:00.005+01:00

With a 'country fayre' theme, Charlotte & Andrew were pretty dependant on good weather and got lucky! A church wedding was followed by a tractor and trailer ride back to the reception and a lot of action centred on the coconut shy and quiots - with that most English of drinks - Pimms - flowing it got very competitive of course!

With Charlotte being of Belgian descent, first off we had a 'first look' where the couple met up before the wedding and the couples entrance into the marquee was quite something - marching music accompanied by wildly waved napkins!

A fantastic day, and we got some great images!

Helen & Karl's wedding

2009-07-27T15:56:00.004+01:00

A true English Country wedding was the choice of Helen & Karl. With 160 guests, Katie & I were kept busy (including a big group shot at great personal danger (!) taken from Cherry Picker....) and the lovely vicar at All Saint's Church at Staplehurst allowed us to shoot throughout the ceremony - hooray for once to a sensible vicar! The couple were greeted outside by friends forming an archway of hockey sticks and pitchforks, which was a new one to me!

The spectacular marquee was host to the weding breakfast and party afterwards, with a great laser show by the DJ, as you can see!

DangeRuss!

And the resulting image, I'm considering taking one to every wedding!

Alison & Mark at Cooling Castle Barn

2009-07-17T11:06:00.005+01:00

Last week's run of three weddings was tiring but satisfying! I've been looking forward to Alison & Mark's wedding for ages, since they booked us at Cooling Castle's wedding open day last year. Alison loves being photographed (which is a rare quality in a bride!) and I knew we'd get some gorgeous shots of the two of them.

Their wedding took place outside in the fantastic gazeebo, and the sun shone - happy days!

I know Alison will have spotted this blog before I've finished typing it - she's been bombarding me with emails demanding to see them so here we are Alison....just for you!

Justine & Chris's pre-wedding shoot

2009-07-14T16:48:00.003+01:00

With their wedding just around the corner on September 4th, it was time for Justine & Chris to get used to having their picture taken!

Together with their spaniel Marley, we headed for Whistable on a sunny weekend, early - before the place went mental! They soon got into the swing of things, as you can see.

Sarah & Neil's church wedding and Chilston Park reception.

2009-07-14T11:24:00.006+01:00

With three mid-week weddings followed by a weekend off and a monday wedding, last week felt odd, and I'm still not entirely sure what day it is!

Sarah & Neil booked us a couple of weeks back to shoot their intimate wedding at St Mary's church in West Malling and we were told 'LOTS of pictures of our little girl Megan!' which we duly undertook! With 18 guests, it was a very different day and we had time to capture lots of fabulous images (without lots of family shots, we could spend time on story telling....) including one image (below) which must rate as one of my favourite pictures of all time.

After the ceremony, it was off to Chilston Park for the wedidng breakfast, with music supplied by Stirling Austin - a superb band I'd not come across before!

Here's a few from their day.

Technically rubbish - but i loved it!

Finally, THAT shot. I really think this is one of the top three photographs I've taken at a wedding, I just love the light and moment.

Justine & John - Newick Park

2009-07-08T19:43:00.005+01:00

Russ very rarely lets me blog mainly because I always post far too many pictures! So while he is out doing what he does best (shooting a wedding that is!) i'll blog!

Justine & Johns wedding was at the lovely Newick Park. One of Russ's favourite new found venues, and yet again the sun shone on him! It was a beautiful day, planned and organised wonderfully by Claire & Matt from "Weddings with Unity" and Justine & John were a really lovely couple. When Russ came through the door he was beaming which means he's really enjoyed himself and has got "some crackers" as he would put it!

So I need say no more, I give you some of "the Crackers"!

Emma

Rebecca & Lawrence's wedding in Central London

2009-06-30T18:03:00.005+01:00

So, the best city in the world, good weather, two fabulous venues, a gorgeous bride (and a handsome groom of course!) - Saturday's wedding with Rebecca & Lawrence was one that Katie and I had really been looking forward to.

After seeing the girl's at home, it was off to Trinity House, overlooking Tower Bridge for the ceremony. Afterwards, two Routemaster's took us to Pall Mall & The RAC Club for the reception.

A wonderful day, I absolutely love photographing weddings in London - the energy and buzz is so contagious. Our final picture of the day involved Katie stopping the traffic in Pall Mall so I could capture a picture of the two of them strolling down the middle of the road!

Finally, Katie's photograph of Rebecca arriving was one of my favourite's from the day!

Karl & Helen's E-Shoot

2009-06-23T20:40:00.004+01:00

With a Church Wedding followed by a marquee at Helen's father's farm, Karl & Helen's wedding should be a quintesentially English affair - even if it does take place on US Independence day!

It was off to Canterbury for a shoot with them last week, to chase away the fears!

Here's a few from their pre-wedding shoot.

Ashley & Brooke's e-shoot

2009-06-22T13:37:00.003+01:00

It was an early start to avoid the inevitable crowds on the beach last sunday, when I met up with Brooke & Ashley for the pre-wedding shoot.

Their wedding is to be held in September at Chilston Park - hopefully the weather will be as good as it was for their shoot last week. I'm sure we'll be fine, September seems to be the most reliable month of the year!

Here's a few images.

Justin & Emma

2009-06-18T21:10:00.004+01:00

It was a pleasure to meet Emma & Justin on Saturday, to discuss photographing their wedding at The Royal Naval College at Greenwich next year.

Following a stroll through Whitstable to give them a taster of how we photograph on the day, I was delighted that they chose us for their big day. The Royal Naval Museum is one of those venues that has long been on my radar as somewhere spectacular to shoot a wedding, so I can't wait!

In all honesty, meeting Emma & Justin, and demonstrating how we work made me realise that it's a great idea to photograph couples who are considering us for their wedding photography. It's really important that you're comfortable with your photographer, or the images just don't 'happen.' So if you've got any doubts, why not call us and we'll be happy to prove that we're anything but the stereotype bossy wedding photographer!

All we ask is that you can confirm your venue and date are booked, and we'll be happy to take you out for a relaxed, fun engagement shoot - show you som ealbums and answer any questions - then you're free to go away, and decide in your own time whether Level Eleven is the photography company for you.

Is it just me, or is SuBo everybloodywhere?

Chris & Marie's Wedding

2009-06-17T11:41:00.004+01:00

29th May saw us back at Chilston Park for the wedding of Chris & Marie. A really relaxed day, with lots of (happy!) tears and laughter. Marie & Chris made their own vows to one another which didn't leave a single dry eye in the room...!

Anyway, enough words, here's some pictures!

Vicky & Russ's Wedding at Whitstable All Saint's Church

2009-06-16T19:23:00.003+01:00

Vicky & Russ held their church wedding at Whitstable All Saints on May 23rd. I'm often worried before church weddings - so many vicars contrive to ruin couple's albums with their rediculous rules preventing us from photographing weddings in 'their' church.

No such problems with Father Simon! A genuinely lovely feller, and a charismatic, warm speaker. If only more were like him! Following a delightful ceremony, we were off to Quex House for the reception, where the weather allowed us to make the most out of the beautiful grounds.

Fantastic day with a fantastic couple - good luck to you both!

You can see their album HERE

Vicki & Chris' e-shoot

2009-06-16T18:37:00.004+01:00

Vicki & Chris booked us way back last year at the Detling Wedding Fayre for their big day at Leeds Castle. I've wanted to shoot a wedding there for some time (it's on my list of places I've wanted to photograph a wedding!) so i was delighted that they chose Level Eleven to provide their album.

Here's a few from a hot, summers day down the beach!

Katie flies solo! Emma & Aaron's wedding in Hadleigh.

2009-06-12T17:18:00.004+01:00

For me, the June 6th was D-Day in more ways than one! I was shooting my first wedding alone without Russ, back in my home town of Hadleigh in Suffolk.

I couldn’t have asked for a nicer couple to capture the happy day of, Emma and Aaron.Emma looked absolutely stunning and I got some gorgeous shots of her in her beautiful dress. It was a day full of fun and laughter and a few tears (of happiness!) And despite the forecast, constant sunshine!

A brilliant day had by all, here's some pictures from their day.

Katie

Clare & Paul's E-Shoot

2009-06-12T13:06:00.004+01:00

Clare & Paul's wedding is mid july at Cooling Castle, it's come round so quick! We had a great time with their shoot on Whistable beach despite the weather trying to wreck it! Now, just need to dig out my Open Water diving qualification and talk Paul into that refresher course!

Kathryn & Jame's E-Shoot

2009-06-12T13:00:00.005+01:00

Well, the blog entries are stacking up - what with blogger and facebook to upddate, it's a full-time job in itself, and July's not even here yet!

So, here's a few from Ramsgate a couple (cough!) of weeks back with Kathryn & James. More details to follow!

Smack Boys???

Justine & Jon's Pre-wedding shoot

2009-05-28T23:03:00.005+01:00

Justine and Jon have chosen Newick Park in East Sussex for their wedding in three weeks time, so it was about time they had their warm up. Together with Lolly The Lab, we took a wander and snapped some really nice pictures of them together.

Here's a few, from a late-night-blogging-got-to-be-up-early-tomorrow-for-a-wedding-Russ!

'night all!

Finally, the gorgeous Lolly!

Kat & Duaine's Wedding at Vaulty Manor

2009-05-28T22:49:00.004+01:00

Well, it was a long drive, but worth it!

Katie and I ventured into the very depths of Essex last week for the Kat & Duaine's wedding - and it was a cracker! We had so much fun on the pre-wed that I just know the wedding would be fantastic fun and produce great images.

As usual(!), I was right! Kat & Duaine really threw themselves into the fun of it and the images just got better and better!

Here's a few from a brilliant day at Vaulty Manor and if you'd like to see the album, take a look HERE (I was joking with Duaine when we did the pre-wed that he does 'Gangster' very well so the music chose itself!)

I love my job!

Demelza & Shaun's pre-wed at Deal.

2009-05-18T12:32:00.003+01:00

Whilst we were down in th eold smugglers town of Deal, we took the opportunity to photograph Demelza & Shaun, who are getting married at Dorton House, Dorking this year.

With great weather and a great couple, we had lots of fun and got some great images. Camera shy? Not these two!

Heather & Dam (and Marley's) Pre-wedding shoot

2009-05-18T12:14:00.003+01:00

Well, it's getting crazy-busy here but just enough time to post a few pictures from heather & Dom's pre-wedding shoot at Deal last week. As you can see, we worked hard not to let Marley steal the show....and almost succeeded, but she certainly featured in a lot of the pictures.

Thats what I love about shooting couples before the day - finding out all about them, getting an idea of what they want from their wedding day images and what's important to them - pre-wed's are an essential part of great wedding day images!

Heather & Dom are getting married in September at one of our favourite venues, 'The Lost Village of Dode' - take a look at an album from this amazing, unique venue HERE - its worth a look!

Lauren's shoot with Katie

2009-05-03T15:41:00.004+01:00

A few weeks back whilst on a night out on Ramsgate with my wife, I spotted Lauren. Well, you can hardly miss her! A stunning looking girl who's party trick is getting doormen to give her free entry into London nightclubs in the mistaken belief she's Jodie Kidd (seriously!) We handed her a card and asked her if she's like to come out for a shoot and having checked out our website, we were delighted she got in touch. As it happened, I wasn't able to make it, so my assistant Katie stepped in for me. The two of them had never met before, and Lauren had never been photographed before.

I'm delighted with results as I was devastated that I couldn't do it - and Katie did an amazing job. But my turn will come, and as soon as possible, we'll defintely be asking her to model for us again!

Dawn & Norman's Wedding at Cooling Castle Barn

2009-04-30T12:52:00.005+01:00

It was good to be back at Cooling Castle Barn last thursday for the wedding of Dawn & Norman. It was also the first time I'd had the weather on my side and the wedding took place in the beautiful gazeebo in the gardens.

Afterwards, with a champagne reception (and under 11's football match firmly underway!) we took a few family and group shots then took a stroll with Mr & Mrs Downes for some pictures of the two of them together. There's loads of images from the wedding that we love, but we've pulled out a few for you to see whilst the couple honeymoon in the Caribbean!

Verity & Andrew's E-Shoot

2009-04-21T10:42:00.005+01:00

I love it when I get told how much 'I hate being photographed!' and that's exactly what Verity told me before we took her out for her pre-wedding shoot. As you can see..... it all ended happily and I'm really looking forward to their wedding wedding at Chilston Park this summer.

Here's a few favourites from our session at Ramsgate.

Not our usual portrait session......!

2009-04-19T18:02:00.007+01:00

Brace yourself.....

Meet 'Kylie-Marie' - a friend of ours who happens to perform a drag act at weekends. Who needed a promotional shoot. And talked me into giving him one yesterday.

Oh dear..... spending a day with KM & his/her? manager Neil has left me with a bad case of double entendritis!

Anyway, there's very little else to say other than it was great fun and pretty challenging (posing has to be carefully considered to avoid any, uh... unpleasantness!) But I'm pretty happy with the results, and the death of my playboy reputation is just something I'll have to live with!

There's a lot more, but these are a few of the ones fit for public consumption!

Wouldn;t you love to see this on the front of one of Branson's 'flag carrier' airliners? At least WE got the flag the right way up which is more than Virgin does!

James is, of course, available for stag and hen parties.......!

Rebecca & Lawrence's E-Shoot at Whitstable

2009-04-15T19:58:00.005+01:00

Rebecca & Lawrence were guests at their friend's wedding that we photographed last year and obviously we did okay, because it wasn't long afterwards that they booked us to shoot their own wedding this year!

I'm really excited to be shooting in London again, with the ceremony at Trinity House (for a obsessive boater like myself, a look round this gorgeous building will be a real treat!) and then we're jumping on a Routemaster to Pall Mall for a reception at the fabulous RAC Club.

So, plenty of time in central london with a big gang of good looking (Rebecca assures me!) groomsmen and bridesmaids to photograph! Guess we'll get to see how much I've learned from my Australian friend (and photo-hero!) Yervant - as he's undoubtably the best in the world at city shooting!

Lynze & Dom's E-Shoot

2009-04-15T19:46:00.004+01:00

Lynze & Dom are tying the knot this year at Quex House in Birchington. This lovely venue is situated in beautiful grounds near the coast and we have plans to use the beach to it's fullest extent - so a trip down to Ramsgate main sands seemed a pretty good starting point!

I'm particularly looking forward to shooting the boys - Dom's choice of car is a favourite of mine and may get spoiled rotten in the photos!

Dawn & Norman's E-Shoot

2009-04-15T19:31:00.004+01:00

Off in the sunshine on Good Friday (a sunny May bank holiday??? Greenpeace were right then - the climate's definitely *******!) for another engagement shoot, this time it was with Norman & Dawn, who are getting married this year at Cooling Castle Barn on The Isle of Grain. They brought their boys along, James & Thomas, and with an aunt and uncle in tow as well, we had plenty of variety in the images!

Here's a few from our shoot in Canterbury.

Gilliane & Darrens wedding at 'The Lost Village of Dode'

2009-04-15T18:11:00.004+01:00

Dode is one of our favourite venues -absolutely unique and full of character dating back at least a tgousand years and built on a Pagan site. Take alook at the website for a fascinating history. With a maximum of just 40 guests, weddings are very intimate affairs. The owner Doug Chapman, describes himself as 'The Keeper' - according to ancient medieval law, one never owns somewhere like Dode - merely acting as the keeper for a duration. In fact, so steeped in history is Dode, that Doug has his own 'Hedge-Witch!'

Such was the venue for Gilliane & Darren's wedding last weekend. A fun filled day of emotion and smiles. Integrated with dinner was a murder mystery in which the guests and couple acted out parts in the grisley murder, making for some photos as they hunted about in the dark with only a candle for light (thanks god for Canons amazing low-light abilities!)

Here's a few fromour first visit this year to The Lost Village of Dode. Thanks for a great day guys, we got sooooo many great shots I don't know where to start - but I'm looking forward to shooting the baby shots too! ;-)

Vicky & Russ' E-Shoot

2009-04-10T14:20:00.004+01:00

Excuse the quick blog entry - off for another shoot shortly but really eanted to add a few pics from Russ & Vicky's shot at Ramsgate harbour last weekend.

Back soon!

"Hi Russ

Just wanted to say a quick thanks once again for our shoot today.

We did find it hard to start with but hope we relaxed enough for some great pics! We enjoyed ourselves and just wanted to pass on our thanks for your time! We look forward to seeing the images!

Vicky and Russell"

'nuff said!

Flattered!

2009-04-08T17:35:00.005+01:00

The 'Digital Wedding Forum' is a members-only website of 4500 photographers from around the world who shoot weddings. Every month somebody is voted as a 'featured member' - and much to my surprise a couple of weeks back, I was asked. I'm not sure what the criteria is, but it's nice to be recognised amongst so many amazing photographers.

I loathe all the UK photographic organisations and their silly competitions - without exception they're run by a click for a click and have no intentions of moving photography on in any way. In fact the main reason most give for joining 'the UK's only organisation for full-time pro's' is the discount you get on the credit card machine!

I'm much more flattered to be picked out by the 'body' of my work by people I respect - rather than becoming 'Tog of The Year' with one fluky image!

Here's the brief interview - if you've got five minutes to kill!

DWF - Let's start off with a little bio, tell us a little bit about yourself.

RUSS - I’m 40 and live in a little village in Kent. I left Bog Street Elementary at 16 with zero qualifications or direction and eventually fell into Estate Agency in ‘94. It turned out I was a natural (mum's so proud!) so I opened my own agency 10 months later. I eventually sold it at the end of ’2005 when I realised I loved shooting weddings and hated estate agency! I’m married to Emma who works with me in Level Eleven. We’ve got a little black Staffie called ‘Chutz’ and an 8 month old food-to-pooh-converter called Hetty. In what little spare time I have, I play with boats and - bizarrely – hovercraft.

DWF - How did you become a wedding photographer?

RUSS - Back in 2001, I had a guy working for me that needed some cash quick and I bought a Canon SLR film camera off him for shooting car and hovercraft racing. It really bit me and I started photographing a few friends as well – I even enrolled on a college course. Finally, some education! Then a mate asked me to shoot their wedding, which was a bloody nightmare but they seemed happy with the results. I was happy just to have survived it and didn’t fancy weddings much after that. It was 2002 at a friends wedding that I got talking to the photographer – an eccentric, Versace wearing Serbian called ‘Dragan’ who was shooting on digital, drove a BMW M3 and made wedding photography look fun. He was wacky and amusing – the guests loved him and he reawakened my interest in shooting weddings. We ended up really good friends and he mentored me (it thoroughly embarrasses Dragan when I say he was my mentor but it’s true) He invited me to his studio, was absolutely open in everything he taught me and took me out on weddings. A month later I bought a Canon D60 and shot a couple of freebies. Over the course of the next two years, part time, I shot around 30 weddings before turning full time when I sold the estate agency in 2005. I owe Dragan a lot - without him I'd probably still be doing a job I hate.

DWF- Who or what inspires you as an artist?

RUSS - Without wanting to sound all ’Cecil Beaton’ about it, my biggest inspiration is beauty. I love Ferrari’s, sunsets, buildings with character and great architecture, fabulous clothes on pretty girls, pretty girls(!) Supermarine Spitfires, well-lit movies, amazing sculptures, stunning artwork and golden beaches. I could go on, but my biggest inspirations are rarely photographic, though there’s plenty of photographers who’s work I admire and I’m an avid reader of Dazed & Confused, id-magazine and the missus copy of Vogue. I don’t know whether it counts as inspiration or not, but I want to be good at what I do and I work hard to produce great work, appreciated by my clients. I like being recognised as a reasonable tog, and I’m not ashamed to say that I do enjoy the praise of photographers that I respect when I feel my work warrants it.

DWF- If we needed a photographer today why would we book you? What makes you unique?

RUSS - I guess it would be my consistent ability to make couples look good and give them a good experience. I have a lot of interaction with the couple and their guests on the day, and direct a lot of images. I make it fun which means I get some ‘life’ into my albums and I believe that reality often needs a nudge in the right direction before it makes a great image!

DWF- If you had to pick a favorite "Tool of the Trade" what would it be? and why?

RUSS - Fast lenses and my assistant Katie.

DWF - Care to share your favorite photograph? and tell us a bit about it?

RUSS - This has become kind of, my 'signature shot' and we use it on virtually all Level Eleven branding and advertising. I was lucky enough to shoot a wedding in Venice last year and all the pieces fell into place. Great location, good weather and light, good looking, willing couple.....happy days!

Kathryn & Duaine

2009-04-06T16:23:00.003+01:00

We've had a few enquiries for Vaulty Manor in Maldon, Essex but always been booked for the date - so I'm really looking forward to Duaine & Kathryn's wedding in May. These two are so rediculously happy together, that it's going to be a brilliant day - I'm expecting some amazing photos!

Charlotte & Andrew's E-Shoot

2009-04-06T16:11:00.004+01:00

Charlotte & Andrew’s wedding is another July date and with a church wedding followed by a ‘garden party’ theme at her parents home in Surrey, a quintessentially English affair!

It was great to photograph them before the day as we’d not met previously. But they quickly relaxed and we got some fantastic photos, despite Andrew’s streaming cold! As you can see, Charlottes affections are equally divided between her husband-to-be and her Mini! The yellow Ferrari just kind of 'crossed our path!'

Alison & Mark's E-Shoot in Whitstable

2009-04-06T16:03:00.003+01:00

I’m really looking forward to Alison & Mark’s wedding at Cooling Castle Barn in July. Photographing them was like having a couple of models to shoot and they were so comfortable in front of the camera. I really love the images we got from the session, it was so easy though!

No more to say, other than – take a look!

Marie & Chris's E-shoot

2009-04-06T15:49:00.004+01:00

Marie & Chris are holding their wedding at Chilston Park in May. They brought their year-old little girl Olivia along to their shoot in Ramsgate, and of course, she was the star of the show! We had a great time, spending an hour or so taking photographs and then grabbing a drink whilst we ran over the details of the day. Chris is just as much a big softy with Livvy as I am with my little girl!

Grahame & Diane's wedding in Whitstable

2009-04-03T21:26:00.007+01:00

With wet and wild weather predicted for saturday, a wedding on the North Kent coast was likely to be a chilling experience but we pretty much got away with it again! Some fabulous timing helped, following the wedding, Diane & Grahame wanted to take some pictures down at Whitstable harbour and just on time, the sky cleared, the wind dropped, the temperature soared and the birds sang... okay, I'll stop. But in any case, we arrived at the reception venue just as the heavens opened and the weather did it's worst!

Diane looked stunning in a dress from Pronvias - Grahame looked great, but nervous! With family flying in from her home in San Diego, there was a great party in the making, which 'Banana Power Disco' provided the sounds for.

This is the first time we've shot a wedding at The Marine Tankerton which I must say, provided the best fillet steak I've eaten in a long time!

Anyway, Grahame's already mailed from The Maldives saying that Diane's desperate to see some pictures so here's a few teasers! Have fun both and we'll see you soon.

Katie's first shoot for Level Eleven!

2009-03-27T17:19:00.005Z

Though she's had a couple of blog mentions, we've not really introduced Katie's work yet. So, here's a few from her shoot today with aspiring musician Billy Hewitt in Margate.

A slightly odd day in some ways! First off, we were setting up a shot of Billy apparantly busking when a guy walked by and positively threw a handful of change into his hat - £1.06 in fact. It left me in tears of laughter and Billy with an idea....

Grabbing a drink afterwards in a local bar, we were chatting to a feller who's organising a musical festival in Margate for August this year. Only afterwards did a starstruck Katie tell me it was Martin Fowler out of Eastenders.....

Anyway, we survived Margate (again!) and here's Katies favourites.

Darren & Gilliane's pre-weding shoot

2009-03-23T13:01:00.002Z

Darren & Gilliane's wedding at The Lost Village of Dode is coming up in April, one of our favourite venues - take a look at the website and you'll see why. Weddings there are such small intimate affairs with a maximum of 40 guests held in a 1000 year old chapel....amazing! Check back soon and we'll have their wedding day pictures for you to see!

Diane & Graham's pre-wedding shoot

2009-03-23T12:44:00.002Z

For some reason, I thought i'd put a few pictures from Graham & Diane's pre-wed on here - and hadn't. Apologies, guys and here they are! A few from our shoot at Reculver a couple of weeks back. Just in time as we're off to the wedding on saturday!

Felicity & Phil's pre-wedding shoot

2009-03-21T22:40:00.007Z

Katie & I were delighted to meet up with Felicity & Phil today - we got together in Whitstable for a pre-wedding engagement shoot and it was great fun. I can't remember when I photographed a couple who were more comfortable in front of the camera (despite Felicity's 'i hate being photographed' plea!) Unseasonably good weather meant blue skies, and it was really warm.

Katie immediately fell in love with Felicity's shoes - as did the folks who kept stopping her to ask where she'd got them. So we thought we'd spoil you with a picture of them!

Great fun, a great couple, I'm really looking forward to the wedding in August!

Here's a few favourites from Katie and myself.

Jackie & Henry's Wedding

2009-03-09T14:23:00.004Z

I honestly didn't stop laughing all day at Henry & Jackie's wedding. With nine rugby obsessed groomsmen and three bridesmaids...it wasn't going to be quiet was it? Jackie looked stunning, and early in the day, Henry decided that actually he did like being photographed.....! Best Man Rob provided one of the most amusing and well-received best man speeches I've heard in a while. It was a great day and a pleasure to be part of it.

Have fun in Antigua guys and we'll have an album designed for your return!

Having had a quick swizz through the pictures, I've pulled out a few of my favourite shots from the day - quite a few of which were shot by Katie, our newest member of staff.

Another Cover!

2009-03-03T20:52:00.005Z

Yet again(!) 'A Kentish Wedding' has chosen one of our images as the cover for the magazine. This time it was a really vibrant picture shot at Chris & Helen's wedding in Margate, Kent last summer and really jumps out at you! This follows on from the last magazine which featured Shao Shizhen at Hever Castle.

Actually, our images are scattered throughout the editorial in the magazine, including one full page used as the background to an article about wedding photography. We also received the latest issue of 'A Kentish Partnership' today, which is the magazine devoted to Civil Partnerships - and found quite a few more of our pictures in that one too!

Both magazine's are great resources if you're getting married in Kent, full of information and suppliers. You can order them - free! - online, just click the link above.

Kirsty & Tim's Wedding - Chilston Park

2009-03-02T12:21:00.009Z

Yet again the sun shone for a "Level Eleven" wedding! We had a wonderful day at Chilston Park on Saturday for Kirsty and Tim's wedding. It was also the first outing for Katie our newest member of the Level Eleven team (we'll introduce you properly soon!).

Unusually, we hadn't met Kirsty & Tim before the day as they booked over the phone couldn't find time for a pre-wedding shoot. But, as you'll see from the pictures below, they quickly relaxed into having their picture taken. We always try to make it fun - it's not something to be scared of!

So, the day started in Harrietsham with Tim and his Groomsmen for a cool shoot at an old petrol station (given that Tim works for Shell it couldn't have been better!) Then on to Chilston Park, Kirsty looked absolutely stunning in her very unusual Jenny Packham dress and Tim didn't look too bad either!

After an emotional ceremony, featuring laughter and tears, conducted by the Kent Registrar's it was on to some drinks and time for us to take a walk in the lovely weather that we had arranged! It was a really good fun for all, and a special day that we enjoyed enormously! Just a few of our favourites below.

Claire & Scott's Engagement shoot

2009-03-02T12:06:00.003Z

We had a busy weekend with engagement shoots! We decided on Reculver as it was such lovely weather and had a fab time with loads of fabulous light and lots of different places to take pictures we got some great stuff!

First up were Clare & Scott who are getting married in May.

Sarah & Steve at Chilston Park

2009-02-01T13:43:00.007Z

Though we shoot quite a few weddings at Chilston Park, it's just not somewhere I can get bored with. Every time we're there, there's always new opportunities to get some great images. Sarah & Steve made it easy for us yesterday - a really relaxed bride and groom always helps, plus bright sunshine at the end of january was nice too! Thanks once again to Lollypop Laura for her help on the day. The wedding season kicks off pretty soon, and in the meantime we've got lots of portraits sessions and a couple of model portfolio's to do. Check back soon!

Don't forget that the Level Eleven Photography facebook group is now up and running - join up and we'll link in albums and images of you or your friends and family.

Saving money on wedding photography?

2009-01-22T18:15:00.002Z

My good friend Dave Pearce at Open Leaf Weddings has written a very thought provoking article about the increasing number of magazines advising on alternatives to hiring a professional weddin gphotographer for your wedding day. All of which are meant to replace the service we provide.

Dave clearly finds this more than a little irritating but makes some really good points on his blog. Having said that, I think he must have found a better workflow than me - as it's quite big read!

Well worth a read if you're considering asking Uncle Bob photograph the big day!

http://www.dpearce.typepad.com/

Level Eleven finally gives in......

2009-01-20T23:06:00.004Z

...and starts a facebook group!

Why not join up? We're really excited by the opportunity to be able to tag your images in our online albums so friends and family can see them. And, as a further incentive, all our upcoming brides will get a complimentary 10x8" print from their engagement shoot if they join up by 28th february 2009.

Click to take a look!

More from Chrimbo! Sally & Darren at The Hop Farm

2009-01-14T13:15:00.006Z

December 29th saw us at The Hop Farm at Paddock Wood. Another bright but bitterly cold day was just fine with us - blue skies in december are always welcome! The sun was just setting as Sally arrived for the ceremony.

Darren & Sally are a really laid back couple and the day ran without a hitch, a really lovely, relaxed day - just how christmas weddings should be, with everybody in a great mood. As usual, Tanya and the team at The Hop Farm ran things really smoothly.

In deference to the cold weather, we burned through the family shots in record time and even managed to get everyone together for a big group shot of all the guests!

Here's a few favourites....

Louise & Richard at The Hotel du Vin, Tunbridge Wells

2009-01-05T19:32:00.008Z

I've found a new favourite venue!

This was my first time at The Hotel du Vin and I was blown away at the opportunities to take gorgeous pictures. Of course, it helped that Louise is one of the most beautiful girls I've ever photographed(!) but nonetheless, the light, atmosphere and character of the Hotel really helped. Oh, and a cool groom as a prop always helps! Can you believe that Louise kept telling me how much she hates being photographed....?

This was another winter wedding, December 27th, but it just goes to show that low light is no hindrance to getting beautiful pictures from the wedding day. My good friend Laura from Lollypop Photography came along to help and got some beautiful images too.

This really is a lovely venue, and an album that I'm really looking forward to designing.

One of Laura's from the ceremony

A gorgeous room for the wedding breakfast.

Louise is a practicing Belly Dancer so the entertainment was kind of a given! A little something for the gents!

If you've visited our website, you'll have heard 'That's Life' sung by The Swinging Little Big Band so I was delighted when it turned out they were booked for the party. Their version of The Sex Pistols 'Anarchy in The UK' to the music of Nina Simone's 'My baby just cares for me' has to be heard to be believed - brilliant! It's well worth checking their website out of you're looking for a great band for your wedding.

Jo & Jamie's Christmas Wedding!

2009-01-05T16:56:00.004Z

Eastwell Manor is a fabulous venue and a great winter destination. So, following a church wedding, it was off to this gorgeous Manor House with Jo, Jamie & Guests. As it was December 23rd, we were lucky - though it was grey, it stayed dry all day and we had a chance to get outside for some photographs.

I love Christmas weddings, there's always a good atmosphere, so here's a few from the day.

Jo & Jamie's Pre-wed

2008-12-18T16:06:00.004Z

It's going to be a busy christmas this year with weddings throughout the festive season. Our first one is next week, Jo & Jamie's wedding at Eastwell Manor. So, it was jackets on last weekend for a pre wedding shoot to get them used to having their photo taken - Level Eleven style!

I'm really looking forward to this wedding - just look at how well they photograph! We didn't stop laughing throughout the shoot and the mood really comes out in the images.

Another front cover!

2008-12-18T15:37:00.002Z

This is our 4th or 5th front cover this year - it's always nice to get a front cover and when 'A Kentish Wedding' magazine asked us for a 'wintery' feeling image, I immediately knew just which one would do it - Shao Shizun outside the gorgeous Hever Castle.

If you're getting married in Kent, this free magazine published by Kent County Council is well worth getting as its full of advice and suppliers - oh, and it's free! Just click on the link above to be taken to the site and order a copy.

Julie & Sticks at Chilston Park

2008-11-28T11:46:00.007Z

Chilston Park truly is one of the finest all-weather venues in Kent, and we're often there in the winter months. It's full of character, a real old country house with big fireplaces and chandaliers. Photographically, though it's very dark in places, it's a real delight and a favourite venue of ours.

Julie & Sticks' wedding was one of the most enjoyable of the year. They've been together 19 years and Julie finally decided she'd 'earned her day!' There was no pressure, no stress, just a fantastic celebration of their lives together with their three boys Caine, Connor & Harry all playing a role.

Here's a few images from the day, and you can see their album here