Wedding Photography Northern Ireland - Galgorm Resort

Galgorm Resort and Spa is a beautiful hotel only a few minutes drive from Ballymena. The Hotel consists of two main buildings. There is the main hotelbuilding which has recently been refurbished and includes the bar restaurant and the Spa, in addition there is the super imposing building of the Great Hall and Phantom House.

There are also lovely cottage buildings and red-brick arches and wonderful architecture which provide so many different possibilities for photography that even if there are other weddings on the same day everyone will have plenty of room and great photography.


If the weather is less than perfect there are also lots of places for indoor photography at Galgorm
If your desire is to have a more modern contemporary loook then the newly refurbished areas of the hotel provide a very modern look and the Spa area allows for some stunning backdrops .



Wedding Photography in Northern Ireland
e-mail: colin@colinturtle.co.uk
www.colinturtle.co.uk

Lissanoure Castle Wedding

Lissanoure Castle  is a privately owned family estate near to the village of Loughguile in County Antrim. It is a stunning location surrounded by lakes and woods and the castle buildings themselves give a spectular background. It is a truely fairy tail venue which offers a plethera of photographic options both inside ans outside. 


The Castle Coach Houses has been beautifully and tastefully restored to host weddings with a  unique semi circular building and courtyard with entrance hall, and Dinning room and the “Macartney Room”, a very comfortable and relaxed room with seating area with open fire.

It has been said that Lissanoure is one of County Antrims best kept secrets and it is easy to see why because it is very private and secluded in a beautiful setting.






Northern Ireland Photographer
e-mail: colin@colinturtle.co.uk
www.colinturtle.co.uk

RossPark Hotel - Wedding

The Ross Park Hotel  is located in the countryside but it is only about 5-10 minutes by car from Ballymena.

The hotel sits in a 10 acre site and has some nice the scenic, landscaped gardens which can be used for photographs and there are also mature areas of trees and an imposing tree lined avenue. All this means that there are plenty of photographic options and in the event of rain there is at least a bit of tree cover to use unless the rain is really heavy.

Ross Park also have a policy of  only booking one wedding per day so there will be no other weddings at the same time as yours thus you get almost 'free reign' and go almost anywhare.

If the weather is really bad there are also some options for photographs inside and there are a number of well decorated rooms available. This includes the 'honeymoon suite' and the conservatory area .

I have a number of photographs from Ross part in the galleries of my home site   Northern Ireland Wedding Photography

Colin Turtle Northern Ireland Photographer
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Dunadry Hotel and Country Club - Photography

The Dunadry Hotel and Country Club is a wonderful venue for a wedding .It has in past times been an old mill and so is rich in character and various phographty options. The hotel is a grand hotel with many facilities but yet has a charm and homeliness with open firesand some lovely architectural features.

The Dunadry Hotel and adjacent buildings and gardens been planned to surround the landscape gardens with pathways to the mill-race and Six Mile water river.The landscaped grounds provide a perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs with trees, stone walls, windows, rive and bridges provding many many options . In addition if you are unlucky enough to get a littl rain there are romantic settings inside the hotel, the grand entrance hall, the huge ornate fireplace and majestic staircase. In addition there is the upstairs gallery area .

Another great consideration at the Dundadry is the fact that they have a policy of only hosting one wedding per day. This can be very helpful as it means that you and your guests have the use of the entire site.

They also have a heated indoor swimming pool, spa pool or steam room iof you fancy something a bit more contemporary.Over the years I have covered quite a few weddings and functions at Dunadry and I simply love it as there are so many different variations of photographs that can be tried so everyone can get pictures
that are just that little different rather tha the same shots every time.



Wedding Photography Northern Ireland
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Castle Upton Weddings

I have a few weddings this year at Castle Upton and so thought it might be of interest to post a brief article about this great location

Castle Upton is situated in the village of Templepatrick, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is roughly half-way between Antrim and Belfast. One side of the main street in the village of Templepatrick consists of the demesne wall of Castle Upton. An imposing fortified gateway in the wall at the centre of the village leads up to the castle. 
The stable block is a copy of Roman style fortifications. The family mausoleum is in the care of the National Trust and is open to visitors. The house is currently inhabited by the Kinahan family, being purchased by Sir Robin Kinahan in the 1960s.

Anna Kinahan runs the weddings and aims to make each day special in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Refreshments may be served on the day in the Wedgwood-inspired dining room.

Castle Upton is a real gem set behind stone walls with extensive gardens, it offers a great venue for a couple wishing to get married. In manyt cases couples have the wedding ceremony, drinks and photographs
at the castle and then move to a hotel for the meal. There are many great hotels nearby, The Hilton and Templeton Hotels are both a mere two minutes by car, and the Dunadry and Dunsilly Hotels about five minutes. It is possible however to to have a marquee erected in the gardens. Castle Upton is licensed for both civil and religious ceremonies, and the castle's elegant ballroom with an Italian marble chimney-piece formerly at Downhill Castle in County Londonderry can accommodate up to 100 guests.


The castle has beautiful gardens, surrounded by fields of pasture land, it is indeed a great location for wedding photographs...

Wedding Photographs Northern Ireland
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

New Wedding Album Collection

I love to shoot weddings in a fairly modern contemporary style simply letting the day flow and capturing the emotion and events as they happen. Obviously I will also take some time for the more traditional classic shots and groups that make up your day. Then for a short time its lovely to take the bride and groom alone for some more intimate, fun and romantic images.

If possible I like to also allow the couple time to just relax and chat with their guests and it is during this time that I will capture many of the subtle details of the wedding. Often couples will comment about all these little things that they never realised were being photographed but which all go togther to make the day individual and unique.

This style of photography means that you will receive large range of shots from a simple details shot of the flowers right through to some very contemporary images , so it follows that the albums should also be able to accommodate a range images .

With this in mind I am absolutely delighted to announce our new range of albums for 2012 and beyond.

Story books offer a modern contemporary album . These are available in sizes ranging from A4 to A3 size
and can have almost as many pages as you can think of. The covers available include Metal , Acrylic, Leather, Cameo and Photographic Wrap.These albums are professionally printed and hand-bound by skilled bookbinders to deliver the best finish available on the professional market. The albums open flat with full double-page edge-to-edge panoramic printing.

Each album is designed especially for you by Colin ensuring that you get a totally individual record of the day.
Smaller duplicate copies are also available in A4 & A5, or A6 sizes.

A Matted album offers what appears to be a more traditional approach but beautiful albums can be as traditional or modern as you choose. Our new range of albums are what we class as 'hybrid' albums. Each album is individually handcrafted for quality and excellence so that your images are presented in a stunning manner and preserved for a lifetime.

Each album page is designed exclusively for you by Colin with page mats and can also incorporate full page panoramic and gatefold pages etc. No-one offers more variety in cover materals, cover enhancements and colours than you can choose from 10 different types of materials (traditional, contemporary and exotic) and over 50 different variations in colour.

Not only that but every cover can be enhanced and personalised in a variety of ways.So you can be assured that your album will be totally unique.

I work with a relaxed, friendly & fun approach which puts everyone at ease, and this shows in your finished photographs. Many couples actually comment that the photographs have actually been great fun and enjoyable.



For further information please contact Colin on 028 25 862312 or 07734794799 or via the website




Wedding Photographer Northern Ireland
www.colinturtle.co.uk

Northern Ireland Wedding Journal Show and New Studio

Well the year is moving on quickly and amidst the hectic summer of weddings my thoughts are also on forthcoming wedding fayres and we are very busy with developments around the new studio.





By far the biggest bridal show of the year in Northern Ireland is the Wedding Journal Show which will take place in the Kings Hall Belfast from 30th September to 2nd October. This year I will be exhibiting upstairs where you can get a great view of the fashion catwalk and avoid the hectic crush.

If you are planning to visit the show please pop up and say hello and see what we have on offer.

The show will also mark a great significant event for Colin Turtle Photography in that we will be launching  our new range of albums. These are beautiful hand made custom designed albums which will ensure that every couple gets something truely unique

I might even have a few sweets !!!

The bookings for 2012 and 2013 are already coming in so dont wait too long to book your date .

Please have a look at the Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer Galleries for a brief taster my work

Wedding Photographer in Northern Ireland
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Orla and Paul's wedding at The Ross Park Hotel

Recently I had the honour of being photographer at Orla and Paul's wedding. Their wedding was held in St Patricks Church in Crebilly (just outside Ballymena) and was followed by a reception in the lovely Ross Park Hotel.

The weather in the week running up to the wedding was fairly typical of Northern Ireland to the extent that we were all prepared for the worst and had altenative venues arranged just in case. The day for me began with heading into Ballymena to Orla's home and as I drove through the rain I was less than hopeful. However the sky cleared and in fact it was a lovely day with conditions about as good as anyone coudl ask for.

St Patrick Church gives some lovely views over Ballymena and the Ross Park is a great venue for a wedding. The fact that the only have one wedding per day means that you have the entire place at your displsal and the staff are really friendly and helpful.

Not to mention the other benefit that it is only about 20mins away from home so I dont have a long journey when the day is finished. This wedding was also lovely because I was also the photographer at Orla's sisters wedding so soem of the guests were familair and its always nice when a family ask you back . It at least gives me hope that I did a reasonable job for them on the first occasion.

Anyway the following is a brief selection of a few of my initial favourites from the day

Wedding Photographer Northern Ireland
www.colinturtle.co.uk

Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

After some recent articles in the press and television about some people who have been dissappointed with their photographers I thought It might be an idea to write an articlegiving some advice on my tips for choosing a wedding photographer in Northern Ireland
OK so you have got engaged and have decided on your location, you need to find a wedding photographer. Most importantly you need to find a photographer that suits you. Your wedding day is a unique event and one of the most important days in your life. Your wedding photographer is out there somewhere and there are lots to choose from. Some are part-time, others full-time; some come with professional accreditation others do not There is also a huge variation in fees and charges. How do you decide?

Here are some general ideas to help you choose :-
Choosing a date is just the start of what will likely be one of the busiest periods of your life. Your wedding can take so much work and planning and then it's over in a flash, the day can whiz by so quickly that it is easy to miss many things. That's why choosing a photographer is a crucial part of your plans as it is their job to capture the essence and spirit of the day in an enduring set of images that will last forever. No matter who you choose it is vital to feel relaxed and at ease with your choice

A good photographer will make you look like a star, but still capture the real you.

1. What should I look for in my photographer
Most importantly, when choosing a photographer you should choose someone you feel comfortable with and who produces photographs in a style you like as they are going to photograph one of the most important days of your life.

A photographer who is a member of a professional photographic will be able to produce work to a high standard in any situation. Always ask to view a complete wedding album from a recent wedding, and not just look at the photographers best photos.

Meet with your photographer prior to the day, and ensure they knows the type of pictures you want

2. Photographic Style
Over the last few years, there has been a great change in the range of photographic styles available from the classic traditional posed shots of groups of family & friends, signing the register and the cutting of the cake, etc to totally journalistic shots. In reality what most couples want is a mix but where even the ‘posed’ shots are relaxed and enjoyable.

Black & white images which are well composed and taken have a great timeless quality. Good photography should be about capturing emotion, expression, and of course story telling.

I will continue with some more later
Northern Ireland Photographer
Colin Turtle is a wedding and portrait photographer based near Ballymena covering weddings across Northern Ireland.
He is an award winning photographer and lecturer at The Societies Photographic Convention in London which is the biggest photographic convention in Europe.

Wedding in Broughshane and Templepatrick

On Saturday I had the honour of being asked to cover the wedding of Laura and John in St Patricks Church in Broughshane.  This was a bit of an unusual experience for me because even though I am from the area I dont get the chance to do that many weddings locally.

Add that to the fact that I have known Laura and her family for longer than I can remember and also know quite a few of the guests I am not ashamed to say I was a little bit more nervous than usual.

But I need not have worried...it was a lovely fun day..The weather was cold and damp and there were lots of showers etc but nothing could dampen the spirits and enjoyment we all experienced.

St Patrick's in Broughshane is a lovely old church with lots of character. Following the church service we all headed to Templepatrick and the reception was held in the Templeton Hotel.

The bridal party stopped for a short time at Castle Upton which is just opposite the Templeton.
The castle has some lovely grounds and creates a good backdrop for many pictures and even though the
weather was cold and wet both Laura and John and the rest of the bridal party were undeterred.

We sheltered between the showers and then popped out when the shower subsided to grab the shots we needed.

I will post a few shots in the next day or two.




Wedding Photographer Northern Ireland
www.colinturtle.co.uk

New Studio

For the past number of months I've been investigating a project that is going to completely transform the way I work.Up until now I have had a small office in my home for my wedding photography where I do all my admin and meet clients.

Well after many months of planning and various steps with appropriate agencies I have finally got to the stage where it is in progress and I will have a decent studio space.This has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember .
I have a decent sized space about 450sq ft with good high ceilings ,lots of work will be required over the next wee while  but it is a great challenge to get the building work started and then design the interior space to be both a practical and comfortable area to work in .

I really hope to be fully operational within a short time although I'd rather take a little longer and try to get things as good as possible rather than rush into decisions that might be wrong.

exciting times ahead.


Colin Turtle
Northern Ireland Photographer


Northern Ireland Photographer

The Giants Causeway - Northern Ireland

The other evening I had the pleasure of a trip to the Giants Causeway with another photographer for a little bit of landscape pjotography and chill-out time . The Causeway is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and its not difficult to see why. It is truely the jewel in the Crown for the County Antrim and indeed Northern Ireland coastline.


Whether you suscribe to the science of the Causeway being the result of volcanic activity on teh Antrim Plateau or prefer the Legend of Finn McCool building the Causeway to Scotland to fight Benandonner, and the ensuing legends.

For centuries tourists have gazed at the wonders of the Giants Causeway. The unique and uniformity of the columns which intrigue and inspire in equal measure.The Causeway demands that you allow your imagination to 'run wild' and think about the myths and legends,you simply cant help it.

This is a few if the shots I took...The light was not the best and there was not a lot of cloud to add to the skies but I am relatively pleased with the results. I also forgot some of my filters so had to improvise which was fun.

Landscape Photography Northern Ireland

2011 Bridal Shows and new products

It's that time of the year again when there are a few Bridal Fayres so I thought I'd post the details of the ones that I have on the agenda for the next couple of months.There will most likely be more later in the year.

Our diary is filling up quickly, especially for 2011…but I still have some dates available.

Ross Park Hotel
The Ross Park bridal Fair will take place on  Sunday 20th March 2011, 2pm-5pm

I am delighted that this year I have been invited take part so will have a stand in the Kells and Connor Suite.

So if you are planning to visit pop in and say hello and see what we have on offer. I might even have a few sweets !!!

New Albums
I am hoping to introduce some additional brand new albums to my range over the next few months.These have just been released for 2011 from the suppliers so are not yet available but hopefully it will not be too long. In the meantime I have to make do with some brochure shots of the new albums.However all my current albums will be available to view at the bridal fayres.

I will also be showing the brand new DVD slideshows of wedding imaages which are now available.
We are also offering some new wall art products in addition to the normal framed prints, acrylics and canvas wraps

Wedding Photography in Northern Ireland

 

Wedding Photography in Northern Ireland

Thisi is just a wee bit of self promotion by posting a link to a short video slideshow showing showing some of my work . It will hopefully give a feel for the type of wedding photography that I do but there is no substitite for actually meeting with your wedding phtoographer and personally discussing all your requirements.

Wedding Photographer Northern Ireland
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

Getting Married in 2011 or 2012

Well I just thought I'd post this wee note to tell everyone that there are still a few dates available for 2011, if you are getting married this year please get in touch for a chat.

A lot of couples have also been in contact for 2012 and quite a few dates are now booked up and there are a few really well orgainsed people who have booked for 2013 !!!

So for all you couples out there who have not yet booked your photographer please give me a call.We can arrange to meet for a chat over coffee and I can show you some fo my work , there is absolutely no obligation.


Wedding Photography in Northern Ireland
e-mail: info@colinturtle.co.uk
www.colinturtle.co.uk

Happy Valentines Day - Special Offers

It seems like no time at all since we celebrated Christmas and the New Year and already here we are at Valentines Day!


But romance is certainly in the air and it's a great time to get engaged and with Spring is just around the corner celebrate new beginnings.

Hopefully winter will soon come to an end and Spring sees thing start to warm up for the busy wedding season in Nortern Ireland.  I just love to get out there and photograph couples who have either just got engaged, or even those who simply want to celebrate being together in a more original way than buying a bunch of roses...

A pre-wedding or engagement shoot, it's a great way to get to know me and also get to see how it feels to have photography session - a kind of taster before the big day.

If it's a portrait session, it can be an excuse to get close and a bit of fun and flirting in the great outdoors can feel like a bit of a spring clean!

If you book your wedding photography between now and the end of March I am including a free 'lifestyle'
shoot . If booking a couples portrait session I am offering a standard 'lifestyle' portrait session for £100 in a place of your choosing, including prints and a movie slideshow from the day.

If you want to have some fun, have a great day out, and do something a little different, then give me a shout

Wedding Photography in Northern Ireland
e-mail: colin@colinturtle.co.uk
www.colinturtle.co.uk

Northern Ireland Wedding Venues

OK folks so we are blessed in Northern Ireland in that there are literally hundreds of potential venues for your reception and ceremony. So I thought I might do a small series of articles on some of them.

These articles are just some basic notes and should not be considered to be any recommendation or otherwise of any particular venue they are simply some information that you might  find useful in your quest for your ideal wedding.

So where to start: Well I might as well start close to home and cover the hotels around Ballymena, I will then expend to others in County Antrim and beyond. This is an ongoing project that will run for a few months .

Article on the first in the list to follow shortly


Northern Ireland Wedding Photographer
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/

SWPP Convention -- Shattered

I have just got home on Monday evening after 5 exhausting days in London at the biggest photography convention in Europe.
This year I was honoured to be asked to take part as one of the guest speakers and to give two masterclasses. So I flew over for a total of 5 days .

While there I met with some of the icons of world photography and got to attend several lectures and mastercalsses given by others. I had a fantastic time though have to admit that I am now feeling totally exhausted. Though totally inspired and really looking forward to forthcoming weddings



Colin Turtle Northern Ireland Photographer
http://www.colinturtle.co.uk/