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Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!
Published on 2012-05-13 10:23:59
Last weekend I had the enormous pleasure of being asked to photograph my first christening ceremony. Back in 2011 I shot Zoe and Craig's lovely vintage wedding, and they were blessed recently with a daughter. they called to ask if I would like to shoot the christening and then, not having made the selection for their wedding album yet, if we could add a section at the back for the new arrival. Great idea! So there I was last Sunday in Horwich at my first christening. Willow Mae was beautiful, an [..] > read more
Amanda & Neil's Divine DIY Wedding
Published on 2012-05-06 03:47:13
I knew from the moment I spoke to Amanda on the phone several months ago, that I was going to LOVE this wedding! A small, intimate family wedding in the same lancaster Registry office, that I married in several years back, a walk around Lancaster, Polaroids on the invites, a home-made bouquet made of blue crepe paper, homemade buttoniere (with mini creme egg!), shoes chosen by the groom and with jewels added by the bride, what was not to love about it? And it didn't disappoint ... My day starte [..] > read more
Discovering Wonderful Things
Published on 2012-05-03 02:36:21
Recently, it was my birthday, and I bought myself a new toy... Isn't it pretty? It's called a film scanner. It's not the best film scanner in the world, nor the cheapest, but it does what it's supposed to do, and really rather well. Why did I want one? Because I have boxes and boxes full of stuff like this.... and even more boxes of other stuff like this ... I've been taking photographs since I was about 12, and before that my dad was a photographer too. Back then we both [..] > read more
Paul & Helen {Lancashire Wedding Photography}
Published on 2012-04-27 02:15:26
A few weeks back I sneak peeked a few shots from Paul & Helen's lovely March wedding at the Gibbon Bridge Hotel, and it's unfortunately taken me a little longer than I'd planned (life just has a habit of getting in the way sometimes!) to bring you the full report, but "ta da!" here it is! My first wedding of 2012 and I could not have asked for a better way to get back in the groove. A lovely venue, wonderful couple, and a great group of family and friends. When it comes together like this, my jo [..] > read more
The Great Escape
Published on 2012-04-16 02:19:46
Last week the lovely Mrs Beanphoto whisked me off to Llandudno in North Wales for a week of sunshine and relaxation and to celebrate my milestone birthday in the aptly named "Escape Cottage". It was fab! fab! fab! and (if you ignore the fact that I stupidly burnt a hole in the Cath Kidston tea towel - replacement on it's way Gaenor!), we seem to have broken our holiday jinx. Yay!! Anyone who knows us will know that our holidays don't usually go off without major disaster, including in recent yea [..] > read more
Pic(k) of the Week {Lancashire Wedding Photography}
Published on 2012-03-31 05:34:31
For me, this lovely shot of bride to be Helen, from my recent wedding at The Gibbon Bridge Hotel in the Ribble Valley shows exactly why it can be so nice to include even a short spell of time having a photographer for your 'getting ready' time! The shot was taken barely 25 minutes before the actual ceremony and captures Helen in a quiet candid moment of calm and concentration, before heading off into the rush of putting the dress on and adding final touches. Pentax K5, Sigma 18-50 mm f2.8 le [..] > read more
A few more Headshots {Lancaster portrait photography}
Published on 2012-03-28 16:23:00
A few more shots from Hanneke's headshots shoot last week... Jonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanphoto.co.uk > read more
Actors Headshots {Lancashire Portrait Photography}
Published on 2012-03-23 05:08:12
On Monday I spent a lovely hour updating agency headshots for local actress Hanneke Blower. Here's a glimpse. Headshot sessions start at £75 for an hour, including your choice of 3 10"x8" b&w prints or hi-res files on disc.Jonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanphoto.co.uk > read more
Meet the bridesmaids {sneak peek}
Published on 2012-03-20 15:11:15
On Saturday I was at The Gibbon Bridge Hotel near Clitheroe in the Ribble Valley for Paul & Helen's wedding. It was a lovely day, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Here's a little sneak peek of the bridesmaids and their rather lovely individualised bouquets. Jonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanphoto.co.uk > read more
1940's vintage tea party
Published on 2012-03-12 18:52:41
If you saw yesterday's sneak peek, you'll already know a little about what I got up to on Saturday! I sense that sneak peek has left a certain Emmaline and her family and friends somewhat eager to see the rest of the photos from her amazing 40th birthday party. Taking 40 as a theme, Emmaline went for a vintage afternoon tea party at Carnforth Railway Station (home of the 1945 British Classic film "Brief Encounter"). All of the guests dressed up in fabulous 40's gear, and my lovely lady wife and [..] > read more
Carnforth Station Vintage Party {sneak peak}
Published on 2012-03-11 03:21:54
I couldn't resist this little sneak peak from Emmeline's 40th birthday party at Carnforth Railway Station yesterday. More soon... Pin ItJonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanphoto.co.uk > read more
Livi Michael at Lancaster Castle
Published on 2012-03-07 03:33:58
Todays post is a bit of a companion piece to my previous one of Blake Morrison. Again, this was a Litfest commission and a part of the same wider project that Blake Morrison is involved in. All will become clear later this spring. For now, suffice to say this is author Livi Michael, for Litfest, photographed last Friday at Lancaster Castle. Pin ItJonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanphoto.co.uk > read more
Blake Morrison at Lancaster Castle
Published on 2012-02-26 09:39:08
On Friday I had the pleasure of shooting some portraits of the writer Blake Morrison for Lancaster Litfest for an upcoming project. What a lovely chap he is! Here's a few from the session. Pin ItJonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanphoto.co.uk > read more
My first Wedding Fair {Lancashire vintage wedding photographer}
Published on 2012-02-21 04:03:52
On Sunday I set up my Lancashire Wedding Photographer stall at the very lovely Vintage Wedding and Design Made Fair in Kendal, organised by Thea and Jan of Vintage Revival. I really had no idea what to expect, but given that my stall was placed next door to my lovely wife, who was there with her Itsy Bitsy Vintage (vintage china hire and vintage styling) business partner Carole, and with my old pal and fab wedding dress designer Jennifer Pritchard Couchman just across the room, along with plenty [..] > read more
Fifty Faces {Lancaster Portrait Photographer}
Published on 2012-02-17 08:23:12
I thought today I would share a few shots from an ongoing personal project. "Fifty Faces" is simply a collection of portraits of people turning or just turned 50. These were all taken in Lancaster in October 2011 of comedian, Dr Who lover and stereoscopic photographer Nygel Harrot. 50 is unquestionably a milestone, and one that can provoke wildly differing responses from people. If you are turning 50 soon or have just turned 50 and would like to be a participant in the project, or if you kno [..] > read more
Introducing... Perfect Touch Wedding Stationery
Published on 2012-02-06 06:08:15
It's another post in my "Introducing..." series today, the spot in which I introduce some great wedding suppliers from the Lancaster and Morecambe area. I first met Kelly from Perfect Touch Wedding Stationery last year, when she asked me to photograph her latest collection of gorgeous wedding stationery. I was immediately impressed by the quality and precision of her work and the passion which she has for it. This is a woman who clearly loves what she does. Enough from me, I'll hand you over no [..] > read more
Photo Influences {Lancashire Wedding Photographer}
Published on 2012-01-27 08:27:53
Last night I watched a hugely enjoyable drama on BBC4 - "We'll Take Manhattan". It's the story of the young David Bailey (and if people know the name of just one photographer it's quite likely to be Bailey) and his favourite model/muse Jean shrimpton. Now I have no idea how accurate to their real story this drama was, but it did remind me how much I love his work, in particular his portraiture. In the early 90's I taught the History of Photography to aspiring photographers in Cardiff, and I mak [..] > read more
Niall & Hannah's Happy Ever After Wedding at the Inn at Whitewell {Ribble Valley Wedding Photographer}
Published on 2012-01-24 12:59:29
Niall & Hannah's wedding at the lovely Inn at Whitewell, was such a lovely day. After some pretty awful weather, the sun came seemingly out of nowhere to shine for this great couple and we were able to make the most of the Inn's beautiful grounds and vistas. The day was all the more enjoyable for me for seeing some old familiar faces among the guests. Observant readers might recognise Alan & Frazer amongst the throng. And several guests from their wedding seemed to be here for Hannah and Niall [..] > read more
A sun-drenched vintage style Lake District wedding {Cumbria Wedding Photographer}
Published on 2012-01-24 12:58:32
My favourite shot from a recent wedding at the very lovely Broadoaks Country Hotel in Troutbeck, Cumbria. Worth getting my suit a little dirty round the knees and elbows for I think! And here's Claire & Wayne's book... Claire & Wayne by Jonathan Bean Photography | Make Your Own Book Jonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanphoto.co.uk > read more
Zoe & Craig's Great Hall at Mains vintage wedding {Lancashire wedding photography}
Published on 2012-01-24 12:57:15
Zoe and Craig's big day at The Great Hall at Mains, had so much to enjoy. a great venue, a super-happy couple, lots of sunshine, a gorgeous vintage car once owned by the family of Florence Nightingale, pretty, vintage china tea cups for the flower displays (I loved how the floor standing displays for the service later became table centre-pieces for the wedding breakfast), some rather amazing wedding shoes, bundles of smiley happy guests and the directive to relax and just shoot the day as it hap [..] > read more
Win your wedding venue! {Lancashire Wedding Photographer}
Published on 2012-01-24 12:56:55
Ok, you all know how expensive getting married can be! Wouldn't you like to shave a bit off your budget? Well how about this? Hornby Institute are offering some romance for the recession with a wedding competirion for couples tying the knot in 2012! Hornby Institute is a charming venue nestled in the beautiful Lune valley in the village of Hornby. the kind of venue that would complimemt any couple going for a vintage wedding theme. With a range of rooms to choose from, and licensed for civil wed [..] > read more
Rachel & Barry's vintage Inskip/Wrea Green wedding {Lancashire wedding photography}
Published on 2012-01-24 12:56:42
(view the full wedding gallery) Rachel and Barry are such a lovely, unassuming couple, and their big day was a perfect reflection of their personalities that it was impossible not to come away feeling more than a little touched by their tenderness. The rain that followed me from Lancaster gave way as I pulled into Inskip where the day started for me at Rachel's parental home, little more than a stones throw away from the charming St. Peter's Church. I went ne [..] > read more
Introducing... Art Deco Weddings {Lancashire Wedding Photographer}
Published on 2012-01-24 12:55:56
I have another new Lancaster & Morecambe based wedding supplier to introduce to you today. Last Sunday I was at the Midland Hotel Wedding Fayre, helping the Itsy bitsy Vintage girls to set up their oh-so-lovely vintage china hire stand. It was a great event and nice to see lots of other familiar faces too: Philip White Weddings, Tall Order Photography, Flowers by Catherine, Dotty's Vintage, Madam Chocolat, David Lancaster and a chance to meet a few new ones too like Martin Crombie and Anthony an [..] > read more
Colleen & Steven's vintage bus ride wedding {Lancashire Wedding Photographer}
Published on 2012-01-24 12:55:19
Oh I do love a vintage bus! And Colleen & Steven's has become very popular by all accounts since carrying Kate Middleton and her friends on a big day out last year. My day started at a very relaxed Colleen's house in Bowerham, just down the street from the St. Pauls Church Scotforth where we would soon be going fo their ceremony. The day was marked by a little light rain for the most of the day, but it barely seemed to bother anyone, least of all Colleen, who strode brolly-less through it all w [..] > read more
An Itsy Bitsy Vintage Morecambe Photo Shoot
Published on 2011-07-01 01:45:33
Last month I had the enormous pleasure of shooting for a day in the fabulous Midland Hotel in Morecambe. I've been sneaking pictures from the Itsy Bitsy Vintage photo shoot out on my Facebook and Flickr pages in recent weeks, so you may well have see > read more
A summer Ashton Memorial delight
Published on 2011-06-28 15:12:11
I'm very lucky as a Lancaster wedding photographer to have the amazing Ashton Memorial right on my doorstep (well a few minutes walk away!). It's a beautiful venue with a fascinating history and stunning views across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay > read more
The experience of shooting a wedding
Published on 2011-06-24 02:38:32
Today I thought I would share with you some more pictures from Jane & James' wedding at the end of May. On this occasion however, they were not taken by me. I am often asked by young photographers starting out if they can join me on a wedding for > read more
A Book Tale available on Kindle
Published on 2011-06-22 10:13:06
Litfest have this week released several Flax publications as ebooks in the Kindle format. For Flax027 A Book Tale by Claire Massey, they have used one of my Word Dress pictures. The Word Dress was commissioned by Litfest and made from the pages of An > read more
The wedding of Jane & James
Published on 2011-06-19 02:43:07
I was accompanied for Jane & James wedding by a new young photographer, Jodie, whose family had met me at a previous wedding and asked if she might be able to join me on another occasion and maybe learn a few things. Wherever possible I like to s > read more
Phil & Matt's amazing Lowry civil partnership
Published on 2011-06-10 03:40:03
Wow! this was one fab occasion. I just loved this day! Let me introduce the two stars of the day... Phil is a wedding photographer like myself (www.tallorderphotography.co.uk), in fact we are both members of LADAPP and have worked together on a coup > read more
It's been a while... {welcome back Flax}
Published on 2011-06-01 16:45:53
It's been a while since I featured any Flax pictures on the blog, indeed that's probably because it's been a while since I've done any. But next weekend (June 11th) Flax books will be launching no. 26 in their series of digital publications. An > read more
In the News
Published on 2011-05-26 08:08:05
A lovely two page spread from a recent issue of The Visitor on Jennifer Pritchard Bridal design and featuring several of my photos. Jonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanphoto.co.uk > read more
The Wedding of Rebecca & Alex
Published on 2011-05-22 03:55:39
Rebecca and Alex married in early May at Bury Parish Church, St. Mary the Virgin in Bury town centre, a pretty fabulous venue it must be said. I was accompanied for the day by an excellent student photographer Laura. The day began for us at Rebecca's > read more
Rebecca & Alex {sneak peak}
Published on 2011-05-17 01:54:22
Rebecca & Alex married last weekend in Bury Parish church. I'm still working on the full set of pics, but here's a little sneak peak... Jonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanpho > read more
Emma & Joe's Morecambe Wedding
Published on 2011-04-26 06:57:10
Emma & Joe are a great couple and I had such a fab time shooting their beautiful day last weekend. The day began with the bride's preprations at her parents home in Lancaster. From there we went on to two of my absolute fave venues - St. Peter > read more
Itsy Bitsy Vintage
Published on 2011-04-22 04:29:46
Recently I've been doing some rather enjoyable promotional shots for Mrs Beanphoto, who is setting up a new business to run alongside her massage therapy business. Itsy Bitsy Vintage is Carol Bean and local artist Carole Hunt who have plans to combin > read more
Zoo Cafe Portrait Shoot
Published on 2011-04-21 05:59:25
I've been a little busy with this, all this week, so a bit behind in sharing Anna & Darren's recent portrait shoot. Anna & Darren picked a new spot for me, the rather quirky Zoo Cafe on Heysham's Half Moon Beach. But it proved a fun location > read more
Obscured Portrait
Published on 2011-04-13 10:08:26
Jonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanphoto.co.uk > read more
The joys of second shooting
Published on 2011-03-30 16:24:30
This last weekend I had the great pleasure of second shooting for Philip Gibbs of Tall Order Photography. I've known Phil a while now and a few weeks back he came along on one of my weddings as second shooter. Phil commented back then how he loved be > read more
vintage carte de visite effect
Published on 2011-03-20 11:29:40
Introducing Cedric, a family friend who just loves his vintage clothing. He asked if I could take his picture and maybe add a sepia effect, but I thought we could do better than that, so here is Cedric's Modern faked Carte De Visite (equivalent of a > read more
Claire & Simon's fun-filled Farington Lodge wedding
Published on 2011-03-19 02:32:49
Claire and Simon's wedding day was just such good fun from start to finish. I was joined for the day by the fabulous Philip Gibbs from Tall Order Photography as second shooter (I'm returning the favour in a couple of weeks and will be second shooting > read more
2 quite different jobs
Published on 2011-03-15 06:37:26
Yesterday I had 2 quite different jobs on, which was really rather nice - I like a bit of variety! It was also a chance to try out my new backup camera. First up was a portrait shoot (head and shoulders) of local Green Party councillor Andrew Kay. I' > read more
Clare & Sam's February Mottram Hall Wedding
Published on 2011-03-01 02:00:00
After last weeks sneek peak shot of Clare, comes a fuller selection from Clare & Sam's wedding at Mottram Hall. They were such a great couple to photograph, very relaxed and fun. "Keep it really informal. nothing too posed" was my brief, which of > read more
Vintage Clare
Published on 2011-02-21 16:56:35
Probably my fave image from the recent wedding of Clare & Sam at Mottram Hall in Cheshire. Jonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanphoto.co.uk > read more
A Monday Morning Headshot
Published on 2011-02-09 15:03:36
First thing Monday morning might not feel like the best time for many people to think about having their portrait taken for Spotlight (the actors directory), but that's where I was this Monday. Aliki is a Lancaster-based actress who contacted me afte > read more
Sunset Ices
Published on 2011-02-07 09:30:12
I took this shot of Kate from Sunset Ices last year but have only just got around to looking at it! It was shot on Kate's last day selling from her gorgeous vintage ice cream van on Morecambe Promenade. Happily, She has not completely disappeared, an > read more
A portrait for today
Published on 2011-01-29 13:28:10
Sarah Dobbs Originally uploaded by beanphoto Jonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanphoto.co.uk > read more
Every picture tells a Storey
Published on 2011-01-25 04:10:03
For many people The Storey in Lancaster is a beautiful Victorian building, next to Lancaster Castle, passed by regularly on the walk to and from the Railway Station into town. There is still little externally to suggest that inside, it is a thriving > read more
Will you marry me?
Published on 2011-01-21 01:24:56
I've had a busy round of meeting potential wedding clients since the New Year celebrations ended, and one question I always like to ask is "who proposed to who?" It's really important to me if I'm gonna be shooting someones big day that I get a feel > read more
SG104585 [Flickr]
Published on 2011-01-17 01:14:54
beanphoto posted a photo: > read more
SG104584 [Flickr]
Published on 2011-01-17 01:13:45
beanphoto posted a photo: > read more
SG104575 [Flickr]
Published on 2011-01-17 01:13:15
beanphoto posted a photo: > read more
Street Photography Now Project #16 [Flickr]
Published on 2011-01-17 01:12:10
beanphoto posted a photo: "Wait for the rain, it makes shooting on the street easier and more interesting." - Martin Parr. > read more
SG104629 [Flickr]
Published on 2011-01-16 12:38:58
beanphoto posted a photo: > read more
Street Photography Now Project #12 [Flickr]
Published on 2011-01-03 11:43:43
beanphoto posted a photo: "Look for the stars, even in broad daylight" - Markus Hartel > read more
Street Photography Now Project #13 [Flickr]
Published on 2010-12-31 03:31:39
beanphoto posted a photo: "Look closer to home" - Lars Tunbjork > read more
A little old man so lively and quick [Flickr]
Published on 2010-12-24 06:49:38
beanphoto posted a photo: > read more
So long 2010, hello 2011
Published on 2010-12-23 14:36:03
Another year nearly over, and it's time to say a big 'Thank You' to all my lovely clients this year. People often say to me, "you must get a bit fed up of weddings", and "don't they all get a bit the same after a while?", but despite shooting some 19 > read more
A beautiful wintery portrait shoot at the Crook O' lune
Published on 2010-12-16 16:37:39
It seems a liitle hard to believe but I've been waiting around two years to do this portrait shoot with Jenni & Marc! Jenni booked me for her wedding to Marc back in 2008, and the deal included a pre-wedding portrait shoot, which sadly was > read more
The Word Girl
Published on 2010-12-11 02:04:23
As a part of Lancaster's Literature Festival back in October, Litfest came up with the idea of a dress made out of words, and commissioned dress designer Jennifer Pritchard, based in The Storey to make The Word Dress. I came up with the idea of using > read more
Instruction #10 [Flickr]
Published on 2010-12-10 04:03:39
beanphoto posted a photo: "Photograph like an assassin; suddenly and silently" - Osamu Kanemura > read more
The Word Girl [Flickr]
Published on 2010-12-10 02:44:59
beanphoto posted a photo: Hanneke in The Word Dress, a dress made of books commissioned by Litfest, and designed by Jennifer Pritchard. > read more
Looking for original gift ideas?
Published on 2010-12-08 17:08:56
How about a unique Beanphoto framed print? Click an image for further details. Jonathan Bean Photography | Lancaster based professional wedding and portrait photographer | www.beanphoto.co.uk > read more
Street Photography Now #9
Published on 2010-12-03 05:54:00
I've not been so good lately, so missed instruction #8 completely. I hope to snap something for it later, but for now it was onto instruction #9 I was in Morecambe briefly yesterday for Mrs Beanphoto's birthday, and whilst there took a few moments t > read more
Street Photography Now Project #7
Published on 2010-11-19 12:17:48
Its week 7 in the Street Photography Now Project and this weeks instruction is... It's actually quite a tough brief, and ending having me think about things coming in three's and repetitions, rather than strictly good, bad and ugly. Anyway, I had ne > read more
Street photography now project #5
Published on 2010-11-19 12:08:18
Street photography now project #5 Originally uploaded by beanphoto Instruction #5 in the Street Photography Now project that I've been enjoying so much, reads..."get lost in a thicket of signs and structures" - Wolfgang ZurbornAnd my response, not > read more