As 2015 exits stage left, I look back on my final photographic exploits of the year and look forward to some of the things that might pass in front of my camera in 2016.

First up, let me just say, “Happy New Year to one and all!”  I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and New Year’s Eve and that you’re all looking forward to what 2016 has to offer.

2015 ended for me with a mid-December wedding followed by a trip to the considerably-warmer United Arab Emirates, where I assumed the role as official event photographer at the Al Ain Air Championship, having previously been purely the aviation photographer.

Sarah and Duncan bravely chose to get married on Saturday, 12th of December, at the St Mary the Virgin Church in Titchmarsh, Northants.  Unfortunately their bravery was not rewarded by the weather gods, and it was an extremely windy, and rather damp and grey day.

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However, with the church set up ready for Christmas, it made a very pleasant change to hear hymns exchanged for carols and to take the formal group photographs in front of the Christmas tree.   The weather may not have co-operated, but it was still a beautiful service.

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With formalities completed, the wedding party and guests moved on to Corby’s Best Western Hotel for the reception, where the weather was sadly no better, and the light fading fast.

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One integral part of the day who I feel I have to mention is Duncan’s 9-year old son, Jamie, who not only gave away his soon-to-be-step mum, but also delivered the most heart-warming speech I think I’ve ever heard at a wedding – one that he’d written himself.  The confidence he demonstrated during the day was nothing short of remarkable, and I know how proud – rightly – all of his family are of him; a truly inspirational young man.

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Two days later and I was off to the UAE.  The airshow at Al Ain had received something of a facelift for 2015, having been rebranded from the Al Ain Aerobatic Show to the Al Ain Air Championship – a subtle difference in terms of content, perhaps, but one which made a huge difference to those attending, with bumper crowds present on days 2 and 3, eager to support their favourites and drive them on to victory in the competitive aspect of the event.

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As with previous shows, there were plenty of other activities going on, from the Red Bull Drifters, to appearances from members of Al Ain Football Club and “Meet the Pilots” signing sessions.

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Another change, this time on the ground, came with the addition of live musical performances and a hot air balloon glow after dark.  Not only did this help to ease the traffic congestion at the end of flying on each of the three public days, it also added tremendous value for those who hung around to witness the proceedings – they were all very good indeed!

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More pure aviation pictures from the show will appear on my sister site Aviation Photography by Karl Drage in due course.

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I’ve received a substantial number of wedding photography requests in the period between Christmas and New Year.  If you are looking to get married in 2016, you really do need to act now to book your photographer, because the diary is filling up fast.

I head off to Bahrain for a couple of weeks with one of my aviation photography clients in mid-January, so I’m not going to run any New Year’s ‘sales’ promotions at this stage.  I shall, however, run a flash sale in February for discounted ‘Family Photography’ & ‘Newborn Baby Photography’ vouchers and sessions, so keep your eyes peeled!

All that’s left for me to do now is to wish each and every one of you all the very best for 2016.  May it bring you good health, happiness and adventures aplenty.

With very best wishes,

Karl

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I mainly provide family, wedding and event photography services in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Rutland, Oxfordshire & Warwickshire, in towns such as Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Oundle, Corby, Peterborough, Leicester, Huntingdon, Rushden, Towcester, Rugby, Daventry & Oakham.  I am, however, only too happy to travel beyond those locations – including internationally – to capture the magic of your family or event.