From time to time over the last 10 years I have run community based photographic courses for a variety of organisations throughout Greater Manchester. For the last 4 months I have run a course at a community centre in Salford. All those attending were keen amateur photographers who wanted to gain a greater understanding of  basic photographic principles. We looked at some technical stuff around aperture, shutter speed etc and spent time looking at the work of professional photographers. Each week the group were given a brief to shoot and the following week we ran a crit of the work produced. The course concluded with a day in Blackpool. The temperature was freezing but the light was fantastic and we all managed to produce some interesting pictures.

Another job for Keepmoat PLC over in Bootle. I first visited the site a year or so ago to shoot the foundations being laid. Now it was back to complete the finished build shots.

The new development which fronts Stanley Road has been delivered by Keepmoat in partnership with Sefton Council through their Housing Market Renewal programme and Cosmopolitan Housing Group as the end user.

In addition, Keepmoat Homes is currently on site in the nearby area developing new housing, which, when complete, will provide over 300 residential units.

The YMCA is the largest and oldest youth charity in the world. It believes that all young people deserve to have a safe place to live and the opportunity to reach their full potential. The YMCA’s vision is of an inclusive Christian Movement, transforming communities so that all young people truly belong, contribute and thrive.

YMCA in Stoke On Trent has undergone a multi million pound transformation, creating new independent housing, sporting facilities and refurbishing existing housing stock. I spent two days there last November and met loads of inspiring people, both service users and staff. It was a pleasure spending a couple of days with them all.

All images copyright Matthew Priestley Photography Ltd.

During December 2011 I was commissioned to spend a day with pupils and staff at Wetherby High School, near Harrogate. Despite the sub zero temperatures spirits were not dampened and we got some fabulous pictures illustrating the vibrant diversity of the school.

Some words from Liz O’Connor, the School’s Assistant Head “I know it has been a while, but I just wanted to say how absolutely thrilled we all are of the photos you have taken. Plans are afoot to put them everywhere…Thanks again”

All images copyright Matthew Priestley Photography Ltd.

Suzanne and Rob spent the recent New Year getting married and celebrating with lots of friends and family at the Racquet Club in Liverpool. The day started at the nearby Panoramic Bar when I met Rob and the Stag party. The view was simply stunning, as was the light. It was then down to the Racquet club for Suzanne’s  preparations, then over to the nearby Our Lady and Saint Nicholas Church, which is the oldest in Liverpool. Just across the road is the Liver building and docks so we took a walk before the light went for some pictures. Thanks to The Best Man, Chris for carrying my bag! I had shot Suzanne’s Sister’s wedding a couple of years ago so it was great to catch up with people and spend a fabulous day with them all.

Suzanne sent some lovely words on seeing the online gallery “The pics are absolutely fab!  We’ve been poring over them since we got back from honeymoon.  Thank you so much Matt – not bad at taking snaps are you?!”

All images copyright Matthew Priestley Photography Ltd.

The car dealership group RRG, based in Greater Manchester have been a corporate client for 5-6 six years. They run a network of dealerships selling Toyota, Lexus, Peugeot, Mazda, Suzuki and Kia vehicles and are clearly managing well in a difficult trading environment. The company operates two specialist bodywork repair centres, one in Pendlebury and the other in Bolton. Following a comprehensive refurbishment I was asked to visit the Bolton centre. 

Big thanks to all the staff who were happy to assist in setting the pictures up.

All images copyright Matthew Priestley Photography Ltd.

I shot Ruth’s brother’s wedding nearly two years ago and on his recommendation Ruth booked me for her and David’s big day in October 2011. They chose the manificant Gorton Monastery as both their ceremony and reception venue. This was my first visit to the venue and I can see now why it has become incredibly popular for all types of events. It is a great place to shoot with stunning exteriors and interiors. The day went without a hitch and Ruth and David were a pleasure to work with.

Some favourites below.

All images copyright Matthew Priestley Photography ltd.

One of my long standing corporate clients, Salford City Council asked me if I could cover the visit of Sir Alex Ferguson to open a new disability resource in the city. Salford City Council and Disabled Living, a disability equipment charity, have teamed up to bring to the people of Salford a huge choice of equipment and advice which will help make life easier and increase independence. Alex was a consummate professional, a word for everyone, happy to stand for loads of pictures and sign all manner of things.

All images copyright Matthew Priestley Photography Ltd 2011

Regeneris have been a corporate client of mine for over 10 years so its always good to catch up from time to time and shoot their head shots. They have recently located from Altrincham to Central Manchester and are doing well despite the tough economic climate.

All images copyright Matthew Priestley Photograophy Ltd.

Jane and Tim married at a church in Stoke On Trent then traveled over the the Cheshire Wedding Venue Peckforton Castle for their reception. I shot Jane’s Brother’s wedding some years ago so it was really good to catch up with some familiar faces. The day was just a pleasure to be a part of and Jane and Tim really do know how to party!

Jane sent some lovely words  “Hi Matt, We hope you are well.  Apologies for the delay in emailing you to say a HUGE thank you to you for our wedding a couple of weeks ago, we hope you had fun!!  You really were great and we were both so pleased with how the day ran in terms of the informal and more posed shots, you were brilliant to have around to share our day with us! Thank you for sending the proof book to us, it is absolutely amazing!  We saw all of the family this weekend so they were pleased to be able to look through it also.”

Some favourites below.

All images copyright Matthew Priestley Photograohy Ltd 2011