29th February A day to Celebrate and a day to Remember

The 29th of February is a unique day. It only comes every four years. It is probably, most well known, as the year in which a woman can ask a man to marry her.

However this year the 29th is an opportunity for our family to celebrate the life of Jo-Anne and to remember everything she meant to us.

Jo-Anne died as the result of a tragic, road traffic accident four years ago on the 29th of February.

We read and hear about these things every day in the news papers and on on the TV, but it is not until it effects you personally, that you can even begin to know the heartbreak and sadness there is across this land. Almost every day, there is a family that is devastated by the death of a loved one on our roads.

Jo-Anne was a bright bubbly girl and was popular with her many friends. She was studying at Queens University and loved having the opportunity to spread her wings and to see a little more of life.

Her untimely departure from this life touched the hearts of many people, friends and family alike. Why she was taken so suddenly we will probably never know.
In our every day language we speak about road traffic accidents, but there are no accidents with God, everything happens for a reason. We may never know the reason, only that all things work together for good.....

Jo-Anne is fondly remembered by everyone she ever came in contact with, and we all miss her terribly. To day Lorraine, Jonathan Elaine and my-self are off to London for a few days to mark the occasion and we are looking forward to having a good time together.

Jo-Annes death was not the result of speeding, but so many accidents on our roads are and could be prevented.

This week another teenage girl was killed on our roads and another fighting for her life in hospital.

Please Please Please SLOW DOWN!

John

PS. Hopefully some new photos when we get back from London.

Family meet up

To-day Melissa, Ramon, Megan and Raynor drove up from Dublin to join us for a visit. Also Wendy, Page, David and Norman made the trip from Belfast and we all had a bit of craic together. These are a few photos captured during a short walk. We had a fantastic time thanks everyone. The day was made perfect as JT and Elaine were able to join us for tea.

Child Bride

My niece, Alana who is growing up very quickly and turning in to a lovely young lady, helped me with some Bride poses on Sunday. In her mums wedding dress that had not been out of the box for 16 years.  We tried some shots both inside and out.  The light outside was very harsh and difficult but we had great fun with the indoor shots.  Thank you Alana

 

Men and their Motors

One of my clients that I visit for my normal job was restoring this vintage car. I mentioned that I would like to grab a photograph when he had finished spraying it, and true to his word John rang me to let me know that it was ready.
When I arrived I found that he had also arranged for the owner to get photographed as well.
I asked him how old the car was and he told me it was the same age as his wife 1934 ish.
It looks well and the colours are deep and rich.

Julie-Anne & Neil Engagement

This was my first engagement shoot just playing about with ideas and layouts

More Winnie

A few more from a recent shoot with Winnie, as always click on the photo for a larger image. Please leave a comment good or bad! Thanks for looking.

Winnie

My friend Winnie helped me out with a few shots on Tuesday night. I have always wanted to do a photo with a fur hood what do you think, more to come from a great session.

Me myself & I

I was testing exposure settings in the studio last week, this is an image I shot off myself. Its very hard to get everything set up but the exposure is spot on.