Simon Cook Photography

The Nikon D4 is finally close to reality....

2011-12-12T02:25:00.000-08:00

Nikon D4 specs:

16.2 MP
11 fps
100-102,400 native ISO range, expandable to 50 and 204,800
CF + XQD memory card slots! That's right, the Nikon D4 will have the new Compact Flash XQD memory card slot.
Compatible with the new Nikon WT-5 wireless transmitter
Integrated Ethernet in the camera
Face detection/recognition function that will be working in the viewfinder (maybe some type of a hybrid viewfinder? Nikon had several related patents)
Improved video, I have no other details on that but my guess is 1080p/30/25/24 and 720p/60/30/25/24 similar to the Nikon D800
Uncompressed video out through the HDMI port
Ability to assign the two buttons on the front of the camera to smooth aperture control during video recording
Improved 51 AF points
AF detection range will go down to EV-2.0 (the D3s went to EV -1)
Autofocus system: 9 cross-type sensors that are operational up to f/8

The Nikon D4 is clearly made to compete with the Canon EOS 1Dx. I will stay conservative on the announcement date, but there is a very good chance that the Nikon D4 will be announced right before or during the PMA show in Las Vegas (January 10-13, 2012).

Read more on NikonRumors.com: http://nikonrumors.com/#ixzz1gJaSuqSW

Cheshire Wedding May 2011

2011-06-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

Now and then I capture weddings for other photographers and this was one of them.

Glengarry Glen Ross 23 March - 2 April

2011-03-21T01:55:00.000-07:00

At the Loft Theatre in Leamington Spa......More images on the loft website.....http://loft-theatre.co.uk/

Coldest wedding of the year... 21st December 2010

2011-01-01T01:32:00.000-08:00

Brooksby Hall in Leicestershire was the venue for the wedding of Amy and Keith. Leicestershire had just missed the snow that day which had caused havoc south of the county. The outside temperature during the wedding was -5! Funnily enough all group shots where done inside next to the fire!

Come see new albums at Sposa Bridalwear Jan13th....

2010-12-07T01:48:00.000-08:00

For 2011 we have some great new albums. On the 13th January 2011 at Sposa Bridalwear in Brinklow (www.sposabridalwear.co.uk) its Accessory Night from 6-9pm. Come along and have a glass a wine...Make-up, dresses, accessories, cake and I will be offering 15% discount on all photographic packages. Above you can see the book and photo box new for 2011

St Mary's Lighthouse, Whitley Bay 14th August

2010-08-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

Wow.....A fantastic placed to be married. Claire (the bride) had special memories of the lighthouse and Newcastle whilst growing up. Ice creams, fishing nets, and sunshine.

Former Leicester Tiger Rugby Player Wedding

2010-06-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

19th June 2010...The wedding of Scott Read, attended by Neil Fletcher and also Mitchell Read ( former Leicester Tiger rugby players).

The wedding was captured using two photographers....all day.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard 9–19 June, Loft Theatre Leamington Spa

2010-06-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Show starts tomorrow 9-19th June

My first Polish Wedding...May 2010

2010-05-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

Eating bread and breaking glasses and downing a glass of champagne in one go. It was my first Polish wedding in Birmingham and a great day it was too.

Southport Wedding May 2010

2010-05-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

A lovely wedding up on Merseyside. The couple are simply having all the images that were taken on the day placed on to CD. From the CD they can obtain their own prints. You can expect to receive 400+ images on the CD. All images are colour corrected.

Spring at Woodlands

2010-05-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

May time in the Greenhouses of Woodlands Nursery Nr Hinckley

Hay Fever at The Loft Theatre, Leamington Spa

2010-03-26T23:42:00.000-07:00

Noël Coward's Hay Fever at The Loft Theatre, Leamington Spa. A fantastic show on for another week.

Daley Thompson

2009-11-30T10:36:00.000-08:00

Olympic Gold Medalist Daley Thompson was at Stratford Rugby club on Monday. Daley is part of Adventure Boot Camp, ultimate outdoor fitness designed for women. These images and more can be seen in the next edition of Totally Magazine (Stratford).

Adam and Katie Brownsover Hall, Nr Rugby

2009-11-29T12:11:00.000-08:00

A sneak preview from the marriage of Adam and Katie, held yesterday the 28th November 2009.

Brownsover Hall was the setting for this lovely winter wedding. A big thank you to Craig Sweeney for your help in the morning. All images form the wedding will be online at simoncook.net in about two weeks.

The Weir...Loft Theatre, Leamington Spa

2009-11-18T01:31:00.000-08:00

Images from the latest production at the Loft Theatre in Leamington. The Weir, set in a pub in Ireland and in very low light. For the Loft I capture the full dress rehearsal and from those images produce ten Front of House photographs. I compile a folio of images for the cast to view and purchase.

50,000 Poinsettias

2009-11-18T01:20:00.000-08:00

In the wrong business.....Woodlands Nursery Nr Hinckley have 50,000 poinsettia plants ready for festive season.

Silverstone Car Testing.

2009-09-09T23:14:00.000-07:00

Silverstone was bathed in sunshine for the testing of Classic World Racing's heavily modified E'Type Jaguar. The car is getting ready for a 6 hour race at the track at the beginning of October.

Mike asked me if I would like to be driven around the famous track in the famous car......I said no!

Opening of Matthew Curtis Hair Salon, Stratford

2009-09-06T01:46:00.000-07:00

Good luck to Matthew and everybody at his new salon in Stratford-upon-Avon. I captured the event for Matthew and Totally Stratford Society Magazine on Saturday evening.

A Few Personal Faves Part 1 from the last 12 months

2009-09-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

A few moments from weddings over the past 12 months. Wedding packages start from £595

Portrait Gains Silver Award

2009-09-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

I was very pleased to receive a Silver Award in the SWPP Child Portrait Competition for August.

The image will be reviewed again in 3 months and may (fingers crossed) be upgraded to a Gold, and go forward to the end of year competition.

Im offering free portrait sessions for the next 3 months. Autumn is a great time of year for location portraits.

Ocean Colour Scene frontman Simon Fowler

2009-08-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

The Garden of the Drum and Monkey pub in Dorridge was the scene, the Ocean Colour Scene as people came out to support The Child Growth Foundation. Local lad Simon Fowler, Lead Singer with OCS helped make the event a great success.

All aboard the Ninky Nonk!

2009-08-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Time and Gwen married in the Waiting Room at Butterley Station on Saturday. The sun came out and the setting was very romantic. The occasion was very Brief Encounter!

Free portrait sessions on location

2009-08-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

All location portrait sessions are now free of charge. Family portrait taken on Sunday at Hollycroft Park in Hinckley.

The Manor at Meriden, Solihull

2009-08-09T00:13:00.000-07:00

This was the first wedding this year in which you knew it was not going to rain! This was the first wedding I had captured that the Registrars had delayed proceedings by 30 minutes for no apparent reason. Shocking! bride ready on time, guests seated, Groom waiting and becoming more nervous as the clocked ticked by .I guess the Registrar's are not aware that this has a knock on effect to the rest of the day! A lovely wedding. The New Mr and Mrs Smith had chosen coverage of their day to begin one hour before the service and conclude after the speeches. A beautiful Jorgensen Album will complement their photographs.

Shearsby Bath, Leicestershire 28th July 2009

2009-08-04T00:49:00.000-07:00

A wonderful day at Shearsby Bath for Nicola and Steven. I always take along studio flash just in case its rains. Guess what..? The heavens opened up when it came to the group shots. Plan B of "everybody inside" came into force. I love to use studio flash for group shots inside as it gives people a lovely glow.

The New Mr and Mrs Ruherford

2009-07-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

Preview of the marriage of Philip and Claire held at All Saints Church, Lullington and Orchardleigh House, Frome in Somerset. The complete set of images will be availble to view at simoncook.net in about two weeks

Imre and Charlotte Preview.......

2009-07-23T05:27:00.000-07:00

The new Mr and Mrs Tolgyesi......Captured at Worfield Chucrh Shropshire and back at Ryalnace family home on the 18th July 2009. The full wedding will be online at simoncook.net in two weeks time.

The Elms...Luxury Family Hotel

2009-07-23T03:40:00.000-07:00

The Cook's are just back from a wonderful two night break at the fantastic Elms Spa Hotel ( www.theelmshotel.co.uk ).

The newest addition to the Luxury Family Hotels stable, The Elms is loved by children and parents alike. This imposing Queen Anne Mansion is set in beautiful gardens and ten acres of mature parkland in the heart of rural Worcestershire, with stunning views over the Teme Valley.

The hotel has been completely refurbished offering sumptuous interiors, fantastic bedroom options for families, a state-of-the-art baby listening service, as well as the fantastic Ofsted registered Bears Den, providing everything you could need for a relaxing family break.

Following the 2008 opening of the magnificent Aquae Sulis Spa, Pear Terrace Brasserie and outdoor cookery demonstration area, The Elms really is the ideal luxury family retreat and is, without doubt, the most wonderful family spa hotel in Worcestershire.

The Elms has a wonderful relaxed house party atmosphere and is renowned for its fantastic food winning Worcestershire Life’s’ Restaurant of the Year in 2007.

The Magic of the First Dance

2009-07-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

The First Dance......This really kicks off the evening at any wedding. A great way to fill the dance floor after the newly weds have taken centre stage! This image was captured at Coombe Abbey, Nr Coventry.

New fantastic wedding prices introduced. Packages from just £595

2009-07-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Simon Cook Photography is proud to introduce several new packages http://www.simoncook.net/weddings/pricing.php to cater for all budgets.

We believe in giving exactly what the client wants. You choose your coverage of the day, choose if you would like an album, a CD (printable High Res images) or both.

Antony Worral Thompson At Woodlands

2009-07-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

Large crowds greeted Antony Worrall Thompson the famous TV Chef at Woodlands Garden Centre Nr Hinckley last month. Not only was he showing his culinary skills on the BBQ , he was signing copies of his latest cookbook.

The Wedding of Sheree and Chris

2009-07-17T23:01:00.000-07:00

A lovely day at Quorn Grange in Leicestershire. The couple had requested coverage to start one hour before the service and up to the first dance. They will have a CD with over 400 images to obtain their own prints and a Jorgensen Album to complement their chosen 60 photographs.