Martin Pettinger Photography

New Year - New Blog

2010-01-03T11:40:00.001Z

Happy New Year to all my past and present Clients. After 5 years with Blogger I have decided it's time for a change and the blog is moving!

The new blog can be found here the new blog allows bigger images and has numerous other benefits.

Please be patient while I migrate data and set it up. Similarly old wedding galleries will also be moving to my store.

Prestonfield House Wedding - Albums

2009-12-30T17:40:00.008Z

This year I have photographed three wonderful weddings at Prestonfield House.

Gillian and Kenny held their wedding in January with the bride arriving in a snowstorm, a few weeks later Gilly and Martin married on a mild February day with their ceremony at Fettes College in Edinburgh. More recently Brodie and Rod married on a blustery autumn day though the weather became becalm for some amazing photographs in the grounds.

All three Prestonfield House wedding albums can be viewed below - all three wedding albums are 12x12 inches in size of 24x12 inches open and all are genuine black leather, Gilly and Brodie both chose acrylic image covers for their digital art albums, whilst Gillian and Martin chose a matted italian leather album.

Prestonfield Wedding Album 1
Prestonfield Wedding Album 2
Prestonfield Wedding Album 3

Here is what Gillian had to say about their bespoke matted italian leather album:

"Kenny brought home the wedding album last night and I'm absolutely delighted with it! We both think it's great. The colours are so vibrant and it's nice to have such an excellent memory of our wedding. Thanks for all your hard work in preparing it for us.

You've been an absolute star through-out the whole process - from wedding planning right through to personal delivery of the album itself. If you ever need an reference or a testimonial then please don't hesitate to give us a call.

Here's to more Prestonfield House weddings in 2010 and 2011, it really is a special wedding venue and definitely my favourite wedding venue in Edinburgh.

Prestonfield House Wedding - Thank You

2009-12-30T17:06:00.003Z

All the wedding albums approved by couples pre Christmas have been delivered now. Wedding album design is one of my favourite parts of the service I provide. Many images are taken with the album in mind

Today I received a lovely card with thanks as follows:

"We have just seen Brodie and Rod's album, it is amazing. They are so thrilled with it and you have done a wonderful job, thank you so much. It is such a lovely representation of their very memorable day...Some of the shots outside the hotel are spectacular - how fortunate we were with the weather."

Brodie and Rod held their wedding at Prestonfield House and their wedding was my third visit to Prestonfield House this year. I will submit a link to their album design shortly along with the two other weddings.

Prestonfield House Wedding Album Designs coming soon...

Claire and Karl's Wedding - Ballathie House Hotel

2009-12-23T14:04:00.001Z

Claire and Karl held their wedding at Ballathie House Hotel. The weather was typically Scottish - pouring with rain and then sunshine!

Claire and Karl also danced the night away to my favourite wedding band called Pacific. Pacific can be found here

Joanna & Neil's Wedding - Garvock House Hotel

2009-12-22T11:13:00.002Z

Garvock House Hotel is one of my favourite local wedding venues, family run, fantastic service and great food. Joanna and Neil's wedding was on a windy day in September

To view press the play button. Please be patient while the slideshow loads. To view large click here. Also feel free to leave a comment using the comment feature below.

Blog Catch Up

2009-12-22T11:08:00.003Z

Look out for more wedding slideshows from 2009. Coming soon are wedding highlights from:

Joanna & Neil's Wedding - Garvock House Hotel
Siobhan and Gareth's Wedding - Inchcolm Island
Claire & Karl's Wedding - Ballathie House Hotel

Also if the freezing fog clears I will get a winter snow scene as we are snowed in!

Sian & Brian's Wedding - Ballathie House Hotel

2009-12-21T21:40:00.008Z

Sian and Brian married at Inchture Church and held their wedding reception at Ballathie House Hotel. The fog cleared and the weather was calm and crisp with a daytime high of -1 degree C.

Please press the play button to view a slideshow of some of my favourites photographs from this beautiful winter wedding. The slideshow can also be viewed large by clicking here.

Elaine & Steve's Wedding - Cromlix House Hotel

2009-12-20T23:26:00.006Z

Elaine and Steve held their wedding at the Cromlix House Hotel on a crisp November Day. They also christened their 18 month year old son Cameron after the ceremony.

Press play to view a slideshow of some of my favourites photographs from this wedding. Please be patient while the slideshow loads, to comment please use the comment function below.

Karen and Rodney's Wedding - Glenskirlie Castle - Dancing

2009-11-29T13:01:00.000Z

The evening at Glenskirlie Castle finished with some energetic dancing.

Have a great honeymoon Karen and Rodney, your wedding album looks amazing.

Karen and Rodney's Wedding - Glenskirlie Castle - Speeches

2009-11-29T12:58:00.000Z

The bride and groom were piped into the meal and then the guests were entertained by some brilliant speeches.

The grooms speech was particularly good especially the part where Rodney pulled out a ball and chain from under the table.

Karen and Rodney's Wedding - Glenskirlie Castle - Details

2009-11-29T12:54:00.000Z

A few of my favourite detail shots from Glenskirlie Castle.

The cake and flowers were particularly striking.

Karen and Rodney's Wedding - Glenskirlie Castle - Guests

2009-11-29T12:42:00.000Z

Guests were entertained by a magician at Glenskirlie Castle.

The younger guests also found ways of amusing themselves.

Karen and Rodney's Wedding - Glenskirlie Castle - Bridals

2009-11-29T12:41:00.000Z

Glenskirlie Castle is an amazing venue for romantic wedding photographs.

The Glenskirlie Castle honeymoon suites in particular are fabulous for wedding photographs.

Karen and Rodney's Wedding - Glenskirlie Castle - Ceremony

2009-11-07T00:04:00.000Z

The couple enjoyed a wonderful ceremony at Glenskirlie Castle.

Please check back on Sunday evening for the second installment of this wedding.

Karen and Rodney's Wedding - Glenskirlie Castle - Brides Arrival

2009-11-07T00:00:00.000Z

Karen looked absolutely stunning as she came down the spiral stairs for her wedding.

The family minister conducted the ceremony having known Karen since she was a little girl.

Karen and Rodney's Wedding - Glenskirlie Castle - Guests Arriving

2009-11-06T23:57:00.000Z

Rodney greeted the guests are they arrived at Glenskirlie Castle.

A pair of ipers treated the guests to skirling bagpipes as the ceremony approached.

Karen and Rodney's Wedding - Glenskirlie Castle - Bridal Suite

2009-11-06T23:54:00.000Z

Karen had the dark honeymoon suite, which set off her dress beautifully.

Rodney meanwhile waited nervously outside and greeted the guests as they arrived at Glenskirlie Castle.

Karen and Rodney's Wedding - Glenskirlie Castle - Details

2009-11-06T23:51:00.001Z

Glenskirlie Castle is a great venue for a wedding, a modern castle with an intimate ceremony room.

Glenskirlie Castle itself has the most amazing honeymoon suites and has a great reputation for it's wedding banquets.

Caroline and Chris - Wedding Reception

2009-11-04T23:55:00.000Z

Guests had great fun during the evening function enjoying the various tricks and treats.

Have a great honeymoon Caroline and Chris. I look forward to designing your wedding album.

Caroline and Chris - Wedding Details

2009-11-04T23:51:00.001Z

There were lots of interesting details at Caroline and Chris's wedding reception at the Birds and Bees near Stirling.

The pumpkins and zombie Bride and Groom were a particular hit for the children.

Caroline and Chris - Woodside Hotel in Doune

2009-11-04T23:47:00.000Z

A relaxing lunch was held at the Woodside Hotel in Doune.

Guests then travelled to Stirling for the evening reception.

Caroline and Chris - Bridals at Doune Castle

2009-11-04T23:22:00.004Z

Caroline had requested black and white wedding photographs inside and outside of Doune Castle.

Before heading for a wedding lunch at the nearby Woodside Hotel in the village of Doune.

Caroline and Chris - Wedding Ceremony at Doune Castle

2009-11-04T23:18:00.000Z

Mary Wallace conducted a moving Humanist Wedding Ceremony at Doune Castle.

The wedding ceremony included hand fasting and a celebratory drink of whiskey from a quaich.

Caroline and Chris - Guests at Doune Castle

2009-11-04T23:12:00.001Z

Guests waited in anticipation inside the Lords Gallery at Doune Castle.

As Caroline arrived at Doune Castle the youngest guest looked on.

Caroline and Chris - Wedding Preparations at Adamo Hotel

2009-11-04T23:03:00.003Z

Caroline prepared for her wedding at Doune Castle at the contemporary Adamo Hotel in Bridge of Allan.

Caroline's dress had beautiful embroidery and complimented by an elegant red overcoat.

Brodie and Rod's Wedding - Speeches

2009-10-29T23:44:00.002Z

The wedding breakfast at Prestonfield House ended with moving speeches followed by some the first dance.

Enjoy your honeymoon Brodie and Rod and I look forward to you seeing all the images when you return.

Brodie and Rod's Wedding - Stables, Prestonfield

2009-10-29T23:41:00.001Z

Prestonfield House Hotel is my favourite wedding venue in Edinburgh such amazing lighting and atmosphere inside the stables

The service and the food is also out of this world and perfect for a wedding celebration in Scotland's Capital City.

Brodie and Rod's Wedding - Candids

2009-10-29T23:39:00.001Z

After the bridals I captured candids of guests young and old during the weddng reception.

Everyone was having an amazing time inside the atmospheric Stables at Prestonfield House Hotel

Brodie and Rod's Wedding - Prestonfield House Hotel

2009-10-29T23:23:00.004Z

Brodie and Rod held their wedding reception at my favourite venue in Edinburgh - Prestonfield House.

The forecast was terrible but we had 30 minutes of the most beautiful autumn light at Prestonfield House.

Brodie and Rod's Wedding - Ceremony

2009-10-29T22:55:00.001Z

Brodie and Rod wedding ceremony at St Pauls and St Georges Church in Edinburgh was very moving and uplifting.

The live band and singing sounded incredible as the sound reverberated around the grand church.

Brodie and Rod's Wedding - Brides Arrival

2009-10-29T22:53:00.001Z

The bride arrived during a heavy shower which is a portent of good luck for a marriage.

Brodie was actually early and waited patiently for her grand entrance as the last few guests were seated.

Brodie and Rod's Wedding - St Pauls and St Georges Church - Edinburgh

2009-10-29T22:50:00.002Z

Brodie and Rod held their wedding at the beautiful St Pauls and St Georges Church in Edinburgh.

This church has been recently renovated and has a breathtaking interior mixing old and new.

Siobhan and Gareth - Inchcolm Island Wedding - Coming Soon

2009-09-28T23:43:00.006+01:00

Siobhan and Gareth's amazing wedding from Inchcolm Island will be on-line by the end of tomorrow. One of my favourites is below

Thankfully the squally rain held off until the boat trip back to South Queensferry.

Jessica and Keith - Fernie Castle Wedding - Speeches

2009-09-28T23:34:00.001+01:00

Jessica and Keith's evening guests enjoyed some amusing speeches after the cutting of the cake (Which was made by Keith and his Dad).

After the first dance I left the couple dancing the night away into the wee hours at Fernie Castle.

Jessica and Keith - Fernie Castle Wedding - Bridals

2009-09-28T23:29:00.000+01:00

The rain held off for some romantic wedding photographs in the grounds of Fernie Castle.

My luck was in as once inside for the meal and the speeches the heavens opened.

Jessica and Keith - Fernie Castle Wedding - Blessing

2009-09-28T23:24:00.001+01:00

The outdoor wedding blessing at Fernie Castle was full of joy and laughter.

The outdoor wedding blessing conducted by Jessica's friend Kerry included traditional Scottish hand fasting.

Jessica and Keith - Fernie Castle Wedding - Guests

2009-09-28T23:17:00.002+01:00

Keith had fun with his guests before the blessing at Fernie Castle. near Letham, Cupar.

The rain held off for a moving blessing at Fernie Castle conducted by Jessica's friend Kerry.

Jessica and Keith - Fernie Castle Wedding - Preparations

2009-09-28T23:12:00.000+01:00

Jessica and Keith held their wedding blessing at Fernie Castle. near Letham, Cupar.

Keith enjoyed relaxing in the garden while Jessica got ready with the girls in the Castle.

Louise & Ian - Murrayshall House Hotel Wedding - Dancing

2009-09-20T12:37:00.001+01:00

Louise and Ian held their wedding ceremony at Murrayshall House Hotel. near Scone, Perth. The father of the brides band the Moonstones provided the music.

Hope you have a great time in Alaska and Canada, Louise and Ian and I look forward to finalising your weddng album with you both.

Louise & Ian - Murrayshall House Hotel Wedding - Speeches

2009-09-20T12:30:00.002+01:00

Louise and Ian held their wedding ceremony at Murrayshall House Hotel. near Scone, Perth. The father of the brides speech was the funniest I have ever heard.

The last photograph is Louise receiving a present from her guests from Finland, traditional shoes which look just like Scottish Baffies (Slippers for English readers of the blog)

Louise & Ian - Murrayshall House Hotel Wedding - Bridals

2009-09-20T12:26:00.002+01:00

Louise and Ian held their wedding ceremony at Murrayshall House Hotel. near Scone, Perth. There are fantastic views and some of my favourite bridal photographs follow:

Murrayshall Hotel is highly recommended - great backdrops for wedding photographs, great service and some of the best food I have eaten at a wedding.

Louise & Ian - Murrayshall House Hotel Wedding - Ceremony

2009-09-15T22:48:00.004+01:00

Louise and Ian held their civil wedding ceremony at Murrayshall House Hotel. near Scone, Perth

The ceremony included a moving solo on the flute from Ian's sister and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Louise & Ian - Murrayshall House Hotel Wedding - Guests

2009-09-15T22:42:00.003+01:00

Louise and Ian held their wedding at one of my favourite venues - Murrayshall House Hotel. near Scone, Perth

More soon from their moving civil ceremony which was held in one of the many elegant rooms within this fantastic Perthshire hotel

Inchcolm Island - Pre Wedding Shoot

2009-09-15T21:57:00.004+01:00

At the moment we are enjoying a spell of high pressure. Fingers crossed it is going to stay until the weekend.

Siobhan and Gareth are chartering the Maid of Forth from South Queensferry and setting sail to marry at Inchcolm Abbey. Below are some of my favourites from a recent pre wedding shoot.

Afterwards Siobhan and Gareth are holding their Wedding reception at the Elgin Hotel which is in Charleston near Dunfermline. I really like this stretch of coastline which is near Lilmkilns.

Keep an eye on the blog early next week for some photographs from this amazing setting for a wedding in the Firth of Forth.

Alex & Dom - Comrie Croft Wedding - Bridals

2009-09-13T23:45:00.001+01:00

The woodland at Comrie Croft made for some interesting wedding photographs of the happy couple.

Enjoy South American Alex and Dom, it was a pleasure documenting your special day.

Alex & Dom - Comrie Croft Wedding - Congratulations

2009-09-13T23:41:00.001+01:00

After the pagan wedding ceremony the party began at Comrie Croft.

Even the videographer took a break for a jug of lager.

Alex & Dom - Comrie Croft Wedding - Ceremony

2009-09-13T23:35:00.002+01:00

Alex was given away by her mum and her brother. The sun shone for Alex and Dom's wedding in the courtyard at Comrie Croft

The pagan wedding was conducted by a close friend and included hand fasting with ribbons to represent each element.

Alex & Dom - Comrie Croft Wedding - Guests

2009-09-13T23:31:00.004+01:00

Alex and Dom's guests prepared the courtyard for their wedding at Comrie Croft near Crieff, Perthshire.

Most guests were dressed informally, the children were in fancy dress as was one of the best men.

Alex & Dom - Comrie Croft Wedding - Details

2009-09-13T23:22:00.005+01:00

Alex and Dom's held their pagan wedding at Comrie Croft near Crieff, Perthshire.

I loved the venue with it's lodge, campsite and Swedish Katas in the Perthshire woodland.

Clair & Kevin - Atholl Palace Wedding - Dancing

2009-09-13T13:45:00.006+01:00

As twilight descended on Atholl Palace, Clair and Kevin's first dance was a Circassian Circle which made for some brilliant expressions.

All images from Clair and Kevin's wedding at Atholl Palace are now on-line and can be found here

Clair & Kevin - Atholl Palace Wedding - Speeches

2009-09-13T13:40:00.005+01:00

The speeches were very funny and Clair struggled to get the microphone off Kevin.

After great food which Atholl Palace has a great reputation for in Perthshire it was time for some dancing.

Clair & Kevin - Atholl Palace Wedding - Congratulations

2009-09-13T13:35:00.005+01:00

After the rose ceremony at Atholl Palace there was champagne and lots of hugs and kisses.

After a receiving line it was onto the grand entrance into the Atholl Palace's famous ballroom.

Clair & Kevin - Atholl Palace Wedding - Bridals

2009-09-09T00:33:00.003+01:00

We dodged the rain showers to take a few romantic wedding photographs of Clair and Kevin in the grounds of Atholl Palace.

I particularly like the dramatic architecture of the ball room which also has the same name as my youngest son Atholl.

Clair & Kevin - Atholl Palace Wedding - Ceremony

2009-09-09T00:27:00.005+01:00

A very moving civil wedding ceremony was held in the Atholl Palace's Bow Lounge, a wonderfully lit room.

The rose ceremony after the vows and signing of the register was particularly romantic and moving.

Clair & Kevin - Atholl Palace Wedding - Guests

2009-09-09T00:20:00.005+01:00

Guests young and old enjoyed some Perthshire hospitality before the wedding ceremony in the Bow Lounge.

Guests enjoyed Kevin's artic otter sporran though prior to Clair's entrance he was getting very nervous and his hands were shaking.

Clair & Kevin - Atholl Palace Wedding - Details

2009-09-09T00:13:00.007+01:00

Clair and Kevin held their wedding at the Atholl Palace in Pitlochry, Perthshire. The wedding details were fantastic.

Atholl Palace is one of my favourite wedding venues with it's dramatic grounds as well as stunning ceremony room and ball room.

Great Blog Catch Up

2009-08-30T23:50:00.000+01:00

This year has been incredibly busy and I have been neglecting the blog. I plan to put this right in September so look out for weddings from Murrayshall Hotel, Comrie Croft, Ballathie House Hotel, Murthly Castle, Glenskirlie Castle, Fernie Castle, Grouse and Claret as well as Pre Wedding Shoots from Orocco Pier, Inchcolm Island and even a few seascapes I squeezed in whilst on holiday.

Nicola & Cass - Balbirnie House Wedding - Dancing

2009-08-23T23:40:00.009+01:00

One of my favourite live bands played at Nicola and Cass's wedding - Callanish.

Enjoy your honeymoon in Argentina, Nicola and Cassian. I look forward to hearing from you when you come back.

Nicola & Cass - Balbirnie House Wedding - Speeches

2009-08-21T23:30:00.003+01:00

There was great amusement during the receiving line and great speeches after the meal.

A particular highlight was the guest appearance by Cassian's ex housemaster. This had the groom's mother in hysterics.

Nicola & Cass - Balbirnie House Wedding - Bridals

2009-08-20T23:17:00.002+01:00

Despite the pouring rain I had to get a photograph of Nicola and Cass with the beautiful Rolls Royce from Baincraig Cars

More images soon from the receiving line, speeches and cake cut. Followed by the first dance from the Balbirnie Ballroom.

Nicola & Cass - Balbirnie House Wedding - Ceremomy

2009-08-17T23:09:00.006+01:00

Nicola and Cass held their wedding ceremony in the Long Room at Balbirnie House. There was much joy and laughter during the ceremony and a happy paparazzi.

More images tomorrow of the bridal photographs from Balbirnie House Hotel including the stunning Rolls Royce Wedding Car from Baincraig Cars.

Nicola & Cass - Balbirnie House Wedding - Arrivals

2009-08-16T23:49:00.006+01:00

Nicola and Cass held their wedding at Balbirnie House. Although it rained for 9 hours non stop this did not dampen down everyone's excitement and enthusiasm. The Ushers did a fantastic job ferrying guests from the entrance into the hotel through the pouring rain while Cass and his brother waited nervously for the arrival of Nicola.

More images tomorrow of the arrival of the stunning bride and the wedding ceremony held in the beautiful Orangery. Keep following the blog for some of the bridals later in the week, the receiving line, speeches and the wild dancing from one of Fife's top wedding venues Balbirnie House Hotel.

Laura and Jamie

2009-07-31T00:08:00.004+01:00

Laura and Jamie held their wedding last Saturday at Kingbarns near St Andrews with the reception at Kinkell Byre. Some black and white favourites from Kingbarns follow. More photographs to follow soon from Kinkell Byre.

Enjoy your honeymoon travelling in Spain, Laura and Jamie. Meanwhile any friends or family that wish to leave a comment for myself or Laura and Jamie please use the COMMENTS link below.

Lesley and Euan - Dundas Castle Wedding

2009-07-10T16:27:00.006+01:00

Lesley and Euan held their wedding yesterday at the beautiful Dundas Castle. Great weather and from the expressions I captured everyone had a brilliant time.

Enjoy Paris, Lesley and Euan. Family and friends who wish to leave a comment for the happy couple or myself may click on the COMMENTS function below.

Cambo Sands

2009-07-06T00:12:00.006+01:00

I am looking forward to Laura and Jamie's wedding at Kinkell Byre. After the ceremony the plan is to take some photographs on Cambo Sands.

Unfortunately Jamie was working so we had to use a model - Primmie for some pre wedding photographs on a hot and sultry Saturday afternoon.

Primmie

2009-07-06T00:08:00.004+01:00

On Saturday I met Primmie. A beautiful dog her ears reminded me of our Labradoodle.

More images of our puppy soon as Marley's coat is super curly like Primmie's ears.

Boarhills

2009-07-06T00:02:00.003+01:00

On Saturday I met Laura to finalise details for her wedding at Kinkell Byre On the way to Kinkell Byre I saw the most amazing church in the middle of fields at Boarhills.

The Church is unusual being on the outskirts of a village and the wide expanse of space and the unseasonal temperatures (Touching 80 degrees) reminded me of Tuscany.

Kinkell Byre

2009-07-05T23:52:00.007+01:00

In 3 weeks time I am photographing Laura and Jamie's wedding at Kinkell Byre On Saturday I met Laura but unfortunately Jamie was working so we got a stand in model Primmie for the pre wedding shoot.

After Laura and Jamie's wedding at Kingbarns Church the plan is to take some wedding photographs on Cambo Sands a beautiful stretch of beach with sweeping views across to St Andrews and Dundee.

Marley

2009-05-19T22:12:00.005+01:00

The newest addition to our family is getting very big and needs lots of exercise.

More from Marley and her friends, Flora, Toby, Dillon and Charlie soon.

Joanne and Paul

2009-05-19T22:06:00.003+01:00

Recently I met Joanne and Paul for a Pre Wedding Shoot at Murthly Castle. Although it poured with rain we had great fun and captured some lovely portraits.

I am really looking forward to photographing this wedding as the chapel, castle and gardens are absolutely stunning. Here's hoping for a glorious June.

Garvock House

2009-05-19T21:53:00.005+01:00

Garvock House is my favourite wedding venue in Dunfermline. Privately owned the service is impeccable and it offers superb dining. Recently I photographed Jen and Pete's wedding and a few bridal photographs follow.

I will be back at Garvock House for a wedding this September. The hotel has beautiful grounds for photographs along with a red carpet on the hotel steps for those important family formals.

Murthly Castle

2009-05-19T21:47:00.003+01:00

My first wedding in June is at Murthly Castle. This has to have one of the most beautiful private chapels in Scotland.

The rooms inside the castle are also incredible and modelled on the Palace of Versailles in France. While the ballroom has a ceiling covered in bees!

Mucky Business

2009-04-17T23:00:00.006+01:00

April see's a huge increase in farming activity here.

Blue skies, fluffy clouds, summers coming soon!

City Chambers

2009-04-17T22:53:00.007+01:00

Last week was the wedding of Jen & Peter at the City Chambers, Dunfermline. Some black & white favourites follow:

More images to follow shortly from the wedding reception at Garvock House, one of my favourite local venues.

Ripples

2009-04-17T22:46:00.003+01:00

Another image from Limekilns as the sunsets over Longannet Power Station.

Some lovely weather and light this April, with the sun now setting north of west.

The Old Shed

2009-04-17T22:43:00.006+01:00

My daughter is six going on sixteen today - here is a photograph in the old play shed.

Thinking of getting a large canvas of this one, as I love the way the colours of the shed go with her eyes.

Match of the Day

2009-04-17T22:38:00.005+01:00

I am getting a lot of e-mails from Brides wanting to see more of our Labradoodle, Marley.

She's now 12 weeks old and able to go for walks to the park, so more soon!

Limekilns

2009-04-17T22:31:00.003+01:00

A wee catch up on the blog as I have been taking some time off with the Easter Holidays. Limekilns is a picturesque wee village on the Firth of Forth

I have a wedding here in September, I hope the light is as beautiful and striking as that during this visit. Wellies are needed for the mudflats though!

Golden Light

2009-03-29T23:51:00.003+01:00

An amazing cloud burst just before sunset this evening taken from my back door.

Now the clocks have gone forward I look forward to some late sunsets.

Rebecca & Andrew - Part 2

2009-03-29T23:42:00.002+01:00

A few more from Rebecca and Andrews wedding at Dunkeld Cathedral and Murrayshall Hotel in Perthshire.

Rebecca and Andrew are on honeymoon in Turk and Caicos before returning to their home in Canada.

Trip to the Park

2009-03-29T23:39:00.006+01:00

A cold windy spring day in Perhshire but my daughter wanted to go to the local park.

Great fun was had trying to hide from the camera. The wind made for a bad hair day!

Ballathie House

2009-03-29T23:30:00.004+01:00

Today I met up with Claire and Karl for a pre wedding meeting and shoot at the fabulous Ballathie House Hotel in Perthshire. This hotel is ranked amongst the best in the UK.

Ballathie House Hotel has the River Tay in it's back garden as does the Dunkeld Hilton and Dunkeld Cathedral - other great Perthshire wedding venues I have photographed weddings at.

Rebecca & Andrew - Part 1

2009-03-23T00:02:00.006Z

Rebecca and Andrew flew in from Canada to have their wedding at the amazing Dunkeld Cathedral in Perthshire. They are both big fans of black and white photography.

More from this wedding later this week. All the images are now on-line within my photo store - Please contact the couple for the password.

Marley

2009-03-22T23:56:00.005Z

Our new puppy is growing up fast. She also likes eating most of the garden.

Keep following the blog to see more photographs of the wee cute Labradoodle.

Dunkeld Cathedral

2009-03-22T23:42:00.006Z

Last week I had the first of several visits this year to Dunkeld Cathedral.

I arrived a little early so I could capture some of the dramatic architecture as well as some of the little details inside the church.

The cathedral also has a fascinating wee museum called the Chapter House which was built in 1457. The cathedral itself is over 1400 years old.

For more information on this historic structure in Dunkeld, Perthshire I recommend the chuch web site.

Pittenweem

2009-03-22T23:34:00.002Z

This image is typical of the East Neuk of Fife for me.

Taken at one of my favourite harbours Pittenweem.

Gilly and Martin - Part 2

2009-03-08T23:37:00.005Z

A few more favourites from Gilly and Martin's wedding reception at Prestonfield House.

Please feel free to leave a comment on the photographs by clicking on COMMENTS below.

The Darkness

2009-03-08T21:37:00.008Z

No landscapes this weekend due to a trip to see the new puppy and wedding meetings for 2010. I almost fully booked now for 2009 and I'm now planning a series of four landscape photography workshops in November and December 2009. My favourite image from last weekend's landscape workshop from Elie Ness is shown below.

If you are interesting in details of my series of landscape photography workshops for November and December 2009 please contact me for details at info@martinpettinger.com These workshops will be limited to a maximum of 2 delegates and will cover how to plan for great images, fieldcraft and post processing of images.

Marley and Me

2009-03-07T19:08:00.007Z

Today we went to Kinnesswood to meet our new addition to our family, Marley. As you can see Marley was fast asleep. The images that follow are Marley's Mum, Freda and one of her nine brothers and sisters, Bruce.

Marley will be coming home next Saturday so expect more photographs of Marley when she is wide awake. I have already discovered that she likes chewing my black boots and my Canon camera straps!

Lucy and William

2009-03-03T23:12:00.009Z

On Sunday Lucy and William from Warrington visited Scotland to attend one of my half day landscape photography workshops. I had pledged this workshop as part of an auction last year to raise money for Wateraid

We met at the Norton House Hotel where I gave an outline of the afternoon. I proposed a trip to one of my favourite locations which is Elie in Fife as it has a lot of interest for the landscape photographer with a harbour, a lighthouse, an old ruin, interesting geology and sweeping views.

Before we left I warned them that we could get wet as there was an interesting weather front due to pass through Fife mid to late afternoon. I also advised that it would be rather bracing with a strong breeze coming off the sea but this would make for a strong chance of dramatic cloud formations and the possibility of something special.

Well I can confirm we did get very wet as a mini storm swept across the headland but it did make for a phenomena of mammatus clouds which are associated with thunderclouds and unstable weather formations. The cloud formation left behind the storm system was also impressive with beautiful cirrus clouds.

Unfortunately we lucked out with the sunset due to a dense bank of static cloud over Edinburgh though William did get to learn my special landscape photography technique which involves wellington boots. I look forward to seeing Lucy and William's photographs later this week.

The dramatic storm image will go on-line later this week. Interestingly my father in law observed the amazing contrast of black skies and shafts of light from West Lomond Hill, the highest summit in Fife.

Gilly and Martin - Pt 1

2009-02-26T21:11:00.004Z

Last Saturday I was at Prestonfield House and the Fettes College for the wedding of Gilly and Martin. Here is part one of the blog - more images to follow soon from the reception at Prestonfield House.

Please feel free to leave a comment for myself or the happy couple by clicking on COMMENTS below. I would love to know if anyone caught the flying fish and would also love a photograph of me - several guests took my photograph!

Kate and Colin

2009-02-12T22:03:00.004Z

Last Saturday I was at Dunfermline Abbey and the Glen Pavilion for the wedding of Kate and Colin. This was the coldest weddng I have photographed with a wind chill of minus 7.

Despite the weather Kate was brilliant fun and everyone young and old had a fantastic time. Dunfermline Abbey is one of my favourite churches as the architecture is simply stunning.

Other wedding suppliers at the wedding which I highly recommend were Roddy the Piper, Bancraig Cars and Floral Gems. Kate used to be a wedding planner so all her suppliers were top notch.

The piper Roddy in particular is now a celebrity being the piper for Homecoming Scotland 2009 It was also great seeing couples from Katie and Richard's wedding and Lindsay and Jame's weddings from 2008.

Black Rock Cottage

2009-01-25T20:53:00.005Z

Today I visited Glencoe. Conditions were wild a mix of torrential rain and light blizzards. Buachaille Etive Mor was not visible for virtually the whole day until the elements relented for five minutes about four in the afternoon.

This is my take on probably the most photographed cottage in the world and one of the most iconic views on the West Highland Way. For sure I will be back, Glencoe is hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric in these conditions.

Winds of Change

2009-01-24T20:04:00.003Z

This afternoon I braved the blizzards with the hope of clearing skies at Green Knowes Wind Farm.

For a fleeting moment there were pink skies and a touch of winter light on the marsh reeds.

Gill and Kenny Pt 2

2009-01-18T21:50:00.004Z

All the photographs from Gill and Kenny's wedding at Prestonfield House, Edinburgh are now on-line within my store. Please contact the bride and groom for the password. Meanwhile some favourites from the wedding reception at the Prestonfield House Hotel are below

The guest who wrote 43 minutes for the speeches was actually spot on looking at the timestamps on my cameras. If you would like to leave a comment for the couple or myself please click on COMMENTS below as they will be checking the blog whilst on honeymoon.

Mairi and Jon

2009-01-18T19:50:00.017Z

Mairi and Jon are back from honeymoon and would like to say a big thank you to their wedding suppliers listed at the end of this blog post.

To play the slide show please click on the play button in the centre of the image above - please allow a few minutes for thes show to load.

To leave a comment for either myself or the happy couple please click on COMMENTS after the list of suppliers. I found all were excellent on the day.

Supplier details:

Venue - Royal Lodge
Bride's dress - June Brides
Bridesmaid's dress - June Brides
Bride's mother's outfit - Catherine’s of Partick
Flowers - Hania Florist, Callander
Wedding Cake - Mhor Bread, Callander
Wedding Piper & Music - Andrew Ward
DJ and Disco - HJ Premier Music
Wedding Car - A1 Cars, Falkirk
Hair and Make Up - Taylor Ferguson, Glasgow
Wedding Favours - Border Tablet
Favour Boxes and Decoration - Cameo Favours

Landscape Talk

2009-01-13T21:12:00.004Z

I have just finished my illustrated talk which I am giving tomorrow night at the Art Club Rooms in St Andrews. The venue is just by the junction of Bridge Street and Argyle Street. The talk starts at 7:30pm and all are welcome.

The talk entitled "On the Edge" is about my last 5 years of Landscape Photography and contains both colour and black and white landscape photography from Loch Lomond, Perthshire, Fife, and Yorkshire.

Gill and Kenny Pt 1

2009-01-11T13:59:00.007Z

Yesterday I was at the beautiful St James the Less church in Penicuik and then Prestonfield House Hotel for the wedding of Gill and Kenny. The sleat, gails and driving rain did little to dampen Gill's excitement when she arrived at the church and saw her bridesmaids.

The service was conducted by Father Robert J Warren and their was a moving performance by the church choir conducted by the groom's father. During the signing of the register I managed to capture a few stolen moments before the happy couple braved the elements. I believe no veils or hats were harmed.

All the wedding photographs should be on-line by next Sunday 18th January, there are some fabulous moments from the receiving line, speeches and dancing as well as some dramatic couple shots from inside the opulent hotel. I will also be back at Prestonfield House Hotel next month to photograph another wedding.

A few more wedding photographs from the reception at Prestonfield House Hotel will follow in a few days. In the meantime if you would like to leave a comment for the couple or myself please click on COMMENTS below as they will be checking the blog whilst on honeymoon.

Fire and Ice

2008-12-31T19:03:00.006Z

I realised this month that with all the wedding albums, reprints and a couple of winter weddings to photograph that I hadn't gone out and taken a landscape. Well this evening looked promising - cold and clear, so I had a wee trip to Loch Leven, Perthshire at Burleigh Sands where I found this interesting ice formation.

A nice ending to a very busy 2008. Time to put the feet up now and welcome in a brand new year. Happy New Year to all the followers of the my blog, keep watching in the new year for news on my landscape talk, book project as well as some weddings from Prestonfield House, Edinburgh and Dunfermline Abbey in Fife.

Mairi and Jon

2008-12-29T21:26:00.006Z

Yesterday I had the priviledge of photographing Mairi and Jon's wedding at the Royal Lodge in the Bridge of Allan

If you would like to leave a comment for the couple please click on COMMENTS below.