DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER : IAN JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IAN JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY SANTORINI MYKONOS TUSCANY AMALFI RAVELLO SICILY

Thursday 22 January 2009

Patrick McGoohan Danger Man has passed away.

Whilst photographing for the TV show Wedding Day in New York last week I heard the sad news of Patrick McGoohan had died. I had my studio in Santa Monica on 6th and Broadway, anyone will know it, it was close to a Winchells Donuts,always in this place you would find some very colorful homeless characters.On one trip to grap a cup of coffee, sat at a table was Patrick McGoohan ... my childhood hero, I loved Danger Man. He looked a bit down on his luck blending in with the rest of the homeless gang there.
I walked up to him offering my business card and told him I was a great fan I would love the opportunity to photograph him.


Alertly he said actually Im looking to do a new headshot. Days later he came by banging on my studio door, I thought it was someone unwelcome, I opened the door only to knock Patrick for six across the alleyway.
During the shoot ( the photograph above) I expressed my surprise at seeing him at Winchells, he told me although an actor, he loved writing, so listening to some of the far fetched tells and conspiricies of ex vets and homeless, was a good source.
Then I thought of 'The Prisoner'.Did that come from Winchells donuts ?
Patrick insisted that he should pay me for this invited session I bluntly refused, later that year at Christmas, Patrick arrived at my studio with the biggest box ... there was a thank you note and a box full of Portmeirion china where he had filmed 'The Prisoner'
My thoughts and condolences go out to the McGoohan family at this sad time.

I came across a great site today if you remember Danger man click here

Wednesday 21 January 2009

Weddings in New York City

New York City weddings v Las Vegas weddings CBS news last week reported New York is trying to tie the knot with more marrying couples particularly those who are eloping to supplant Las Vegas as the world's weddings capital. Just walking around three days I saw three brides in the big apple.One in the middle of 5th avenue

The Big Apple spent big bucks to try to lure more such couples, and the tourism dollars they bring with them. Vegas is generally thought of not only as a gambling mecca, but one for quickie weddings.




"We hope people will come from all over the world and that New York City will become the wedding capital of the world," observed First Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris.

So the city has created a $12 million, 24,000 square foot downtown palace of wedded bliss: two chapels, a photo wall, mirrored bathrooms, fresh flowers, and a store with related items that could rival Vegas. There are 16 computer kiosks where couples can register online for their marriage license. Brides and grooms can have as many as 30 people there.
"It's authentic. It's the real deal. It's fabulous. And it costs $25.

In 2008, the New York City Clerk's Office issued 66,000 marriage licenses. Now, New York is hoping a little glitz and glam will make more couples decide to elope in Manhattan.

Weddings are big business. New York officials hope the tough economy won't stop love, and couples will go on with their plans.

Carley Roney, editor in chief of The Knot, told co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez she thinks New York really does have a shot Vegas' unofficial title.

"We live in the most romantic city in the world. People all over the world saw that 'Sex and the City' wedding and this is our opportunity," Roney said. "We have great restaurants, great shows, and now we have a fantastic, easy process at City Hall and a glamorous wedding to give people."
"People actually are having small ceremonies and saving all the money for the reception" now, she added.

Tuesday 20 January 2009

Brides on top of New York City

After photographing my New York wedding I had three days in the city. New York really is becoming the new Vegas. Bumped into a wedding photographer shooting on 5th avenue which i will post later, then going to the Rockefeller I saw Brides are celebrating their 75th anniversary.
Brides magazine will celebrate its 75th Anniversary by creating the Brides Mile High Honeymoon Suite at the Top of the Rock
The Brides Mile High Honeymoon Suite will be open to the public during daytime operating hours of January 27 and January 28.




Brides was launched in 1934 by Conde Nast Publications as the first bridal magazine. In 75 years of publication, it has become the leading bridal book in the United States and the country's foremost authority on engagement, weddings, and marriage.

Tuesday 13 January 2009

New York City wedding




Flew in to New York City yesterday, then went directly into the city to take these shots, wow I love New York. At five at night driving through Korean town a bride walked out of the church, I didnt see their wedding photographer, but traffic is crazy in New York stopping the car wasnt an option.

Saturday 10 January 2009

Wedding News Trends

Bible of the Wedding world The Knot give us there predictions for Trends in 2009. Trend 8 is the 'Photo Booth' wow I have been doing this since my first wedding on Malibu Beach 17 years ago ... wedding guests love it so do wedding photographers.

What's hot now? Are trumpet skirts in? Will candy and dessert bars still be as popular in 2009? Here's our forecast.

Trend 1: Rustic homespun details

Outdoor weddings -- on a farm, in a vineyard, or even in the backyard -- are huge right now, and we'll continue to see a lot of them in 2009. It's really no wonder: An outdoor setting makes for a fun, laid-back vibe and the decor options are limitless. So what kinds of details are in store? Vintage vases filled with fresh-from-the-garden flowers, mismatched china in bright colors, and homemade wooden signs to direct guests. Even catering is in on the action with in-season ingredients paired with local wine.

Trend 2: Jewel tones

Say good-bye to pale pastels and bright poppies. Rich gem colors like navy, plum, and amber are going to be hot. And instead of chocolate brown, look to a soft creme brulee hue, bronzes, coppers, and black. Yes, that's right -- black is back too.

Trend 3: Patterns that pop

Gingham, checkered, polka-dotted, paisley, toile, damask -- you name it, colorful patterns are in and in a big way. Add patterned overlays to your tables to instantly perk up the room, find an off-the-rack patterned dress for your bridesmaids, and have your invitations and envelopes lined with colorful designs. The best part about this trend is that it lets you throw around a lot of different hues and still keep a cohesive look and feel.

Trend 4: Ball gowns are back

From a full A-line gown to a very over-the-top design, this silhouette will make a huge resurgence down ceremony aisles this year. And you don't have to have a ballroom wedding to pull it off either -- the key is in the fabric. Find one with layers of airy tulle or even cotton for an outdoor spring or summer wedding; get a silk satin ball gown for a more formal wedding; or go for ultra-soft suede for a wintertime wedding.

Trend 5: Two-tiered wedding cakes

While cupcakes and dessert bars have been popular for the past few years, wedding cakes are making a comeback -- but not in tall towers anymore. Now it's all about having just two tiers. Order several small cakes and put them on each table as a centerpiece, or set up a table of tiny wedding cakes mixed with desserts, cookies, pies, and more. And vintage cake toppers are in too. Find one online at a site like Etsy.com, commission one from a local artist, or borrow your parents' or grandparents' to make your cake extra-memorable.

Trend 6: New centerpiece vessels

The classic floral vase has given way to mix-and-matched clusters of vintage pitchers, vases, jars, and galvanized buckets. Other ideas: apothecary jars with colorful rocks, sand, or even candy; uniquely shaped glass vases featuring fresh fruits like raspberries and blueberries; and mason jars loaded with fresh flowers like daisies and dahlias. To throw extra color or texture into the mix, line your flower-filled vases with patterned paper or even fabric. For a wintertime fete, get knit and sweater-like coverings to line your vases and complement a cozy decor.

Trend 7: Chandeliers and creative lighting

Lighting designers are turning out impressive designs, projecting chandeliers, large trees, flowers, and even city skylines right onto the walls. When it comes to your space, hang chandeliers in different sizes, add colorful lamps and shades to the tables, line the room with strands of twinkling lights, and don't skimp on the candles.

Trend 8: The updated photo booth

Renting a photo booth has been growing in popularity over the past few years. The updated version? Entire photo sets with fabric backdrops and props. Set up a photo area at the reception that's big enough for a group shot. Drape the background with fabric and add couches, chairs, and plenty of props (think easy-to-throw-on hats and scarves). You may be able to have your photographer or an assistant man the station, or ask a trusty friend to be on hand with a digital camera.

Trend 9: US honeymoons

This year, newlyweds will prove that you don't have to travel halfway around the world to find an amazing honeymoon spot. Many will be looking to book a honeymoon right here in the US. And there's no shortage of domestic honeymoon-worthy options -- from a romantic winery in Sonoma County, California, to a hot hotel in Miami, Florida, to a cozy lodge with a stunning view in Juneau, Alaska.

Thursday 8 January 2009

Envy Post





A wedding fours years ago at Newick Park in sussex, it was Dave and Natasha Cadles wedding, they now run Envy Post. Voted the best post editing house in London. I have been doing their websites photos since Envy started. Here is their third building in three years and what a view. Take a look at their website you will love it and their showreel. Envy post click here

Wedding in Wedding

Essex weddings are always special to me. This month in Weddings magazine I have one featured on their photographers Real life weddings pages. John and Beckys celebration at Castle Hedingham really had a fashion edge to it.


Contact me always at ianjohnsonphoto@gmail.com or at my website www.ianjohnsonphoto.com

Thursday 1 January 2009

Nutfield Priory Wedding New Years Eve

My New Year Eve's wedding at Nutfield Priory went very well. I wish I could of spent an hour photographing the bride Jo Anne but this is what we did in 10 minutes after the ceremony.Jo had worked with fashion photographers in the past. Nutfield Priory is a fantastic wedding venue for a Surrey wedding.



Jo Anne had a choice of two hats, Im so glad she chose this one , with the white gloves and red shoes the result became a very French Vogue look.