Headshots for Spicer Manor, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

In December, I headed to one of my favourite wedding venues Spicer Manor in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. I love Spicer Manor and am so happy I am a recommended supplier there. They invite me to their wedding fayres, and I am very grateful for that.

Where did the idea for a shoot come from?

I received an email from Sarah, the wedding-co-ordinator, and I saw a picture of her at the bottom of her email address. I can only describe this picture as a school photo. Don’t get me wrong, the picture was professionally taken, and the lighting was great, but it just stuck out like a sore thumb. I said I would take some pictures for them, representing their brand more.

Shy in front of the camera

As always, most of my subjects were shy in front of the camera; I am the same way, so it’s time to make the shoot fun. There is no short supply of stunning backdrops at Spicer Manor, so I knew if we got outside in the cold, we could make it less like a photo shoot and more fun. When dealing with people who don’t like their pictures taken, I know the first five minutes I will get no images which will make the final cut, but it’s more of a getting people to relax process.

Three is the magic number.

It’s always easier for someone to relax if they have friends. Sarah, Nicki and Robyn work brilliantly as a team, so I knew that they would cheer each other on or, failing that, laugh, and I would capture those moments, and that’s precisely what happened. 

Be quick

It was pretty chilly in December on the hills of Huddersfield, so I knew I needed the shoot to be quick. I found a few locations outside, which helped show Spicer Manor’s location, and then we headed indoors to the iconic staircase. I knew I needed to get a few portraits on the staircase.  

The shoot lasted about forty minutes, and I managed to capture loads of pictures of the team. Hopefully, one of them will replace the school photo on Sarah’s email.

If you are looking for a fabulous, fantastic wedding venue or somewhere to host a corporate hospitality event, then make sure you check out Spicer Manor. If you are looking for a photographer to capture some brand pictures or a wedding, then please get in touch john@johnsteelphotography.com