Bermuda Photographer - Amanda Temple

My Hope

2012-01-25T12:20:00.003-04:00

Meet Hope - my beautiful little girl... here is her story...

On the 23rd of November, Alicia (my amazing assistant) and I saw a bike hit a cat on East Broadway. It was awful, the bike did not brake at all and the cat was frozen with fear. I got out of my car and hurried to her, she tried to scurry away, but her hind half failed her. I wrapped her in a towel, called Ettrick's emergency number and met the vet at their hospital ten minutes later. She was badly hurt, but Atilla, the vet, thought that she just might be ok. I went home, posted her photo on Facebook, called the radio stations and wrote to the newspapers to try to find out if she belonged to anyone. Two days later, she was on the front page of the Gazette with a plea for help. The vets had named her Hope as they did believe she would recover. The calls came flooding in with offers to help, she was well taken care of and I went to visit her every few days. After a few weeks, as no one else had come forward, I decided I wanted to look after her. I brought her home on December 22nd. Although the vets could not promise that she would ever walk again, I was still keen to try and help her. Enzo - my resident feline was not amused. He puffed up and hissed; making sure Hope understood she was trespassing. Each day, I massaged her legs and bent and stretched them for her. It has now been a month and she has made incredible progress. She is not quite as timid, Enzo barely pays any attention to her and the best part - she is walking! She does still topple over from time to time and is still a little weak, but she does not seem at all bothered. She wanders all over the house, is hungry all the time and pulls herself up on the bed. She is the most affectionate cat I have ever had and my heart just melts when she purrs. So I want to thank Atilla for having hope that she would be ok, everyone at Ettrick for looking after so tenderly, the Royal Gazette for publishing her story and to everyone who so generously donated to Ettrick for her care. I can not thank you all enough, she is just divine and makes me so happy!

Tulips

2012-01-24T17:22:00.002-04:00

My knee is recovering, but very slowly, so please forgive me for not posting at all. I spent much of the last two weeks in bed - going to my desk from time to time only to respond to emails and to work on the slew of albums that brides are patiently waiting for. As I have not been shooting, there has not been anything to post. I did however, venture into my garden a few days ago to shoot these beautiful tulips I bought from Petals. I am still enjoying them and love that everyday their stems curl a little more.

Taylor and Aaron

2012-01-11T10:46:00.001-04:00

I have known Taylor for a couple years - she is a beautiful dancer and we take class together at In Motion. I am used to photographing her flying through the air in her point shoes, so it was a little strange shooting her not on stage, but in my garden with her brother. I have a little beach that comes and goes, but the pathway there is pretty treacherous. I have been wanting to shoot there, but frightened someone would fall. Aaron and Taylor were keen to make the trek, so down we went. The Sargasso was everywhere, but still is was pretty and there was actually more sand than usual. Thank you both for a lovely shoot...

Gwennan is Growing so Fast...

2012-01-04T19:12:00.006-04:00

I photographed Gwennan, Phil and Claire at the beginning of last summer when Gwennan was about five weeks old. She was such an adorable tiny bundle of love, and now she is a moving, smiling, lovely little baby who just loves kisses - actually I guess that is silly to say - who doesn't love kisses? Well Gwennan seems particularly happy to both give and receive them. Thank you all for another great mini session...

Winter Wonderland Wedding

2012-01-03T11:42:00.002-04:00

When one hears 'winter wonderland', one might think white - with snow on the trees, icicles on the eaves and leafless trees. But for me, it was this wedding - yes, it was winter, but it was the most gorgeous winter day - it was sunny and warm and the love between these two was just wonderful. Thank you both for a magical day...

The Nutcracker

2011-12-30T12:52:00.001-04:00

A few more images from the beautiful Christmas production put on by the In Motion School of Dance...

Taking Teddy to the Beach

2011-12-27T13:15:00.000-04:00

Sam, Megan, her teddy and I met at Stonehole Bay last week; her friend Emily had given Sam a portrait session about a year ago, but the weather, travel, and work schedules always seemed to get in the way. Sam and I both agreed though that it was meant to be, as Megan was the most adorable little model, whereas a year ago, she would have been that much younger and not enjoyed the session as much. Thank you both for a fabulous shoot - I hope you had a wonderful Christmas...

Saving the Best for Last

2011-12-21T16:49:00.001-04:00

As a wonderful end to 2011 I photographed one of the most beautiful weddings. It was beautiful in so many ways... firstly it was one of the most tender, intimate weddings I have ever had the pleasure of capturing, secondly, the details were just stunning, and thirdly, the weather was absolutely perfect - which was oh so welcome as the three weddings prior had been dark and blustery and wet! Here are a few images of the lovely details... thank you both so much for the incredible honour of being a part of your magical day...

The Boat Parade

2011-12-19T17:13:00.000-04:00

A few pics from last weekends boat parade... Just to clarify... those that are out of focus are so on purpose... I love circles of light...

Her name is Lola

2011-12-14T16:27:00.001-04:00

She is a showgirl... which is not surprising as her mummy is the Director of the In Motion School of Dance, so Lola spends much of her time either in dance class, or watching the older girls at rehearsals and performing. This was the inaugural shoot at my new house. The garden is lovely an I am so pleased with the dappled light and shadow of all the vegetation. Every day Lizz would tell Lola they were coming to do the shoot, but every day something prevented it - from the weather to Nutcracker costume emergencies. But finally, we took advantage of a brief spell of sunshine and they came for a whirlwind mini session. Lola remembered my poofy cat from her last shoot and kept asking after him. Just as we finished, Enzo made an appearance, Lola followed him into the bushes and Lizz had quite a time convincing either of them to come back. Thank you both for a lovely shoot and Lola for dancing so beautifully in my garden...

Snowflakes

2011-12-12T09:45:00.002-04:00

I absolutely adore snowflakes... and if I did not love the sea and sunshine more, I would live somewhere that I could have them land on me all the time. Apart from their extraordinary beauty, I just love how gentle their touch is. I moved into a new house just over a month ago and in the living room are two cedar beams, so I decided that I could have both. I have hung snow flakes all over the room and outside the sea roars as it crashes against the shore. I am a happy, happy girl...

The Daly Family

2011-12-11T09:07:00.001-04:00

I think the first time I photographed the Dalys was about ten years ago. I really do enjoy doing annual portraits and am always amazed at how much people can change in such a short time. We actually skipped last year as the family were in the US in October so opted for doing a shoot with Lauren's photography teacher. Jody showed them to me and they were beautiful - I do wish we had a colourful autumn here - I guess the fiddlewoods is as close as we get. Thank you for another fun shoot...

The Nutcracker

2011-12-09T11:52:00.000-04:00

In Motion is putting on The Nutcracker again this year. Last year they really did such a great job, and from the look of it, this year will be wonderful too. I am planning to go and take some photos at their dress rehearsal next week. I really do love shooting the dancers, though sometimes they do not enjoy it quite as much - I have them hold their balance for ages, or do jumps over and over and over again. Thank you all for your patience and I am looking forward to the show.

The 'Nutcracker Holiday Spectacular' featuring Act II of the Nutcracker and festive pieces in jazz, tap and modern will be held at Ruth Seaton James theatre on Friday 16 December at 7pm and on Saturday 17 December at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are available at www.bdatix.com

The Pereira Family

2011-12-07T19:43:00.001-04:00

My friends Nikki and Hugh gave the Pereiras a portrait session as a thank you for hosting their wedding reception at their beautiful home. More than a year has passed since then, but with Lauren, Nikki and Melissa all away at school, it has been tricky to get everyone together. They were just home for a mid-term break, so we finally managed to do the shoot. The girls are a hoot when together and were so much fun to shoot - and their gorgeous house provided lots of wonderful locations. Thank you for a great session - it was really lovely to see you all again...

Melissa & Matthew: Bermuda Wedding

2011-12-04T19:42:00.001-04:00

Melissa and Matthew asked me to shoot their wedding almost two years ago. Last November they were in Bermuda so we met at Horseshoe Bay for an engagement session. They were adorable together. Melissa just beams whenever she looks at Matthew and the way he wraps his arms around her is totally divine. Thank you both for the honour of capturing your beautiful wedding. I hope you had a wonderful evening and a fabulous time here...

The Doyle Family

2011-12-02T10:49:00.001-04:00

Anna and Madeleine really thought all this posing was terribly dull. So we wandered around the garden trying to make it fun; but they really were not falling for it. Then I saw a punt in the trees leaning against their shed. "Oooh" I thought, "this could work" - and did it ever. The girls really got into the game - they leaned over the boat edge looking for sharks - and Flavia tells me that weeks later, Anna is still convinced there are sharks in the lawn. Thank you all for a wonderfully entertaining afternoon...

Alexa & Bill: Bermuda Wedding

2011-11-30T09:19:00.000-04:00

The weather outside was frightful - but inside it was delightful... oh dear the Christmas carols have begun and get stuck in my head.

Alexa and Bill were married a few weeks ago on an unbelievably blustery, wet day. But the warmth that surrounded them was just wonderful. They stood at the altar at St John's Church and exchanged their vows as their family watched. Hiding in the door at the back of the church was a passer-by. He could not see around the corner, but he stood there listening to the entire service. It was a little odd, but it touched me too that a total stranger would be so moved by the wedding ceremony of people he did not know. I moved closer to capture their first kiss as husband and wife and as I walked back up the aisle, he was gone. It really was a beautiful ceremony and clearly Alexa and Bill adore each other. Thank you both for the honour of capturing your lovely wedding.

The Hughes Family

2011-11-27T22:00:00.001-04:00

Kim and Alun have moved into the house my parents had been renting. Kim is an interior designer with BMID and has made some absolutely wonderful changes. It was strange to see the house looking so different. My mothers studio is now Phoebe's bedroom and my father's office has been transformed into Madison's bedroom. The dining room is a den and the living room is now the dining room too. The livingroom has the most beautiful architectural details as it was the entrance hall when it was first built. Kim has painted the walls and it is incredible how such a simple change has had such dramatic effect. I decided to do a few of the girls in their entrance hall before Alun came to join us for the family portraits outside by the pool. Thank you all for a great shoot - and Kim, thank you for showing me the house - you truly have done an amazing job.

Tim & Claire: Bermuda Wedding

2011-11-22T17:12:00.001-04:00

I was a guest!!! It was so wonderful to be at a wedding and to just watch - to really see the bride and groom smile at each other, to make their promise and to seal it with a kiss. As much as I adore shooting, it is different to see what is happening without peripheral vision being obstructed. Although, having said that, I did bring my camera - and I did take a few photos. I could not help myself. It was so lovely to spend a few moments alone with Tim and Claire and to give them that time to be with each other away from their guests. Thank you both for the most amazing day; your wedding was absolutely beautiful and I am so happy for you both. xoxo

Tyler & Louis: Bermuda Wedding

2011-11-21T16:32:00.001-04:00

It was a horribly blustery day, so sadly Tyler & Louis had to have their ceremony and reception inside at Pompano. But just before sunset there was a break in the weather, so we rushed down to the beach for some photos. It was lovely to watch the two of them together, silhouetted by the soft evening light. Thank you both for the honour of being a part of your day...

The Ringsted Family

2011-11-18T12:01:00.001-04:00

Heidi originally contacted me in February. She gave Sean a gift certificate for a Lovebirds session for Valentine's day. But then as they were thinking about their session, they decided they wanted to include their four boys too. So we still did a love birds session filled with kisses and cuddles, but with the six of them instead of the two of them. and it also included laughter and even tears at the end when tug-o-war went awry. Thank you all for a lovely shoot - Caspar, Magnus, Felix and Thorsten you were such fun to shoot - thank you for being so patient...

The Schrum Family

2011-11-15T19:34:00.001-04:00

One of my favourite portrait sessions last year was Vanessa's family. We did the session in her garden, and half-way through the shoot, Michael brought out their garden sprinkler and they all got soaked. This year, Michael's family were visiting, so they thought it would be nice to do the shoot at the beach. We started at Jobson's Cove, but the beach was too crowded, so we walked over to Stonehole Bay. At the end, everyone was keen to go for a swim, so we wandered back over the dunes to the cove and in they went... thank you all for another wonderful shoot...

The Fonner Family

2011-11-13T09:30:00.000-04:00

Each autumn, there are several families that come to me for their annual family portrait. It is always such a pleasure the see how much the children change each year. I think I have photographed the Fonner's about five times. Abby is so much taller, and Emily's hair has grown about six inches. I wish my hair would grow like that! We met down at Mid Ocean beach on a beautiful bright morning. Piper the pup had an absolute blast running around, despite it being a week before dogs are officially allowed on the beach. Abby was insistent I take a photo of her and Piper in front of the "no dogs allowed" sign. Thank you all for a lovely morning...

A big sleigh and a little sleigh

2011-11-10T16:21:00.000-04:00

Declan and Shane are already excited for Christmas - and even though we are oh so far from the North Pole, I'm sure Santa will have their little sleighs filled with goodies come Christmas day. Thank you for yet another wonderful mini session...

Itty Bitty Baby

2011-11-09T19:05:00.000-04:00

How adorable is tiny John? Though I have to say, I am totally amazed we managed to get any good shots as he was a total wiggle worm and really not happy that we disturbed his slumber. Congratulations Lisa and Michael on your perfect little bundle of love... it was a pleasure to meet you all...

Romana & Paul: Lovebirds

2011-11-08T16:20:00.000-04:00

They met in Warsaw seven years ago - a colleague introduced them and took them tango dancing in the city's beautiful old tango clubs. They fell madly in love... they are still very much in love and simply wanted to record the way they still feel about each other. They feel so lucky to have each other and to be living in this romantic island setting. They live at the East end of the island so they spend many weekends at Cooper's Island. As the shoot was on a weekday, we had the whole place to ourselves. The warm evening light was divine, and the sunset was just lovely. Thank you both so much for the honour of capturing your love, you truly are adorable together...

The Homan Family

2011-11-07T10:49:00.003-04:00

I photograph the Homan's every autumn and each time they do something different. This year we went to the golf course at Tucker's Point. Both Ashling and Oeghan have been taking lessons and are really enjoying playing, so they thought it would be fun to get out on the course for their annual photo session. Thank you all for yet another wonderful shoot...

Moving Madness...

2011-11-04T19:50:00.000-03:00

I have been moving this week, so I need to apologise to all of you who are patiently awaiting your Christmas photos. I moved the office over today, so will get back to work this weekend. I have been staying with family for two and a half months while the cottage was being renovated - which was about six weeks longer than I thought it would be. But it is almost done now and it is truly heavenly!!! I can not wait to show you photos and to do shoots here. But for now, I just want to thank my incredibly generous family for having me to stay for so long. And to thank Mary for making the cottage so divine... xoxo

Melanie & Matt: Bermuda Wedding

2011-11-02T22:47:00.001-03:00

They met at a friend's wedding nine years ago and every summer they have a barbeque to celebrate. This year, Matt proposed... Melanie has heard that Matthew had realised that she was "The One" as he watched her one day at the back of his boat, she was barefoot cutting up fish bait. Well, she is not only happy to get her hands dirty, but she can also be fabulously glamorous. Melanie, you were a beautiful bride, and Matt, such a handsome groom. And your wedding was truly gorgeous, and with so many wonderful details it was an absolute dream to photograph, so thank you for the honour of being a part of your day...

Happy Birthday Daniel!

2011-10-29T12:05:00.000-03:00

I met Alex and Jennifer just over a year ago - we did a maternity session one evening at Stonehole Bay. It is always so amazing to me what a difference just a year makes - how they change so much, that babies faces are reasonably similar, but then in that first year the features completely change and develop and each person is so different and unique. We went back to Stonehole Bay, this time in the morning... I do love the sparkles of the morning sunshine on the ocean... and I also loved Daniel's groovy shark shorts. Thank you all for a lovely morning...

Terry & John: Bermuda Wedding

2011-10-27T14:40:00.001-03:00

They first came to Bermuda more than ten years ago and immediately loved the island. Since then they have returned by plane, by cruise ship and aboard their own sailboat, Kismet. On one of their visits, they happened upon the tiny chapel at the Heydon Trust; it stole their hearts and it seemed the perfect place to get married someday. Well that day did come - they contacted the chapel and made all the arrangements. Little did they know however, that the chapel had actually not been available for weddings in the past and that their wedding was the first one.

Thank you both for the honour of being a part of your intimate wedding, it was lovely to meet you both...

Annie and Alex: Bermuda Wedding

2011-10-26T09:01:00.000-03:00

Annie was completely dressed when I arrived - I normally like to take a few shots of the dress and the shoes beforehand, but I think Annie was just too excited to wait. She looked so lovely - her elegant gown, a simple strand of pearls around her neck and a beautiful bracelet made by local artist Alexandra Mosher in silver with Bermuda sand. Annie had also given each of her bridesmaids a necklace with a Bermuda sand pendant. And Alex - well I'm not sure what he had given his groomsmen - but they were all wearing fabulous pink socks. I met up with them in the library and the jovial group were already making merry celebrating the joyous occasion.

Thank you both for a lovely afternoon, your wedding was just beautiful and you really are absolutely adorable together...

The Downey Family

2011-10-25T08:55:00.000-03:00

Chris and Sylvie have been living in Bermuda for eleven years and Alex, Addison and Hailey were all born here. Although they do love the beach, as they were dressed so nicely, they were not keen to get wet and sandy. But upon my insisting, they did sit in the sand - and just as they had, a rogue wave came and swept right over them...ooops. Thankfully it was near the end of the shoot. Once they were wet though, they had a fantastic time, as did I watching them giggle. So thank you all for a wonderfully entertaining session...

The Robertson Family

2011-10-20T10:04:00.001-03:00

I seem to be doing lots of shoots at Tuckers Point lately. It is a beautiful beach and I do love this one little nook just at the sand edge, where the light filters beautifully through the casuarina needles. Nicola and Alisdair are members, so they were keen on the location as they spend many of their weekends on the beach with James and Max. A little cricket, a little soccer and a wee sand castle - altogether a great shoot - thank you all - it was fun...

Save the Date!

2011-10-18T16:31:00.001-03:00

Michael and Eleni are getting married in Bermuda next June and were on the island for a quick trip to arrange some of the details. While here, they decided on a whim that it might be fun to have some photographs of them with their daughter Nicole for their save the date cards. It was lovely to meet the three of you - I hope you had a wonderful time here planning and that everything comes together beautifully for your wedding...

Happy Birthday Molly!

2011-10-17T08:20:00.001-03:00

A couple years ago, Cece gave a photo shoot to her mother for her birthday. The idea was for her to have some portraits taken with her four grandchildren. But Saksia was just a baby, so they decided to wait a while until she was old enough to participate. Well, ironically, Saskia really did not want to participate and we had to do everything in our power to keep her in the photos. Cece did a wonderful job recounting tales of the animals they had seen the week before, while Chloe, Abigail and Maya posed perfectly. The three older girls were happy for me to photograph them, but I had to be very stealth with Saskia as she really was in no mood for any of it. Well, considering the challenges, I think the shoot was fabulous - so thank you all... and Molly, Happy Belated Birthday!

The Chung Family

2011-10-16T11:50:00.000-03:00

I do adore the end of summer... the humidity has dropped a little, the sun is lower and the light is just perfect. I met Carmelina, Sui-Kei and their adorable daughters Loren and Kristen at Stonehole Bay. The girls were a little timid at first and really not sure any of this was a good idea. But it was not long before they were having a great time - family cuddles are always a good idea, as is dancing and spinning in the sand. Thank you for a wonderful shoot, it was lovely to meet you all...

Sam & Mike: Trash the Dress

2011-10-13T17:46:00.000-03:00

The weather was pretty horrible most of last winter, it was, however, a sunny day on January 2nd, so Sam suggested they go out on their boat. They packed a cooler and headed out to Paradise Lakes - their favourite place in the whole world. They had been there for a while, the tide was low and the water was incredible clear. Mike asked if Sam would like to go swimming. "Nah", she replied. "Is he kidding?" she thought, "the sea is freezing!" Then he asked if she wanted to go fishing... again "Nah" was the response. Then... he asked if she wanted to get married! Sam began to cry and at first she could not see the ring he presented to her through all her happy tears. Two weeks after their wedding they decided they would like to go out to Paradise Lakes and do a trash the dress session. It was the most magical evening - it was quiet, the sea was calm and a large cloud came and created the most wonderful patterns on the water. I had such a wonderful time shooting you both - your bubbly laughter was just divine. So thank you for a truly fabulous shoot!!!

The Allington Family

2011-10-12T08:14:00.001-03:00

Nicola's mother gave her three mini sessions for her birthday last year. We did the first one in February when Kate was three months old and Emma was three years old. It is amazing to see how much Kate has grown in such a short time, and Emma too seems far more animated and adventurous. The dappled light in the garden was lovely and the flowers matched Kate's outfit perfectly. Thank you all for another great mini session - I am looking forward to the next one...

Bridget & Douglas: the day after...

2011-10-09T12:00:00.000-03:00

Originally we had planned to do some family portraits a couple days before the wedding. Bridget and Douglas were having supper at The Reefs, so thought a few shots on the beach beforehand would be a nice way to get some photos of their families together as they knew that on the wedding day they might be short of time. However, when we arrived there, the wind was howling at about 30 knots - so it was not ideal at all. So Plan B was to meet at the hotel the day after the wedding as everyone was having brunch together. But the wedding night was perhaps more of a raging party than they had anticipated, which was absolutely amazing, but meant that when I showed up at noon no one felt up to being photographed. So it was just the two of them, but that was ok, we wandered around the hotel and they kissed and cuddled and held hands. You are adorable together, thank you for a lovely shoot...