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The Big Glow, Understanding the Southern Surge of the Aurora Borealis in Guernsey
Photo, Blog elliott mariess Photo, Blog elliott mariess

The Big Glow, Understanding the Southern Surge of the Aurora Borealis in Guernsey

Last night, Guernsey’s skies lit up with a cosmic surprise—an aurora borealis display that felt more Iceland than island life! As I stood there, camera in hand, snapping away at the shimmering greens and purples, I couldn’t help but wonder... why is the northern lights’ magical glow suddenly crashing down south? From solar storms to sneaky science, here’s everything you need to know about why the aurora is making a dazzling guest appearance in Guernsey—and how you can capture the spectacle before it disappears!

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Capturing the Quirks of Portland with a Zenza Bronica
Personal, Photo elliott mariess Personal, Photo elliott mariess

Capturing the Quirks of Portland with a Zenza Bronica

When my we suggested a Portland adventure, I packed two cameras: a digital for ease and my mum’s bulky, temperamental Zenza Bronica S2—a vintage beast that shoots in square black-and-white frames, each click an experiment. From Abbotsbury’s abbey ruins to Longleat’s lions, and a squirrel park where they practically mug you for peanuts, each stop came alive in totally different ways depending on which camera I used. Curious to see if you can tell the two apart? Explore Portland’s hidden quirks and layered history—one frame at a time.

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Reviving Vintage Glass
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Reviving Vintage Glass

I explore the process of adapting a vintage 1954 Ross Engson FullView Super lens to a modern digital camera. I discuss the historical context and unique characteristics of the camera and lens, share my shooting experience with the adapted setup, and provide insights into the resulting images. This project highlights the charm of vintage lenses and the creative possibilities they offer for modern photography.

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Brenna & Millie’s Engagement Shoot in Guernsey: A Pre-Pride Love Story
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Brenna & Millie’s Engagement Shoot in Guernsey: A Pre-Pride Love Story

Brenna’s surprise proposal to Millie, set against the stunning backdrop of Guernsey’s bathing pools, was pure magic. From the emotional moment Millie said ‘yes’ to the breathtaking post-proposal portraits with Castle Cornet in the distance, this engagement shoot captured every detail. Join me as I share the behind-the-scenes story of their unforgettable day, just before Pride celebrations filled the island with even more love!

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A Seaside Portrait Session with Alex Dorey in Guernsey
Fashion, Photo, Model, Family elliott mariess Fashion, Photo, Model, Family elliott mariess

A Seaside Portrait Session with Alex Dorey in Guernsey

What do you get when you mix a carefree attitude, a stunning prom dress, and Guernsey’s iconic Grand Rock? A portrait session full of spontaneous fun and unforgettable moments. Alex Dorey wanted something artsy and playful before heading off to university—and yes, her prom dress ended up soaked in the sea. Curious to see how this beachy, creative shoot turned out?

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The Lazy Landscape Photographer's Guide to Guernsey
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The Lazy Landscape Photographer's Guide to Guernsey

If you’ve ever snapped a photo of a stunning view and thought, “This place practically photographs itself,” then you know what it’s like to shoot landscapes in Guernsey. With its rugged cliffs and picture-perfect beaches, it’s hard not to come away with something beautiful. But I’ll admit—while I enjoy capturing these scenes, I’ve never been the type to take landscape photography too seriously. Curious why? Let’s talk about how Guernsey’s natural beauty makes even the most casual photographer feel like a pro.

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Guernsey’s Model Yacht Pond
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Guernsey’s Model Yacht Pond

A short stroll from St. Peter Port's busy harbor reveals the tranquil Model Yacht Pond, a hidden gem since 1887. Locals sail handcrafted model boats, from fishing vessels to steam-powered craft, showcasing Guernsey's seafaring tradition. Discover this charming slice of island life, where hobby meets history on serene waters.

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Fast Mowers and slow Shutters: The West Show and the Art of Capturing Speed in Monochrome
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Fast Mowers and slow Shutters: The West Show and the Art of Capturing Speed in Monochrome

Ever wondered what happens when you combine garden tools, a century-old fair, and a camera with a slow shutter speed? Hasn't everyone? Welcome to Guernsey’s West Show, where lawnmowers aren’t just for mowing, they’re for racing—and where photographers find gold in the blur of speeding grass cutters. Dive into the quirky world of lawnmower racing, the history that powers it, and the timeless art of capturing speed in black and white.

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Capturing Kirstin and Liam’s Guenrsey Wedding
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Capturing Kirstin and Liam’s Guenrsey Wedding

Kirstin and Liam’s wedding in a private garden in Vale was filled with thoughtful details and meaningful moments, all framed by the beautiful Guernsey light. From their intimate ceremony to the golden hour photos at the beach, I focused on capturing the authentic connections and atmosphere that made their day special.

Take a closer look at how these moments were captured, and see what made this wedding unique.

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Photographing My Bandmate and Co-worker’s Guernsey Wedding
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Photographing My Bandmate and Co-worker’s Guernsey Wedding

There’s a particular magic in photographing a friend’s wedding—a blend of joy, responsibility, and delightful chaos. When my bandmate Greg and Specsavers colleague Mimi asked me to capture their special day, I knew it would be an unforgettable adventure. From heartfelt vows to an electrifying evening filled with music, their wedding was a celebration of love and creativity. Dive into the story of a day filled with laughter, soulful tunes, and the sweetest jam-themed cake you’ve ever seen.

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