Phillip Parnell Photography

Phillip Parnell Photography Specialising in Wedding, Events and Portraiture photography. Make contact for all competitive prices and packages.

Another special day at Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel – my third wedding and fourth project here, and it never loses its cha...
17/09/2025

Another special day at Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel – my third wedding and fourth project here, and it never loses its charm. I’ve now had the pleasure of photographing at this venue in every season – winter, summer, and autumn – and each one brings its own beauty.

The grounds are always such a joy to work around, full of character and history. What really stood out this time was the love between the couple – it was felt in every look, every smile, and every moment we captured together.

I’m already looking forward to seeing them again for their anniversary shoot next year!

Felt like the right time for a quick update. I’m just finishing up a beautiful wedding and thought I’d share a few highl...
26/08/2025

Felt like the right time for a quick update. I’m just finishing up a beautiful wedding and thought I’d share a few highlights while they’re fresh in my mind.

We were lucky with the weather — bright enough, but without the full beam of the sun, which made everything easier and much nicer to work with. The couple were brilliant to spend the day with — relaxed, easy-going, and a pleasure to photograph. Congrats Mr & Mrs Stokes!

I had no idea of how popular the Ironbridge was for wedding couples. It was a pleasure travelling over to Shropshire to ...
24/12/2024

I had no idea of how popular the Ironbridge was for wedding couples. It was a pleasure travelling over to Shropshire to capture this wedding with a Scottish flavour. These are just two of the few we took.

Somehow managed to get the memories and angles without a tourist in the background. Although, we did have to ask a gentleman who was sat eating a sandwich on the floor to lend us the space for a few moments. Such an easy-going chap he was.

Don't you agree that red and gold goes together so well?! Apparently the red is believed to power, courage, and prosperi...
17/12/2024

Don't you agree that red and gold goes together so well?! Apparently the red is believed to power, courage, and prosperity. The bride traditionally wears red or shades of red, as it symbolizes a new beginning in her married life.

Gold is meant to represent wealth, prosperity, and longevity. (Who would have thought!)

Whatever the meaning, I think it always makes for a striking photo.

Here are two shots following the 'dirty' theme we talked about—both giving a slightly different vibe. I can’t decide whi...
10/12/2024

Here are two shots following the 'dirty' theme we talked about—both giving a slightly different vibe. I can’t decide which one I like best! The first image has a wider frame, while the second pulls back a bit, leaning into a more voyeuristic feel.

The goal here was to create the sense that you’re catching a private moment of calm and joy between the couple—totally spontaneous and natural (even though, let’s be honest, no one actually stops and poses on a staircase like this 😝).

Also, can we take a moment for chandeliers? If you're getting married and there are chandeliers involved, I need to hear about it! Just saying... 😆✨

In cinematography, this would be classed as a 'dirty' shot. Never heard the term used in photography before, but can't i...
03/12/2024

In cinematography, this would be classed as a 'dirty' shot. Never heard the term used in photography before, but can't imagine it's different.

Using elements in the foreground to partially obscure or frame the main subject, adding depth, context, or visual interest to the image.

It's a technique used intentionally to create storytelling layers or to make the image feel more dynamic and immersive. I use it quite a lot!

Just like with black and white photography, certain colours and textures can really make the bride and groom stand out. ...
26/11/2024

Just like with black and white photography, certain colours and textures can really make the bride and groom stand out. I’ve found that unexpected elements, (like crumbly brick walls or large blue wooden gates, for example), juxtapose beautifully against the elegance of the beautiful couple.

It’s all about finding that perfect balance between the unconventional and the stunning!...because It can go wrong if not done properly!

Remember I was saying how I like messing around with lights and shadows?? Well, here's one where I inadvertently got a l...
21/11/2024

Remember I was saying how I like messing around with lights and shadows?? Well, here's one where I inadvertently got a little more than expected. Which got me thinking, if a man really did have legs as big as the shadow would suggest, how tall would he top out at? 🧐

What is it about black and white photos that give them that very real pensive timelessness? It's almost like capturing a...
18/11/2024

What is it about black and white photos that give them that very real pensive timelessness? It's almost like capturing a picture within a picture, freezing time within time. I don't know, I could be talking rubbish. That's how it feels to me though. 🤔

I'll share a secret with you about this photo...I sometimes wake up in cold sweats in the middle of the night with one q...
17/11/2024

I'll share a secret with you about this photo...

I sometimes wake up in cold sweats in the middle of the night with one question on my mind... Are the lines of the roof off centred by design, or was it a matter of me being ever so slightly too much to the left. 🤔

If you ever visit the venue, do shout out and let me know. 🤝

A couple once asked me, 'What good is a flash if it’s placed behind us, completely out of your view as the photographer?...
13/11/2024

A couple once asked me, 'What good is a flash if it’s placed behind us, completely out of your view as the photographer?' I explained that light from a flash behaves a lot like water from a hosepipe, and 90% of the time, it can be treated the same way.

Here are two photos taken at two different weddings, but with pretty much the same environmental ingredients. By pointing the 'hosepipe' in different directions and at varying intensities, we've slightly changed the mood of each shot.

The beloved heart! Give me 6 chairs, 10 minutes and a vantage point, and you too can have one! Although, this is another...
12/11/2024

The beloved heart! Give me 6 chairs, 10 minutes and a vantage point, and you too can have one! Although, this is another one of those photos that I wake up in the middle of the night in cold sweats thinking about. 😳

How, oh how that wonky right-hand side got past my photography brain quality control process, I will never know. 😒

I did spend about 30 minutes getting rid of a troublesome white pole, though, so hopefully I'm redeemed.
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