Nisha Haq Photography

2018

Best of Engagement Sessions - Valentines Special

, by Nisha Haq

2017

HMS Queen Elizabeth Commissioning Ceremony

On this day two months ago, I was invited to the HMS Queen Elizabeth commissioning ceremony at the Royal Navy Portsmouth Naval Dockyard as a guest of my wonderful partner, Rob who was based on the aircraft carrier at the time in and what a spectacular event it was! It's not every day you get to see The Queen in real life, witness a one-of-a-kind new aircraft carrier being commissioned for an international event, and to experience it first-hand was amazing!

It all took place 7 Dec 2017, a drizzly cold morning in Portsmouth but that didn't dampen spirits as Rob's parents and I queued up for the coaches, this was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of ceremony. When we arrived at the dockyard where the coach pulled up just outside the ship, I was astonished by the sheer size! Although I've seen her in pictures in comparison to the Spinnaker Tower, it's not until you see her in real-life that you grasp the magnitude. She is the Royal Navy's largest ever warship. An impressive 900ft long, the aircraft carrier is the same size as 3 football pitches!

As everyone was getting their seats in the hangar (where all the aircraft is held), I managed to quickly catch up with Rob who was participating in the military parade along with the ship's company. He looked so smart and I was super proud of seeing him in his Naval no.1 dress uniform on this special occasion. Whilst waiting for The Queen's arrival, renowned singer Katherine Jenkins sang a few songs for the troops which filled the room with a sense of pride.

With @KathJenkins witnessing the commissioning ceremony for the largest warship ever built for the Royal Navy 🚢 pic.twitter.com/AUmzVE0oyd
— DawBell (@DawBell) December 7, 2017

At about midday, Her Majesty the Queen arrived with her daughter, The Princess Royal in which we all stood to welcome the distinguished guests. It was a truly special moment as a fan of the Royal Family, seeing The Queen in her regal purple dress was amazing. Again, it's one of those things until you experience in person the effect The Queen has in a room.

Her Majesty meets members of @RoyalNavy crew onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. pic.twitter.com/z70IUEGoIX
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 7, 2017

Although my partner has been in the Royal Navy for three years, I still feel relatively new to all the Naval traditions. One of which was after The Queen made an address, the ceremonial cake (wonderfully made by Scottish cake designers 3D Cake) was cut by the Captain, Commodore Jerry Kyd's wife and the youngest member of the Ship's company.

"As the daughter, wife and mother of naval officers, I recognise the unique demands our nation asks of you; and I will always value my special link with HMS Queen Elizabeth, her ship’s company and their families." - Her Majesty the Queen

HM The Queen and the Princess Royal are attending the formal commissioning of @HMSQnlz: https://t.co/O9hYUEy9iY pic.twitter.com/WWqDB0xrVM
— Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) December 7, 2017

Hearing The Queen address the Ship's company and all the invited guests had a profound effect on the audience. It really does make you feel proud of your country, the military and loved ones and couldn't be beaming with more pride of my partner Rob on this extraordinary day.

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We stayed over in Portsmouth for a night where we celebrated the commissioning with a tasty dinner in Southsea with Rob's parents the evening of the ceremony. It was lovely to have the family together! The following day, Rob took us all on a tour around the aircraft carrier which was both impressive but also very very cold (I'm happy to have my office in a warm cosy room!) Despite not really understanding all the technical facts & figures, it was really interesting seeing how the other half lives on a ship, their living quarters, bunk bed and their 'office space' (certainly very different from mine!) I was able to take a few snaps on this day and also an opportunity to walk on the flightdeck and take photos. Gosh, it's so vast and BIG!

I find it quite amusing that the Ship's pennant number is R08 which from afar, looks like 'Rob' in capital letters! Of course, had to get an obligatory photo of Rob in front of his name! A cool coincidence! All in all, an amazing two days!

Happy to be supporting the HM Armed Forces and I offer a special 10% off Military Discount if you're booking your wedding photography. Get in touch for more details.

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, by Nisha Haq

2018

A Very Special Valentines Offer

It's finally February, the sun is out and it's the official month of love... Valentines! For me every day I feel a little loved up especially when I get to document, edit and deliver gorgeous wedding photos, but for this month I'm feeling a little extra dose of love as I have a fabulous offer for this month only when you book your wedding photography.

A Free Engagement Shoot or

Bridal Boudoir Session

I've had the wonderful pleasure of documenting amazing Engagement shoots for the past few years which is essentially a couples photo shoot before your wedding. It's a great way of getting to know each other before the wedding day, you can get a sense of how I work, a fab opportunity to feel comfortable in front of the camera (not many of us have had a professional photo shoot!), practise a few poses and share your ideas, you can even test out your make-up trial and see what it looks like professionally photographed, and in the end you'll have fantastic photos of you together as a couple to remember your engagement before your wedding day. Having 1-2 hours of pure fun on a relaxed shoot is such a unique and personal way of celebrating your love!

What you'd receive:

Up to 1.5 hour fun and relaxed engagement session (travel expenses included within 15 miles of Southampton)
50+ individually edited images
A beautiful password-protected online gallery of all your photos where you can easily choose and buy prints
Personal usage rights so you can share your photos as you wish without watermarks

One of my favourite photos from a recent Engagement Session last month in the New Forest

I'll also my introducing my new boudoir photography packages which I'm very excited about! It's been 2 years in the making and finally feel 2018 is the year to launch this stunning new bespoke service. I've been fortunate to photograph amazing women and tell their stories which began as my dissertation project at university whilst studying BA Photography. I'd love to continue telling beautiful stories and capturing stunning and soulful portraits of women and would love to offer complimentary bridal boudoir photo shoot when you book your wedding photography this month.

You've worked hard with all the wedding planning, or perhaps you've been working out for the dream dress and you're in the best shape in your life... showing off those curves in a fun and relaxed photo shoot that makes you feel confident, sexy and amazing is a unique way to document the beauty in you in the lead up to your wedding. Also, it can make a fantastic gift for your fiance before or on your wedding day presented in a beautiful boudoir box (coming soon!)

What you'd receive:

Up to 3-hour boudoir session (to take place in the comfort of your home or hotel*)
20+ individually beautiful edited fine art images
A beautiful password-protected online gallery of all your photos where you can easily choose and buy prints
Personal usage rights so you can share your photos as you wish without watermarks

*Expenses would need to be covered if in hotel or if your home is outside 50-mile radius of Southampton)

Offer is redeemed when you book your wedding photography (minimum 5 hours coverage booking). Bookings must be made by 28 Feb 2018 (subject to availability) to qualify for free Engagement or Boudoir shoot. A deposit and signed wedding contract is needed to complete a wedding booking.

I'm currently booking 2018 (limited availability) and 2019 dates so please get in touch if you would like to discuss your wedding photography.

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