Ian Gilbert Ian Gilbert

Planning a Wedding at the Parkway Hotel?

A Scorching Summer Wedding at The Parkway Hotel
When you book a summer wedding in Wales, you never quite know what the weather is going to do. But for this incredible day at the Parkway Hotel—right here on my doorstep in the Pontypool and Cwmbran area—we got one of the absolute hottest days of the year!
The heat wave meant the sky was brilliant blue all day long, which made for some incredibly vibrant photos. The morning kicked off with a brilliant, relaxed energy. The bride totally had the right idea, swapping traditional heels for some customized white wedding trainers (a lifesaver in that heat!). Getting ready was full of lovely, quiet moments, from the final adjustments of her veil to having her dress fastened before heading down the aisle.
Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen were outside making the most of the sun, steadying their nerves with a quick drink from their hip flasks before the ceremony began.
The ceremony itself was beautiful and intimate. I always love capturing those close-up details, like the couple tightly holding hands as they say their vows. After they tied the knot, we snuck away for some couple portraits. The sun was beaming down, so out came the sunglasses for a cool, relaxed walk under the trees. We managed to find some gorgeous pockets of shade for a few quiet, romantic black-and-white portraits before heading back to the party.
Speaking of the party, the evening reception was an absolute blast. The dancefloor was immediately taken over by the flower girls having the time of their lives in front of those giant light-up "LOVE" letters.
A massive shoutout to Rob Fowler Videography, who I worked alongside for this wedding. It is always a pleasure working with great local suppliers who make the day run smoothly and keep the couple laughing!
Congratulations to the happy couple—thank you for letting me capture such a brilliant, sun-drenched day!
Planning a Wedding at the Parkway Hotel?
If you are getting married locally and looking for a South Wales wedding photographer who knows the venue inside and out, I would love to hear from you!

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Ian Gilbert Ian Gilbert

Welcoming Baby Ryder: A Cozy Newborn Studio Session

Baby Ryder: A Cozy Newborn Studio Session
There is nothing quite like the newborn bubble. It’s a blur of sleepless nights, endless cuddles, and an overwhelming amount of love, and capturing that fleeting time is always such a privilege. Recently, I had the pleasure of welcoming baby Ryder and his amazing parents into the studio for a relaxed newborn session, and the results are just beautiful.
For Ryder’s gallery, we focused on a mix of warm, earthy tones and timeless black-and-white portraits. I always love capturing the connection between new parents and their baby. The way Ryder's parents look at him in these images says it all! We made sure to get plenty of intimate family portraits—both standing and comfortably seated—to show that incredible bond.
Of course, a newborn shoot isn't complete without the macro details. Babies grow and change so fast in those first few weeks, so zooming in on Ryder’s tiny toes resting on a soft, fluffy blanket, and capturing how small he looked cradled in his dad's hands, are memories I know this family will treasure forever.
A huge thank you to Ryder’s parents for trusting me to document such a special milestone. Welcome to the world, little guy!
Newborn Photography Packages in South Wales
If you are expecting and looking to capture those precious early days, I offer relaxed, baby-led newborn sessions designed to keep you and your little one completely comfortable.
The Newborn Session — £149

  • No timed studio setting (allowing plenty of time for feeding and cuddling)

  • Use of all studio props, wraps, and blankets

  • Parent and sibling poses included

  • An online viewing gallery of beautifully edited images for you to keep and download

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Ian Gilbert Ian Gilbert

A Relaxed Micro-Wedding at Pontypool Registry Office

I love shooting massive, all-day weddings, but there is a totally different vibe to a micro-wedding. This one happened right down the road from me at the Pontypool Registry Office, and it was a brilliant, chilled-out day.
When you strip a wedding back to just your closest family, the whole atmosphere changes. There was no rushing to beat a strict timeline or worrying about keeping hundreds of guests entertained. It was just a quiet, relaxed morning focused entirely on the couple tying the knot.
The ceremony room itself had this great natural light pouring through the windows, which was perfect for capturing candid moments—like the bride holding their little one while they said their vows. After the ceremony and the ring exchange, we took a slow walk outside to grab some relaxed couple portraits. The weather was spot on, and we found some lovely, shaded spots under the trees for a mix of bright color shots and timeless black-and-whites.
Massive congratulations to the newlyweds, and thanks for having me along for such a perfect, laid-back morning!
Micro-Wedding Photography Packages in South Wales
If you are planning a smaller, intimate registry office wedding, you probably don't need a photographer for 10 hours. I offer flexible, affordable photography packages tailored specifically for shorter days.

  • Custom coverage to suit your short timeline

  • A full gallery of beautifully edited, high-resolution digital images

  • Completely transparent pricing with zero hidden fees

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Ian Gilbert Ian Gilbert

Real Wedding Magic at Cefn Tilla Court

If you've ever spent time at Cefn Tilla Court, you know it's a venue with serious charm. Set right in the heart of the Usk Valley, this 17th-century estate has all the gorgeous historic details you could want, but more importantly, it was the perfect backdrop for a wedding that was pure fun from start to finish.
From the second morning prep started in the manor house, the mood was light, relaxed, and full of energy. Between the stunning light in the bridal suite and a couple of non-traditional prep moments—including the bride taking a moment to relax with a glass in the copper tub—it set the tone for the whole day.
The ceremony took place outdoors under the wooden arbor, surrounded by lush greenery and their favorite people. There’s always something special about outdoor vows in the Welsh countryside, but the energy this crowd brought made it even better. There were plenty of joyful tears, big laughs, and a lot of happy cheering as they walked down the aisle as newlyweds.
Afterward, we explored the grounds for portraits. Cefn Tilla’s grand stone facade is an incredible backdrop, but my favorite moments were the unfiltered ones—the spontaneous laughs, the kids tearing around, and the bride and her party hitting the dance floor in heart-shaped sunglasses.
Huge congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs.! Thank you for letting me capture all the love, laughter, and madness of your day.

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Ian Gilbert Ian Gilbert

Stress-Free, ALN-Inclusive Family Photography in south Wales

Finding the right photographer for your family isn't always straightforward—especially if your child has Additional Learning Needs (ALN).

Traditional photography studios with bright lights, tight spaces, and rigid "sit still and smile" expectations can feel overwhelming for children and stressful for parents.

At Emotion Picture Photography, we do things differently. Our outdoor location sessions across South Wales—from local woodlands to scenic spots like Margam Park—are designed from the ground up to be patient, calm, and completely pressure-free.

A Tailored Approach for Children with Additional Learning Needs

As a qualified ALN photographer, I understand that every child processes environments in their own way. Some children need time to settle and explore before they feel comfortable around a camera, while others prefer to stay on the move.

During our location sessions, there is:

No rigid posing: We follow your child's lead and capture natural, unscripted moments as they happen.

No time pressure: We move entirely at your child’s pace. If they need a break, a quiet walk, or time to adjust, that’s exactly what we do.

A calm, open environment: Outdoor settings allow children to roam freely and express themselves naturally without feeling cornered or watched.

Transparent Pricing: £149 Flat Rate (No Catch)

We believe family photography should be straightforward. Too often, parents book a "cheap" session only to discover expensive package tiers, watermarked proofs, or high-pressure sales calls afterwards.

We don't do that.

Our outdoor location package is simple:

Price: £149 flat rate

What's included: The full location session + all final, high-resolution edited digital files to download, print, and share as you wish.

No hidden fees, no extra image costs, and no sales pitches—just one simple price for all your family memories.

Serving Families Across South Wales

Whether you want to explore a local park in Pontypool, head into the countryside around Torfaen or Newport, or visit a grand venue like Margam Park, we adapt the location to what works best for your family's needs and mobility.

Ready to Book a Stress-Free Family Session?

If you want to capture genuine, beautiful portraits of your family without the usual stress, we’d love to help.

Drop us a line, to discuss your family's specific needs or reserve your outdoor location shoot.

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Ian Gilbert Ian Gilbert

Hope GB Colour Splash Fundraiser

There are some events that go beyond a typical day out—moments filled with meaning, emotion, and connection. The Colour Splash Fundraiser held on April 9th, 2026, at Panteg House was one of those rare occasions. It wasn’t just about vibrant colours, laughter, and activity—it was about remembering Nicole, celebrating her life, and capturing the spirit she brought to those around her.

As a photographer, events like this offer something deeper than just visual storytelling. They invite you to document emotion in its purest form.

From the moment guests began to arrive, there was a gentle mix of excitement and reflection in the air. Friends, families, and supporters gathered not only to take part in the activities but to honour someone who clearly meant so much to so many. The early moments—people greeting one another, children exploring the space, volunteers preparing the colourful paints—set the tone for a day full of energy and purpose.

The Colour Splash itself was a dream to photograph. Bursts of blue, pink, yellow, and green filled the air, creating spontaneous, joy-filled scenes that no posed shot could ever replicate. The key in moments like these is anticipation—watching for that split second before colour is thrown, laughter erupts, or someone closes their eyes and embraces the moment. Fast shutter speeds help freeze those vibrant particles mid-air, while stepping back occasionally allows you to capture the scale and atmosphere of the event.

Beyond the colour, the mini-Olympics activities added another layer of storytelling. These moments were less about spectacle and more about connection—teams cheering each other on, children overcoming challenges, and families sharing genuine, unscripted joy. These are the frames that often become the most meaningful: a helping hand, a proud smile, a quiet moment of encouragement.

What stood out most throughout the day was the balance between celebration and remembrance. Subtle details—rainbow colours, shared stories, and moments of reflection—served as gentle reminders of Nicole’s presence. As a photographer, it’s important to be sensitive in these spaces. Not every moment needs to be captured up close; sometimes the most powerful images come from giving people room while still preserving the feeling of the scene.

Lighting throughout the afternoon shifted beautifully, offering soft natural tones that complemented the vibrancy of the event. Leaning into natural light helped maintain authenticity, especially when photographing candid interactions. No heavy staging, no forced poses—just real people, real emotion, and a shared purpose.

Events like this remind you why photography matters. It’s not just about documenting what happened—it’s about preserving why it mattered. The images from the day will go on to tell a story: of a community coming together, of love that continues beyond loss, and of a legacy being built through something as joyful as colour.

Nicole’s memory was present in every laugh, every splash of paint, and every act of kindness throughout the day. And through the lens, those moments become something lasting—something that can be revisited, shared, and felt again.

Because in the end, photography isn’t just about what we see. It’s about what we remember.

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Ian Gilbert Ian Gilbert

Some Losses Stay with us Forever

There are some losses that quietly change you. The kind that settle into your heart and never leave.

We have felt that loss deeply - saying goodbye to a dear friend taken far too young, and to my granny whose love shaped generations. Different lives, different chapters, but the same ache. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and it leaves behind spaces that can never be truly filled.

In moments like these, photographs become more than images. They become anchors. Proof of laughter, connection, hands held, milestones celebrated, and ordinary days that turned out to be everything. When time moves on - as it always does - photographs help us remember not just how people looked, but how it felt to love them.

On world cancer day, this is why our work feels personal. We know first hand how precious memories are, and how important it is to keep fighting for more time, more treatment, more hope for other families.

Today we are donating 50% of all bookings made to cancer research - in honour of those ever lost, and in hope for those still fighting.

If there’s one thing loss teaches us, it’s this; Don’t wait. Capture the moments. Hold onto the people you love.

Because one day, those moments will mean everything.

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Photographer, pets Ian Gilbert Photographer, pets Ian Gilbert

Pampered Pets Photography Weekend 21st & 22nd February 2026

We know how much our pets mean to us.

They are with us through the sad times, the hard times, the fun times and the family times.

They bring us love and joy unconditionally.

We are offering you and your pets a family photoshoot for just £49.00 on the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of February. All digital images are included within this one off payment.

We can offer a studio shoot or a location shoot in a local park.

Contact us now to book. No pet to big or small.

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Ian Gilbert Ian Gilbert

Tiny toes a festive glow a miracle named Archie.

We received a call during the Christmas period that baby Archie was born but spent a testing 4 weeks in intensive care.

So when asked to capture his 1st photographs we put down the Christmas cake and jumped at the chance.

The next thing we know he is snug and warm cooing away in our home studio.

Archie you were wonderful.

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Ian Gilbert Ian Gilbert

A Very Merry Christmas to you all.

We would love to wish all our lovely customer a very Merry Christmas From our home to yours.

Whether you have little ones at home or teenagers like ours there is something truly magical about Christmas.

Now lets open the cheese board.

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