About …
So you’re narrowing down your choice of photographer or videographer
… would you like to know a little more about Peter? Are you sure!
Great Short Duration + Short Notice + Micro-Wedding Discounts – Please Enquire
Peter was born in Dunstable then grew up in a small village on the Lincolnshire coast. Much revolved around the church at that time and Peter was a choirboy - yikes!
But it was very profitable to sing at weddings. Peter is front row second from right in the white top. The little chap on his right was his best friend and he became a priest - double yikes!!
So whats the next bit you always see in photographer’s bio’s - that “my dad gave me my first camera at the age of three years and I became instantly passionate about photography especially for weddings and all things artistic”
What a load of bull! Peter was introduced by his first serious girlfriend’s dad, who was a mustard keen amateur photographer. She did not share Peter’s enthusiasm for sub-aqua diving and the great outdoors in general though - as you can see from the face!
Peter was very successful at school - probably helps if your dad is a teacher- but then London beckoned and he moved to the now fashionable Shoreditch and into financial services in the City
But a secondment of several weeks to the adventure training trust for young people - Outward Bound Aberdovey - convinced him that life is too short to work in the City
Peter played for England in HM Special Forces - what else can there be if you are a lover of adventure and the great outdoors! There are serious reasons too but thats for another day
Eagle-eyed visitors here will wonder - what is that rifle? It is of course the ubiquitous AK-47 acquired from the opposition
Peter was married at Gretna Green. Wow!
Peter moved back into financial services for a while but that really is such a boring life to lead. He has now worked as a full-time photographer and videographer for getting on for two decades
Peter acquired two kids - as you do. There were lots of furry and feathered friends including dogs, cats, budgies, fish, rabbits, mice, hamsters, and a swarm of six free range chickens who would spend their day in the woods behind the house. There are still five cats living at home so if you are allergic to cat hairs please get in touch before visiting
The kids are now adults and his daughter and son-in-law have recently adopted two youngsters, a little boy and a little girl. Lovely!
Oh and the bunny? Named Travis, after comparisons with the crazy character Travis Bickle played by De Niro in Scorsese’s film Taxi Driver
Oh my goodness what is it with the moustache …..
….. its not recent - you will not be subjected to that now!
A very arty black and white shot is in the pipeline. Do call back.
Hey … is he any good?
You can find tons of testimonials in the “Kind Words” Page and throughout the many Galleries, Albums, and Video Pages.
e.g. read this (very long!) testimonial written for Google Reviews by bride Lauren:
"We used Peter for our wedding in August 2019 and we could not be happier with the result! We wanted a very relaxed affair but with beautiful pictures that would really capture just how happy we were on our special day. Peter was fantastic and had taken the time to go through each of our family with us, prior to the day so we knew what pictures to expect. From start to finish, he was brilliant; full of knowledge whilst providing a relaxed atmosphere. I was very nervous as photos are not something I typically enjoy, but honestly, it was effortless! After the ceremony and family photos, myself and my husband had our photos. These moments were so precious and now we have the photos that recapture that moment for us. We honestly could not have asked for more. Peter captured every moment for us & it was wonderful to spend time looking through our photos when we received them. The turn around was so quick & the results were perfect. I would not hesitate to recommend Peter; he’s professional, friendly and really creates a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Thank you so much for capturing our special day"
See some of Laura’s photos on Peter’s Bracknell Registry Office With South Hill Park Wedding Photo Gallery
And Finally ….. Whats With The Name “Ashton Lamont”
Everyone asks that! Peter is Peter Riding and the business name is Ashton Lamont. Why?
This goes way back to before the days of the all-consuming internet. Directories such as Yellow Pages were important and it was common sense to have a name near the top of any alphabetical list - but Aardvark was not a good idea.
Peter was born in Ashton School House (or to be more precise in the garden as he popped up unexpectedly two weeks early); his dad was a teacher next door at Ashton CofE School in Dunstable. So Ashton made its debut. The Lamont bit? Peter is half Scots and the clan is Lamont.
Finally finally ….. a feel-good photo featuring Herbie as a youngster, one of Peter’s “famous five” cats!
