Family Portrait Shoot in the Park, Braintree, Essex

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Last Saturday we saw the first serious rain we've had in quite some time.  Whilst no doubt the countries gardeners and farmers were relieved I must admit it wasn't good news to me.  My problem was I was due to meet up with a couple of families in the local park on Sunday and whilst photography in the rain can produce some interesting images it's far easier to have fun when the suns shining.

Luckily mother nature was kind and Sunday saw a welcome return of the sun.  In no time at all we were all having fun and running around, jumping and shouting (I'm just a big kid really).  It's not rocket science, if you want good images of children, just have fun and it all comes natural.

Below is a short slideshow showing some of the images. If you look closely you'll spot some of the local wildlife who wanted to be in the photographs, fantastic.   You can download this slideshow through i-tunes by clicking here, you can then transfer it to an i-phone or i-player.

New Born Baby Masons first Photography Shoot, Southend on Sea

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I'm extremely proud how past clients quickly become friends and It was a fantastic honour to travel down to Southend on sea and revisit, Taylor and Nateisha who's wedding I had the pleasure of photographing last year.  This time there was a new star of the show, their beautiful new born baby boy, Mason.

Little Mason was an absolute star and slept through most of the shoot only occasionally waking up to check out what was going on around him. 

Mason is just over four weeks old, If you've seen my baby pictures before you'll know I consider the early stages the perfect time for capturing the best baby images (ideally in the first two weeks).  If you have a baby please don't delay in making enquiries, babies change so quickly and you'll never have an opportunity to get these pictures again.

You can see a few more images in a slideshow below by clicking play.  You can also download this slideshow via i-tunes by clicking this link and then watch it on your computer or transfer it to your i-phone or i-pod.

Family Portrait Photography in Essex

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This weekend I travelled the short distance to Felsted where I had been commissioned to photograph a family grouping.  I love this sort of shoot as very often the varoius family members haven't seen each other for a while.  This was very much the case as one part of the family had travelled over from Arizona, a perfect chance to capture the family together all at one time, as well as some individual images.


As you can see in the top image here, we had one member of the family (the pet dog Charlie) who was certainly intent on being the star of the show.  Every group shot he would come and check out what was going on just to make sure everything was in order.

It's funny because at the free portrait training day I ran recently one of the things I covered was how to make someone in a group the centre of attention.  I have to admit, it's not something I've done with animals before but the basics remain the same, something that I have a feeling I'll be doing again.  Sunday turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year the shoot took a little over an hour and I'm very pleased with the end result.  You can see a few of the images in a slideshow below.  If you want your family photographed in a fun a natural way (I don't do boring) don't hesitate to give me a call on 01376 567995 or drop me an e-mail.  A family portrait session costs just £85 (travel over 20 miles is extra).   Your family will never be this age again, don't miss it.

Goldilocks and the Four Wedding Photographers

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I was chatting to a fellow pro photographer the other day and we got around to discussing the natural progression photographers follow.  As everything there are those that these general guidelines don't apply to (and if you take photographs you're probably convinced you're one of them) but I'll hold my hand up and admit, I've been through all of these stages including the horrible overphotoshop one, eughhh!  

Anyway I thought a good way to explain the different levels would be tell you the story of Goldilocks and the four wedding photographers, so if you're sitting comfortably, i'll begin.

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess called Goldilocks who had met and fallen in love with her very own prince charming.  In no time at all they had realised they were meant to be together and begun arranging their wedding day.  Now the prince was a very busy man and being male had left all the important details to be arranged by his beloved Goldilocks which she had done in a very short period of time.  All that remained to be done was to find the right type of photographer that could capture her day in the way she wanted to remember it.  So she drafted a letter to go to all the kingdom stating she wished to see all the kingdoms photographers.

On the first day she saw the talented amateur photographer who showed her his work and whilst it seemed adequate it lacked the overall wow factor Goldilocks was looking for.  She couldn't quite put her finger on it but the images although well exposed and posed seemed to lack the pozaz she was looking for. So she thanked the talented amateur photographer and sent him on his way. 

 On the second day young Goldilocks interviewed the "I'm not confident enough so i turn everything black and white specialist".  Now the images he showed were striking but as Goldilocks soon found out after seeing page after page of black and white images they all seemed rather ... well dull.  Goldilocks new she liked Black and White but had discovered that too much of one thing just doesn't work.

So now on the third day Goldilocks interviewed the third photographer who was strangely named "look how clever I am in photoshop.com".  Again this photographer had an impressive catalogue of images all of which looked stunning in their own way.  However what Goldilocks soon realised was that whilst it was groovy to have a modern style image looking like something straight out of a Doctor Who poster when it came to wedding images in an album it just looked a mess.  Much more than five minutes of looking at them left her feeling like her eyes wanted to bleed.  She thanked the photographer and sent him on his way.

On the fourth day she interviewed the "Just right photographer".  He showed and explained that with a good image and the right type of touching up in photoshop you should be able to make a good image great, without causing distress to the viewer.  Goldilocks looked through his images and realised in an instant that this was exactly what she had been looking for, not too little black and whites and not too much over saturation and photoshop magic.

 The images looked alive without being over powering so she booked the photographer.

A long time after the wedding when she sat with her grandchildren looking through the record of her wedding (her album) she would often look back and be happy that she had taken the time to look at the different levels of photographers in her Kingdom.  As Goldilocks looked through the lasting record of her magical day she thought about her beloved prince charming and thanked the fact he had left the choice of photographer up to her so she could be happy ever after ......... the end.  

I was going to put a bit in about a wicked step uncle who had a nice camera and had said they would photograph the wedding for free (always a recipe for disaster), but I prefer my tales to finish with a happy ending rather than tears.


It's also worth mentioning that the couple in the images above are in fact Gemma and Paul who I had the honour of photographing recently.  Whilst their wonderfull day was it's own fairytale the above story is completely made up and the images are used only as a visual explanation.

Photographers are not terrorists!

Once again the humble photographer has been branded as a nuisance as he tries to take pictures.  Is it just me or do the Police use the "Prevention of Terrorism" law to enforce the "we don't like what you're doing so stop it" law.  For example who can forget the 82 year old gentleman ejected from the Labour conference for objecting about the Iraq war, he was arrested under the (guess what) Prevention of Terrorism act (you must see the video here).

I love the way the photographer in question, Jules Mattsson, kept his cool and forced the police who were trying to stop him taking photographs to back track, when they realised that they had no right to ask him to stop.  The urban myth of you have to have permission from their parents was used and he correctly told them that was not true (If it was the many city CCTV operators would have to ask the parents of any child in the town centres to sign forms).

The photographer, Jules Mattsson,  in the video is currently taking legal advise and will probably sue the police for stopping him carrying out his job (freelance photographer).  Photographers must really start pointing out to the Police that taking photographs of people in a public place is not illegal and no permission has to be sort.  You can read his story on his blog here.

New Born Baby Photography in Essex

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At the weekend I took the trip from Essex up to Nottingham where a brand new baby was awaiting her first photo shoot.  Nick, (my web designer at two little fishes) and his wife Tamsin proudly showed off their beautiful new baby girl and were joined by her proud grandparents.  

There's something so special about photographing new born babies, it's such a precious time for everyone involved, everything is new and exciting. The trick to great baby photographs is to photograph them as soon as possible, personally I believe the first two weeks are the golden time, of course each baby is different but, if you call me when you leave the hospital, i'll meet you at your house (it's that important).

  


Young Charlotte here was as good as gold and we got some real special images as you can see in the slideshow above, she even got in the world cup fever and cheered on England in her own cute way.  She'll never be this age again but there'll always be the photographs as a reminder of this very special time.  Many thanks to her loving mum, dad, nanny, grandad and of course to Charlotte herself for being such stunning models making the whole shoot so easy.

i-Phone problems

Recently my i-phone has started picking up a few problems when i've been running.  After some research i've found the solution (touch wood) and thought i'd post a blog entry so others who may have a similar problem can solve it.

The problem is when running all of a sudden the voice control cuts in which automatically cuts off anything you happen to be listening to and really annoying in my case, stops the map my run app from working.  It would appear that it's likely to be caused by sweat getting into the built in microphone in the cable.  This probably explains why up until recently (when we've started getting alot warmer) this hasn't been a problem.
 
luckily after googling the fault I came across this link, where apple acknowledges the problem and offers a replacement set of earpieces free ... i've just applied for mine so i'll see when the new set turn up if it solves the issue.

***UPDATE***

So I received my new earphones from Apple very quickly (couple of days) and for about a week they were great.  Unfortunately exactly the same problem re-emerged soon after (about 5 runs later). So I contacted Apple again and again they sent me another headset replacement.  However since then I went to the local pound shop and bought a set of ear phones (without a microphone) that I now use for running and keep the official apple headphones for non running use, airplanes, walking etc.

So although apple did well in their attempts to fix the problem by a speedy replacement scheme the earphones are simply not made for people who go runnning.  My advice, go to the pound shop and get a cheap earphone set but be aware you won't be able to answer calls with them.

Gemma and Pauls Wedding Blessing, Canvey Island

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This weekend was the hottest that the UK has seen for quite some time, and when the weathers good there's only one place anyone should be, the beach!

Having said that, there was the wedding blessing of Gemma and Paul that needed photographing but having photographed them earlier in the year on their free pre wed shoot I had an idea they were a fun couple that might be up for anything. The photography test drive had been in snow and the wedding blessing was in extreme heat so there really couldn't have been anything more different! (click here to see their pre wed photography test drive)

The day started at Paul's parents house where everyone was getting ready, as Paul and Gemma had married the week earlier in St. Lucia it was a very relaxed and fun environment with everyone mucking in with the preparation.

As you can see from the slideshow below it all went without a hitch and was a magnificent day enjoyed by all.  You can download this slideshow via i-tunes and have it on your i-phone / player by clicking here.

 

Having enjoyed the wedding blessing ceremony all the guests headed to a friends nearbye house where a marquee had been erected whilst, Paul, Gemma and I headed out to the beach.  When we arrived the tide was on it's way in meaning we had to work super fast in the small area of sand we had left.

 I must say Paul and Gemma were fantastic to work with and in some cases brave.  I find if the Bride and groom are willing to go with it and be brave it opens up all sorts of exciting possibilities when it comes to composition.   I even found enough of an excuse to go for a paddle whilst taking the pics and I was very tempted to go the whole hog and dive straight in, the water was so cooling.


It's a common mistake that people think bright sunshine is good and makes best wedding photography conditions.  In fact the complete opposite is true and harsh bright sunshine can cause all sorts of problems.
  
However a little bit of tactical positioning and knowledge meant we could use the sun to our advantage and capture some fun and dynamic shots.


All in all a fantastic day spent with lovely people.

Being a Granulocyte Donor

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So about a week ago a friend on facebook sent out an urgent message that someone who's son was seriously ill desperately needed donors from blood group A pos to give blood.  I new this was my blood group (being an ex-soldier) and rang the number on the message to see if I could assist in some way.  What followed was a short conversation with the young lads (Billy) mother who explained they were desperate for people who could give up some time and travel to Londons Kings College Hospital. 

I think at this stage I should say that I am no way a medical expert and my writings here are only my laymans terms understandings of what is happening and why, if anyone reading this need further information or has medical queries please seek advice from an expert.


Here's an explanation written by Billy's mother on the "Get well soon Billy" facebook page explaining his condition,
 
"on the 25th of January Billy was admitted to T12 NORTH at UCLH ... This is a teenage cancer trust ward and although billy does not have cancer he has a life threatening illness... The illness is called APLASTIC ANEMIA which he has severe... Aplastic anemia is a condition where bonemarrow does not produce sufficient new cells to replemish blood cells.. patients with it have lower counts in all 3 blood cells .. white, red and platelets.. BILLY HAS IT VERY SEVERE... he has had a course of ATG which we will find out soon if it has helped.. but in the mean time they are looking internationally for a bonemarrow donor and possibly another course of ATG.... he will need antibiotics, platelets transfusions and blood transfusions very often"

I haven't met young Billy yet, he's not really up for strange visitors, but an exception was made when JLS visited the hospital (see image below captured by the sun newspaper) although Billys dad told me when the new prime minister, David Cameron, visited Billy decided he wasn't of enough importance and as such didn't grant him an audience, lol.

So Billys mum passed on my details to the hospital and within an hour they had phoned and asked me to travel to London for a blood test the next day.  I travelled up at the appointed time (well I got a bit lost and was a little late) but they took the samples they needed and sent me on my way.  I have to be honest I didn't really know what I was getting myself into at this stage and I'm guessing there'll be a few people out there searching the web in the same boat which is part of the reason why I'm writing this blog post, to explain my point of view and perhaps answer some questions people may have.

The next morning I received another call from the hospital telling me I was in fact a match (I told them that, but I understand they had to confirm it) and could I come along tomorrow for more tests. 


So the next morning I found myself on the train again travelling back into London.  This time I had to go to Kings College Hospital at the Apheresis Unit, I arrived at the same time as two other people who I was later to find out were Billy's dad and one of his sisters who were there for the same reason I was.  The staff in the Apheresis unit are excellent, they talked through what the procedure would be and how it would all happen.  The basics are the blood would be taken from one arm and put into a machine that separates it into the various make up and they then extract the white blood cells (granulocytes) that fight infection.  The rest of the blood is then mixed up again and put back into the body via the other arm.  Having had all this explained it was a case of more blood being taken for screening (Hep B/C, HIV, HTLV, CMV, Syphilis etc) and a thorough medical including an ECG and blood pressure check.  The final thing was a private interview with a doctor who explained the procedure again and gave me the opportunity to ask any questions I may have.  It was explained that as long as everything was OK I would be given tablets to take and an injection to have the day before I was due to come in so my body would increase the amount of white blood cells it was producing.

Tuesday came and I got the call that I was needed on Wednesday and I should take the tablets and the injection.  Here's where I'm lucky in that my parents are both nurses so there was no hassle finding someone to administer the injection, although to be honest its something I could have done myself if needed. I hardly felt them at all (I had 2 because I'm a big guy) and I can honestly say it's nothing to worry about.


That evening I had some of the side effects they had warned me that were likely and they included a feeling in my lower back as if someone had put in a bicycle pump and given it a couple of pumps (that's how I can best describe it anyway) it wasn't at all painful but I was aware that it was different.  Apparently its caused by the bones working overtime creating all the extra white blood cells that were to be harvested the next day.  The other side effect I had was not being able to sleep, as the tablets were doing their thing.  To be honest neither were a major problem and as I write this blog entry 24 hours after taking them most of the effects have completely worn off.

So today was the day when the whole thing finally came together and my white blood cells would be harvested by the apheresis machine.  In no time (after more blood tests, blood pressure tests, temperature etc) I was made comfortable and a cannula (plastic needle) placed in each arm and connected to the various pipes.  The machine is switched on and for the next couple of hours I listened to my i-phone and read the newspaper.  I had hoped that I would be able to operate my laptop but it soon became obvious that wasn't going to be possible as the way the needle was in my right arm meant I couldn't really move it.  It's probably also worth mentioning that whilst a newspaper is just about doable I think I would have struggled to read a book because of the inability to do it one handed.

The process took around two hours and 15 minutes before I was finished on the machine a driver was waiting to whisk it away so they could give it to Billy immediately, which kind of impressed upon me how much it must have been needed.  After having been unplugged from the machine I was given another check over (more blood for tests, blood pressure and swabs) and a cup of tea.  I'm not sure when I'll be needed again but the likelihood is Monday I'm informed I can only do this a maximum of three times and everyone is hoping Billy's bone marrow operation is a success and he'll be able to start making his own white blood cells again.


Heroes and Zeroes

Heroes first, obviously Billy, I can't imagine how depressing it must be for a young guy (14) to be stuck in hospital feeling rough with continual blood tests and transfusions being given.  Keep smiling mate it won't be long before you're watching your beloved West Ham again.

Billy parents and family, for their continued support and love for the guy in trying circumstances.

The staff of the Apheresis Unit in King College hospital, a true bunch of professional and a pleasant bunch of people who couldn't do enough for me.

Joe Holland, who copied and posted the original facebook message on her wall alerting me to the fact I could do something to help.

and now the zeroes ...


The friends on facebook who didn't recopy and paste the message and in doing so reduced other peoples opportunities to help.  You personally may have been the wrong blood group or unable to help but someone you know may have been willing to, please remember this if another message comes up in the future.

The tape they use to hold the needles in place, it stings more than the needle does!

Photography Training Day - Phot Club!

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The first rule of Phot Club is, you talk about Phot Club!

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It's long been a bit of a thing with me that there are many people who want to improve their photography and I want to help in any way I can.  Too many photographers shun others trying to learn as if by sharing their knowledge and experience will somehow take it away from them.  I love my job and want others to share in the passion so a few months ago I decided to organise a one day portrait training course in Essex.  I was also very keen to keep the costs to anyone wishing to attend to an absolute minimum and I'm proud to say it was completely free.

I was really pleased that a merry bunch of photographers began to arrive from all corners of the UK.  Some had travelled many miles others from just around the corner but all came with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to learn.  There's something really special when a group of people gather who've never met each other but have a common theme that bonds the group.  The enthusiasm builds and in no time at all it's like they've been life long friends.

You can see some of the classroom work on the video below and don't forget you can subscribe to my videos as a podcast and watch them on your i-pods/phones by clicking here.

Unfortunately the video didn't show the slides very well but I think you'll get the basics of what we discussed by just hearing the commentary.

The day involved theory and discussion on various relevant subjects followed by practical outside in a varied and unusual choice of venues for photographs to be taken. 

If you think that one of these days may be beneficial for you then just join my facebook page (click like on the top left of this blog).  I'll add dates and locations of the next one there as soon as I've sorted out the date.

However be aware, if you do decide to come along then you have to abide by the phot club rules.  The first rule of phot club is, you talk about phot club.  In other words the information and knowledge you gain HAS to be shared.

I've seen loads of images the guys have uploaded from the day and I must say the standard is very high.   take a look on my facebook page (just click the like button at the top right of this page) to see some of them.

I'm really looking forward to the next one and I'm confident that the 20 photographers who attended the last one had a good time.

* Special thanks goes to Simon from Crooked Imaging for agreeing to co sponsor the day.  If you have any need of photography based goodies please check out his site by clicking here.  I strongly recommend the R-strap that he sells and wouldn't have a camera without one.

*Thanks to Ian Heyworth who's image of me and half of the gang in a field, I used at the top of this post.  Nice stuff.

Confessions of a Wedding Photographer

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Once upon a time in a land far far away (well not too far) a wedding photographer was deep in preparation for the days wedding.  He had prepared everything in advance the evening before, the batteries were charged the spare camera ready and the tripods packed.  Everything was in the car and the satellite navigation was set.  But something seemed wrong, he had that nagging feeling in the back of his mind.  The one that says you've forgotten something, he checked and rechecked the equipment and then decided whatever it was couldn't be that important.  As long as the cameras, flash guns and memory cards were all there anything else could be done without ....

So after a reasonably short drive the wedding photographer arrives at the brides house in plenty of time to capture the bride at home getting ready.  The sky had turned a little darker and it was starting to look like rain may be a possibility.  The photographer automatically started to check out the garden for a clean and dry area for the bride to stand for some outside shots.  It was at this stage he noticed his choice of footwear and a feeling of horror set in.  Instead of the highly polished black brogues (polished the evening before) on the end of his feet were a pair of blue fluffy house slippers.

To the photographer he felt like he had bright red flashing neon lights on his feet but Incredibly everyone at the house was so caught up in their own preparations no-one noticed.  The shoot went well and he managed to leave early gaining a vital 20 minutes before he was due to meet the groomsmen.  What followed was a mad dash to the nearest shoe shop and the quickest purchase of shoes known to man kind.

All in all disaster avoided, but a word of warning, breaking in new shoes at a wedding is best avoided.

Black Rapid Camera Strap

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About a year ago I first discovered the Black Rapid camera strap, it is one gadget that has undoubtedly made the way I work easier. I liked it so much I recently acquired another one.  Every time I use it other photographers ask me about it and where they can lay their hands on one, so I thought I'd do a short video review explaining my thoughts.

When I bought my original strap I had to import it from the States (where they are manufactured) which unfortunately for me attracted a hefty import charge that I wasn't expecting when it arrived in the post.  Happily a UK supplier (Crooked Imaging www.crookedimaging.co.uk ) has now taken up the mantle and is now solving this issue for UK based photographers and has some in stock.


If you're coming along to the free portrait training day on the 8th May (join the facebook group for full details just click like at the top right of this page) you'll be able to see me using the camera straps and make your own opinions.

The shots you never see

So last Sunday saw the opening weekend for the British American football league which has recently been renamed British American Football Association Community League (BAFACL).  As always whenever I get chance I travel with the Colchester Gladiators to cover the games.

it's inevitable when going through post production there's always those shots that never see the light of day, the ones that nobody (except me) ever sees.  Above is one of those shot's, I'd been tracking the player running with the ball towards the endzone and just as he approached the score line and a crunch tackle was about happen I panned straight into the goal post and captured the above image.  Oooops!

Over the years I've got hundreds of shots like this, maybe the ref sticks his arm up straight across the lens or a player runs in front and causes the autofocus to be confused.  At the end of the day it just comes down to trying to be in the right place at the right time and luck. 

What Camera Should I Buy?

It's probably the most asked question I get at weddings, in e-mails or texts from friends. It's never an easy answer to give but I thought I'd put my thoughts up here and hopefully it may give some kind of answer. As you can see from the above image (taken on my i-phone) I have this really bad habit of keeping hold of my cameras. I can't seem to allow myself to part with them, each body has it's own memories and when I look at them I'm reminded of special images that they have caught over the years. I just can't let any of them go.

As far as I (and most pro's) are concerned there are only two manufacturers anyone should look at, those being Nikon and Canon. Now before anyone gets upset and starts reading the small print about mega-pixels and the amount of widget bumps any of the other manufacturers offer let me explain my thinking. Nikon and canon have been the market leaders for longer than most can remember, a direct result of that is that they have the most users. Because they have the most users there is more equipment available both brand new and most importantly used. Take a look in any camera shop and see how much equipment the shop carries for Nikon and canon, then look for another manufacturer, Sony, Olympus, Penatx etc. As the famous saying goes, "buy right or buy twice".

So having narrowed it down to the two manufacturers (and if you're cool you'll pick Nikon) you now need to think about what the main use of your camera is likely to be and what your budget is. As I only use Nikon and have a small knowledge of their product range that's the manufacturer I'm going to suggest.

Film Camera (college / Purist) Nikon FM2 - something special about this camera, no widgets at all and completely manual, if you want to learn the basics this is a great camera to start with.  A true purists camera.

Basic Digital (occasional use) Nikon D 3000 - A great little camera that won't break the budget and has a really cool in built help to help new users to understand more about using digital SLR's.

Medium use (semi pro) Nikon D 90- I liked this camera so much I bought one!  Truth is as a pro photographer I wanted a great camera that I could carry to normal social type events without the weight and size of the pro bodies.  Added to that the HD video capture and incredible (and I mean INCREDIBLE) ability of this camera in low light, it has the same sensor as the next body up at almost half the price and has certainly earned its worth with me.

Once you step above the £1,000 mark you really are into a specialised market where each camera is geared towards individual markets (sport, portraiture, studio) and let's face it if you're spending that kind of money you're unlikely to need my advise.

Whatever your choice there's one thing you need to know. It doesn't matter how much money you spend or what equipment you have, cameras don't take great images, photographers do ( a lesson I learnt after using my first ever Hasselblad and seeing the results).  If you want to learn a little more about taking people pictures why not come along to the FREE portrait training day I'm organising on the 8th May, join my facebook page (click on the top right of this web page) to get the details.  I'm really looking forward to meeting so many people travelling from all over the UK for the fun.

Free Photography Training Day in Essex

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I was doing a bit of back reading on my blog the other day and I realised it's been a while since I've run one of my lifestyle portrait training days. I love holding these days and to me one of the best parts has always been seeing the theory put into practise by the people who came. However there's always been a drawback in that previously I've charged for this service which I realise has restricted some peoples abilities to attend. This saddens me as I've always loved sharing my techniques and encouraging others to go for it when taking pictures.

However things have changed! I'm super excited to write about this today on my blog as I've just finished putting the final pieces together that makes it possible to hold this event at no charge. A major reason behind that fact is the day has been sponsored by Crooked imaging. Those that know me know that I'm pretty careful about who I do business with and who I allow myself to be associated with, have no doubt I only promote products and businesses who I have a firm belief in. Crooked imaging is an on-line photography accessory website that provides an excellent service providing often hard to get widgets for the UK market. Please before you buy anything for your photography needs check out the website here www.crookedimaging.co.uk . Simon who runs the site has an excellent knowledge of his products and provides an excellent reference when you're looking for something that will make your life that little bit easier. Those that are coming on the 8th May (join my facebook group for full details) will be able to meet him and see he's a genuine guy.

Those people that have already joined my facebook page (click on the fanpage link on the right) will know for the last couple of weeks I've been organising the FREE training day for anyone who wants to come. It's something I'm super excited about and I feel sure it's going to be the start of something really big. If things go well I've got thoughts of making it a regular event and I'm determined to keep it free (or as close as it can be) to ensure anyone who wants to come along can do.

The full details of the first free portrait training day are on the facebook page here join the group and add yourself to the event (on the left of the page) so I know who's coming. There's no catch and I promise I won't try and convert you to any strange or weird religious cults.

I'm really looking forward to meeting you.

Run Phot-Boy Run

So about a year ago I took a look at myself and didn't like too much of what I saw. Too many hours in front of a computer after having a physical life previously had taken its toll. So I set out to do something about it. With a new pair of trainers I set about a regular running routine of 5 runs a week (taking weekends off). When I first started it was a little over 3 miles (walk run ... mostly walking if I'm honest). I'm now up to 7.5 miles a day and it's taking the same amount of time!

Over the weeks/ months the pace has got faster the distance further and the weight less. There's been highs and lows which have included weight loss, weight gain, injuries and bad weather but every day (barring injury) the miles have been clocking up till I reached a significant goal yesterday.

Yesterday I passed the 1,000 mile mark since I started using the map my run website. This website has been even easier to use since i got my i-phone and downloaded their free app. Without going into a total love fest what it does is track your route and time then uploads it to the website so you have a permanent record over the weeks/months/years of your achievements. It also gives you in run information i.e how many miles you've covered how long you've run for etc all whilst listening to your music, or if you're like me whatever book you're into.

But the best thing is I haven't changed my diet at all. I still treat myself occasionally to fish and chips and my fair amount of Guinness.

I'm still a long way from where I want/need to be but the miles are clocking up. Seriously thinking about a half marathon this year and who knows maybe next year .......

**OFFICIAL DISCLAIMER** What I call running when compared to the rest of the world may not be the same thing, but it works for me :-)

EDIT, I've been asked to let you know the software I use here's the link to the running I-Phone app
Here's the web page you'll need an account on to use it properly (its also free)

Camera Settings For Photographing Wildlife

Pin It Occasionally I like to try something different in my photography so when recently I read through my Nikon camera manual and noticed the wildlife settings I decided to head to a local park and see what results I could get. I always read the manuals of my cameras from cover to cover as there's always new ways of doing things added regularly.

I had some success using the manufacturers wildlife settings and the adjusted noise of the shutter (see the video) works surprisingly well. I strongly suggest you dig out your manuals and see what secrets the camera holds. Have fun!

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Tony and Donnas Wedding, The Old Hall Hotel, Buxton, Derbyshire

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Congratulations to Tony and Donna on their fantastic wedding that was held at the Old Hall Hotel in Buxton, Derbyshire. I'm led to believe that the hotel is in fact the oldest in England and has had many guests of note in the past including royalty.


The day was made even more special by four of the cutest bridesmaids on the planet who never complained, and had so much fun (even when it was cold outside).

You can see some more of their images by clicking on the slideshow below. It can also be downloaded via i-tunes by clicking here.

An eye for details

I don't think it's an accident that the majority of photographers I know have an eye for details.

It's like a sixth sense where we can spot things out of the ordinary, things that may make or break an image. For some reason today whilst I was in town I was drawn to the local petshop window, I don't even have a pet but the old sixth sense or spidy sense kicked in. Any way long story short this is the poster that I saw ..... I wonder how many others didn't see it.

But in all seriousness I guess it's a knack built out of the desire to not spend hours in photoshop removing crisp packets or people from backgrounds. It's so much easier to ask people to move than to try and photoshop them out of an image .... or it used to be, I saw a sneak peak of the next photoshop thats due in April today and that looks a mighty powerful tool. I'm guessing that's an upgrade I may not need too much talking into buying.

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Wedding First Dance Music

Pin It Recently I was chatting to a soon to be bride, during our conversation we got onto the subject of the first dance. The problem she was having was in finding the right music that both her and her fiancée could agree on. As I've probably got more experience than most I thought it might be useful if i put together a list of songs I'd heard and liked over the years.

I haven't put them in any order and like all things they are completely down to personal taste but it might be a start and I'm always looking to try and reduce any stress from my couples wedding days that I can. If you click on the link it will take you to the tune on you tube (as long as they haven't been removed).

1. What a difference a day makes - Jamie Cullum
2. It had to be you - Harry Connick jnr
3. The wonder of You - Elvis Presley
4. Unchained melody - Righteous Brothers
5. True - Spandau Ballet
6. From this moment - Shania Twain
7. You're the best thing - Style council
8. Have I told you lately -
9. Evergreen - Will Young
10. Don't wanna miss a thing - Aerosmith
11. Can't take my eyes of you - Andy Williams
12. You had me from hello - Bon Jovi
13. Beautiful - Christinal Aguilaera
14. If you're not the one - Daniel Bedingfiled
15. Hero - Enrique Iglesias
16. You are so beautiful - Joe Cocker
17. Perfect moment - Martine McCutcheon
18. The first time - Celine Dion

and this is my current ring tone :-)

Hope this has been of help.

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