Slideshow of the last Photography Training Day

I've just finished putting together a slideshow showing some of the images taken from the last lifestyle photography training day in October. The images in the show were taken by either Doug Toni or me. Just click on the highlighted word to load the show.

Anyone interested in the next date for the portrait training day (Sunday 4th March 2007) should drop me an email to martin@martinwilmottphotography.com and i'll be glad to forward the details onto you.

Motor Cycle Show Birmingham

Yesterday I was lucky enough to be offered a VIP ticket to the Motor Cycle and scooter show at the NEC in Birmingham.

It was a terrific day with stacks to see and loads going on. Many thanks must go to Yamaha for the excellant food they put on on the VIP area, very much appreciated.

Now to own up. I'm not particularly into bikes and at times was having conversations with some big names in the racing world without realising it. You can see some more images of the motor cylce show by clicking here (perhaps you can tell me who some of them are).

All in all a great day out and if anyone was thinking of going I highly reccomend it although it may be alittle busier when its open to the public.

Subscribing to my blog

A couple of days ago I received an e mail from someone who pointed out to me that they had tried on several occasions to sign up to have my blog sent via e mail and it had failed on several occasions.

After investigating and trying everything I could, I couldn't get the subscription service to work. There was no contact or useable help with the last company so I have decide to try a differant company. If you do attempt to sign up and it doesn't appear to have worked please do let me know and I can try and sort it out straight away.

I have no idea how long the last one hasn't been working for, but all those people who had signed up will still recieve this blog via email. This new company seems straight forward so hopefully there shouldn't be any problems .......... just add your e mail address in the box on the right. Oh and your details are sacred and will never be passed on to anyone else.

Wedding photography

I saw this and it made me grin. I guess i'm not the only person who gets this happening to them.

Portrait Training Day Next Date Announced

Just a really quick note as I've already received a few e mails from people who couldn't make the last training day. So for those people (and anyone who wants to come back again) the next "Day of Discovery" where you can learn the tricks of great lifestyle portraits will be on the 4th March 2007.

There are also some other plans in the pipeline that those of you who came last weekend will know a little about so keep your eyes peeled to this blog. As soon as possible an anouncement will be made but pencil the 23rd and 24th April into your diaries and keep that date clear.

Be aware this could just about change your life forever!

Feedback From The Portrait Training Day

I have received some really great e-mails over the last few daysand i thought I'd share a few of them. This is a snippet of one sent by Karen Petry who attended the Lifestyle Portrait Training Day at the weekend. Karens a real star in the making she had travelled down to be with us in Essex from Carlisle (our second furthest travelled attendant Keith Bott flew over from Germany). Any way here's what she had to say ....


Apologies for the delay in sending you email. I would just like to thank Doug, Toni, Viv and yourself for the truly fantastic day on Sunday.

It was a real pleasure to meet you all and i thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the day. It was 2.30 am when I eventually walked through my front door on Monday!! I had to stop off on route and sleep for 3 hours in a service station car park!! (it was well worth it though!!)"

Here's a comment from Anthony Phillips who also has a great look on life and will no doubt succeed ......

Hi Martin
Just a quick line about Sunday. Really enjoyed the day, I have already started to put your methods into action. I now have the confidence to photograph families and children, to a high standard. Thanx very much.

Don't leave it to long for your next training day"

Davide Palisciano sent me a dvd of images he had taken on the day which were completely outstanding, here's some of his comments ....

" First of all can i thank you for an enjoyable and educational day. It's hard to quantify how much one has learnt, however if all i gained was more confidence in my own ability thats priceless.

I took around 300 shots! That says it all. I have narrowed them down to about 40 I like, that is subjective. I will send you a copy in the post.

As a relative newcomer to photography other than family, I thouroughly enjoyed it. Please pass on my thanks to Doug and toni. Dougs enthusiasm is infectious and you can see the passion that drives him.

I would again like to thank you for your patience and obvious understanding that there are a lot of people about who just need to be nudged into the right direction and off they go.

If there is a follow up course keep us informed.

Adrian Smith is already running a succesfull photography business and came to our portrait training day looking for a differant approach, here's what he had to say .....

Hi Martin

Just a quick note to say thank you for a great day yesterday.

I have been through my images and i am delighted with lots of them - also learnt an enourmous amount from the failed images about me and my cameras capabilities. Need a faster lens too much camera shake on some images!

I have no doubt that yesterdays course will help me raise my business to the next level.

Please pass on my thanks top Doug, Toni, Viv and of course the brave families that modelled for us"

Catherine Thomson wrote

Thank you

I had a great time, i think you made a great job of engaging a very diverse audience with the obvious enthusiasm and undoubted skill you are both abundant in.

I was impressed with that last presentation of images, it so splendidly sealed the day and the music was a great touch.

Thanks once again

Catherine.

Lifestyle Portrait Training Day Part 2

Just a quick note to mention some of the excellant images the people from the photography training course that Doug and I ran this weekend have started sending. The couple i've put on here were taken by Catherine Thompson. Great job Catherine you should be extremely proud of the results you have achieved here.

It was a real pleasure meeting with everyone on the course and I know it's not the last time alot of us will meet. I truely expect to be reading about some of you in various magazines in the near future.

After the course finished Myself Doug Toni and Viv discussed when we could do it again and decided the next one day course will be in March so keep your eyes peeled. Also another thing we discussed was a longer more in depth course over two days ..... we are in the very early planning stages for this but keep your eyes peeled as we will be announcing dates very soon.

As soon as the pieces are in place i'll anounce it on here and my portrait website also everyone who has signed up for my free photography tips via e mail from my lifestyle photography web site will also be informed as soon as we are ready to make the announcement. You can sign up for the free tips about lifestyle photography by going to the tips section and adding your email adress. if you have a problem signing up drop me an email to martin@martinwilmottphotography.com and i'll add you manually.


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Lifestyle Portrait Training Day part1

Yesterday was a FANTASTIC day. It was great fun meeting with everyone who came along for an insight into the way Doug and I work.

I know from the e mails I have already received you all had a great day too. I've added a couple of images and will add some more as I organise them and when the people who attended the course send them in including a slideshow.

Check out the top image of Doug getting attacked by one of our fantastic younger models ... can there be any doubt that the tricks we discussed and practised yesterday work?

It was a truely great day yesterday and I would like to thank you all for coming and sharing your time with us and also a big thankyou to our fantastic models throughout the day who were all incredible!! I can't wait to see some of the images you guys send.

Lifestyle Photographer Lifestyle Photography Professional Photographer Photography Training

Sandisk Memory Cards

This arrived in the post this morning so I now have a little more capability when shooting with my new D2x. Aparently this is the new extreme 4 version that reads at up to 40mb a second.

Sandisk have also just announced a 16 gig memory card ... now that's huge. Whilst we're on the subject of memory cards i must warn everyone to never buy any cards from ebay.

I have received e mails from several people who at first think they are getting massive savings only for the memory cards to give up working halfway through a job with all the information being lost. A large price to pay for saving money! Here's the link to the details from e-bay in case you think you may have bought some of the fake memory cards.

Looking forward to meeting with everyone traveling to the lifestyle portrait photography training day this Sunday.


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My New Nikon

Ok so i've moved to the dark side of photography!! About time I hear you say. Lets first say that in a way its something that has been half forced onto me and i'm not sure yet it has been the right move. Only time will tell. For the time being my F5 and other film cameras will still feaure heavily in my work.

So why change? Well part of the reason is the upcoming training course this Sunday. On previous courses i've always hired a D2x so students can see the images taken on the day. This time I decided the fact that the D2x has been out a while and the D2xs has just been launched there was a high chance of picking up a good second hand body for a fair price. So I check out e bay and sitting there was a Nikon D2x being sold by someone in Colchester (30 mins drive from me). To make a long story short, I bid and win, then drive out and inspect the camera, perfect condition exactly what i'm looking for so payment was made ... job done.

So far I haven't used it in actual work but a couple of things i've discovered from playing, the screen protector (see image) is pathetic. I have no doubt it pops off as soon as the camera is slung around someones kneck to be lost or trodden on. Also when will Nikon make the flash synch cover attach to the camera body!! I have lost count of the amount of those annoying little covers I have lost after using a flash synch lead.

I have no doubt the D2x is a great camera, but for me it's too early to judge. It has a hard act to follow as I believe the F5 is probably the best 35mm camera ever made ....... the jurys out.

On anopther note I had a long chat with Doug earlier re: the training day this Sunday, It's going to be great and i'm looking forward to meeting everyone who's coming. If you want to check out the details of the training day check out my lifestyle portrait website under the tips section (look for training). i'll add a few pics of the day on here after the weekend.


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Wedding Photographs Sharon & Adam

At the start of the month I was honoured to be asked to photograph Sharon & Adams wedding that took place at the Essex Golf and Country Club. It's not a venue i've worked at before but everything went smoothly and a good time was had by all.

You can see a few of the wedding photographs in a slideshow by clicking here. The weather just about managed to hold out and give us enough time before the heavens opened.

The shot on the left here is amongst my favourites for the day although i did have a bit of trouble convincing Sharon to trust me and it would look good. I was realy pleased with it, I don't think I would have had been forgiven if it had looked wrong!

On another note the lifestyle photographic training day is getting near is maximum number of delegates and i can't wait to meet up with everyone who's coming and share some ideas and tricks. I'm meeting up with Doug tommorow to have a run through and ensure everythings going to plan. If you wanted to come on the day you can still book but be quick the details can be found on my portrait photography website just look under the tips section, or just give me a call on 01376 567995 and i'll talk you through it.


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Brit Bowl 20

This Sunday was the British American football finals held at Don Valley stadium in Sheffield. I went up on the Sunday to watch the Divison 2 and 1 finals. I must say the whole day was fantastic, and very professional a real showpiece and advert for the sport in this country. A long time ago i was lucky to go to the superbowl in Atlanta and whilst the BAFL have a way to go in catching the NFL in showmanship they can truely hold there heads up high.

Both games were excellent, finishing very close with The Oxford Saints beating the West coast Trojans in the Div 2 final and the London Olympians beating the London Blitz for the Britbowl trophy.

The picture here is of Antonio Fargas who most people will know as Huggy Bear from Starsky and Hutch although he was also recently in, I'm a celebrity get me out of here. Apparently his son plays for the Raiders in the NFL. He was sitting two seats in fromt of me for the Div 1 game and was introduced to the crowd at half time. Aplogies for the picture quality as it was taken on my new phone, not too bad for a phone but not up to work standards.


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My New Digital Camera

So after the last 3 months of my mobile phone playing up so no-one can hear me when i talk i decided it was time to have a face off with 02 and demand a new phone (i've had the same number for 12 years).

I pluck up all my, I'm not going to take any nonsence attitude and make the phone call explaining how in my opinion i deserved a new phone at no charge. After talking continually and putting across my arguement the guy on the other end of the phone says ..... ok i have the choice of these three phones you could have. The one I chose is on the left here, the guy on the other end of the phone tells me it has a 2 megapixel camera, and thats a big deal (his words not mine). Having played a little I don't think i'll be retiring the Hasselblads and Nikons just yet.

On a slightly more serious note it's true that camera manufacturers have noticed a massive drop in compact camera sales as everyman and his dog now has a perfectly good camera on there phone. No wonder the smaller camera manufacturers have started to go bust.

Changing the subject the numbers for the lifestyle portrait photographic training day on the 8th October are going great. I'm really looking forward to meeting up with everyone and sharing some special images. if you're interested in this course check out my site and look for the lifestyle portrait training under the tips section.


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Lifestyle Photography Training Day

The last week has been a planning week getting ready for the lifestyle portrait training day i'm due to host on the 8th October in Chelmsford. Already the numbers are filling up and I can hardly wait to meet up with and share some ideas and methods in order to help others get great images.

There's so much to organise but thats part of what makes it so much fun. Seeing the day slowly coming together speaking to the attendees on the phone. I find it incredibly encouraging (and a real compliment) when I realise how far some people are willing to travel to come on these days, spending many hours on the road and this time we even have someone flying in from Germany (hi Keith looking forward to meeting you in the flesh).

I so look forward to these days, it such a pleasure to meet up with you all and chat during the coffee breaks as well as answer all the questions you have (when i can). If you're at all interested in attending you can find the detailsd on my site under the tips section, look for photography training. Just drop me an email or ring if you prefer and i'll let you know what the day involves. I'd love to meet you and hopefully show you some of the tricks to getting the natural style of images that I love.

If you wanted an idea of the style of images we will be capturing check out this slideshow that gives a little more information about the day (make sure your speakers are on it has sound).

Speak to you soon.



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American football season is over!

Damn!! I was just starting to get into the British American Football scene and the Gladiators go and get knocked out in the wild card playoffs by the Norwich Devils.

In fairness Norwich were by far the better prepared team and took Colchester out of the game by half time.

My images from the Colchester Gladiators v Norwich Devils can be found by clicking here. I may go to the finals at Don Valley Stadium at the end of September but other than that its eight months till the season starts again.

On the work front the wedding season is starting to slow to normal levels again. As soon as a get chance (and permission) i'll load some more slideshows. Last night I was working at the Savoy in London. The venue and staff were exemplory as always but parking was awfull. When i get chance i'll put some images up.


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Christening Photographs

Another of the joys of this wonderfull career I have found myself in is the way that every single day is differant. Like most people I've had several jobs before i finally found my true vocation in life. The worst thing i found with all of those jobs was after about two years they began to get very repetative.

Luckily now i've found every single job makes every day differant, normally in differant parts of the country and occasionally differant countries altogether.

Recently I was commisioned to photograph a Christening very close to my home town. Believe it or not this is highly unusual for me. Most of my work is either in the London area or sometimes further afield so this was a real benefit.

You can see a few of my christening photographs by clicking here. I hope I achieved my aim of exceeding the customers expectations. Does life get any better? People paying you to do something you love doing .... Fantastic!!

If you're interested in photography you may be interested in my free online tips available from my lifestyle photography site. Just go to the tips section and fill in the form. you'll be joining about another 1,000 people who all regul;arl;y receive the tips and get this no cost!! If i can help other people have fun and improve their photographs, I see that as payment.


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Photographers are coming back to film

Shock gasp, here's a write up from a magazine about how professional photographers are turning away from digital cameras back to film ...... I never went away!!

Many photographers are returning to film for medium and large format prints, claims mail-order lab Peak Imaging which has recently upgraded its film processing equipment.
Peak Imaging's managing director Wayne Gledhill told us this morning: 'They are returning to medium and large format film because of the size of print they can get, while retaining quality (20x16in and above). Many fine art, product and landscape photographers are showing signs of preference toward film.' He claimed that many photographers are returning to 120 and 5x4in film for larger format prints.
'Recent upgrades in wet processing equipment have also confirmed Peak's future commitment to the processing of E-6, C-41 and black & white film,' he continued.

How can this be a suprise to anyone who has ever shot film and digital on the same job? Don't get me wrong digital has its place for something that is needed immediately (press for example) but don't try and tell me digital and film are the same quality ...... in another 12 months maybe but not yet.

Colchester Gladiators beaten by Norwich Devils

O.K. so maybe it had to happen. An extremely confident Colchester Gladiators, who were newly crowned champions of Division 2 East went to play their final game of the regular season in Norwich on Sunday.

What started as a brilliant game for Colchester slowly began to fall apart just before half time. Silly mistaked and a no nonsense reffing team caused alot of wasted yardage.

The Norwich Devils put on a great show and proved they are a force to be reckoned with now the play offs are around the corner. This loss means the Colchester Gladiators now have to play another home game (27th August), for there right to play in the next round.

The pictures form the Colchester Gladiators @ Norwich Devils game can be viewed here

For details of the wildcard game on the 27th August check out the Gladiators website here www.colchestergladiators.com. Why not dust of your camera and come and cheer the team on!!

Apologies for allowing a week to go by without updating the blog. I've got a ton of stuff (slideshows etc) to add but i'm waiting to show the clients and get their permission before i put a live link to them for you all to see.


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Plasterers Hall London

Just a quick entry today on the count that I'm pretty tired due to not getting back till gone 1 am last night. The wedding yesterday was at a new venue for me. Its called the plaisterers (yes it is spelt correctly) hall and is located at 1 London Wall in the city.

Completely stunning venue and to top it all an NCP carpark within walking distance ..... do wedding venues get any better?

Seriously though car parking in central London can be a complete knightmare and not having the threat of having your car towed away is a real advantage in my eyes.

On another note the Colchester Gladiators won on Sunday which makes them the Divisional Champions. One more game (this Sunday) at the Norwich devils and then it's play off time. Keep up to date with the Colchester Gladiators here.

Colchester Gladiators v East Midland Saxons (home win)

July 30th saw the return match of the East Midland saxons coming to broad Lane stadium in Wivenhoe to take on the Colchester Gladiators. Just like the previous game it came right down to the wire with the Gladiators managing to hold out in the dieing seconds to gain another win. This means the Gladiators progress to the play offs and are now playing to get homefield advantage. This is a realy important factor as the games start to get further away and the Gladiators home crowd can kick up a noise to wake the dead.

My images from the Gladiators v Saxons are here.

For once I actually appeared in a photograph (as shown here) many thanks to Allen Jackson. Although I was a little busy shooting I did manage to have a quick chat with him. He told me it was his first time shooting American Football and from what I have seen he did a great job. The gladiators next home is this Sunday but unfortunately due to work commitments (wedding) i won't be there but you could be ..... check out the Gladiators website here for timings etc.


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