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.
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 :-)
Pin ItOccasionally 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!
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).
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.
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).
A few weeks back I had the honour of recording young Jacobs Barmitvah, well at least the practise run anyway. The actual ceremony takes place on the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) and as it is a day of rest and a religious ceremony no-one is allowed to work.
Jacob had learnt his Hebrew well and read through his readings with very little trouble, overwatched by his father and grandfather. I hear the actual ceremony (a few weeks later) went completely without a hitch making his whole family extremely proud.
Of course having successfully been bartmitzvahed there is only one thing to do and that's have a massive party so friends and family can join in the celebration.The chosen venue for the party was Dyram Park Country Club, all in all a very nice venue and with very easy access just of the A1 (a photographers dream).
I absolutely love learning of other traditions and religions. I feel the more you learn the less there is to fear. I have always found with any Jewish work I do whether it's weddings or Barmitzvahs the parties are always legendary and great fun! Congratulations Jacob, I hope you had as much fun as I did in capturing it!
Pin It This weekend I headed over to Peldon near Colchester where I was due to meet up with Hannah and Dylan at Hanna's parents house. it was great to meet up after we had spoken a few times on the phone and could finally put a face to a name. We sat and discussed their plans for the day then set off to capture some images. If you watch the slideshow below I think you'll see the fun we had, I don't think Hannah stopped smiling all afternoon, even when wading through the sludge and mud. I thought the shots came out great, hope you enjoy them. You can download this slide show (and any of the others on this blog) from i-tunes by clicking here. You can then add them to your i-phone or video i-player etc.
Another year and it was time to take the long trip to the midlands to check out what was hot (and what was not) for the world of photography for the next twelve months. For those that have never been, Focus on Imaging is held at the NEC and is the largest annual imaging show in Europe.
It carries knowledge and equipment from the initial capture through to editing and output. Whilst many of the same old faces were there I always try and seek out the smaller individual companies. It's these small companies that sometimes have new ideas and products that I crave over.
So what was new? In truth not a lot, a few little ideas here and there. When I first started visiting Focus there were several large stands all selling dark room equipment with huge enlargers and chemicals a plenty. I honestly don't think there were any at all this year. A sign of the times but at the same time a little sad.
However the one thing that will never change and always raises a smile are the hobby photographers that insist on having as many camera bodies strung around their throat as they can possibly carry. Not only that but they have as many extras bolted to the bodies as they can afford, and are normally dressed in enough webbing straps that they wouldn't look out of place at the start of an Army assault course. I've yet to see a herd of wilder beast come streaming through the NEC weaving between the stalls but rest assured should this happen the hobby guys will be there to get the shot, they'll probably miss it mind you but at least they'll look the part (or they think they will).
If you haven't gathered It is considered by most pros as highly uncool to be seen with a camera at the show (hence the photographs taken on my phone). I don't go to photograph anything, I go to enquire and try new equipment and talk to suppliers.
Another thing that struck me is the amount of photoshop lectures going on, all very interesting but I kind of got the idea many of the instructors were there to show how good they were (or the software they were selling). I remember hearing one guy rip into a photographer because he shot in jpg rather than raw, he went on a long explanation of how raw is so much better because it can capture more levels of light and help to recover blown highlights, the guy simply said why have the highlights been blown? Again the instructor went into the explanation that not every shot is perfect and raw files could recover more than jpg, to which the guys answer was, why not shoot film then? The instructor gave up ...lol. moral of the story is do what you like and if you're happy with the results don't worry what the pipe smoking men with beards say.
In all it was a good show and I bumped into a few old friends including Catherine Connor (see pic) from Contemporary Photographic Training. Catherine is the engine behind the famous Annabel Williams training course in the peak district and has helped launch many photography businesses throughout the UK (including mine).They run some really excellent courses up there and it's been a little too long since i've been on a visit. Perhaps, i'll check out what seminars they are running this year.
Of course focus saw me leaving with another Nikon camera body and a hole in my pocket .... let's hope this weekend shoot goes well to pay for some of it.
I have to say some of the judges comments are just wrong. A good photographer would be able to get a good image regardless of what camera they are using and how much it costs. I mean does anyone believe all Ferrari owners are good drivers?
So if you can't judge a book by it's cover what should a couple do? Well in most cases it's a case of asking friends who they would recommend. The problem with that is of course they only had the experience of one photographer on their day so what makes them the expert?
The answer for me is a test drive. Any bride who calls me (e-mail etc) will know the very first thing I do is offer a free pre wed shoot, no strings attached. Once they've seen the pictures then we can they will know exactly what they will be getting for their day.
If they're happy with the pictures we can then move on with arranging their day. Peace of mind for all involved. I really love my job and I want to remove as many worries from the couple prior to the day as possible .... haven't they got enough to worry about?
Don't believe me .... call my bluff 01376 567 995, It'll be one less thing to keep you awake at night. Of course if you live more than an hours drive from me travel costs will apply.
Pin ItLast weekend I met up with Naomi and James to carry out a pre wed shot, which is something I offer as a test drive. I feel it's important to get to know my clients and for them to get to know me and what to expect on their big day. It's a great icebreaker and a learning experience for all involved.
Pin ItTony and Donna are due to be married in March, so I took a trip up to Chesterfield in Derbyshire so we could have a chat about their day and at the same time have a test run in front of the camera. Whilst the weather wasn't the best (very wet) it didn't stop us having fun, check out the slideshow below to see the pics. You can download the slideshow from i-tunes and add it to an i-phone or i pod by clicking here.
I'm really looking forward to shooting their day, it's gonna be great.
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This Sunday was one of the snowiest days I've ever seen in England, I honestly don't remember snow like this for this long so early in the year. Being an Essex wedding photographer the weather is not normally this exciting so I was really pleased to be shooting in a different environment.
I travelled down to meet Gemma and Paul who had contacted me recently after being recommended from one of last years weddings. Gemma and Paul are planning to get married in St Lucia this year and will have a wedding blessing in the UK on their return. As always when they got in touch I offered a free shoot so they could experience and see first hand my style. You can see their images in a short slide show below. You can also download it free from i-tunes by clicking here. You can then add it to an i-phone or i-player.
If your getting married this year and are considering a photographer, take me up on the free engagement shoot offer .... be quick the diary is filling up and when i get too busy the offer will end. Tel 01376 567995
Pin It About a week ago I received and e-mail enquiry from a lady in San Francisco enquiring if it would be possible for me to photograph her mother who lives just outside Milton Keynes in a small village called Stony Stratford.
I love the way that my style of photography doesn't keep me chained to a studio meaning I can jump in my car and travel to my clients allowing me to capture them in their natural environment.
I really enjoyed meeting Julie and over coffee we chatted and Julie showed me a collection of family photographs and filled me in on parts of her history.
There were so many treasured memories wrapped up in photographs giving a permanent reminder to moments in time, docmenting children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The shoot happened to coincide with a very heavy snowfall the night before. As a result we decided the best approach would be to work inside (where it's warm) and only ventured into the garden for a few pictures.
Luckily for my journey home the roads were all clear and the journey which was supposed to take two hours (according to google) actually took two hours. I think many people had decided to stay at home which made traffic light, i guess they just don't love their jobs like me .....
Pin ItLast week I had the honour of being asked to photograph Lisa and Ian's wedding blessing in Chigwell. Being that it was Christmas just made it even more special, luckily the snow had held off and we even managed to get a rainbow in some of the shots. Click below to see some of their images from their truly magnificent day.
You can also download this video through i-tunes (then add it to your i-phone or i player) by clicking here i-tunes download.
Christmas is all about the kids and I'm lucky enough to have two great young god children who their Dad was kind enough to bring round the other day. You could literally see the pleasure in their eyes as the day gets nearer, purely magical.
Whilst they were here they decorated some special Christmas Biscuits two of which now have pride of place on the Christmas tree. Take a look at this short video showing some of the fun we had. We also ventured outside for a while but the snow meant we didn't stay out too long.
On another thought I've just about finished driving around delivering various photography type gifts ordered by my clients. It's amusing meeting in lay-byes, distant pubs and work locations as couples try and keep their gift ideas secret from each other. This year I had the fun of meeting a husband in one location and his wife in another location (an hour later), neither of them new about the others idea and I was sworn to secrecy by both of them. I guess it shows they both loved the pictures we took earlier in the year.
A few days ago my blackberry decided the little ball used to navigate around the menus would no longer work. This caused me problems and rendered my phone unable to carry out anything but making and receiving calls. 3 years ago that would have been all I would have wanted but having been spoiled with instant access to e-mails, and my diary plus a limited web access (about as good as dial up) all of a sudden it was like I'd lost an arm.
So a phone call to my supplier shows that I'm due for a free upgrade. I'd heard the hype of the new i-phone and had a play on one in America last year which I must say impressed me so when it was offered I took it up.
What makes this so much better than anything else I'm aware of is its ability (much like a PC) to download software and personalise it. For example one of my favourite apps i've discovered is imapmyrun. The basics are you press start when you run the phone then logs your route using its built in GPS you press stop when you finish. The i-phone shows you your route tells you how far and fast you've gone and adds any hills etc to its calculations. Not happy with that it then uploads the information to a website (if you choose) where you can track your training efforts over the months. The cost for this .... zero, the app and web site is all free, of course you can upgrade if you wish but if your happy with the basic package (like me) it's fantastic.
Another great trick is it's ability to connect to the net either via 3g or if you're in a wireless network area you get the full broadband effect. Watching TV live (including sky sports) or the various catch up videos all on your phone. Not to mention listening to any radio station in the world (handy if you want to know American Football scores and you live in England).
There are thousands of apps available that suit any hobbies (bird watching, football scores, learn languages etc) and many of them are free. Whilst on my run I tend to listen to books I would like to read but haven't been able to find the time previously, currently I'm listening to this one, which surprise surprise is also free.
Has the i-phone changed my life for the better? Very much so, now all I need is for people to advise me on some of the best apps, don't be shy.
Is there anything more annoying in life than an intermittent fault? You know the sort of thing, like the car that only starts when it feels like it but behaves perfectly every time it's taken anywhere near a garage.
On the wedding last weekend one of my flashes decided to work to rule. I'm sure anyone who takes pictures will realise that the timing of an image is a vital aspect when capturing real moments in time. The last thing a photographer needs is that nagging thought of, is the camera going to fire when I push the button. Of course I try and plan for every eventuality and is one of the reasons I carry so much equipment on a wedding. My car is heavily loaded with up to 5 cameras and three separate flashes, not including spare tripods and studio lighting etc. The majority of the equipment never sees the light of day and stays securely in the boot but the thought of it being there just makes the nerves settle that much easier.
So having successfully substituted the faulty kit and finished the job it was time to inspect the camera and flash for anything obvious. It became apparent that a trip to the repair shop was in order. A trip into Central London (Oh Joy) to Fixation and quick chat with the repair team sees me leaving my camera/flash with them to investigate and report. Fixation are authorised Nikon and Canon (apparently some people use Canon) repairers and also have a thriving hire and sales section. It's interesting to spend half an hour or so just looking at the various equipment they have on display. I must admit I was very tempted by the roller style camera bags, perfect for those long haul flights and a really cool solar panel for running a laptop ... hmmmm.
A couple of days later a phonecall tells me the camera is ready, the culprit being the hotshoe, I had guessed this to be the case and was pleased when my theory was confirmed. I had feared a chase the fault exercise, where everything that can be replaced is replaced in an effort to find a fault (I used to work in the motor trade). I've tested it several times and all seems in order. The true test will be this weekend at a Bar mitzvar i'm shooting, The backups are all on charge just in case.
So all in all I'm very pleased with the service ... just wish they weren't in the city.
Pin ItThis Sunday I had the honour of photographing Vanessa and Williams wedding. The whole wedding took place at the Chancery Court Hotel in Holburn London. This hotel is fast becoming one of my favourite locations to work in the city and certainly ranks amongst the best (the Land mark followed by the Savoy are still my personal favourites). As a special surprise for the couple, the brides father had booked the three waiters. This is the second event i've worked with these guys and both times they have been absolutely astounding, I honestly can't say enough about what they add to an event. Without wishing to give too much away the basics are these guys are hidden Opera singers, as always they brought an exceptional twist to the event.
A truly fantastic wedding with beautiful people who I'm sure all had a magnificent day.
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