Archive for February, 2010
Childrens Photographer London
Posted by: | CommentsI was pleased to get the opportunity to work with some wonderful kids last week. In not being my kids they were actually quite happy to do whatever I asked them to do — suckers. Evan becomes a complete ham when I try to get him to do anything. Silly grins and poking out his tongue is par for the course with him these days. Of course it wasn’t all plain sailing. The youngest took some time to get used to the idea of me being around. I managed to get a few of her — bless. Here are a few of my favourites (and its about time too…apparently the kids are nagging mum to see some photos).
If you or anyone you know are interested in Children’s portraits, either in London or the southern home counties do get in touch.
The Unusual Suspects
One of my favourites of my favourites…yes, I know little’n is facing the wrong way. Kind of says a lot to me.
The Great Escape
Save the Wales
Posted by: | CommentsThis past weekend the family and I made our way to a small hamlet up an exceedingly small road north of Abergavenny. The Abergavenny of Wales that is. I was working with a few of my favourite videography friends, Sylvia and Neils from Ever After Video Productions. My role was simple…be a photographer. It was a challenge :)
Basically for 3 of the sessions of their wedding workshop weekend I was to do ‘my thing’ and the delegates had to work around me. Sounds reasonable in principle but Sylvia and Neils worked with everyone loads so I had to take some time in between shots. I suppose the good thing is that I was able to shoot some interesting behind the scenes photos of the workshop. Of course it also meant I got to shoot some interesting couple shots. What? you say…including pictures on your website from a seminar? How very dare you!!! Well, this was different. I was responsible for setting it all up, my ideas, my spaces. The ‘couple’ weren’t models but friends of Sylvia and Neils from Belgium. So I got to deal with language issues as well. So in light of that I reckon I get to post them.
I took notes
They tell me that videographers work really hard…yeah…sure…whatever
A sight that strikes fear into even the most immortal wedding photographer
Opening Neils’ box of tricks
Only the mightiest of 4x4s could make it to the top
You get this….
…from this
Cheer up Chuck…she’s a beaut
Who knew you could fill your car with candy floss? or are those clouds? Can’t recall
Solution to smouldering groom problem
My wife was mortified to learn that this one, the one before and the one after was actually taken in our bedroom. I’m leaning over the cot to take this…
So…yes…for those following at home this is MY bed!
Not the Alps
I never did learn what was behind the green door
Sheep stalls….with lots’o'pellets under foot
Home
Posted by: | CommentsAfter nearly 5 days away I finally managed to make it back home. The MyVision workshop came to a conclusion last night and this morning everyone started making their way home. Well, last night isn’t entirely accurate as a large contingent of us were up until 4:30 this morning and still a few more a bit later. I hadn’t done that since university and even then only on the rarest of occasions. I think you discover a whole new threshold of tired when you have kids.
It was great to see Nicola and the kids…to remind myself of the reason I do these things…after collecting Evan from school I got the camera out.
Hope to have some new Brighton pics up next week.
Dirty Weekend in Brighton
Posted by: | CommentsOK…not really dirty. In fact I’m in Brighton as part of the MV2010 (that’s MyVision 2010 to the rest of the world). Its a first of its kind, UK photojournalism workshop. This year I’m part of the staff supporting the very talented David Murray. The job of an assistant is draining. What I mean is that its hard work finding every free wifi coffee shop and deciding where one might have lunch today. Our job really kicks in during the evening. Last night I found myself high tailing it around town trying to sort out projection for another team. Eventually we got there…so its a bit like being a bobby on the beat…90% observation, 10% adrenaline. The interesting benefit for me is that although I’m not on a shooting assignment I am part of the team critiques. I’ve found its actually quite rewarding the see and be a part of critiquing other folks’ work.
Whilst I’ve been here around all this great creative buzz its hard not to want to shoot some myself.
Courtesy of my good friend, Jon Rouston (another of the support staff) — as you can see we concentrate — ALOT!
As images go, its a Whopper
Don’t rouse the Rouston
I’ve always wanted a copy of the Big Issue…and this guy was the perfect merchant.
Is this the bit where I go on about how everyone is beautiful in their own special way…love love love. Sing it Yoko!
Call of Duty
Posted by: | CommentsLast week I, when I wasn’t taking Holly to Ikea for her first birthday, I was shooting images for Surrey Police to go into their community policing newsletters. Its a big task (far bigger for those creating each one) that involves several 30 minute slots with different neighbourhood policing teams. Sometimes the photo that goes with the story is easy to shoot…the idea just jumps out at you. Sometimes there’s little more you can than to just line’em up and shoot a group. Then there are the ones where everything conspires against you. You have to pull something out of the bag and that is why I love this one. I got a ‘safe’ shot…and to be honest, it will probably be that one that makes the final cut. But I love to see how far they’ll go and for that I gave them this.
Sadly, some rebel yutes (what? You’ve never seen My Cousin Vinny?) knocked over headstones in a cemetery leaving a trail of destructing in their path. So there I was…a cemetery, a headstone, a bobby and the sun at odds with the direction of the headstones. In my best “A Few Good Men” I start to ask myself “what do you do…what…do…you…do?”
NEXT!
Uno
Posted by: | CommentsHolly celebrated (as much as anyone her age could) her first birthday on Tuesday. She’s now officially…a one year old. I’m never really sure when you stop referring to kids’ age in months. In any event she’s one…and close enough to it that it doesn’t really matter.
She’s perfecting the art of walking with assistance. The assistance can come in the form of her train, my fingers or Evan. She’s not really that picky. What she is, is proud. Exceedingly so. She smiles and giggles whenever she ‘walks’.
At the moment we have this nightly ritual that involves bathing Holly, pulling her out, setting her on her towel and saying “Holly, you stay right there…DON’T move”. She then laughs hysterically and crawls at top speed, naked and mostly wet, down the hall. Actually the best bit is in the 4 foot between the towel and the hall that is still the lino (linoleum) floor. Her legs slip and she looks like a hot-rod spinning her wheels. She then giggle and shrills her way to our room where I collect her, take her and back and repeat the process. Endless fun I can assure you :)
With Evan I would write about every detail of his life. This time around I’ve been a bit slack. I suppose part of that is because she’s number two. You’re a bit more relaxed…a bit wiser. With Evan I think he had been to the GP 5 times by the time he was 18 weeks old. Holly has been once…I think. Perhaps the biggest reason is that I didn’t really have a lot to say. Where Evan had charm Holly merely had constant crying. I’m pleased to say that the difficult little beast is changing…she’s picked up on her brother’s charm and is actually becoming a joy to be around. She’s adventurous, playful and very wise for her age. She knows things…I know, you think I’m crazy. If ever you wanted to develop a belief in reincarnation I suggest you spend a week with Holly. There is a knowing; an understanding of things that you don’t expect a 1 year old to know. Maybe its just being a little sister to a 4 (nearly 5) year old brother. Who knows.
I suppose that’s enough rambling…here are some photos from her family tea party and opening presents on her actual birthday. For the record she loved her trip to Ikea with her parents on her birthday and her dinner out at Prezzo in Midhurst.
“they say it’s your birthday” – dundundundundundunduh
its all gone so….PINK
I thought 3 was the magic number
Look Dad….two hands
With cousin Josh and perhaps the most INAPPOPRIATE gift for a 1 year old — no, not being ungrateful, just thinking about how long it will be until she escapes and ends up at Costa in Petersfield
Easy Rider
…LOVE the cake
Whereas most kids you have to open their presents for them, there was little hesitation from the Dolly
Buffalo soldier
