It was a great evening with a lot of joviality and happiness and it was a pleasure to give my time to some great people. Some of my images were included in the "Living North" magazine.
Thursday, 5 February 2015
2 February 2015 - Fashion Show
Last year I was asked to cover The Maggies Newcastle Cancer Caring Centres Trust fashion show, where Newcastle College students also displayed and sold some of their fashion scarves to guests and attendees. This show was a little unique as the models were not professional but were those that had reason to have used the centres at sometime.
It was a great evening with a lot of joviality and happiness and it was a pleasure to give my time to some great people. Some of my images were included in the "Living North" magazine.
It was a great evening with a lot of joviality and happiness and it was a pleasure to give my time to some great people. Some of my images were included in the "Living North" magazine.
28 January 2015 - Sell Yourself – CV & Cover Letter Advice & Guidance workshop
Attended today a workshop organised by the HE unit for students titled
"Sell Yourself – CV & Cover Letter Advice & Guidance workshop". I must admit it has been a long time since a put together the format of my CV and now I'm in the creative industry I was intrigued to see if it was any different to the formal presentation of the past?
The workshop was run by Pauline Banks who is a personal advisor from Jobs, Education & Training (JET) in Newcastle. See http://www.jetnorth.org.uk/
This was useful and was the catalyst to go back to my existing CV and give it a tweak. Instead of 3 pages it has now been condensed to 2 and has been updated with some apparent buzz words employers are now looking for as well as all my recent photographic experience. An hour or so well spent! Must get some nicely weighted writing paper for those employers that still like paper versions rather than electronic CV's.
C.V. Template from JET http://www.jetnorth.org.uk/wordtemplates.php
"Sell Yourself – CV & Cover Letter Advice & Guidance workshop". I must admit it has been a long time since a put together the format of my CV and now I'm in the creative industry I was intrigued to see if it was any different to the formal presentation of the past?
The workshop was run by Pauline Banks who is a personal advisor from Jobs, Education & Training (JET) in Newcastle. See http://www.jetnorth.org.uk/
This was useful and was the catalyst to go back to my existing CV and give it a tweak. Instead of 3 pages it has now been condensed to 2 and has been updated with some apparent buzz words employers are now looking for as well as all my recent photographic experience. An hour or so well spent! Must get some nicely weighted writing paper for those employers that still like paper versions rather than electronic CV's.
C.V. Template from JET http://www.jetnorth.org.uk/wordtemplates.php
19 January 2015 - Oh the days of Film!!
I must have had pangs of nostalgia just after Christmas as when I was sorting out some space in my drawers and cupboards (no it wasn't to find space for all those Christmas presents) I unearthed my old camera bag that still contained my old film camera's and lenses.
What struck me (apart from the fact that they still had the remains of unexposed film) was how small, light and uncomplicated they were. Wow!! Actually it was quite refreshing to pick them up and handle them again and it felt like I'd never been away. Admittedly I had used them for about 25 years or so and was well used to handling them. (I could even reload the camera with film one handed in those days!!)
Those were the days when camera's were used for more than 3 years before the next model came out ............and they still looked usable. Well that was a surprise too when I thought about it and how models change so quickly now with the next new fangled gizmo attached..
For those who were around in the 80's and may well be thinking I wonder what camera's they were! Well that's simple enough to answer they were; 2 x Canon AE-1's and a Canon AT-1.
This was in the days before auto-focus and we had split prism and Fresnel screen which I still think is great for manual focus and far better then today's arrangement.
The AT-1 was eye and needle exposure information - How quick and simple that arrangement was and I still managed to get some great motor racing shots if I recall!..............but then the memory might be rose tinted!!
Canon AE-1
Canon AT-1
So what did I do with them you may well ask!
Well I decided I would use them again and compare the difference between old technology and what I use now. Albeit Nikon.
But first I had them serviced which only took a few days at APM Camera Repairs, Eldon Square, Newcastle who fortunately reported that they were in excellent condition and just needed the foam replaced above the shutter and the seals.
Funnily enough last year I bought a couple of rolls of film, Agfa PhotoVista plus at 200ASA from the pound shop (?) and although the date has expired they have been in the fridge since purchase so should still be OK and therefore I'm good to go!
Ahhh! just need to find out where I can get them developed and printed! ANY SUGGESTIONS?
What struck me (apart from the fact that they still had the remains of unexposed film) was how small, light and uncomplicated they were. Wow!! Actually it was quite refreshing to pick them up and handle them again and it felt like I'd never been away. Admittedly I had used them for about 25 years or so and was well used to handling them. (I could even reload the camera with film one handed in those days!!)
Those were the days when camera's were used for more than 3 years before the next model came out ............and they still looked usable. Well that was a surprise too when I thought about it and how models change so quickly now with the next new fangled gizmo attached..
For those who were around in the 80's and may well be thinking I wonder what camera's they were! Well that's simple enough to answer they were; 2 x Canon AE-1's and a Canon AT-1.
This was in the days before auto-focus and we had split prism and Fresnel screen which I still think is great for manual focus and far better then today's arrangement.
The AT-1 was eye and needle exposure information - How quick and simple that arrangement was and I still managed to get some great motor racing shots if I recall!..............but then the memory might be rose tinted!!
Canon AE-1
Canon AT-1
So what did I do with them you may well ask!
Well I decided I would use them again and compare the difference between old technology and what I use now. Albeit Nikon.
But first I had them serviced which only took a few days at APM Camera Repairs, Eldon Square, Newcastle who fortunately reported that they were in excellent condition and just needed the foam replaced above the shutter and the seals.
Funnily enough last year I bought a couple of rolls of film, Agfa PhotoVista plus at 200ASA from the pound shop (?) and although the date has expired they have been in the fridge since purchase so should still be OK and therefore I'm good to go!
Ahhh! just need to find out where I can get them developed and printed! ANY SUGGESTIONS?
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
12 January 2015 - Photography and Business
As part of my Life Long Learning quest (we should never under estimate the need for learning regardless of how clever we think we are, ..........or not!!) I decided to complement my full-time photography degree education by signing-up to one of Aspire Photography Training courses on business. This was a four day course based in the Lake District, Cumbria, UK.
Over the four days including some practical work the trainers included the following topics: -
• How to build a successful portrait business
• How to build a reputation
• How to get the best out of your business funnels
• How to use social media to your advantage
• How to attract the right clients
• How to network successfully
• Getting the best out of blogging
• How to create a successful brand
The final day was presented by a trainer who specialises in sales. Where we explored the ‘shoot to sell’ concept and discussed; charge the right rate to generate an income and going through the sales process in detail. This included the do’s and don'ts on how to navigate a successful sale. In addition we had the opportunity to see sales tools, meet other professionals in the industry, and learn which suppliers will be right for us, our business and photography style.
Just a couple of images taken whilst I was in attendance.
Over the four days including some practical work the trainers included the following topics: -
• How to build a successful portrait business
• How to build a reputation
• How to get the best out of your business funnels
• How to use social media to your advantage
• How to attract the right clients
• How to network successfully
• Getting the best out of blogging
• How to create a successful brand
The final day was presented by a trainer who specialises in sales. Where we explored the ‘shoot to sell’ concept and discussed; charge the right rate to generate an income and going through the sales process in detail. This included the do’s and don'ts on how to navigate a successful sale. In addition we had the opportunity to see sales tools, meet other professionals in the industry, and learn which suppliers will be right for us, our business and photography style.
Just a couple of images taken whilst I was in attendance.
5 January 2015 - Musicians in Concert
Just before Christmas a few bands/musicians working with Push Puzzle Record Label performed at "The Venue" in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne refining their numbers for a forthcoming record release. Yours truly was their to capture some of the track rehearsals.
Stage lighting was rather haphazard with often full white light but most of the images needed ISO 3200 to capture any definable image at all without using flash.
Stage lighting was rather haphazard with often full white light but most of the images needed ISO 3200 to capture any definable image at all without using flash.
Tuesday, 3 February 2015
22 December 2014 - Use of Speedlite
This is a flawed image and not one I would normally post but it does aptly show the use of a speedlite to over power ambient light (fill light) and produce that sunny day feeling portrait.
Used as part of my "Contextual Studies" assignment where I chose Damien Lovegrove as the photographer, who will often use this technique for his portrait images.
15 December 2014 - Money for a good cause.
Newcastle Development Disability League and Newcastle East End Football Club.
Having been let down by the local journalist photographers, due to other commitments, Newcastle College Photography department was asked if they could attend and record the handing over a very welcome sum of money to the Newcastle Development Disability League by the Newcastle East End Football Club amounting to £3,000. How could I refuse!!
The NEEFC are a local Newcastle-upon-Tyne football club catering for people with learning difficulties who wish to take part in football. Some of the players and dignitaries made themselves available to come along and present the cheque at the Newcastle United Football Club, home ground of St James Park. It was a great time had by all those attending
Great bunch of lovely people.
Having been let down by the local journalist photographers, due to other commitments, Newcastle College Photography department was asked if they could attend and record the handing over a very welcome sum of money to the Newcastle Development Disability League by the Newcastle East End Football Club amounting to £3,000. How could I refuse!!
The NEEFC are a local Newcastle-upon-Tyne football club catering for people with learning difficulties who wish to take part in football. Some of the players and dignitaries made themselves available to come along and present the cheque at the Newcastle United Football Club, home ground of St James Park. It was a great time had by all those attending
Great bunch of lovely people.
Another work based learning (WBL) adventure!!
7 December 2014 - Keezza releases new album
Put together some images for the release of Keezza debut album "Square One."
Released on 7 December 2014, the album can be purchased through;
Amazon, iTunes, Spotify and Beatport.
See: https://www.facebook.com/PushPuzzleRecords/photos/a.285657384869555.51395.285656248203002/586108658157758/?type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/PushPuzzleRecords/photos_stream
Released on 7 December 2014, the album can be purchased through;
Amazon, iTunes, Spotify and Beatport.
See: https://www.facebook.com/PushPuzzleRecords/photos/a.285657384869555.51395.285656248203002/586108658157758/?type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/PushPuzzleRecords/photos_stream
Monday, 2 February 2015
1 December 2014 - Surrealism
Surrealism was a cultural movement that began in the early 1920's and mostly involved art and literature.
See; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealism
However this is my personal take and interpretation. The image was taken on a cold misty November morning at Derwent Reservoir, Northumberland.
Thanks to my erstwhile neighbour who decided to walk on water. Well he is a fireman (and part-time butler in disguise) after all and is used to the wet stuff!
Like many of these art movements it's down to personal taste of the individual image!!
26 November - Push Puzzle Recording Studio
Push Puzzle Record Label have now selected a number of competing bands and musicians to record a selection of their own material that will later be considered for an EP release.
I have therefore been at the recording studios and here are a number of images of the band Montclare.
I have therefore been at the recording studios and here are a number of images of the band Montclare.
Sunday, 1 February 2015
17 November 2014 - Lifestyle Commercial
Decided I wanted to tap in to a little "Lifestyle Commercial" to widen my photography skills so attended a one day course organised by Aspire Photography Training School (voted best training provider for 2014 at the Society's SWPP awards) with Gemma Lovett in a lovely part of the world - The Lake District.
http://www.aspirephotographytraining.co.uk/
These are some of the images I captured when the venue was opened up for delegates to sample the delights of the:
http://www.aspirephotographytraining.co.uk/
These are some of the images I captured when the venue was opened up for delegates to sample the delights of the:
The
Plough at Lupton
Cow Brow
Lupton
Cumbria
LA6 1PJ
Cow Brow
Lupton
Cumbria
LA6 1PJ
10 November 2014 - Photo Training for you
With anything in life it is unrealistic to believe that you will obtain all you need to know from one source or place or trainer come to that and although I am undertaking a full-time photography degree there are also many professional photographers who provide extremely good training in the UK.
I must admit I have been dabbling with photography for many years and in that time I have attended some terrific courses outside the Higher Education sphere.
So that said, here are the ones that having sampled their personal training, downloadable content, books and DVD's, I would definitely recommend.
Damien Lovegrove - High quality downloadable training material (to purchase) with very good 10 out of 10 content. In addition Damien provides top quality training courses albeit at a price.
See http://www.lovegroveconsulting.com/
Also see his very informative blog also 10/10 but it does promote his training and saleable products so be aware: http://www.prophotonut.com/
Mark Cleghorn - Worth joining the "Photographer Academy" (was "phototraining4U.com) on annual subscription. This is the largest European photo training company and has many training videos to help you improve practically everything. Also supports business development.
See http://thephotographeracademy.com/
Aspire Photography Training - Based in the Lake District they specialise in the business end of being a photographer and provide training on operating a profitable and successful photography business. For the third year in a row Aspire Photography Training was awarded ‘best training provider’ and was also shortlisted for ‘best product of the year’ by the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP.)
See http://www.aspirephotographytraining.co.uk/
I have personally attended a selection of their various courses, books, DVD's etc. and found all three to be what I needed. So take a look and see what you think!
I must admit I have been dabbling with photography for many years and in that time I have attended some terrific courses outside the Higher Education sphere.
So that said, here are the ones that having sampled their personal training, downloadable content, books and DVD's, I would definitely recommend.
Damien Lovegrove - High quality downloadable training material (to purchase) with very good 10 out of 10 content. In addition Damien provides top quality training courses albeit at a price.
See http://www.lovegroveconsulting.com/
Also see his very informative blog also 10/10 but it does promote his training and saleable products so be aware: http://www.prophotonut.com/
Mark Cleghorn - Worth joining the "Photographer Academy" (was "phototraining4U.com) on annual subscription. This is the largest European photo training company and has many training videos to help you improve practically everything. Also supports business development.
See http://thephotographeracademy.com/
Aspire Photography Training - Based in the Lake District they specialise in the business end of being a photographer and provide training on operating a profitable and successful photography business. For the third year in a row Aspire Photography Training was awarded ‘best training provider’ and was also shortlisted for ‘best product of the year’ by the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP.)
See http://www.aspirephotographytraining.co.uk/
I have personally attended a selection of their various courses, books, DVD's etc. and found all three to be what I needed. So take a look and see what you think!
Saturday, 31 January 2015
3 November - Music Music Music
Started collaborating with Push Puzzle Record Label based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Working with individual musician's and bands to record their gigs and also provide images for advertising and marketing for forthcoming; singles and album releases including album covers etc.
This is a selection of a number of bands auditioning for the label.
See also: https://www.facebook.com/PushPuzzleRecords
This is a selection of a number of bands auditioning for the label.
See also: https://www.facebook.com/PushPuzzleRecords
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