Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Martin & Gemma Pre-wedding Gig...
Monday, 28 March 2011
Riverside Portrait Group
It's hard to think it's been 4 weeks since the first Portrait Group met at the Riverside Studios in Middlesbrough. After much feedback and talking, we have ironed out a lot of the issues and concerns in running the group which saw photographers banging on the door to get in!
There was a brief 'hello' from Graham & Emma - formally RGB - who were busy getting their new premises ready in the same block as the studio, for their opening which hopefully will be Tuesday. See their new website here www.brighouseprints.com for further info.
Three models attended last nights session covering the three sets. The stunning Alex, with hair tied back and sporting an a italian/sophia loren style pair of sunglasses, was being as professional as ever. Jenny dressed in Gothic attire wooed the photographers in her black & red outfits and Dan, our male model striking poses and helping out those who were new to studio photography. The ever knowledgable Lee was hanging out on the Mac should anyone have any 'Techy' questions during the interval. Mel and Willem mucked in with another set of lights ensuring there was plenty for all to use.
As expected the house was jumping where, no doubt, everyone left with some crackin' shots, a head full of knowledge and I'm sure can't wait till the next session.
Bring it on!
JD
There was a brief 'hello' from Graham & Emma - formally RGB - who were busy getting their new premises ready in the same block as the studio, for their opening which hopefully will be Tuesday. See their new website here www.brighouseprints.com for further info.
Three models attended last nights session covering the three sets. The stunning Alex, with hair tied back and sporting an a italian/sophia loren style pair of sunglasses, was being as professional as ever. Jenny dressed in Gothic attire wooed the photographers in her black & red outfits and Dan, our male model striking poses and helping out those who were new to studio photography. The ever knowledgable Lee was hanging out on the Mac should anyone have any 'Techy' questions during the interval. Mel and Willem mucked in with another set of lights ensuring there was plenty for all to use.
As expected the house was jumping where, no doubt, everyone left with some crackin' shots, a head full of knowledge and I'm sure can't wait till the next session.
Bring it on!
JD
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
His First Shoot...
After an initial contact by e-mail, a day and time was arranged to shoot Stevie at the South Gare on Teesside; a favorite haunt for photographers, twitchers, day trippers and other folk who sneak between the sand dunes. It was more than a fresh day with a slight breeze and Stevie was armed with changes of clothes for this, his first photo shoot. Aspiring models will go to great lengths to get their first step on the ladder. Un-fazed by the chill, we explored the low-tide shores ducking and diving between the fishing boats, fishermen's huts and the sea gulls.
It's not hard seeking good colour with high contrast here incorporating a fashion shoot theme. The blue's and Green's worked well with splashes of colour in the background. The 70-200 was used predominately with the 17-40 on a couple of occasions for effect.
More shoots are planned for other locations so watch this space.
It's not hard seeking good colour with high contrast here incorporating a fashion shoot theme. The blue's and Green's worked well with splashes of colour in the background. The 70-200 was used predominately with the 17-40 on a couple of occasions for effect.
More shoots are planned for other locations so watch this space.
Pre-wedding Gig...
Nothing was going to stop the Pre-Wedding shoot planned for this morning in the Victorian Sea-Side town of Saltburn in North Yorkshire. Chilly winds, Dull sky and a low tide faced us as we braved the elements, however, that did not stop Paul & Rebecca from laughing through it, to experience a real shoot and some fantastic pictures. Can't wait for the wedding...
What a belter...
Yep, what a start.
It was never going to be easy or certain for that matter, how the first session was going to pan out. However amidst the nerves, tension and excitement, the Riverside Portrait Group was born.
The place was buzzin' with both models being 'snapped' continuously amidst the din of photographic chatter. Photographers of all abilities vied for position to get their shots before passing on their flash triggers in turn. Brian Jobson & myself on hand to dish out any advice if needed. Chris, the studio director and her staff done a fantastic job enrolling the members and welcoming all who came. While Lee (hardly a teas maid but more of a six-foot tog) took the coffee and tea order. As with all new ventures, teething problems were inevitable although on the whole the night ran smoothly. Not knowing the numbers that may attend, 2 lighting sets were organised – High Key & Low Key – together with our two models – Daniel & Alex. True, another model and set would have helped – if we only knew the studio would be stormed filling it with 32 bodies!
So what’s next? Growth. That’s inevitable! The capped number of 40 will soon be reached. Three or four models with corresponding sets per session not to mention tea, coffee and healthy photographic banter is planned.
The next session is on Sunday 27th March running from 6pm till 8pm. Given the membership already, contact with Chris at the studio [link url=imaging-essentials.co.uk] <strong>here</strong> [/link] or myself is preferable to turning up on the night and being told ‘Sorry we are full’. We would hate to disappoint you!
John.
It was never going to be easy or certain for that matter, how the first session was going to pan out. However amidst the nerves, tension and excitement, the Riverside Portrait Group was born.
The place was buzzin' with both models being 'snapped' continuously amidst the din of photographic chatter. Photographers of all abilities vied for position to get their shots before passing on their flash triggers in turn. Brian Jobson & myself on hand to dish out any advice if needed. Chris, the studio director and her staff done a fantastic job enrolling the members and welcoming all who came. While Lee (hardly a teas maid but more of a six-foot tog) took the coffee and tea order. As with all new ventures, teething problems were inevitable although on the whole the night ran smoothly. Not knowing the numbers that may attend, 2 lighting sets were organised – High Key & Low Key – together with our two models – Daniel & Alex. True, another model and set would have helped – if we only knew the studio would be stormed filling it with 32 bodies!
So what’s next? Growth. That’s inevitable! The capped number of 40 will soon be reached. Three or four models with corresponding sets per session not to mention tea, coffee and healthy photographic banter is planned.
The next session is on Sunday 27th March running from 6pm till 8pm. Given the membership already, contact with Chris at the studio [link url=imaging-essentials.co.uk] <strong>here</strong> [/link] or myself is preferable to turning up on the night and being told ‘Sorry we are full’. We would hate to disappoint you!
John.
Riverside Portrait Group
The first meeting of the new group is to take place at Imaging Essentials fantastic studios in Middlesbrough, Teesside on Sunday 27th February between 6pm & 8:30pm.
The idea started as a missing link in the photographic needs of those wishing to shoot people in a controlled environment. We have had a tremendous response after sending a letter to local camera clubs stating our intentions in starting the group. We also stated that the group is not designed to draw members away from their clubs but to allow them to gain experience and confidence in photographing people.
The intended sessions, to be held on the fourth Sunday of the month, will start by explaining a particular piece of kit or pose giving a the photographers present an idea of what can be achieved from a basic set up. Then it’s hands on. Tea and Coffee will also be on tap including the odd biscuit. There goes the diet!
And the cost…only £5 per session covering model and studio fees.
There will be 2-3 models, both male and female, to accommodate the 3-4 set-ups allowing for a great variety of styles including High Key, Low Key and everything in between.
Our target membership is capped at 40 and is approaching fast with photographers joining from out the area. I feel it’s what the area has been waiting for and will go down a storm.
Contact myself by e-mail or telephone for further information or Chris and the studios [link url=imaging-essentials.co.uk] <strong>here</strong> [/link].
The idea started as a missing link in the photographic needs of those wishing to shoot people in a controlled environment. We have had a tremendous response after sending a letter to local camera clubs stating our intentions in starting the group. We also stated that the group is not designed to draw members away from their clubs but to allow them to gain experience and confidence in photographing people.
The intended sessions, to be held on the fourth Sunday of the month, will start by explaining a particular piece of kit or pose giving a the photographers present an idea of what can be achieved from a basic set up. Then it’s hands on. Tea and Coffee will also be on tap including the odd biscuit. There goes the diet!
And the cost…only £5 per session covering model and studio fees.
There will be 2-3 models, both male and female, to accommodate the 3-4 set-ups allowing for a great variety of styles including High Key, Low Key and everything in between.
Our target membership is capped at 40 and is approaching fast with photographers joining from out the area. I feel it’s what the area has been waiting for and will go down a storm.
Contact myself by e-mail or telephone for further information or Chris and the studios [link url=imaging-essentials.co.uk] <strong>here</strong> [/link].
Babies - A photographers challenge...or is it?
Here's the scenario. Studio set up with lights, continuous white backdrop, reflectors and 'cuddly' toys. Batteries charged and cards formatted. Canon armed with 70-200 and ready to shoot.
Bring in the sitter who is a lovely 16 month, blue eyed & blond haired baby. Not over enthused with a previous photographers style - the mum & dad want 'natural' un-posed and simple shots to bring out their daughters character.
Standing in the middle of the backdrop holding on to her favourite doll for dear life, she stares at me in terror as I slowly raise the canon to my eye. Taking aim I press the release...
A normal reaction after the flash going off, certainly for the first time, is for the sitter to blink and make the comment that 'they think their eyes may be closed'! After reassuring folk that it is a reaction you normally settle down to the shoot. This youngster jumped out of her skin, squeezed the last ounce of breath from her doll and stared at me in horror. It's going to be a long morning I thought as I blasted off a volley of shots.
So where is the skill in photographing these little darlings? Turning the modeling lights up full and increasing the ISO allowed me the freedom to shoot without the flash PLUS time spent getting her to know me a bit better certainly worked. Encouragement and a dose of confidence works wonders in these situations not to mention time spent at the beginning.
We achieved the shots we wanted as the shoot progressed. Why? Because we became sympathetic to the needs and concerns of the sitter. Not all of our sitters are seasoned models who can turn on the style with the flick of the switch. So next time before you engage your next shoot, stand back and take stock. It costs nothing and may be your savior.
Bring in the sitter who is a lovely 16 month, blue eyed & blond haired baby. Not over enthused with a previous photographers style - the mum & dad want 'natural' un-posed and simple shots to bring out their daughters character.
Standing in the middle of the backdrop holding on to her favourite doll for dear life, she stares at me in terror as I slowly raise the canon to my eye. Taking aim I press the release...
A normal reaction after the flash going off, certainly for the first time, is for the sitter to blink and make the comment that 'they think their eyes may be closed'! After reassuring folk that it is a reaction you normally settle down to the shoot. This youngster jumped out of her skin, squeezed the last ounce of breath from her doll and stared at me in horror. It's going to be a long morning I thought as I blasted off a volley of shots.
So where is the skill in photographing these little darlings? Turning the modeling lights up full and increasing the ISO allowed me the freedom to shoot without the flash PLUS time spent getting her to know me a bit better certainly worked. Encouragement and a dose of confidence works wonders in these situations not to mention time spent at the beginning.
We achieved the shots we wanted as the shoot progressed. Why? Because we became sympathetic to the needs and concerns of the sitter. Not all of our sitters are seasoned models who can turn on the style with the flick of the switch. So next time before you engage your next shoot, stand back and take stock. It costs nothing and may be your savior.
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