There's no doubt that modern digital cameras are advancing quicker and faster than film ever did, and amateur and novice camera users are able to generate stunning imagery with the tools available to them. All this gives rise to a question I keep getting asked over and over again... am I worried that some guy a few yards away can take amazing and technically perfect photographs with his phone? I mean this guy can just click a button and he's got 12+ Megapixels of the latest digital technology at his disposal. That's gotta be seriously worrying to a professional photographer right?
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Monday, 25 April 2011
Leah Mabe is an awesome make-up artist. Originally from Swansea, Leah studied make-up at the London College of Fashion and has already got a rapidly growing list of impressive clients including the likes of Elle and Jaeger. Leah has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with!
Leah and I share the same drive and goals. It's this that makes working together so good. We both want the same thing and we're always on the same wavelength, which makes our collaborations really exciting and fun.
I first became aware of Leah through her work with Lara Jade, and jumped at the chance to work with her when she approached me through Facebook. A few weeks later and we were sitting in Starbucks going through concepts and ideas. It was clear that we were going to create some great images. I've worked with Leah several times since then and every time we've created something different.
Leah and I share the same drive and goals. It's this that makes working together so good. We both want the same thing and we're always on the same wavelength, which makes our collaborations really exciting and fun.
I first became aware of Leah through her work with Lara Jade, and jumped at the chance to work with her when she approached me through Facebook. A few weeks later and we were sitting in Starbucks going through concepts and ideas. It was clear that we were going to create some great images. I've worked with Leah several times since then and every time we've created something different.
Saturday, 23 April 2011
I need to start this blog by saying Twitter is awesome! If it wasn't for Twitter, yesterday would never have happened. It all started when I was watching England play Wales on the TV. At half time they showed a clip of the Goodyear Blimp and thanked them for all the aerial shots of the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. I've had a childhood obsession with Blimps ever since one flew over my house when I was around 5 or 6 years old. I also remember a school trip around the same sort of time to Cardington, Bedfordshire to where they build them. So after seeing one of the most widely recognised and iconic blimps on the tv I tweeted "Blimps are awesome! There should be more blimps in the sky!" I didn't expect Goodyear UK to respond to it offering me a trip in it!
So yesterday I headed down to Damyns Hall Aerodrome, near Upminster in Essex, along with a 50 megapixel H4D-50, courtesy of Hasselblad UK for my trip. I was so excited... Part of me still can't believe I went up in the Blimp. It was like a childhood dream, and it didn't disappoint!
So yesterday I headed down to Damyns Hall Aerodrome, near Upminster in Essex, along with a 50 megapixel H4D-50, courtesy of Hasselblad UK for my trip. I was so excited... Part of me still can't believe I went up in the Blimp. It was like a childhood dream, and it didn't disappoint!
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
One of the things I love about photography is all the amazing people you get to meet and work with. In the past 6 months I've met all sorts of people from box office film stars, to fashion icons and even a guy who creates art out of bubblegum on the street!
Of course, these are often short meetings, and are rarely more than a few hours long, sometimes only a few minutes. In contrast, I might spend all day with a photographic team, on repeated occasions, especially if we enjoy working together and creating cool images! It's these guys that are instrumental in creating the final images. Photography is a collaborative process, whether it be a massive team of people working on a big budget shoot, or a one on one with you and your subject. It's all about everyone involved working together to create something special. I nearly always work with make-up artists and stylists on shoots. They're often in the background, and get little more recognition than a small credit and a thank you. Well this morning, whilst waiting for a make-up artist to pop round for a meeting, I decided I was going to showcase a few of the people I work with, and put them in front of the camera. The resulting images will be posted on here along side some of the work we've done together. It's my way of giving something back for all the hard work they put in to making my photographs as good as they can be.
Of course, these are often short meetings, and are rarely more than a few hours long, sometimes only a few minutes. In contrast, I might spend all day with a photographic team, on repeated occasions, especially if we enjoy working together and creating cool images! It's these guys that are instrumental in creating the final images. Photography is a collaborative process, whether it be a massive team of people working on a big budget shoot, or a one on one with you and your subject. It's all about everyone involved working together to create something special. I nearly always work with make-up artists and stylists on shoots. They're often in the background, and get little more recognition than a small credit and a thank you. Well this morning, whilst waiting for a make-up artist to pop round for a meeting, I decided I was going to showcase a few of the people I work with, and put them in front of the camera. The resulting images will be posted on here along side some of the work we've done together. It's my way of giving something back for all the hard work they put in to making my photographs as good as they can be.
Saturday, 16 April 2011
I went for a meeting a couple of weeks ago at Saatchi & Saatchi about a shoot. On the way in I noticed this on the steps into the building... something I'd forgotten!
As creative people we're always reaching for our goals, but often disheartened and frustrated at not being where we want to be, or even that we're just not getting there quick enough! This is normal, in face it's healthy. It's what drives us and keeps us going! Just take some time every now and then to look back at where you've come from. It's only then that you'll realise how far you've travelled.
The important thing is to realise that "nothing is impossible" and if you really want something, you'll find a way to make it happen. Sure it might not happen straight away, and it might not be easy... but then hey, if it was easy, everyone would do it right? So keep at it, work hard, and you'll get there!
As creative people we're always reaching for our goals, but often disheartened and frustrated at not being where we want to be, or even that we're just not getting there quick enough! This is normal, in face it's healthy. It's what drives us and keeps us going! Just take some time every now and then to look back at where you've come from. It's only then that you'll realise how far you've travelled.
The important thing is to realise that "nothing is impossible" and if you really want something, you'll find a way to make it happen. Sure it might not happen straight away, and it might not be easy... but then hey, if it was easy, everyone would do it right? So keep at it, work hard, and you'll get there!
Following my previous blog about Imagine Fashion, they have just released their second Fashion Film - Matchstick Girl.
Based around a single character, this short film follows the thoughts in the sub-concious mind of a girl as she stares into a series of lit matches and the images they create. As you would expect, there are all the big names in fashion being showcased, and the production level is once again stunning. I still love this new unique way of combining interactive media with fashion film and I can't wait to see the next instalment from Imagine Fashion!
Based around a single character, this short film follows the thoughts in the sub-concious mind of a girl as she stares into a series of lit matches and the images they create. As you would expect, there are all the big names in fashion being showcased, and the production level is once again stunning. I still love this new unique way of combining interactive media with fashion film and I can't wait to see the next instalment from Imagine Fashion!
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
I love Felicities PR... Everytime they invite me to something, they always give me food!
Specialising in emerging brands, Felicites are passionate about the brands they represent. Everyone in the Flixchix team is motivated and friendly which helps to create an awesome feeling around the place.
Their "Bloggers Breakfast" is an awesome idea, not only because of the bacon baguettes, dinky donuts and fresh strawberries (although that helps), but it gives everyone the chance to network with each other whilst getting up close and personal with the new collections from Felicites' designers. I was lucky enough to see many of the garments while in Paris, but there were some I didn't get time to look at properly, so this was another opportunity to do so. There are some exciting things being pushed by Alison and her team at Felicities. I can't wait to shoot some of it!
Specialising in emerging brands, Felicites are passionate about the brands they represent. Everyone in the Flixchix team is motivated and friendly which helps to create an awesome feeling around the place.
Their "Bloggers Breakfast" is an awesome idea, not only because of the bacon baguettes, dinky donuts and fresh strawberries (although that helps), but it gives everyone the chance to network with each other whilst getting up close and personal with the new collections from Felicites' designers. I was lucky enough to see many of the garments while in Paris, but there were some I didn't get time to look at properly, so this was another opportunity to do so. There are some exciting things being pushed by Alison and her team at Felicities. I can't wait to shoot some of it!
Monday, 4 April 2011
Until recently, I've never been one for entering photographic competitions for the simple reason that any form of art is subjective. What one person likes, another person doesn't. A few years ago I entered a competition by accident and ended up winning. I had to attend a posh dinner wearing a suit, and go up on stage to collect my award from Philippa Forrester off the telly! hehe.
It was an amazing feeling to see one of my photos displayed floor to ceiling either side of the stage. I wish I'd got a photo of it, but I was too busy worrying about not tripping up the steps to the podium... it was like graduation all over again!
After becoming an award winner, I carried on as before, and didn't even consider entering another competition. I mean, I had actually only entered that one by accident, without realising my image was being judged! It wasn't until late last year, that I decided to make more of an effort and enter the prestigious Hasselblad Masters competition.
Friday, 1 April 2011
It's interesting to see how different brands react to new things, and social media is still very much a new thing. Last night, Dolce & Gabbana hosted the second part of their "Dress_me_up" event, where they gathered some of the most current fashion bloggers of the day to dress the windows of their Bond Street store.
Designed to open the brand up to a younger audience, this was a really innovative way of getting people involved and creating a buzz around the store. It was great to see the likes of Sasha Wilkins, Bip Ling and the others running around creating their looks. All were different, and all had their own style about them. A great way to showcase the Dolce & Gabbana label. Loads of familiar fashion faces attended as well as the likes of Pixie Geldof and Alexandra Burke. Alas, Arnold Schwarzenegger didn't stop on his stroll down Bond Street... maybe next time Arnie?
You can check out all the bloggers websites below, and make sure you check out the Dolce & Gabbana Store in Old Bond Street to see the window displays!
Sasha Wilkins
Bip Ling
Marian Kihogo
Lois Waller
Carrie Harwood
Madison Rothery
Designed to open the brand up to a younger audience, this was a really innovative way of getting people involved and creating a buzz around the store. It was great to see the likes of Sasha Wilkins, Bip Ling and the others running around creating their looks. All were different, and all had their own style about them. A great way to showcase the Dolce & Gabbana label. Loads of familiar fashion faces attended as well as the likes of Pixie Geldof and Alexandra Burke. Alas, Arnold Schwarzenegger didn't stop on his stroll down Bond Street... maybe next time Arnie?
You can check out all the bloggers websites below, and make sure you check out the Dolce & Gabbana Store in Old Bond Street to see the window displays!
Sasha Wilkins
Bip Ling
Marian Kihogo
Lois Waller
Carrie Harwood
Madison Rothery
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
