Category Archives: personal

Building a portfolio.

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When I first started to take photography seriously,I was eager to learn and eager to practice.  The learning part I found was more readily available than the practice.  I taught myself how to shoot manual, by making a lot of mistakes first, and shooting a lot of snails- but thats a whole other post. What I was craving for was experience to work with people, couples, anyone! I would literally practice on anyone who gave me the opportunity, but finding willing couples wasn’t always easy – you’d think with the lure of a free photo shoot people would be game – not so. So I had to use what I had around me, and that was every family member in sight and willing friends. I shot a few weddings for free to try build up my portfolio,which for me was great. They weren’t particularly big or expensive weddings, but it gave me the experience,  to see how a wedding day flowed and get the basics of what was expected.

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At the time, I was reading wedding blogs like there was no tomorrow. I was seeing beautiful images with amazing bokeh and style, and when I compared them to mine it left me deflated, I wanted mine to look like theirs! It wasn’t the effort that I was putting in which was the issue, I worked my butt of hard when I shot,even for free, I believe if your going to do something, especially when it represents you, you do it to the best you can. But, in order to change the type of images I was getting I had to change a few things, and  I had to take some control, but I  also had to get creative because I didn’t have a massive income. I couldn’t pay models and I wasn’t in touch with any vendors.

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So I used what I had-  my friends! One of my best friends had   recently been married and  said she would be willing to act as a model in her dress for me, and we enlisted our other friend to be the groom. I bought some flowers and loaned a full frame camera with a lens. We did the hair and makeup ourselves, brought along some jewellery accessories and headed to Kirkstall Abbey!

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The images that we took that day were some of the first to go on my website and helped me define and express how I wanted to shoot. That shoot helped me book some of my first full paying clients who I didn’t know before hand. The start of my business. If you are wanting to be a wedding photographer and you are just starting out, don’t think that it is going to be easy. It’s not. But, if you have a passion for what you want to do and are willing to put in the work, I believe you can achieve it. Ask to second shoot, ask to assist, create your own shoots, connect with people & work with what you have.

Ivy-Florist-49Happy Wednesday – Here is to creating!

 

365.

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At the beginning of the year I set my self a challenge, nothing serious, just some fun.It was to take an image everyday  - for a year. And to my surprise I’ve kept with it. Not every images is amazing, and sometimes it just with my Iphone, but it’s actually been quite fun to do, and would encourage anyone to try the challenge and have something to look at- maybe try it for your babys first year – or your first year of marriage! I keep my full archive on my facebook page in my 365 album here.

Here are a few random ones from the year so far.

photo-(61) IMG_4108 IMG_1104 Me-2 snow-portrait-20 365..-3 365. 365Are you doing a 365? Leave your link in the comment below, so I can follow along.

The last few days.

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The last few days I’ve set up office in Ibiza. Well, office may be a bit strong. I’ve swam in the sea, burnt in the sun,taken polaroids of acqua sea, sipped wine with the sun going down and drove round the Islands coastline. But, all the while working for the business, in some capacity ;-)

Yesterday we stopped here for a few hours, and I could have easily stayed longer.

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Celebrations.

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Yesterday we went to my parents for dinner,to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. The sound of dinner table full of people chatting and laughing, always has been one of my favourite things and as we sat there and toasted to a Happy Birthday, to my fabulous dad – it didn’t disappoint. We also celebrated a smaller birthday, my business. Yesterday saw me complete year number 2! On the 14th April 2011 my official title of Photographer began, I had my bag packs and I was flying to Ireland to shoot the Wedding of Alex and Shelley.

In the last 2 years I have met some fabulous couples and some amazing people. I feel very blessed to be able to what I love to do. xxx

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FOCUS and my new accessory.

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Yesterday I went to my first FOCUS on imaging at the NEC. Which is essentially a place for photographers to geek out!! I went with my travel buddy, Kirsten. We wandered through the ailes and ohhh and ahhed in all the right places to the sales people who showed us their fancy gadgets. And I sound like I talk this down, I don’t. However it did make me really realise all the bumf that you can buy, some of it needed, some.Of course I did genuinely drool at the Canon counter, and tried to hatch a quick mental plan of getting that 5D Mark 3 out the door with the 50mm 1.2  attached without being caught. Safe to say, I just admired from afar, but did make a mental note that, that will be a purchase this year. I’m putting it out there to challenge myself.

But, as we did walk around, we talked about how what you really need is simply a camera of any description and light. If you are thinking of getting involved deeper in this craft, don’t rush out and spend a gazzilion pound (that can be a real amount with the cost of some of it). Instead, take what you have and invest in you.Know your current equipment inside out, so  that when you make that next purchase  you cam maximise is full potential.

Another important element ( to me) is fun! The fun of taking an image. The fun of the shutter going and seeing your image. Fun has to be there somewhere because it helps us do what we do. The minute I don’t enjoy this game, it changes everything. So, with this in mine I made a purchase. I was wanting one anyone, but thought I would treat myself to an early birthday present. An instant camera! My new Fujifilm Instax 210 is my new accessory and I havent been seen without since I bagged it! It came with a free pack of film, but with some friendly conversation at the Fujifilm stand I managed to be given 3 more packs ;-)  I love it and  can’t wait to use it in my business and on my travels.

Whoa, just realised the size of this post. Apologies for the ramble…. but take a look at my new friend.

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41 years.

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If someone asked me what I wanted my marriage to look like,I’d say theirs. If someone asked my what my favourite picture is,I’d say theirs. 

Today my parents celebrate 41 years of marriage.They’ve taught and shown me to trust, to be honest, be faithful and have fun with the one you love. They’ve taught be how to put the other first, to be humble, and sometimes to say i’m sorry . I know they’ve loved much more than they’ve ever fought and laughed together more than they’ve cried.

Mum and Dad, thank you  for making me so proud to be your daughter.

Here is to at least, another 41 more!

xxxxx

 

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Recovery.

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This weekend I got taken out. Not like the way your thinking, I got taken out by what I thought was a 24 hours bug that is only fiiiiiinnaly leaving now. Saturday was the peak of my illness, and I laid on the sofa feeling crushed. I ached in every inch of my body, my head was sore and I couldn’t get warm no matter how hard I tried. Finally though – finally – I can eat again and drink tea. You know when this girl is ill when the turning down of food begins!

But I am so grateful to be making a full recovery.I also realise that I am uber grateful for soft blankets, hot water bottles and someone to fill my glass with water when it runs out.

To help with my recovery I made some comfort food today, homemade burgers with apple and a crunchy coleslaw.Or slaw, as I quite like to call it now and again. I never realised how easy slaw was to make. Cabbage, onion, grated carrot, mayonnaise and a few raisins for good luck!

Happy Monday everyone, I hope you have a great start to the week.

 

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Latest reads.

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The first book I ever remember reading was a read along. The Dog who went too fast.  The clue’s in the title really, it was about a dog who tried to do everything too fast, and as result things went wrong.I would sit in bed with my bedside lamp on and turn the pages to the sound of the tape. I loved this book, and to say  I read it more than once would be a huge understatement. My reading books have kind of grown up a little since then, but not my obsession. My bag always has a book hanging around in the bottom of it and if it’s a long journey – there could be two!

Lately, I’ve read some good books. I’m not the best reviewer in the world,but thought I would share them with you.

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Anyone out there .I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were times where I laughed out loud, especially when Anna, the heroine  is ever talking to any members of her Irish family. The characters in the book are relatable and in short is about a women coping with life in the face of despair, which left me closing the book with tears.

West Coast. One of the first books I’ve ever read of Kate Muir’s and I think I was first intrigued because of the whimsical cover and the fact that it was about a photographer. But, her writing style is easy and lets you easily delve into the details of Fergus’s life. A photographer from Scotland, who goes to London looking for a life more than the Scottish coast can offer him. But he doesn’t really knows what he’s looking for. A very good read.

Me before you. This book is so well written.From the first chapter through to the end, the every day and down to earth-ness of Louisa Clark is easy.Its filled with love and romance in unexpected places, hope and death. A book, I’m really glad that I read.

Fine Art Wedding Photography. Everyone now and then I like to read books to enhance my business and stir my creativity. This book did just that. He helped me to look outside the box and see what else I can be doing with my work – how I cam enhance and push myself. For any photographer, I would definitely recommend this book. Jose Villa, is one of the most talented wedding photographers. His images are stand out and consistent, so any tips this man would like to share, im going to read.

Have any good recommendations? If you do,please pop it in the comment box!!

Happy Thursday.

x

Happy Valentines!

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I’d be lying if I told you I woke up to breakfast in bed, with a day at the spa (treatments included) awaiting me, followed by a fabulous Michelin  wine fuelled meal. So I wont. I did breakfast at usual and then hit house with all the cleaning products I own! And they say romance is dead. I have however been able to squeeze in sometime to cook a Indian style dinner( and  have a glass or two of Cava) which will be complete with Rose petals for this evening. Oh lala I hear you say….

But,and this is where the valentines cliche/cringe comes in. I would like to say publicly that I have a fabulous man in my life who I love and really couldn’t be without. He puts up with all the behind the scenes that no one else does, the tears and the tantrums(yeah I have them) – and for whatever reason he still loves me! So, ladies (and gentlemen) raise a glass to your other half. Let them know you appreciate them. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Sometimes thank you, I appreciate you and I love you on any normal day, not just valentines, means more than all that money on roses and chocolates.

What ever you do have a fabulous one xx

 

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