Tom Lee Portrait Photographer

WPPI Judging and Biking

2012-01-26T14:43:00.000Z

Looking forward to WPPI this year....
After many years of attending as a punter, I have managed to get an invite to be on this years judging panel. A great coup and honour for any UK based photographer.

It's only four weeks away and I can't wait to get stuck in - I'm so excited to be rubbing shoulders with some of the world's elite photographers.

In addition to the judging I'm taking part in a bikers outing to the Valley of Fire. A national park about an hours drive from Las Vegas. The trip is being organised by my good friend Ken Sklute with the idea that several 'nutty' photographers take out their favourite Harley's on a road trip. A great mix of easy riders, sidecars and trikes! There should be some great photography going on with the natural rock formations and luckless bikers.

Perhaps we should be called 'Harley's Angels'.....What do you think?

London Fantasies....

2012-01-21T13:16:00.001Z

Venezzia

Well that's another year over with for the Societies London Convention.....Two days of Judging, 1 Superclass and 1 Masterclass, Followed by all night partying until 3 in the morning. Why do I put myself through it? I love it I guess....

The highlight for me was of course to unveil my year long project 'Innocence Turned'. Although the class (and the room) was small, it was very well received and everyone went away with some goodies and the experience of using chromakey.

I've included some examples of what we shot in this post, just to give you a little taster. Next year should be bigger and better at the Hilton Hotel.

Broken Wing

Split Personality

Studio Cleanup.....

2011-12-29T19:23:00.000Z

The studio has recently undergone a new makeover with a facelift to the walls and carpeting. The sound system has been tidied up new settee and an overall much smarter appearance.

A better place to work in .....

Innocence Turned - E book

2011-11-21T19:22:00.001Z

It's finally here - as a prelude to the unveiling of the prints in London this coming January, a new ebook is available for iPad and iPhone. Just CLICK HERE and go directly to the Blurb bookstore to purchase and download your own personal copy.

Priced at just £2.71 its a steal......Unfortunately it's not available for Android yet but hopefully it will be in the new year.

This is my first venture into electronic publishing and thought that it might make my work available to a wider audience. Hopefully you will enjoy the book and visit my talk on how it all came about and was created in our refurbished studio in Neston.

The superclass and exhibition is taking place at the Societies Convention on 13th January at the Novotel West in Hammersmith. See you there!

Facebook Business Page

2011-11-17T20:23:00.001Z

Brand new business page launched on Facebook this month. Why not 'Like Us' and take advantage of our discount coupon for Premium Portrait services. Save 10% on your total order. The page also includes some albums showing model portfolios recently undertaken in our studio and abroad.

Go to our new Facebook page by clicking here....

facebook.com/emotionography

Louise Anastasi Photoshoot

2011-11-11T20:09:00.001Z

Had a great photoshoot yesterday with Louise who braved the chilly conditions and gave me some great images. They were all shot around our local area in the Wirral and will go to enhance her growing portfolio.

She is slowly learning the skills required to be a great model, which as everyone knows is not just a case of looking pretty. Louise had a large part to play in my recent Innocence Turned project which is due to unveiled in all its glory at the Novotel West, Hammersmith, in January 2012.

Louise will be joining me and I will be delivering a Superclass based around the project with a live demonstration of the techniques used to capture the images. Why not join us? Bookings can be made through the SWPP convention booking pages and I will be speaking on Friday 13th January at 9:0am.

Enjoy the images from yesterdays fashion shoot......

Fine Art in Malta

2011-11-03T20:30:00.000Z

During my recent trip to Malta, I took some great stock images for my Fine Art collections. I've attached some for your viewing and will soon be available to purchase through my main website - Tom Lee Photographer

Enjoy

Washing Day

Light at the end of the Street

Broken Window

MTP

Blue door in shadow

The Face

The Fisherman

Chantalle Mallia Fonde', Malta 2011

2011-11-02T13:34:00.000Z

Thought I'd share some of my favourite images from a recent trip to Malta.

I was lecturing at the recent MIPP convention in October and enjoyed meeting old friends and new, but never got to take any images for myself during the event due to a busy and hectic schedule. However all was not lost - thanks to my good friend Joe Smith, we arranged for Chantalle to model for myself and Podge Kelly at the beautiful Gnejna Bay on the west coast of the island.

Chantalle has modelled for me before on several occasions and the day was great fun and I'm pleased to say that she loves the images. I hope you all enjoy too......

MIPP Convention Talks

2011-10-03T19:34:00.000+01:00

Valletta Harbour

In my many talks that I give all over the world, I always enjoy a visit to my friends in Malta.

This year's convention is being held on the 14th, 15th and 16th of October and has a star studded line-up of speakers from all over the globe. I am honoured again to be asked to make a couple of presentations. One on studio lighting with my good friend Podge Kelly from Ireland and a solo presentation on Panoramas.

Malta is a great place to visit, if you've never been you don't know what you're missing. Looking forward to seeing all friends and colleagues soon.

Press Release - Tom is now Digigraphie

2011-09-25T19:53:00.003+01:00

Tom becomes an authorised Digigraphie Artist

Digigraphie has been developed by Epson for photographers, artists and museums to produce limited, certified editions of their artwork, using a combination of Epson Stylus Pro Printers, long-established Epson UltraChrome series inks and the highest quality fine-art media.

Bridging the divide between traditional and modern methods, the Digigraphie standard allows artists to produce a limited series of their final prints - at the highest quality possible - with exceptional durability that will last for generations. All the artwork is printed on pre-selected fine-art paper, which is numbered and signed by Tom, and has the Digigraphie logo.

Digigraphie is based on Epson’s most advanced print technology, including the UltraChrome series

professional inks, based on natural mineral pigments and resin coated. These inks are lightfast in excess of

60 years ensuring prints will last a lifetime.

Fantasy Portraits

2011-09-17T17:07:00.001+01:00

Fantasy portraits can take many forms...

Now that the Innocence Turned Project is almost there, I've been sorting out some demonstration files for my Superclass at the Societies London Convention, taking place at the Novotel, Hammersmith in January.

Whilst Innocence Turned is complete fantasy, I will be demonstrating various forms of fantasy portraiture that can be used to enhance your normal studio business stream.

Providing the client with something different has always been the aim of my portraiture and I will also be showcasing some of my latest work..

Hope to see you there. Book early at the Societies main website. CLICK HERE.

Model Subjects

2011-09-13T19:28:00.001+01:00

Illyana Pattison

Louise Anastasi

Thought I'd introduce the models that I have been working with over the last 12 months.
Both of these beauties will be with me at the Societies Convention in London this coming January. Illy (on left) has been modelling for a few years now and has worked with me on the Innocence Turned project. Louise (on right) has also been involved in the project but only been modelling for this year and just getting to grips with the demands of photographers.

Both girls are easy to work with and respond well to direction. If you are going to the convention at the Novotel in January look out for them and say hello. If you need an introduction, I'd be happy to oblige.

Take care - Tom

New Website and Galleries

2011-09-07T19:14:00.000+01:00

The Tom Lee website and Galleries have just been updated, together with a new Training Page. The page menu's should be easier to follow as we get ready for next years Societies convention in London.

Look out for more news regarding my Super and Master classes as I let you in on more secrets from the Innocence Turned Project. All finished bar the last final tweak!. I'll let you know where we're at next month.

Take care - Tom

Guild of Photographic Artists: Benny Hill Studio

2011-09-02T10:07:00.000+01:00

Guild of Photographic Artists: Benny Hill Studio: Fun Time lapse video of 3 hour studio session that contains some non-offencive nudity. The movie contains some 2300 seperate images compiled...

Innocence Turned - Almost There

2011-08-09T09:59:00.000+01:00

'Alone'

It's sneak preview time....

I've already had some great responses from the few people that are privvy to the details of the project and I have to say that I'm ecstatic about the images myself. It's been a long time since I've felt this good about my work.

Often when you produce work for other people, you can get caught up in the monotiny of 'Safe' imagery and your creative bent seems to get stifled in some way. Yes, we can be a little experimental, but always in the back of your mind you have to remember that someone is paying for the privelege of your services and you owe it to them to produce work that is not radical and stuff that they will enjoy.

Part of the reason for this body of work is to release the shackles that hold me back from producing images that I personally enjoy. I don't have to please anyone but myself and it's my own funds being spent. The spinoff is that I now have an additional portfolio that I can show to prospective clients, letting them know that there is an alternative to being 'Safe'.

Along with the images produced for the project is a video of how it was made, showing the actual shoot, as it happened, together with the thoughts of the models and people (including me) involved in putting it all together. This is now in its final stages and will be complete by the end of this month. There is also a movie with some 'deep thoughts' explaining the images and producing another artistic view of the project. I still need to find an actor for the voiceovers - so if you're interested!!!!

Hopefully those of you attending the SWPP Convention in London this coming January will get the full benefit of this body of work and take your own inspiration from the images.

Until next month.....stay well - Tom

Tom Lee Portrait Photographer: Innocence Turned - next installment

2011-07-25T19:03:00.000+01:00

Tom Lee Portrait Photographer: Innocence Turned - next installment: "WOW - what a shoot last week. Fantastic day with the models and of course the star attractions - two Burmese Pythons. Only problem was that..."

Innocence Turned - next installment

2011-07-25T19:02:00.000+01:00

WOW - what a shoot last week.
Fantastic day with the models and of course the star attractions - two Burmese Pythons. Only problem was that one of them had a cold and the models were a bit skittish about a snake with a snotty nose!

The image composites are now complete with just a few bits of tidying up to do before I commit to print. All the frames have been ordered for the exhibition and are due to arrive in a few weeks. Steve Hazelhurst (a local actor that has appeared on the big screen) is due in the studio later tonight to start on the voice overs for the video. Yep - a big screen production.

Those of you who are coming to the SWPP convention in London next year will see all the prints and films in all their glory. I am giving a four hour superclass on Fantasy Portraiture and the project will be taking centre stage.

Everything appears to be on track and the bulk of the work will be finished as scheduled by the end of October. Look out for next months post when you may get a sneak preview of the photo sessions as they took place!

Innocence Turned - Update

2011-07-07T20:48:00.000+01:00

Hi Folks

Just a quick update for those of you that are waiting to hear how this year's project is coming along.
I announced at the beginning of the year that my fantasy project was now under way and that we are scheduled for completion in October........

Well, we're right on track with a major shoot weekend coming up. The studio will be full to brimming as we make the final push to get all our base images in the can.

A 10 foot snake, wrangler, makeup artist, photographer and videographer and my two principal models will be crammed into my workspace. It's going to be hot and steamy in more ways than one.

Thinking ahead, I have all the printing materials (kindly sponsored by Epson) and sourced the music for the accompanying video. After this weekend, I'll be able to push on with the image composites and have the bulk of the work completed by early August.

Keep posted and we'll let you know how we progress with weekly bulletins on this site.

Until next week - stay cool - Tom

Katya Greer - Actress

2011-06-21T20:14:00.001+01:00

I was privileged to photograph Katya Greer at the studio earlier this month to help expand her personal portfolio.

Katya has starred in many TV and film shows such as Dawsons Creek, Broken and Waterloo Road.

Katya was ever the professional and took direction well.as you might expect. Although she came with some ideas of her own we were able to expand the portfolio to include one of my Fantasy Style images which was nothing that she had been used to before.

"Thank you!
It was wonderful and a really new experience."

If you would like to know more about our portfolio and stylised portraits get in touch with the studio.

0151 336 8216

Visions of Ireland

2011-06-05T20:31:00.000+01:00

Images capturing the essence of the Irish countryside during a recent holiday with friends.

Updated and Fresher Website Launched

2011-04-21T21:48:00.000+01:00

I've finally got around to doing it - The website has now been updated to reflect my move toward Fantasy Portraiture...leaving the Weddings behind for 2013.

It's been a hard decision, but one I'm sure I won't regret. I'm not getting any younger and it's a young persons game. The pressures on a photographer are immense and I don't need the grief any more. I've gone back to my artistic roots and developing some new portraiture styles that have all my own trademarks without having to make compromises for the client.

Images will now have an artistic feel rather than factual, based around my fantasy portraiture that I love so much. Confucius once said "If you love your what you do, you'll never work a hard day in your life"

I'm still going to do weddings, but only if asked directly, I'm not chasing the work any more! Look out for more frequent postings of what's going on at the studio and check out the new You Tube Channel.

Till next time - Tom

Bridal Fayre 30th Jan 2011

2011-02-11T21:25:00.001Z

Great Bridal Fayre event at Brooke Meadow in Chlder Thornton, Cheshire last month. Thanks to everyone who came to see us.
Some people may have been amazed to see me doing a model shoot with three good looking babes, so I thought I'd share some of the results with you. Many thanks to Elizabeth, Nicky and Debbie, and also to Anna May Couture for providing the dresses, Sue Hazelhurst of Shimmer and shine for makeup and Speedwell Motors for letting us lean on their cars!....Enjoy

The Societies Convention - London

2011-01-10T08:54:00.000Z

Hilbre Island from Little Eye

I'm off to the Societies Annual Convention in London Tomorrow... A week of hard graft and reacquainting of friends at Europe's largest photographers gathering at the Novotel London West in Hammersmith.

Many of the GPA members will be there and its a chance to catch up on personal projects and kick start our businesses again after the poor 2010 year. Things can only get better as they say....I will be helping with the two days of print judging before getting stuck into a superclass on wedding album design on Friday and a masterclass on essential panoramas on Saturday. The big black tie Gala Evening takes place on Sunday - hope I've got time to visit the trade show!

May I wish all my followers a happy and prosperous new year. - Tom

Ava - Traditional Portrait

2010-12-11T19:21:00.003Z

Ava is a wonderful 2 year old, who like many children seem to get overawed by the confines of a large studio and all its lights and equipment.

I decided to go 'old school' with this one with minimal lighting and props. The Bowens Streamlite constant light source was used in conjunction with a small chair and simple backdrop. All the images were taken handheld and because there was no flash of the lights shooting could take place without the young one jumping out of her skin every time we took a picture!

She soon settled and we got some great images of her playing hide and seek behind the chair. This is one of my favourites with just the dress and her wonderful blue eyes picked out in colour.

The result was an order for a 30"x20" gallery portrait.

Danny and Rajinder

2010-11-22T19:37:00.000Z

Work in progress...!

I don't normally 'chimp' when on a wedding assignment, or let the bride and groom see any images before processing, but it was a fantastic day and the two of them were such a wonderful couple.

Rajinders brother (Gurd) was kind enough to snap the 'chimping' moment as the happy couple viewed some of my handiwork.

Dan hails from Ireland and Rajinder is Indian, but the wedding was a wonderful mix of cultures. The wedding took place on the banks of the river Thames in Greenwich at the wonderfully named Trafalgar Tavern.

There wasn't much time for taking photos outside however because as you might imagine, the weather can get a bit cold in November...

We did however manage to get some photos taken in the grounds of the Naval college across the road which was devoid of the curious sightseer, before returning to the warmth and chaos of the party indoors.

The couple plan to take their honeymoon in December in far off exotic lands....

Wedding, Lighting and Posing - Neston

2010-10-29T14:55:00.005+01:00

The latest workshop in Neston was a huge success. Many of the attendees left with some great images and I promised that I would post some images to show the results......

The first image shows what came straight off the camera and the second is what a professional photographer can do with it! All images need to be worked to some degree or other, but only a few will get this sort of treatment. This is essentially the difference between 'Uncle Joe' and a 'Professional'. If you want the best only a qualified professional will have the knowledge and expertise to produce the standard of work done here.... Other images can be found on the Guild of Photographic Artists Blog.

Enjoy.

Portrait and Lighting Workshop - Rhyl

2010-10-24T17:44:00.002+01:00

Fantastic day for me providing a portrait and lighting class- just not too many attendees.....

Never mind, those that came had a great day and our model, Rebecca, was terrific. Travelling all the way from the far side of Manchester didn't phase her with all the traffic and she still had the patience to stand and pose for us in front of the class.

We looked at all sorts of stuff to do with lighting, types of units, accessories, modifiers, tungsten, fresnel, flash, power units etc; and spent some time exploring lighting patterns and ratios before posing techniques and practice with our model Rebecca.

Another Wedding and Lighting workshop will take place in Neston (cricket club) on the 28th of November, and there is still room for some more attendees - if you fancy some practice book in with the Societies.

See you there.

Makeover for Make-up Artist

2010-10-12T11:34:00.000+01:00

Sukhjeet Bahra is one of the country's leading make-up artists and specialises in Asian Weddings as well as other portrait and wedding assignments. She is a good friend of Maz Mashru and works extensively for him in his studio located in Leicester.

I will have the honour of taking photographs for her sister and future brother-in-law at Greenwich later next month and when she came to explain some of the details of the event, she was persuaded to pose (somewhat reluctantly) for me.

Like most reluctant models, they hate having their photograph taken, but in many instances, the reason that this is the case is due to the fact that they have never had one taken professionally! I'm sure you will agree she is a stunning looking girl and was suitably impressed with the results...

Perhaps she'll let me take another one next time - maybe even with her sister at the wedding next month!

Old Times - Hollywood Headshots

2010-10-05T16:02:00.008+01:00

Two recent additions to the Hollywood Headshots programme....

Grace Bayliss is an aspiring model who fancied something different for her portfolio and I obliged with my homage to Casablanca. The sepia toning seemed to suit the final image and was in keeping with the fantastically photographed screen gem.

Philip Town has just embarked on a tour aboard the cruising ships around the world as a singer and dancer. This image was a homage to the stage show Chicago.

FREE E-sessions

2010-09-08T19:28:00.003+01:00

Just launched by popular request, we now undertake e-session portrait shoots for all brides booking weddings for 2011.

This service is free to everyone booking standard and premium services and only £100 to anyone booking introductory services.

Call the studio for more information - 0151 336 8216

New Tom Lee Websites

2010-08-02T14:28:00.005+01:00

Hi all - I've been a bit lax in posting to the blog recently, so here are just a couple of items to keep you going.......
All three of the Tom Lee websites have had a makeover in the last month and load quicker and faster than ever, with a new interface and quicker searching from the side panels.

Wedding and Portrait
Photographic Art
Training

A new £50 Hollywood headshot portrair service has also been launched... All you do is turn up for your appointment and nothing to pay but the prints you take away - all in less than 60 mins. Each print is just £50 for a large Hollywood style A2 poster sized print on Fine Art paper. You frame and hang the print yourself.

New Bridal Fayre Dates

2010-06-16T09:14:00.003+01:00

Come and visit our Bridal Fayres on the new dates just published. New Pricelist and products available including our 'Disc Only' service.

11 July 2010 - Floral Pavillion, New Brighton, CH45 2JS
3rd October 2010 - Inglewood Manor, Ledsham, CH66 8PF
9th January 2011 - Floral Pavillion, New Brighton, CH45 2JS
27th February 2011 - Inglewood Manor, Ledsham, CH66 8PF

Many other exhibitors at each venue, all under one roof.
Remember, we are also at 105 Banks Road, West Kirby, Wirral most Thursdays.

New Portrait Offer

2009-09-18T20:37:00.003+01:00

Well I've finished my last wedding of the season and looking towards the last minute rush of customers who want portraits for Christmas.....OMG is it that time already!
Yes its almost upon us and for all our past clients take advantage of our latest offer of No booking or sitting fee - This means you can save up to £70 of your Christmas sitting...see you soon.

Bridal Fayre Diary - Update

2009-09-06T18:40:00.003+01:00

Hi All, just some dates for your diary if you want to come and meet us in person...

20th September - Inglewood Manor, Ledsham, CH66 8PF
27th September - The Grange, Wirral, CH64 7TL
10th January 2010 - Floral Pavilian, New Brighton, CH45 2JS
23rd & 24th January 2010 - Gordale Garden Centre, Wirral, CH64 8TF

Claire and Craig Thompson Wedding - 22nd August

2009-08-24T21:25:00.004+01:00

Well what a day - glorious weather, beautiful bride, fantastic locations, nothing goes to plan, I get a blowout (why me!) and everything turns out OK.

Claire and Craig were so laid back they were almost comatose.... A mad last minute panic at the brides house meant that the groom was left standing at the alter and we all arrived about 15 mins late, no worries - we'll catch up later. The service was at a private chapel at Mostyn House on the Wirral, a wonderful venue I couldn't wait to photograph the happy couple in. The clergy wouldn't let us take photos during the signing of the register - we'll have to do it later. The congregation was supposed to leave first followed by the bridge and groom,,, Guess what - never mind I'll bring them back for alter returns before we head off to Ruthin Castle in North Wales - a 45 minute drive.

Just when I thought I was getting ahead of myself, I hit a kerb and the tyre comes off the rim - OMG what do I do now. Nothing for it but accept that the gods are against me, get the tyre fixed and arrive late (but still in one piece at the venue).

What else could go wrong? I thought about blaming the video guy but he was in just as much trouble as me with the scheduling. Trying to cool down in the bar whilst guests were enjoying the wedding breakfast we heard several loud bangs on a table...It was only half an hour after they started eating (surely not the speeches yet!) No they decided to cut the cake early so the guests could have some for dessert! Just got that one...

I have to say that its been many a year since I've had as frenetic a wedding as this one...but I guess it keeps us honest, and proves to ourselves that we really do know how to cope in a crisis. I'm glad to say that hardly anyone noticed the slip in schedule and everything turned out OK in the end. Stunning Images and a fantastic day for everyone in more ways than I can count....

Until next time.

Pre-Bridal Portraiture

2009-07-31T13:59:00.006+01:00

With our new machine from Virtual Backgrounds we can use the latest technology to enhance your portrait session and give you images that other studios can't. Charlotte gave us some of her valuable time to model a few dresses for Cherish the Bride. We will be doing a full catalogue shoot for them later in the year, but here are just a few examples to keep you going. - enjoy.

Karen and Malcolm Gilmore Wedding

2009-07-31T13:32:00.009+01:00

Here's a wedding you don't get every day - Malcolm is a freelance consultant and Karen is a radiologist with a keen interest in animals and the environment. Both of them are members of the world famous Chester Zoo where they decided to tie the knot in this most prestigious of places on Friday 17th July.

They were married in the Oakfield House Manor situated within the grounds, but alas the weather was atrocious......and rained for most of the day. We did however venture out onto the lawn and surrounding areas. The day was highlighted by a tour to the Spirit of the Jaguar exhibition and a talk by one of the keepers to the entire wedding party - Roaarrrr....

Lisa and Nick Jones Wedding

2009-07-06T18:19:00.005+01:00

Lisa Campbell and Nick Jones were married in the Pagoda at Thornton Hall on 4th July. Whilst Lisa was the picture of calmness and couldn't wait to get her dress on, Nick was the complete opposite. When asked how he felt, the poor guy shook with nerves. I must say he looked a little shell shocked when I saw him for the first time walking towards the Pagoda.

The whole day went smoothly however, and Nick got into the swing of things and enjoyed his photographic experience. We even managed to dodge the rain (just) with the large group photo clicked as the heavens opened. We would like to wish them every happiness as they intend to move to the island of Malta in the near future.

Sinead and Dave Clarke Wedding

2009-06-29T20:40:00.008+01:00

We had the privilege of photographing Sinead O'connor and Dave Clarke's wedding on 27th June.
Sinead was resplendant in her wedding gown and Dave looked quite dapper in his suit.
The wedding was held at Thornton Hall Hotel where they were married in the Pergoda followed by an evening reception in the Torrintone Suite. It was a scorching day and most people were flagging before they started dancing in fine style. They even had a few monsters gatecrash the party...!

Baby Ellena Portrait

2009-06-20T13:00:00.009+01:00

Mother and baby portraits are very popular along with our pregnancy portraits right now, and we had the pleasure of welcoming back Mark and Sarah Reddy. We were privileged to photograph their wedding two years ago, and naturally they chose us to undertake their childrens images. Baby Ellena was only eight weeks old when she came into the studio and to be honest was one of the best behaved newborns that we have photographed. (she only peed once!).

All children of a tender age such as this get a little anxious when removing their wraps, and as soon as the cooler air hits the skin, it seems to turn the tap on! Nevertheless we are prepared for this and Mark and sarah were warned to bring a change of clothes and pleanty of wipes.

The two images shown here are two favourites. Madonna and Child (a warmtone black & white of Sarah and Ellena, printed on heavyweight fine art photo rag) and Baby Ellena (monochrome black & white on heavyweight fine art photo rag).

Offers

2009-06-09T11:38:00.008+01:00

No, it's not a sale.....
but we at the studio are always looking for ways to offer our clients a little bit more without compromising quality or cutting corners. It's been difficult for everybody over the last 12 months, not least those that have their own businesses or are self employed. Our fees have not increased over the last two years but due to improvements in technology and some benefits from our suppliers, we continue to improve our services without passing on additional costs to our clients.

Click the link to view our current offers....Tom Lee Photo Offers

Bridal Fayre Diary 2009

2009-06-09T11:25:00.005+01:00

Followers of this blog may want to keep checking back to see when and where we will be at upcoming Bridal Fayres for the remaining of the year and also the start of 2010.

20th September - Inglewood Manor, Wirral, CH66 8PF
27th September - The Grange, Thornton Hough, CH64 7TL
10th January - Floral Pavillion, New Brighton, CH45 2JS
21st February - Inglewood Manor, Wirral, CH66 8PF

Floral Pavillion

2009-06-08T11:22:00.005+01:00

Hi All, welcome back.....
Well what a day, bridal fayres can be a big let down on some days - you give up a days pay, and pay extra for the privilage of being there to boot! The wedding industry is particularly hard pressed at the moment due to the economic downturn. Couples are frightened of loosing their jobs, money is tight, weddings are being cancelled or brides are trying to cut costs at every corner....

It was however, refreshing to see so many people turn up at our recent fayre at the Floral Pavillion in New Brighton. Recently refurbished, we had a large open space that meant shortage of numbers would be easily noticed if they decided to stay at home. Helped by the good weather, we had a great turnout with much interest in our servces particularly - it was difficult for me or my wife to get a sandwich and a cup of coffee. (see photo of our stand).

We thank everybody who came out to see the Bridal Fayre and particularly those that showed interest in our wedding photography. We really hope to see you again soon for a confirmed booking. Remember it costs nothing to talk to us. Also, check our diary on this page to see where we will be next. For more information on bridal fayres and venues, contact Carole Strother at The Association of Professional Wedding Services on 0151 625 2562, or visit The Pink Book.

Looking Good

2009-06-05T15:31:00.011+01:00

Why should people have a professional portrait? whether its for a corporate brochure, job interview or just something for a loved one.... I always make you look your best.
Even if you have a few wrinkles (er... signs of maturity!) or teenage zit problem we can make you look good all the time. Believe me its less painful and cheaper than plastic surgery. So next time you have a cold sore, don't put off having your picture taken - we'll sort it out.
The photo above has had our standard makeover treatment that we apply to all our sittings.

Expensive Wedding Photography!

2009-06-05T08:56:00.004+01:00

I'm often asked - "why is your wedding photography so expensive?"

The simple answer is that its not!, it really depends on your point of view....If you think employing a professional photographer just pushes a button for a few hours on a Saturday...then you could be forgiven for thinking that this is the case. There again, buying a wedding dress for £500 or more is also expensive when you will only wear it for a few hours on one day of your life! Wedding cars can often cost £250 each for one trip from the house to church to venue and literally takes less than two hours. Ask yourself why you bought the ring you did, was that based on price...or was it because you liked it?

The reality is that we don't just push a button. Consider that a photographer will be with you for most, if not all of the day (and night), help with arranging other vendors, organise your groups, provide memories that will be with you for a lifetime - not just one day. Depending on how much you pay could depend on the quality of the photographer, his experience in posing, creative talents, quality of equipment, personal skills, designing of your album, variety of product and after sales. You will also see your photographer at least twice before the wedding and twice afterwards and this all takes time....Does your photographer have public and professional liability insurance, do you like what you see in his/her sample albums, can they demonstrate a level of competency (qualifications) and consider what you will lose if the photographs don't work out. For most of us there is no second chance!

On average I can spend over 50 hours preparing, carrying out and finalising a typical wedding shoot. This is not to impress you but to help you understand what is rarely understood in the photographers job. Be wary of the 'cheap' or 'budget' photographer that seems to offer you everything for less than £1000. With quality handmade albums costing over £500 just to have made, this doesn't leave much for the photographer to earn a living at 50 hours per job...!

Remember to choose wisely and our wedding photography is not expensive - it's priceless.

Mentoring - Leeds

2009-06-04T21:12:00.000+01:00

What an eventful time....set off at 7.0am, dodged traffic and got to The Flash Centre in Leeds Just after 9.0am, set up computers and first mentor student arrived at 9.30am.

Athough the photographers drifted through all day, I spent long chat sessions on discussions in techniques and their photography. I think most of the people I saw went away happier than when they arrived even though none were at the required standard of SWPP Licenciate.

The important thing with these sessions apart from gaining qualifications is the interaction of fellow photographers with their peers. They always have a clearer understanding of the satndards they need to acheive and where they are within the industry.

Stopped for a sandwich and coffee at around 12.45pm and under way again at 1.15pm. Wrapped up at 4.15pm and made good time past two motorway accidents on the opposite carriageway and arrived back home for tea at 6.0pm.

Whew..... its a long day...who'd be a photographer eh!

June Diary

2009-06-03T08:00:00.001+01:00

4th June - SWPP open day for aspiring photographers at the Flash Centre in Leeds. I will be mentoring and advising on qualifications and photo technique all day.

7th June - Bridal Fayre at the Floral Pavilion in Wallasey on the Wirral

30th June - SWPP open day for aspiring photographers at the Cambrian Photography in Colwyn Bay, North Wales. I will be mentoring and advising on qualifications and photo technique all day.