Behind the Magic – Editing Natural Light Black Background Portraits
I've previously talked about how I create most of my black background images and also different methods of how to create them. Now it's time to start looking at how I edit them. This year I will be bringing you more videos that delve further into my editing process....
Planning photography into your wedding day timings
Where to start? It is important to plan when in your wedding day key photography moments are going to take place, and how long they are going to take, even if you are having documentary coverage as you need to ensure your photographer is in the right place at the...
The importance of original imagery
Original imagery or stock? On brand original imagery is essential for the success of every business and brand especially in today's digital led market place. Imagery can make and indeed break a business. It's not just product photography that is important, but any...
Behind The Magic – My wedding survival kit
Once upon a time when I was young, I was a girl guide, and the motto we followed, just like the Scouts was 'Be Prepared'. This is something that follows through with me to this day and one of the things I therefore carry on me at all my weddings is my essentials...
Commercial Photography – What type suits which businesses?
Every business has a product, it may be a physical object or alternatively a service, and to make that product successful in the current digital age imagery is essential. Although it is possible to take an image with a phone, it is rarely a well lit balanced photo...
Behind The Magic – 10 tips when buying new equipment
When I started with digital photography I bought everything new, cameras, lenses, everything. Within a couple of years I learnt that is actually quite short sighted and expensive. Sure if you can afford it then feel free and go right ahead and buy new, but if not...
Behind the Magic – Photographing in low light
Light is vital for taking photographs. If we had our own way as photographers, we would only utilise venues and times of the day when the light is ideal, but more often than not we don't have perfect light, and instead we need to deal with what we have. Sometimes you...
Behind The Magic – So you’re going to be a wedding photographer?
It is becoming increasingly common for couples on a budget to ask family members or friends to be their photographer. That person may well be accomplished in another area of photography already, or may just be a happy amateur with 'a nice camera', either way it is...
Behind the Magic – Snow Fun – Ordinary to (hopefully) Outstanding!
The recent snow allowed me to satisfy one of my bucket list photo shoots, namely horses in the snow. The last decent snow fall I experienced was about 6 years ago, and I was unable to tick it off my list then, but this year I was able to take full advantage whilst...
Behind the Magic – Inspiration & Influences
Every creative person whether an artist, author, photographer or otherwise has sources of inspiration. Those sources could be anything and I really do mean anything. Personally I have a collection of sources that I regularly utilise in different ways. Now I will start...
Behind the Magic – Editing workflow
I'm often asked about my workflow for editing a photo shoot so let me take you on a whistlestop tour of what I do from taking the photos to delivering the final images. In general I edit photo shoots in the order they take place. The slight exception is weddings which...
Behind the Magic – Merged Sequences
The majority of the time I only aim to take one photo at a time but occasionally I will take a few successive frames which when merged together can make a great sequence. The keys to making a good sequence are to be relatively side on to the fence, so you can record...
Behind the Magic – Always be prepared
If you were ever a Scout or Girl Guide the phrase 'be prepared' will be well known to you. Preparedness is vital in becoming a successful photographer in so many ways. My inspiration to write this blog stems from an American photo that went viral of some photographers...
Behind the magic – Behind the scenes studio lit shoot
Have you wondered how I create the beautiful low key black background portraits? This article will give you a behind the scenes look into how I use powerful portable studio lights that I can use almost anywhere within reason. I personally favour a one light set up as...
Behind the magic – 10 tips for taking a Christmas family photo
So it's under a week away, the time when families descend upon each other, often in numbers only seen once a year. It can therefore be a great opportunity to take a group family photo so here are 10 tips to help you take a better photo. 1. Choose your location....
What would you like to know?
Have you got a burning question you would like to ask me? Would you like to know something about how I create my images or how I work? Drop me a line and let me know.