Model Portraits - natural light

Between shooting and editing its great to squeeze in time for training.  Not only does this get the mojo and creative juices flowing but its also a chance to learn from some of the top photographers in the business. Last week I joined a small group of photographers for a SWPP members day session with John Denton.  John is an established photographer with a hugely sucessful business at both ends of the spectrum - shooting and training.

John works with a number of top models and for this session we were lucky to have the services of Fredau Hoekstra to provide our muse for the day. The morning session covered natural lighting techniques while the afternoon covered use of flash for more creative images - more on that session in my next blog.

One of the tasks we were given was to take 6 head shots (and no more!) of Fredau, putting her in the poses of our choice. My six photos are below and using tips picked up from John, I was very pleased with the results.  A good training session and more skills to bring to my next shoot. I'll be checking the SWPP members board to book my next training date!

If you are interested in a portrait shoot please contact me at judi.checketts@gmail.com to book your session. My rates are reasonable and I keep the session fun and informal!

Man's best friend...

Its been a while since I posted and after a busy summer there's lots to catch up on so look out for more blogs on what I've been up over the next few weeks.  Today I want to share with you some photos taken during the summer when an old friend came to stay with his pet schnauzer Ross.  I've known Ian since I was a teengaer (so a long time!!) and Ross since he was a puppy.  Ian moved to Madrid a few years back when I was still living out in Boston in the States. Like me, he wasn't one to leave his pets behind so his best buddy went too.  Ross is now 14 years old - and starting to slow down.  Earlier this year he was diagnosed with liver disease and Ian thought they only had weeks if not days left together.  Miraculously some pills from the vet have worked wonders for him and Ross has bounced back.  Not a cure, but much improved and enjoying a good quality of life in his old age.

So it was great to see them both over the summer and I decided to get some photos of them both together.  We went for a walk in the woods nearby (the benefits of country living!) and Ross was like a puppy again running through the woods.  I got some great images of them both - and of my boy Jack who found Ross irresistable!!

Design Templates

I love to check out other peoples blogs and am constantly amazed at the creativity and wealth of shared knowledge available.  I have recently become a fan of The Coffee Shop Blog; Rita who runs the blog has created some fantastic frames/storyboards and actions for photographers. Amazingly most of them are free to download.

Here's a couple of examples using the coffee shop colorbar colour palette:

They're great fun but be warned - Rita is right when she's says using them becomes addictive!

The Coffee Shop Blog