Looking to the future...
Well, it's been an eventful 12 months with some amazing highs and some horrible lows, but that's life. I will do a 'what a year' post closer to the new year but for now, I have started making some big plans and the best part? They will involve you!
I don't want to reveal too much just yet, but just to say that I will be getting out there and interacting mire with the people that really matter. I want to 'give something back' to show my appreciation for all the support I have had over the last twelve months. You will also be seeing a lot more of me on the web as well (whether you like it or not!) but as I say, more on that in the new year. For now, please keep an eye on my social media for new photography, news and maybe the odd 'event' or two!
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more. Thanks.
Why do we still buy prints?
A friend and I were discussing photography the other day and I was explaining that I had recently launched my online shop via my website. My friend turned to me and said, to my surprise, 'who still buys prints?'. Well, at first I didn't quite know how to answer, it took me a few seconds as I had not really considered it, I just thought that it was fairly obvious. They continued, 'isn't it a bit old fashioned, don't people just look at your pictures on your website?'
My immediate response was to start questioning my choice of friends, but I quickly started to explain that there is so much more to owning a print. Firstly, you don't necessarily have to appreciate 'art' - a print can be something that brings back a memory, that inspires you or simply puts a smile on your face. I'm no interior designer, but I do appreciate that a really special image or piece of art can make a mediocre room feel amazing! It is what that image means to you that is the important thing!
I started to describe that a print does not necessarily have to feel 'boring'. I have produced images of cityscapes on aluminium for large businesses that take pride-of-place in extravagant board rooms. I have also produced small prints that simply remind homesick 'brummies' of, well, home. There is also something hugely satisfying about having something 'physical' that you can look at rather than staring at it via a screen.
Whereas I like people to appreciate my work on the web, nothing compares to walking into a room and seeing your favourite image or catching it with a passing glance and it reminding you of a special memory. I asked my friend if they had any images of friends or family framed at home, to which they responded with a resounding 'Yes!'. I asked why, and they said 'because they are special'. I watched as the disbelief was slowly replaced with understanding.
The truth is, prints are still very important. I'm constantly amazed by images that I see on the internet but my favourite images, the ones that truly mean something to me? They belong on my walls.
If you see any images on my website/social media that you would like to purchase as a print or have a special enquiry (i.e. printing on aluminium) please contact me with your requirements.
Taking to the streets
I think it fairly clear that I love photography. I have no problem in getting up at 6.00am on a freezing morning in the hope that I will be rewarded with a stunning sunrise and produce one of my 'typical' images. However, this is not enough for me anymore and even though I am incredibly busy and have a constant flow of automotive work as well as commissions etc. I still want to be shooting every day.
So recently, I treated myself to a little pocket sized compact with the aim of having something I can carry and 'whip out' when I need it. Already, I have fallen in love with, but more on the gear in a future blog post. Why not just use an Iphone? I hear you shout... Well the simple truth is I like the feel of a 'proper' camera. I like the process of composing an image in my head, raising a camera to my eye and capturing a moment. I know, I'm old fashioned! I also like the process of bringing a file home, opening it up and, well, processing it. Yes I could run it through Instagram straight away, but I like the art of 'treating' an image exactly how I want to!
That's not to say that the final result will be made into prints and sold as art! Many of these images are purely for my Instagram account (follow me!) but that isn't the point. The point is that I can shoot everyday and force myself into capturing spontaneous scenes without the worry of 'will there be a good sunset?' - it really is the purest form of photography. So be warned, there will be more 'street photography' coming your way very soon, as well as some of the usual landscape stuff!
If you have any question about photography, why no get in touch
Shop now open!
It has taken a while but my SHOP is now up and running. feel free to take a look around and remember, you can order a print, mounted print or framed print of any of my images, just Contact Me if you have any other requirements.
Ten out of Ten(by)
Last weekend I had a rare little break and went for a weekend camping in Tenby, Wales. I had been to Tenby when I was much younger with my Mom and Brother and was amazed at some of the memories that it brought back. It's a beautiful little place and really sums up all the characteristics of a seaside town! It even has a beautifully converted Coastguard launch station/House that featured on Chanel Four's Grand Designs - pretty much my dream home! All-in-all, a fantastic weekend.
It's been a while.....
Well, it's been a hectic first half of 2015! Lot's of great projects and work but my automotive photography has had to take priority so I'm sorry I've neglected this blog. However, I will be updating it regularly from now on, so stay tuned for more coming soon :)
Happy New Year to you all!
Happy new year to all of you! I hope the hangovers have subsided and you are not too sick of Turkey! This is just as quick post as I am busy make plans for the new year and have lots of exciting plans and projects for the next twelve months. More on this soon but lets just say there will be a big focus on changing my style a little as well as introducing a few new ideas and also a little bit of a side project that may actually put me in front of the camera (a very scary thought!) so you have been warned! I hope you all have a great year, see you soon...
It's Christmas time...
And that means one thing, The Frankfurt German Market has hit Birmingham! The market divides people, a lot of people love it for it's fantastic range of food, drink and bric-a-brac, whilst others hate the crowds, the congestion and the general hassle of trying to get through the markets. Personally, I love the markets as it provides some fantastic photographic opportunities. Every year I rush to markets in the hope of grabbing an image that really stands out.
However, this is where the problem begins. As many of our Facebook feeds and Instagram accounts will testify, everybody gets the same shots! Everybody with a camera phone will get a shot of the Carousel, the market stools and of course, the big wheel! I think this is great as I love to see people taking photos but it does mean us 'photographers' have to try a bit harder! In general, we will try to make our images stand out by either adding Black & White, reflections or creating a long exposure to blur out things like the big wheel.
A great place to get some market shots from is the Library of Birmingham's 'Secret Garden' and if you time it for a sunset, then you can get some really great results. This year I want to challenge myself though and not just go for the more obvious shots so I will be trying to hunt down different angles, using different techniques and avoiding beer before shooting! Keep an eye on my Facebook page to see the results and most importantly of all, have fun at the markets!
Analogue Revolution - Shooting film
I was fortunate to be born in a time before digital cameras and my early experiences in photography were shooting and developing 35mm film. So even though I have invested heavily in 'digital' - it is always nice to go back to shooting in film. My chosen weapon? An old Prakitca BCA - With a few different lens but notably a 50mm prime. There is something very satisfying about actually 'winding on' a film camera and being limited to around 36 exposures per roll of film, it really makes you think!
Throughout the Autumn and Winter, I will be shooting around Birmingham with the old Prakitca and experimenting with different films, settings and approaches to my photography. It goes without saying that I will update you all with the results so make sure you check the blog or my Facebook page to see the results!
A Canadian adventure....
I recently had the amazing opportunity to visit Canada for a couple of weeks. I was travelling with my girlfriend and we would be staying mainly in Vancouver, a place that I have long wanted to visit. Our journey would take us to Seattle and Whistler where we took in some awesome sights. Here are a few of the shots, more to come very soon.
