News - Long Exposure Photo Walk
A few weeks back I asked if anyone would be interested in joining me for a 'Long Exposure' photo walk in November. The response was unbelievable, at least 70 people have contacted me to enquire about joining me. This is very humbling, the fact that so many of you 'want' to join me is unreal.
It is also a bit upsetting though as for as much as I would love you all to join me, I would never be able to control 70 of you! So I have decided to do two nights (details below) and 10 people per night. Why 10 people? because I honestly want to have the opportunity to talk to you all and help out where I can. I would not be able to do this with larger groups.
Dates:
Wednesday 23rd November 7.00pm-9.00pm - Birmingham City Centre - Group 1
Wednesday 7th December 7.00pm-9.00pm - Birmingham City Centre - Group 2
So what happens next? Please sign up to the newsletter below and I will pick 10 people at random, for each night. What about those that don't get a place? Well, next year I will be hosting a number of workshops in and around Birmingham and by signing up to the newsletter, you will be the first to be notified about any up-coming photo-walks, tutorials or workshops.
Finally, I would just like to say thank you again for all of the support you guys give me, I really wish I could invite you all along but I look forward to meeting you all at some point soon.
Christmas comes early with these Top Ten Tips
I am not much of a writer, I'd far rather take a few pictures and leave the hard work to somebody else. However, when asked by FQ Magazine to write a 'Top Ten Tips' on photography, I couldn't turn down the opportunity.
I would far rather have written about landscape or automotive photography but seeing as it will soon be the season to be jolly, I was asked to write about taking pictures at Christmas. The tips are a range of the obvious through to some 'insider' knowledge but all with a light-hearted twist.
So why not take a few moments and have a quick look and see if you can pick up a few tips to make your festive photography something to remember - Read the tips HERE
Street Photography in Birmingham... Kind of...
By now, I think you will have guessed that I have a tendency for the dramatic, sunrise/sunset shots with a lot of editing! Even though that is what I love to do, I still enjoy trying new things and pushing myself a little.
From the platform of Grand Central looking through the frosted glass in the Concourse
So when I got my little Ricoh GR back from the head-honcho of the excellent IgersBirmingham after a short loan, I immediately wanted to get acquainted with my old friend. Now for those that may not be aware, my 'normal' camera is the Canon 5D Mkiii with a bunch of lenses, filters and a massive tripod, all of which weighs about as much as a small house! Whereas the little Ricoh, slides into my jacket pocket with ease and is stealth like when used in the street (if you are a trained ninja like me!)
He never saw me coming!
So armed with my little friend, a couple of spare hours and good light, I took to the streets of Birmingham with no idea what to shoot! The only thing I wanted to do was to practise my settings (photographers are always learning!) and have a crack at 'Street Photography' the subtle art of taking pictures of, well, things that are happening in the streets! And Birmingham never seems to let you down on that front.
I set about the streets, just capturing whatever took my fancy. Sometimes there was a little waiting around for something to happen, other times a shot just presented itself! I never set out to do true 'Street Photography' which generally involves people in the scene, I normally try to avoid people in my images, but I just took a bit of a carefree approach and grabbed images of whatever I found interesting.
Landscape or Street Photography? Who cares...
I have to admit, it was the most pleasing couple of hours photography I have had in a long while, no pressure, no need to get up at a ridiculous time or pray that the weather is just right (though it was!) and if I came home with nothing? So be it. It may not of escaped your attention that all images were shot in Black & White as well, which was an additional little treat! Simply paying attention to the light, tones and shades and no trying to second guess how I would edit the images in post, just me, the scene and the light!
Always expect the unexpected in Birmingham!
As I made my way home, I crossed the Queensway bridge and was met by a guy just making his way up the handrail, as you do. We did not say a word to each other, I didn't even raise the camera to my eye, I just hit the focus button on the back of my camera and shot 'from the hip'. I had a rough idea that the shot was framed correctly and the settings were where they need to be. As I made my way down the steps, I checked the back of the camera and was so pleased I had got the image, my favourite shot of the day! Real street photography and a scene completely out of the ordinary.
There were so many little pleasures to be had by simply walking the streets and discretely taking in my surroundings. The Ricoh GR is an absolutely amazing camera (I will do a full review at some point). It was a joy to shoot without any pressure and highly enjoyable to do something selfish and only shoot for me. Birmingham seems a more than fitting stage for Street Photography and I am sure I will treat myself to another little trip out again soon. In the meantime, I would strongly suggest a flick through Instagram and in particular, checking out the work of local Street Supremo Kris Askey (@krisaskey) who always seems to find the understated beauty of everyday scenes.
Here are all of the shots (well most, the ones I am happy to share) from my little mooch around.
Long Exposure Photography using the LEE Filter System
It probably won't come as much of a surprise that us Photographers love anything that makes our life easier and improves the final result. Well the LEE Filter system is a prime example of a tool that every photographer should have in their kit bag.
This short video gives a brief insight into how the LEE Filter system works and as you can see form the image below, the results are pretty cool, even if I do say so myself. Be sure to check out the LEE website HERE to take a look at some of their great products. Look out for more videos coming soon and don't forget to Subscribe to my Youtube channel.
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
Fail to plan...
We're nearly two weeks into the new year and I've already been pretty busy with a few shoots, coverage of Autosport International and a busy few weeks to look forward to. However, it is not all running from shoot to shoot, a lot of planning and preparation has to be done first.
This year, more than any, I have been working on a business plan, researching the market and looking into new avenues for 2015. I can't really say much now but it will prove to be a challenging year in which I move into some new areas, well outside my own comfort zone and even incorporate some video into my portfolio, as well as learning new techniques along the way and still producing my regular shots of my beloved Birmingham! So here is to an exciting twelve months :)
Capturing 'The Shot' All you need is luck!
It's no secret that a lot of photography is, as Henri Cartier-Bresson famously said, is about 'the decisive moment'. That means that split second when everything just falls into place and the subject is in exactly the right spot - that is when you hit the shutter button. Now I'm sure the intellectuals will tell me I'm wrong but that's my impression and that's what works for me.
What probably isn't as well known to those out side of the 'professional' circles is that a lot of photography is just down to pure luck. Now don't get me wrong, I am not bad-mouthing professionals, you still need to be in the right place, at the right time and obviously, holding a camera ready to go! But there is an element outside of the control of the photographer.
I was very fortunate to have a little spare time to go to the Library of Birmingham and was pretty much alone when a guy with a carrier bag and camera, lazily strolled passed me and along the rain soaked 'Secret Garden' terrace. Without thinking, I lifted my new Fuji XPro1 to my face and fired off a few frames. I thought nothing more of it but when I got home and 'developed' the images in Lightroom, I was very pleased with the results. The image has a classic look and a lot of satisfying elements such as the leading lines and the separation between the guys foot and the ground showing motion. A very pleasing shot if I do say so myself.
The next day, Birmingham was covered by a miserable grey cloud that did nothing but rain relentlessly. However, as I passed by my bedroom window I noticed a sliver of sunlight on an adjacent building and took my chances, I ran out into the rain with the XPro1 in the hope of capturing a pleasing sunset.
I headed to the nearest 'high point' which happened to be the Library of Birmingham. I impatiently caught the lift up to the seventh floor 'Secret Garden' and once again walked out onto the rain soaked terrace expecting to be alone. However, once again I caught a guy nonchalantly strolling in the same spot. I once again fired away and caught a similarly pleasing image. So why am I telling you this? Simply to show that it is not always down to planning (though I am a big believer in 'fail to plan, plan to fail') but a large dose of 'luck' always helps!
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!
Birmingham on Fire - Wire wool Photography
I am always happy to try something new with my photography. I particularly enjoy it if there is an element of danger! Sometime ago, I had my first attempt at 'Wire wool Photography' this is a form of light-painting.
The process is quite simple. Find a dark environment, put some wire wool in a steel whisk, set it alight and spinning very quickly around your head! Set your camera to a long exposure, around 10-15 seconds and record the chaos!
Each little spark that comes away from the whisk send a trail spiraling off and creates these spectacular images that are full of action. I particularly like to do this by water to maximize the chaos as the trails can be picked up as reflections in the water.
It goes without saying that there is an element of risk with this kind of photography. You must be aware of your surroundings and have plenty of water to hand should things go wrong. If anybody out there would like to try this or has any question, feel free to contact me for some advice. As ever, find more of my images on my Facebook page and remember, safety first kids!
