This past weekend

Travelled up to Manchester on Saturday. One of Karen's nieces had their 21st birthday party in the evening. The weather was great. Made it even better. Nice seeing the in-laws.

As usual, I'd arranged a photoshoot. Sunday morning 11.30am. I had placed a casting call for a model in Manchester. It was a TF deal. I need to get more images in my portfolio which are different.

I love close cropped portraits. I like to be able to interact with my subject. Getting the best of them, all be it from my perspective, but that's part of the fun for me. I ask my subjects to show me who they think they are, then I try and capture who I see.

The model who offered up their time was someone who had little experience, but was absolutely brilliant. They were able to take my directions, being enthusiastic about everything.

My chosen tools were a Nikon D300 with a 80-200 f2.8 and a Canon 5D with a 24-105 F4L. I also chose to use an ebay hotshoe flash which cost me a fraction of what the equivalent Nikon or Canon branded flash would. As back up I did have a Nikon SB800. My son Aaron was my 'VAL' for the shoot and my lens man. Holding a reflector when needed too.

I'd planned to do the shoot around King Street, and St Ann's Square just off Deansgate. We were happily surprised to discover there was a flower market thingy happening along Kings Street and a food market going on in St Ann's square.

After getting the portraits I wanted for me, I attempted to get what my model was hoping to get for their portfolio. I had a really good time as did Aaron, who now wants to be able to help me on any other shoots where I may need some help. Him telling me that really made me feel glad.

Once I've had a chance to sort the shoot images, I get them up here. So stay tuned.