Allen and May's 50th Anniversary

It was a glorious weekend in Manchester this past weekend. Celebrating at the Millennium Copthorne. Great fun had by all Karens friends who joined us as did my mum who is now a regular to our journeys.

The weather was fine for the whole of the weekend which made quite a difference.

A special thanks have to go to our friends Karen and Gordon, spending their time with our kids, taking them shopping.

Personal project - kit list

I know it's Tuesday and I've already started the week, but I wasn't sure of the weight, as a few times a week I go to the gym in the evening straight from work. I carry one bag, everyday. On gym days my gear has to fit in with my gym kit and clean items of clothing. On other days its on its own, however Monday to Friday I also pack some lunch (Tupperware protects that).

So here it is:

This is almost all I need - going with the strobist school of thought. One DX camera body, 18-200mm lens (with rubber hood), a manual speedlight, a flash bender (rogue copy), a pack of rosco gels, batteries and charger for the flash. 

Here's why. I like the 18-200 is not a prime, but out at 200mm it's only f5.6 so at minimum focus distance I can knock the background out nice and soft. It's also a great all rounder and can double up for most situations of my day-to-day.

Now the DX body has a popup flash, which in a pinch can make do as a on axis fill. If I want some directional light that's where the speedlight come in. It can be a slave or I'll use a cheap pt04 remote if needed. It'll definitely have the flash bender attached. Once you use it you'll love it. The rosco gels are a impulse. Not sure if I'll get the chance to use them but they take up a little more space than a pack of gum. Now you might be asking 'what's gonna hold up the flash?', a V.A.L of course! If I've the need to use the flash, I'll have had to do a little planning so they'll be some one to act as a light stand.

I nearly forgot, I've also a bunch of 'moo' mini cards with my details just in case!

Next post will be some results - hopefully!

What's happening?

So it would seem I'm falling foul of that old procrastinating buddy 'if I just do that first'. It just makes you delay the inevitable of having to do something which you know will either be difficult or consume a lot of time - possibly money.

I have managed to have defeated the beast that whispers to you when you've a moment to yourself. We all know that beast. It chants 'if only we had that new lens or lighting gear, just think what we could achieve'. He just delays you with the thought, 'when I get that ...... I'll be able to do the ........... shoot (you can replace the dots with your wants), also known as G.A.S (Gear Acquisition Syndrome).

I can't quite remember who said it first, 'If you want to make better photos, shoot more interesting subjects'. Pretty much it is as simple as that. You might be technically good, but if your subject is boring or looks boring, who's gonna take notice of your skills? Ok there may be the argument about who's your target market. That's another discussion.

Back to me. So portraiture is what I like, a little lifestyles, a touch of fashion (probably think catalogue for the last one, but only because that's where I'm at with that) and of course events, where there are people interactions ready to be captured. 

I've been collecting images to build a mood board to help the thought process, I've managed to find a friend who is a MUA and would be willing to collaborate. Do I also need to find a willing stylist? Really? Isn't that just another excuse to delay doing the shoot? Perhaps, but more importantly there's good and then there's great. I wanna get great. So without the stylist is offering me another excuse for delay.

I've not worked with my friend the MUA before, I want to get something 'under our belts' so to speak, so I think we should start small. Perhaps the before, mid and after images of a full applied make up. 

Anyhoo, this week I'm aiming to just get into the swing of things, setting a goal.

Five portraits over seven days. A minimal kit bag is a must as I'll be carrying it everywhere. I'll decide tonight (Sunday) exactly what it'll contain but must include one speedlight (that will technically give me two light sources), one lens and one light modifier.

So, from Monday through to Sunday, five portraits - stay tuned.

DK

Weekend fun with Mia

So I take to getting to grips with doing stuff my daughter likes/wants. First on the list is getting her nails done. Well, to be able to restrict her to what I deem age appropriate, I have to know what it's all about. Gel, acrylic, foils etc, etc etc.

Here is my first attempt with orange sherbet varnish with nail caviar. She loved it. Job done!

Next job is to learn how to do nail illustrations!

Manchester Weekend

It was my wife's birthday on the 25th, so we continued to celebrate up in Manchester, having a party on the 29th at the Ramada Hotel, Salford Quays. It was 6 months in the planning, 'all' my wife's doing as she is great at organising events (She could easily be a Wedding Planner or even a Personal shopper).

Anyhoo on the Sunday I ventured into town with my Mum to do a little shopping, so had to grab a light lunch choosing to go to Las Iguanas as we do like the food there. Guess what, it was happy hour! But we decided to go the alcohol free cocktail route. BOGOF.!

Enjoying another day

Today we've come to Westfield Stratford.
Here have just finished lunch at 'The Real Greek. Very nice indeed! We chose from the special spring menu offer of £10 for two courses.

Mums birthday continues......,

And so here is the finally of the weekends celebration of my Mums birthday.

View from the window - MK2

Here's a colour version of the view from Adstream's office.

The Best Camera is.....

This is just a view from the office I'm currently working.

Back in school

I was lucky enough to spend the morning at school with Mia. First lesson was literacy, the second was maths.

Quite a noisy class, luckily the teacher has reasonable control, albeit with the help of an assistant.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Happy Mothers Day!

We managed to surprise my mum on her return from church with a 'proper' tea and cakes spread!

I have to thank my darling wife, who I managed to surprise, by preparing breakfast in bed for her. Of course, with the help of Mia.

Shopping for Tai.

Luckily Karen is great at shopping. I would have been so stresses out with Tai.

I'm beginning to realise its portraiture and headshots that make me want to make more photos. I'm constantly, without consciously meaning to, look at everyone as I pass them in the street and stores, thinking about how the light falls on there faces. Making my own opinion on whether it actually enhances their features. How would I choose to place my lights to flatter them better, or even to make them look more like I think there character may be.

You know what? I'm gonna start myself a portrait project. Create some flyers and place them in my local community centre to try and get some 'real people' subjects.

Mia's got a brand new bag!

So, Mia had been asking for a new everyday school bag, managing to earn enough 'points' that actually translated into Stirling funds.

She chose this one from Sports Direct in Chapel street market, Islington. It's a NoFear bag but looks like it could be a Monster High bag. Anyhoo she loves it.