Christmas Gifts

In the build up to Christmas, and in some cases when the leaves were still on the trees, I was asked to capture images of much loved pets. As these images were being printed and framed and given as Christmas presents I could not share them with you until now. I didn't want to spoil any Christmas gift surprises.

 

 

 

 

 

I really enjoyed spending time with the pets (and their owners) capturing these images. Learning about their personalities and spending that little extra time certainly pays dividends. I really enjoyed these shots and I hope everyone loved their unique and very personal gifts.

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When it happens, it really happens ...

I've been wonderfully busy over the last week - which is the best feeling in the world. I have had clients each day for 7 consecutive days. Yep - I even work at the weekends!

So here's a quick review of what I did:

• Individual Business Portraits x 3
• Product Photography
• Fashion Shoot
• Business portraits - 23 people in 2 poses 
• Event Photography
• Family Portrait

Written down in a list like that it doesn't seem so great - but believe me it was fantastic. Also as well as that list of shooting I have also been to 5 networking groups, delivered a ten minute presentation on how to get the best out of your phone when capturing holiday snaps and had two 121 meetings to find out more about other people's businesses. 

 

Here's some of my work:

Fashion Shoot

 

 Product Shoot

 

 

 Event Photography

Portrait number 1

 

Portrait number 2

Pose number 1 for 23 members of staff

Portrait number 3

 

 

Family Portrait

Well when you group them together like that it seems that I am mostly a portrait photographer. I have meet some amazing people and had such fun and laughs with them. I have been told there are some lovely testimonials coming my way as well. 

 

Another great achievement this week was that I got to make use of my new lighting kit which I bought at the Photography Show back in March. I like them and will be make much more use of them in the future. Firstly thought I need to sort out a proper bag for them so that the lights and the stands they need can be easily transported/carried/moved about. This week was a little tough in that respect. But I have done a little research on Amazon and think I may have found a solution that saves my back and shoulders.

 

I have learned an awful lot from this week. And I am gloriously happy.

 

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What a week

It has been a great week... well that is my feeling as I sit here sipping my cup of Earl Grey on a Friday morning. So let's have a think, why am I thinking it has been a great week.

 

Firstly I was out and about with my camera shooting things this week - this always fills me with joy. Portrait, Architectural and Event Photography and a fabulous photo restoration were in the mix. Having work to do means invoices are being raised and that always makes me happy.

The beautiful Fiona

A rather splendid equestrian property in South Leicestershire gets the star treatment

Rain stops nothing

I have been speaking to my accountant to make sure I understand how my income tax will be affected by having become a Landlord at the beginning of the year. Seems all is in hand, I understand all that I need to do, what to look out for and I also cleared up a couple of things I didn't know about. Now I don't have to worry about this and I can concentrate on pushing my business forward. This really makes me happy. 

 

I started going to a new networking group this week and met some really rather lovely people who, after only that first meeting, are asking me to work with them. This makes me happy.

 

I also met up with people I networked with last year. We had all lost touch when the group closed so we planned to meet for a curry and it was great to catch up. I had missed them. It wasn't long, I think the poppadum and chutney's had been cleared away, before work was being passed around the table. Old networking habits never die. This made me happy. 

 

I have talked through a plan I have to rationalise parts of my business. Hearing myself say the words, rather than just having the thoughts rumbling around my head, has really helped and has made me realise it is the correct thing to do. There are parts of the business that are costing money but not bringing in any money. I have to say this is a little like asking a member of staff to leave - but I think needs must. So over the next few months I am going to be making the changes. I shall keep you informed. Sad as this is, it does make me happy.

 

On a personal note: I bought myself a rather large amount of wool this week, mostly purple, to add to my stash and have started working on a project with it. This makes me happy.

 

In summary: I think I can now see why this has been a good week and why I'm feeling happy whilst sipping my Earl Grey.

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Scouting Locations

Sarah contacted me for some head and shoulders shots ready for her new business, new website and new career - all NEW hear!

She chose to meet outdoors near St Peter's Church, Burton saying "I want outdoors cos I'm an outdoorsy sort of woman". I like her style.

I arrived a few mins early and had a quick walk around looking out for nice backdrops alongside the River Trent. This structure was interesting. I loved the colours of the bricks, there was a good source of natural light and it would give us some shelter from the wind.

Shelter

Sarah liked the look of it too and this is my favourite image of her from inside the shelter:

Natural light and a little flash with a lovely brick backdrop

I also spied this spot with an ivy covered tree, the River and a moss covered wall:  

Mossy wall

Sarah had brought a change of clothes and so for this shot we chose the tweed jacket:

Mossy wall

I encourage my client to bring along a change of clothes (a couple of jackets, a scarf, different jumper) so that they have a few different looks. The reason for this is so they get more images from the one shoot that they can rota through the year. Sarah took this to heart and I actually have a shot of her in a tee-shirt. What a star and now she has images ready for use across all platforms for her new business throughout the coming year.

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Tips for you when being photographed

You will see many posts about how to take good portrait photos - I know I offer them myself when training people. Any good photographer will absorb and learn from these tips to develop their own style. However it occurred to me the other day that there are never any tips for what to do when you are the subject. You need to get the very best out of your session and have confidence as you meet with your photographer. They should be considering and planning for all of these things - but it is worth having them in your head - that way you will go home with some great images from your shoot.

If these are a bit too much for you then let me take the hassle away and come to me. I always consider all of these points and I will definitely put you at your ease.

If you are using a different photographer then please take with you my top tips for things to do, look out for and ask about during your head and shoulder portrait shoot:

Top tips for Great Portraits

And getting the best out of your photographer

 

Stand with your feet at 45 degree angle to the camera and turn at the waist towards the camera. This gives a more flattering body shape – for men and women. Even if you are just doing head and shoulder shots. 

Do not stand close to the backdrop/background/wall stand at least 1 metre away - more if possible. This will avoid nasty shadows being cast particularly if your photographer is using flash. 

Don't look down at the photographer. If they are shorter than you then you need to sit or get them to stand on a chair or ladder or up some steps - whatever is available.

Back lighting is very flattering so if you can position yourself with the main source of light being behind you that always looks good and provides a highlight on your hair.

Find out how they like to shoot – do they prefer shallow depth of field using a large aperture – ask them because if they do then this will nicely blur out the background and make sure the focus is all on you. Your eyes, or the leading eye, must be in focus. The danger with large aperture and extremely shallow depth of field is that your nose might be in focus but the 2cm to get to your eyes and they are out of focus. So if they are showing you images as they work always check the focus on your eyes is sharp and crisp.

Don't let them use on-camera flash pointing straight at you – there-in lies red eye – not a good look. Make sure they have a swivel head flash and bounce it off wall or ceiling or they are using an alternate light source.

Look at the camera but look just above the lens not straight down the barrel of the lens.

Try some shots where you are looking off camera - perhaps laughing or chatting with someone standing to the side of the photographer. Some candid shots can be really quite lovely.

Remember to get some where you are smiling: teeth showing. And some where you are being approachable but not with a toothy smile. Also have a couple of different jackets or scarves so that you can have different looks. This way you get more out of your shoot.

Ask if you can have your images processed in colour and black and white – this way you can have many different looks and styles all from one shoot. 

If you are sitting remember to lean forward slightly so that your chest is over your belt buckle. Don't overdo the movement just make subtle adjustments.

It's always better to have a slight double chin rather than look down your nose. That way you look snooty. Looking up through your eyelashes is must nicer, glamorous and quite sexy. This is why your photographer needs to have their camera at least at your eye level, if not higher.

Make sure your photographer cares you want someone who will straighten a tie, adjust a jacket, flick dandruff off your shoulder or smooth down your hair. It shows they are bothered about how you are going to look and it will put you at your ease. The more time they spend with the camera away from their face the more you will relax.

Make sure you like your photographer. If you love your images make sure you tell everyone who captured them for you.  

 

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Update at Cooper Towers

I have been a little quiet on here I know - but have been very busy diversifying and setting up the new venture ready for 2014.

I now offer a wedding photography service. Devoted Wedding Photography. A Bride-to-be looks for photographers in a different way to my commercial SME business clients so I have set up a new name, a new website and a new blog that will appeal to them. 

I still shoot people, products, events and specialise in time-lapse photography - but now I also capture weddings.

 

I like being Joanne Cooper whether I am Joanne Cooper Photography or Devoted Wedding Photography - it's me and it's photography.

Clever lighting removes wrinkles!

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Behind the Scenes - Ghostbusters

I have always said that this blog should be a look behind the scenes. On a job recently I got the chance (with my new iPhone) to capture a set up.

We were all a little worried that photographing a photograph of a scene that is being photographed would result in some sort of disaster akin to the beams being crossed in Ghostbusters - but we were all OK.

Thanks to Yvonne and Laura - it was fun

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The moment I made a child cry

Had great fun yesterday capturing another class of 4 year olds for their year end class photograph celebrating the Jubilee. I am not quite accomplished at dealing with children - I tend to treat them as little adults and forget that innocuous things can upset them.

To get them all paying attention to me I gave them some instructions on what I wanted them to do. I asked them to look at the camera. Saying look into the lens would be meaningless so I said "look into the circle - the dark circle. Or look at my hair bobble - which resembles a spider" - whoops.

Whoops - note to self: do not mention spiders in front of children

Poor sweetheart started crying. I knew instantly I should not have said spider and saying look into the deep dark circle might have been a little scary too. Never mind I soon had her smiling again and got the final shot I was after.

The final image ready for printing

Prints are being created and I will deliver early next week. Apart from the little crying hiccup I did rather enjoy capturing these class photographs.

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Two Shoots - One Day

The sun was up, the day was hot, but I had so much fun. Started by capturing a class of 45 4 year olds. What a delight. I really enjoyed that and it was lovely to see Ashley again - who now refers to me as Play-doh Jo!

Home to download the images and create an image where each child was looking up, had their eyes open and not pulling a silly face. Didn't take as long as I thought. I really enjoyed doing this and am hoping it will lead to future work. Delightful.

Prepared for my WIBN meeting tomorrow. Tidied up a time-lapse movie to show, wrote my monthly minute, put together items to show off and wrapped a present for my special friend in case I don't see her on her birthday. Oh and organised a lift.

Then to finish off the afternoon I went and spent an hour with Elaine and Winnie. Winnie was very entertaining when charging around the garden and digging. Managed to get a couple of shots of her panting after her exertions.

Love capturing images of people's pets. So much love.

Got some lovely shots of Elaine for her social media profiles too. A very easy subject to work with and I love some of the images I have captured for her.

Home to download images and prepare them ready for tomorrow along with purchase orders and invoices. Am also sorting prints and business cards for a client. Also tomorrow I am looking forward to seeing my new banner. Busy day ahead tomorrow so will take pics and report on that too. A very satisfying day. And an interesting one ahead on Thursday.

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Scary Portrait

You may recall this challenge I set myself back in January - (Bloomfeld and Sherlock). I've been a little busy so I hadn't quite completed this. However this evening there was weird lovely sunlight streaming through the windows as a storm rolled across the Moira sky. I grabbed my camera, the floor covering and a victim and captured some images.

After a bit of cropping and processing I think I have captured sinister and pleading - these two are my favourites:

Sinister

Pleading

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Animal Portraiture

A few months ago I talked about the possibility of diversifying my offer and including pet photography into the mix of what I offer. I had been out and captured images of stallions at an open day at a local stud and was suggesting I could take this further. Of course I don't jump into things I have to do the research and get a portfolio of images together - this way I can see if it something I enjoy doing and what my competition might be doing. I researched styles, loveliness and pricing of other photographers offers and I think I might have something here. I already love being around and photographing horses. Next I need to try dogs.

Yesterday I finally got round to going to see my cousin who keeps pedigree, cup winning, record breaking, beautiful - Belgian Shepherds. I thought I would start with the most gorgeous animals to cut my teeth on. I spent a wonderful 6 hours drinking tea, catching up on 5 years of family gossip, putting the world to right, avoiding hail showers and playing with the two dogs that currently inhabit their world.

I have seen many images of the dogs in show condition, in show positions, showing off their best features. What I decided I wanted to capture was some of the fun and humour and beauty of the dogs at home and relaxing. Here are my favourites:

Cuba

Cuba

Conway waiting for his chance with the toy 

Conway

Conway

Thanks to Hazel and Dave for a fun afternoon and I will be coming with you to shows in the future. Long time since I have been around dogs this big. (Think it was Rottweilers in 1995!) so it was a real treat to get to know Cuba and a delight to play with Conway - who imho - is going to be a star.

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Good Friday, Good Week

A photo shoot started the week for the lovely Cheryl - Vibrant Life Aromatherapy. I was capturing her in action so that she can populate her website with unique images of her and not have to resort to stock shots like all her competitors. We had great fun.

After processing the images I can safely say there are some lovely images - they really capture her spirit and skills. I captured this lovely shot of her daughter whilst we were setting up and if you have been paying attention you might recognise Rehanne for a shoot I did back in October.

The weather caused me some issues on Wednesday. On my return from a network meeting at 'Derby Hub' I found that the wind had blown my recycling boxes and bins all the way around to the front of the house and the contents up and down the road. 20 minutes later I had rounded up all my litter - what a performance.

I had an enjoyable time at the lunchtime meeting, seeing a couple of people I have meet before, making new contacts and I also received an offer of a very interesting and exciting contract. Will tell more when it's in the bag.

Thursday saw me taking an obscure route to get to the Ferrers Centre via Breedon on the Hill (don't ask) but I was treated to the sight of Breedon Church, on top of its escarpment, with the snow capped Peak District in the background.

There is no need to show you a photograph of that, use your imagination and consider the beauty of the gorgeous little pockets around us. Caught up with my mate and got the chance to let off steam about a couple of ridiculous things that happened to me this week and returned home full of tea and happiness.

Friday morning I was at my network meeting where I was asked my opinion on the suitability of a new camera for their daughter (lucky girl I say). I also planned the nitty gritty of the half day shoot I am doing on my return on 16th.

After the meeting a few of us went of on a different type of shoot - in the woods. A little bit of field archery is what you need on a Good Friday morning. Decided to give myself the rest of the day off.

This weekend I am preparing camera equipment, ideas, battery chargers and clothes ready for 5 days working at Eden Project again. It is my intention to capture some time-lapse movies; interview and photograph the very talented, enthusiastic, motivated staff and respond to the brief the Eden Project Marketing Team give me during those 5 days. I will be with creative types so I am really looking forward to this.

A networking friend is also down in Cornwall, on a family holiday, next week and has said if there is a cold/rainy day they will all descend on the Eden Project and forewarn me with a text. I am hoping for a rainy day so I get to see them.

More later my friends - and this week has shown me once again just how important my friends are.

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Feedback

"You made the whole process so easy and enjoyable: like a long soak in a hot bath."

Not sure I can improve on that!

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Talks and Presentations

Today I have written a couple of 10 minute presentations ready for talks I need to give - one next week and another in May.

Next week I will be discussing the ins and outs of my business plan. All good preparation for that day when I finally need to go and see the bank manager! 

In May I will be discussing what people need to look for when they are hiring a photographer - and for a bit of a giggle a few things you should NOT say to a professional photographer. 

Had a lot of fun with this and thought I would share a few:

"How much does that camera cost?"

"Let me see, let me see"

"Just photoshop it in"

"Take my photograph for free - 

it'll be great for your portfolio."

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Catching up

Oh look I haven't written anything since 5th Feb and suddenly it's the 15th - were did the last ten days go?

This week's top tips will be posted later on today - if anyone has requests then please ask.

I captured some workplace portraits a couple of Fridays ago which I will share with you now that I know my client is happy. I had such a hoot completing this job I really hope we can work together again. I also met the local handyman - there are times when I get fed up of doing DIY jobs so I am going to keep his number close by.

I have been asked to undertake another photo restoration which I collected yesterday and once everything has been finalised I shall share some of those images with you.

I have been to a Business Show at Castle Donington where I got the chance to chat with potential future customers about an idea I have. They were all quite excited about the idea and said I should contact them when I was ready to roll the idea out. Now all I have to do is work out the package and the extras. I'm seeing my mentor on Friday this will be one of the topics on the agenda.

Tomorrow I am going to fix the 300D now that I have the correct bonding agent. Hope I wont be shaken by the results but stirred to create new work.

Sorry!

Will add a pic later and then show you the work mentioned above in seperate blogs.

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Arden - in print

It's here

It's in print

Yipee

Arden - the book I produced an image for the cover - is now available in print.

I noticed that someone has already read it and given it a glowing review.

5 stars.

Even better than this I have received an email from Nick (the Author) inviting me to his book signing at Waterstones, Sutton Coldfield next Saturday. Nick will be setting up stall around lunchtime and here's hoping he gets loads of interest.

Fabulous - this is solving ALL of my Christmas and Birthday gift giving this year.

so chuffed

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Blomenfeld and Sherlock

A Portrait Challenge

This image by Erwin Blumenfeld has always appealed. Perhaps it is the lack of depth of field, perhaps because only the hands are in focus, perhaps it all adds to the mystery. Whatever it is - I love it.

I was stopped dead in my tracks the other night as I watched Sherlock when this image popped up on my screen:

Only the hand in focus, shallow depJth of field, misty screen. All a bit mysterious.

I know this sounds unrelated but I have a floor protector which goes underneath my office chair and protects the carpet. Slowly, over the last year, the protector has disintegrated. I think this is because it was made of a brittle plastic – however what I am left with is an intriguing screen that I can shoot someone through.

Now I need the right person and the right conditions and I will attempt to capture something similar - my January challenge.

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Book Cover

The book cover has been prepared for the publisher. Lovely to see that my image for the cover has been used and incorporated into the design that Lance and Chris were working on - I think it looks fabulous. I will be buying many copies and handing them out for next Christmas! Family beware.

This is the part I am most proud of:

Here's the original image I handed over:

Lovely also to see that my head and shoulder shot has been used. Looks like it has been converted to black and white - very pleased with that too. Here's my original:

I'm very happy with the whole process for this. It was great fun to do. I had time to think things through. Equally I pushed myself as there were a couple of things I did that shoved me outside my comfort zone. Very satisfied with the results.

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Head Shot

Got the chance to shoot an author today. Brilliant. Full studio set up and time to develop what I wanted to do.

Love these shots and really enjoyed doing this. This is my particular favourite:

Nick Corbett

The image is going to be used on the dust jacket of his latest novel. I am hoping that images I prepared on Saturday will be used for the book cover. If so I know what all my family will be getting for Christmas!

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Fashion/Portrait Photography

Really enjoyed my shoot today with Rheanne. Captured some lovely shots which will be great for my portfolio. I set off this morning with a couple of images in my mind that I had seen this week whilst researching fashion images on an app I had downloaded for my iPad.

These are the two images of Rheanne:

And these are what inspired me:

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