So Proud to Have Been a Speaker on The Bowens Stage at The Photography Show NEC

Well done to Bowens for putting on a seriously impressive display at The Photography Show this year. The crowds were never ending and for me it was such an honour to be included in the line up.

(the night before it all began, a very exciting and scary time)

I can not believe its over so quickly, not that it felt that way at the time. Forty five minutes has never felt so long as it did while standing on that stage in front of a couple hundred people, all staring up at me hoping I won't be wasting their time. Judging from the feedback and the vast number who remained till the very end I must have done something right.

(Me on stage - what a feeling that was, terrifying and thrilling at the same time - Thanks for the image Greg Thurtle)

Well I thought I'd share a few of the images from my time there. Some so that those who didn't attend could see what it was like and some of the images produced on the stage so those who did attend could see close up what I actually captured during the demos.

Its not particularly easy working in that environment, not having the time to ensure the setup is just right. Nor was the background ideal for the type of work I would have liked to create. I normally work with either a roll of paper or a wall, floor and skirting board arrangement that leaves a perfectly level horizon line. This stage however was curved. But I did what I could and I'm actually quite pleased with the results. And to be honest, I know I was actually spoiled having the space I had. Bowens provided an incredible space that just isn't often possible in live demo situations. And I hear we'll have the same next year too with a few noted small improvements.

(This image is straight out of camera apart from a minor crop)

The image above was created during the light ratios demo and was one of the early examples showing a lower ratio (2:1) where the highlight side was only twice as bright as the shadow side. This is a flatter lighting style but works well in traditional work. My preference though is something with a little more depth and stronger shadows and I would probably prefer something more of a 2 stop difference. This image is straight out of camera with no editing apart from a simple crop to remove the line from the curved wall behind. For me though this image is pretty good exactly as it is and very little editing would be required, and certainly none at all required for the viewing stage if this were to be from a client shoot.

(Here we were looking at higher ratios while changing keylight placement)

And for those who were there on the Monday and Tuesday, here is the model we had for those sessions. He was older and didn't suit as well the chosen props but you get the idea of what you can do with children to bring a little character and something different to portraits.

For this image I probably would have used a lighter background or a hair/rim light to add some seperation between my subject and background. He blends in a little too much with the background here.

(The view from my side shortly before one of my talks began)

(This image is 4 meters tall - amazing to see one of my portraits this big)

(The Bowens Lounge - Such an honour to be included amongst so many great photographers)

Speaking at The Photography Show as part of TeamBowens was such an amazing opportunity and one which, believe it or not, I'm hoping to repeat for many years to come. Bowens and all their staff (particularly Rob & David) did a fantastic job organising what I saw as the best part of the show (I'm biased I know). Everyone on the team were so welcoming and helpful. They all put me at ease (especially our ever so relaxed stage manager Kevin). I couldn't have asked for more from my fellow photographers and the Bowens staff. They were always there to help and we had a great laugh as well. (Comic Con sharing the same part of the NEC added to that too - I'll never look at Darth Vader the same again). I loved everything but the nerves leading up to each talk. I don't think I'll ever shake those.

So thank you to the team and to everyone who attended. I enjoyed meeting you all and very much look forward to what the future holds.

Comments

I am Still Me: A Story about a Transgender Boy

Meet Leo. Leo is 15 and currently going through an epic transformation that has momentarily turned the lives of himself and those around him upside down. A mum who once had the daughter she always longed for is now coping with the realisation that she will be living the rest of her life with a son instead. When your child is born you have certain expectations of the typical life they will lead but most of us know and accept that it won't necessarily end up the way we imagine. Not every person wants to marry, have kids or be involved with the opposite sex. Most of us have come to accept this and can adjust to whatever comes our way relatively easily. But few of us have expected to have to deal with a change in sex. Its not that we've hoped it won't happen, but just that it never occurred to us that it might. This is a new adjustment that we as a society are being presented with today, just like so many others that have come before. When I first heard that Phoebe ...

London in Spring, Whats Not to Love?

Well I know there is still a lot not to love but I'm choosing to see the great things about London at the moment. I am having a ball this year visiting London as often as I can. Which is unusual for me since I usually prefer the comfort of my own home, in rural old Leicestershire. Staying home and avoiding people has always been the easy option. But this year, possibly due to the wonderful weather we keep having, has me longing for venturing out. Again, just like my last trip, I headed out with my good friend Panikos Hajistilly . Living in North London he finds it easy to meet up for our shoots. This time though I had more of an idea of the sights I wanted to use as the backdrops for my portraits. With it being spring I was in search of colour, preferably flowers. Admittedly. I didn't quite get what I was looking for. The white fronted terraced houses with pink magnolia trees we did not find unfortunately. But I did make it to Peggy Porchen's which was a must see on m...

5 Reasons you Should Consider Getting a Professional Headshot

Headshots, or profile pictures are becoming a requirement of so many tools we regularly use or reference today. From Facebook to Linked In, Instagram to Twitter and often any website that represents a company for which you work or own will have a place to include a photograph that is meant to show your audience who you are. And how you present yourself there will tell your audience so much about you. 1. A profile picture is your first opportunity for your audience to see you. Its often the first impression you make and we all know you only have one chance at a first impression. A professional photographer has the skills to show you in the best, most suitable way to give a great first impression. (These headshots were created for recruitment firm Optima UK who asked to have their logo placed behind them. I think it makes these headshots quite eye catching and they should do their job well.) 2. Using a professional to create your headshot will ...

My Associate Panel

As I mentioned in my last blog, I achieved my Associateship in Portraiture with the SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers). I just thought I would share with you the panel I submitted. Having sat through the assessment I see that there are a couple of images that I wish I hadn't chosen, more so due to not having enough variety rather than the lack of quality. but overall I am pleased with my submission. I always thought that once I achieved my Associateship I would be done with qualifications. Working towards a Fellowship just seems so unattainable. I don't think I can just sit here not striving towards a goal though. Besides, my husband has already set 5 year plan. So I guess I've not seen the end of qualifications just yet. But don't be expecting any news on this front for quite some time though. A fellowship is on an entirely new level and its going to take a lot of work.

My First London Fashion Shoot

Well I finally did it. I bit the bullet and faced my fears and headed to London with a good friend, Mr. Panikos Hajistilly to do my first location shoot. We chose our locations together and Panikos organised a model and brought so much of his gear which he kindly shared with me. And probably most importantly, he showed me how it's done. I was so surprised to see just how much wonderful light was there, just waiting to be used. I am a studio photographer and while I understand the use of studio flash very well, I am very much out of practice and out of my comfort zone with using available light. Its one thing to place lights and backdrops around my subject in the comfort of my studio. Its very different to find the right light and the right backdrop in unfamiliar territory and to place my subject in it. That may sound simple enough but honestly it is not, particularly on a day with no clouds in the sky. One of our planned locations just wasn't possible as a result of the ...

Christina Lauder Portraits

Search This Blog