Skip to main content

The Long Awaited Preview Night Has Been and Gone

This night I had been looking forward to since before I even knew I'd ever put on an exhibition seem to come and go so quickly. Before I knew it we were on our way home. Believe it or not its been something I always dreamed of, a night when people would come to see my work, work that I've become very proud of. I would like to thank everyone who came to support me. It means a lot to see so many friends and clients who've become friends take the time to visit. I really appreciate it.


I also really appreciate my photographer for the evening, Mr. Ed Brown. All the photographs you see in this blog have very kindly been provided by my friend and fellow photographer. Ed is a fantastic wedding photographer based in Hinckley but serving clients far and wide. Its wonderful to have these images, first because it meant I didn't need to be worrying about a camera or doing a job on this night and second because I got to see this exhibit through someone else's eyes. Ed photographed this event beautifully and in ways I know I wouldn't have which has taught me to look at things differently, a prime example of why we should look at other people's work, whether you are a professional or an amateur. To see more of Ed's work please follow this link to his website.


It was so nice to see the Mayor and Mayoress pop in for a visit - I created their portrait the first time Jeff was in office back in 2007 and its great that we've remained friends ever since.


The Atkins Building is a great venue for an event like this. The space and light is wonderful. And along side it is a wonderful cafe called Café Espanol run by a lovely Spanish couple who prepare amazing authentic Spanish food. Tapas is one of my favourite things and I loved that I could provide some of that on this night. I can highly recommend this place for either just a meal or as a venue for a special event.


And finally I need to thank the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council for providing the venue and an avenue for local artists to display their work. Rebecca, who I've been dealing with most has been so helpful and encouraging throughout, gaining me much exposure in the community and finding me opportunities such as a radio interview with BBC Radio Leicester. This has been an exciting and very worthwhile opportunity I won't ever forget.


My interview took place the morning after this event. Speaking on the radio is also something I've always wanted to do. When I was young being a radio announcer was something I quite fancied. I even used to do the morning announcements at my highschool. I was both excited and nervous for this experience. I was mostly nervous that when it was over I'd wish I had done it differently but to be honest it went much more smoothly than I imagined and I only mildly disliked (rather than hated) hearing myself when I got home and listened to the recording. That's quite an achievement for me.

(This image was provided by my husband - he does take photos occasionally, but usually only when I can't)

Here is a link to the show if you care to hear it for yourself. My segment begins at around 02:10. This link only lasts for another 28 days so if you are viewing this after that time don't expect it to work.

Well I guess its time to get back to reality and back to work.  Its been a great week and this exhibit is still running until the 2nd of June. If you're interested in having portraits created for yourself this is a great place to meet with me where you can see so much of my work all in one place. I'm happy to make the trip to the Gallery and meet you there. Just email me at christina@christinalauderportraits.com or call on 01455 611069.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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

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 convey yo

I'm a Portrait Artist and Variety is the Spice of My Life

  I often admire the work of other photographers.  I'm always having a browse or spotting something interesting on Facebook or Pinterest.  Many of them have a very consistent style and subject, as is the case with many newborn photographers especially.  This has made me wonder if perhaps I'm not developing as a portrait artist as well as I could be.  We are taught early on within the realms of the photography world that we are to develop a distinct style and this of course must be clearly evident in any upper level qualifications panels we choose to submit.  However, when I look at my own work over each passing year I fail to see the same consistency.  I don't have a particular subject in which I specialise.  I can photograph anything from newborns to teenagers, toddlers to families and even the occasional male nude.  How can you put these together in an album and form a beautiful collection that I see many other photographers displaying so well.   

My Fellowship in Child Portraiture, Baby Photographer of the Year and All Things Convention Related

Its been a very busy year for me.  Hence the reason I've not been keeping this blog up to date. That's about to change though.  I anticipate this coming year to be even busier but I plan on getting a lot more organised and keeping on top of things like this.  For now though I'd like to tell you all about last week. I keep trying to think of some words to describe this past week and I keep coming back to 'I had the time of my life' and breaking into song in my head.  Apart from when my daughter was born I haven't had a better time in my life. This week was spent at the Societies Convention where in excess of 14 thousand photographers from around the world meet to take part in print competitions, submit qualification panels and join in on various classes and events. The week began as one of the most stressful of my life.  I've never felt nerves like it.  I'd just spent the best part of a year planning and preparing my 20 image panel to present to 5

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.