My Trip to Scotland

Its taken me a while to write about my trip but I've finally found the time and made the effort. Better late than never I suppose. But I must learn to manage my time better.

(Dunnottar Castle, in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire)

Well what a week it was. Let me just start by saying I love the Scottish. They are such a friendly group of people who I feel so lucky to know. The main intention of this trip was to do a couple of workshops up at a studio in Arbroath, Newborns by Nicola. I was invited a few months back and jumped on the chance because I've been wanting to get up that way for sometime to visit friends. Click here to see my blog about the workshops

That's the amazing thing about the photography industry. Most of us work alone in a rather isolated way but because we attend conventions and trade shows we get to know so many great people from all around the world. And this week I got to spend time with 2 who I've known for about 8 or 9 years and a few more who I've not known as long but are quickly becoming long term friends as well.

First, I stayed with Nicola. She not only hosted the workshops but also let me into her home for the 2 days I was there which was so lovely. I'll be looking forward to seeing this lot amongst the Scotish contingency in January.

It was there I got to taste the famous Arbroath smokies which were absolutely amazing. They are like no smoked fish I've ever tried before. I would have loved to take some home with me.

Then I had the pleasure of a highly acclaimed fish supper with my good friend David Clark who then escorted me to my second destination with another good friend Susan Renee up in Aberdeen. It also gave David the chance visit with Susan himself. Along the way he took me to see a wonderful castle too (see above), which incidentally altered Susan's plans for me the following day. Who knew they'd both pick the same landmark to bring me to.

(Peterhead)

So instead Susan took me up to Peterhead, her home town, another beautiful Scottish town. Unfortunately the wonderful blue skies I'd experienced all week left us for the pea soup like fog called haar by the locals. But it was still so nice to catch up with such a great friend. I so wish she lived closer. It had been about 3 years since I last saw Susan.

Susan took me to this fantastic pub that served amazing food that was so far removed from pub food it was more like fine dining - I even had haggis,which I'd never had before - with my scallops starter. Being in Scotland I just felt I had to.

And then it was time for me to get some training. My last full day in Aberdeen was spent with a wonderful newborn photographer, Donna Gray of Small Prints Photography. Although I have plenty experience photographing babies I've never watched anyone else do it and I wanted both the assurance that I was doing it right and some tips and tricks for doing it better. It was brilliant. Donna is so patient, professional and relaxed at what she does. It's no wonder she does so well with her babies. Having 6 kids of her own must have made for a great starting point I'm sure.

And finally I finished my tour of Scotland with a visit with 2 of the most friendly, helpful and knowledgeable people in the industry, Faye and Trevor Yerbury. When they heard I was in Scotland they invited me for lunch in their beautiful home just outside of Edinburgh. I can't think of a better way to end my journey than that. We talked for hours and time just flew by. I finally got to see their lovely home, studio and vast art collection. I have to say though that I was surprised to see that they don't just expect others to pose for them in the nude. They've been more than happy to do it themselves for other artists as well. Perhaps that is why they are so good at what they do. They've taken the time to be on both sides and know just how it feels.

(Kendal in the Lake District - quick snap on the way through)

Then I finished my trip with a nights stay in the Lake District in a lovely little country house in Grange Over Sands. It was gorgeous and well worth the slight detour off the M6. Such personal and friendly service, wonderful location and great food. You know you are staying at a great place when the breakfast menu has starters and mains. I loved the place so much that I booked Andy and I in for our anniversary.

(Clare House Hotel in Grange Over Sands)

This week was so wonderful I hope to get back there again next year with my aim of seeing even more friends along the way. So thank you to all my Scottish friends I managed to see and I look forward to seeing more of you next time (and January at the Convention in the meantime).

Comments

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.

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 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

Portraits of a Beautiful Young Woman and Her Guitar

You may remember a while back when I did a casting call looking for teenage boys and girls. Well this is the girl I chose. I had quite a specific look in mind, one which included really long hair. I have always had a thing for long hair. The choice also became quite simple when this young lady put herself forward as she is someone I've been photographing through school for several years and she is a past member of the Hinckley Athletics Club where she has been coached by my husband for nearly as many years. He's always had a soft spot for her, being one of his first members which helped my decision. When I have projects where I want to work with a model rather than a paying client I like to use friends or past clients whenever possible as it enables me to give something to those who have been loyal to me. Wallis has been a pleasure to work with. She is a stunning, confident young woman. In addition, she could bring props with her that I love. I've been wanting to ph

Its a Dog's Life

When life gets tough I always look at dogs or my cats and think how lucky they are. I know not all are treated well but those lucky enough to be in a good home, like the ones who come into my studio, have a really great life. They look so happy and its a wonderful thing to see. I honestly love photographing dogs. They are a joy to work with and its almost impossible to produce a bad portrait of a dog which does of course make my life a little easier. I am someone who really needs to love the work I create. I can't help but love the portraits I've created of all the dogs I've photographed over the years. And this shoot was certainly no exception. I found it a real pleasure using a lighter background this time too. I do often gravitate towards darker looks but seeing as this dog had a light coloured coat I thought I'd produce lighter images. This gave me the chance to use a canvas I painted a couple of years ago but never really used and I absolutely love it

Christina Lauder Portraits

Search This Blog