Christina Lauder Portraits

Narrowing it down to my absolute favourites is really quite difficult, and I worry that its a little disappointing for clients if they don't see their images included. Its hard to say what makes a favourite image. A lot of it I will admit comes down to technical qualities. Where many people wouldn't care about this aspect as its my job I'm always aware of it. Working with children sometimes makes it difficult to get technical perfection as they can move so easily taking them out of the light I've placed so carefully. I do love images from all of my sessions but I can't post them all so here are a just a few where everything seemed to come together perfectly. I actually have a couple more but one I don't have permission to use here and a couple others are from my last portrait session of the year but I can't share them just yet. I've not yet asked permission and I always let my clients see everything before I share anything ...

The Societies Convention in London is being held from January 20th to the 24th this year. As always I am so looking forward to it. Not only is a great opportunity to receive formal training from some of the best in the industry but its also a chance to learn and gain immense knowledge from so many people from all over the world while enjoying a drink (or 3) at the bar. I always come away from this trip feeling as though I've just attended a family reunion. I've made so many wonderful friends who so often are there for me through the year. It is such a worth while event and for anyone not sure whether to make the trip I can assure you its made a load of difference to me.  Anyway, I am posting this to tell you that I am again running two classes this year, The first is software related and is a 2 hour masterclass.  The second is a hands on lighting 4 hour superclass.  Masterclass: You Don't Know What You Don't Know When: Thursday January 21st from 1:00 to 3...

I have for years wanted to do something Christmas related, only not in a cheesy way. And each year I thought about it but I just couldn't come up with the ideas. It didn't help that when I needed to be thinking about it, like in July, Christmas was the last thing on my mind.  Not to mention finding the props is somewhat difficult that time of year. So this year I allowed no excuses to get in the way. I was doing them no matter what. And I am glad I did. I forced myself to sit down and create the scene that would work for me. Finding the props was still difficult as I was working on this in October. Despite what I had expected, the garden centres hadn't yet put up their displays and the online shops had only just started listing their Christmas products. So in the end I had to make my tree, which I love even though its rather heavy and a little unstable. Not sure it will survive another season to be honest. But I plan to make another with slightly smaller bran...

I've been very fortunate this year to have several families return to have done for their second child what we did for their first. Its nice to know they were happy enough the first time to return. Its also great fun to see how the first has grown. Having 2 children to photograph together, although challenging, opens up a whole new variety of portrait. I'm able to use my usual props differently. Like in this one with the baby in the pram. I love that we get an image of this little girl proudly pushing her little brother. This is something that no doubt will be a memory for her parents of no only her helping with her brother on walks but also of her pushing her own dolls in her own pram. When Mum came to pick up her portraits she looked at this one and said this is so much more than just a photograph.   "It is a real portrait that I am so happy to have on my wall.".  This is what I've always aimed to create. Anyone can take photographs but its al...

I love all things Vintage. I'm not sure where this comes from, whether it's the memories much of it evokes or just the sheer beauty of it all. I always find myself drawn to the old and often worn pieces. And don't get me started on wood. Wooden boxes, crates, trunks, and drawers all catch my eye. This is closely followed by leather satchels and then china teacups and saucers. I love it all. So when my friend Kirsty mentioned that she needed a hand with the fair she had organised it was a no brainer. A chance to spend the day with my good friend and be able to shop amongst so much loveliness was an excellent way to spend a Sunday. It was even worth foregoing my Sunday lie in and I don't give those up for just anything. (I bought a fantastic old teddy bear from this stall for my Christmas scene this week - This is Honey Picked Vintage , a great local business for vintage pieces) While I was there I thought I'd also do what I do best, take photos. I ...

Dates: Thursday November 19th ~ 2pm to 7pm & Saturday November 21st 10am to 4pm 30 Minute Session for just £99 which includes 4 full resolution digital files. These sessions are ideal for capturing a special holiday memory which can be used in calendars, on Christmas cards or for variety of gifts great for Christmas. Ring us on 01455611069 or email us at christina@christinalauderportraits.com to book an appointment. And as an added bonus we are going to use these sessions to scout out our next model for one of our original signature sessions which will include a complimentary fine art canvas print. We'll be looking for character and that something special that sets them apart.

Its always a pleasure to see the results in the Societies monthly competition. It reassures me that I am still creating something special for my clients and it gives me the hope that I might once again add a trophy to my collection. So far now for January I have 5 images in with a chance of bringing home an award. And I have to say hoping for the chance is half the fun. Here is this month's gold image. Its one I created for my Fellowship panel nearly a year ago. I should probably start working on one for this month now, particularly since its the last month to submit for the 2015 awards.

We are once again offering 10 minute slots for those wishing to have their children photographed in their school uniform and receive the same school packages at the same school prices. Date: Monday November 2nd and Wednesday November 4th from 3:30-7pm. Location: Our Studio at 81 Hinckley Road, Burbage, LE102AF (in our back garden) This is available to anyone who missed their chance at their school or who don’t attend one of my schools but wish to have one of my portraits. We offer this because we know that sometimes children are ill or unavailable on school photo day and we recognise how important having this keepsake is for some families. We also occasionally hear from parents who aren't happy with their school photographer so I make these slots available to those families as well. More than half the slots are already filled but there are still some space left if anyone wishes to book in for this. You will be able to choose 2 images on the night which will be pri...

This year for the first time I decided to join the MPA (Master Photographers Association). As a qualified member this entitled me to compete amongst other professionals throughout the UK. Last night the awards ceremony was held at the Hinckley Island Hotel (amazingly close to home for a change) where I received the news that my family portrait won its category. I am over the moon that it was a unanimous decision from all judges who felt it stood out against all others in the category making it the clear winner. And to have John Stoddart, a man who has photographed a great number of A list celebrities, present the award telling me this is a fantastic image was the icing on the cake. I'll admit that I have never really regarded family groups as my strong suit. They are hard work and not always the most challenging creatively. Until now that is. This project which I consider to be a joint effort along with my clients involved much planning and creativity. Together we came up...