Noel Hannan Photography

#Curryclub goes Burlesque...

2012-01-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

well, almost! The latest meet of the #curryclub was back in December, the 19th, in Gareth Davies Studios, in Wokingham, UK. We had three great models, Bethany, Annie and Elan. The photographers were Brian, Gareth, Dave, John and myself. A few of our members could not make it so close to Christmas and were missed during the day!

Caught!

What I love about these days is that you can experiment; let your imagination run wild. So I tried to let it do just that. My quote of the day would have to have been when setting up the Caught shot above, when I had to ask Annie if she could open her legs a bit more... The whole studio erupted in laughter and we had to set the shot up again. I didn't do it on purpose, honest.

Bethany

Annie

Tension

Annie + Elan

A great day was had by all, and I enjoyed a curry with Gareth and Dave afterwards. A big thanks to John and Brian for inviting Annie and Bethany, to Elan, always a pleasure to shoot, to Gareth for the provision of the best studio in this spiral arm of the galaxy and to fellow #curryclub members! Here's to the next shoot!

And finally... photography may be always about pushing the boundaries and looking for the next great shot... but its important to always have a good laugh...

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T10:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all my friends, here in the UK, back home in Ireland, new friends in the USA and friends who are even further afield! I hope that the new year brings you all the success that you wish for and all the happiness that goes with it.

This year has been an interesting year for me, with many new things happening. I want to thank my wife Catherine, (Mrs H), my son Cein and daughter Katy for supporting me in my photographic endeavours. They have put up with a lot of... 'can you just sit there... I want to try out a new lighting idea...' you get the picture. Thanks guys, I couldn't have done it without you! Here's to you!

And then there is the #curryclub! What can I say about the #curryclub? As one of the inaugural members, here's to hoping it goes from strength to strength this year with a lot of laughs, more shooting and the odd curry along the way. I hope we can get some of the American folk shooting with us this year, so if you are listening and you are over here, give us a call! We'd love to have you! But seriously, you guys; Brian, Dave, Glyn, David, John, Keith and Gareth have been great friends and a lifeline for me. Here's to you guys!

So, come Midnight, I shall raise a glass to you, my friends, and say Happy New Year,

All the best
Noel

Location:Happy New Year

'You!... you're one of us!'

2011-12-18T11:17:00.000-08:00

Well, my good friend Dave, known to countless millions as Nappmember UK, please visit the website here... well he finally got me to join NAPP, The National Association of Photoshop Professionals. Its been a few weeks now and I can honestly say that I haven't looked back since. At the moment there a a number of deals to be had for joining. I took the one that gave me all the back issues of Photoshop User magazine for 2010. A great bargain, but there a other deals available, check out the website above for a number of them, Dave always keeps the website up to date.

The amount of learning that is on the NAPP website is phenomenal. There are instructional videos, walkthroughs, a forum for photoshop chat, and, as you would expect in the photography world, everyone is extremely friendly and wants to help. The NAPP home page is here; it is a Kelby Media Group enterprise, and again, when Scott Kelby gets involved gets involved you know it is going to be good.

Thanks to Dave Clayton for finally twisting my arm, I should have joined years ago! and to Glyn Dewis for al the photoshop help and encouragement. So if you use photoshop, are a photographer, then give NAPP a look, you will not be disappointed.

This year has been a joining year for me; the #curryclub is going from strength to strength, we are having a great laugh there! But one other place I have become hooked on is 500px. 500px is a website for photographers best photographs. As my good friend Glyn Dewis puts it; if flickr is a place for people to appreciate your photographs and give you a hug, then 500px is about your best photographs with other photographers best photographs, and then some, and feedback from each other. The photographs are all amazing.

You can have a free account, but I was lucky enough to upgrade to an 'awesome' account on Black Friday, where those lovely people at 500px gave a whopping 50% discount. Check their website out here. Do check out my portfolio, and have a browse at the amazing photos that are on the site, but be warned... Its addictive, you will find hours pass away.

That's it for now, enjoy the run up to the festivities, and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

All the best,

Noel

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present...

2011-12-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

Vocalarity, the mad, zany and very eccentric, quintessentially British acting troupe!

And this is no word of a lie. Photographing them was a laugh a minute! Vocalarity is Philippa, Liz, Alex and Tristan, four of the nicest 'luvvies' you will ever meet, actually, they aren't really luvvies at all. just a bunch of really funny people.

They are known for their engagements at fringe festivals, after dinner events, they have even been known to set up a sofa, standard lamp, rug and begin acting in a park in Guildford! I would so loved to have seen that one!

This was their shoot...

We spent over three hours in the studio (GDS Wokingham - another great night Gareth!) Lots of laughs and even a glass of champagne! And my good friend Glyn Dewis popped in and took some of his infamous character head shots! A big thanks to Philippa, Liz, Alex and Tristan!
Vocalarity are currently putting together a new website with photographs from the shoot. I shall post a link when it is up and running. In the meantime if anyone has a message for the troupe, or you would like to book them for an engagement, please drop me a line and I shall pass it on!

All the best guys, and I look forward to our next shoot!

Kiss of The Spiderwoman

2011-10-31T07:12:00.000-07:00

Its Halloween!.. beware of the Kiss of The Spiderwoman!

Happy Halloween!

Formal Portrait... quick and easy

2011-10-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

Katy, first year in Secondary College

Recently I had a conversation with my good friend Paul, He has a son coming up for First Holy Communion and he wanted something a bit different than the standard shots of the day. So it started me thinking of how to do a quick and easy set up that I could replicate almost anywhere. And this is the shot I came up with; a derivation of my favourite two light set up. This is Katy and this is her first year at a new school. She has the obligatory school photos, but we decided to only opt for the big group shot. There was simply no character in the portrait shots.

Here is the set up shot; an SB800 in an Eazybox softbox to camera left and a gridded Vivitar 285 to camera right. I can't remember the exact settings, but they were about half power or so, I didn't particularly need a quick recycling time, so I could have gone lower, but I wanted a smaller aperture to ensure all of Katy was in focus. I shot at 1/200 and that ensured that the room ambient hardly registered.

Here you can see each light shot separately; first the softbox and then the Vivitar. That's it; quick and easy, and for my money a far more lasting formal portrait...

Here Come The Girls!!!

2011-09-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, its that time again, the time of leaving primary school and going to secondary school. It's a big deal, and a great step forward in their lives.

To mark this occasion, Katy and the girls of St. Joseph's Class of 2011, made a trip to GDS Studios in Wokingham. Great fun was had by all; we had formal young ladies, we had pyjama fights and we had St Trinians! And before you ask, yes I was shattered afterwards! A big thanks to the girls for being such fun, the mothers who stayed to help keep order and to Gareth for keeping his sanity throughout the afternoon. A special thanks goes to Catherine, my wonderful wife, and Katy for organising the logistics of the day.

So, girls, good luck in your next school, and well done for all the great things you achieved in St. Josephs.

And to all the secondary schools that the girls are going to, all I can say is;

watch out! here come the girls!

It was also an opportunity for the girls to say a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to a teacher that had been with them throughout their stay at St. Josephs; Mrs Sparrow.

London Photowalk

2011-08-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

Every so often I get itchy feet and feel the need to get lost for a day. I usually do this in London; its the nearest biggest city and I used to live and work there. Dublin my be my home town, but London is a close second. When I walk, I photograph. My favourite place is the South Bank, then accross to St Pauls and then back to Trafalgar Square and, when it is open, I find myself in the Photographers Gallery sipping coffee.

No better place!

Do you go on photowalks? Are you signed up for Scott Kelby's World Wide Photowalk this year? I'd love to hear your experiences of going out and just shooting the world as it presents itself to you, leave a comment and let me know!

Photographs Tell Stories

2011-08-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

I have never liked just taking one photograph when I can take two, or two when I can take three. As you can tell I like my photographs to tell a story. Well you can imagine how delighted I was to find this little gem of an app for the iPad and iPhone; Strip Design by Vivid Apps. Its a great way to tell a story.

This is one from the inaugural #curryclub

Enjoy!

Shooting Rebecca on her birthday

2011-08-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

Rebecca is a wonderful young lady that just turned 12. To mark this ocassion Paul, her Dad asked me to photograph Rebecca and her friends in the studio.

The brief was a number of different outfits... formal, beach and pyjama... We had the studio for three hours. Seems like a long time but when you have seven teenagers, that time just flies by like there is no tomorrow!

Here are some of the shots from the day

We have the formal shots...

We have the beach shots...

We have the pyjama party shots...

And here is a behind the scenes look at the shoot...

Rebecca's Birthday Shoot from noel hannan on Vimeo.
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A great day was had by all and afterwards Paul, Rebecca's Dad, and I enjoyed a thirst quenching pint in a local pub!

Congratulations and a big thanks to Rebecca and all her friends for being great sports and no doubt models of the future! And to Gareth Davies Studio in Wokingham for providing a fabulous environment to shoot in.

#curryclub update... Film results are in!

2011-08-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

We had our first #curryclub photo shoot last month. I had the auspicious task of organising it. We had three great models; Lou, Rhianne and Elan.

I decided to make it interesting and set a theme. I chose 'film' and asked all the photographers to take one roll of film. We all shoot digital, so I thought it would be interesting to see how we would get on with traditional materials and cameras.

I brought along my trusty Bronica ETRSi, but I didn't use it; I did shoot through it though. Here are the images.

Glyn, shot through a Bronica ETRSi

But the idea was to shoot a roll of film. I wanted to do something different. I shot with a Holga; one of those plastic cameras. It has a hotshoe so it did trigger the studio lights. This was interesting, because firing the shutter there was two distinct sounds; one when the shutter fired and one, presumeably, when the shutter armed again. This second click fired the trigger again. Unusual.

Elan and Rhianne

Yorick

Yorick again

Lou

A Happy Accident!

What was interesting about shooting fim was the waiting for it to be returned. I shot a roll of Kodak Portra 120 film colour negative film that I had at the back of the fridge in the garage. I had no idea how it was going to come out because it certainly was past its sell by date. Also, there is no setting the ISO on the Holga. Its a zone focus, one of those lenses that has little pictures on it, you know the ones; a head, a full body, a mountain, that sort of thing. All things being equal, I was not expecting crystal sharp photographs. And before you ask... the double exposures were meant!

Shooting film again was great fun, I would recommend it to anyone and everyone!

Guest Blogger Rosie...

2011-08-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

Rosie is no stranger to this blog; I posted some of her photographs when she began her Duke of Edinburgh Award. She has taken some great images over the last year or so. Photography is like any other artform; the more you practice it, the better you get. Rosie has shown that she has indeed practised and she has indeed improved. The depth and composition of her images has come along way since her last post (hopefully this will not be her last post here!) It was a pleasure and an honour to be a small part of her great achievement.
Here she is in her own words and images, enjoy.

The beach at Littlehampton in sepia brings out the

contrast between the pebbles and menacing sea.

Peony in my garden showing different layers of

texture from velvet edges to a dark interior.

Forget-me-not in and out of focus.

I like the variation of detail and blur.

Buds and blooms.

Baby blue with white and pink shade.

Littlehampton bench used as shelter from a seaside shower.

Bench and people silhouetted against a brightening sea.

Busy beach at Littlehampton.

Paddling a long way out.

Using black and white adds age and character

to an otherwise standard scene.

The beautiful twinkling sea in contrast

to the rambling seaweed.

My thanks to Noel for mentoring me in learning a new skill for my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

Thank you Rosie, and I wish you all the best in your photographic career!
Noel

#curryclub shoot results...

2011-07-16T05:49:00.000-07:00

There is a group of us that gets together every month or so for a curry. We have a beer, great food and chat about photography and anything else that takes or fancy. At the last curry night, we decided to get together for a shoot every month and then go for a curry. Last weekend saw the inaugural #curryclub photo shoot. Here are the shots I took.

I organized the first shoot and decided, with a little help from Gareth, to theme it 'film'. Us photographers could interpret that as we would, I also asked that we each shoot a roll of film, more about that later...

We had three models on the day, Elan, Rhianne and Lou.

Rhianne + Elan

Elan + Rhianne

During the morning session I shot Elan + Rhianne as a very well dressed couple. Elan is an actor, so to him 'acting' was easy and Rhianne just followed his lead. Their chemistry on set was fantastic.

Elan The Photographer

Keeping the 'film' theme going, in the afternoon session I got Elan to play the part of a photographer shooting Rhianne. This was great fun and again both Elan and Rhianne proved to be very natural in front of and 'nehind' the camera.

Part of the deal for Elan was that we would provide a selection of headshots for his portfolio for his interviews and auditions. This was my offering.

Elan

The shot above is more or less straight out of camera. A few tweaks in Lightroom, but thats all. I then started playing around with in it the iPad app 'Snapseed' by Nik Software. They make great software for the photographic world and their iPad app is no different. It is very, very good.
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Elan (with a little help from Snapseed)

And in this shot you can see we had two Profoto softboxes to either side of Elan and Rhianne and Octabox on a boom and a white seamless backdrop. This was over in the great Gareth Davies Studio in Wokingham. If you get a chance to use the studio, do so, just don't ask whats in the cupboard...

The behind the scene shot of Elan + Rhianne

We also had Lou, a confirmed 'Goth' young lady. Lou is relativley new to modelling but gave us some great photos on the day. Here she is against a background of stars that I added in in post in Photoshop. I also did some minor retouching a la Scott Kelby's new book 'Professional Portrait Retouching Techniques for Photographers'. I used a Wacom tablet for the first time, takes a bit of getting used to but wow, does it make a difference.
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Lou

The behind the scene shot of Lou

This was the set up we used for shooting Lou. A pair of Profoto softboxes to either side and a beauty dish overhead. This is David shooting Lou with his 'Alas poor Horatio...' skull. Very suitable for a goth...

A big thank you to our models; Lou, Rhianne and Elan. They worked tirelessly all day for us on a TFCD basis, (we did feed and water them too). To Gareth for having a great studio. To Catherine and Katy for providing the wonderful lunch. And to the members of the #curryclub that were there on the day, Gareth, Glyn, David, Brian, Dave and me. To those that couldn't be there, you were missed and hope to see you on the next shoot.

Now there was one other thing... Shooting a roll of film. This was interpreted in many different ways. One photographer used an iPhone to shoot a roll of film! I shot a roll on an old Holga, complete with transmitter to trigger all the flash heads. And in the tradition of film, as I will have to wait a week or so for the results in the post, so will you!
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Watch this space.

I am already looking forward to the next shoot!

#curryclub inaugural photoshoot...

2011-07-11T11:19:00.001-07:00

Saturday 9th July saw the first #CurryClub photoshoot in Gareth Davies Studios in Wokingham. We had a great days shooting with some great models and lots of laughs. The theme for the shoot was 'film'. I am still editing my shots, but will be posting my interpretation here soon. I am awaiting a roll of processed 120 film in the post - I haven't had to wait for transparencies to be returned in the post for years! It brings back memories!

Watch this space!

Rebecca's Birthday Shoot... preview

2011-06-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

Firstly, a big Happy Birthday to Rebecca. She turned 12 this weekend and part of her birthday present was a studio photo shoot. Once again I used the fabulous Gareth Davies Studio in Wokingham.

Rebecca and four of her best friends had a blast as we shot different poses and outfits. I am just doing the post processing and will post a selection of the finished shots soon.

Truprint Guest Blogger

2011-06-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

Those wonderful people over at Truprint, you know the ones; they have been printing our photographs, both digital and film for the past I don't know how long! A short while ago asked me to write a guest blog for them. So I did.

The post was on how to take a studio level low key portrait with a digital compact camera...

Here is the shot I took...

To check out how I took it you'll have to visit... here

And be sure to tell them Noel sent you! And once again, a big thank you to Katy for being the beautiful model that she is!

Here comes the summer...

2011-05-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

Its great to get a little time out at the weekends. Last Sunday, Katy, Mrs H and myself visited Grey's Court just outside Henley on Thames. A fabulous 16th century mansion set among some fantastic gardens. And the sun shone!

Daisies...

Katy and the daisies

Greys Court is part of the National Trust, these wonderful places can now be enjoyed by all of us... and its a great chance to take photos too!

Workflow and the iPad ... part 1: creativity... or coming up with the ideas!

2011-05-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

My good friend Paul very kindly gave me a present of an ipad back in December for helping him with a project, namely extending his entire house and making it into a palace! Thank you Paul, the ipad has changed the way I approach my photography.

This is going to be a short series on how I use the ipad for my photography. I hope you enjoy...

What I love about the ipad is its portability and the way it aids my creativity. Before I take a photograph I do a lot of thinking; this is almost as much fun as taking the photos! There are a couple of apps that I constantly use for this, they are Penultimate and Moodboard

Penultimate.

I like to think things through. When I do, I get a better result and better photographs and that makes life good. I sketch down my thoughts before a shoot. I use lots of small blank paper notebooks; they fit into my pocket and go everywhere with me.

I get an idea, I write it down or sketch it out. On the ipad I use Penultimate for sketching. Developed by Cocoabox, this app is great for sketching out ideas, arranging them in notebooks, email them as a pdf. You can ave them to your ipad photos, You can draw in different colours and line widths and on different paper types.

They have recently added a feature to allow you to import a photo as your paper background. This is a great idea as I have added my logo as mine. In a nutshell you use this as you would use a notebook. Simple as that.

Sometimes I make simple quick sketches...
thats a screenshot on the right

And other times I let my imagination run wild;

the end product is always the same: I try

to use the sketch to pre-visualise what the final photograph will be

I set up a different notebook for each shoot, do my sketching for a couple of days, or however long it is. Then I email the notebook, either in its entirety or page by page to my desktop and print out the notebook. The pages then become a shooting list I can scribble notes on as I shoot.

When I was younger, okay, much younger, I used to enjoy having a scrapbook. I would cut out pictures of the day and stick them in the scrapbook. I kept going back to them and adding more pictures. It was great fun in itself. Moodboard Pro is ideal for this sort of thing.

Moodboard Pro

I also use Moodboard, another wonderful app from A Tiny Tribe that is what it says it is; a moodboard for the ipad. Anyone familiar with the world of interior design, art, architecture and photography will be familiar with what a moodboard is.

Just like my scrapbooks, it is like a big board that you pin ideas to to help set the tone for a project. (By the way - thats a pre-view of the next Moodboard app icon above - you saw it first here!)

They can be images, notes, colours and photos. Photos can be imported from the ipad library, images can be taken from the built in web browser. They can also be cropped, scaled and rotated however you like. Its great to be able to send a moodboard to a client by email.

A recent triathlon shoot

A future gothic shoot

I think it is safe to say that Moodboard and Penultimate are apps that I use all the time and could not live without. My only criticism is I would like Penultimate to be able to save to Dropbox and Springpad, two other great apps. Definitely worth checking these out in the App Store.

Cocoabox are at http://www.cocoabox.com/

A Tint Tribe are at http://www.atinytribe.com/

Congratulations to the Happy Couple...

2011-04-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

...and thanks for the day off!

Our good friends Patrick and Jane and their three neighbours organised a street party to celebrate the Royal Wedding. A fabulous barbeque, salad, and amazing dessert and great drinks was the order of the day.

I enjoy going to these parties where you don't know everyone, you make some very interesting people. There was even a raffle in aid of the Iain Rennie Hospice that raised over £500! Not bad, sadly we didn't win, but the top prize was an Xbox 360!

We ended the day with a cream tea and I even managed to arrange a photo shoot with another triathlete... watch this space. A very big thank you to Patrick and Jane and their neighbours for organizing a great day, and of course our very best wishes to the Happy Couple...

A new arrival...

2011-04-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

Say hello to Minky, the newest arrival in the Hannan household. She has been with us for about three months now and is definitely part of the family!

A Jack Russel Terrier, she was a rescue dog. We are told she was abandoned and found wandering the streets. We think she is only about a year old, but fortunately she is house trained!
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Minky #1

Minky #2

Now if we could only get her to stop chasing pigeons...

It's a Set-Up!

2011-04-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, you have difficulty remembering exactly the lighting set of each shot you do. Drawing diagrams is not for me - I can draw, but for some reason I just don't when it comes to shooting. So the next logical thing is to take a photograph of the set up. For me that is so much easier. And while I may not remember the exact setting of each light, its enough to go on should I ever need to revisit a shoot. But saying all that, the best thing is to keep it simple.

My favourite set up is two lights, one main light and a second rim light. I usually have them opposite each other and the model in between. I'll move around until I get the best position and then just shoot away.

Here are a few of my set up shots. Some are good photographs in their own right.

Patrick and Jane

studio shot with multiple lights, an unusual

set up for me as I tend to go on location

Jane

On location with one SB800, held by Katy,

we both ran beside as Jane cycled.

This was one of the out takes -

a set up shot here was hit and miss!

Paul

my two light favoured set up,

SB800, shoot through umbrella,

Vivitar 285, gridded just outside the patio door.

Jerry

Again, the two light set up, gridded Vivitar 285

SB800 in reflecting umbrella

Sherie

again, the two light set up,

this time the second light was flagged.

Ria

two light set up...

Fr Chris

one light in a small softbox on Fr Chris,

a gridded Vivitar on the Crucifix

Katy

one Ezybox softbox with an SB800

The Myrke

one Ezybox softbox again.

The finished shots are after the jump. What do you do to remember your set up? Diagrams? Photos? or do you have some other way?

Jerry

Sherrie

Jane

Patrick and Jane

The Myrke

Ria

Katy

Paul

Photosmith; syncing Lightroom with the iPad... what photographers have been waiting for?

2011-04-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick review. I am sure there are more features in this app than I can do justice to, but to give you a flavour... I have been beta testing the Photosmith App for the last few weeks. This app boasts of being able to be a Lightroom interface on the iPad allowing a photographers Lightroom workflow to be done, or at least started, in the field on the go.
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The main Photosmith interface screen

The editing screen

But the best bit is; it can then be synced back to lightroom. Wirelessly. A plugin is downloaded from Photosmith, installed in Lightroom and the rest is fairly straightforward. Photos can also be inported into Lightroom in the normal manner with the iPad as a 'device', though I haven't tried this method yet.
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The editing screen zoomed in.

Photos can be imported via the Apple camera connection kit into the iPad native photo app, and then imported into Photosmith. They can then be sorted into collections, the good and the bad sifted out, filtered as in Lightroom, colours and star ratings and we are told there will be the ability to edit photos in the final release. This all makes it a sort of Lightroom on the go!

But the best bit is; it can then be synced back to lightroom; all your edits, keywords, everything. Wirelessly. A plugin is downloaded from Photosmith, installed in Lightroom and the rest is fairly straightforward. Photos can also be inported into lightroom in the normal manner with the iPad as a 'device', though I haven't tried this method yet.

The app also can be used to post by email, and also flickr, facebook and dropbox. The dropbox addition is going to be a great help, it could be used as a backup while on the go, though I am not sure about how fast uploading lots of files would be.

For a more comprehensive guide, see the grand tour over on the Photosmith website, here. Beta programmes by their nature are released so testing in the field can happen. And, sure, a few bugs have been found, but those clever people at Photosmith are sorting them out. This app is going to save a lot of time when working in the field. I am so looking forward to the full version. They tell us the app will be available in the app store in a few weeks. I will be very surprised if it doesn't figure high in the chart positions.

Is this what photographers have been waiting for as an iPad app? I think so! The shots shown here are screenshots from an iPad 1...

What do you want from a workshop?

2011-04-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

We all ask ourselves this question from time to time. And the answer is surprisingly simple; a set of tools that I can use, again and again. Not a manual that I might flick through once and then consign to a shelf in the study. Glyn Dewis' workshop did not fall into this category; not by along shot.

This was a tester; myself and six other photographers were 'test pilots' before Glyn takes the workshop live. These days are very important as it give the vital feedback to refine the workshop. The day was split into two; morning shooting and afternoon editing. Steve was our model, my first thought was Terminator or Captain America. Glyn ran through the lighting set-up and then we had a go. His only stipulation was for us to be honest and give constructive criticism. It was a great day, lots of laughs and great shooting.

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Steve #1

the straight from the camera shot

Steve #2

also a straight from the camera shot

And the composite shots...

Steve #2

Steve #1

Check out Glyn's blog here for news when the workshops go live. Thanks to Glyn for a great day, Mrs Dewis for a wonderful lemon cake (out of this world!), Gareth for a fabulous studio, Steve for being a great model and larger than life! And the rest of the team for making the day great fun. Heres to the next one!

The Myrke...

2011-03-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

As part of my Project 52 last year, I was hoping to photograph Barrie; he is a musician and husband to a colleague of mine; Sandra. I thought a guitarist would make a good portrait. At the time I had never photographed a musician. But sadly, between one thing and another, it never happened.

Then one Friday afternoon I got a phone call; Barrie's band, called The Myrke, were rehearsing tomorrow, Saturday afternoon, could I come along and take some photographs? I love these last minute impromptu shoots; nothing like a bit of pressure. And, oh, yeah, they wanted to be photographed around a tree. Okay, I said, looking out at grey winter skies and the promise of rain. I wondered what I had gotten myself into.

That night I started my research. Moodboard, an iPad app, came into its own. I sourced some pictures that I thought would start the ball rolling and sent an email of it to Barrie. A fantastic little app that I use again and again. They set the mood and we hadsomething to talk about and throw a few ideas around.

Barrie lives near Eton where there are lots of playing fields. So next day I headed off to Eton, met the band and after hearing them play; fantastic music guys! off we went in search of a suitable tree. Their sound is a latin soul jazz kind of sound and it is very good. (where is my CD guys...?)

The Myrke

Having found it, it was a matter of setting up the band as quick as I could; it was a freezing cold afternoon. At this point a big thank you to Sandra. She was an invaluable assistant and softbox holder for the afternoon. I used a single Ezybox with an SB800 triggered by wireless. Simple set up; it had to be it was just too cold for shooting outside.
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Sandra and softbox

We then retired back to the warmth of Barrie's house and I set up some individual headshots.

Phil

Sukh

Simon

Barrie

Be sure to check out The Myrke on their Myspace page, here, a great band.

This is the 'Moodboard' that I

compiled for the shoot.

A Very Big Congratulations ...

2011-03-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

... to Jane and Patrick. They returned from the International Triathlon in Abu Dhabi with great success; Jane came sixth in her age group! And both Jane and Patrick finished well up the field.
Well done guys! An amazing achievement!

Patrick

Jane

Well done lads, what a team!

Duke of Edinburgh Awards : Photography

2011-03-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

All the photographs on this blog were taken by me; there is the one exception; when Katy does a shoot she gets to post here. And I might show a set up shot with me in it taking the photo, obviously someone else took that. But that being said, I take the shots.
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But this time all the photographs in this post are by someone else; Rosie. Let me explain, about a month ago I was asked by a good friend of mine, Chris, if I would be interested in mentoring his daughter Rosie while she is doing her Duke of Edinburgh Awards in Photography Well, I was delighted to say yes and honoured to have been asked in the first place. Rosie is starting off in her photographic career, as it were, and at this time it is vital to get a good grounding in the technicalities but also the vision to see the bigger picture.
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The photographs that Rosie has taken show a great understanding of this. The photographs here have drama, movement, depth and beauty. This is what you get when look and really see.

Again, all these photogtaphs were taken by Rosie, and I think she has done exceptionally well, seeing pictures where others might not. I for one am looking forward to seeing the next shoot. Well done Rosie!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day: La Feile Padraig

2011-03-17T01:23:00.000-07:00

I hope you all have a great Saint Patrick's Day, wherever you are, and if you are lucky enough to be in Ireland, La feile Padraig...

Ironman and Ironwoman : part one

2011-03-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

Firstly, let me say a big good luck to Jane and Patrick who are competing in the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon 2011 this weekend. Good luck lads, we will be thinking of you! You can follow the action here.
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But, to explain, towards the end of last year I discovered that Jane, the mother of one of my karate students was a triathlete. Not only that, but her husband Patrick is also a triathlete. You know the type; hyper fit, whether it is on the bike, swimming or running, just amazing really.

I wanted to do a series of shots of Jane and her bike, and running and swimming. So I approached her one Saturday morning and asked if she would be my model and to my delight she said yes! At the same time, I was already thinking of how I would cajole Patrick to be part of this; I mean how often do you come across a husband and wife triathlete duo? Not very often. So expect a few more shots as the year progresses.

These are a few of the shots we did in the studio.

Patrtick and Jane

Jane

I shall be posting more from the shoot in the next few weeks, but I just wanted to say a big good luck to both Jane and Patrick; good luck and watch out for the blisters...!

Looking up to Heaven...

2011-03-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

How often do you look up?

Last weekend we took a trip to the Cathedral City of Canterbury. A wonderful city. The cathedral dates back to the 6th century, but is most famous for the murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170.

Canterbury #1

I really enjoy visiting these amazing buildings; walking among the great stone columns you get a sense of wonder and spirituality that is fantastic. And you cannot help but look up. The ceilings are magnificent; works of wonder with elegant vaulting and bosses you can’t help but wonder how they did it back then with no health and safety executive! It was all done for the glory of God, and looking up was like looking up to Heaven. At lease as close as you could get on Earth.

Canterbury #2

Canterbury #3

Canterbury #4

Canterbury #5

There are always so many tourists there taking photographs of the vastness of the space, with only a small flash to illuminate it; its never going to happen. A tripod is out – I think you have to pay a stipend to use one and I hadn’t brought one anyway. So I did the next best thing; I set the camera to self timer in aperture priority mode, set the aperture to f16 and placed the camera on the floor, tripped the shutter, stepped back and let it take the shot. There was a bit of trial and error to get the framing correct, or at least until I was happy with what I got, and I drew a few stares. One lovely lady, a volunteer guide was intrigued and impressed when I showed her the results.

Canterbury #6

Canterbury #7

The delicate vaulting and the intricate tracing is almost beyond belief, especially when you realise it was all hand carved 800 years ago.

Canterbury #8

Next time, look up... and think of the hands that put these wonderful buildings together.

And this is what happens

when you don't step back far enough...!!!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-13T15:59:00.000-08:00

A great big Happy Valentines day to all those out there that are in love! I hope the day brings you your heart's desires.

And a special Happy Valentines Day to my wonderful Wife, Catherine. I love you Catherine,

Noel

xxx

Jane's Bike

2011-02-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

It's not about the bike... yeah, right. Cyclists may tell you that, but it is. And I must admit I have rarely come across a machine more beautiful than a racing bike. the sleek line, the aero dynamics, the weight - or lack of it, the speed and the grace. Altogether an amazing way to travel. And an even better way to travel at speed.

In a previous lifetime, I used to race bikes around the County of Dublin, but that was a long time ago and this is Jane's bike, and she loves it! Jane is a triathlete, and along with her husband, Patrick, they take part in events all over the world. Impressive. I only have admiration for that. To be successful in such events, the bike has to become part of you; you have to feel it and be it. Riding becomes second nature. It is no wonder that cyclists treat their bikes like part of the family; polished and cleaned, like another child.

I am shooting a series on Jane and Patrick over the next few months as they go about their triathlete type lives. And close up shots of the bikes are part of it. Enjoy.

For the cognoscenti, the bike is a carbon fibre Colnago, with Campagnolo appointments. I lit the bike to one side with a softbox and the other side with with a strobe head fired through a white transparent(ish) backdrop.

And when they tell you it's not about the bike.... just smile and nod.

A New Toy

2011-01-18T13:10:00.000-08:00

I had the good luck to be given a Lastolite Ezybox softbox for my birthday last December and up until now I haven’t had a chance to use it. Katy and I set it up last night and had a play with it.

First impressions are that it’s a doddle to put up; a flick of the wrist and the softbox takes shape. I am not going to go into the how to set it up as it was fairly straightforward, if you use one you'll see what I mean. Putting it away was just as easy. I made one modification; I removed the cold shoe that came with the bracket and replaced it with one of the flash triggers I use. The model I got was the 60cm one.

The light from it was amazing and very controllable. It was made for the type of portrait shots I like to do; film noir. I have been getting similar results with using a closed down reflective umbrella, but the draw back of this approach is that there is the umbrella rod close to your subjects face just waiting to poke their eye out. Not recommended. And also I find it harder to reach in close to the subjects face to adjust the flash output. The softbox can be almost touching the models face and you still have easy access to the flash, because nits behind it.

the setup

I have yet to use it outside, but given the weight and shape it cannot be any worse than an umbrella in the wind. Fort these shots we killed the ambient, more or less and then added back in the softbox light.

And thanks again to Katy for being the model… and the photography in the end...

Noel and Katy

Happy New Year to Maria and Joe

2011-01-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

As part of that project last year, I photographed Joe one summer evening. A great time was had by all. At the end of the shoot, which didn't last very long - as we were all eager to get back to the great Sicilian feast they had prepared, I persuaded Maria, his beautiful partner, to pose with him. The tone when photographing Joe had been moody and thoughtful, so we took a final shot in the same vein. One frame was all it took and I had the shot. Sometimes it really does happen like that.

Maria and Joe

A nicer couple you could not meet!

I wanted to wish them a happy new year as they ahd a bit of a let down at Christmas. Long story short; they, and all their family were due to fly to the USA and take a cruise down south, but couldn't get out of Gatwick because of the white stuff! Maria's brother managed to make it from Manchester, but he was the only one to get away! I bet he enjoyed that! And this was a special family celebration, Maria's Parents 50th Wedding Anniversary! Anyway, I am told they are planning on taking the holiday in the new year. I wish them all good luck and curse the snow!

You will remember Maria as one of the first portraits from the previous year. A pleasure to shoot, and you can't say that everyday. Definitely one of the favourites, here it is again; Maria in her trademark pink.

Maria

(definitely one of the favourites...)

Happy New Year guys,

and I am looking forward to seeing next years holiday snaps...

Noel

A very Happy New Year to all...!!!

2011-01-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

2010 is behind us and 2011 is here. What a year it has been! Full of ups and downs, but mostly, I am happy to say, ups! This year has thought me that photography is a wonderful tool to make things happen. I'll be posting more about this as the year goes on.

A new year, a new project. I shall be spending more time in the studio and more time working on my portfolio. Not quite sure what the project will be yet; too many great ideas I am happy to say!

I was given a present of an iPad this year from a very good friend of mine, so I am hoping this will help in the social networking side of things. No resolutions, I am just going to do more of the stuff I love. This next year is going to be focused (pardon the pun) on having maximum fun with my photography.

I leave you with this piece of street art I came across in Dublin last year...

Artist... unknown,

but maybe that's their 'tag' in the corner,

whoever you are, great spraying!

So, all the best for the New Year and may all your wishes come through...

Noel

Happy Christmas...

2010-12-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a great Christmas day, and there is still lots more of this wonderful holiday to come. We are only at St. Stephen's day, or Boxing Day if you are in the UK. The weather here has been bitterly cold - with snow and ice on the ground since last week. We just cannot cope here! Ireland has it even worse, I am getting reports of 8 to 10 inches of snow in Dublin, I never remember that at all when I was growing up!

Winter Wonderland

On a slightly warmer note, the Project 52 Book is now available on Blurb. I have had an advanced copy and I am pleased with it. I am in the process of getting a print of their portrait to everyone, so if you have not received yours yet, bear with me... I am blaming the snow, see above!

Click on the link to the right and it will take you to the Blurb page where the book is. Until the end of January 2011, those nice people at Blurb are giving free flat-rate shipping to orders, just enter in the following codes at the check out:

UK   £3.99     SHAREUK
US $6.99        SHARE
EU E5.99        SHAREEU
CAD $7.99     SHARECAN
AUD $9.99     SHAREAUD

You can also see a preview of the book, the first draft acually, in my portofolio here. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed taking the portraits.

Have a great holiday, enjoy the turkey, the mince pies and be careful out there - its slippy! And above all take care of those you love.

All the best,
Noel

52 Portraits...

2010-12-08T15:12:00.000-08:00

Project 52 is done and dusted, all that is left to do now is give all those who took part their print as a little thank you from me. The book has been printed and I shall post about it in a few days. I set out to do this project in a year; it took a year and a half. A little longer than I had anticipated, but if a job is worth doing…

Alan

Why portraits. A lot of people ask me that. I have asked myself the same question many times in the past. I prefer portrait photography over all other forms of the art. In the end it comes down to one thing; I am fascinated by people. I want to know what makes them tick, what drives them, what motivates them. I suppose that makes me something of a voyeur. I guess all photographers are voyeurs of one sort or another. But I try to make my portraits anything but voyeuristic. I want to show people how interesting they are.

Above all I want the photo to be something more, to reveal something about my subject. And this is where it gets interesting.

Chris

Joe

In the first photo is Chris. With the addition of a slide rule, I am telling you a bit more about him. Your own world experience then fills in the blanks. Most people, of a certain age, know what a slide rule is; engineers and scientists use them. Chris is a structural engineer, while today he might use a computer, as do we all, back in the day he used a slide rule.

In the second photo, Joe, who is a building contractor and of Sicilian descent and all round great guy. But from the photo you cannot guess that. Everyone who knows Joe and sees the photo loves it and say ‘that’s Joe’. They are not just seeing the image; they are seeing beyond it and something of Joe from what his face is saying. But you have to know him to get it. As it happens this is one of my favourite shots.

The question here is audience. What is your audience? For a shot to be personal and meaningful to a family, then Joe’s shot works; for a shot to be more commercial then you have to tell more of a story. I hope that Joe and Chris’ photographs will be part of their family gallery for sometime to come.

Both approaches are valid; you take the shot to suit the market. It’s all about pleasing people. This project was primarily about pleasing myself, and that is how I tackled it. Some of the shots are more personal than others, some you will ‘get, some maybe not.

David

you had to be there to get this one...

The experience I have gained has been unprecedented. Apart from the obvious lessons of improving technique, there was the working under pressure; often it was half an hour in someone’s kitchen or ten minutes in work, dealing with people; not just themselves, often their family as an audience. Setting up the next shot was a good one; who was going to be next weeks model? Many a sleepless night.

Pre-visualization is also important, I did know all the people I photographed, some more than others. But I generally had an idea of how the shoot was going to pan out. I was hit by surprises on a number of occasions, thats to be expected, but it all worked out in the end. On the whole I was lucky; not one of my models were reluctant – the odd few were a bit shy, but once we got going there was no stopping them or me.

Jerry

Paul

Portraits are forever, that’s why I love them. I have so many books of the great photographers and it is always a pleasure to leaf through them. I go back to them again and again. The great black and white movies of Hollywood are my favourite genre, and I hope to be doing much more in this area in the future. The atmosphere and the lighting are very evocative and the emotion is easy to see and feel. What do you think about when you see a persons face? What does it tell you? All the emotions that can be conveyed are in there. Sometimes happiness, sometimes sadness, anger, relief; the list goes on. All it takes is a moment and its captured forever! Why would any photographer want to shoot anything different?

Paul

Which brings me onto technique; the lighting had to be simple. I prefer portable speedlights, so does my wallet and my wife (more money for shoes…) I use a Nikon SB800 and a Vivitar 285, both of which I trigger remotely – there is only one shot taken with on-camera flash in the entire project – find it if you can. I used umbrellas, softboxes and gridspots to control and modify the light from the flashes along with the occasional gel filter.

My favourite setup is a crosslight shot; the umbrella close to the model and then a rim-light from a flash further away with a gridspot to control the spill of light. I know this setup works; I use it time and again.

Which brings me back to why do a project like this? I have come to the conclusion that these kinds of projects are where the creativity really lets loose; answerable to no one; only your own imagination. I have already thought of a dozen projects for next year, the only question is which one…

Bill

Morag

Ria

Roger

Once again, thank you one and all, for your patience, and kindness in allowing me to take your portraits. It has been a real pleasure. I must also thank Catherine and Cein for putting up with my incessant talk about the project, thanks guys! And there is one person that has to be thanked for help above and beyond the call of duty; Katy.

Katy

I can safely say that this project would have got nowhere without her help. Thank you Katy.

Well earned City-break...

2010-11-19T14:49:00.000-08:00

The Bull Ring

When I was young, okay, a lot younger, my Mam and Dad used to take my brother, sisters and me to see our relations over here in the UK. We took it in turns, sometimes I was lucky, other times not. But I always remember Birmingham and the Bullring. It was a kind of mecca for shopping and what a dump it was. But not anymore. Birmingham is a city that has totally changed, and speaking with my architecture hat one, it has changed is fantastic ways. We recently had an opportunity for a few days in this city. We visited the Motor Heritage Museum, Cadbury World (an absolute must!) and did a bit of shopping, well, Mrs H did the shopping, I did the photography.

Debenhams

What I particularly like about Birmingham the mix of 70's and contemporary design that is fused together in the city. I could walk around it for hours, and have done on many an occassion. You can see this around every corner.

Bridge over the Canals...

It is a great place for street photography. The people are friendly and warm. I feel at home there. If you haven't visited this wonderful city, then go and do so as soon as you get the chance.

Attraction.

Old and New

The double exposures are more or less straight out of the camera. I made a few tweaks in Lightroom; a touch of sharpening, slight de-saturation for an olde worlde feel and a nudge of clarity. the trick is to pre-visualize. I knew the shots I wanted to double expose before I left home.

If your camera has a double exposure feature try using it. Set it to two or more shots, if it has 'autogain' leave it at the 'on' position, this is probably the default setting anyway. All it does is divide the correct exposure for a given shot by the number of shots in the multiple exposure. In my case it was 2 shots, so the exposure for each was halved. Sounds complicated, but you can always check it out on the screen as you go and turn it off and compare. There is also the manual option as well, where you just work out the exposure for yourself. Don't worry too much about it; just have a go.

Moo, Blurb and Etsy...

2010-11-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

Those on-line book publishing people, Blurb hosted a series of seminars in London last Friday and I was there. They used a 'pop up' shop for the day and dressed it and populated it with their books and posters in only a day! Along with Blurb there was Moo, the company that prints those amazing Moo cards. I use their minicards for my photography work. I intend to use Blurb very soon for my Project 52 book, but I had never heard of Etsy.

So, what did I think of the day.

Blurb first. There was literally hundreds of theie various books in all the shapes and formats available, from coffee table photo books to text boks. And everyone looked fantastic.

The seminar came in the form of a lesson in how to make a book using Blurb's 'Booksmart' software. It could not be simpler; you download the software and the rest is reasonably intuitive. If you have ever done a powerpoint presentation, then the jump is easy.

I had a couple of questions. I am in the process of putting my first Blurb book together and I was thinking of making a small photobook as a proof; indeed, on the day, Blurb recommended this approach. But the drawback is that if you want to make a bigger book, you then have to make the book all over again. I cannot help thinking this is a design flaw. It won't stop me using Blurb, but I would like to be able to copy accross the book, or just press a button and change the format

The second question was about colour and dark images. In a nutshell it was recommended that the images are brightened a bit because of our backlit monitors. I am going to increase the exposure in my shots by about a half to one stop. This could be trial and error, depending on what type of shot you take. They also recommended 300dpi as a minimum for photographs.

The big question; will I be using Blurb, most definitely.

Moo was next. nothing to say. If you don't already use them, then go to their website and get sorted. they have a huge array of business cards, minicards and holders; all great for any business. They also do a regular blog showcasing what people have used their moo cards for... you will be surprised.

This was a new one for me. Etsy is a craft / creative on line community for selling. I logged on when I got home on Friday night and was pleasantly surprised. There is everything on there, from apple cosies, yes, apple cosies... (I am still thinking about that one) to photographic prints to scarves to tee shirts to ceramics, mosaics, the list goes on.

I met a lot of people who have had great success selling their various item on Etsy and they only had praise for the site. So, I am going to give them a go. I am going to put together a set of my Infinite Ireland prints and put them up for sale there and see how they do.

For me the day was a great success, Blurb hosted it and took very good care of use with coffee, sandwiches and the odd beer or two in the evening.

Blurb website is here, if you are thinking of doing a photobook check out their website.

Moo are here, go nowhere else for your businesss cards.

Etsy are here, an amazing community of creative people selling their wares.

A big thank yuo to Blurb, Etsy and Moo for a very educational and enjoyable day. I shall definitely be back for more.

just following those shoes again...

2010-11-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

I am lucky enough to be attending a seminar run by Moo, those wonderful moo cards people, tomorrow up in London. Blurb will be there and Etsy. The topics include, marketing, photography and photobooks for a small busniness.

I am really looking forward to it, and it gives me a chance to take a day out in London! I'll keep you posted.

Something wicked...

2010-10-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had that feeling that you are not alone... It always happens in the half gloom when you are about to doze off in the armchair in front of the fire; peace and quiet at the end of the day. And then you get that niggling feeling that you aren't alone, but you daren't look around because you just don't know what is there. What could be there. What might be there trying to come through...

It is that shivering sensation that runs through your whole body... you have no control over it... and all the time you are thinking... should I look around?

Don't look. But you so want to.

Somethimes you can imagine a hand reaching out to touch you. Other times it might be a gentle brush against you. But with that touch comes more shivering and more of the unknown. And now you are convinced that something is trying to get through.

Don't look.

But still you cannot look around. You want to...

And of course, you are alone. There is no one else there to hold your hand.

You can't take it anymore; you just have to look around. And immediately you wish you hadn't.

But then, you can just make out a shape; it seems to be bathed in white light, but sort of dark towards the edges. It can't be, no it isn't...

You have heard the rumours, the stories of the hauntings. they always said this house had a ghost; the Ghost of the White Witch. But you never believed it, not until now that is. They were right! There is a witch, and she is white. Cold sweat starts to form on your brow as the shape takes final and you start to pray...

The a voice booms out,

'Noel, if I have told you once, I have told you a thousand times, I am not sweeping up your biscuit crumbs anymore!'

Happy hallowe'en!

Cathriona & Gareth

2010-10-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

Cathriona and Gareth are a pair of wonderful newly weds! We had the great privilege of being at their wedding a few weeks ago. And what a great weekend it was; the whole family converged on an unsuspecting Hotel in the village of Ashbourne outside Dublin. It was an excellent and very special weekend.What made this extra special for Catherine and myself was that Cathriona was our Flower Girl when we got married all those years ago!

Cathriona

This is a photograph I took of Cathriona when she must have been about 7. She knew how to strike a pose even then!

From one flower girl to the next... I managed to grab a shot of Cathriona and Gareth's Flower Girl...

Cathriona's Flower Girl

I waited for as long as I could just behind the bustling crowd, but the little girl never looked around!

The First Dance

I was delighted to be able to get a shot of the Happy Couple as they took to the floor. It was a bit of a rush as I was in guest mode, not photographer mode! But I hurriedly set up a couple of wireless triggered flash guns on opposite side of Cathriona and Gareth on VAL's (voice activated lightstands - Katy and Catherine) and shot away... A bit of a tricky shot as the background was a bit cluttered and I was waiting for the right moment to shoot and ... you get the picture.

I wanted to do something a bit different for the cutting of the cake. So I tried an unusual and something of a fun shot.

Cutting The Cake

I guess it the same the world over, but if you ever find yourself at an Irish wedding you will be amazed at the amount of people taking photographs and how long the party goes on for... but that's another story altogether! I have no idea who owns these hands or this Canon camera, but it was in the right place at the right time for me. A big thanks there!

A Romantic Moment

Mr. and Mrs.

We all enjoyed ourselves immensely; but the weekend had to end. I had tried to grab the Mr and Mrs all through the weekend, finally within an hour of everyone leaving and saying their good bye's, I had my chance. Having stayed in the hotel, I had done a bit of a recce; the stairs and the balcony were the obvious choice. They may have been obvious, but that didn't bother me; I would rather get an obvious shot good, than a complicated one just okay.

I just want to say a huge congratulation to Cathriona and Gareth and a very big thank you for allowing us to be a part of it. The great thing about weekend weddings is that the party lasts all weekend. And because it does, it gets remembered differently; everyone has a different story to tell; a smile here, a laugh there, the odd tear or two. It is a wonderful thing witnessing the start of a marriage.

The photographer on the day was Jenny McCarthy, a Dublin based wedding and portrait photographer. I just had a quick chat with Jenny as she was working! She and her colleague Barbara were excellent at their job and got their shots without being intrusive. I am looking forward to seeing her shots (especially the one you took with Cathriona and myself...!). Her work can be seen here.

Now who is going to get married next...?

Once in a while...

2010-10-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

a real bargain comes along...!
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Fuji S1 Pro

(photo by Fuji)

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I buy a lot of my books, especially fiction, in charity shops; you get a good read and your helping out in a little way too.

You can imagine my surprise, when recently I saw a Fuji S1 Pro in the window of such a shop. I immediately asked how much and was told that the body was a mere £19.99 and it came with a Tamrac bag, a Sigma 28 - 105 lens, three assorted flashguns, a handy little strobist style off camera hot shoe cable thing and a 1 gb Cf card. What a bargain. The camera is in mint condition, I only hads to buy a set of batteries.

The S1 pro cam into existence in 2000 as a pro spec model offering 6 mega pixels as opposed to Nikon's D1 which was barely 3Mp at the time. It did this by using Fuji's own special sensor. Its body was plastic to touch by today's standards; it was based around the Nikon F60. It was replaced in 2001 by the S2 then the S3 and finally the S5 which is based on the D200 body, one of the camera's I use. I have briefly played with it, but will test it out and post the results here.

The moral of the story is, check out those charity shops - you never know what you are going to get!

A Triathlete, A Wedding, 52 People and a Red Corset... the shape of things to come...

2010-09-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

I have been quiet for a while, but I am happy to say I am back and with a full calendar and lots to post about. The summer is over and Autumn is on the way - my favourite time of the year, I hope to do a lot more shooting this Autumn.

I have always been into bikes - I use to race them with my friends when I was a teenager. I got my first road bike frame from the 1984 Irish Olympic Squad, how cool is that! When I found out that Jane and Patrick, some friends of mine were triathletes, I just had to learn more and photograph them. There will be a series of both Jane and Patrick on and off their bikes, stay tuned. A big thanks to them for being part of this exciting project. This is Jane on her beloved bike.

Jane

I was very lucky to attend the wedding of Cathriona and Gareth last weekend in Dublin. Cathriona is my wife's niece and was the flower girl at our own wedding many years ago. So this was a special weekend on many levels for us. Some great shots to share, and a big congratulations to them. They are off in St Lucia right now... enjoying their honeymoon!
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Cathriona + Gareth

52 people, 52 Weeks. At last there is the finishing touches to Project 52. I shall be posting the complete series on my website over the weekend and am finalising the book layout. Exciting times.

I am never happy with just onw project to fill my time, there always has to be another project. I am still trying to work out the logistics, but its going to be a twist on a famous board game. Watch this space...

Thanks for dropping by, and don't forget to check the blog and website The Infinite Moment soon

Noel

Project 52 is complete!

2010-09-03T05:31:00.000-07:00

Project 52 is now complete and I am into the vast amount of post processing that goes with producing a book and story of the journey! It has been great fun and very rewarding. Do check back soon when I shall post about this amazing journey.

A big thank you again to all of you whose portrait I took and to all those who helped me and without whom I could not have made it work.
Thank you.

Project 52 ... 52

2010-08-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

The End. Finally. The project has finished and what a journey it has been. I couldn't have done it without the help of my daughter, Katy. So it was only fair that she got to take the last portrait; me.
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Noel

Here is Katy's experience of the shoot...

This was the last portrait of 52 in 'project 52' and one of my first photo shoots. Taking photos with my Dad is always fun but when he isn't behind the camera he has no control on how I take the photo IT'S GREAT! I used one flash; an SB800, fired into a reflective umbrella which I closed down to limit the spill of light.We tried using a reflector behind Dad's head but I wasn't happy with the results. We also tried putting a flash with a grid behind his head but the light was too powerful even at the lowest setting. it took a while to get the shot I wanted, but it was worth it. I had lots of fun.

Thanks Katy, for taking a great shot, even if it is of me. And it was a different experience to be behind the camera for a change.

Flight of a lifetime!

2010-08-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

Catena Magazine

Back in March this year a rather special event took place, The Bracknell Forest Catenaian Circle held a raffle in aid of its Presidents Charity. The tickets were £10 each and the prize was a flight in a Hawker Hunter T7A jet fighter. The lucky recipient was Gil, who passed on the ticket as a birthday present to his son, David. Here he is with ex-RAF Pilot Ian Chruchill, who piloted the plane.

David and Ian

I was lucky enough to be asked to photograph the day and to write an article for inclusion in Catena Magazine, the magazine of the Catenian Association. The full article can be read here. David's family all turned up to wish him well and share in this wonderful day; an experience of a lifetime.

The Topgun moment

Pre-flight checks.

The day was captured on video by Andy of Cam Ara

who specialise in Aviation Event Filming

Preparing to taxi.

David and Ian making a fly-by.

The event was hosted by Mr Mike Harding of Bracknell Forest Circle and Delta Jets, both of whom went out of their way to made sure the day ran flawless and was amazing for David and everyone else. A big thank you to all concerned.

Back on solid ground...

David and his Wife, ecstatic after his flight!

Once again, a big thank you to everyone at Delta Jets, Mr. Mike Harding of Bracknell Forest Circle and Cam Ara for making the day really special for David and for the rest of us.

More information on The Catenian Association can be found on their home page, here.

Delta Jets events and services are listed here.

For Aviation Filming, Cam Ara information is available here.

A little time out in Oxford

2010-08-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I realised that I had not had a holiday for sometime, so I booked a few days off and we all headed for the lofty spires of Oxford; Morse and Lewis country. Oxford is a little crowded; not least of all with the thousands of tourists that come to see the magnificent city, so driving in the city is difficult at best. We stayed in a hotel on the outskirts and got a bus to wherever we were going.

Katy

'Katie' Boat

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No trip to the city would be complete without gazing at some of the wonderful architecture, for me God is in the details...
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Oxford Sculpture #1

There are also a huge number of bikes around town...

Oxford Bikes #1

Oxford Bikes #2 (+ Angel)

One of the things I always enjoy when exploring a city is to really look at the details. Sometimes what you see is surprising; there are Angels everywhere...

Oxford Angel #2

Oxford Butterfly #1

Oxford has been photographed to death; so if you have the chance to go there, try to show a different view of the city. I must admit to have taken all the other shots over the years, but you will have seen them already.

Tom

2010-08-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

This is Tom. Tom is one of my oldest friends. We have known each other since we were about 13 in secondary school in Cabinteely in Dublin.
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Tom #1

Tom is taking the plunge and moving over here to England to get his new business off the ground. he came down to see us one Sunday evening a few weeks ago and I couldn't let the opportunity of taking his portrait go by.

Tom #2

So I set up my gear and told him to do serious, well he couldn't. Which wasn't helped by another onlooker, whom shall remain nameless... giggling and taking the proverbial. Sometime later we reached a happy medium.

Tom #3

And I got the shots I was looking for.

Tom #4

Tom was instrumental in sparking my interest in photography; he was one of the founder members of our camera club in school. I shall never remember the day when I brought in my Dad's Agfa Silette and Tom asked for a look. he took it; noticed there was some dust on the lens and went to blow on it to clean it and something else came out of his mouthand covered the lens. Quite. That being said - and I shall never let him forget it - Tom is a great friend and one that no doubt I shall have when I am seventy. Thanks Tom, for your patience, and your friendship over the years.

Noel

Heian Shodan, the first five moves

2010-07-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

The summer is here and that means that there has been a grading at Winkfield Shotokai Karate Club. Needlesss to say all the children did exceptionally well; it makes our lives as teachers very much easier, so I would Like to say a very big well done to all!

Heian Shodan; the first five moves...

This is Katy performing the first five moves of the kata Heian Shodan.

Enjoy the summer and come back in September ready to practice even harder!

Project 52 ... 51

2010-06-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Meet Joe.
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Joe #1

Joe is an all round great guy and a wonderful partner to Maria, lucky man...(I photographed Maria way back here...) I only know Joe through Catherine's friendship with Maria, and only for a short time, but a nicer man you couldn't meet. When I asked him if I could take his portrait, he immediately responded yes, which is always a relief! And make no mistake this is a big deal; I have been reading and commenting on many blogs about how photography opens doors to meeting different people. These people give you a glimpse into their lives; they open a part of themselves up to you, put their trust in you to deliver a photograph that will last forever and become part of their lives. No pressure.

Joe #2

Both Joe and Maria hail from Sicilian families that immigrated over here in the 1960's I am told. British born, they speak fluent Italian and Sicilian. They have known each other since they were teenagers. Joe is a builder so we got on really well from the start, he showed me some of his completed projects on his iphone at which point I started to get jealous...

We made these shots on a very balmy Friday night during World Cup season; Maria and joe treated us to a fantastic barbecue, Sicilian style and then at about 8:00 I set up the shots.

The first was a simple set up in the front garden with the evening sky begining to fade behind. I threw in a bit of flash with an SB800 and a shoot through umbrella to camera left. I took a low vantage point which always works great on a man; makes you look tougher- Joe looks tough anyway.

I then changed tack and shot the SB800 into a reflecting umbrella closed down to only throw light on Joe's face. At this point the ladies were chatting over a glass of wine, time to break that up! It would have been rude not to have taken a shot of Maria and Joe together, so I did.

Joe and Maria

We had a wonderful night chatting and taking photographs in a really relaxed way; so a BIG thank you to Joe and Maria for being great hosts and great models too! I can't wait until the next barbecue!

Follow the red shoe... part two

2010-06-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Follow the red shoe, just follow the red shoe...
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Red Shoes #1

The red shoes have become a sort of way marker for my creativity. Part of my branding as it were. If I keep following them, the path will be good.

Katy and strobes

What is photographic style? There has been quite a bit of talk about this on lost of blogs recently; it got me thinking about what my style is. The first thin I asked mysefl was where it came from.

My picture taking style is influenced by everything that has gone before. Sweeping statement, but what does it mean? Ity means my Dad, and how he influenced me by lending me his old Agfa camera when I was a kid, it means looking at the hundreds of photos he took of the family and how he took them. They were all black and white and full of emotion. It means all the movies I saw as a teenager. It means all the books and comics I read when I was young. The list goes on, but this is how I was influenced and this is where my 'style' comes from.

Hallowe'en 2007

Catherine, Silver Dress

Back then I wanted to try every technique under the sun; I had the sun-burst filter and read all the magazines and so on. Then I was still searching and learning. My style was only developing. The books I read told tales of far off worlds and exotic heroes and beautiful women. Some told tales of the past through the words of our Gothic story tellers; I was mesmerized by the dark tales of mystery and imagination. All this and more, is reflected in the photographs I take. I try to stick to a simple technique; I use one or two flash guns and usually set them up in a linear cross lighting fashion. It works for me. But that is only a technique, style is about what the content and emotion that comes out of the photograph is. When starting out it is important to learn as many techniques as possible, use them and master them so they become second nature. Then forget about them and just shoot.

Paul and Katana

I want them to be edgy, I want them to tell a story and sometime I want you to be uncomfortable, just a little, when you see them. My 'style' is my interpretation of the world; its how I see it, full of possibilities and emotion. Its what I try to capture in my photographs. My photographs have become my own comic book, but still when I turn the pages, its always something new, even for me. I don't know the end of the story either, but it sure is fun watching it unfold and wondering where the red shoe will take me next.

What do you think your style is?

Think about where it came from and where it is going.

Thanks for reading!

Inspiration...

2010-06-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

What books do you read for inspiration?

Book Keeping...

There is a great series of books about Vogue...

Vogue Covers, published by Little, Brown, isbn 978-1-4087-0213-0. This book shows a selection of the best of the Vogue covers from 1916 to 2006. A great read and some insight into each cover is given.

People in Vogue, again published by Little, Brown, isbn 978-0-316-73114-0. Buy this book immediately, it is an amazing insight into the portraits from the many and vaired people that made it into the magazine.

Unseen Vogue, once again by Little, Brown, isbn 0-316-72766-0. Actually, buy this book immediately; it is the story of the shots that didn't make it into the pages of Vogue. A facinating insight into the world of fashion photography and the photographers.

And then some from Taschen...

Fashion Now by Taschen, isbn 3-8228-4075-0. A great book to flick through for inspiration. There are many versions available, I believe they update this book fairly often.

And probably my favourite and one that I constantly pick up...

Camera Work, another Taschen, they do publish great photobooks! isbn 978-3-8228-3784-9. this book is about the camera journal 'Camera Work', by a group of photographers that called themselves Photo-Secession. Curated by Alfred Stieglitz, this is an amazing body of works that spans from 1903 to 1917. From what must seem to us as a primitive age in photographic technology, these wonderful photographs have come. Buy this.

So, what do you pick up for inspiration?

Scott Kelby's Old School Photo Challenge

2010-05-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

And what a challenge it turned out to be!

Agfa Isolette

I take portraits and the occassional building, except when I am in Ireland, then I take lots of building and the occasional portrait, thats just the way it is.

I don't do macro, haven't got the patience for it, can't be bothered with tripods most of the time. But as was part of the 'challenge' I thought I would stretch myself and get the macro lense out. I didn't use a tripod though.

The rules were clear; one ISO, one 'rool' of 24 or 36 shots, one day, wait 24 hours for 'processing' and no photoshopping! Just like back when we used 'film' remember that? And one more thing - no looking at the preview screen.

Setting one ISO wasn't a problem, I set ISO 100, which I then realised I should have set 200, but it was too late. There was a film once that claimed you could do different ISO's on it but I never got to grips with that and it would have been cheating! I fitted this around family stuff over this bank holiday weekend. It was great fun and would recommend it to any and all as a way of connecting with their photography. It makes you think and brought me right back to the film days. I used transparencies mostly back then, so cropping / post develope manipulation never happened. I am used to composing in the camera, at least I thought I was, this gave me a kick in the rear, which is only a good thing! I was tempted to peek, but I am happy to say i didn't.

A great challeng and all for a good cause; the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya. the idea is to donat all or part of what the 'processing cost' would have been if we used film. If you would like to donate, here is their webpage; Springs of Hope.

Whats happening...?

2010-05-29T04:02:00.000-07:00

There is never enough time in the day! I don't know if you find that, but I certainly do. So this is what I am up to at the moment.

Men and Fast Jets...
I had the privilege of photographing David as he took a jet flight he won recently. I am currently writing an article that wil go with the photographs, can't say too much yet, but it will be published this summer.

Fast Jets...

Project 52

Project 52 is coming to an end. I have one more shot to tak and then my own portrait to finish it.

It has been a long and exciting journey. I have certainly learnt a lot and met some extraordinary people.

Cein

Scott Kelby's Challenge

Scott Kelby has a challenge up on his blog check it out here, its a great cause and if you follow it will it will help others less fortunate than ourselves. Katy and I have our cameras ready and set for 36 shots, no cheating and we're off to a local bike event in the town near us. But its raining at the moment, so we'll have to improvise. Whatever happens we will be shooting and thats always fun.

Head shots.

I am starting a little project just for myself of taking 'dark' headshots; pictures with a twist to them rather like an Edgar Allen Poe story...

So there definitely isn't enough time in the day! How do you plan your photography?

Have you got enough time in the day?

Thats all for now, take care

Noel

Project 52...50

2010-05-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Project 52 is finally drawing to a close. I started out on this journey over a year ago now and I am delighted to be almost at the finishing line.

This is Chris. Chris is a Structural Engineer whom I have worked with on and off over the last eight years or so. A very talented man, he also collects old Rollei cameras!

Chris #1

Chris #2

I have been meaning to photography Chris for the last six months or so and have had to cancel for one reason or another - totally my fault - but we finally managed it just a week ago. Chris works from home in an office he built at the back of his house. Never having seen it before, I was expecting a shed. Wrong. I encountered what is known in Chris' family circle as the Svenhut, christened, so I am told to coinside when it was built and the world cup when Sven Goran Erickson was in charge of England.

Chris #3

The garden itself is amazing with its meandering pathway, water feature (over which there is a bridge) - . Structural engineer - bridge, fair enough, well manered borders and the odd mature tree. Then a shed camouflaged amongs well tended shrubs. Then two of Chris' inventions. Yes, I did say inventions. One a wind turbine that he built twenty odd years ago, the propellor whittled from timber, and another hydraulic device for splitting logs.

Chris #4

Keep going, straight past another trellis, a vegetable patch, some nettles on the left and there is the Svenhut.

This hut was not only designed as an office but also a darkroom. There are two windows, square, and there are two panels, timber that fit over the windows to block out all light. When not in use they are fitted to the side of the office in line with the windows, it almost looks, well, designed...

Chris #5

The first two shots were taken in the Svenhut. An SB800 was fired at about 1/4 power into a partialy closed reflecting umbrella very close to Chris. The object in his hand in #2 is a slide rule. If you don't know what that is, ask your dad, or your granddad... Shots #3 and #4 were taken on the bridge in the evening sun, which was a little harsh, so we dropped the ambient and then added the SB800 zoomed to 105mm. The last shot shows the Svenhut, with Chris outside. Again the ambient was dropped, a Vivitar 285 was triggered in the office and a bare SB800 was fired from camera left. the camera setting were iso 100, 1/250 at f5.6 and I tweaked the f-stop now and then and the flash power to taste.

Thanks Chris for letting me into your garden and showing me the way out afterwards... Chris was a great sport and does a great moody look. And, by the way we are still waiting on those structural calcs and the other Chris want his roof drawings!

Follow the Red Shoe... part one

2010-05-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been thinking a lot about what my photography is all about; what it means to me, how others perceive it and the message I am trying to get across to my potential clients. When all is said and done; it comes down to Branding and Image. Now, I am not a marketing guru, so no doubt there are buzz words of the moment to describe these things much better than I ever could. And I have to warn you now that this post is a bit of a ramble... But just do what I do; just...

follow the red shoe...

Follow the Red Shoe

The story of the red shoes is told here, I was a guest blogger over on Glyn Dewis' blog and talked about the shot there and the red shoes made an appearance in a Jimmy Choo competition and came runner up. So you could say the shoes were following me around. At this point I must say, they belong to Catherine, my wife. Just to put the record straight, hmmh. But everyone commented on the shots and liked them, so I guess you could say I am now following the red shoes. They have become my signature shot, sort of. You don't want to go limiting yourself, too much. But at this point I realised I needed to pen an identity for what I do.

First an foremost I am a portrait photographer. That's what I do; I love taking photographs of people. Any brand image or logo I devised would have to take that into account. I try to give my portraits an edge, make them different - don't we all. So any branding must mirror this as well. I did a lot of thinking, sketching ideas, scribbles in many notebooks (I like my notebooks - and spend too much money on them, but don't tell Catherine...) and I realised that the picture that summed up what I wanted to say was the red shoe shot.

So that became my logo. If you are a portrait photographer, a landscape photographer or whatever type of photographer you are, your logo doesn't have to be a person, a mountain, a shutter... it can be, and if that's what you choose, okay. But so many others have chosen the same before you and guess what? so many others will choose the same after you. So be bold, go for something different. I went for the red shoes. These ones are extreme, dynamic, vibrant (that's red for you). They make you look. They make you stare. They are supposed to, especially when worn by a lady, quite.

And they make you think. Logos are meant to stand out. they are meant to shout 'hey look at me!' And if you think for a moment, you will think of loads of logos that at first glance bear no resemblance to the product... or do they?

One of my favourites is the Hairy Baby, they do the most amazing tee shirts in Ireland; all with a joke attached to them; you'll get it if your Irish, otherwise... that's all I'll say... Have a look at their web site http://www.hairybaby.com/, great fun. What does Hairy baby have to do with tee shirts? Nothing, but their marketing and their product is so good, say 'hairy baby' to an Irishman and they'll probably start laughing.

So the shoes have became my logo which sort of morphed into a signature. But I hope that they become much more than that. I hope they engage peoples emotion; they are sexy and a bit mysterious and have an edge. I want people to think that when they think of my photography. So the photography is anchored to the logo.

In this image I am trying to create, I want to present a united face to the world. So red and black will feature on my website, my blog and any promotional material I might use. And it will be red fading to black, because that's the way I wanted it and it is striking; there is a uniformity about it. Its my signature.

My Website

My Blog

I also have a great interest in Architecture and Ireland and have another blog; Infinite Ireland. Completely different subject, different country, but the blog header is easily recognizable; green fading to black and the font is the same. The message is the same; this is Noel Hannan's photography (yeah, I know my name is on the header...)

Infinite Ireland

But I wanted to link them in another way, so the word 'infinite' was thrown into the mix and there you have it. that's me, and my photographs.

The design of a logo / branding / image is all important because it is a chance for the photographer to stand out from the crowd. It should be distinct, but easily recognizable. A logo should be dynamic, unique and memorable. You want to make sure a client remembers your logo.

Keep following the Red Shoe...

This is the part of the branding that you can control. What the public perceives, that's the other part. The part that you have to somehow influence.

Keep following...

Keep watching for part two..

Monday blog list...here's looking at you.. again

2010-05-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

The amount of information out there is truly astounding, and not only that, but its also free.Talented photographers, some experts in their fields, some only starting out, others like myself, hungry to shoot and develop their own style. They all have one thing in common; they blog. And I like reading them. And learning from them.

http://lightroomkillertips.com/

A fantastic blog with must see tips for lightroom. Another of Scott Kelby's babies by the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. Just go there if you use lightroom.

http://lightroom-blog.com/

Another great lightroom blog by Sean McCormack, whom I had the pleasure of meeting when David Hobby last came over to the UK in December 2008. Great read, again, full of good information. Definitely worth a visit.

http://www.qhphotography.com/

Another photographer, Quoc-Huy, whom I also met at the same Strobist seminar. Great photography and great energy; he was a guest blogger on Glyn Dewis blog a while ago. Well worth a visit.

http://virtualphotographystudio.com/photographyblog

I just found this blog... I'm playing catch-up with myself! It is a fantastic blog on basically everything you ever wanted to know about a photography business but were afraid to ask! Read it regularly; it is food for thought, the current post is about keywords... good stuff.

http://photography-thedarkart.blogspot.com/

Drew Gardner's blog. Fantastic photographer - great location photography. Read this as often as you can.

http://www.paulpratt.net/

Another photographer I have only just come across; Paul Pratt, from over in San Francisco. Great moody portraits, lit just the way I like 'em. Real film noir, I am always interested to see what Paul shoots next.

http://blog.jdphotography.co.za/

Great wedding photographers, Jaco and Daleen, a husband and wife team that are fantastic wedding photographers. their photographs are full of flair .. not flare... originality and are very contemporary. A real inspiration.

I keep browsing, following links on other photographers website and finding really amazing images taken by really talented photographers. It's just great fun.

If you are in the mood for surfing, check out Glyn Dewis' blog on http://glyndewisblog.com/, he posted a really interesting '... Youtube Follow Friday' in the spirit of the Twitter Follof Friday; great idea Glyn and thanks for the heads up; I'll be subscribing...

Thats all for now, I am working on a post about Branding and Image which will be posted soon...

just follow the red shoe...

Congratulations to Matilda on Her First Holy Communion

2010-05-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

This week I had the great honour of photographing Matilda, a little angel, on the occasion of her First Holy Communion. This is a big occasion for a little girl (or boy). Traditionally girls wear a white dress and veil and boys wear their school uniform or blazer - we didn't have a uniform when I made mine, but we did have a blazer. And if I am being honest, I don't remember wearing it other than on that day. The idea here was for Matilda's Mum and Dad to hand out photographs to their guests on the day as a souvenir that could be treasured for ever.

Matilda #1

A First Holy Communion day is a very special day; a modern rite of passage, in a small way maybe, but nevertheless, an extremely important one.

Matilda #2

To capture the actual moment of receiving the Host and Matilda making her First Holy Communion is not practical, and anyway photographs are not allowed during the ceremony. Knowing this, I didn't want to rush taking photographs on the day afterwards when everyone is lavishing attention on Matilda and trying to snap a photo and it's like a paparazzi maul. I wanted this to be a calm and thought out shoot. So we did it four days beforehand. This allowed me to think of the photograph I wanted to achieve and execute it with plenty of time.

On an occasion like this the photographer has two photographs to take; the serene one and the smiling happy one. The day is a special holy day, but it is also a happy one.

Both of these photographs were taken with the same lighting set up; an SB800 at about half power in a shoot through umbrella to camera left. the camera was in manual mode, set to ISO 100 at 1/200 at about f5.6 (which is generally my starting point - I just tweak the setting from there). I did a test shot to check the ambient light level. But I had hit it spot on first time. This allowed me to just keep shooting; if the ambient didn't change. The evening was overcast and the light levels really good for this type of shot, and then all of a sudden the sun came out from behind, fortunately we had the shots I wanted by then. The technique used here is the same one in my previous post The White Dress... One flash, one umbrella.

A big thank you to Matilda for being wonderful a big congratulations on making your First Holy Communion (and don't worry about the secret password...) Thanks also to Mum and Dad for allowing me to be part of this in some small way.

The White Dress...

2010-05-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

I was very fortunate to be invited to attend one of Glyn Dewis' 'taster workshops' last Saturday in High Wycombe and Amersham. He is developing a series of workshops to teach his unique way of portrait photography, check out his website www.glyndewis.com . We started off the morning in the studio, spent a few hours going over the versatility of only using one light and one modifier; in this case an SB800 and an umbrella. We then took that knowledge and brought it outside and shot Catherine in a white dress in Amersham on a very cold afternoon, did I say cold?, I meant absolutely freezing...
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Catherine, White Dress #1

Catherine, White Dress #2

I made sure Catherine had a coat to hand between the shots when Glyn was teaching, and also I should say a big thanks to Katy our invaluable VAL (voice activated lightstand) who on more than one occassion saved the SB800 from certain death! And did I mention the cold...?

Catherine, White Dress #2

The set up for these shots is surprisingly simple; a single shoot through umbrella with an SB800 on a lightstand to camera right at about 45 degrees to Catherine. An exposure is first taken for the sky, underexpose by about a stop or so until you like the look, then add in the flash at about half or quarter power. And there you have it. Set the camera on manual and keep shooting.

The day was a great success and a big thanks to Glyn for giving his time, knowledge and experience to the group, to Catherine for posing and bearing the cold and Katy... and I am told there was a rather good portrait taken of an older gentleman... I prefer the ones of Catherine myself!

Project 52 .. 49... Part 2

2010-05-10T06:01:00.000-07:00

Meet Christine .. again.

Project 52; Christine

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When I first photographed Christine in Lily Hill Park, she told me her other favourite place is in the kitchen. So we arranged another day to shoot her there.

In the shot above Christine is enjoying a healthy dose of Marks and Engels, not always the kind of books you expect in a kitchen, but very apt for Christine (she is something of an expert on Engels...) The shoot was great fun and very quick to set up; one SB800 shot into a reflecting umbrella, half closed.. (for more info on this little terchnique see my good friend Glyn Dewis' blog - http://glyndewisblog.com/ ).

But sometimes the set up shot is a keeper...
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Christine

This was the test shot, taken almost from the hip. I obviously had a slower shutter speed as I can remember the shutter lagging during the shot. But the flash, going off at a really high speed, has frozen Christine where it has fallen on her and the dragging of the shutter created a sort of painterly effect which I really like.

Christine has been one of the easiest people to photograph; she was a great sport. Thanks again Christine.

Catherine; living on the ceiling...

2010-05-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

This is Catherine, no stranger to my photography; she puts up with it on an almost daily basis, we're married.

Recently, we had the opportunity to do some shooting in our good friend Paul's house. It is empty at the moment and undergoing major refurbishment. So, in the absence of a studio we headed out there one evening to have a bit of fun.

We have had this shoot in mind for a while now, Catherine in her skyscraper shoes and coloured tights. So off we went.
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Catherine pink #1

Catherine blue #1

We had a great laugh and toook quite a lot of shots.

Catherin in pink

Catherine in blue

The lighting was a simple one light set up; an SB800 and about 1/4 power through a white umbrella from camera left at about 45 degrees. The camera was set to manual at 1/250 and about f5.6 or so. I simply did the test shot and then the rest of the shots were all the same. Quick and easy.

Of course when you shoot in an empty house there are bound to be a few problems, such as... no power. And that means no light. Well, you can imagine what happened... we lost track of the time. I only realised this when the camera was starting to struggle with the autofocus. So we had to pack up in twilight, because I forgot to bring a torch, stupid boy. Fortunately the only thing that was left behind was a filter.

I think the constant flashing from the bedroom windows raised a few eyebrows with the neighbours... enough said!

Thanks to Paul for the loan of his house and to Catherine for being my model... again.

here's looking at you!

2010-04-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

What blogs do you follow? Which of the many out there has the content and the photographer's commitment to keeping it up, so much so that you go back to it again and again?

Here are a handful of the ones that I read most days.

http://glyndewisblog.com

This is my good friend and all round great guy; Glyn's blog; well known throughout the photography world as a portrait photographer with a difference. His blog shows fantastic photographs and, being one for giving; he explains how he set up the shots. Watch out for his upcoming workshops where he will impart his expertise.

http://inspiredpixel.wordpress.com

This is the blog of Tim Wallace. Tim is probably one of the worlds most talented car photographers. His shots are truly amazing. If you haven't seen them yet stop reading this right now and click the link. he also does a mean portrait, check out his website to see what I mean!

http://blog.rickwenner.com

The blog of Rick Wenner, a fashion photographer in New York. Simply amazing work. Go see.

http://strobist.blogspot.com

The man responsible for the global shortage of cheap second hand flashguns; David Hobby, off camera flash guru. Nothing more to be said really, except I don't think he likes Chocolate Kimberleys... go figure...

http://www.zarias.com/

A great blog by a great photographer; Zack Arias. A music and portrait photographer who'se blog keeps onshowing me different ways to use just one light, and cheap speedlights at that. A blog with a great sense of humour too!

http://www.scottkelby.com/blog
Scott kelby's blog. The world's leading light on Photoshop. To not visit this blog is to miss out on something big. He write great books too!

http://www.joemcnally.com/blog
Wonderful, witty fabulous photographs by Joe McNally. You must also read his books; The Moment it Clicks and Hotshoe Diaries, both fabulous books on the use of off camera flash and lighting techniques.Joe's blog is great fun to read.

http://www.flashflavor.com
The blog for wedding photographers. Not one to miss... ever.

http://digitalprotalk.blogspot.com
The blog of David Ziser another fantastic portrait and wedding photographer. His blog is packed out with loads of 'stuff'. The techiniques are explained and made simple so even I can understand them!

http://kelleysimpsonphoto.blogspot.com
A blog I only recently discovered; Kelley Simpson's blog. Another from over across the pond. Kelley's blog is packed full of photos with charm and emotion. Always worth a visit.

I love finding someone that I haven't seen before. Its great to make a discovery of a photographer on the other side of the planet that shares the same love of shooting portraits that you do!

Amazing, the world gets smaller and smaller, but with this we can make our ideas bigger; by sharing.

So, who'se blogs do you read?

Finally, a big thank you to all those who blog, you know who you are... Thanks for sharing.

Project 52 ... 49

2010-04-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

I'd like you to meet Christine. A wonderful Lady and very good friend to Catherine, my wife. Christine is a true academic, with more degrees and higher certificate stuff than you could shake a stick at... I'm not jealous... This shot is really a two part shot. The second will be in Christine's kitchen where she likes to cook and bake. So this is part one...
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Christine, Project 52, #49

The location is Lily Hill Park in Bracknell. A fantastic woodland around what was once a stately home and is now a business centre... times change. It just happens to be one of Christine's favourite places to walk and think.

We arrived there late one Saturday evening; I had already been to Lily Hill Park many times before, so I had an idea of where the shot would be. But we did try several areas. The setup for this shot was an SB800 at half power, a shoot through white umbrella to camera left, held by my VAL, Catherine, triggered remotely.

Thank you Christine for being a great sport. And I am looking forward to part two ...

Is it just me...

2010-04-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

or is the absence of plane noise a treat? Putting aside the hassle and despair it is causing not to mention the money, the silence is wonderful, especially if you live near a flight path. All because of a volcano in Iceland.
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Brooklands #1

But ever since the Wright Brothers had the dream of taming the skies, it was inevitable that the aeroplane would become a vital part of our economy. So, yes I am enjoying the quiet skies, but lets hope that volcanic ash cloud clears soon and we get the planes back where they belong. Until then my thoughts are with those who are stranded or in any way affected by this act of nature. Take care.

What do you do when your not photographing...?

2010-04-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

What do you do when your not taking photographs? I enjoy creating in the kitchen. Cooking is a great relaxation.
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Katy's Gingerbread House

We created this one afternoon a little while ago. Great therapy with the added benefit that you can eat it afterwards...

What do you do? Leave a comment and let us know...

Noel

Coming Soon... Trash The Dress... Trash The House

2010-04-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

With the disappointment of a terrible March in the form of illness, weather, cancelled shoots, April is here at last and bringing good fortune. A number of very exciting shoots lined up; on location and in the studio.

A very exciting shoot just around the corner ... a trash the dress no less!. I have wanted to do one of these shoots for a long time now. And with the weather getting a bit better ... did I just say that? well it is, sort of, hopefullyit won't be quite as cold in the water at this time of year. Venue has been picked, we are just waiting for the right day.
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Carissa

This is Carissa, not quite a trash the dress - it was back in November and too cold for that sort of thing! Although she did nearly step back a tad too far...

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Old House, Dingle, Co. Kerry

A very good friend of mine, Paul, is having renovations done to his house (thats not his house, just saying...) - it looks a bit trashed at the moment - but we are going to use it as a studio for some interesting shots amid the chaos. It should make a good contrast; beautiful women: chaotic house...

So watch this space...

Chiltern Building Design Awards...

2010-03-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

The Chiltern Building Design Awards are an annual competition that seeks to promote and reward innovative and sympathetic architecture and design in The Chilterns. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; it is very important that the character of the building match the charcter of their surroundings.

This is the second year I have been commissioned to photograph buildings for Danks Badnell LLP, a firm of Chartered Architects based in Windsor. Danks Badnell have been very successful in this competition over the years; Roger Danks, Senior Partner received a commendation for a converted barn last year and Christopher Gregory, Partner was the overall winner in 2008, the year before, for an Arts and Crafts house in Penn.

Lychgate

Situated in Henley on Thames, the shoot happened at 9:00am one Monday morning. Time and sun was against us; but this was the only window of opportunity; it had to be then. I would have loved to have waited for the perfect sunset or misty dawn, but that was not to be. While the sun was a bit harsh, the morning was probably one of the best ones we have had this year yet! So I wasn't complaining. The subjects were a lychgate, a belvedere and a cottage. The design of these were such that you would be forgiven to think they had been there for years.Carefully selected oak timbers, meticulous detailing and attention to the locale are what makes these designs special.

There are more photos and words on Noel's website, noelhannan.com, in the News section

More of Danks Badnell's projects can be seen here.
Roger or Christopher can be contacted here.

Ma O Shimeru...

2010-03-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

...to eliminate the space between... or how Photography and Karate are exactly the same.

Tim, leading kihon

On a Saturday morning I teach, along with two other instructors; Pal and Julianne, Shotokai Karate to children aged about 6 and up. Recently we had a grading and everyone was practising extremely well and I am pleased to say all did very well. Tim, a 5th dan came to the club to grade the children. He was impressed. And I wanted to say thanks to Tim for giving his time and experience to us.

Tim and Pal

When we practice karate and particularly when we practice Shotokai Karate; we are practising a traditional martial art. It is at all times real. And we strive to make it real for all who practice. Each punch is a real punch, each move a move to defend or attack. But before any of that is though, we first teach about the space and distance.

Thomas and Katy

Distance and movement are fundamental aspects of karate. There are three basic distances: the first; where no attack on either side is possible; simplistically because both people are too far apart. The second is when both people are at the right distance to launch an attack. And thirdly when one takes advantage of this correct distance and attacks; eliminating the space between; ma o shimeru.

Happiness

This got me thinking about my photography and how I take a photograph. I think about it, I set it up and then I take it. three actions, three distances. Or, I just take it.

Reflection at Brooklands

We have all heard about the 'decisive moment' in photography. In karate it is the moment that the attack takes place; it is at that very moment that you become one with your attacker and the duel is over. You have won or you have lost, but it is over. If you delay for even the blink of an eye; it is over and you will have lost. If you delay clicking that shutter then you will have missed the photograph. This moment is fleeting and is so brief that so many will miss it. You don't think it, you feel it.

The Dance

And this is how I take my photographs; just like I practice and teach karate. First we have to learn technique. We drill for hours and hours, we read books, study manuals, go on courses and practice. We get it wrong (digital helps out here) we try again and again. The dojo, the place where we practice karate, is just like digital; there we can be figuratively killed over and over to perfect and learn without coming to real harm, (though I have picked up a few injuries along the way!) digital can show us where we are going and how better to get there.

In karate to take advantage of the 'distances' we have to gain harmony and rapport with ourselves and our opponent. In taking a photograph it is exactly the same; if you do not have an affinity with your subject then forget it, the picture will not work. Gaining this harmony and rapport will naturally eliminate the space between me and the subject; the photograph; to read the moment as one; to be a part of it but not be apart from it.

To achieve this you have to throw technique out the window. In martial arts terms the successful measure of a conflict is whether you are still alive at the end of it. The successful photographer is the one that takes the decisive photograph with whatever technique or camera is at hand, in whatever situation. It is the picture that counts; not the technique. Don't think about it; just do it.

The Shotokai College has been teaching karate for many many years under the guidance and excellent teaching of Colin Reeve, their website is here , Winkfield Shotokai Karate, led by Pal Kalsi, where I teach, is affiliated to The Shotokai College and their website is here.

Guest Blogger over at Glyn Dewis' new home...

2010-03-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

I have just had the great honour of being the first Guest Blogger at Glyn's new blog; thats him below...
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Glyn, London Walkabout December '09

Photography as a medium and an art form seems to being groups like minded people together to share a common want and need; to be creative and see something in a moment that maybe, just maybe makes the ordinary extraordinary. Glyn has been making amazing and fantastic changes to his photography over the last year or so and I am delighted to have been a very small part of that. I posted one of my favourite techniques, a party trick that every photographer knows; painting with light.

Good Luck Glyn

Seduction

I had great fun with these shoes... take that any way you like... and they seem to have become a sort of signature shot now.

But the photographs aside, this is what its all about and Glyn has put his finger on the pulse; sharing as part of a community of photographers. And having fun. Glyn has opened his blog up and no doubt greater photographers will follow me. And before anyone asks, no, that is not me wearing them... I wouldn't have been able to stand in them; run to trip the shutter and then paint the light trail... not that I tried you understand...

You can see it at http://blog.glyndewis.com/ do check it out...

Thanks again Glyn