Tony & Guy

A slightly different request came in recently from my lovely friend Sophie.  She asked if I would do some group shots for all the stylists/juniors at Tony & Guy in Teddington salon as they had won an award.  Having never done anything like before I thought it would be good practice and a new challenge.  A lovely bunch of people who work very hard.

Well done on the award.

Sophie & Ali

I had been looking forward to doing this shoot for Sophie and Ali for ages.  I met Sophie a couple of years ago at Toni & Guy in Teddington.  Sophie had already done a photoshoot with Richard and I back in 2011 so knew I was a keen photographer.

Sophie and Ali got engaged last year and are due to get married next month and I just wanted to give them some photos of them both as a present.  A beautiful day, a little too much sunshine to be honest.  Rob helped me take one of our small settees outside to set up a little backdrop that I had seen in a magazine, great until I walked into a small wall on the patio. Talk about painful, big lump appeared on my leg and a lovely bruise which has only just gone.  That will teach me to look where I am going in future.

Anyway,  great day, beautiful couple who I wish all the happiness for their future life ahead of them.

 

 

Rhinefield House

So we are now in May, we have two lovely bank Holidays this month, we need to do something.  I have always wanted to visit Rhinefield House as my friend had said how beautiful it was.  So after checking the prices we decided to go for one night (expensive !!)

All I can is that is such a beautiful place.  If you are looking for a venue to get married look no further.  Situated in the New Forest the place is amazing.  A wedding photographers dream, so many places to take photos !

We were lucky to have a beautiful weather ...and I even let Rob use my camera a couple of times, under strict supervision that is !

I could have wandered around this place for ages taking pictures but think Rob was getting a little fed up of me !

I very nervously handed over the camera !!  They do need to paint their roof ...

Nicola & Tom

So a new year and I needed to get back to some photography.  I have to say I have learnt some valuable lessons along the way on who to work with. I put this down to my lack of experience at the time and  let's just same it won't happen again !

So, I was now looking for some new models.  I did put a casting call out on Model Mayhem but really wasn't successful.  The people who, did respond were not what I was looking for.  I was even beginning to, start stalking people in the supermarket ! Step forward my lovely friend Penny with a name of someone who worked for the same company who might be interested.  thank you so much Penny for introducing me  Nicola.  we arranged to meet at work for a chat, and I wasn't disappointed, Nicola was absolutely gorgeous, and just what I was looking for.  At the same time I was in contact with my lovely friend and fellow photographer Richard Danter who I had worked with before, we kept saying we wanted to work together again and it was a chance for him to see my studio and also for me to tap into some of his great knowledge and experience.  A few hiccups there though, my stupid studio lights were playing up and misfiring and we were getting random meter readings which was very strange...thankfully the weather was lovely outside so we took advantage of that too.

A lovely couple to photograph ...

We had a great afternoon and the bonus being Nicola bought her equally lovely boyfriend Tom along who was not only very photogenic but tall enough to hold the reflector for us !

Call me a bit strange but I love the 'behind the scenes' shots too ...

Thank you to both Nicola and Tom and of course Richard for driving up from Hampshire !

I'm Back ....

It's been such a long time since I updated this blog..so here goes ....

The last update was October 2012 so what's happened since.  Well Christmas for a start.  Last year we decided for the first time to go away for Christmas to St Lucia.  It was really nice to have some winter sunshine after a terrible and wet summer.  Both Rob and I were so tired and really needed to get away from home and re-charge our batteries.  I have to say it was a bit strange being on a beach on Christmas Day....it was lovely and relaxing though and just what we both needed.  We arrived back home on New Years Eve and somehow felt a bit strange as there was no Christmas tree in the house, that was a first. In a very strange, almost as if we had missed Christmas altogether !  No busy supermarkets where everyone is shopping like it's the end of the world !  Would we go away again over Christmas ? Yes but somewhere cheaper, we travelled to a Sandals resort which was adults only, all I can say was that it was totally overpriced especially when you are travelling from the UK and full of some very noisy people...I will say no more.

Is That a Birdie?

A couple of weeks ago, what started out as a normal day in the office took a slightly different turn.  An email popped into my Inbox with the subject header ‘Professional Freelance Photographer Required’.  My initial thoughts were ‘well you have the wrong person’, I am just a mere amateur dabbling when I get the opportunity.  On reading further it was all around the annual golf day that the part of the company I work hold.   I know in the past they have always used a professional photographer, but this time there just wasn't not the money in the budget to do so.  As a result my name was put forward (thank you Mr Pellow) as they knew I was a keen photographer.  The rest is history, although they couldn’t pay me I would get a day out of the office, my own golf buggy and a three course meal...well what could I say !

I have to say I was a little anxious not having done anything like this before and of course the weather was a little worrying as the previous week there had been nothing but rain.  Thank you to my friend Richard Danter for your tip about using a plastic shower cap to protect the camera/lens if it did rain.  Although it would have been a bit of a dilemma if it did, do I keep my hair dry or protect my equipment ?  Answer, take two shower caps!  I need not have worried as the day was perfect, although far too sunny for a photographer.  Getting group shots on the first tee that was swathed in sunshine was almost impossible but I did my best.

For a first timer doing something like this I don’t think I did too bad.  I did some research online and got some good advice from some other photographers (thanks Neil).  It was slightly daunting as I wasn’t sure where I should stand as I didn’t want to put them off their game by standing in their eye line.  I seemed to just keep popping out from behind trees!  I think there is a name for peope like that!

 I think in all there were about 35 people playing in various groups of 3’s and 4’s. I did my best to get as many shots as possible and the banter was great. A few choice words when shots didn’t go so well but always followed by an apology if I was close by ...such gentlemen!

 All the guys seemed pleased with the results.   I am always very self critical and as I always think ‘I could have done better’, but that’s my ongoing challenge. Hopefully if they ask me again next year there will be more than one photographer (Luke, that's you !!)

So here comes the birdie, and yes it was me !  I did get some rather odd looks from other players on the course not connect with my office wondering who the hell this woman was with the big lens !

I was really pleased hat I didn’t get lost on the golf course, I didn’t get hit by any golf balls and I didn’t crash the golf buggy!

Thanks guys for a great day.

 

Jackie x

Strike A Pose

A somewhat unusual post this time with me being one of the subjects of the photoshoot rather than the 'shooter' (and that's with a camera and not a gun !!). 

So let's rewind a little for some background....my lovely and gorgeous friend Jess from work asked me if I would be interested in going with her for a photoshoot that she had a special offer for, my immediate thought was 'hmm a chance to have a look around and ask some questions' so yes why not !  Any opportunity I can get to learn something is always valuable for me as working full time, any courses and training really isn't easy unless they are at weekends.

We met at Waterloo Station at 11am and started to make our way to Studio 52.  Our appointment wasn't until 1.15 but we wanted to drop our bags off and then make the most of being in London and go for lunch (yes ladies that lunch ...quite like saying that !!).  So with bags dropped off we needed a drink (non alcoholic...far to early ..) and some food,  Luckily Jess knew of a great place just round the corner from the studio called The Townhouse ..lovely place and definitely one for 'celebrity spotting' ..sitting outside and who walks past ...none other than Ralph Feinnes ...and yes he was rather easy on the eye ...well we can look can't we ?

Lunch out of the way and time to head back to the studio...and feeling a little anxious ...really don't like being on the other side of the camera ...definitely out of my comfort zone.   Anyway, it was really nothing to worry about as the folks at that the studio were great ..someone to meet and greet you and explain what will happen and then into hair and make-up.  They did ask prior to this what look we wanted and we both said 'glamarous' ..let the transformation begin ...I have to admit this bit for me was great, feeling pampered and the MUA's were all brilliant. All had worked on various things from music videos with the Black Eyes Peas to Bollywood Movies to name just a few.

So all 'glamed up' and time to meet our photographer ...in walks Abby with a huge smile on his face which immediately put us both at ease.  The 'sets' they use (there were about 6) were on the floor below and Abby kindly carried our bags containing various outfit changes.  After looking at what we bought it was time to change and get started.   He took some pictures of us together first and then individually.  I know Jess won't mind me posting this one with her in as she looks totally gorgeous .. and yes I was wearing clothes ,,, a strapless dress before you ask !!

Love that black wallpaper too !!

I know I can speak for Jess here as well that we both felt completely and totally at ease with Abby, he gave great direction throughout the shoot and only when I started asking questions about 'what aperture are you shooting at' 'what ISO are you on' did he get an inkling of my interest but I have to say he was brilliant and answered all my questions !!

We both had four outfit changes and various sets were used.  I have to say that I really enjoyed myself, much more that I thought I would.  Like many people I have never really liked having my picture taken, but on seeing the results, I was amazed and kept thinking 'is that really me' ??  I won't bore you all with too many pictures as some are already on my Facebook timeline, suffice to say this will probably be the first and last time for me to be on the other side of the camera !

We both left the studio many many hours later with lighter purses (it's not cheap) but what an experience ...something that I may not ever do again but hey...I felt GOOD ....and what a confidence boost which we all need from time to time.

I will finish by saying if you get the opportunity, and I know some cool photographers (see my links page oh and not forgetting me!) have a photo session ......something you can look back on for years to come and say 'yes that was me !!'

Hitchin Lavender Farm

I haven’t really been doing much on the photography side at the moment due to work and other commitments.  I did however manage a visit to the beautiful Hitchin Lavender Farm.  As well as having the opportunity to practice a little more on other types of photography, we actually wanted some advice on lavender.  We have planted lots in our garden (mainly to attract the bees due to the declining population) and also it looks nice. 

We arrived at about 10.30 and after a quick coffee (great little cafe there) we made our way over to the lavender field.  They do charge £4.00 each for adults which is fair enough, it is a business after all.  For that £4.00 they do give you a small bag and some scissors and you can cut as much as you like. I was more interested in taking pictures and getting there early was key as it does get very busy. 

This is a great location for a photoshoot if you are local, there was one going on when we were there. 

I was trying lots of different things from sitting down in the lavender, which was a little worrying at all the bees were buzzing round my head to trying to capture the lines it made up and down the hill. 

Meanwhile Rob was armed with my compact camera doing his own thing.

This is very much farming community as there are lots of other fields nearby and a fair bit of harvesting going on when we were there.  We probably stayed about an hour and a half by which time it was filling up and difficult to get shots without other people being in them. Then the clouds started looking grey as the photo underneath shows we decided it was time to go.

Definitely worth a visit, we learnt that there are actually 39 different varieties of lavender !  I am not surprised so much of ours looks different.   Check out there website for more information www.HitchinLavender.com.

 Thanks for stopping by ...

Jackie xx

Lucetta, David and a wedding ....

First and foremost I am not a wedding photographer and I have no intention of venturing into that area of photography. Far too stressful !  However, when my lovely friend from work Lucetta announced she was getting married the conversation naturally got around to wedding photography.   A friend was going to do the wedding photography for them and I asked the question, ‘who is going to do the photographs of you getting ready at the hotel?’ which I then found out was something Lucetta hadn’t thought about.  I therefore offered my services as I knew I could do this and there wouldn’t be too much pressure!

Lucetta was getting ready at the Petersham Hotel about a 10 minute drive away from the venue which was ideal, it made sense for us to book into the hotel the night before so I was ready on hand when the make-up artist arrived at 9am on Saturday morning. I was more nervous than she was and didn't sleep very well the night before probably to do with a nightmare about downloading my card and there was nothing on it !   I did however manage to get some great shots of Lucetta getting ready.

The hotel had some wonderful features and an amazing staircase which we made use of.  Thankfully the hotel was very quiet and any other guests we saw kept out of the way !

Another few areas I was helping out with were getting some shots of Lucetta coming down the aisle with her dad.  Ian the other photographer was also the best man so couldn’t really do these shots.  So there I was sitting up the front with the registrar, camera in hand (which I was hoping wasn’t going to shake) ...and the music started.  Next thing I knew I was clicking away ...

I managed to get lots more shots during the day from David and Lucetta signing the registrar to them cutting the cake, the speeches, room/table shots,  and lots of candid outside shots of them and the guests...phew  ......

One thing I would like to say at this point is a huge ‘thank you’ to all my friends from work who kept Rob company during the day, I think I only saw him during the sit down meal and one of the only photographs I was in !

By 8pm I was completely worn out and we said our goodbyes to the happy couple.  I have such great admiration for the professional wedding photographers out there, keep up the good work,  I don't know how you do it ...

It was such a pleasure to be part of Lucetta and David’s special day, I know they now have lots and lots of photographs from me, Ian and all the other guests who were snapping away.

Congratulations David & Lucetta !

The Studio Is Finally Ready !!

After all the ups and downs at the beginning of the year I was beginning to wonder if I would ever get my little studio finished.

Well tah dah ..welcome to my studio ....

Now everything is set up it means that when Rob comes home from work the lounge furniture is where is should be ‘in the lounge’ !!  It also now means that if I want to go and practice something I can without having to unpack everything, set it up, then pack it all away again when I have finished.  Now this doesn’t sound too difficult you may think, but when you do a full time job, have to cook dinner and various other ‘housey’ things it does make a difference !!

So everything is ready, now I need a model, step forward my lovely friend Heidi who has recently given birth to her first child.  What an opportunity and challenge for me, not only was this an opportunity to christen the studio, but also my first ‘newborn’ photoshoot.  .

Say hello to Phoebe Mae who was born on the 31^st May.

I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better model.  She was simply perfect and no little ‘accidents’ either!  It was an absolute pleasure and joy to photograph her, posing her and moving her around was so easy, she occasionally stirred, opened her eyes, looked at me,  then she was back in the land of nod. 

Lighting this new vinyl background is very different from lighting the Lastolite hi-light cube background.  I haven’t cracked this new set-up yet,  but at least I can now experiment.  My friend and fellow photographer Jo said it took her several attempts to get the look she was after so there is hope.  Thanks again to Jo and Richard for the hints and tips on the editing side too, so much to learn and so little time !  I think my next purchase will be from the local DIY centre as I need something I can use as flags, now that’s a whole different story !

Thank you so much to Heidi, Stuart and nanny Penny for coming round and being my models for the day.  It was a truly wonderful experience for me to be able to be part of creating some wonderful memories for you all to look back at over the coming years.

The best part for me was the email I received from Heidi, and I am sure she won’t mind me quoting a little bit from it ......

“You had me in tears again last night, thank you so so much, we love every single photo, so beautiful & loved the music you put along to them too, you've done a fantastic job & we are so grateful, it’s such a special gift & means so much to us!  Thank you so much”

For me, this is what my photography is all about ...

Thanks to all my lovely friends and family for their support and patience.

Love to you all, until next time

Jackie xxx

p.s. Ladies watch this space, Alex the gorgeous fitness model wants to do another photoshoot.  Well it would be rude to say no wouldn't it ??

Singapore Sling (or mojito in my case)

They let me out again recently !  Well they do let me do 'long haul' every few years when the business need is there.  I was lucky enough to be able to visit our Singapore office again recently for the third time.  This trip was different though, I was not travelling alone but with my friend and work colleague Richard who I have to say was the perfect travel companion ! Previous trips I have travelled on my own, and whilst Singapore is a very safe place with a very low crime rate, I still didn't feel like going out for a meal or a drink on my own but maybe that's just me.

The trip started well as we were lucky enough to fly to Singapore on a brand new Quantas A30 airbus (one of those new huge things) and wow was it good.  You didn't even feel like the plane had taken off, and soooo quiet, hardly any engine noise. Sadly I didn't sleep which was frustrating as I knew the 'jet lag' would get me big time as it has done in the past.

As this was a 'business trip' I really didn't have the room to take my DSLR which was a shame.  A laptop case and handbag was all I could manage.  Maybe I should look in to buying one of those camera come handbags like the ones by Jo Totes.  So I had to make do with my little compact camera, which I have to say has been playing up of late, not sure why but that will teach me to buy a Nikon !

The weather in Singapore is tropical  at a constant 30 -32 degrees.  Amazing thunder and lightning storms that disappear as quickly as they appear,  The humidity levels of between 70-90 % really take it out of you when you are not used to it !  Marina Mandarin hotel was pleasant enough, however I wished we had booked into the Shangri-La where I had stayed in the past as this was much nicer. 

Couple of views from my window ....

And one from when I couldn't sleep ......

One place I really wanted to visit was Raffles, the home of the famous 'Singapore Sling'....and wow what a place.  I have no idea how much it would be to stay at this hotel but it's not cheap.  Blessed with an imagination,  the place evokes something of a bygone era.

We visited the famous 'Long Bar' which I understand was inspired by the Malayan plantations of the 1920's.  The large wooden boxes of unshelled peanuts are found on each of the tables and patrons are encouraged to drop the shells on the floor, something I struggled with for a while making nice little 'neat' piles on the table.  I have to say that eventually I did dispose of them on the floor with one big sweep with a beer mat, and it felt good !!!

All in all, a very good trip, got loads of work/training done (despite the jet lag) and it's always nice to spend time with the folks in the Singapore office.  I hope I get the opportunity to visit again as this is a wonderful (albeit very expensive) place with friendly and charming people.

Now sadly back to the reality of the UK climate ..... rain and cold, and some sad news that a friend and fellow photographer David has decided to give up photography.  A real shame to lose someone as talented as he is.  He kindly took some great shots of me a while back which I use as my profile pictures on this blog and the one on my FB page.  I hope one day we will see him back but in the meantime wish him lots of luck for the future in whatever direction he decides to take next. 

Signing off for now ...hoping to set up my studio over the next few months so will be looking for models again in the near future. Watch this space....

Love to you all and thanks for stopping by ....

Jackie xx

P.S.  I am pleased to report that there was NO flicking of eye masks across the cabin either on the outbound or return flights this time :)

One Day At A Time

Following on from my previous post which was a little depressing (sorry), we are beginning to start looking forward.  It's not easy, we were in all I can describe as a state of 'limbo' between the date Rob's dad passed away and the funeral which was only last week (3 weeks in total due to Easter).  It felt like life was moving on yet we were standing still, a bit like being in a dream, you are there, but not really if that makes sense ?  Special thoughts to some special people out there who are also having a tough time at the moment.  You know where I am if you need me.

Apologies too if I have not seemed myself lately or I haven't been in contact.  My head has been all over the place and I have been doing some daft things without thinking.  My only excuse is that I was probably away with the fairies (no alcohol was involved), that's my story and I'm sticking to it !

So to continue, I got back on the proverbial 'horse' when Becky and Mike contacted me and asked me to do a photoshoot with them and their lovely new addition 'Zac'.  I did a maternity photoshoot for Becky in late December so it was nice to finally meet their new son.

Meet Zac, who for such a lovely little thing has some lungs on him !  Thankfully though he did seem to like me !

I think the family spent about 3 hours here, well with a baby you never know what is going to happen next.  We did find out however, that he likes looking in the mirror, so my new mirror did come in handy again !

 A nice couple of hours spend with a lovely family.

I still have work to do as my lighting 'sucks' as the moment.  I thought I had it cracked, just shows you should never become complacent, I definitely need more practice.  It is difficult though when you come in from work and have to unpack everything, set it all up and then pack it all away again.  The studio idea is moving forward slowly and I have yet to order the ceiling mounted background (thanks Jo for showing me yours) but in the long run it will be much easier.  I will therefore be selling my lastolite background, train and bottle top cover at some point for a good price as long as it goes to a good home.  If anyone is interested let me know.

Time to sign off, apologies to some and thank you to others.

Jackie xx

Time to get back on that horse ....

Many of you will already know that we have suffered a particularly bad few months with Rob’s dad’s illness.  Sadly he passed away on the 28^th March after losing his battle with cancer.  We are now taking comfort in the fact that he is not in pain and suffering anymore.  Thank you to all my friends at work and at home for all their support during these difficult months, it’s nice to know that there are some truly special people out there.  All your emails and texts meant a great deal and showed that despite your busy lives, you still had time to contact me. THANK YOU.

While all this was going on I was also beginning to question my ability as a photographer.  A few disappointments knocked my confidence quite a bit.  I seem to be saying ‘thank you’ a lot at the moment, but my friends and fellow photographers Jo & Richard were there with some wise words.  Thanks for making me realise that it’s not just me that has the occasional ‘wobble’ ! I’m going to have to toughen up !

So what does the future hold?  Who knows?  A new camera body would be nice and also the website is a definite as I keep getting asked.  It’s all paid for, I just need to enlist the help again of the wonderful Elisa Everitt (she designed my logo).  Spare time is always an issue (having a full time job as well), so any going spare  is used on the photography side so I will leave the website to the expert!

I have some a few things lined up and have recently been asked to do some shots at a fitness boot camp! (thanks Holly).  So I guess all I can say for now is ‘watch this space’ ...and it's time to get back on that horse !

Love and hugs to you all,

Jackie xxx

Introducing Alex .....

I really didn't expect much contact from the Model Mayhem website, so when Alex (a fitness model) contacted me asking if I would like to add to my portfolio I just couldn't refuse !

Meet Alex .....

I had already been speaking with my lovely and very talented friend Richard about working together again, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity as neither of us had worked with a 'fitness model' before. 

So, the 18th February arrived and I was back moving the furniture out of the lounge and setting the studio gear up.  It's times like this that I actually wish I had my own studio !  Richard arrived nice and early on Saturday morning (thankfully his drive up from Waterlooville in Hampshire was pretty good) and this gave us an opportunity to have a coffee and catch up which was great. 

Alex arrived around 1.30 and in the nicest possible way 'got his kit off' ...sorry but I just couldn't think of a better way to put that !!  Both Richard and I managed to get some great shots of Alex who I have to say was a pleasure to work with...such a lovely guy ! 

It was great working with Richard as he let me try out his very expensive Canon 70 -200 mm L lens which I have to say was much too heavy for me ...but the 24 - 105 mm lens was really nice and I loved the results.

I even managed to get a sneaky photo with Alex who must have thought I was a complete fruitcake !  Well sometimes you have just got to do it ...and no, I didn't touch the abs, but I was tempted !

This is probably going to be my last blog...something is missing on the photography side, not sure what, but if I find it I will be back.

Thanks for stopping by.

Jackie xx

Hair & Make-Up Artist - 4th February 2012

I was contacted by a makeup at the end of 2011 via the Model Mayhem website as she was looking for a local photographer to work with.  Having not done any beauty shots myself, and looking at her work I thought this would be a great opportunity.  We arranged to meet in January for coffee and to chat about out ideas.  I pulled out some pictures from magazines on the sort of thing I would like to do and the MUA did likewise, the good thing was that we were looking for similar styles.  We had a great chat and arranged a date for the shoot.

The plan was to originally do a fitness shoot with a male model, and yes not much make-up needed I know,  but it would have been something new for the both of us.  Sadly the model couldn't make the day we had planned but thankfully the MUA had two models she had used before and they were both available which was great !

Saturday 4th February arrived, again I was nervous, mainly about things like lighting, but I think that is natural.  The MUA then got to work.  I have to say that I have never worked with a MUA before and watching her work was amazing.  An extra helper was on hand too to help with the styling which was a great help to me.  We started off with a 'Ava Gardner' look from a picture that the MUA had bought with her.  I have to say I think we got it spot on !

I took so many shots, just couldn't stop as everything was looking and going so well !

Then it was time to change models and try some other styles and looks.  Again the MUA didn't disappoint. 

I had so many favourite shots of the day I was then in a dilemma on which ones to give to the MUA and the models !

I had the most wonderful and enjoyable day.  There was plenty of laughter, singing (I have to work with music on).  Thank you to everyone on the day.

Boudoir Course - Friday 27th January 2012

I never thought finding photography courses in my area would be so difficult, I only live in Berkshire not outer Mongolia !  So I decided to start trawling through the Internet to see what was out there.  It didn't take me long to come across London Photography Courses which looked really interesting with a variety of courses that I quite liked the sound of.

http://londonphotographycourses.co.uk/

As I wanted to try something different I booked the 'Boudoir Course'.  So there I was, backpack full, and off to London !  Thankfully my partner Rob works in London so I had some company on the four trains to EC1 ..yes you did read that correctly ...4 trains !  One good thing, the course didn't start until 10.30 am so I missed the majority of the rush hour.  I only got wedged in on one train which was really packed.  I felt a bit like a cork coming out of a bottle when Rob pulled me out of the train ! I can't however say how many people I may or may not have taken out with my backpack !

I am always a little apprehensive attending courses as I think ' am I out of my depth here' or 'what if I ask a stupid question'.  I have to say that Martin Gomez and Tony Thornton who ran the course were so welcoming and helpful I felt totally relaxed straight away.  There were only three others on the course so it was a nice small group.

Shortly after we arrived we were introduced to our beautiful model for the day, Cassie.  We did some warm up shots with her just so she could get used to us.

Then we got down to business.  Tony led most of the course in the morning and we had several different set-ups all of which were in the handout notes we were given.  This was really helpful as so often you go home and forget where the lights were placed etc. 

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would recommend these guys.  I certainly would go back and do another course with them in the future ...even with an 8 train journey !

These are the parts that you don't see .....

All in a days work !

Challenges & Opportunities ....

So here we are in 2012 ....I can't believe that we are already half way through January.  That nice long Christmas break seems such a long time ago !

For some of us out there, the start of 2012 hasn't been so good in one way or another, hence the word 'challenges' in the title....I don't want to go into detail but all I will say is that things are sent to test us, we just have to try and be strong and support each other.  I'll say no more  ..........

So what's coming my way for 2012 ?  Firstly, I was contacted via the Model Mayhem website by Melissa Kassinen, a very lovely and talented MUA (make-up artist) who is keen to work with me.  I have to say I was very flattered !  It was great to meet Melissa recently and have a chat about the sort of things we could work on together, so watch this space....

As for the training side, I have booked a 'boudoir photography' training session on Frday 27th January somewhere over in East London.  This is actually an area of photography that really does interest me especially around lighting side.  I hope I manage to get some decent shots that I can post here in the future.

And finally ....some more contact via the Model Mayhem website, this time from a male fitness model who wants me to do some shots for him, well I couldn't say no could I ??  Strangly enough I seem to have also acquired a list of helpers for the 4th February ....I wonder why ???

Until later ..........Jackie xx

Becky & Mike

A conversation with my chiropractor Becky led to the maternity photoshoot today.  Becky knew I was interested in photography and had been doing portrait sessions but had never done a 'maternity photoshoot'.  As luck would have have Becky was (and still is) pregnant with her first child which is due on 31st January.  She kindly offered to model for me, an offer I couldn't refuse !  A date was swiftly arranged.

Everything was set up and ready to go, I wanted to ensure that Becky, and her husband Mike were both comfortable with my ideas and suggestions, thankfully they were happy and the photoshoot began.  I opted for the 'black' low key background first as this was very flattering and I have to say was pleased with the results I was seeing on my camera LCD screen ! 


I decided to also do some images on the 'white' hi-key background and again the results were great.  Things were just so happy and relaxed I really don't know where the time went ! It was such a pleasure to photograph this gorgeous couple, after a little persuasion we even managed to get Mike to remove his shirt !

A really great day and the icing on the cake was just before they left I downloaded the shots and gave then a 'quick' look ....the smiles on their faces spoke volumes with Becky saying 'wow we look wonderful thank you so much'.

That's what it's all about, creating memories xx

This is me ......

I have wanted to start a blog for a while now but could never seem to find the time. Working full-time and trying to indulge in my passion for photography, finding the time to do this was a problem until now.  I am not sure if that is a good or bad thing and will let you decide!

So, this blog is about me and my quest to become a better photographer and share my experiences along the way. 

Photography I feel is quite personal, what one person thinks is a good shot, another person may disagree with.  This is where the name 'Through My Eyes' was born, it's my photography as I see it.

Thank you to my lovely family and friends for supporting me, I know I drive you all mad asking you to continuosly model for me !  I would like to thank some photographer friends whose work, advice and encouragement continues to inspire me, Jo, Graham, Helen, Richard and David (who kindly took my profile picture).

People change, photographs don't, so go on, create some memories today.

Jackie xx