Bit of Motley

Recently, I did a shoot with a dancer, and as a prop we used a guitar. Although, it's unlikely she'll use these photos in her portfolio (well some of them) we had great fun at this shoot and I made her a little collage. She's a bit of a rock chick so I tried to make them look like polaroid photos. The black and white photo I added a bit of film grain effect as well.

The novice photographer

I thought I'd write a blog aimed at new photographers for a change to my usual photo posts.
There's two things, budding self employed photographers need to know and it's not anything to do with taking photos as this type of work is 90% business and 10% photography.
First is photographers - other photographers that is. Photographers don't like other photographers. Fact. I have no idea why! This will mean any budding photographers will need to be strong in their own convictions. Learn as much as you can from where you can but NEVER share you hints and tips with other photographers as they won't help you back and most likely use it against you to steal your business.
Second point is customers. I read recently that you're not a professional until you've had a difficult customer. People are not always going to like your product but don't let them think you're a bad photographer. Most likely, they just don't understand your style or want you to make them look better, thinner, younger etc etc which unless you're an expert in this field, isn't going to happen.
I remember once speaking to a staff member at the big high street photographers Venture, and she told me more often than not the customers do not like their photos. Venture have a unique style (compared to the old sit and pose photography studios) yet some people question why they are overexposed, missing part of the heads etc etc. You'd think the customers would look at the style before booking a shoot but this doesnt always happen and so Venture have sales staff to help the customer understand (and thus buy) the product afterwards. As a newbie, you're likely not to have this facility and unless you're great at sales, will need to discuss the clients expectations fully before the shoot.
You may still get difficult customers though and you'll need to learn how to deal with these people and how to deal with your emotions afterwards. Try not to take it as a personal insult. For everyone difficult customer you'll have lots more nice ones who do appreciate your work. For every bad experience, you will come out with a learning experience and will likely change your working styles appropriately.
I'm lucky as I have had, in the most, fabulous customers who have since gone on to be great friends but just in case, I keep my best photographs on flickr so if I do get someone trying to trash my work I can look back at all the previous work that made happy customers and rejoice! In fact, a recent customer gave me a bonus as they had such a great shoot. Happy days.

dancers of all forms!

Last week I had a busy day! first I had an all day shoot with a dancer and we used a studio in Hallam Mill, Stockport.
The mill studio is provided by truedefinition.co.uk and is a fabulous space with lots of props available.
We got some fabulous pictures, not least the geisha themed one (below) which was actually taken outside the mill, after an hour of my MUA's work in the back of a van.
Later that evening, I went to take some pictures of the Slippery Belle's burlesque show who were performing at the star and garter.
This was a bit more of a challenge as one of the criteria was absolutely no flash and the star and garter pub is notorious for having rubbish lighting. So given that, I don't think the photos have come out too badly but like anything, there's always room for improvement!


Dancer, Dani

Eva Fox, Singer

Get a bit Extra this Xmas!

Christmas seems to be the time when I get the most portrait jobs - as gifts for xmas and so I have been a little busy this month.

This little cutie is one of my favourite pictures as she was a perfect little model for me.




So I've decided to offer gift vouchers for those who need last minute presents and with every gift voucher order comes a free £5 gift voucher as a xmas gift from us! T & C's apply obviously.

They come in multiples of ten pounds and can be either sent in paper form or I can send electronically should it be a very very last minute present! They will be valid for up to 6 months to allow the recipient to book in a shoot time convenient to them.

As an example of what the voucher might buy:

Portraits from £40
Boudoir and Bump from £40
Portfolios from £50
Events from £50
Weddings from £150

Full rates available on the website.

Use the button below to make a purchase or contact us directly at Lovearts@zobair.co.uk

Gift Vouchers

Voucher 1 £10.00 Voucher 2 £20.00 Voucher 3 £30.00 Voucher 4 £40.00

how I spent my afternoon

Today I did a shoot with a friend's brother who is looking to be a model. We met at a local photography studio and I wasnt aware that Joe had never modelled before until afterwards.
We got some great photos - I had a few assistants (some friends) which made it very easy for me to just concentrate on the photos.
This has to be my favourite but there are some more fabulous ones on facebook and flickr. His brother also joined in and I got a couple of good photos there too - good genes!!

Manchester streets

This evening, my partner and I went to Manchester to enjoy the Christmas German Market, and of course we took the camera with us.
We recently acquired a lensbaby and wanted to play with it in the city. However, we also took a lens suitable for low light levels and took some 'street' photography at night.
Here are a couple of favourites from the ones I took and there are a few more on my flickr. 

 

twenties flapper

I love doing themed shoot and so when I had chance to do a twenties 'flapper' style shoot, I was obviously excited.
The girl had never modelled before but did have the right 'look' for this shoot theme.
All the styling was done by me and the makeup, the model did herself with my guidance.
There's a few favourites of mine from this shoot but as this edited version had the most work put into it I thought I'd show you it (the rest are on flickr of course).

Boudoir

I've been doing a lot of boudoir shoots recently - they're the perfect gift for your other half and make yourself feel good as well- win win!

Anyhoo, not many of my customers want their photos plastered all over the internet given they're a little risque but one of my clients did agree. Here's a taster and the rest are on my flickr :



I'm sure you agree she looks stunning.

Music promo in Manchester

I went to a Metal music festival last weekend with our sister company SJW Photography who specialise in music photography - to gain more experience in this area.
One of the bands, whom I've known for a while has some new members/ a new line up and even tho I took a couple of snaps the other week, I wanted to take some new promo shots for them.
The venue was Satan's Hollow, in Manchester, and it was the perfect venue for shots, given the unique decorations including several skulls and a glass fronted cript.

Here are a couple of my favourite edits:

Gods of Hellfire

Gods of Hellfire

birds of a feather

my make up artist called me for a shoot last weekend, she brought her model with her and had an idea in mind. The model, J'nae, had fabulous hair and the make up was almost tribal. We added some feathers to the hair and shot a couple, off the cuff.
Simple photos but came out very pleasing.

Here's one of my fav's.

Little Rico sleepy sleepy

This week I had a shoot with a little boy, Rico. Who fell asleep on the way to the studio! We decided to go with it and hoped he would wake up with the flash.

This is one of the sleepy photos



and here is the little guy once he woke up.




He's a handsome little chap and we got some great photos of him!

Gigs and promo

Last weekend, I went to do some gig photography - which I was a little rusty on as I've not taken any in a few months, but I loved every minute!


Lazarus Blackstar
Gods of Hellfire

I also did a couple of promo pics for one of the bands - Gods of Hellfire:

3 for 1 on Babies!

Last week I was booked to do a baby shoot with my new 'baby' studio. The baby studio is totally portable and so I dropped over to the mother's house where it was easier for the baby to be settled.

When I got there, the mother asked if her neice could have a shoot at the same time and then her cousin turned up as well! They all paid of course and all the babies were adorable!

Here are couple of my fav's!

Lewi
Francis
Miley

In the press

My photo's have been in a newspaper, albeit in Botswana!
These photos were taken for a very talented local fashion designer, who was featured in the article

KKZ PRESS RELEASE IN GABORONE - BOTSWANA.


PUBLISHED BY THE NEW INNER CITY NEWS NEWSPAPER

28.08.2010
http://www.khukhuzfashion.com/

Also, one of my photo's is used on the title of this blog http://essjaydoubleyou.blogspot.com/

A fairy, a kiss, a goose and a red dress

This post is a bit of a catch up hence the 4 photos in one!

First was a shoot with lovely little Layla who was in a Luv Lora Mini tutu, thankfully it was a beautiful sunny day!

Second is the bride and groom from a recent wedding, sharing a loving kiss in Bury.

Third, goosey goosey gander, this little fella came right up to me at Salford Quays, I ran away tho in case he bit me :S

Fourth, I was lucky enough to photograph an Islamic wedding recently and the bride looked gorgeous in her red dress finery.

Rain rain go away

today I had a shoot booked with a model who I knew had the perfect look for a vintage wedding dress I was given. Just before I set off to the meeting place, the rains came and boy! did they come. It was very dark outside with just a blanket of rain decending on Manchester. Living in Manchester, I am used to rain but this was something else! I had no choice but to call it off as the model would have been soaked thru and the camera might have got damaged.
Luckily, a few hours later the rains cleared up completely and left a gorgeous sunny if not a little windy day and so the shoot was back on!
The model, Katy, got changed into the dress at the car and then we walked through the public park- we did get some funny looks, not just because of the dress but Katy had pink joggers and wellies on underneath and she had the dress hitched up whilst walking a dog! It was all good fun and we got some good shots.
This is one of my fav's showing Katy in her wellies!

Hay Hay Hay!

On the way back from a day out, we had to stop and capture some images of this wonderful field. I took a few shots but this is one of my favourites

Keep Hope Maternity Open

The rally was on the 4th and we popped a long to show our support and to grab a few photographs for future promo.

This is my favourite but more can be seen on our facebook page

MUA : Me!

this weekend, I tried my hand at being a make up artist and I'm pretty pleased with the results, I must admit. I took inspiration from some peacock feathers I had, which were also used in the shoot.

a day out

Yesterday we took a trip out to Liverpool for the beatles festival and we went up the Radio tower. Got some great pictures of the city from so high up!

We also went to the burnt out church which was open for the day and then on the way back, we stopped at a field where I've shot before and took some pictures. I wish I'd had a model in my bag as it was perfect light!

Hope Hospital

Lovearts Photography proudly provided a photo of baby Francis for use in the Save Hope Hospital Maternity Unit campaign. Why not come to the event next weekend presented by Ryan Giggs to show your support!

More information can be found here:
http://www.keephopematernityopen.com/

The Green Door

Today I did a shoot in Manchester City Centre, around the Tib Street area with a model called Jessica and MUA Jade. The weather was unpredictable - one minute raining, next minute really sunny so we had to have umbrella's on standby!

In one of the alley streets we found this fabulous green door and I think this is my favourite picture of the day.

Professional Headshots for your Website

I found this interesting article on the whys and wherefores of having a professional photo for your website/ literature ;
http://www.startupdonut.co.uk/blog/2010/08/what-difference-does-good-headshot-make-anyway

So if you concur and would like a headshot done - get in touch! prices start from just £20!

engagement

On Saturday last, I was lucky enough to photograph an asian engagement. The couple and their family were very welcoming and they made sure I ate something from the huge feast they laid out (it was also part of Ramadan).
The bride to be wore a Sari and had had her hair and make up done for the occasion. She looked beautiful and I am looking forward to photographing both the english and asian wedding in a couple of months!



The happy couple!

Cheeky Snap!

Whilst editing the photos from my shoot the other day I came across this chance shot. I was actually taking a picture of her sister but little Lucy wanted to be involved and how great did it turn out! Love it!

3 beautiful girls

Today I did some portraits on 3 girls I've taken pictures of before. They're totally relaxed in front of the camera and I managed to get some great shots of them.

Baby baby!

Remember I took some pictures of a pregnant lady looking blooming marvelous? Well, bump is now a healthy baby boy by the name of Francis.

I took some pictures and tried to keep a similar look to the bump pictures so the photos could work together hung on the wall.




and I love the expression on this one!

Candy sweet!

yesterday I had a shoot with a model I know and one I didnt.
The model I knew, Cat, wanted a shoot inspired by a Katy Perry video and had a 50's pinup twist. We took loads of photos but this one particularly stood out.



The shoot with the other model, Zenna, was on behalf of make up artist Glitter Dust (on Model Mayhem) who did the makeup.

Tania's Wedding

Saturday was the day that Tania and Wayne had their marriage vows renewed and Lovearts Photography were on hand for the ceremony and the reception, afterwards.
You may recognise Tania's children from a previous shoot, they are gorgeous and love being in front of the camera, so there are more than a few shots of them!
Tania looked stunning in a black,white and silver colour scheme, and Wayne looked very dapper as well!

Obviously, there were a lot of photos so here are just a couple.

Beryl

This week I had a shoot with a fashion designer who wanted some professional photos of her designs, for her website and the like. Nothing fancy, but effective nonetheless

Here is a couple of my fav pics





And here is the designer herself, looking fantastic