Sunday 31 May 2015

Products with a ZAP! POW! BAM!

I've just finished doing some product shots for Luffly Stuff.

These fantastic comic style cushions are great fun, and perfect for the Superhero in your life.

You can find them online on the Luffly Stuff website and Etsy, and you can keep track of all the latest creations via Facebook and Twitter.




 



Lights, camera...play!



Last week I attended one of Mark Lawrence’s legendary Play Days, to have some fun with fellow photographers, and our models for the day Hollie Day and Lindsey Ann

Mark had been pestered for some time to come over to Norfolk by some of the photographers in the group, and I’m grateful to them for persuading him so I could come along and play too! 

Our venue for the day was the Roundwood Conference Centre in Taverham, and the room was perfect for the huge amount of kit Mark turned up with. After a quick explanation of all the different set ups, we were free to experiment to our hearts content. Mark was on hand to explain anything we needed to know and offer advice whenever necessary.

We had the opportunity to try out four lighting options, and lots of the different Lastolite backdrops. Playing with a mixture of different studio set ups, going outside on location, and the addition of an industrial smoke machine made for some great images on the day. 

Lindsey

Lindsey


I really enjoyed playing with the Elinchrom ELC 500 Strobe heads, set up in strobe mode to get some really interesting photos. I had fun using these with Hollie, coming up with some ideas to try out and it totally sparked my creative side again. Lindsey was also a great model for the day and was really patient with all the photographers.

Hollie
Hollie

It was also really nice getting to spend a bit of time with some fellow photographers, trying out ideas and getting to know each other in a really relaxed atmosphere.

Lindsey


Many thanks to Mark for coming over to Norfolk and to all of the others on the day for making it such fun. Rumour has it, Mark is going to be returning soon and I thoroughly recommend attending one of his events. Thanks also to the models for the day, links to all are below.


 
Lindsey

Tuesday 12 May 2015

If you go down to the woods today...

Over the weekend I decided to make the most of the sunshine and the changing seasons and ventured out to see the wonderful spectacle that is bluebells in bloom.


I really enjoy the different plants that appear with the seasons of the year, and after seeing the arrival of the snowdrops, then daffodils, I was looking forward to the appearance of bluebells - they certainly didn't disappoint!


I often think about how very lucky we are in Norfolk to have such a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife habitats to enjoy. I was very fortunate to have access to this private woodland over the weekend, and even more fortunate to have the company of two very special little people!



Spending time with the little people is very important. We like talking about all the plants and animals, and generally just having some fun and giggles.


There is always a small moment for contemplation too, and appreciating the REALLY little things in life (bluebells).




A lovely day was had by all.

If you would like photos of the small people in your life, or even the grown up ones, please do get in touch.

Wednesday 6 May 2015

Paper Aeroplanes at Norwich Arts Centre

I haven't been to Norwich Arts Centre for ages, so what better reason than to see the wonderful Paper Aeroplanes, who are touring their new album JOY.

JOY is the third full length album recorded by Sarah Howells and Richard Llewellyn, and is a bit less folk, a bit more pop than the previous two. I am enjoying the new sound - and I like the new direction - it's always really interesting seeing the different journey that bands take with their music. I first began following this particular journey in 2006, and thoroughly recommend taking a listen if you haven't heard them yet.

Support came from Brooke Sharkey, who is well known in this part of the world. She is now very successfully doing her thing down in London. Again a great journey to be following, having first seen her busking the streets of Norwich some years ago.

Here are a few photos from the evening. The full set can be found here.








Embracing the geek of my photography blog, most of these photos were shot at between ISO 4000 and 6400. I love my camera for performing so amazingly in such challenging conditions.

Many thanks to Paper Aeroplanes and Norwich Arts Centre for having me along.

http://www.paperaeroplanesmusic.com
http://brookesharkey.co.uk

Friday 1 May 2015

DMP Presents Blue Rose Code and Jess Morgan (trio)

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Octagon Unitarian Chapel in Norwich to see Blue Rose Code and Jess Morgan. Organised by Ian at Dreams Music Promotion, it was one of a stunning line up of concerts coming up this year at this beautiful venue.

Norwich is the kind of place that has plenty of surprises, and once in the venue I kicked myself for not having checked it out before. Tucked away on Colegate, this grade II listed building is not only a chapel, but is also a great music venue. Situated on two levels, the seating is such that you can see the stage wherever you are.

On arrival and through the first set the sun was only just beginning to set, so the chapel was naturally quite brightly lit. As the light faded it was very atmospheric, with the blue sky of dusk contrasting with the stage lighting. The acoustics were lovely too, I particularly enjoyed being upstairs right in front of stage.

First up was Jess Morgan, who has recently started playing as a trio with Jose McGill (The Vagaband) on double bass and Noel Dashwood (Dumbfoundus) on dobro. It was really nice to hear Jess' songs with a different dimension to them and the harmonies were great. We are really fortunate to have so many good musicians in this part of the world.





As well as some familiar songs, Jess also played a few new ones. "Down in Flames" from the new Bournemouth EP sounded really good, and in fact the presale of the EP on CD has already sold out (don't worry, you can still order the digital version here).


Next up was Blue Rose Code. It was my first time seeing him, and with full band, and I was really impressed. A beautiful sound with 4 very accomplished artists around him. I love that he has released all of his records without a label, and he has been very successful with it. Definitely one to watch for the future.







A lovely end to the evening was Jess joining Blue Rose Code and band to sing.



The full set of photos can be found here.

The next gig in the series is Kathryn Williams on July 2nd 2015. Tickets are available here.