dylan baker / photographer + writer / blog - fine art + editorial photography / durham uk

RAW IS MORE

2011-09-01T16:35:00.003+01:00

If you're one of those photographers who still isn't shooting Raw files then maybe it's time you reconsidered. My latest feature in issue 112 of Digital Photographer is a mammoth 8-page guide to the advantages (and disadvantages) of shooting in Raw and includes reviews of storage options and Raw editors to boot. There's even some shots of 'Dark Angel' Eve and 'Vampire' Katie to demonstrate why Raw workflow is essential for pros like myself. It's a great issue of DP all-round so grab a copy if you get a chance.

GET UP EARLY, TAKE MORE STUNNING SHOTS

2011-09-01T16:26:00.002+01:00

Okay, so maybe it isn't quite as simple as just that. But my latest feature in TGO Magazine will explain how landscape maestros such as David Fleet achieve their beautiful images. Don't forget to take a packed lunch...

LIGHT TRIPODS, LIGHT PRICES

2011-08-02T14:15:00.005+01:00

My latest feature in TGO Magazine (September 2011 issue) is out now, the second of my monthly guides in the mag to improving your outdoor photography. This time I'm concentrating on tripods and monopods - what to look for and what to avoid. I was shocked to find that a decent quality carbon-fibre tripod can now be had for as little as £99 - unbelieveable.

NEW IMAGES AT ARCANGEL

2011-07-22T15:19:00.005+01:00

It's been a busy few weeks - in addition to a monster 6-page feature coming up soon in Digital Photographer magazine I've been shooting book covers galore. One of my images (of model/dancer/actress/awesome-chick Katie Todd) is on the front page of my picture agent, Arcangel's, web site (second from the end below):

Click image for a larger version

By clicking here you can also view some of the new shoots which also feature Katie as a vampire, Ratisha as Red Riding Hood, 'dark angel' Eve and, er, me as an axe/knife/hammer-wielding nutcase in the studio. Oh, the glamour...

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

2011-07-06T12:30:00.003+01:00

Ah, the smell of fresh air, the wind in your hair, the splendid isolation...

Summer is here and if you're a outdoor type like myself you'll know it's time to stop packing the big heavy North Face jacket, throw on a wicking top and get out and enjoy the warm weather. I have a new regular feature in the bible of hillwalkers and backpackers, TGO Magazine. This month's article (August 2011 issue) is all about choosing light bodies and lenses to take with you on your treks - after all, what's a journey without some amazing photographs?

LIFE THROUGH A LENS

2011-07-06T12:21:00.005+01:00

My latest article for Digital Photographer magazine (issue 109) should tell you all you need to know about choosing the correct lens for the job - whether it's casual shooting or something far more hardcore. The piece features the stunning landscape photography of the Outer Hebrides by David Fleet. It also includes David Churchill's amazing architectural and superyacht photography. Check out the shots on his web site to see the height of luxury - some of those boats are insane. Tough job but someone's gotta do it...

NEW STUDIO, NEW BOOK COVER

2011-05-06T12:50:00.003+01:00

It's fair to say I'm now more than settled into the new studio - moving from the old premises after three years there was a huge wrench but it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. On my first day in the new place a new book cover of mine was published - for bestselling crime writer Peter Robinson's latest Inspector Banks mystery, "Bad Boy". It's for the Polish cover of the book - very Schindler's List, don't you think?

LET THERE BE (INFRARED) LIGHT

2011-05-06T12:38:00.003+01:00

I have a four-page feature in the current issue of Digital Photographer (issue 108) on the wonders of infrared photography. Some of the advancements in digital SLR conversion detailed in the article are incredible and literally allow you to see another world - one that is simply invisible to the human eye.

Grab a copy now - and, after you've done that, check out the new Digital Photographer web site here.

IN PRINT THIS WEEK: WOMAN & DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER

2011-03-31T00:08:00.007+01:00

Just a quick post as I have to hotfoot it to Northumberland at 7:30am and really need to get to bed...

If you're passing your local newsagent you'll find my four page article on getting rid of unwanted colour casts from your images (or preventing them in the first place) in Digital Photographer issue 107.

I also have images from a fun shoot last month down in Cumbria in Woman magazine this week.

Next week heralds some major changes around here - but more on that soon...night night!

FROM TRAGEDY COMES GENEROSITY

2011-03-18T15:34:00.002Z

As you know from the entry below I recently had the privilege of visiting Emily Allchurch in London to see her new work, 'Tokyo Story', up close. Shortly after my visit, Japan was hit by the fourth most powerful earthquake recorded since 1900 and the resulting devastation has resulted in an outpouring of support across the world.

Emily is donating one of her pieces, a first edition of only six, to help support the British Red Cross with their relief efforts. She writes:

"I have been deeply moved by the tragic events still unfolding in Japan and have decided to donate a piece from my current exhibition Tokyo Story at Diemar Noble Photography. All proceeds of the sale are in aid of the British Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal.

The closing date for submissions is 6pm on Thursday 7th April 2011."

Please contact Diemar Noble Photography directly:

Tel: 020 7636 5375

email: enquiries@diemarnoble.com

web: www.diemarnoble.com

Having seen this piece up close I can confirm it is very, very special indeed - a fitting tribute for an incredible cause.

EMILY ALLCHURCH - AN UNMISSABLE 'TOKYO STORY'

2011-03-02T15:49:00.006Z

I was recently invited down to London by an artist I've admired for the last ten years, Emily Allchurch. I wrote an article featuring Emily for Digital Photographer issue 102 and am putting together a new feature on her so the timing was perfect. A quick flight later and I was at the Daiwa-Anglo Japanese Foundation where 'Tokyo Story', Emily's latest exhibition, runs until March 11th.

Emily's work updates old masters by digitally recreating them with a modern twist - the images are composites from hundreds of photos Emily has taken, painstakingly blended together over weeks and months. 'Tokyo Story' is homage to Hiroshige’s last great work, ‘One Hundred Famous Views of Edo’ (1856-58).

Emily and I spent a good few hours talking about her creative process and her fascinating journey as an artist. We also managed to sort out the entire UK policy on arts funding, so if David or Nick want to give us a ring they know where we are.

I can't stress how important it is to see Emily's work in person. It is transcendent. I could have happily looked at and discussed a single image in the time we had, such is the level of detail and curious wonder it brings. Oh, and if you've never viewed a lightbox image before, you will be utterly spoiled. They're wonderful.

We also took some time to take a few new shots for Emily to use for publicity. That's the BT tower in the background:

Many thanks to Emily for inviting me down. If you can't get to Daiwa in time, 'Tokyo Story' moves on to the Diemar/Noble Photography Gallery from from 17th March - 7th May. The private view is on Wednesday 16th March from 6.30-8.30pm - all welcome! Take a plane, train, bus, bike or simply walk. It's a trip to Japan you won't want to miss.

THERE WILL BE BLOOD

2011-01-04T16:52:00.000Z

Don't ask.

By the way, no-one was murdered during the making of this photo shoot.

GOOD TIDINGS WE BRING

2010-12-24T23:25:00.004Z

...and, just like that, Christmas is upon us.

I'll leave you (until the New Year) with a new book cover I've literally just had published for the Holland edition of Tami Hoag's bestseller "Deeper Than The Dead". Until then, to everyone I know and have worked with in 2010 and before, have a wonderful Christmas and fantastic New Year.

NEW BOOK COVERS GALORE

2010-11-30T14:30:00.006Z

I mentioned in the last post how the UK is currently buried under a mountain of snow. Last week, when everyone seemed to be grumbling about the prospect of getting the snow shovel out, I was literally praying for snow - lots of it. I had an idea for a series of shots for some horror book covers and - hooray! - my wish was granted. Six inches of snow, a very understanding wife and buckets of fake blood later...those shots are coming soon.

In the meantime, last week also brought news of a bunch of new book covers my images have been chosen for. One of these was the new Portuguese imprint of "The Dark Half" by Stephen King. What a thrill - I've been reading Stephen King books (and watching the movie adaptations) since I was a kid. I remember my parents being horrified when they found out what I'd been reading all those years. Oh, and here's my wife (again) on the cover of a new JD Robb bestseller - she's going to start taking a cut soon:

You may also recognise the 'piano' image below - it's been used before so it's always nice to know an image you've taken is in demand (this time for the UK paperback of "The Piano Cemetery" by Jose Luis Peixoto, out in August 2011).

FINE ART OR SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY - DON'T JUST THINK IT, DO IT

2010-11-30T14:06:00.003Z

It's that random time of year again where the UK has a few days of snowfall and the entire country grinds to a halt. Sounds like a great opportunity to make a hot drink, curl up on the sofa and read the latest issue of Digital Photographer magazine (issue 102, out now). I have a four-page article in there this month about setting up a photography business on a budget - anyone who thinks the first thing you need to do is spend a fortune on expensive kit is sadly mistaken.

The article features great advice and contributions from Julia Boggio Studios, social photographer Mary Warren and specialist photographers including mountain bike shooter Seb Rogers. One of the luxuries of writing for DP is that I also get to meet people I greatly admire and interviewing fine art photographer Emily Allchurch for this feature was a real honour. I've admired her work for the last decade and she explains how it is possible to make a living from fine art and how, again, equipment isn't the most important thing - this is an artist who used mobile phone cameras for the BBC's "A Digital Picture of Britain", for example.

Emily's latest show, Tokyo Story, runs at the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation from 19th January to March 2011. I'll be heading to London for the exhibition, so stay tuned.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITIONS APLENTY

2010-10-29T10:32:00.005+01:00

Two great exhibitions in and around the Newcastle area at the moment. First up is Helios VIII at The Biscuit Factory, the semi-regular showcase of emerging photographic talent in the North East.

Image (c): Paula Korte ’Saara’ from the series ‘Melancholy Reverie’ 2010

Second (at the always excellent Side Gallery) is Simon Wheatley's "Don't Call Me Urban! (The Time of Grime)", an astonishing collection of stills depicting a world we all think we know but is actually pretty alien to most of us. Unusual presentation of shots - no frames, just prints pinned to the walls. You'll either love ot hate that, but the images are unmistakeably excellent. Also very interesting to see a shot of Dizzee Rascal in there, long before he became the name he is now.

Image (c) Simon Wheatley

CHRISTINA HENDRICKS, 100 ISSUES AND ME

2010-10-23T00:04:00.005+01:00

I can't believe it's 64 days since I last updated this blog. Sorry for being so tardy - a lot has happened in that 64 days. I've said goodbye to someone close and started a series of projects that will completely challenge my creativity. More on that soon.

I've also been featured in a number of magazines during that time including some new editorial commissions for the wonderful people at Love It! and Digital Photographer. DP celebrated it's 100th issue and I'm honoured to have been in that landmark issue - interviewing some of the world's most celebrated photographers (literally) including Travel Photographer of the Year 2008, Canada's Darwin Wiggett, and Ken Lam from here in the North East of England.

Oh, and I got to share an issue with Christina Hendricks, 'Mad Men's' femme fatale and probably the coolest chick on TV right now. Is that okay to say? I think she'd approve...

On a personal note...goodbye Jen. You were stronger than we ever believed and kinder than words can express. We'll miss you dearly.

NEW ARTICLE IN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER MAGAZINE

2010-08-19T14:04:00.003+01:00

Another busy week - there's a 4-page feature I wrote for this month's Digital Photographer magazine (issue 99) out now. It features contributions from none other than Catherine Connor of Annabel Williams Contemporary Photographic Training (www.annabelwilliams.com) so if you're a pro (or aspiring pro) looking for advice on how to get paid on time, check it out.

I'll also have another article in next month's 100th anniversary issue - but that's another story...

NEW EDITORIAL FEATURE IN WOMAN MAGAZINE

2010-08-09T17:40:00.004+01:00

Been doing lots of travelling so a proper blog post and update will be coming soon - in the meantime, you may have seen our new branding which I think fits our style of photography much better. Oh, and we've managed to squeeze in a new two-page feature for Woman magazine - out now. More soon!

DOUBLE PAGE FEATURE - AND COVER - OF WOMAN MAGAZINE

2010-07-28T12:08:00.003+01:00

A recent shoot I did for Woman magazine is out now (dated 2nd August 2010). It highlights the horrific story of Sarah Cairns whose mother was murdered and cannibalised in a crime that shocked the UK when she was just 11.

My image of Sarah has been used both on the two page spread and the front cover. An unhappy story for Sarah but hopefully she can start to find some peace with her own children.

WANT TO WIN A GREAT PRIZE? GET OUT THERE AND SHOOT

2010-07-15T13:24:00.004+01:00

Fancy winning some fantastic prizes from Samsung just for taking great photos? The hugely popular Digital Photographer of the Year Awards returns for 2010 – this time with backing from photography giant, Samsung.

The call for entries opens on the 15 July, which coincides with the on-sale date of Digital Photographer issue 98. In contrast to previous years, the format of the awards for 2010 will see a brand new competition category launched in each issue of the magazine. There will be six photographic categories in total – each designed to push the creativity of photographers. The categories are:
The Big Picture – Landscapes
Strike a Pose – Portraits
Wild at Heart – Wildlife/nature
Location, Location – Travel
Capture the Action – Motion/actionGet Creative – Creative/image editing/HDR

The overall winner will receive a Samsung NX10, three lenses and a flashgun kit. Six category winners will each receive a Samsung EX1 camera. Crikey.
Click here for more info - and good luck!

A HIDDEN AFFAIR

2010-06-17T22:49:00.004+01:00

Big changes at the studio. The darkroom is almost complete and our main studio space is about to be transformed. We're increasing the space and improving the changing facilities for our wonderful models - stay tuned for more details.

Talking of models - my lovely wife Nicola has become the cover star of international bestselling author Pam Jenoff's new book "A Hidden Affair". Who woulda thunk it? A rainy drab day in Durham city last year is now the cover of the soon-to-be-released US hardback edition - available for pre-order from Amazon.com here.

WOMAN MAGAZINE FEATURE. JUNE 2010

2010-06-01T18:54:00.004+01:00

An eventful month has seen me slip a disc in my back (ouch) and welcome a new baby boy...before all that happened, I managed to squeeze in a shoot for Woman magazine. The issue is out now, dated June 7th, with a double-page spread - at all good newsagents as they say...

THE BRADSHAW VARIATIONS

2010-04-19T11:40:00.006+01:00

In between trying to get a darkroom built and drinking LOTS of coffee I've had the great news that one of my images has been used as the book cover for the new Dutch imprint of Rachel Cusk's bestselling novel "The Bradshaw Variations":

You can see the original version at Arcangel Images (search for Dylan Baker) and even buy the book here (if you happen to speak Dutch).

I'VE GOT FOOD IN MY BELLY AND A LICENCE FOR MY TELLY

2010-03-26T23:51:00.002Z

...how can you not love a lyric like that?

P.S. Mine's the drummer :)

HEAVEN CAN WAIT

2010-03-06T01:11:00.006Z

Today was my birthday.

It's funny how when you reach a certain age things start to take on new meaning. The relationships you have, the people you love, the thin line between life and death. All of these things have touched me in some way this week.

Not even this month or year, but this week.

A very close member of my family is very ill. Gravely ill. It's both worrying and sad; it affects those close to me very profoundly and makes me ask questions about how I'm going to deal with that as a husband, father and person. The only conclusion I can draw is to do the best I can. Be supportive and do the things I do best to make the situation more bearable. If it's hard for me, it's always worse for someone else. Keep calm and carry on.

This blog isn't really about work. There will always be the odd post about a shoot I've just done and the photos I took. But, for the most part, this is more about what inspires me. I listen to a lot of music and I still love the visual aspect of it - the CD (or LP) cover, the artwork, the music video. I'm listening to Charlotte Gainsbourg's new album, 'IRM', and love the simple beauty of Nick Knight's cover shots:

The music video for 'Heaven Can Wait' is great fun - a playful mish-mash of visuals. Watch it once, then again, then again. Loads to see - lots of smiles for troubled times.

THE BREATH THAT PASSED FROM YOU TO ME

2010-01-23T01:29:00.002Z

Happy New Year - 2010 is upon us and in this ominous, recession-filled time we need to maybe all take a breath and...relax.

We've finally managed to dig ourselves out of the snow and get things moving again...our darkroom/barn conversion is almost complete and there's lots of wonderful projects lined up including a particularly exciting magazine article in the next few weeks. All very hush hush though...just wait and see.

Some new pics are coming soon but in the meantime here's Florence and the Machine with 'Between Two Lungs'. This may well be my favourite track off her wonderful debut album which I'm boring my family to death with on our newly assembled seperates hifi. I'm becoming quite the audio bore...'Listen to the soaring vocals!'..."Now that's a soundstage'...'Can you spot the seperation between the instruments?' etc. Don't even get me started on the CD vs Vinyl thing. Maybe this should be a solo pursuit...

...AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-12-23T12:50:00.000Z

Season's Greetings everyone - see you in 2010!

NEW MOBILE NUMBER

2009-12-16T14:41:00.002Z

Please note I have a new mobile number - 07580 481779 - effective immediately. I'll no longer be checking voicemails or texts on the old number so delete it now!

ALL YOU PRETTY THINGS WAITING FOR SOMEBODY

2009-12-06T02:43:00.003Z

Intrigued by the post title?

Check out the simply wonderful 'All The King's Men' by Wild Beasts below. I'm currently appreciating the sonic delights of their new CD 'Two Dancers' and take comfort in the fact that Kendal finally has bragging rights beyond mint cake.

MADELEINE PEYROUX @ SAGE GATESHEAD

2009-11-24T15:37:00.003Z

Mesmerising. That's one way to describe Madeleine Peyroux's presence - and voice - in a packed Hall One at the Sage, Gateshead, on 22nd November 2009. Currently touring in support of her excellent 'Bare Bones' album (her first with completely self-written material), I was there to capture some shots:

PHOTO JOURNEYS LAUNCHES

2009-11-22T01:17:00.002Z

After almost a year of research and preparation I am so proud to officially announce the launch of Photo Journeys - a selection of workshops and photo holidays from yours truly.

These are photography workshops hopefully like no other. In addition to photographing wonderful locations (Venice, Paris, Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle initially) anyone attending these workshops will literally be taken on a journey - through the art, culture, food and drink of the area we're studying. Technique is one thing - we'll cover it - but soaking in the sounds, smells, movement and vibrancy of a location is another. For example, we won't just take pretty pictures in Venice. We'll eat 'cicchetti', examine the architecture and art, set up in St Mark's Square and shoot professional models with portable studio lighting at midnight.

That's not just a photo workshop - it's a Photo Journey.

The aim is to create workshops and learning experiences you'll remember for the rest of your life. Whether it's in the UK or abroad, for one day or more, you'll have images to take home like nothing you've ever shot and an experience with like-minded enthusiasts that you'll cherish forever.

This is not something I've undertaken lightly. The last 12 months has seen attendees on my workshops shoot TV stars and nationally-published models, learn professional photography techniques and create shots like never before. Our feedback has been overwhelming, with one corporate client declaring it was 'the best workshop we've ever attended'.

With absolutely zero promotion so far, we've already half-filled our Black and White Darkroom workshop in Newcastle.

For more information, check out the website at www.photo-journeys.co.uk, call me on 0191 3845600 or email me. Your own Photo Journey is waiting.

Posted via email from Dylan Baker's posterous

DYLAN BAKER IN DIGITAL CAMERA ESSENTIALS MAGAZINE

2009-11-21T12:49:00.002Z

Two magazine articles in a month - following on from the Digital Photographer spread, I’m also featured over 3 pages in this months Digital Camera Essentials magazine.

The article looks at some of the kit I use as a working commercial pro and how some of my images were put together - the reasoning behind them and the lighting, equipment etc used to achieve the looks.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

2009-11-18T23:42:00.003Z

I am now officially getting 'older'.

This is an undeniable fact confirmed by a liking for nostalgia that I've started to exhibit. Those of you in the know will already be aware that I've started using film again (although all my commercial work is still shot digitally). I'm loving it, by the way, and quite enjoy the strange looks I get when people realise the camera I'm using doesn't have a screen on the back.

We're also still converting a former stone barn across from the studio into a permanent darkroom, a project that has been slightly delayed by the atrocious Parcel2Go.com who, after inexplicably 'losing' a 6ft long darkroom sink for 3 weeks on a tour of the UK have now confirmed it is in their possession and utterly destroyed. Clowns.

But perhaps the biggest shocker of all is not photography-related. In a fit of retro-madness I have (shock! horror!) bought a CD player. Yes, you read correct. I have always been a music nut and have finally come to my senses. After years of listening to trashy-sounding MP3s on iPods and the like I have been at odds to understand why they sound so poor. Er, because they're crap?

I have dusted off the CD collection in the loft, hooked up a CD deck to the amp and have been astonished at the sheer aural loveliness. It's like I've fallen in love with music all over again. Seriously, what was I thinking all these years? It may be cool to have 4.9 trillion songs on your phone but what's the point if they sound like they were recorded in a concrete sewer? I'll stick with 14 tracks and 74 minutes on a disc in future, thanks.

I'm going to be photographing the wonderful Madeleine Peyroux this weekend - I think she'd be proud.

Now, if you fancy a chuckle that is photography-related, check out NYC based Bob Scott's spoof reviews of the Canon EOS 1D Mk4 and Nikon D3S below.

WERE YOU THERE AT LUMIERE?

2009-11-13T23:29:00.003Z

There's few things these days that really make my jaw drop but the Lumiere Festival, a four-day event currently taking place here in Durham, is one of them. This is what happens when first-class creatives and artists come together.

There's always naysayers for events like these. It's inevitable. But the sheer spectacle of seeing something like this - a world class festival of light and art - brings together generations and puts smiles on people's faces. It would take the hardest of cynics not to be in awe of 'Crown of Light', the awesome transformation of Durham Cathedral into a moving canvas, let alone some of the other terrific works around the city.

I was lucky enough to be asked to take some pictures and write a blog entry on the Lumiere site (click here) by Artichoke, the production company responsible for this and other great spectacles such as Anthony Gormley's recent work with the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square.

Check out my article here: 'The Best for Photography'

Some of my images from Lumiere are below. One thing I will say - on that cold, slightly wet November opening night in Durham I don't think I've ever seen so many people, of so many ages, walking around with a mixture of happiness, wonder and sheer amazement. In these difficult times, that has to be a good thing.

DYLAN BAKER IN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER MAGAZINE

2009-11-03T11:58:00.004Z

I'm featured in a 4-page article in this months Digital Photographer magazine (www.dphotographer.co.uk). The article focuses on my creative commercial stock photography and features some great shots of models Katie, Jessica and 'Gladiator' Daniel Singh that you may have all seen on this blog recently.

It's always wonderful to see your work in print - especially in a glossy, big-selling national magazine - but this one is particularly sweet as it completes the change in direction I've been undertaking with my photography and the business in the last year.

Digital Photographer is a terrific magazine, chock-full of great images and techniques and I'm proud to have been featured so prominently in it. If you're near a newsagent, go in and grab a copy.

PARRWORLD AT BALTIC AND BYKER REVISITED

2009-10-20T02:19:00.005+01:00

If you're even remotely interested in photography and in the North East of England you need to had to the Baltic in Newcastle/Gateshead to check out Parrworld. Martin Parr divides opinion to say the least but make up your own mind. Check out the Malcolm McLaren work, Shallow, while you're at it. It's, er, interesting.

While you're down the Quayside wander over to the Side Photographic Gallery, one of Newcastle's best-kept secrets. It's currently hosting Byker Revisited by Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen. I can credit Sirkka-Liisa with starting my interest in medium and large-format photography. Her exhibition (The Coal Coast) at Baltic back in 2003 was my first experience of walking into a room and being in awe at the colour and detail possible in a photograph.

BREAK UP

2009-10-13T17:26:00.005+01:00

It's been a rough couple of weeks here after some unwelcome visitors decided to smash the studio door down and steal all my biscuits.

Anyway, things are getting back to normal now and we have some new tunes playing here - in particular 'Break Up' by Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson. Now I'm a big Yorn fan (I'll never forget discovering 'musicforthemorningafter' while snoozing in a Venice apartment) but Scarlett Johansson? Don't mock - it all works beautifully. And 'Relator' (below) is super-catchy - if you're not humming that tune by the second chorus I have the number of a good doctor.

ANOTHER BREAK-IN

2009-09-28T12:43:00.001+01:00

Some bad news - the studio was broken into last night for the second time in a few months. Please bear with us while we get things back to normal again.

STUDIO LINE DOWN

2009-09-24T17:22:00.003+01:00

We are having serious problems with our studio line yet again and our 'friends' at BT (based in whatever country the call centre seems to be in this week) still haven't fixed it. If you need to call, please phone the mobile on 07814 516603 instead. Thanks.

IS THE ANSWER NONE OF THE ABOVE?

2009-09-24T16:03:00.003+01:00

...is the first line from the new David Gray song, 'Fugitive'. (Thought I'd better explain it as a few people informed me they found the Bat for Lashes post a few months ago...er...confusing).

Anyway, I'm trying to decide what my favourite album is right now...'Draw The Line' by Mr Gray is rather excellent as is Florence's 'Lungs' which many of you know I'm rather partial to. And I've never been one for 80's synth pop but I have to admit I'm finding La Roux's effort a blast too.

Anyway, love the idea behind this video - very simple - stick tortured singer/songwriter in white room with guitar and piano and proceed to create interesting animations (look closely) for 3 mins 45 secs. Enjoy.

FAME AT LAST...KIND OF

2009-09-07T16:57:00.006+01:00

I was recently asked by Durham County Council to give an interview explaining the advantages and pitfalls of running your own business. The resulting documentary will be seen all over the region by school pupils who may be able to find better solutions to the problems of business than those supposedly in the know. Either way, it's a great initiative to encourage entrepreneurship in such uncertain times.

What started out as me talking way too much turned into something much more interesting when I asked the crew to accompany me on a shoot. After some studio work we all ate too much pizza and headed to the local skate park as the sun went down. Check out the video here:

Here's some of the resulting images from the shoot featured in the video. It featured Jessica exhibiting some kind of strange condition - is she happy or sad? Grieving or frightened? Mischievous or innocent? You decide:

Model: Jessica
Hair & Make-up: Tricia at Hair Envy

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN TO ANNIE LEIBOVITZ?

2009-08-17T15:55:00.004+01:00

I find it incredible - just staggering - that a photographic legend like Annie Leibovitz is on the brink of financial ruin.

This article gives the full story. One horrifying quote says it all: "Her debts now total a staggering $24 million, consolidated with one lender with whom she is engaged in a lawsuit and due in September. If she can’t meet that deadline, she may lose her homes and the rights to her life’s body of work."

What a tragedy. And we thought we had problems.

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY

2009-07-25T10:35:00.001+01:00

In a rush of blood to the head I have been showcased on the front page of the Arcangel Images web site. A big thanks to Arcangel for this - there’s some seriously talented people on that site so to have not one but FOUR images displayed is a real honour. Click here to visit Arcangel and view the images (watch the slideshow on the first page) and check them out (with the stories behind them) below.

The third image (shoes) was taken with our model, Katie, at Locomotion - the National Railway Museum - in Shildon, County Durham. How else could we legally get a woman to wander along train tracks? It was boiling that day and we had to wear high visibility jackets which we couldn’t wait to get rid of. Not Katie though - her dress was high-visibilty anyway!

Image five above (silhouette) was taken with Jessica at the end of a shoot. We’d never intended to get anything like this but the sun was setting beneath stormy skies - what a stroke of luck.

The sixth image (above) is Katie again, this time lying in a dry(ish) field in Durham city. It was the very last shot of that day.

The second image (above) is, once again, Katie. This is an old bridge leading into Pelaw Woods near our studio. It’s a pretty amazing metal structure dating from the 1920’s which, I believe was made originally as a miniature ‘test’ version of a bridge the same company was making to cross the Zambezi River.

As usual, head over to Arcangel and type in ‘dylan baker’ in the search box to see more images from my collection.

ELEGIES FOR ANGELS

2009-07-20T16:19:00.004+01:00

I recently had the opportunity to photograph New College Durham's final year drama production of 'Elegies - for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens'.

It's basically a collection of monologues with lots of different characters giving their stories of how they dealt with having the AIDS virus. Here's the interesting thing - all the characters in the show are already dead and are telling their stories as spirits almost. Moving stuff. Thanks to all the actors and crew who tolerated me wandering around the stage with a camera - here's a slideshow of just 25 of the 300+ images taken:

THE DOG DAYS ARE OVER

2009-07-19T01:36:00.001+01:00

...oh yes, they most certainly are.

Florence + The Machine. Must. Stop. Listening. To. Them.

But not yet...enjoy:

DYLAN BAKER NOW REPRESENTED BY ARCANGEL IMAGES

2009-07-10T16:14:00.007+01:00

I've had to keep hush about what I've been up to for a while but I can finally let the cat out of the bag...I'm immensely proud to announce that selections of my creative commercial images are now represented internationally by Arcangel Images.

In their own words, "The Arcangel photo library specialises in supplying some of the most inspirational, creative and unique rights-protected imagery to be found in the stock industry. We represent some of the finest international photographers, artists and illustrators in the creative market."

I guess that includes me.

A big thank you to the models, make-up artists and creatives who have helped contribute to some of the amazing shoots that can be seen in my Arcangel collection. To access it please click here and enter 'Dylan Baker' in the search box - many more to come!

THIS IS A GIFT...IT COMES WITH A PRICE

2009-07-06T19:00:00.004+01:00

While I'm on a Glastonbury theme, here's one last highlight - Florence + The Machine, whose debut album, 'Lungs', is a must-buy and had one of the performances of the festival. There's no footage on YouTube (copyright?) so here's the performance of 'Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)' from a week before.

LISA HANNIGAN (OCEAN AND A) ROCKS

2009-07-03T01:53:00.006+01:00

I'm sifting through my mountain of recordings from Glastonbury and have concluded that, as much as I'd love to be there, it's great being able to sit with a packet of Nik Naks at 2am watching Bat for Lashes without having to sort out the tent pegs.

Tucked away amongst the coverage was the wonderful Lisa Hannigan who, having been the ethereal voice behind some of Damien Rice's best moments, now has a pretty sublime album of her own, 'Sea Sew'. Here's 'Ocean and a Rock' from said album:

PS: Normal blog service will be resumed soon...I know it's been a while but I've been absolutely swamped with some great shoots this past month and have had some exciting news today...stay tuned.

MEET JESSICA PARKINSON

2009-05-27T15:36:00.002+01:00

Actress Jessica Parkinson dropped by our Durham studio on Sunday for a promotional shoot. After a mix of headshots in the studio we moved on to some different poses inside and outside which involved the use of an 'antique' lawnmower. Hmmm...

Our headshot packages for actors provide around 100 shots (Jessica ended up with 120) in a mixture of colour and black and white. All high res (for print) and low res (for web) files are provided on CD and 6 images can be chosen as 10x8 bordered prints. Images are compliant with Equity, Spotlight and Casting Call Pro requirements. Call the studio on 0191 384 5600 or email dylan@dylanbaker.co.uk for more info.

Here's a selection of Jessica's shots.

JULIE FOWLIS @ GALA THEATRE, DURHAM

2009-05-18T11:30:00.001+01:00

Julie Fowlis is an incredible talent. A multi-instrumentalist with big-name fans including Mark Radcliffe, KT Tunstall, Ricky Gervais and Radiohead's Phil Selway, she performed at the Gala Theatre, Durham, on May 17th 2009. Since her 2007 appearance on 'Later...' with Jools Holland she has taken the folk world by storm, winning a raft of awards including the 2008 BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer Of The Year.

Not bad for someone who sings solely in Scottish Gaelic - a language only understood by around 60,000 people. Here's some shots:

HARD DAY AT WORK?

2009-05-16T00:03:00.005+01:00

And you thought you had it tough.

This is one of hundreds of images on the ever-growing official White House photostream on Flickr. Some astonishing work here by the official photographer, Pete Souza - CLICK HERE to check it out.

I love the unedited nature of these photographs. For every shot like the one above that reflects the pressure of a role as weighty as President there are also dozens that reflect the mundanity of everyday life in office. Great stuff.

TIMES - AND ECONOMICS - CHANGE

2009-05-11T01:32:00.003+01:00

I'm reconnecting with film.

I have some really exciting projects lined up, some of which involve shooting with film again, but more on those soon. In the meantime I've been checking out some ways of capturing gritty images non-digitally and had an idea to put together some shots on Polaroid.

I guess I'd forgotten just how much times have changed.

Now don't get me wrong. I love the magical, mystical wonder of a photograph appearing before your eyes on a square piece of card. It's something digital can never really emulate, despite the convenience. A Polaroid is special and is (usually) never throwaway.

So I thought...I know, I'll grab some Polaroid film and take some shots...

But there's a problem. Polaroid film has been discontinued. Enthusiasts are trying to keep the medium going but most suppliers have now received their last stocks and the longest expiration dates on packs are around October 2009. I ventured onto eBay and almost collapsed at what I saw:

CLICK HERE

£32 (including postage) for a pack of Polaroid film. That's 20 shots. £1.60 per photo. Nostalgically I wondered why Polaroid had declined in popularity so much but now it doesn't take a genius to figure out why - it's pure economics in a digital age.

I hovered over the 'Buy it Now' button for a little while.

But it's over for Polaroid and, sadly, time to say goodbye.

WHEN I RUN IN THE DARK

2009-04-27T15:53:00.001+01:00

Just listen...enjoy...

GLADIATOR + CAMERAS + WEIGHTS + MAGAZINE = EXHAUSTED

2009-04-24T19:45:00.001+01:00

Muscle and Fitness is the biggest magazine on the planet dedicated to health and lifestyle. Daniel Singh - aka Warrior from Sky 1’s Gladiators - is probably the biggest man on the planet. Okay, maybe that last statement is a tiny bit untrue, but he’s in awesome shape - and he’s going places, fast.

Last weekend saw us spend an incredible afternoon in a North East gym taking shots for his sponsors, Met-Rx (a huge sports supplements company - anyone watch ‘World’s Strongest Man’?) to ultimately appear in print ads (and editorial features) for Muscle and Fitness magazine. We wanted to keep things gritty and real - let me tell you, Dan lifted every one of those damn weights, over and over again. No posing in a swanky health club here.

What many people don’t realise is that Dan’s on-screen persona (nasty bad guy, boo hiss etc) is the polar opposite to the real him - just don’t tell him I said that, okay?

Incidentally, I’ve never been so shattered after a shoot. I didn’t lift a single weight - just watching this guy is exhausting. Okay, I know, I’ll get my coat...

Check out the slideshow below.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

2009-04-20T16:51:00.001+01:00

Awful pun, I know. Any reason to put ‘sign’ in the title, right? Anyway, the final part of our rebranding (see post below) involved changing the studio signage. It felt a little strange removing the old look but it just didn’t feel ‘right’ anymore - so here’s the new one. Let me know what you think.

Some great posts coming up this week including a shoot for an international magazine we did on the weekend...stay tuned.

THINGS ARE CHANGING AROUND HERE

2009-04-15T14:06:00.003+01:00

You may have noticed some changes recently if you’re a regular visitor/subscriber to this blog. The first, and most alarming, is the new banner at the top of the screen. It’s our new look for the commercial side of our business - a little edgier than our old logo. We’re going through an intense period of change here - tons more commercial/fashion/advertising work - and the blog is going to reflect that more in future. The main web site (which we’ve recently completed - thanks for all the feedback, good and bad, by the way) will remain ‘as is’ but a new, seperate site covering the commercial side of the business has now launched as the two areas (commercial and consumer) don’t mix too well.

To check out the new commercial site CLICK HERE. Feel free to let me know your thoughts.

In other news, we’ve got some seriously exciting things lined up on the training front. We’ve run a number of photography courses and workshops at the studio and on location since January and the response has been phenomenal. Seriously. In addition to every single one being sold out it’s given us some great ideas to expand this area in future. Stay tuned.

One more thing. My taste in music is eclectic, to say the least. A couple of models we had in the studio recently were going ape over this track we had playing - “Don’t Bother Me” by The Blakes. We must have ended up playing it about 15 times. If this isn’t stuck in your head after a couple of listens, take some medication...

Chumbawamba @ Sage, Gateshead

2009-03-16T15:24:00.002Z

Chumbawamba performed at the Sage, Gateshead, on 16th March 2009 in conjunction with Folkworks and supporting their new critically-acclaimed album 'The Boy Bands Have Won'. Check out their website here. Here are the photos:

Hue & Cry @ Gala Theatre, Durham

2009-03-10T15:44:00.003Z

Hue and Cry, aka brothers Pat and Greg Kane, played to a packed house at Durham's Gala Theatre on Friday 6th March 2009. You'll know them best for their mainstream success in the 80's with hits like ‘Labour of Love’, 'Violently' and ‘Looking for Linda’. Their current tour is in support of Open Soul - the first Hue And Cry pop album in 16 years.

Check out the band's website and Myspace pages.

Here's some shots:

Jenn Grant @ Live Theatre, Newcastle

2009-02-23T20:15:00.003Z

Another awesome Canadian musician, Jenn Grant, played The Studio in the Live Theatre, Newcastle, last Friday and yours truly was there to capture her performance. Jenn's been compared to Martha Wainwright, Sarah McLachlan and even Patsy Cline. Not bad company then. Here's some pics:

Jenn is signed to Six Shooter Records. Have a look at her web site and check out the, er, dreamy video to 'Dreamer' below.

Kevin Hearn (of Barenaked Ladies) @ Live Theatre, Newcastle

2009-02-23T19:34:00.002Z

I’m a huge Barenaked Ladies fan and was ecstatic to photograph Kevin Hearn from the band at The Studio in the Live Theatre, Newcastle. Kevin is an amazing multi-instrumentalist and besides being in BNL he is also responsible for four of his own albums (with his band, Thin Buckle) and is now playing with Lou Reed. Here’s some shots.

Kevin is signed to Six Shooter Records (home of some other great Canadian artists) - check out his web site and video for ‘Driftwood’ here:

Gladiator Photo Shoot...READY!!!

2009-01-31T18:09:00.000Z

I know, that's a rotten caption, but I couldn't resist. We had the pleasure of having Daniel Singh aka Warrior from Sky 1's 'Gladiators' in the studio for a photo shoot this month. Dan has been a client for a while but we had to be a bit quiet until we found out if he made the cast - and he did! So a big congratulations is in order - well done Dan! Here's some of his photo shoot - just don't hit me with that pugil stick, okay?!?!?

Henry & Eleanor - Alternative School Photos

2009-01-31T16:13:00.002Z

Remember your school photos? Those mottled blue backgrounds and miserable as sin expressions (plus acne)? Me too.

Henry & Eleanor's parents have been clients for ages and recently had said school pics back only to find they HATED them...so I had an idea. How about getting the kids in but mocking up a school desk and doing some ALTERNATIVE school photos where they just act naturally?

So that's what they did...and here they are. Oh, and if you keep watching the slideshow you'll see the finished products - some beautiful handmade frames finishing off the pictures. We especially love the huge image with individually mounted smaller images below. Beats a cardboard school picture frame anyday...

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T13:33:00.002Z

Another year passes...I just wanted to wish all our customers, colleagues, suppliers and friends a Happy and Prosperous 2009. With all this talk of recession, economic downturns, global meltdown (etc etc) I think the most important thing is to be positive and make 2009 whatever you want it to be.

We've had a wonderfully successful 2008 and the new year is looking like it's going to be even better. So a big THANK YOU to all of you and see you next year!

NOTE: The studio is closed until Monday January 5th 2009.

Photography Training at the Studio from January 2009

2008-11-26T16:29:00.002Z

As of January 2009 the studio will host a number of training events to take your photography to another level. Get that camera off Auto mode and join us for some fantastic sessions! The first is our Creative Photography Course!

Do you want to take amazing photographs?

Learn how to take stunning pictures of your family, children, landscapes - anything! This 8-week course will teach you all aspects of photography including:

- Basics of camera use
- Composition, tricks and effects
- Learning to ‘see’ creatively
- Using flash and natural light
- Processing your images
- Using Photoshop and other software
- Plus much more!

Where: Dylan’s studio at Vane Tempest Hall, Durham
When: Every Saturday, 10:00am to 12:00 noon from 17th January 2009
You will need your own camera (preferably an SLR but not essential). No other knowledge or equipment is required.

This 8-week course costs £75 per person and includes additional email and phone tuition from Dylan plus an online forum for everyone involved to post pics and share their thoughts.

Places are strictly limited. Call us on 0191 384 5600 to book now or book and pay online by clicking this link - see you there!

Last Chance for Christmas Portraits...

2008-11-21T13:00:00.000Z

If you’re thinking about portraits for Christmas then you have a few weeks left to book a studio session. All portrait sessions include a framed 10x8 print plus lots of fun, laughter and free coffee!!! If you’re thinking of getting a photo book of images then the deadline is December 7th - everything else (canvases, frames etc) are guaranteed for Christmas delivery until December 18th.

Call the studio on 0191 384 5600 to book your session or for any further info.

Christmas Crafts & Music at the Studio!

2008-11-04T15:16:00.004Z

UPDATE - NOV 21st - SOLD OUT!!!: This event is now completely full! Thank you to everyone who has booked. If you're still interested in attending you can call us on 0191 384 5600 and we'll add your name to a waiting list in case of any cancellations.

Ho ho ho...we’re having another family event at the studio on Sunday 7th December! To get you all in the Christmas mood we’ll be making festive crafts with Crafty Creatures and Kindermusik Durham will be there to get us all singing out of tune!!! There’ll be lots of fun and games plus a fancy dress photo shoot for every child in the studio with a free 6x4 print for everyone. As usual lots of yummy food and refreshments will be provided.

All this for only £7 per child - call the studio on 0191 384 5600 or Nicola (Crafty Creatures) on 0191 386 9639 to book your place. Be warned - the last two events were completely sold out so be quick!

Snowed under...

2008-10-11T02:06:00.002+01:00

We're coming to the end of wedding season now and although we still have weddings until the end of December they're slowing down - one a week instead of three!!! There are loads of photos to blog from some of the terrific weddings we've photographed lately - they'll be up soon. In the meantime we've been kitting out the studio with WiFi streaming music between the studio room and office. The only trouble is I've had the same album on rotation for about three weeks - the new Kings of Leon CD which I love but I really should change it. It's great though - have a listen to 'Manhattan' below:

Keri & Trevor - Married!

2008-09-05T16:41:00.003+01:00

The second of our first August double-header took us to Edinburgh on a glorious sunny Saturday. Keri and Trevor were married in the awesome setting of Craigmillar Castle, a glorious ruin just outside the city. The reception was back in the heart of Edinburgh at the Scotsman Hotel - here's the slideshow for your viewing pleasure!

Anna & Duncan - Married!

2008-09-05T16:12:00.002+01:00

We are right in the middle of wedding season now and are currently averaging a couple of weddings a week. Our first double-wedding of the season started in York on a Friday in August - Anna and Duncan were married at the stunning Treasurer's House with their reception following at St William's College. Here's their slideshow - enjoy:

A Great Time Had By All

2008-08-13T13:14:00.002+01:00

Saturday August 9th was the day of our first family event at the studio - a Children's Storytelling afternoon! Over 50 people attended - a massive success and everybody had a great time! Julie Ward from Jack Drum Arts was on hand to tell the stories while Nicola from Crafty Creatures took care of all the arts and crafts. Meanwhile, I was in the studio taking photos of everyone! Our next event is Monday August 18th - Make Music From Junk. Call the studio on 0191 3845600 or Nicola on 0191 3869639 to book!

The Kids Are All Right...

2008-08-13T12:41:00.002+01:00

Here are some pics recently taken in the studio when Evan (my little boy - curly hair, can't miss him) popped in with his friends Holly and Scarlett - press the play button to start the slideshow!

Children's Storytelling Event - August 9th

2008-07-17T19:42:00.002+01:00

One thing we’re going to do in the new studio is have a series of events for children and families throughout the rest of 2008 - we’ve got all sorts planned including family photography days, art and craft sessions and much more. We’ve teamed up with the wonderful Crafty Creatures (see link on the right) to host these and our first is a Children’s Storytelling Event on Saturday 9th August from 2pm to 5pm. Julie Ward from Jack Drum Arts will be presenting stories to delight and inspire children (and adults!) of all ages. There will also be craft activities, delicious food and the opportunity to have your child’s photograph taken (and take home a free print) in the new studio! All this for only £5 per child - but hurry, as places are limited. If you’d like to attend (or know someone who would) please call the studio on 0191 384 5600.

Also, on Monday 18th August from 10am to 12pm we’re teaming up with a local musician to present “Make Music from Junk”. Children will have the opportunity to explore different musical instruments and then make their own instruments. Refreshments will also be provided - more details coming soon!

Other events for Halloween, Christmas and other photography and craft events are being planned. Please keep checking this blog for info!

We Have a Studio!

2008-07-17T19:33:00.000+01:00

Okay, enough...people keep asking me what the keys (below) are for. Well, they’re the keys to our brand new, swanky studio!

It’s been coming for a while now - the business has continued to grow to the point where a studio was essential. There will be more details (plus photos) here soon!

Something EXCITING This Way Comes...

2008-07-08T21:14:00.001+01:00

What’s this?

A set of keys...but to what?

Stay tuned to find out!

Sarah & Tony - Married!

2008-06-13T17:10:00.002+01:00

Now here's an unusual one - a wedding with a bride, groom, three guests and a baby! That's right - just 6 people at this wedding in Dalhousie Castle in Bonnyrigg near Edinburgh made for a really gorgeous, intimate celebration. And Sarah was absolutely rocking it out in her stunning red dress!

Click to play the slideshow and thanks for letting us be a part of it guys!

Nina & Kris - Married!

2008-06-13T15:06:00.003+01:00

Nina & Kris were married at beautiful Eshott Hall in Northumberland. I'll not reveal all on this blog but Nina had a bit of an injury a little while before the wedding but, as you can see here, everything turned out just perfect!

Click the slideshow to start playing. Congrats you two!

Nicola and Chris - Married!

2008-05-29T20:21:00.001+01:00

Nicola and Chris were married at St John's, Wallsend and then Horton Grange in Ponteland complete with a red double decker bus and authentic 'On The Buses'-style conductor to ship the guests about! There was also a string quartet and a wonderful band who delivered a stunning version of 'Songbird' for the first dance.

There's so many great shots that I've put together a little slideshow below - simply click it to play and hover over it at any time to bring up the controls:

Here's my favourite image of the day, and sums it up completely:

Totally fun! Thanks for a great time guys!

Hillary & Graeme - Married!

2008-05-29T20:00:00.003+01:00

What must be the wettest Saturday of the year so far did nothing to dampen Hillary and Graeme's day at Lumley Castle! Here's some shots from their wedding in a new, swanky, superfly format - a slideshow!!! I'm just figuring this out but if you click it, it should play...

Coming Soon...

2008-05-02T22:00:00.000+01:00

I’m still sorting through the mountains of photos I mentioned in my last post but I’m snowed under at the moment. Wedding season is well and truly in full swing! Next week there’ll be lots of stuff to look at including:

Hillary & Graeme - Married!
Nicola & Chris - Married!
Anna & Duncan - Engaged!
Claire & Chris - Engaged!
Claire & Glen - Married!
Audrey & Lee - Married!

Check back soon to see all these - in the meantime, have a great Bank Holiday!

New Books!

2008-04-30T17:34:00.000+01:00

Absolutely loads of stuff to blog - but no time! I’ve been getting to grips with some new camera equipment this week which has slowed me down a bit. I also have two stunning weddings to post some images from - they’ll be up tomorrow. In the meantime...

I’m like a kid in a sweet shop when the UPS man turns up with albums, books, a canvas or whatever other goodies are coming that day. Today two things came at once - Claire and Glen’s guest book (for their wedding this Saturday!) and Jennefer and Dean’s coffee table book which you may have seen the design for on here a while ago.

We’re also expecting some more swanky albums this week and next...

Jill & Aroon's Italian Album...

2008-04-21T14:52:00.000+01:00

You may remember Jill & Aroon’s wedding at the Marriott in Gosforth Park, Newcastle - well, their STUNNING handmade leather album has finally arrived from Italy and it was well worth the wait...and the weight!!! This thing is HUGE and extremely heavy but an absolutely beautiful heirloom they’ll cherish forever.

I dropped it in to Jill on the weekend and I think even she was shocked! This is pretty much the largest album Mario Acerboni can make and with a bit of clever design we managed to squeeze 92 photographs in there...and here it is:

Unwrapping the box:

The front cover and some detail:

And the rather swish back cover:

Inside:

I also wanted to share our Thank You card from Jill and Aroon. It’s always special when we get something like this as we know what a huge responsibility it is to document someone’s wedding. There’s a story here: they originally already had another photographer booked who had to cancel due to ill health just 2 weeks before the wedding! Luckily, we had the date free and the rest is history.

Jill and Aroon - we absolutely loved being a part of your big day and your words mean so much to us. Thank you guys!

Claire & Glen: Pre-Wedding Shoot

2008-04-08T18:40:00.000+01:00

Claire & Glen get married in May at gorgeous Lumley Castle so on Sunday we decided to head to Saltwell Park in Gateshead for their pre-wedding shoot. It must have been one of the quickest we’ve ever done as the weather was atrocious - we practically had to abandon it at the end!!! Here’s some of what we did get - see you in a month guys!

Eyes Open Project

2008-04-03T21:53:00.001+01:00

I just wanted to tell you about an amazing project that Kirsten Lewis, a fellow photographer, is undertaking. Please click below to read all about it and make a donation if you can:

Eyes Open Project

Jennefer & Dean's Storybooks

2008-04-01T17:47:00.000+01:00

Jennefer & Dean’s wedding took place in two wonderful venues in central Durham - Elvet Methodist Church and St Chad’s College. They’ve decided to present their photos in one of our gorgeous landscape storybooks. This is a really modern, cool alternative to an album and they’re ultra popular at the minute. Dean’s parents have plumped for a smaller 7x7 square storybook too and here are some of the pages from both designs.

Firstly, Jennefer & Dean’s book:

And now, drum roll...Dean’s Parent’s book!

Album or book? Hmm, decisions decisions!!!

Easter Egg Hunt at Wallington Hall

2008-03-24T19:52:00.001Z

It’s been a lovely Easter - I’ve had a rare few days off with the family so on Easter Sunday we all headed to Wallington Hall in Northumberland for an Easter Egg Hunt!!! It was freeeeezing! Evan seemed a little confused as to what time of year it actually was:

Yes, that’s a Halloween pumpkin! He was adamant he needed it for any eggs we found.

How’s this for contrast - check out the picture above and the one below. You wouldn’t believe it was the same day!

Into the woods to look for eggs...

...and climb trees!

Cold but happy - we found our egg in the end. We had to search all over the grounds for letters to make up a phrase which turned out to be “Egg & Spoon Race”. What a nightmare finding those was - we spent over two hours with only 8 letters!!!

Happy Easter!

Goodbye Polaroid, it was nice knowing you...

2008-03-24T18:44:00.006Z

Have you heard the news? Polaroid instant film and cameras are effectively dead:

Polaroid ends instant film production

I think it's quite sad. I'm tempted to go out and buy one so my little boy gets to press a button, hold a piece of film in his hand, wave it around and see a picture magically appear. I remember as a kid I would take pictures of anything - feet, tree trunks, you name it - just to see a blank card turn into a photograph. It's a little piece of childhood wonder that digital simply cannot replace.

I've made my blog photo in the top right of the page into an homage to the Polaroid. Sadly, it was shot on digital. Says it all really.

Music Time!

2008-03-18T18:32:00.002Z

Okay, I’ve tried but I can’t get the album “Easy Tiger” by Ryan Adams (that’s Ryan, not Bryan) off the iPod at the moment. It’s wonderful. So if you haven’t heard him, brace yourself - the man is a living legend. Here’s “Two” from that album:

Hattie's Book, DVD and Canvas have arrived...

2008-03-12T13:32:00.001Z

LOTS of new products today! I showed you the design for Hattie’s coffee table book last week. The real thing arrived today and it’s gorgeous - of course! Hattie’s parents went for the works - the book, a DVD slideshow of the shoot and a stunning canvas which ALL turned up from three different suppliers on the same day! Firstly, the canvas is looking mighty impressive:

We have recently changed suppliers for our canvas prints and I couldn’t be happier - look how neatly these corners have been constructed:

It seems a minor thing I know! But the problem with canvases is if they’re poorly made, the frame is weak or the canvas isn’t stretched properly they tend to sag with time and you get creases. Not these ones. Now onto the DVD:

And, of course, the coffee table book:

Needless to say Hattie’s mother, Joanne, was ecstatic when I handed these over. Made my day!

Nicola & Chris - Guest Book

2008-03-12T13:24:00.001Z

Remember Nicola & Chris’s pre-wedding shoot on a freezing day in Tynemouth I mentioned earlier in the blog? It resulted in a Guest Book for the wedding which arrived today - and is now on its way to them! This is a great way to display all your engagement shots and personalise it on the big day. Who wants a plain old guest book from the supermarket when you can have one of these?

Here’s the front cover:

See you in April guys!

Hattie - Coffee Table Book

2008-03-03T17:35:00.001Z

Here’s a lovely shoot - I photographed Joanne and Mark’s beautiful little girl Hattie for a coffee table book recently and here are some of the pages (and front cover). In case you’re wondering these are really gorgeous hardback books with a dust jacket which we design ourselves then import from the US.

Cute or what?

Fiona & Adrian - Married!

2008-02-27T16:51:00.001Z

Fiona & Adrian were our first wedding of 2008 - it’s going to be our busiest year yet! They were married at Linden Hall in Northumberland and the weather was kind - even if it was FREEEEZZZINNG!!! They’re enjoying 5-star luxury in Southern Ireland for their honeymoon, lucky pups!

Thanks for having us guys!

Here’s some fun and games in the Photo Booth!!!

Charlie’s Angels(ish):

Nicola & Chris: Pre-Wedding Shoot

2008-01-28T20:22:00.001Z

Busy busy busy... 2008 is well and truly off and running now. Last Saturday I met up with Nicola and Chris whose wedding I'll be shooting on 19th April this year. They're a great couple and Chris is a real happy snapper so we ended up talking about cameras and gear while Nicola, er, tolerated us!!! Anyway, we got lots of lovely shots on the beach at Tynemouth...it was FREEZING and windier than a windy day in Windyland! But I just loved this shot and wanted to put it up on here... See you in April guys!

Published! Cosmopolitan Bride, Dec/Jan issue

2008-01-08T14:26:00.001Z

Happy New Year! Well it looks like it's going to be another busy busy busy year! We were one of only three photographers in the whole of the North East of England recommended by the Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers in the Dec 07/Jan 08 edition of Cosmopolitan Bride. Yes, THE Cosmo Bride!!! The issue should still be in stores now with the cover below. What a buzz!

Closed for the holidays...

2007-12-27T18:06:00.001Z

Just a brief one - we are officially closed for the holidays until January 7th after which the hard work of losing all the weight we've put on over Christmas and New Year will begin...oh, and back to work too!

Have a safe and happy holiday folks.

Happy Christmas Everyone!

2007-12-27T02:23:00.001Z

A BIG BIG THANK YOU to everyone we've had the honour of photographing this year - couples, parents, children, pets(!), companies...your business is massively appreciated. This has been my busiest year ever and I'm truly thankful.

I'll be blogging some of my favourite images I've taken this year over the holidays but in the meantime a HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all of you from myself, Nicola and our festive Evan:

What's that song again???

2007-12-06T21:37:00.002Z

Whenever a client sees their photos for the first time in a slideshow I have a few tracks playing in the background. I always get asked what the first song is...it's '1 2 3 4' by Feist - and here it is! Watch until the end - where do the people all go?

Jill & Aroon - Married!

2007-12-06T17:04:00.001Z

LOTS of weddings to blog starting with Jill and Aroon who tied the knot at the Marriott Hotel in Gosfoth Park, Newcastle. I think the whole of the Great North Run athletes were staying at the hotel! Loads of fun and the photo booth went down a storm - congratulations guys!

...And we have the Photo Booth!!!

SUPER Busy!

2007-08-08T01:58:00.002+01:00

No, not just busy...SUPER busy! What a craaazy month July was...weddings, pre-wedding shoots, baby/child shoots, commercial stuff...

I'm still sorting it all out now and will have LOTS of photos to post eventually. I'm also in the process of setting up a new in-house mini-lab...yikes. No more pro labs (except for large format stuff) - too many bad / inconsistent / disappointing results. Just don't ask for T-shirts or mouse mats, OK? :-)

What equipment do I use?

2007-06-26T15:20:00.001+01:00

People keep asking me what equipment I use when I do a shoot. I've always wondered why people find this important - you can take great pictures with a cheap disposable camera if you've got the eye for it. When I took my photography qualifications this is exactly what we had to do for one assignment - use the cheapest, most basic disposable film camera we could find and no flash allowed! Some of the shots which came back from the whole class were just great.

Nevertheless I can understand people wanting to know as a lot of amateurs would like to graduate to a 'proper' camera and not blow the budget. I use Nikon digital SLRs and my lenses include an 18-55mm 2.8 (essential for those poorly lit churches), a 70-200mm long zoom, a 50mm prime and a 10-20mm for those extra wide angle group shots. I also use a flashgun but find it increasingly outlawed inside most venues these days.

I use Apple Macs for all post processing - a Dual Power Mac G5 and a MacBook Pro for when I'm on the move.

It staggers me that a Nikon digital SLR (the D40) can now be picked up with a half decent lens for around £300. You can pay that for a compact. That won't be suitable for shooting weddings and the like for lots of reasons I won't go into here but it would be a great way for Joe Bloggs to get an awful lot of camera for not an awful lot of money.