Bliadhna Mhath Ur {Scottish Gaelic}
Happy New Year {English English}
The snow is still outside from before Christmas and the festive period is flying by. There's a load of old 'tosh' on the TV but I'm looking forward to Jools Holland's Hootenanny. Peace and a Happy New Year.
Sunday 27 December 2009
Great (Forgotten) Albums
My Top 30
This time last year I blogged my 100 favourite cover songs. This year I thought I'd blog my favourite "forgotten" albums. Look at any list of Great Albums and you'll see The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's", The Beach Boys "Pet Sounds", Bob Dylan "Blonde on Blonde" and Marvin Gaye "What's Going On" in the top 10. Now don't get me wrong these are indeed great albums but it's all a bit predictable.
So here's a 30 you won't find in other top 30s; in alphabetical order'ish. There's links for Spotify.com where Spotify has the album.
16 Lovers Lane (1988) : The Go-Betweens
Back In The DHSS (1985) : Half Man Half Biscuit
Coast to Coast Motel (1995) : G Love and Special Sauce
Diamond Life (1984) : Sade
Entertainment (1979) : Gang of Four
Forces of Victory (1979) : Linton Kwesi Johnson
George Best (1987) : Wedding Present
Give It Up (1972) : Bonnie Raitt
Hejira (1976) : Joni Mitchell
It's Alive (1978) : Ramones
It's Great When You're Straight (1995) : Black Grape
It's My Life (1984) : Talk Talk
Joan Armatrading (1976) : Joan Armatrading
Knife (1984) : Aztec Camera
Look Sharp (1979) : Joe Jackson
Malpractice (1975) : Dr. Feelgood
New Boots and Panties (1977) : Ian Dury and the Blockheads
Man (1996) : Neneh Cherry
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1980) : OMD
Pink Flag (1977) : Wire
Playing With a Different Sex (1981) : Au Pairs
Raincoats (1979) : Raincoats
Real Life (1978) : Magazine
Rickie Lee Jones (1979) : Rickie Lee Jones
Secondhand Daylight (1979) : Magazine
Slaughter on 10th Avenue (1974) : Mick Ronson
The B-52's (1979) : The B-52's
The Boys (1977) : The Boys
The Orange Juice (1984) : Orange Juice
You're Gonna Get It (1978) : Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Hope you're having a great time over the festive period.
My Top 30
This time last year I blogged my 100 favourite cover songs. This year I thought I'd blog my favourite "forgotten" albums. Look at any list of Great Albums and you'll see The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's", The Beach Boys "Pet Sounds", Bob Dylan "Blonde on Blonde" and Marvin Gaye "What's Going On" in the top 10. Now don't get me wrong these are indeed great albums but it's all a bit predictable.
So here's a 30 you won't find in other top 30s; in alphabetical order'ish. There's links for Spotify.com where Spotify has the album.
16 Lovers Lane (1988) : The Go-Betweens
Back In The DHSS (1985) : Half Man Half Biscuit
Coast to Coast Motel (1995) : G Love and Special Sauce
Diamond Life (1984) : Sade
Entertainment (1979) : Gang of Four
Forces of Victory (1979) : Linton Kwesi Johnson
George Best (1987) : Wedding Present
Give It Up (1972) : Bonnie Raitt
Hejira (1976) : Joni Mitchell
It's Alive (1978) : Ramones
It's Great When You're Straight (1995) : Black Grape
It's My Life (1984) : Talk Talk
Joan Armatrading (1976) : Joan Armatrading
Knife (1984) : Aztec Camera
Look Sharp (1979) : Joe Jackson
Malpractice (1975) : Dr. Feelgood
New Boots and Panties (1977) : Ian Dury and the Blockheads
Man (1996) : Neneh Cherry
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1980) : OMD
Pink Flag (1977) : Wire
Playing With a Different Sex (1981) : Au Pairs
Raincoats (1979) : Raincoats
Real Life (1978) : Magazine
Rickie Lee Jones (1979) : Rickie Lee Jones
Secondhand Daylight (1979) : Magazine
Slaughter on 10th Avenue (1974) : Mick Ronson
The B-52's (1979) : The B-52's
The Boys (1977) : The Boys
The Orange Juice (1984) : Orange Juice
You're Gonna Get It (1978) : Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Hope you're having a great time over the festive period.
Thursday 24 December 2009
Thursday 10 December 2009
Pre Wedding Shoots
What Are They?
I didn't invent the "prewedding shoot" (if you wikipedia "Kim Mason" you'll see I haven't invented anything) nor am I the only wedding photographer offering the "pre-wedding shoot" (but as you can see I'm a wedding photographer who doesn't know how to spell/format the phrase "pre wedding shoot"). These shoots have been round for years so it's surprising to meet so many wedding couples who have no idea what they are.
The pre wedding shoot is a few hours (outdoors) of me taking relaxed/informal photographs of you and your partner. I normally use Pollok Park, Glasgow and it's an opportunity for the three of us to get to know each other. It helps to build an important familiarity between couple and photographer which in turn aids my (natural) approach wedding photography. Afterwards I produce a dvd slideshow of the shoot for you to keep. So you get some great photographs of the two of you; something not many couples already have.
I offer the pre wedding shoot inclusive of my wedding photography service.
Here's a few example images from past pre wedding shoots :
What Are They?
I didn't invent the "prewedding shoot" (if you wikipedia "Kim Mason" you'll see I haven't invented anything) nor am I the only wedding photographer offering the "pre-wedding shoot" (but as you can see I'm a wedding photographer who doesn't know how to spell/format the phrase "pre wedding shoot"). These shoots have been round for years so it's surprising to meet so many wedding couples who have no idea what they are.
The pre wedding shoot is a few hours (outdoors) of me taking relaxed/informal photographs of you and your partner. I normally use Pollok Park, Glasgow and it's an opportunity for the three of us to get to know each other. It helps to build an important familiarity between couple and photographer which in turn aids my (natural) approach wedding photography. Afterwards I produce a dvd slideshow of the shoot for you to keep. So you get some great photographs of the two of you; something not many couples already have.
I offer the pre wedding shoot inclusive of my wedding photography service.
Here's a few example images from past pre wedding shoots :
Friday 4 December 2009
Photography Exhibition : Edinburgh
Norman Taylor : Norman's Old Shed
Norman is a Belfast-born photographer with sight loss. This exhibition is a collection of over 1000 works depicting his garden shed - a project that highlights light and dark, shades and textures, atmosphere, feelings and moods. Here's a link to Norman's website link
4 December 2009 to 15 January 2010
Mon to Fri : 09:30 - 16:30
Mon to Fri : 09:30 - 16:30
RNIPB (Scotland)
12/14 Hillside Crescent
Edinburgh
EH7 5EA
Scotland
Tel : 0131 652 3140
Tuesday 1 December 2009
Christmas Fayre : Personal Work For Sale
In the past (when I've been a stall holder at Art Fayres) I also had enquiries about Wedding and Portrait Photography. So this time I will have sample wedding and portrait albums with me as well.
Here's the address :
Glasgow Gaelic School
Woodside Campus
147 Berkeley Street
Glasgow
G3 7HP
Sunday 29 November 2009
Monday 23 November 2009
Photography Exhibition : Glasgow
Colin Gray : In Sickness and in Health
Trongate 103 (Glasgow's new Creative Arts Centre) has a Colin Gray exhibition on in the Street Level Photo Works Gallery. The exhibition runs until January 23, 2010 and it concludes Colin's series 'The Parents', which chronicles the lives of his mum and dad. I found it a very moving and thought provoking exhibition. Highly recommended.
Trongate 103 (Glasgow's new Creative Arts Centre) has a Colin Gray exhibition on in the Street Level Photo Works Gallery. The exhibition runs until January 23, 2010 and it concludes Colin's series 'The Parents', which chronicles the lives of his mum and dad. I found it a very moving and thought provoking exhibition. Highly recommended.
14 November 2009 to 23 January 2010
Tue to Sat : 10:00 - 17:00
Sun : 12:00 - 17:00Tue to Sat : 10:00 - 17:00
(not December 23
Trongate 103
Glasgow
G1 5HD
Scotland
Tel : 0141 221 6362
Wednesday 18 November 2009
Photography Exhibition : Glasgow
Jesus Has Left The Building : Iain Shaw
An interesting exhibition on at Mono in Glasgow is one by photographer Iain Shaw. Iain documents deconsecrated and converted former churches in Glasgow and Edinburgh using photographs, prose and sound.
A little plug for Mono. Mono is a great bar and restaurant in Glasgow. Apart from the perfunctory booze it also has a range of tasty home cooked dishes, all free of meat, fish and dairy products. It has a relaxing atmosphere and you are positively encouraged to spend time over your dinner/lunch & drinks. So get down there, check out the photography exhibition, grab a bit to eat and chill out listening to the great music provided by inbuilt (and renowned) record shop Monorail. If you're looking for a JDWetherspoon type evening you ain't gonna like Mono.
An interesting exhibition on at Mono in Glasgow is one by photographer Iain Shaw. Iain documents deconsecrated and converted former churches in Glasgow and Edinburgh using photographs, prose and sound.
A little plug for Mono. Mono is a great bar and restaurant in Glasgow. Apart from the perfunctory booze it also has a range of tasty home cooked dishes, all free of meat, fish and dairy products. It has a relaxing atmosphere and you are positively encouraged to spend time over your dinner/lunch & drinks. So get down there, check out the photography exhibition, grab a bit to eat and chill out listening to the great music provided by inbuilt (and renowned) record shop Monorail. If you're looking for a JDWetherspoon type evening you ain't gonna like Mono.
7 November to 3 December 2009
Mon - Sun 12:00pm -12:00am
Admission : Free
Mon - Sun 12:00pm -12:00am
Admission : Free
Mono
12 King's Court
King Street
Glasgow
G1 5RB
Scotland
Tel : 0141 553 2400
Friday 13 November 2009
Photography Exhibition : Glasgow
Berlin Wall : Future Inside the Present
The problems over at the Mackintosh Lighthouse (in Glasgow city centre) seem to be resolved. "Resolved" in this context I think means more public money is on its way. However. Their current photography exhibition is a timely affair. It's the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's demolition and photographers Wolfgang Fuettere and Michelle Letowska photographed the wall's 155km circumference over a period of four years. Their photographs (exhibition link) were taken in what was called Death Strip, a no man's land between the two parallel fortifications commonly known as the Berlin Wall. Now I got a reason to go back to the Lighthouse.
The problems over at the Mackintosh Lighthouse (in Glasgow city centre) seem to be resolved. "Resolved" in this context I think means more public money is on its way. However. Their current photography exhibition is a timely affair. It's the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall's demolition and photographers Wolfgang Fuettere and Michelle Letowska photographed the wall's 155km circumference over a period of four years. Their photographs (exhibition link) were taken in what was called Death Strip, a no man's land between the two parallel fortifications commonly known as the Berlin Wall. Now I got a reason to go back to the Lighthouse.
24 October 2009 to 17 January 2010
Mon, Wed to Sat : 10:30 - 17:00
Tue : 11:00 - 17:00Mon, Wed to Sat : 10:30 - 17:00
Sun : 12:00 - 17:00
The Lighthouse
11 Mitchell Lane
Glasgow
G1 3NU
Scotland
Tel : 0141 221 6362
Monday 9 November 2009
Portraits : Gwen Sinclair - Harpist
At the moment I can't pick up a wedding magazine without reading of the (premature) death of the "Wedding Season". The fact is I'm far from putting my feet up for winter hibernation. Although I'm about to order the last of this years wedding albums there's still the 'small' matter of preparing the images for printing (printed at the best photographic lab in the UK - Loxley Colour here in Glasgow) and assembling the albums (each one will take 5-6 hours). The bulk of the albums will arrive from Queensberry at the beginning of December and I'll be working on them until December 23rd. In amongst all this frantic activity I have a few more weddings in the diary together with portrait and prewedding shoots to complete and process. Phew pass the mulled wine now!
Talking of portrait shoots, I was out with Gwen Sinclair recently for a portrait shoot. Gwen, a fabulous professional Harpist, wanted new images for her publicity material. Here's a few photographs from the shoot.
Gwen is available for weddings on her own (harp) or with a flautist. Here's a link to her website link.
At the moment I can't pick up a wedding magazine without reading of the (premature) death of the "Wedding Season". The fact is I'm far from putting my feet up for winter hibernation. Although I'm about to order the last of this years wedding albums there's still the 'small' matter of preparing the images for printing (printed at the best photographic lab in the UK - Loxley Colour here in Glasgow) and assembling the albums (each one will take 5-6 hours). The bulk of the albums will arrive from Queensberry at the beginning of December and I'll be working on them until December 23rd. In amongst all this frantic activity I have a few more weddings in the diary together with portrait and prewedding shoots to complete and process. Phew pass the mulled wine now!
Talking of portrait shoots, I was out with Gwen Sinclair recently for a portrait shoot. Gwen, a fabulous professional Harpist, wanted new images for her publicity material. Here's a few photographs from the shoot.
Gwen is available for weddings on her own (harp) or with a flautist. Here's a link to her website link.
Wednesday 4 November 2009
Personal Work : Whitelee Windfarm
I was over at the Whitelee Windfarm at the weekend. Situated on Eaglesham Moor (20 miles from Glasgow) and with 140 turbines (generating 322MW of electricity) it's the largest onshore windfarm in Europe.
I walked some of the 90km of trails, took a few photographs and finished off with a great coffee in the Visitor Centre Cafe. Here's a few images from the day :
Whitelee Windfarm
Moor Road
East Renfrewshire
G76 0QQ
Scotland
Visitor Centre Opening:
Mon-Sun
10:00 - 17:00
Admission : Free
I was over at the Whitelee Windfarm at the weekend. Situated on Eaglesham Moor (20 miles from Glasgow) and with 140 turbines (generating 322MW of electricity) it's the largest onshore windfarm in Europe.
I walked some of the 90km of trails, took a few photographs and finished off with a great coffee in the Visitor Centre Cafe. Here's a few images from the day :
Whitelee Windfarm
Moor Road
East Renfrewshire
G76 0QQ
Scotland
Visitor Centre Opening:
Mon-Sun
10:00 - 17:00
Admission : Free
Friday 23 October 2009
Monday 19 October 2009
Portraits : Milly & Josh
Another weekend and another fantastic portrait shoot. Mum and Dad thought it was only for the kids. Milly and Josh (the kids) got Mum and Dad in the action with a bout of leaf throwing. The location was Pollok House , Glasgow.
Thanks for looking.
Another weekend and another fantastic portrait shoot. Mum and Dad thought it was only for the kids. Milly and Josh (the kids) got Mum and Dad in the action with a bout of leaf throwing. The location was Pollok House , Glasgow.
Thanks for looking.
Friday 16 October 2009
Thursday 15 October 2009
Photography Exhibition : Glasgow & Edinburgh
Ortszeit/Local Time : Stefan Koppelkamm
Photography (for me) is the unique ability to capture forever a moment (a person, a place, an event). I also love photographs that show the passage (or ravages) of time, so I will be heading over to the Goethe Institut in Glasgow to see a photography exhibition by photographer Stefan Koppelkamm. Stefan is from East Germany and in 1990 he photographed locations he was to re-photograph 10-12 years later. The exhibition moves onto Edinburgh on November 23rd where the Institut Francais d'Ecosse are hosts until 16th December.
Photography (for me) is the unique ability to capture forever a moment (a person, a place, an event). I also love photographs that show the passage (or ravages) of time, so I will be heading over to the Goethe Institut in Glasgow to see a photography exhibition by photographer Stefan Koppelkamm. Stefan is from East Germany and in 1990 he photographed locations he was to re-photograph 10-12 years later. The exhibition moves onto Edinburgh on November 23rd where the Institut Francais d'Ecosse are hosts until 16th December.
5 October to 19 November 2009 (not Sundays)
Admission Free
Admission Free
Goethe Institut
3 park Circus
Glasgow
G3 6AX
Scotland
Tel : 0141 332 2555
23 November to 16 December 2009 (not Sundays)
Admission Free
Institut Francais d'Ecosse
13 Randolph Crescent
Edinburgh
EH3 7TT
Scotland
Tel : 0131 225 5366
Friday 9 October 2009
Tuesday 6 October 2009
Photography Exhibition : Edinburgh
Revealed : Various Photographers
Only two weeks remaining to catch this intriguing photographic exhibition in Edinburgh at the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland.
The exhibition showcases photographs of Edinburgh by blind photographers Christine Barwick, Sarah Caltieri, Andreas Gartner, Anne Henderson, Robin Marshall, Fiona Powell and Rita Simpson. The photographs challenge preconceptions of visual disability and digital photography.
Only two weeks remaining to catch this intriguing photographic exhibition in Edinburgh at the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland.
The exhibition showcases photographs of Edinburgh by blind photographers Christine Barwick, Sarah Caltieri, Andreas Gartner, Anne Henderson, Robin Marshall, Fiona Powell and Rita Simpson. The photographs challenge preconceptions of visual disability and digital photography.
until 20th October 2009
9:00am - 5:00pmRoyal National Institute of Blind People Scotland
12/14 Hillside Crescent
Edinburgh
EH7 5EA
Scotland
Friday 2 October 2009
Photography Exhibition : Glasgow
Murder Ballads : Stuart Crawford
Starting today (2nd October) photographer Stuart Crawford has an exhibition on at the Biblocafe on Woodlands Road, Glasgow.
Apparently (and I had to read this twice) it explores "the treatment of women in popular love songs re-imagined in the homicidal spirit of Nick Cave". Sounds fun.
Starting today (2nd October) photographer Stuart Crawford has an exhibition on at the Biblocafe on Woodlands Road, Glasgow.
Apparently (and I had to read this twice) it explores "the treatment of women in popular love songs re-imagined in the homicidal spirit of Nick Cave". Sounds fun.
2 October to 31 October 2009
8:30am - 8:00pmBibloCafe
262 Woodlands Road
Glasgow
G3 6NE
Scotland
Wednesday 30 September 2009
Real Life Weddings Magazine
Featured Wedding #2
Featured Wedding #2
The wedding took place just outside Aberdeen, Scotland, in April 2009. The ceremony was held at Skene Castle and the wedding reception at Fyvie Castle. The Bride and Groom came over from New York for the wedding. The Groom (Douglas Rohrer) is proud of his Scottish roots, and has historical links with Skene Castle and the Skene Clan. The Bride (Mary Fontamillas) wore a fantastic couture wedding gown; made for her by Yves Saint Lauren in Paris.
The magazine is out next week but you can read the article on line by clicking this link Real Life Wedding Magazine Article
Monday 28 September 2009
Scotland Wedding Venues : Glasgow
The Piping Centre
Sunday's wedding was held at the University of Glasgow Chapel with the reception and evening entertainment at The National Piping Centre, Glasgow.
So why do I mention this?
Well I've photographed weddings at the University Chapel many times but this was my first wedding visit to the Piping Centre. Occasionally I visit places and come away impressed by either the catering, staff, venue or service. But The Piping Centre (with its own auditorium & stage, hotel and bar) ticked all the boxes. Next time I take in a show I'll be heading for the warm welcome and friendly ambiance at The Piping Centre for my pre-Theatre and post-Theatre drinks.
Sunday's wedding was held at the University of Glasgow Chapel with the reception and evening entertainment at The National Piping Centre, Glasgow.
So why do I mention this?
Well I've photographed weddings at the University Chapel many times but this was my first wedding visit to the Piping Centre. Occasionally I visit places and come away impressed by either the catering, staff, venue or service. But The Piping Centre (with its own auditorium & stage, hotel and bar) ticked all the boxes. Next time I take in a show I'll be heading for the warm welcome and friendly ambiance at The Piping Centre for my pre-Theatre and post-Theatre drinks.
Glasgow
G4 0HW
Scotland
0141 353 5556
Thursday 10 September 2009
New Arts Centre : Glasgow
Trongate 103 : A Centre for the Arts and Creativity
A new and exciting arts centre opens its doors this Saturday (12th September 2009) in Glasgow's Merchant City.
Trongate 103 (on Argyle Street) incorporates galleries, workshops, artists' studios and production space. This is the official pitch:
"... a place to see art, make art, enjoy art and just be creative. Trongate 103 opens the doors to individuals from all backgrounds to develop and enhance their creative abilities and interests through access to a wide range of art forms including film, photograph, printmaking, video, painting, ceramics, new media, kinetic sculpture and public art".
Trongate 103 is in a refurbished six storey Edwardian warehouse. It sounds like a fantastic new arts facility and is another must-see cultural centre for visitors to Scotland.
The venue also features Cafe Cossachok (Scotland's first and only authentic Russian Restaurant). I wonder if there's a discount if you say you're from Stepps?
A new and exciting arts centre opens its doors this Saturday (12th September 2009) in Glasgow's Merchant City.
Trongate 103 (on Argyle Street) incorporates galleries, workshops, artists' studios and production space. This is the official pitch:
"... a place to see art, make art, enjoy art and just be creative. Trongate 103 opens the doors to individuals from all backgrounds to develop and enhance their creative abilities and interests through access to a wide range of art forms including film, photograph, printmaking, video, painting, ceramics, new media, kinetic sculpture and public art".
Trongate 103 is in a refurbished six storey Edwardian warehouse. It sounds like a fantastic new arts facility and is another must-see cultural centre for visitors to Scotland.
The venue also features Cafe Cossachok (Scotland's first and only authentic Russian Restaurant). I wonder if there's a discount if you say you're from Stepps?
Opening Day : Saturday 12th September 2009
Admission Free
Mon-Sat : 10:00 - 17:00
Sun : 12:00 - 17:00
Trongate 103
Glasgow
G1 5HD
tel : 0141 331 4474Admission Free
Mon-Sat : 10:00 - 17:00
Sun : 12:00 - 17:00
Trongate 103
Glasgow
G1 5HD
Tuesday 1 September 2009
Photography Exhibition : Glasgow
Cold War Neons & Socialist Modernity
In light (pun intended) of the problems over at the Mackintosh Lighthouse in Glasgow city centre, I'm not too sure we'll get to see this exhibition. If they manage to save this incredible (and poorly supported) Scottish venue, the planned photographic exhibition is by photographer/academic Ella Chmielewska. It's billed as an examination of the 'neonisation' project initiated in 1960's Warsaw and on display will be large-scale images of urban landscapes alongside colour studies of neons.
In light (pun intended) of the problems over at the Mackintosh Lighthouse in Glasgow city centre, I'm not too sure we'll get to see this exhibition. If they manage to save this incredible (and poorly supported) Scottish venue, the planned photographic exhibition is by photographer/academic Ella Chmielewska. It's billed as an examination of the 'neonisation' project initiated in 1960's Warsaw and on display will be large-scale images of urban landscapes alongside colour studies of neons.
8 September to 4 October 2009
The Lighthouse
11 Mitchell Lane
Glasgow
G1 3NU
Scotland
Tel : 0141 221 6362
Friday 28 August 2009
Portraits : Family Gage
Last weeks wedding was on Sunday so I arranged a family portrait shoot for the Saturday. The Gage family were terrific fun and the weather behaved itself. We headed to Pollok Park in Glasgow for the shoot and afterwards we had a well earned coffee and cake in the Pollok House Edwardian Kitchen Restaurant. Thanks guys; here's a few images from the day.
Daddy Gage (Darren) runs Purple Horizon (an IT Support and Web Hosting & Web Publishing company) based in Glasgow. Thanks for looking.
Last weeks wedding was on Sunday so I arranged a family portrait shoot for the Saturday. The Gage family were terrific fun and the weather behaved itself. We headed to Pollok Park in Glasgow for the shoot and afterwards we had a well earned coffee and cake in the Pollok House Edwardian Kitchen Restaurant. Thanks guys; here's a few images from the day.
Daddy Gage (Darren) runs Purple Horizon (an IT Support and Web Hosting & Web Publishing company) based in Glasgow. Thanks for looking.
Friday 21 August 2009
Photography Exhibition : Glasgow
Conspicuous Consumption : Various Artists
At the moment there's an interesting (multi-media) exhibition in Montgomery's Cafe (near to Kelvingrove Museum). Montgomery's is one of my favourite places for a cake 'n' coffee.
The exhibition (btw nothing to do with indiscreet outbreaks of TB) features the artistic talents of Helen Shaddock, Deirdre McPhillips and Liz West; it's curated by Ugly Duck Exhibits.
At the moment there's an interesting (multi-media) exhibition in Montgomery's Cafe (near to Kelvingrove Museum). Montgomery's is one of my favourite places for a cake 'n' coffee.
The exhibition (btw nothing to do with indiscreet outbreaks of TB) features the artistic talents of Helen Shaddock, Deirdre McPhillips and Liz West; it's curated by Ugly Duck Exhibits.
24 July to 31 August, 2009
Montgomery's Cafe
9 Radnor Street
Glasgow
G3 7UA
Scotland
Thursday 13 August 2009
Personal Work : Scotland Lochscapes
Today I thought it was time to take my good old Fuji S2 digital SLR (dSLR) camera out for a photography stroll in the Trossachs. Even though I now photograph with the Nikon D3 dSLR I can't bear to part with the old dear. The S2 camera is over 7 years old and in digital years that makes the "almost-APS-size sensor" camera less cropped frame more zimmer frame.
IMO Fuji never bettered the S2. I liked the Fuji S3's vertical grip and ditching the silly CR123a batteries, but the image difference between the S2 and S3 was as tight as two coats of paint. The Fuji S5's high ISO capabilities were widely exaggerated (IMO) and to say the menu layout is horrible is exactly what I was going to say. The best things about the S5 are the flash commander mode function and of course rebadging the naff Finepix to the rather cool Fujifilm. So with no S6 on the horizon it looks like the S2 is as good as it's going to get (dSLR-wise).
Here's a few photographs I shot at Loch Venachar with the S2 and the Nikkor 10.5mm f2.8 lens.
The highlights on following photograph are a total all f's blow out. But what (new) camera wouldn't do the same? considering the lighlight is the Sun itself ;-)
If you are one of the many who email me regarding digital black & white conversion techniques, you'll be pleased to know I'll blog on this topic in the next few weeks.
Today I thought it was time to take my good old Fuji S2 digital SLR (dSLR) camera out for a photography stroll in the Trossachs. Even though I now photograph with the Nikon D3 dSLR I can't bear to part with the old dear. The S2 camera is over 7 years old and in digital years that makes the "almost-APS-size sensor" camera less cropped frame more zimmer frame.
IMO Fuji never bettered the S2. I liked the Fuji S3's vertical grip and ditching the silly CR123a batteries, but the image difference between the S2 and S3 was as tight as two coats of paint. The Fuji S5's high ISO capabilities were widely exaggerated (IMO) and to say the menu layout is horrible is exactly what I was going to say. The best things about the S5 are the flash commander mode function and of course rebadging the naff Finepix to the rather cool Fujifilm. So with no S6 on the horizon it looks like the S2 is as good as it's going to get (dSLR-wise).
Here's a few photographs I shot at Loch Venachar with the S2 and the Nikkor 10.5mm f2.8 lens.
The highlights on following photograph are a total all f's blow out. But what (new) camera wouldn't do the same? considering the lighlight is the Sun itself ;-)
If you are one of the many who email me regarding digital black & white conversion techniques, you'll be pleased to know I'll blog on this topic in the next few weeks.
Sunday 9 August 2009
Scotland Wedding Venues : Moorpark House
The weather was incredible and I'm looking forward to returning soon. Here's a couple more images from the day.
Friday 7 August 2009
Photography Exhibition : Peebles
Landscape Large & Small : Dougie Johnston
The Eastgate Theatre & Arts Centre in Peebles is currently showing a Dougie Johnston photography exhibition. It's described as a collection of photographs from "...the most sweeping panorama to the tiniest detail....the natural world of the Borders and elsewhere on all scales". Here's a link to the exhibition link
The Eastgate Theatre & Arts Centre in Peebles is currently showing a Dougie Johnston photography exhibition. It's described as a collection of photographs from "...the most sweeping panorama to the tiniest detail....the natural world of the Borders and elsewhere on all scales". Here's a link to the exhibition link
13 July to 15 August, 2009
Mon - Sat : 13:00 - 17:00
Eastgate Theatre & Arts Centre
Eastgate
Peebles
EH45 8AD
tel : 01721 725785Mon - Sat : 13:00 - 17:00
Eastgate Theatre & Arts Centre
Eastgate
Peebles
EH45 8AD
Free Admission
Sunday 2 August 2009
Favourite Photographers
Garry Winogrand : 1928 - 1984
I've updated my blog list of favourite photographers with the name of Garry Winogrand. Garry captured mid 20th Century American life in the most wierd & (at the same time) compelling photographic vistas.
He was also prolific; very prolific. If you've ever read one of those Monty Pythonesque rants in a photographers blog about how "...in the good old days of film you had to be scrooge-like with your exposures.." and "...you couldn't just snap away like you can now with digital.." or "...I had to shoot 8 hour weddings on 1 roll of 36 exp. film (24 exp. if I wanted to eat that week).."; well consider this : Winogrand is reputed to have exposed 3 rolls of film every day for his entire adult life (100 pictures a day, 36,500 a year). When he died he left more than 2500 rolls of film exposed but undeveloped, 6500 rolls developed but not proofed, and 3000 rolls of unexamined proofs.
So don't feel guilty about how many images you photograph. Equally, the old "film is cheap" mantra is no different to the current "digital is free" nonsense. It wasn't. It isn't. Just do it.
Here's a couple of youtube links to an interesting documentary on the man himself :
Garry Winogrand Documentary Part 1
Garry Winogrand Documentary Part 2
I've updated my blog list of favourite photographers with the name of Garry Winogrand. Garry captured mid 20th Century American life in the most wierd & (at the same time) compelling photographic vistas.
He was also prolific; very prolific. If you've ever read one of those Monty Pythonesque rants in a photographers blog about how "...in the good old days of film you had to be scrooge-like with your exposures.." and "...you couldn't just snap away like you can now with digital.." or "...I had to shoot 8 hour weddings on 1 roll of 36 exp. film (24 exp. if I wanted to eat that week).."; well consider this : Winogrand is reputed to have exposed 3 rolls of film every day for his entire adult life (100 pictures a day, 36,500 a year). When he died he left more than 2500 rolls of film exposed but undeveloped, 6500 rolls developed but not proofed, and 3000 rolls of unexamined proofs.
So don't feel guilty about how many images you photograph. Equally, the old "film is cheap" mantra is no different to the current "digital is free" nonsense. It wasn't. It isn't. Just do it.
Here's a couple of youtube links to an interesting documentary on the man himself :
Garry Winogrand Documentary Part 1
Garry Winogrand Documentary Part 2
Monday 27 July 2009
Photography Exhibition : Bradford
In England : Don McCullin
On Sunday I was driving back to Scotland and decided to call in at the National Media Museum (in Bradford) to see the Don McCullin exhibition. The exhibition represents Don's vision of England taken over a 50-year career; many photographs actually taken in Bradford. I walked around the exhibition twice then went for a coffee. I returned to the gallery later for a third viewing; it really is that good. Here's an exhibition link link
On Sunday I was driving back to Scotland and decided to call in at the National Media Museum (in Bradford) to see the Don McCullin exhibition. The exhibition represents Don's vision of England taken over a 50-year career; many photographs actually taken in Bradford. I walked around the exhibition twice then went for a coffee. I returned to the gallery later for a third viewing; it really is that good. Here's an exhibition link link
8 May to 27 September, 2009
National Media Museum
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD1 1NQ
tel : 0870 7010200National Media Museum
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD1 1NQ
Free Admission
Friday 17 July 2009
Julius Shulman : 1910 - 2009
"One of the finest architectural photographers of all time"
I've just read on the BBC website of the recent death of Julius Shulman (link to BBC article). So what was so special about Shulman? Well (for me) he shows, no matter what the subject, the key to great imagery is considered composition. Take a look at some of his work to see what I mean (link to his work, another link to his work). And the next time you're about to press the shutter take a moment to reconsider how you've framed your shot.
I've just read on the BBC website of the recent death of Julius Shulman (link to BBC article). So what was so special about Shulman? Well (for me) he shows, no matter what the subject, the key to great imagery is considered composition. Take a look at some of his work to see what I mean (link to his work, another link to his work). And the next time you're about to press the shutter take a moment to reconsider how you've framed your shot.
Thursday 16 July 2009
Photography Exhibition : Paisley
Double Exposure : Paisley Museum & Art Gallery
You have until Sunday 19th July to see photographs of Paisley taken by celebrated local artists Hugh Gibson and Charles Soutar. The exhibition is on at Paisley Museum & Art Gallery.
You have until Sunday 19th July to see photographs of Paisley taken by celebrated local artists Hugh Gibson and Charles Soutar. The exhibition is on at Paisley Museum & Art Gallery.
15 May to 19 July, 2009
Tue- Sat 10:00 - 17:00Sun 14:00 - 17:00
Paisley Museum & Art Gallery
High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BA
Scotland
Tel : 0141 889 3151
Wednesday 15 July 2009
Photography Exhibition : Edinburgh
A Developed Vision : Pioneering Scottish & French Photography
If you're into photography history you haven't long to catch this fascinating exhibition over at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh. The exhibition features early examples of photography from Scotland and France; on display is a burgeoning range of photographic techniques from the likes of Hill and Adamson, Dr Thomas Keith, John Stewart of Pau, John Dudgeon, Henri Le Secq, Bisson Frères and Charles Nègre.
Here's a link to the exhibition link
If you're into photography history you haven't long to catch this fascinating exhibition over at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh. The exhibition features early examples of photography from Scotland and France; on display is a burgeoning range of photographic techniques from the likes of Hill and Adamson, Dr Thomas Keith, John Stewart of Pau, John Dudgeon, Henri Le Secq, Bisson Frères and Charles Nègre.
Here's a link to the exhibition link
27 April to 27 July, 2009
(Mondays or by Appointment)
Admission : Free(Mondays or by Appointment)
Royal Scottish Academy
The Mound
Edinburgh
EH2 2EL
Scotland
Tel : 0131 225 6671
Sunday 5 July 2009
Photography Exhibition : Edinburgh
Ayesha Malik
The Amber Arts is exhibiting new photographic work from Edinburgh based artist/photographer Ayesha Malik.
The Amber Arts is exhibiting new photographic work from Edinburgh based artist/photographer Ayesha Malik.
23 June to 21 July, 2009
(Tues-Sat)
Admission : Free(Tues-Sat)
Amber Arts
78 Montrose Terrace
Abbeyhill
Edinburgh
EH7 5DP
Scotland
Tel : 0131 661 1167
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Photography Exhibition : Aberdeen
Chick Chalmers : American Life
The Aberdeen Art Gallery has an exhibition of Scottish photographer Chick Chalmers' photographs of "American Life 1948-1998" on at the moment.
Don't forget to take-in the Damien Hirst photograph while you're in the Art Gallery.
Did you notice how I refused to make any gags about going to see "Chick Films"; it was a struggle I can tell you.
The Aberdeen Art Gallery has an exhibition of Scottish photographer Chick Chalmers' photographs of "American Life 1948-1998" on at the moment.
Don't forget to take-in the Damien Hirst photograph while you're in the Art Gallery.
Did you notice how I refused to make any gags about going to see "Chick Films"; it was a struggle I can tell you.
1 June to 30 August, 2009
Admission : FreeAberdeen Art Gallery
Schoolhill
Aberdeen
AB10 1FQ
Scotland
Tel : 01224 523700
Wednesday 24 June 2009
My Wedding Photography
1983 - 2009 : What's Changed?
I receive emails asking about my style of wedding photography and how I got started. In general I avoid these questions because (in all honesty) if I was any good with words I'd be a writer and not a photographer.
Recently, however, ("however" on this occasion means I am going to talk about my work) I was going through some old images and was struck by how much my work had hardly altered since I took my first wedding photographs in 1983.
Here's an example. This image was taken in 1983 :
I receive emails asking about my style of wedding photography and how I got started. In general I avoid these questions because (in all honesty) if I was any good with words I'd be a writer and not a photographer.
Recently, however, ("however" on this occasion means I am going to talk about my work) I was going through some old images and was struck by how much my work had hardly altered since I took my first wedding photographs in 1983.
Here's an example. This image was taken in 1983 :
This is from a wedding in 2006 :
and this was taken in May 2009 :
I include the wedding couple in the 2006 & 2009 images but essentially it's the same photograph.
Here's another example. The 1983 image first:
this is from a wedding in 2008 :
And now one from 2009 :
Again it's the same shot.
The only thing that's changed is I now use wider angle lenses. I still have the same approach and I still use 35mm cameras (although now it's digital). I guess you could say still the same stills (groan).
And the reason my wedding photography is more or less the same is because my attitude has not changed since 1983; I tell the story of the day, leave events to unfold naturally and (also) capture what is happening around the day's main characters.
My wedding photography style came about by pure chance. The groom in the 1983 wedding (a keen photographer himself) wanted "candid-type" images in addition to traditional wedding photographs and asked me if I would take them. It really was as simple as that.
The final image is me at work in '83. I no longer have the "tank-metal" built Pentax SLR (alas) but I do still have the suit (alas).
Thanks for looking.
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