MS-Imaging

Modelling shoot with Holly `Bambi Berretta' Searle

2012-02-17T20:45:00.000Z

Continuing my simplified equipment theme and really enjoying it, this was an urban shoot I was invited to and not knowing any of the models I wasn't sure what to expect. Of the 3 models there I started working with Holly (aka Bambi) and as usual, the shoot seemed to get better as it went. All shots taken with Canon 5D mkii and Canon 24-70 F2.8 L lens. Click the images for bigger sizes:

Kate - Back with Modelling Photography

2012-01-31T19:59:00.001Z

After a 3 month break from not only modelling photography, but also back to digital imaging after using film only. This was another shoot arranged for the Bristol & South West Modelling Photography (BSWMP). The model I feature here is Kate Davies (as she is fairly new to modelling and my 1st time with her). I'm still in B&W mode after using only B&W film. I (as usual) set my camera's LCD to B

More Urban Candids (Bath)

2011-12-24T19:38:00.000Z

My favourite local(ish) spot for urban photography. I'm still limiting myself to film only, but this time using a Canon EOS 620 camera with a Canon 35-105 zoom & 135 F2 prime for low light. I was using Ilford HP5 400 iso film as it was an overcast day. Click the images for bigger sizes

A Return to Urban Images, the Classic Way

2011-12-12T17:51:00.004Z

I've stopped shooting modelling photography now and my return is questionable. Instead, I'm now concentrating solely on the images I enjoy shooting; one of them is urban candids, but in the classic tradition of using black & white film and often on a rangefinder (not Leica unfortunately). It does take a little more effort to learn a new method; manual, pre/scale focus on my rangefinders and no

Memories

2011-12-06T19:25:00.001Z

Instead of anything arty today, a look at the now-derelict pub that I used to frequent in 1988-89. It wasn't exactly local and I was usually driving so I can only comment on what their Coca Cola was like (same as everywhere else). Seeing it brings back fond memories of days in my youth. Sadly a condition dictates that it cannot be reopened as a public house, so it now sits with boards on the

Gothic Modelling Shoot

2011-11-24T19:13:00.002Z

This was shot with (newish) model Sophie Mangham. I used a mixture of ambient lighting along with on & off camera flash. Images were converted to B&W in Silver Efex Pro. Click the images for bigger sizes Click here to see more of Sophie

Amazing Street Art

2011-10-20T19:39:00.000+01:00

Some legal graffiti in Bristol Centre. Click the images for bigger sizes:

A Shoot With Annie Price

2011-10-20T19:08:00.002+01:00

A selection of shots with Annie Price on an unseasonably hot (27 degrees C) October Sunday. Click the images for bigger sizes:

Canon T90 in Use

2011-09-22T20:29:00.000+01:00

After everything I've been saying about not investing in another camera system, I guessed it wouldn't be long before I did. I was given a bag of old cameras back in March; inside the bag were a few gems (and a few dogs) including a rather scruffy Canon AE-1. Now I have always avoided the FD mount system and the dreaded `Canon Cough' that goes with these cameras, so I was surprised that it

Some Recent Portraits

2011-09-22T20:11:00.001+01:00

These were shot at the beginning of the month at a Bristol & South West Modelling Photography event (BSWMP). Sadly, real life has been hectic and the blogging has been on hold. Click the images for bigger sizes Model: Nicole Sarsons Model: Annie Price Model: Lola Aderonke Vedette Model: Shannie Cole

More Classic Cars

2011-09-01T19:33:00.000+01:00

I just love shooting these classics. I usually use a wide angle lens in close for perspective distortion, along with a short telephoto lens for abstract macro shots. On this occasion, I used a 24mm Ensinor lens along with a Tamron SP Adaptall-2 90mm Macro lens.

Beam me up Scotty!!

2011-08-13T15:19:00.003+01:00

AE-1_HP5_019, originally uploaded by martinsmith99.A lucky break in the clouds which lasted just a few mins. I shot this on B&W film (as it's all I had on the day) in Gloucester not far from the canal by the docks.

Boo!

2011-07-18T16:16:00.001+01:00

Nope, I'm not trying to scare you. I was referring to a recent shoot with the model & dancer known as `Boo'. Click the images for bigger sizes (jump to Flickr): The rest of the shoot can be seen by clicking here.

Ok, who buried the Super Model?

2011-07-08T14:52:00.000+01:00

I spotted this at Weston-Super-Mare beach; two huge piles of sand from a truck. It was the 1st of many piles of sand so I got lucky with my timing. Click the images for bigger sizes (jump to Flickr): And a crop:

Just One Shot

2011-06-24T22:29:00.000+01:00

At a group shoot I thought my camera would remain in my bag; we had a number of models no let us down (thanks a bunch!) and quite a few togs. I did manage to get one (and only one) shot of Hannah, but I was quite pleased with the result; so much so that I processed it two separate ways. Which is best? I can't decide. Click the images for bigger sizes (jump to Flickr)

Beach Shoot

2011-05-31T19:00:00.001+01:00

This was quite a cold evening so my respect for models: Laura Ruffell, Pritesh Jethwa & Connor McKenzy for donning the rather small outfits and making this shoot possible. Key lighting was a single strobe fired through a softbox. I also used a single strobe for fill or back-light in some shots. Click the images for bigger sizes (jump to Flickr): This last image was lit by a single

Hearing Aid Battery?

2011-05-30T12:21:00.001+01:00

I spotted this whilst in Brean at the weekend. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera with me so I was limited to using my mobile phone's camera. I pity the person that tries to use these batteries in their hearing aid. Click the image for bigger size:

Zero Signal

2011-05-16T20:58:00.003+01:00

These are from a recent shoot with new band Zero Signal. I used 1 or 2 speedlights in the shots, one in a shoot through umbrella and occasionally a 2nd as rim light. I've also used a slightly different style of processing I've used a bit recently. Click the images for bigger sizes (jump to Flickr) Finally a shot with a more standard look to it for comparison. Hear Zero Signal at:

Yet Another Lens Review

2011-05-05T20:09:00.004+01:00

As always, a cheap one that performs well, and (shock, horror) an auto focus lens. May I present the Vivitar 19-35mm (sold under many other brand names but made by Cosina). Users of crop sensor camera probably will have littel use of this lens, but I bought the lens as it works on full frame/35mm cameras and is MUCH lighter than the 24-70mm. It's primary use will be on film cameras and/or

Crap Car For Sale

2011-04-22T10:55:00.002+01:00

These were taken at an Italian car show in Bristol. The strange thing is that the cars either side were completely untouched and all arrived that morning. Click the images for bigger sizes:

Finally, Some Improvement

2011-03-18T20:27:00.000Z

I've dipped in and out of modelling photography a few times, but since May 2010 I have been doing this as a priority. Helping me do this are the great models, make-up artists and photographers of a Flickr group I set up in September called 'Bristol & South West Modelling Photography' (we're also now on Facebook & Twitter). The following are a few shots that I feel are my best images of each

Who Needs A Light Meter?

2011-03-18T19:54:00.005Z

This was just a test shot to see how the lighting was looking. I bounced 2x Yongnuo 560s off the wall behind me, both set on 1/4 power; given the distance to the model I estimated that that would give me F5.6. Here's the result which has had no adjustment to the exposure. I think I've been doing this too long. :) Model: Laura Ruffell http://www.lauraruffell.com/

Hotwells Urban B&W Film Shots

2011-03-10T19:13:00.001Z

It's been a while since I shot any film and I have a few cameras to test. These were all taken at the end of February on a day which started out cloudy with some rain, but turned into a warm, spring-like day. I've been meaning to get some shots of the Clifton Rock Railway as well as some of the other sights that I have missed around the Hotwells area of Bristol. All taken with a Canon EOS 50

Modelling Shoot with Kate

2011-02-19T11:15:00.000Z

These were taken with with new model Kate Davies. I used a few of lenses for the shoot, but my favourites were taken mainly with an old Meyer Trioplan 100mm and these are featured below. In the 1st photo, I was surprised that a lens of such basic design and lacking the modern coating did such a good job when pointing into the harsh afternoon sun. I think some of my modern lenses would have let

Modelling Shoot - Lorena

2011-01-30T19:34:00.000Z

These were taken at a recent shoot. It was supposed to be an experimental lighting workshop, but as all I had available to me was my usual lighting rig which I know inside out, there didn't seem much to experiment with. Plus, I was trying to demonstrate to my co-photog my usual go-to setup which is used throughout. Click the images for bigger sizes (jump to Flickr) Camera & Lens: Canon 5D

More Portraiture & Lighting Techniques

2011-01-22T13:05:00.002Z

These were taken at a recent event and feature a few techniques that some may wish to explore. The 1st two images I used an umbrella with 2x flashes as key light and a bare flash directly behind the model which gives a hard rim light and also illuminates the rain. Click the images for bigger sizes (jump to Flickr) Model: Ozy Hussain The ambient light here was very poor so the background

Urban Night Shots

2010-12-31T11:07:00.000Z

Just some shots I took around Bristol Centre and harbour before the festive period. Click the images for bigger sizes (jump to flickr):

Merry Xmas!

2010-12-18T19:31:00.000Z

It's been a busy time and not much time on the blog, but just to wish you all a Merry Christmas from me, MS-Imaging & Bristol & South West Modelling Photography! Click the image for bigger sizes: Model: Laura Ruffell

Strobist B&W Film Shoot

2010-12-01T17:40:00.001Z

This was an event in November. The weather was about to change for the worst, but the models managed to brave the elements. I shot 2 rolls of film in 2 different cameras (to save time). I did have a 3rd roll of film ready, but everyone had had enough of the cold and I wasn't sure I'd be able to load another roll as I couldn't feel my fingers. I was keen to combine off-camera flash, modelling

Sometimes it's not the obvious

2010-11-17T05:40:00.001Z

This was taken at an outdoor shoot recently. I really didn't think of using B&W on such a colourful model, but it seemed to work better than the original which I was not so excited about. Lighting was 2 flash heads on a Triflash holder with an umbrella as key (camera right) and single bare flash camera left set about 1 stop under for fill. Model: Melaney `Bubblefaery' Carey. Click the images

60' Style Shoot

2010-11-17T05:26:00.000Z

These were taken last month at a 60's-style shoot. It's been a bit manic lately so I'm a bit behind. The scooters belonged to the Bristol Scooter club. Rge models were Helen Drew and Cerise Banwell. Click the images for bigger sizes (jump to my Flickr pages):

Daylight Fireworks @ Louisiana, Bristol

2010-11-12T14:45:00.002Z

Once again I had the pleasure of shooting indie band Daylight Fireworks where they headlined at the Louisiana. Click the images for bigger sizes (jump to Flickr)

Daylight Fireworks

2010-11-07T19:39:00.002Z

I had an idea for a location for a band shoot, using the remains of the Aust ferry port, the Severn Crossing and surrounding beach for a band shoot for indie group the Daylight Fireworks. Once again the weather was in my favour, but the lighting was really harsh and challenging for my poor strobes. I was forced to used two bare strobes on a Triflash holder for key. Some later shots had a 2nd

Amazing Colours

2010-10-18T19:29:00.002+01:00

I'm sure that before I took up photography a few years ago, I walked around with my eyes shut. A Sunday afternoon and a couple of hours around Bristol harbour and I was like a tourist with an itchy shutter finger. Keeping it to one theme here's a few that feature a liberal splash of colour. Click the images for bigger sizes (jump to Flickr) Finally a splash of seasonal colour which has

All we are saying, is give PEAS a chance!

2010-10-01T17:17:00.003+01:00

I spotted this roadworks sign in South Glos; the locals had used plastic cups to write "peace" onto the barriers in a protest about HGVs using the road. Some `wag ' had amended their notice. Ironically the HGVs are from a well-known supermarket. (Clicking the images will take you to my Flickr pages) Here is the full size original: A crop of the left hand side barrier: The amended version:

Classic!

2010-09-26T18:41:00.002+01:00

DSC00111, originally uploaded by martinsmith99.I decided to buy a simple point and shoot with the intention of keeping it with me as much as possible. I'm glad I did when I spotted this bin in Brighton. Clearly the C was originally a G.

Gritty Look

2010-09-10T05:40:00.006+01:00

This is a technique I use for certain situations. It's mainly done in camera RAW by sliding most of the sliders fully to the right then reducing the saturation. Start with a slightly cold white balance. Now set the following sliders Recovery = 100 Fill Light = 100 Blacks = Drag this slider to the right to taste. Try and get the exposure close Contrast = 100 Clarity = 100 Vibrance = 100

Bristol Strobists @ Hotwells Urban Fashion Shoot

2010-09-07T19:19:00.002+01:00

Again I got lucky with the weather (not that I'm complaining) and another great group shoot despite one of my flash guns dying of old age overuse. All images lit by bare flash (balance with ambient). Click the images for bigger sizes (jump to Flickr): Models: Melanie `Bubblefaery' Carey (1&4), Helen Drew (3&5), Pritesh Jethwa (2&4) Helen's make-up by Emma Knibbs. Bubblefaery's

A Throwaway Image?

2010-09-05T20:06:00.001+01:00

Castle Park, Bristol, originally uploaded by martinsmith99.This was taken on my way to a training course on a 99p Olympus AF-1 Twin. I bought it as it was weatherproof and handy to put in my pocket when I don't want to carry a bag full of kit.At the time of posting it is now my most viewed image on Flickr. I still don't see the attraction, but perhaps someone can enlighten me?

The Daylight Fireworks @ The Fleece & Firkin

2010-08-31T19:33:00.004+01:00

After meeting up with Iain Gorrie the guitarist for Indie rock band, the Daylight Fireworks at Bristol Strobist group shoot, I asked if they needed a photographer for promo or live events. I really do get a buzz from these shoots. He was quite keen on having some photos done at an event at the Fleece & Firkin in Bristol where they were the 2nd band on out of 4. Looking at the varnished wooden

Bristol Strobists' Group Shoot 7 Aug at Clevedon Beach

2010-08-13T19:18:00.000+01:00

This was another successful Strobist group shoot. Despite the weather being awful all week and even raining whilst making the 20 minute car journey. As we arrived at Clevedon, we were greeted by clear blue sky. I really think I've pushed my luck as far as it will go now. Anyway, the 1st pic and this was probably the best of mine on the night was of Aimee Tipps. The sun was setting so I used

Bristol Stobists Group Shoot @ Mangotsfield Train Station

2010-08-01T15:59:00.000+01:00

These are a few shots from our recent goup shoot at Mangotsfield Train Station. There's not much reamining of the old station except for a couple of walls and a platform. The windows make great backdrops (especially when lit with coloured gels). Click the images for bigger sizes: Key lighting was provided by 3x Nikon SB-28s on Triflash holder and back/hair light was a Vivitar 285HV with

The Laughing Swan

2010-07-07T18:38:00.001+01:00

Laughing Swan, originally uploaded by martinsmith99.I'm not sure what tickled him but he seemed to be having a good chuckle!

PANIC! PANIC! PANIC!

2010-07-07T18:34:00.001+01:00

Crazy Bird, originally uploaded by martinsmith99.It wasn't until I open up this photo on the PC that I realised how crazy it looked. Caption anyone?Enjoy!

Uncle Buck @ Yate Music Festival

2010-06-27T11:49:00.003+01:00

This was an awkward one to shoot. The strong afternoon sun was backlighting the stage so the only was was to stay in close in the shade and use flash. Seeing the strong sunshine I left my fast primes at home: big mistake! I think this was the same stage (truck) that was used at the last festival. Unfortunately I could not get an angle behind the band onto the crowd as I did at the last

Uncle Buck @ Bradley Stoke Festival

2010-06-19T16:13:00.003+01:00

This time as only a 3-piece Uncle Buck performed at the Bradley Stoke Festival. They sounded great and had quite a crowd watching and cheering. More images at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ms-imaging/sets/72157624184579719/ Band website: www.unclebuckband.co.uk

Le Tiss

2010-06-12T19:17:00.002+01:00

Le Tiss, originally uploaded by martinsmith99.A chance grab shot at a recent event in Bradley Stoke. Le Tiss showed up and was quickly bundled onto the stage to say a few words. He was unprepared. If he looks nervous it may be because he's standing next to the awesome Uncle Buck guiterist, Tony Wigginton.

Newport Towers

2010-06-12T19:09:00.001+01:00

I had a look around here back in November. Armed that time with only a point & shoot film camera loaded with B&W film, I decided to try and capture it with more quality before it gets bulldozed and turned into yet another housing estate. Click the images for bigger sizes: View the set at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ms-imaging/sets/72157624100214155/

Berkeley Classic Car Show

2010-06-01T07:25:00.004+01:00

This car really stood out when I arrived. I'd been shooting with a wide angle earlier, but as the other cars and people started to leave I was able to stand back a bit and compose it differently. I desaturated all colours apart from red and added a little vignette. I'm happy with the way they have turned out which I think adds some drama. Click images for larger sizes on Flickr. The next

March Winds and April Flowers, Bring Forth..........

2010-05-31T18:49:00.001+01:00

After what seemed to be the longest winter, finally some sunshine & showers flowers! Click the images for bigger sizes or click here to visit this set on Flickr

Bristol Strobist Shoot - Severn Beach 22 May 2010

2010-05-29T13:56:00.004+01:00

This was my 1st go at organising a group shoot. Despite a model pulling out at the last minute it went quite well (not to self: overbook models). I used this location as it was one of my favourite places with a decent backdrop and as luck would have it, perfect weather. Thanks to Models `HannahMarie & LauraRuffel and to Emma Knibbs for make up. Click the images for bigger sizes:

More from the Ships' Graveyard

2010-05-12T16:47:00.004+01:00

These shots were taken before the others, but I didn't get a chance to finish the film until recently. The Camera was the Canon EF-M loaded with Kodak Tri-X 400iso. Lenses were mainly the Vivitar Series 1 35-85mm and the Super-Takumar 24mm. Both were fitted with an orange filter. Film developed in Ilfosol 3 at 1:9 dilution. Click the images for bigger sizes

The Ships' Graveyard - Purton

2010-04-15T18:02:00.004+01:00

These are what's left of the ships that have been beeched many years ago at Purton along the Severn. Now in a bad shape and being absorbed into the mud. Click the images for bigger sizes: More to come so watch this space.

Poodles of Doom

2010-03-31T19:05:00.011+01:00

This is a selection of images I shot for The Poodles of Doom in their recent gig at The Oxford in Totterdown, Bristol. Click the images for bigger sizes:

Uncle Buck - Live

2010-03-08T18:51:00.001Z

These were taken 7 March 2010 at the Royal Oak in Chipping Sodbury and feature Uncle Buck a rock covers band from the South West UK. See http://www.unclebuckband.co.uk/ for more about them. The space was a little cramped so it was mainly on-camera flash, bounced off the not-quite-white ceiling (great for white balance...NOT!). Click the images for bigger sizes: More images at: http://

Along the Severn

2010-03-04T19:32:00.003Z

I took these shots recently from under the old Severn bridge. The old Aust ferry slipway and buildings are still just about standing. Taken on a Zenit 12 XP and Fomapan 100iso film. Click images for bigger sizes. Larger images here

Street Art at Bristol Docks

2010-02-21T19:56:00.001Z

Another sunny weekend and just a hint of slightly warmer weather, so I thought a trip to the docks was in order. I was shooting mainly black & white film, but I did pack the Canon 40D DSLR which enabled me to capture these images which are constantly changing. Presently they are extremely vibrant. Click images for bigger size. All images with Canon 40D and Vivitar 19mm F3.8 lens

A Star-Filled Night Shoot in Bristol

2010-02-15T18:54:00.002Z

Nope, not that kind of star. This was an 8-point star filter. Well, this is one of my toys that I've had for a while and not really tried it out. I'm not going to pass these of as my better photos as it was merely a test to see how the flilter performed. You can get these cheaply in smallers sizes, so I bought a 49mm version as this will fit most of my older manual lenses. Carl Zeiss 135mm

Urban Candids in Bath

2010-02-15T18:02:00.003Z

Bath is one of my two favourite cities for street candids. It has plenty to to offer for photographers and there seem to be as many people with cameras as without, so there's very little attention drawn towards urban shooters. This was a test of my new Canon 135mm lens; a focal length I don't really use for candids, preferring a shorter focal length for this kind of work to allow me to get

Uncle Buck

2010-01-31T13:38:00.006Z

I was invited to take some photos of a local rock covers band at their rehersal. The studio was cramped (to put it mildly so equipment was very limited. The walls were purple which would make bounced flash a no-no and there was no room for an umbrella for diffusion. I used a mixture of flash guns, usually one as a main light and one with a sto-fen diffuser for fill, occasionally a 3rd light to

Some Chairs

2010-01-31T12:29:00.003Z

I found these chairs on an industrial site. The colourful sky and the orange containers behind seemed to make a colourful shot. Foreground lit by a Nikon SB-28 on camera, Camera was a Canon 40D with Sigma 17-70 lens Different chairs, same light: Different chais again but with black and white conversion and natural light:

Modern Architecture, or Lego?

2010-01-25T20:56:00.010Z

Working in planning you think I'd be sick of the topic, but any excuse to take some photos is good enough for me. I was inspired to capture these images after seeing similar in various magazines and thinking maybe I could do as good of a job. The location was Bristol Harbourside. I feel really old when I tell people I remember when it was all fields wasteland. Now the modern buildings (that a

More Snow Photographs

2010-01-11T18:43:00.000Z

I made a visit to one of my favourite locations as I had a feeling that the sunset would again be spectacular. I wasn't disappointed. I got to the footpath around 3pm so I had time to get some daylight shots first. But then as the sun started to set, the more interesting light was captured. Note the heartshape in the icicle. The daylight images were taken with a

Snow Pics

2010-01-09T12:15:00.004Z

As it seems so many people are taking pics of the rare sight of snow, I thought I'd join in. All pics here taken with a Canon 40D and a Helios 44-2 lens. (Click images for larger view).

Sights Around Hotwells/Cumberland Basin

2010-01-06T11:45:00.005Z

These were taken on a crisp sunny Sunday in Early Jan using 2 very different cameras. A modern digital SLR in the shape of a Canon 40D and an old 1966 Russian rangefinder in the shape of a FED 2. If I was dishonest I would claim that I was making a comparison between the 2 mediums to show how they recorded this type of photography. As I'm not dishonest (at least on this occasion) it was purely

Bargain Find

2009-12-20T11:28:00.010Z

It's amazing what you can find in shops. I'd been looking on a well-known auction site for an old Tamron Adaptall-2 SP 300mm lens to use on both digital an film. Eveytime, outbid. Now the lenses on offer at the time were not in great cosmetic shape, so when I spotted this mint condition lens & case for only 30 pounds I knew that it would be money well spent.Here is the lens:And here are some

Modelling Shoot with `Steferny' and an Old Lens

2009-11-08T19:15:00.004Z

I've been wanting to try my skill at using some of my old manual focus lenses in a modelling shoot or for portraiture. Not wanting to have nothing to give the model at the end of the shoot, I opted to do half with my trusty Sigma auto focus and the other half with a 1971 Helios 44-2 (58mm F2) lens.Being a 58mm lens and used on my Canon 40D, the field of view equates to that of just over 90mm

Adjusting Infinity Focus

2009-10-22T17:30:00.006+01:00

I found that one of my wide angled lenses was not reaching infinity so I decided to have a go at fixing it myself. It wasn't an expensive purchase but the lens was in fantastic condition and is quite rare. Many lenses have a similar setup for infinity focus adjustment.The following details how I set about rectifying the problem. The folloing is for illustration purposes only. I take no

PhoDOGraphy

2009-10-09T18:05:00.002+01:00

I was supposed to be shooting birds of prey at a local falconry centre, but with my best lens for this task on loan (why did I give my wife my old DSLR?), I didn't have the right equipment for the job. Add to this the overcast lighting and it was obvious that this wasn't going to happen, so I started to look around for other opportunities.However, in the centre there was a family of labradors.

A View of Laycock

2009-09-20T19:47:00.006+01:00

More home developed B&W film shots from a dayout at Laycock. The camera again was the Chinon CE-3 with the Ensinor 24mm lens attached and the film was Ilford FP4+.

Corfe Castle

2009-09-20T13:22:00.007+01:00

These were taken at Corfe Castle in Dorset. The camera used was a Chinon CE-3 Memotron equiped with a 24mm Ensinor lens and Ilford FP4+ black & white film and developed by me. I felt that these picture would be better suited to B&W which I think has worked.1st view when entering the grounds: (click images for larger view)The ruins within:This is the view from the grounds looking down on the

Bristol Strobists' 4th Shoot (at The Crown, St Nicholas Market

2009-08-31T18:18:00.004+01:00

An August bank holiday weekend saw the increasingly popular `Bristol Stobists' on the streets of Bristol looking for locations to get some photos. After deciding against an outdoor shoot due to the weather and many people in party spirit (otherwise known as drunken idiots) we managed (through the negotiating skills of one of the group) to gain access to a basement bar of a local pub.This 1st shot

Playing With Fire

2009-08-28T20:29:00.006+01:00

A late summer's evening around a campfire when everyone else was relaxing and reflecting on the day that had almost finished, saw me (no surprise) looking for other opportunities to get some photos. I had shot a few candids using the glow of the bonfire, but I ended up concentrating of the flames.For this shot, I set the drive to continuos (6.5fps) and selected this shot just as the hot ash was

Portraits of Matthew John at Thornbury Castle

2009-08-23T14:51:00.006+01:00

It's not often that I get to shoot portraits in such interesting locations, so this was a rarity that I couldn't pass up. Matthew had arranged with to use Thornbury Castle to kindly have the use of some of their rooms for us to useIt was early evening on an August day. The strong sunlight was coming in through the window so I used this as my backlight. My main light had an umbrella attached and

Photography With a Darkroom Enlarger Lens

2009-08-16T17:09:00.011+01:00

I've seen a few of these on auction sites that often don't make the starting bids. This one was listed vaguely but I thought I would take a chance so I bidded £0.99 (gbp) and was successful.The lens arrived and has a 39mm thread mount which I hoped for as I have an M39>M42 adapter and a set of bellows waiting. I tried it out on the bathroom window handle (one of my fav tests for new lenses) and

Quality on a budget

2009-08-08T08:40:00.013+01:00

Good quality comes at a price right? Well I would argue that as I have a number of old lenses that I have picked up on the well-known auction site and at charity shops. These almost forgotten gems are making a comback, now that people have seen what they are capable of.In this post I am featuring the popular Helios 58mm prime (M42 mount) that was standard issue on Zenit cameras. I have two of

Shooting Film

2009-07-15T19:13:00.007+01:00

Now and again I like to shoot film because this makes me concentrate on exposure and composition, rather than filling up a memory card and throwing most of them out. This time, however, the 2 rolls of film were used for a different purpose.The 1st roll was loaded into my Vivitar 35ES range finder. This was ideal for taking up on journeys when an SLR with a bagfull of lenses is not pleasant to

Bristol Strobists' 3rd Meeting

2009-07-10T21:17:00.012+01:00

These photos were taken at our 3rd meeting. I spent most of the evening snapping a new model called Rachael. Initially starting out with a single flash, sometimes working ambient light, sometimes not.For the next shot a 1/2 CTO gel was added to the flash to allow me to make the white balance cooler to get the best out of the sunset.Later in the evening a 2nd flash added for fill and on occasion a

Ignoring the Rules

2009-07-03T18:40:00.008+01:00

How many times have you heard the experts saying, "Don't shoot in the midday sun"? Well, I never did do what I was told.The heatwave had began to pass (I don't do hot!), so grabbed the camera and a couple of lenses and headed off to Portishead Marina to grab some snaps and then headed to Ashton Court to get a couple more. All shots were taken between 12 noon and 3pm, in bright sunshine. No

That Tree Shot Again

2009-06-27T20:04:00.006+01:00

I hadn't taken any photos for a while and was determined to get something today, even if it meant going over old ground; so I did.I decided what gear I was going to take with me. I wanted to travel light, so just grabbed my Canon 40D with my Vivitar Series 1 35-85mm F2.8 lens and also my Zeiss 135mm just incase I needed something longer. For the shots below, I only used the Vivitar, with a

Bristol Strobists' 2nd Meeting

2009-06-12T20:42:00.005+01:00

This was the second outing for the Bristol Stobist group from Net-Model (I understand that the original group is on Flikr).The 1st 3 images feature Stephanie Wakeman. I used a single unmodified Nikon SB28 flash on quarter power to give me an aperture of F5.6 @ iso 100. The next set of images feature Correna Churchill. I used two SB28s on these images. The flashes were unmodified except for a blue

Short Sharp Shoots through the week

2009-06-07T20:46:00.001+01:00

I've been bitten by the urban photography bug again. Unfortunatley, the weather hasn't been at it's best and time is my enemy. Camera again was the Canon 40D. Lenses were Sigma 17-70, Canon 50mm F1.8 and Canon 70-200 F4 L.In reverse order, these candids were shot today at Weston Super Mare. I just loved the sky so grabbed this pic as we were leaving.This was shot Saturday night at Bath. Light was

Quick Candids at Bristol Docks

2009-05-31T20:00:00.001+01:00

It was a bright sunny Sunday afternoon. My wife & I went to the docks at Bristol. I can always find something to shoot there and haven't done much street photography lately. I normally shoot street candids with either my 17-70mm Sigma zoom or if the light is poor, I'll use my Canon 50mm. This time I thought maybe I should try my large white Canon 70-200mm lens.For reasons unknown to me, I'm

Water Iris and Depth of Field

2009-05-26T21:08:00.001+01:00

Down at the lake on a sunny bank holiday Monday with no plans as to what I was going to shoot I spotted these iris flowers that bees were busying themselves around.Keeping the depth of field as shallow as possible to eliminate background distractions I used a Nikkor-S.C 50mm F1.4 at F4 for the 1st pic. The next 3 where taken with a Pentacon 135mm F2.8 (the Bokeh Monster) with a 20mm extension

Shooting Ducks (and other birds)

2009-05-25T15:26:00.001+01:00

A peaceful Sunday afternoon at the lakes.Canon 40D with Tair 300mm attached. I've a love/hate relationship with this lens :D

Spring is Here

2009-05-24T14:11:00.001+01:00

Finally some lighter nights and some sunshine. The images were all shot around 8pm within a mile of my home, using a Tair 300mm mounted on a Canon 40D.

Bristol Strobist Group Inaugural Shoot

2009-05-15T17:17:00.010+01:00

This was the 1st shoot by the newly formed `Bristol Strobists'. It was shot at Bristol Docks on evening of the 13th of May. Eight Photographers and seven models gathered for was was to be a busy couple of hours. Here are a few snippets but more will be found on my website in their full glory.First is Paul. The light was pretty bad so I upped the ISO to 200 and slowed the shutter to 1/60 to expose

Quick Decision Modelling Photo Shoot

2009-05-10T19:07:00.001+01:00

Mid saturday afternoon with nothing planned and I was sat at the PC chatting on Facebook to Ross about trying to organise a shoot with him Many future dates came up, but it was all getting very complex, so I said are you free now? He was, so got himself ready to come over and I frantically started charging batteries for flashes and triggers.We headed out over the fields. I armed myself with my

May Day at Iron Acton

2009-05-04T16:40:00.002+01:00

Each year Iron Acton celebrates May Day, but for one reason or another, this was my 1st visit even though it's only one and a half miles from home. In true bank holiday tradition the weather wasn't great. I stayed a couple of hours before fearing for the health of my equipment and calling it a day. I did manage to catch a few highlights including the young maypole dancers and catch a few stalls.

A quick stroll with a bagfull of lenses

2009-05-02T19:50:00.001+01:00

Picking our moments with the English weather, myself and fellow photographer Mark Lovell (http://mlovell-imaging.co.uk/) headed out to stretch along the river severn that neither of us were familiar with. I took along only manual focus lenses in M42 mount and used them on my Canon 40D with and M42>EOS adapter. The lenses were 24mm Ensinor, 35-85mm Vivitar Series 1, 90mm Tamron and finally my

A walk with a cheap 400mm prime lens

2009-05-01T18:17:00.003+01:00

A day off work and some sunny weather was the excuse I needed to get out and take some photos.I used my Canon 40D with an Osawa 400mm F5.6 lens. The lens has a Nikon mount, manual focus and manual aperture. I paid the princely sum of £33 for it last year in mint condition. It's not a bad lens for the price. It's sharp, with decent bokeh and it is extremely light making it comfortable to handhold