THE ART OF THE SELFIE - LOOK FOR THE LIGHT
Who doesn't love a selfie? I know I do. In fact barely a week goes by when my phone isn't held up in front of my grinning face with my reluctant 6 year old clamped to my cheek.
And as more and more people are posting selfies on Facebook and Instagram and the like, I feel it's my duty as a photographer and fellow selfie lover to pass on some words of wisdom to elevate this humble art form to a whole new, more professional level.
This week I bring to your attention unexpected selfie fan, Snoop 'Doggy' Dogg. As a young boy, the K9 monickered rapper dreamed of becoming a fireman and so couldn't believe his luck when he spotted some real life firefighters in his Melbourne hotel who had been called out on a false alarm.
Quick as a flash, out came the camera phone and before they knew it two young firemen found themselves in the selfie of a lifetime, standing next to an international rap sensation and being posted online for over 2.5 million Instagram fans to see. But imagine their crashing disappointment when they hastily checked Snoop's feed and found THIS waiting for them. Nothing to celebrate here Snoop, time to turn those thumbs upside down.
So here we go with selfie tip number one; look for the light. And where is the light in this photo my selfie loving lovelies? That's right, as we all grew up saying in panto, IT'S BEHIND YOU. If Snoop had simply turned around so that the natural light from the window was shining on their excited little faces instead of the hideous 'you've been Tangoed' orange hotel down-lights, we'd have ourselves a beautiful, internet worthy selfie which Craig's wife (or whatever his name is on the right) could justifiably show off to the girls without having to endure cries of 'rubbish, that's not Craig, as if Snoop would take a selfie with Craig, do you think we were born yesterday?'
And with that, I leave you with this second disappointing Snoop selfie. I know what you're thinking, poor old 'Craig' gets the raw end of the deal again, but perhaps more worrying is that, considering it's a selfie, said 'self' isn't actually visible.
Altogether now...it's behind you!
No complaints on the muscles though Snoop!
Islington Corporate Headshot - North London Business Portraits
I photographed the very lovely property journalist Natasha Higgins last week who needed new photographs for her website. She's also hoping to get more work in TV so these shots should help her to find representation.
We needed to make sure that her specialism, property, was referenced in the photographs and so we started off in her mum's super stylish house in North London for some classy interior shots. Then, after a quick outfit change, we took some by the front door much to the delight of the local builders! Finally we headed off to another gorgeous looking street in Islington where I photograph Natasha with a row of houses sweeping off in the distance.
Whilst we were there I spotted a very beautiful looking powder blue door which I knew would complement Natasha's outfit. So, a quick knock on the door to get the all clear with the owner and we took a few shots there too. The weather was on our side thankfully as it had been tipping down the day before, and I think the sun even peeped out for a very short time too. I will be adding some of these photos to my Business Portrait gallery too.
Chloe Hill Thomas Headshot
I photographed the very beautiful and charming Chloe Hill Thomas last week from Chocco Mallow Coco a gorgeous bespoke bakery in Henley on Thames. We used her father's impressive house in Wokingham as our location and got a lovely variety of shots in and around the house. Doing corporate or business headshots is very different from my family photography (as you can imagine), but just as enjoyable. The main difference of course is working with one GROWN UP person who actually listens to what I say and will pose in any way I ask...heaven! Having said that, I absolutely adore photographing kids, probably because they do the exact opposite and keep me on my toes! Chloe is looking to make the move into TV and I think she'd be great on screen, so keep your eyes and ears open for this young lady, and remember where you saw her first.
DON'T TELL DADDY - MUSWELL HILL FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
Just before Christmas I had a call from a lovely lady who wanted to book me to take photographs of her children as a surprise present for her husband. What a great idea I thought to myself as I frantically tried to come up with something inventive for my own husband!
The shoot couldn't have gone any better. The weather was beautiful so we managed to get out to Alexandra Palace where I've done many a photography session before. I love it up there, especially at this time of year when the leaves are on the ground and you get such beautiful winter sun.
But the best thing about the photo shoot was the kids, of course. They were GORGEOUS! This age combination can sometimes prove to be a bit tricky especially when trying to get shots together, but not these two. I just LOVE the first photo of big sister giving such a loving hug, and just look at his little face. There are more of them on my Facebook page too.
I'm reliably informed that their Daddy loved the photos too!
Farewell Family Photography - Muswell Hill Family Photographer
This gorgeous family, who I have photographed a few times before, wanted to book me for one last shoot before they jetted off to live in Hong Kong for a couple of years, lucky them! Thankfully the sun was shining (although it was very cold) and we had a fun shoot around Alexandra Palace before heading back for a few more photographs in their very stylish flat.
These children are adorable, very well behaved and loads of fun. It's impossible not to take a good photograph of them. The same goes for mum and dad come to think of it!
