SubscribeThis was almost my first choice of picture of Ossian from last year’s project. I was persuaded that althought this was the most interesting or unusual picture, the one I actually went with was a more pleasing picture of Ossian himself. That was the right choice since a portraitist is trying to take pictures that...
Well, you have been good haven’t you! And since I promised yesterday I suppose you’ll want to see pictures of Austin, Richards dog from yesterday’s shoot. Austin is a spaniel, with an amazing sandy coloured nose that I would never tire of stroking. His eyes are just perfectly designed for successful scrounging sorties. They match...
I can’t tell you how excited I am today. After work (which went well too) I met Richard, his son and dog for an actual photo session together. It’s been a while since I spent an hour just focusing on photographing someone and it felt great to be spending time doing it again. Richard is...
In the last “little lesson” I looked at how important it was to have a clear subject that you expected the viewer to be drawn to. If there are too many competing subjects, then the viewer finds it confusing. Another related aspect of composition is that the subject shouldn’t be surrounded by distracting elements. Let...
I often drive by the lochside at the mouth of loch long while working, and there is often a naval supply ship docked. Imagine my surprise a few weeks ago to round the bend and see an aircraft carrier in front of me. It’s HMS Illustrious and I don’t expect to see it in Loch...
I went for a walk today in the Queen Elizabeth Forest near Aberfoyle in the Trossachs. I had my camera on my back but didn’t bother taking it out at all. The light was grey and flat, with a totally cloudy sky. The darkening effect of the forest adding to this meant that I couldn’t...
If I could swear on this page I would, but you, gentile readers deserve better so I won’t. My 100portraits.net blog is drowning in automated spam. every day I have to clear out 5 0r so comments which are just a bunch of links and advertising phrases hung around a bland comment such as “I...
What makes life fun, (or even bearable), is other people. I am always fascinated by the idea of talent, you know, people who are so effortlessly brilliant at something that they produce huge results and are totally energised by what they do. One such example is John, a colleague who is an elite class musician,...
After a mega busy week which has prevented me from posting here, I had a particularly pleasant experience last night. Some of the people I photographed came together for a night in “Arta” in Glasgow’s Merchant City. It was great to see the people who came along and it really reminded me what a great...
I am really delighted to be having an exhibition of my 100 portraits project from last year in “offshore” cafe and exhibition space during March. What I had not anticipated was the difficulty of printing and hanging pictures on a budget. If I print myself at A4 size, then the cost and sheer hassle of...
