Portrait Photography

Inveraray winter sunshine

11.10.10

This was Inveraray today as I finished a visit there for business. It has been cold and the rain has been a fairly constant feature recently, but days like this are what makes living on the west coast of Scotland so worthwhile. I am so much a portraitist by inclination and by habit now, but as I often say, landscape is my next favourite thing. After my first ever portraiture workshop last Saturday, I dropped in to say hi to Richard in Inveraray while passing and asked him what his usual daily “blipfoto” upload would be. He showed me his usual landscape, and I challenged him to do a portrait instead, offering myself (very uncharacteristically) as a subject. He posted it, and so I now feel obliged to post a landscape to move out of my comfort zone too.

This next one is of an Inveraray building that I always find striking. The sky, with its wisps of cloud made it irresistible.

Do visit Inveraray, it’s cute and characterful.

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Portrait Workshop 6th November

11.09.10

Just for a change these are not my pictures posted here. All of the portraits are the ones taken by the 5 really great people who came along to my first portrait workshop on Saturday. It isn’t easy to try a new workshop or format, but my 5 participants made it a real pleasure to try and they were really interactive and relaxed. We explored “what makes good portraiture”, how to use your DSLR for portraits and how to work with people while photographing them. I’ll certainly do another one early next year, so watch this space if you fancy taking part.

If I can figure out a way of reducing the file size of my power-point from the day I’ll post it for interest.

Here’s a snap of everyone chatting over a coffee after pairing up to try some techniques.

Thanks so much for participating everyone, and I hope you got something out of our short day together. Thanks for buying my lunch; that was really kind and much appreciated.

Check out Dick Edie’s own photoblog: http://dickedie.wordpress.com/

And Richard’s daily photo “blips”: http://www.blipfoto.com/richard

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Jillian

10.10.10

Please check the previous post for details of my first portrait workshop, free of charge on the 6th November!

This is Jillian. I have only recently met Jillian. Jillian works with my previous subjects, Eva, Elizabeth and Richard; I think it’s a real possibility that I will photograph my way right through the whole hotel where they work. Actually that’s a truly fun prospect.

Jillian is an Australian from Newcastle, now working in Scotland. She has amazing hair and beautiful freckles. Jillian told me that her years in Scotland, away from the Australian sunshine are allowing her freckles to fade. The raison d’etre for this session was to celebrate the freckles and I couldn’t have been more delighted to do so.

These first pictures are Jillian’s idea and are all about showing both freckles and the very distinctive birthmark on her leg.

The next 4 are all wonderful for showing how Jillian’s eyes, hair colour and freckles complement each other.

And finally 2 playful images showing off Jillian’s truly amazing hair.

For those who care, the session was done with a background draped in a room, and two remote speedlites with umbrellas to soften the light.

Hope you like these Jillian!

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Portrait Workshop

10.05.10

Alison Kennedy, taken in the Argyll Hotel a few years ago!

Saturday, 6th November, 10 am till 4 pm.

I’ll be running a portrait workshop in the beautiful town of Inveraray in Argyll on Saturday the 6th of November. I plan to make it a very active day with some challenges and a little input on what makes good portraiture?

In the spirit of my old 100-portraits blog, the day will contain equal amounts of technical ideas and ideas for working with people. If you want to spend a day developing your skills snapping friends or other subjects then this might be for you.

There will be no charge for the event, as I am trying out the format for the first time. It is understood that if you attend, as the Argyll Hotel is supplying the premises from goodwill only that we all buy lunch there. The Argyll is a very friendly place, and anyone who wants to stay over and make a weekend of it, exploring Argyll’s landscapes will get a great deal from them. Photographic location advice for landscape enthusiasts will be available from local photographer, Richard, who works at the Argyll Hotel.

The workshop will be on a “bring your own camera and laptop with your usual editing software” basis. I can help out with a few people, but you will have to email me in advance.

Places will be limited to ensure really good interaction and learning from each other. Please email me by Friday 22nd October if you would like to join me.

ma*****@**********le.net

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Stuart

09.15.10

Thoughtful, Laid-back and Flamboyant:

Taken during a great afternoon in which Stuart showed me some of the best bits of Edinburgh. Apparently some of the best bits are pubs!

Hope you like these Stuart?

Thanks for the tour!

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