The debate over on line dating is an ongoing one but as I met my good lady, Sandra four years ago on an online dating site and we are still going strong, I can personally vouch for its potential to find you someone special. I certainly did.

What has prompted me to write this article is the fact that the clients who required lovely portraits of themselves were nervous about admitting that they were on an online dating site. They constantly apologised as though they were doing something wrong. Not all but some even impressed on me that they didn’t want anyone else to know.

Of course not only was I able to put them at ease, but I was also able to improve their confidence both during the portrait session and through the great portraits that they ended up with. I know this because they told me so.

One lady even came into the studio in such a state that she was in tears and was so judgemental of herself for being so vain as to want nice portraits to try to find a partner. This particular customer purchased lots of images, really enjoyed the experience and saw it as part of her own journey to re build her life several years after her husband had passed away.

Here at Xpect Photography not only do I fully support your desire to find someone special but I can totally empathise as I was once in the same position. I haven’t looked back and I want to help you in your journey.

The process is simple. Contact me to book your session. You can review the images and choose the ones you want during a viewing and your confidentiality is guaranteed.

So there is no reason to leave such an important matter to a picture that you had taken years ago, or that you took with your own camera held at arm’s length. A professional portrait could help you find the person you are looking for.

Please call me for a chat on 07840 947517. As this is my first Blog of 2012, Happy New Year.

Regards,

Mark.

Firstly for those that aren’t aware of what a ‘Stock Image’ is then let me explain. They are images stored on Stock sites, such as Fotolia or Shutterstock by photographers who sell them with usage rights.

The benefits are that you can often get images to use on your sites that are easily found, downloaded and may not cost a great deal.

The price often depends on the level of usage and the time for which the image will be used. Obviously the price increases in effect with higher usage and for longer periods of time. Often time is limited or the number of uses is limited unless you pay the higher fees.

The down side to stock images is that you will choose an image that you like and you will have searched the site library using words or phrases relevant to your business. Well it stands to reason that so would others in the same business as you!

The chances are that you could easily be purchasing an image that others in the same business are purchasing and so you will have the same image on your site as they will. I see this from time to time but more often than not I just notice that Stock images are being used because once you become familiar with that type of image you get to recognise them.

Moreover they show nothing of who or what you are; they are simply a representation of a genre, an emotion, a situation or an activity. That may be fine but if you are going to show a picture of a board room because you have one and you want to tell the world about it, why not have a photograph of your very own boardroom?

If you are a beauty salon for example, you will always see images of ladies laid on their fronts with hot stones laid on their backs. You see these images everywhere and they are very ‘Same’ meaning quite often beauty / salon sites look very similar.

The alternative would be to hire a professional photographer to photograph your business, your staff, and your premises.

Now in the first instance this may be a bit more expensive but if your deal includes having the digital files then you have them for life and you can use them as you see fit with no limitations or complicated usage licenses.

Further more you will have images that truly reflect your individuality as a business, images that no one else will have and no risk of looking the same as all your competitors.

I have provided several businesses with images for their web sites. The process is simple, an initial meeting to discuss the brief; what you are seeking from your images, what you want to portray about your business. Then I go to work at a convenient time so as not to disrupt you or your staff. I prepare the images and arrange a viewing where the customer can review the images.

If necessary I will revisit and re shoot perhaps where new ideas have been forthcoming or if something isn’t quite right. Ultimately you get the fabulous images you want for your web site and images that will set you apart from the others.

As a professional photographer I am a creative person and you would be surprised at how amazing things will look once I have got to work.

Other uses; I have also seen the images used in banners, in flyers, stationary and advertising. So they are very useful in all sorts of ways without you having to worry about the license that you have purchased from a Stock site or worrying that you might breach the terms and conditions.

I would be happy to discuss with you your needs, with no obligation to see what can be done for you and your business. www.xpectphotography.com

Here are some tips to get great fireworks pictures:-

1: Get a tripod – your camera will need to be rock-steady for at least a half a second and it is highly unlikely that you will be able to hold it steady enough for long enough without some help. A remote release cable will reduce the risk of camera shake even more. Fireworks are fast so from about .5 of a second upwards perhaps to 3 or 4 seconds will be required depending on how extensive you want the light trails to be.

2: Go manual – modern cameras are good at working out the settings for well-exposed pictures in a wide range of situations but the brightness of the fireworks against the dark of the sky can easily fool the auto-settings. So turn them off and set aperture and shutter speed yourself.

3: Aperture - a mid-range aperture of around F8 or F11 works best. Either set the camera to expose for a set time and experiment to get the best combination or try setting your camera to “bulb”. This keeps the lens open until you release the shutter. Using this technique open the shutter as the firework is about to explode and keep it open until it has finished. This provides you with the maximum of control.

4: Flash – leave your flashgun in the bag or turn on-camera flash off. The
short range of flashguns means they have no impact on the main subject.

5: Framing – both vertical and horizontal framing can work well but remember there’s a lot of vertical motion with rockets going off.

6: It’s not just fireworks – whether it’s in your back garden or at a professional event there is plenty of scope for great people shots. Reactions to the fireworks, lighting effects and children with sparklers all offer the chance of interesting “environmental”
pictures.

But most of all – stay safe and enjoy yourselves!

The show is billed as Wales’s ultimate fashion and beauty showcase and will raise funds for Autism Cymru and National Autistic Society Cymru.

The Cardiff show will feature OK!TV’s Matt Johnson, GMTV make-up
artist Ariane Poole, the House of Fraser fashion show, expert demonstrations
and makeovers, nail, lash and brow bars, the Tiger Tiger cocktail and karaoke pod, fashion and beauty advisors, massage, facials and reflexology, teeth whitening and botox, personal trainers and health experts, Christmas shopping and unique gifts – and lots more!

My role will be to photograph the event as it happens as well as focusing on main
events such as makeovers, fashion show and catwalk.

Exhibitors with specific requests for photography can contact me on 07840 947517 or e-mail mark@xpectphotography.com

The show takes place on Sunday, November 20. Tickets are £5 from www.allaboutmeshow.co.uk.

You can also follow ‘All About Me Show’ on Facebook.

Hope to see you there!

1: Boys will be boys and children will be children – so don’t try and force them
into a particular pose. Some of the best photos are captured when the subject
is oblivious to the camera. This approach also reveals more of their character
and personality.

2: Down with kids – it may sound obvious but children are smaller than adults.
Getting down with them gives you more natural looking photos and an interesting
child’s-eye view of the world.

3: Location, location, location – a bored child is not going to yield much in the way of
great photographs. Just taking them to the local park can do wonders for their
interest levels and gives you some interesting backgrounds. Having fun (and
that goes for the photographer as much as the subject) should be what it’s all
about.

4: You are what you wear – our clothes can tell us a lot about the situation the
picture was taken in. Children need to feel comfortable, in all senses of the
word, if you are going to get worthwhile shots. Forcing them into their Sunday
best just because you want a photo not stacking the odds in your favour. Also
pay attention to colour – bold, plain colours are less distracting

5: More is More– Kids love messing about and pulling funny faces. Sometimes this is good, sometimes not. So keep on pressing the shutter and you’ll have a far better chance of getting the shots you’ll want to keep.

6: Patience is a virtue – kids are natural performers but don’t expect them to turn it
on immediately just because you get the camera out. Giving them to time to
adjust to their surroundings and to forget that you’ve got a camera in your
hand will increase your chances of getting the pictures you’ll want to pull out
for their 18^th birthday party.

7:  Get it out regularly – the more often children see the camera being used, the less they become aware of it. Children who are used to being photographed regularly act more naturally in front of the camera. Regular shots also capture those changes that are almost imperceptible on a day-to-day basis

8: Get up close – in most cases, child photography is about the expression in
their faces or what they are doing with their hands. Yet many people seem to
think that you have to get their footwear into shot as well. These full-length
shots may be have their place as reminders of what we wore back in the day but
homing in on the action will give you more pleasing results.

9: Lock it in – autofocus is a wonderful tool but it’s not foolproof. Most
autofocus cameras focus on the area in the centre of the viewfinder. If you are
taking a picture of a group of children be on your guard. If the small square
in the centre of the viewfinder is trained on a tree or a building in the
background that’s what will be in focus. To avoid this make sure you focus on a
face or another part of the action that you want.

10:  A little understanding – many compacts are called point and shoot for a reason. We love the simplicity of being able to take it out of the box and start taking pictures almost immediately. But take a little time to read the manual and understand what the buttons do. Practice makes perfect so play with the setting and see what happens. That way, when you need to switch to sports mode in a hurry, you’ll know exactly what to
do.

Of course, if you would like a professional photo shoot (so that you can also be in the pictures with your kids!) just call me to discuss your requirements – 07840 947 517.

But my passion for this most intimate of art forms goes way beyond simple economics. Capturing people and telling a story about them, as individuals or as part of a group, is what attracted me to photography in the first place.

A professional portrait is not just a wonderful piece of individual art for your home now, it has the power to become a family heirloom.

Portraits were once things that the wealthy commissioned artists to paint and generations later they still have the power to say something about their subjects.

Today photography makes that available to everyone and we don’t have to rely on imperfect memory to see how our children change as they grow or to remember much-loved grandparents.

Modern portraiture tells a very different story about us as individuals, families and friends

Photographs can define our times for generations to come. Most people today think of the Victorians as rather stiff and formal. That’s because, given the technology of the time, photographs tended to be rather formal.

Professional portraits are so worth the investment and there is a real and tangible difference between them and the family snapshot.

The family snapshot can be a treasured memento but a professional portrait will probably be the most personal piece of art you will ever own

So, with Christmas approaching I’d like to encourage everyone to think about a sitting with a professional photographer be it me or another pro.

How would you feel unwrapping a beautiful portrait of your loved ones on Christmas morning?

And if you feel that way, just imagine how your loved ones would feel about a beautiful portrait of you.

This is no time to reach for the tired old socks and tie as a way of working through the Christmas list.

Be original and creative and give them something really special – portraits are for life, not just for Christmas.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 07840 947517 or please visit the WEBSITE HERE….

Not only that, a pre-wedding shoot is also a chance to spend time with your photographer so that you can all get to know each other better. This really helps you relax when it comes to your wedding day, safe in the knowledge that your photographer really understands what you want.

In addition, I find that it can help build confidence in couples that they can look amazing in their wedding photographs. It’s a time to help with posing and what are the best positions to take. I always like to give couples just a few tips on how to present themselves in the best way possible for the wedding photography and I can also help them practise these tips during the pre-wedding photo shoot.

During a recent wedding the Bride constantly reminded me that she was doing everything that she had learned during her pre-wedding portrait session. She really loved the results when she saw the photographs!

This is also the ideal chance to tell your photographer more about you – do you have a preferred side to be photographed, for example? Are you concerned about anything? Unfortunately, we can’t change who we are and how we look but I always aim to inspire confidence in all my couples that they are wonderful and will look beautiful on their wedding day. But if you are worried about things like tattoos, chins and arms and visible scars (all very common issues!) there are some very simple things we can all do to improve the way we look in our photographs. So, it’s a good idea to discuss these concerns with your photographer in complete confidence.

Finally, the pre-wedding photography can be a great chance to have some fun with each other and enjoy the moment.

Ultimately, everything I do for my clients prior to their wedding is all part of maximising the potential for great wedding photography. I strive to help my couples as far as possible and this complimentary portrait session is something that has been appreciated by everyone who has taken advantage of it so far.

SPECIAL OFFER – For all weddings booked prior to the end of October 2011, couples will also receive the high resolution images from the pre-wedding session as a complimentary gift on disc with license to print included.

To find out more about wedding photography and my special offer, please contact me on 07840 947517.

Above all, though, Weddings are about celebrating – and they should be fun!

Your wedding may be one of the few times when you have all your friends and family
together in one place and possibly the only time you spend a lot of money on
hiring a professional photographer. So, it’s important that you capture the
full emotion and essence of the day in your pictures – including some of those
more candid moments.

Here are my Top 10 Tips for great wedding photography:

1. Before the day planning – the better you and your photographer know each other the better your wedding photography will be. Aim to meet your photographer prior to
choosing them and viewing their work. Pre-wedding portrait sessions can also be
extremely useful (There will be a further blog about pre wedding shoots very
soon). Also, why not include the rehearsal at the Church or final meeting with
the venue wedding co-ordinator? Again an invaluable opportunity for your
wedding photographer to spend time with you, become familiar and prepared for
your day and of course to meet all the important family and friends. Ensure
your photographer is familiar with all the final details such as the key people
at the wedding and the timings of the day.

2. Coverage - the longer your photographer stays with you, the better your wedding
photographs will be. Having your photography booked from the Bridal
preparations through to the first dance means that time is generally less
restrictive with lots of opportunity to document the entire day.

3. Light - any professional wedding photographer should have the knowledge, skills and ability to deal with most situations that arise during the day. However, make
sure you give consideration to the time of your ceremony and how much daylight
there will be for any group photographs or Bride and Groom Portraits. Consider what
alternative areas there are at the venue to photograph the formal portraits  in case of poor light outside or inclement weather.

4. Group Portraits – can often be a much debated area of the wedding day. Whatever
your views, if you are having formal group photographs then discuss in detail
with your photographer what would be a manageable number of group shots with
regards to the number of guests and time available.

5. Assistance – It’s a great idea to nominate someone who knows most of the
people at the wedding who can assist in getting people to the right place when
they are needed to have their photographs taken. This can save a lot of time!

6. Table decorations – are probably one of the most overlooked points when planning
the day! Of course it is important that you have everything the way you want
it, but lots of tall table decorations or balloons, banners and streamers etc
that block a clear view across the room where you are having your wedding
breakfast will definitely hamper your photographer’s ability to see everything
that goes on.

7. Choose the right photographer – (me!) Joking aside, there are many factors that go into the decision of which photographer to choose. Of course your budget is
important but also their personality needs to be considered. You will be
spending a lot of time together and ultimately you will be sharing your special
day with them. Check for reviews from previous customers. Check for insurance.
Visit them and view their work and albums. Ask family and friends. Often
someone you know will have heard good (or even not so good) things about many
of your local photographers. Make sure you research thoroughly and meet your
photographer before deciding.

8. Bad weather – unfortunately we are always at the mercy of the great British
weather but rain need not spoil your wedding photography. See it as something
different, encourage your photographer to be adventurous and to create
something special in the rain. Make sure you plan ahead and consider what
facilities there are at the venue you choose should it be impractical to go
outside for photographs.

9. Children and the elderly or infirm – again, plan ahead with your photographer. Children are not always in the mood to be photographed so be prepared to press on
without them. Forcing children usually makes things worse and a screaming child
can cause a lot of stress – as well as a not particularly great photograph! If
there are elderly or infirm guests, make plans to have separate photos with them.
Often trying to get them in and out of group shots can be very tiring for them.

10. Time - this is the big one! Without doubt planning to have lots of time will make
your day relaxed, fun and the photography will be much better. A lack of time
is the single most reason for stress, missed shots and weaker photographs. If
you plan time for photography into your schedule from day one then you will be
sure to reap the rewards with a wonderful photographic record for you to
treasure.

To see some examples of Wedding Portraits from Xpect Photography, please visit our WEDDINGS GALLERY.

And for more information or to discuss your individual requirements, please call me on 07840 947517.