As a beginner photographer, building your camera gear collection can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s important to invest in the right equipment that will help you learn and grow as a photographer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential camera gear you need to kick-start your […]
Best Camera Kit for Beginner Photographers: A Complete Guide Read More »
Are you tired of relying on automatic settings on your camera? Ready to take control and unleash your creativity? Mastering manual mode is the key to unlocking the full potential of your photography. In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of understanding and confidently using manual mode. Let’s dive in! Why Master
Mastering Manual Mode: A Step-by-Step Tutorial for New Photographers Read More »
10 Must-Have Photography Gear for Every Photographer Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, having the right equipment can make a world of difference in your photography. Here’s a rundown of essential gear that should be in every photographer’s kit bag, and why each one matters. 1. Tripod – Your Steady Companion
10 Must-Have Accessories for Your Photography Kit Read More »
Why do we need headshots… Corporate headshots are essential for showcasing the professionals behind and working in a company and creating a positive first impression – usually on the About us page of your website and on professional networking sites. However, traditional headshots often lack authenticity and fail to reflect the true personality of the
Tips for Capturing Authentic Headshots Read More »
Stunning Photography Locations: Wensleydale Waterfalls Wensleydale, located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is a picturesque valley filled with stunning landscapes and natural wonders. One of the most captivating features of this region is the numerous waterfalls that cascade down its rocky terrain. For photographers looking to capture the beauty and power
3 of The Wonderful Wensleydale Waterfalls Read More »
The Canon 5D series is a line of professional-grade digital DSLR cameras that are known for their high-quality image sensors, robust construction, and versatile features. My 5D History I bought my first one, the 5D, at Focus on Imaging in 2006 – it was at the NEC Birmingham, and a fair jump from my Canon
A breif history of the Canon 5D Read More »
A list of the main Yorkshire Dales – with the river which runs through them and the highest hill on their edges. Interesting how many dales each of the large mountains touch
The Yorkshire Dales Read More »
I photograph teams all the time – it’s great fun meeting and getting to know everyone, albeit usually very briefly. I understand that selecting a photographer to capture your team can be a daunting task, and you may have several questions about the process. That’s why I’ve created a video that answers some of the
FAQ – Commercial Team Photography Read More »
The Yorkshire Coast is a stunningly beautiful destination for photographers, with a rich history and a diverse range of landscapes to capture. Starting from Robinhoods Bay and travelling northwards towards Saltburn, there are plenty of opportunities to take some truly breathtaking shots. Robinhoods Bay Robinhoods Bay is a picturesque village with narrow winding streets and
Top photography locations on the Yorkshire Coast Read More »
The main difference between a constant aperture lens like an f/2.8 zoom and a variable aperture lens like an f/3.5-5.6 zoom is how the aperture changes as you zoom in and out. A constant aperture lens maintains the same aperture throughout its zoom range, meaning that regardless of the focal length you set, the aperture
Why constant-aperture ZOOM Lenses are the best Read More »
The Canon 5D Mark IV is a favourite among many professional photographers due to its high-quality build and features. Here are the top things that I love about this camera: Overall, the Canon 5D Mark IV is an absolute joy to use and is a great value for the price. If you’re in the market
11 Reasons Why I STILL Love the Canon 5D Mark 4 Read More »
While zoom lenses are indeed more flexible and convenient than prime lenses, there are still several reasons why photographers might prefer to use prime lenses in certain situations: Overall, while zoom lenses are more versatile and convenient, prime lenses can offer superior image quality, wider apertures, and specialized uses that make them an important part
Why would I buy a PRIME lens when I have a ZOOM already? Read More »
When it comes to choosing the right lens for a specific type of photography, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of camera you have, your budget, and the specific subject you’ll be photographing. I get asked it all the time on workshops – which next? There isn’t a correct answer of
Which lens should I buy? Read More »
In today’s digital age, all businesses need great photography more than ever before. Industrial businesses, in particular, can benefit greatly from high-quality, regularly updated photography. Here are my top 5 reasons to get fresh content – we’ll explore the reasons why and the benefits it can bring to their operations. Industrial businesses often offer complex
Why Industry Needs Regular Professional Photos Read More »
Making surreal images using Long Exposure Photography Techniques Long exposure photography is a popular technique photographers use to create stunning images that capture the beauty and essence of natural and urban landscapes – I love revisiting old places I’ve shot many times before to capture it through a different technique. Long exposure techniques involve using
Long Exposure Photography Read More »
Over a decade of shoots It’s over 10 years since we first did a personal brand shoot for John Thompson, from Metropolis. Back then it wasn’t called a “personal brand” of course, it didn’t really have a name – I just called it something vague, like a Profile Shoot. That first shoot was in the
John’s 2023 Personal Brand Shoot Read More »
The Old Estate House Here is one of our work interior photography jobs for estate agents. This particular home is at Bretton, basically near the West Yorkshire Sculpture Park just off the M1 near Wakefield. It was the office for the Bretton Estate where you went to pay your rent and all the documents are
Estate House – For Sale in Bretton Read More »
90’s House and Rave Music! I was a student in Manchester in the early nineties and a regular at Raves and house music clubs, like:- The state, The Hacienda Sankey’s soap. The boardwalk, The Limit. Home …and many, many others I can’t remember the name of around the Manchester area. So when my friend, soul
The Sharon Stacy’s 90’s Club Hit Band Read More »
A New Website We first photographed, Isaac’s around six years ago, when they were getting their brand new website built. In 2022 we returned to see the team again, for you’ve guessed it, images for a new website! We discussed different looks for their team’s photography. The last time we shot the team members at
Isaacs Accountants – Charcoal Background Shoot Read More »
Why I Use Manual Mode with Auto ISO for Event Photography Direct answer: Manual mode with Auto ISO is a practical way to photograph events in mixed light when you cannot use flash. You keep control of shutter speed and aperture, so motion blur and depth of field stay consistent, while the camera adjusts ISO
When should you use AUTO ISO on your camera? Read More »
Street Photography Experience It’s great to take people with strong landscape photography skills around the city and challenge of them and to capture people and architecture as it happens. That’s Street photography for you. Some of the most memorable photos you will have seen are street photography. Often you sit around waiting for things to
The York Walls and Street Photography Experience Read More »
We have all the time in the world… That’s what Louis Armstrong sang at the end of a famous James Bond film or two, and if you have some time to spare then get yourself a 15-stop or 10-stop neutral density filter and have a go at long exposure photography. That’s just what I did
Selby Abbey – Long Exposure Photography Read More »
Littondale… then the weather changed! I don’t have a crystal ball so you never quite know what the weather is going to be like in 6-months when you are scheduling workshops in the Dales. This was to be a day in the beautiful littondale, a steep-sided Valley that branches off upper Wharfedale. The sides of
The Most Flexible Workshop EVER! – Littondale Read More »
Manchester – Street and Architecture Having cancelled the first Manchester workshop due to Hurricane winds and monsoon rains, we were all delighted to finally meet and spend the day capturing both the people and architecture in this amazing city. We started with a coffee on Portland Street, headed into Chinatown, Peter’s Square, are down to
Manchester Street Photography Workshop Read More »
Humber Bridge, Bridlington and Flamborough Head We had a great day for our 2022 trip over to the east coast, with bright sunshine for pretty much the whole day. Humber Bridge As usual, we met at the bridge that goes from Hessle to Barton over the River Humber. It’s a massive suspension bridge with a
Flamborough Head, Humber Bridge and Bridlington Read More »
Part 2 – Composition The portrait class of 2022 met at Leeds university this time to learn about composition and portraits. We had some exercises in finding:- Lines textures shapes colours angles These are all things to look out for when composing any photograph, can you use a line in the road or a colour
Portrait Photography Workshop 2 – Leeds Uni Read More »
Anybody who photographs “normal people” will hear this question – every single shoot! It’s our “question everyone asks”. People want to look their best and they put their trust in you, also a great Icebreaker. The answer is “Yes of course”, we always do “something” to the photograph, just how far and how long we
Can you photoshop me? Read More »
If you set up a camera tripod and flashes outside an operational power station, it wouldn’t be long before security along asking you to move on, I know because it’s happened to me a few times. If you ask them whether terrorists often turn up with a model, 3 tripods and flashes, they are not
Andy at Eggborough Read More »
How do you know whether you are progressing at photography? Well, There are many ways to look at this, it could be how successful you are with competitions in your local camera club or whether you get more likes and praise on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Flickr or more sales and new clients But that’s
Your old work should be embarrassing! Read More »
I recently bought the “MOD048 | 60cm Folding Beauty Dish Silver Mk.2” as a small, portable light modifier. These are available (or will be when stock arrives) on their website (https://www.lencarta.com/all-products/light-shapers/studio-beauty-dishes) or if you’re in West Yorkshire, you can order on line and pick it up in Bradford, which is what I did. Couple of
Lencarta Beauty Dish Test Shoot Read More »
You’ll never get an opportunity to photograph on Greek Street in Leeds like we did this January. The UK was in lockdown and this end of Leeds had virtually nobody there. We had the place to ourselves. Greek Street is one of the busiest bar areas of the city centre, bustling with people eating and
Nicola Paparazzo – Greek St. Shoot Read More »
I’m a fine art photographer from Yorkshire in the North of England, I started photography in January 2017 after being disappointed by the quality of images from my compact camera, from a once in a lifetime trip to Iceland (once in a lifetime because of the unpaid motor tickets I left behind). As soon as
GUEST POST – David Garthwaite – Fine Art Photography Read More »
Leeds always had a thriving hospitality sector packed with innovative bars, traditional boozers and amazing restaurants. I’ve been part of the scene by probably drinking a little bit too much in many of these places, and also photographing quite a lot of food and drinks for bars, restaurants and hotels over the years. I even
Leeds Pubs in Lockdown Read More »
<!– SEO CHANGE LOG 1. Added keyword "tilt-shift lens" to the H1. 2. Added keyword "tilt-shift lens" to the intro body copy. 3. Added keywords "tilt", "shift", and "tilt-shift lens" to the early explainer paragraph. 4. Changed H2 "Why bother using a tilt-shift lens for portraits?" to "Why use a tilt-shift lens for portraits?" to
Tilt shift lens for portraits of Andy Taylor Boocock Read More »
Imagine a world where you could click one thing and your photo would be edited to your personal taste – fast photo editing software is the ultimate productivity booster, is Luminar AI the tool for this? Obviously 1-click editing isn’t really possible because every photograph is different and every situation as different lighting and composition,
Fast photo editing software – Luminar AI Read More »
Back in Action with the Godox AD600: A Post-Lockdown Location Portrait Photography Session It’s been donkey’s years, but I finally got back behind the lens with my long-time collaborator and model, Andy Taylor Boocock. Picking a spot in Leeds was like choosing your favourite biscuit—difficult, but ultimately rewarding. So, I packed my Godox AD600 and
Using the Godox AD600 on My First Post-Lockdown Model Photoshoot! Read More »
Having I watched the most amazing spring from my garden during lockdown it seems a little bit unfair that the weather in June is dreadful for photography…. But one day last week the sky look like it was about to erupt at any second so I took the gamble of going into Leeds to see
Storm Brewing in Leeds Read More »
9 weeks into lockdown and I finally decided to take my daily allocated exercise by walking around the city centre of Leeds. I had been putting it off because I didn’t really want to upset and overstretched police force or get a fine! I expected in the early lock-down weeks, it’d be desolate, 9 weeks
Like many businesses, we deal directly with clients in person, so have taken quite a hit with this lockdown. We can’t really leave the house to do any new work – and if we could, we can’t get close to people so it’d be awkward. Here are a few things you can do remotely, and
Get the most from your photos during LOCKDOWN Read More »
DJ and production duo “Wh0” are a mysterious pair currently rocking the House dance floors around the UK – They’ve both been around in their regular DJ slots for years and have remixed some of the biggest acts around. So after a gig in Leeds a few weeks back, we met up at this amazing
What’s it all about? About a year ago I came up with an idea, it was based on years of photographing companies and what had worked best. It offered individuals who may be just starting out (or ready for a new set of images) 5 photos of them for a bargain price… and other people to act
The Madness of Share the Shoot… Read More »
Photographer Recommendations are King – But Are they Right For YOU? The best way to source most products and services these days is to ask for recommendations based on people’s experience. It can certainly filter out solutions, products, and providers who have given a good experience. Most people look at Amazon reviews or What Hi-Fi
How to choose a photographer from the 1000's recommended on LINKED IN Read More »
Everything is video these days, we are all told to do Facebook lives or record things from the seats of our cars, in car parks, before meetings to engage with our audience. I’ve spent the last year creating video content, be that behind the scenes footage of a photoshoot, close-ups of food or even photoshop editing videos. It’s
Don't Forget About Photography! Read More »
It’s the way that you do it… “It ain’t WHAT you do, it’s the WAY that you do it” – As the Bananarama song goes. That’s probably true in most businesses but it’s certainly the case with photography. It’s not just the end product which counts, but how you get to it. I’ve been shooting
BusinesS Headshots – it ain't what you do… Read More »
Finding old photos can be a pain – if someone asks if you’ve got photos of Liverpool (or something like that) in future, how quickly could you locate them in your file system? Or if you’re looking to create a print of Ingleborough, could you find all your photos of the hill and quickly make
How to organise your photos like a pro Read More »
I know – sometimes it’s too dark to shoot and you don’t have any off-camera kit, so you have to use your flash “on camera” But the light you get off a direct flash is horrible – there’s an example in the video below. It serves a purpose, but it creates a passport photo look
NEVER use direct flash Read More »
Give me grey and day There’s nothing more boring than a blue sky to us photographers! So when we got this dramatic sky all day on my last trip to the northeast, it really was a gift. Pinnacle Bridge, Sunderland First off we went south to see the new bridge in Sunderland. It’s the tallest thing
It’s Grim Up North Read More »
Leafy November Shoot This November I did a shoot with young Jaeda, a star of the future who’s not only a great model but a competition diver too! A portfolio shoot around our mutual hometown, Morley, hair and styling by her mum, makeup artist and skincare consultant, Michelle Sharman – who also did the art
Jaeda Sharman – Future Superstar Model! Read More »
NIGHTSCAPES 2018/2019 Begins! It all started last night in Roundhay Park – our winter of light painting around Roundhay Park saw us using torches and gels to colour the world! New for 2018 is a “Manker MK 35” torch – this claims to have a 1.4Km beam – it does shine a hell of a
Nightscapes 1 – The Art of Light Painting Read More »
Another series of photography workshops came to an end in Manchester on 26 September, and what a summer it turned out to be. It feels like ages since we started with the beginners’ evening in Leeds, which, in true Yorkshire fashion, was the only evening where it properly rained. 2018 was amazingly dry and hot,
Summer Night Photography Workshops – 2018 Review Read More »
