Understanding Flash Photography: A Beginners Guide Ah, flash photography. It’s one of those things that can seem a bit daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re a budding photographer or just someone who’s curious about how it all works, […]
Why do we use flash anyway?? Read More »
Boosting Your Brand Identity with Business Portrait Photography In today’s fast-paced world, first impressions often start online, making a top-notch business portrait more crucial than ever. It’s not just about looking smart; it’s about weaving your brand’s ethos and professionalism into a single image. These portraits offer a unique blend of personality and professionalism, setting
Upgrading Your Brand with Business Portrait Photography Read More »
Use A Flash Like a Pro: 3 Tips for Better Flash Photography Flash photography often gets a bad rap, conjuring images of blinding lights at family gatherings or the harsh glare of a smartphone’s LED in a dimly lit pub. Yet, for us professionals, it’s an entirely different ball game—a game of three parts, to
Beginner Flash Photography: 3 Main Reasons to Use A Flash Read More »
A Day with the Macro Lens: A Photographer’s Exploration I want to share the story of my recent walk – a routine two-mile amble around my local area, a practice I’ve cherished for years to clear the head and stretch the legs. It’s my daily escape from the confines of the desk, a necessary ritual
Discovering hidden beauty through macro photography Read More »
There’s an undeniable magic that happens when the universe conspires to bring together elements of raw nature, an artist’s passion, and the fleeting beauty of a setting sun. On the 19th of July, 2023, I had the pleasure of photographing the incredibly talented Sharon Stacey, as she serenaded the setting sun at Winscar Reservoir. Setting
A Sunset Serenade: Capturing Sharon Stacey at Winscar Reservoir 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 »
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 »
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 get started in this industry? I’m sure you’ve seen some of the amazing photos gracing magazine covers and advertisements. You might even have a few friends who’ve modelled for various modelling sites and agencies. But what do you really need to know about getting started? The first step to getting started is
How to Get Started as a Model – The Test Shoot 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 »
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 »
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
A second shoot with this Morley based star of the future – a model and competition diver at 12! This was at a ruin in a Morley golf club on a cold January day…. It’s an exposed bit of land, the lights were blowing around, Jaeda had a cold starting – it had all the
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 »
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 »
Photography Kit Which Doesn’t Cost The Earth 1 – Angle Finder – £20 – £200 If you shoot low down, maybe for landscapes or createive atchitecture shots, so see through your camera, you’ll either have to lie fly on the floor or guess your compoisition. This is where your “angle finder” comes into play. It allows
9 Affordable Gadgets To Transform Your Photography Read More »
Classic Vintage Model Photography Laura’s got that vintage look – her Monroe-esque hair leaves no doubt! She’s even considering working as a Marilyn Monroe lookalike. For this portfolio shoot, we headed to Saltaire. The park provided a wealth of props and backdrops to create a classic feel. I aimed for dramatic lighting to capture that
Laura – Vintage Model Photography Read More »
The Presentation Designer Illiya Vjestica is a great designer – a strong typographic presence, uses powerful images which leave the “message” in no doubt and also happens to be great bloke too. His business takes these skills to the art of “presentation” – he creates slides for people to transform how they present in pitches, talks and seminars.
Business Profile Shoot – Illiya the Presentation Designer Read More »
Joe Cusimano Founder of the Lovelution Movement, Joe Cusimano met for a shoot in Halifax – sheltering from the rain under a few of its viaducts! What is Lovelution… From his Viva La Lovelution Facebook page, Joe says… Join the Lovelution: Follow your Heart, Shine your Light,Seek the Truth and Reunite! This is YOUR revolution!
Light it at All Costs The Flash Addicts are driven to introduce their own light to everything – whether it needs it or not. Their enjoyment is in adding that rim lighting, colouring backgrounds, and playing with the latest flash modifiers. Stacks of Kit… Armed with “poverty wizard” style radio triggers, light stands and a
5 – Flash Addicts – Strobists… Read More »
Your business is all about you Not in an egotistical way, but any SME business owner knows that they are the “face” of their company. It’s unavoidable really – we create:- the business idea, the hard graft to get it going, the risks you take, the people you meet These things are all down to
It’s All About YOU Read More »
York based financial advisers, Ardent Financial Planning, are having a new website site and brand built by digital agency “Plump Digital” – Rob Colley invited McFade over to capture some great new shots of directors. Being a York based company, I was keen to create some images with York in the background – it’s a
Team Shoot for Ardent – York City Centre Read More »
Mark’s been in the shipping game for 15 years – mainly sending containers around the world for clients. He’s just started a new role in a brand new business so needed some new shots to promote both him and the business. Images of Shipping… in Leeds? So the challenge of finding a suitable location
Business Profile Shoot – Mark Broscombe Read More »
This may seem a bit obvious, but having taught many people flash/portraits, it’s the number one reason why you get bored looks on your photos…. Don’t look at the back of your camera all the time You need get the lights right and checking this on camera is fine. But once you’ve got the lights
Top Tip to Keep Your Portrait Sitters Happy…. Read More »
Mastering the Art of Portrait Photography: 5 Essential Tips for Engaging with Your Subject When it comes to portrait photography, the technical aspects like lighting, camera settings, and composition are undeniably important. However, the way you interact with your subject can often make the difference between a good portrait and a great one. Whether you’re
Had a great shoot with Claire Turner, who’s tax partner at WGN accountants in Leeds. As anyone will who knows her will tell you, Claire’s the polar opposite of the stereotypical tax accountant – but her current photos were not really getting this message across. So we decided to make the most of the area
Business Profile Shoot with Claire Turner Read More »
Hardeep @ Keyhouse Kitchen Opening The World Curry Festival’s star, Hardeep Singh Kohli, came to the opening of the new training kitchen at Bradford’s Keyhouse – a venue which helps house and train the homeless of the area. The kitchen is a new project to help train the homeless grow and cook
Hardeep Singh Kohli @ Keyhouse Read More »
Trying out a new softbox with Rocco Here are a few of the results
Shoot with Rocco Salah in Meanwood Park Read More »
Photographer “Directs” the Director Andy Green of “Video Advert” spends his days directing and creating promotional videos for businesses around the UK – so the “directorial boot” was certainly on the other foot for our PR shoot. Used to showing people how to present and perform, Andy now was in front of the camera and,
PR Shoot – Andy Green Read More »
Location, Lights & Action! Shooting with dancers is as creative as it gets – they spend hours training, perfecting moves and poses you can never get “normal” people to do. Spending the day with fellow lighting obsessive and photography trainer, Jayce Clarke, we took Shante and Daniella to an amazing derelict building to use the graffiti-rich
CREATIVE Shoot – Dancer Shante Liburd Read More »
We captured the student exec a few weeks ago, it was now the turn of the entire staff of the union! It’s always nostalgic going to the Union – I first walked into this building in October 1991, a fresher looking around for beer (which was 85p back then) and glasses… those lecture theatres were
Manchester Uni Union Read More »
Telecoms expert, Phil Allum, helps people & business talk through his company TGE Solutions. An urgent need for some new PR profile shots arose, so we got together to shoot at his offices in West Yorkshire. We created a wide variety of looks for all kinds of uses – the obvious shots of Phil using the
PR Shoot – Phil Allum Read More »
Louise Lapish runs Gatewood Consulting, training UK-wide in all aspects business from CV writing to sales. We’d met through Yorkshire’s most exciting new business support network, BiY. She needed some great new shots for her personal PR, so we went to meet at Regus near Elland Road and used the building around there to capture
PR Shoot – Louise Lapish Read More »
Brad Stanton…. At just 19, Brad has conquered the UK and Commonwealth – just turned 20, he’s now headlining stadiums with his amazing Thai Boxing skills. He’s based at Leeds premier gym, Edge (www.edgegyms.co.uk), and needed some great shots to help lift his profile – so we did a shoot in the actual gym. To
Muay Thai Boxing Champion Read More »
Flash Bender Accessories – New Toys! Always on the look out for new “light modifiers” of “flash accessories” to advance my off camera flash photography – I’d seen these flash benders around before, so thought I’d take the plunge and get a couple. I took them up to Temple Newsham with trombonist Chris Colbran and
Flash Accessory Test Read More »
Check out the amazing voice…. https://soundcloud.com/clairecolbran Had a fun shoot with Claire Colbran, jazz singer in these 2 bands, backing singer in the Chicago Blues Brothers and rather excellent on trombone too… a Colbran family thing apparently! The Photography Bit So we had 3 lights – 2 behind at 45 degrees, one at the front at about
Claire’s Band Shoot… Read More »
Michael Blades broadcasts live from Leeds every Saturday and Sunday night, jetting over to Rock FM in Preston for saturday afternoon… Having found McFade Urban Shoots on Google, he’d spotted the style of images he was after – so we met outside Leeds Town Hall and had a great couple of hours shooting and chatting
Radio Aire DJ Shoot Read More »
[singlepic id=843 w=700 h= mode=web20 float=center] Band leader, arranger and sax supremo (is that bigging you up enough Sam ?? lol) asked for some shots of his big band – so we got everyone into an empty office in Leeds and started creating some shots. Herding cats and musicians is never easy, though it didn’t
A thick Hoar Frost looks amazing. It only happens now and then, so you really need to make the most of it when it happens. One of the downfalls of this frost is that the sky can be very dull on such days, so your usual landscapes can lack impact. So how to add
How To Shoot Ice & Snow – With Flash Read More »
Never posed before? Never had your photo taken before? Nervous in front of the camera? These 2 Cramlington girls answered yes to all of these – but that didn’t stop us having a great shoot with some cool results. We’d got a location in mind with a bit of graffiti and in a reasonably quiet
Urban Photoshoot – Gateshead Read More »
BMX Star Luke Gareth Gamble jumping over Ade on a wet day in Yeadon… . We’ll be putting on a workshop to show you how this is done… .look out for it in 2013, when it’s a bit warmer… And now here’s a gallery to enjoy [nggallery id=38]
Celebrity Look Alikes in Leeds [singlepic id=661 float=] Had the great pleasure of meeting and photographing:- David Beckham Mr T Austin Powers Simon Cowell Britney Spears Will Smith Or at least I thought I did! These were a great bunch of actors who make a career from looking like the actual celebrity – and it
Photographer Meets Celebrity Look Alikes in Leeds Read More »
Theatre Rehearsal Photography in Leeds…. [singlepic id=608 ] Destination Holbeck… Driving around Holbeck (Leeds) slowly caused a few long, suspicious looks… parts used to be the red light district and it’s not improved much in the last few years. The road I was after didn’t seem to have a name on it… there were just
Twisted Theatre Photography in Leeds… Read More »
A few people mentioned to me that they’d like to know more about “posing” people, and in on of the McFade Training Taster workshops last year, I covered some ideas – maybe ones which surprised people. The “by the book” posing techniques will produce just that – by the book, traditional shots of people. They
5 Tips – To Pose, or not To Pose? Read More »
Leeds Musician Photography [nggallery id=25] [singlepic id=579 w=700 h= float=] Wind Farms are popular locations for landscape photographers – the moving turbine blades offer a dynamic feel to the shot, the rigid towers stand out of the ground like huge white trees…. but I’ve not really seen many musician photography shoots at them. So we
Leeds Musician Photography Shoot Read More »
20 years ago, I was a fresher at UMIST, the highly regarded science and technology uni in Manchester – so when I was invited back by Trish to shoot some photos of the new Student Council, I jumped at the chance. Proper nostalgia – I’d not actually stepped into the Union since 2005 when I
Manchestaaaaaaaaar! Read More »
Off Camera Flash Essentials Off camera flash is a popular technique at the moment, taking speedlite flashes off the camera, onto light stands and using radio transmitters to trigger them. It’s getting easier and cheaper – with budget brands bringing flash to the masses Technically, there and awful lot to understand to get fantastic results
5 ESSENTIALS every photographer MUST know before using Off Camera Flash Read More »
As part of the Lightroom 4 exploration, we’ve been editing our student’s shots for fun – using just Lightroom 4, no plugins or photoshop. Here’s one from the Lyric of Chris with his trombone on the stairs. Original Shot This shot seemed to suit mono, so started off with a black and white pre-set – went through
McFade Edits Phil Gledhill’s “Chris” playing Read More »
