Lovely week in Jersey for Christmas. Did a 1 to 1 photography lesson too. Here's a couple of mine...

Just had a chilly but fun 1 to 1 session with John, who wanted some help with night photos.

Iluminating York 2011

Another cracking show in york this year - reminds me why I live here.

I do like night photography - with a little help fropm Canon's 5D MkII.

It'll be nice and dark by the end of the next

photography workshop which will be fun!

My thoughts on Canon's 5D professional camera 

Well, the Strensall and Towthorpe's village show's photo competition was interesting. Some entrants were cleary rather competitive, and didn't always agree with my view. Thankfully the judge's decision is final!
I was really impressed by some of the children's entries though. Two of the top ones were from two brothers. I decided as an incentive for future entries, I'd offer them both some free tuition. Should be interested!

Just had an early start (for me!)  - not to mention damp - shooting the army outside the Minster. If only wedding guests were to easy to arrange!

Just returned from a lovely week in Jersery. Beautiful place - lots of photographic potential. Sadly I was travelling light so didn't have much kit with me.

Jersey's famous 'white' house. Except the National Trust recently painted in green...

and finally...

I've just been asked to judge the local (Strensall and Towthorpe) village show's long running photo competition. I've never entered (I thought other entrants may not be too chuffed!), but I've seen some pretty good entries there over the years. Should be interesting - especially the children's competition. 

Heard a not unfamiliar story today from one of my recent couples. Their friend took their camera to the wedding, expecting to get lots of relaxed informal shots (knowing I was there to capture the day too). They took their memory new mempry card for developing, only to find it was faulty, and no photos were retreived.  the moral - never go anywhere important without testing ALL your kit first - particulary memory cards, which all fail over time.

Just managed to miss the showers for today's wedding at the Monkbar Hotel in York. Used the city walls as an interesting backdrop. A bit dodgy when you're not good with heights...

You really don't expect to be over-heating shooting a wedding in April, but today was exceptional. Superb venue too - the Star Inn near Helmsley.

Just edited a few shots from Saturday's wedding at Oakwell Hall in Gomersal.  It gave me a few lighting challenges this one - I love a challenge!

Had a brilliant Teen Fashion Party today, with 7 14-15 year olds. Shy and retiring?  Not for long!

It's the first time I've used ring flash - it works brilliantly for evenly-lit head shots

Just spent the day with John Denton from the SWPP, at Flamingoland. Had the honour of special acces to many of the animals (not the big scary stuff!).

Well you can't get much more wintry than early Jan, and a reception starting at 4pm.  It started snowing just after the outdoor shot below.  It's a good job I'm good with lighting...

Just snuck in before the VAT rise, and bought a Canon 5DII.  The mk1 was, and still is a stunning camera, but the mkII, with 21 MP, full frame, and incredibly high ISO sensitivity, is leaps ahead.  We have a wedding on the 2nd of Jan, which should be a good test for a winter wedding camera!

What a week! November's supposed to be quiet!  The studio promo is going well (not surprisingly, not many people give away free canvases), so we've had plenty of portraits - including the lovely Darci

Also just shot Lynette and Graeme's wedding, at the Clifton Parish hotel in York, with the reception at the Hospitium.  This is an excellent venue, particularly for winter weddings.  Having the Museum Gardnes to play with is a bonus!

We did a boudoir shoot at the studio today.  We're now offering boudoir photography.  For the uninitiated, it's basically tasteful sexy photos - usually of women, and usually as presents for the men in their lives (including wedding presents).

The idea is to use lighting and props to create images which are sexy and flattering, but only as explicit as you're comfortable with.

For obvious reasons we can only show photos shot with a model, as clients are unlikely to want their photos online!

The rest will go in a sample album, but not on here!

It's not often you meet a natural model, but Bex is certainly one.  We shot a Teen Fashion shoot today.  Great model, great fun, and some pretty good results.

Some photos of the gorgeous sisters, Charla and Catelyn.  Both naturals (posers!).

Spent the last couple of days moving in to the new studio on Stockton Lane, York.  Holly's fascinated by the chickens roaming round, and the dogs being groomed next door. Looking forward to getting some clients in there.

Did a home shoot today with the Swan family - making use of their remarkably uncluttered home (compared to ours!), as well as our portable studio

 Portrait photo

Another hot one today  - this time at Monkgate Methodist Church and The Pavilion in York.  I do like the interior opportunities at the Pavilion, and it gives me chance to play with the video light!

 Wedding photo

Busy busy busy at the moment - peak wedding season, and we're just looking into a new studio off Stockton Lane in York, which should suit us perfectly.  Hoping to move in in September.

Some piccies from the Merchant Adventurer's Hall in York, on Saturday.  Back there this Sunday!

There's always one...

A few shots from Saturday's wedding, with Hayley and Neil, at the Marriott hotel in York.

I recently invested in a video light, primarily for bridal portraits.  Fortunately Hayley obliged.  it was warm and humid though, so we we glad to get out for the group shots.

I was so tempted to get them to do a Mexican wave.  Next time... 

I've been invited to speak to a mother's group in York later this year.  I'll take the portable studio, but I thought I'd concentrate on tips to get great photos of your kids.  Here's the best tip - don't tell them what you're doing.  Most parents tell their kids to look at the camera and smile, which gets you photo of your kids doing what they're told.  Much better, in my opinion, to catch them acting naturally.

Below are some of my favourite photos of my daughter, 2 taken on holiday, 1 in the garden. None of these would have been possible if I'd have asked her to pose (not least because she's not one for doing as she's told!).

The last one is in a large frame on the wall, and gets a lot of comments.  Mostly I think because it's the sort of the photo parents generally don't think to take, but I love it.

A quick pic from the Huntington Primary School Prom - 

Had a great shot with the gorgeous Carla today, with entire farm to play with. A bit hot though! The sun was so high for this shot, Carla had to stand on the bonnet of my car so I could get low enough.  Worth the effort I reckon.

All images Copyright © Paul Whittle. All rights reserved.