Thursday 23 July 2009

Pretty House



I took this photograph as I knew the owner was interested in seeing any photos I came up with, but I hadn't been happy with previous attempts. I like this faux watercolour version. I am also going to do a black and white version on another one of the photos - I just haven't quite got round to it yet! I hope the owner likes it!

Jo

Monday 13 July 2009

Cutie Pie



Just a quick snippit of this lovely bundle of cuddles I photographed today as he peered over his mum's shoulder! What a poppet and what gorgeous eyes!

Make the Most of Great Light!


Any photographer will tell you that the key to a good photograph is good light and natural light is probably the best there is. So make the most of the long summer days by organising an outdoor portrait - either in your garden or at the location of your choice. Make the most of the light evenings and the summer holidays to preserve the memories of those golden summer days with a family or child portrait surrounded by flowers, grass, fields or fountains - it's all up to you! If you are interested in organising a photoshoot, please contact me by email at jo@jobelfield.com

Thursday 9 July 2009

School Photographs with a Difference.....



I will admit I am not fond of the "norm" when it comes to school photography. Sitting in front of a camera and lights is not the most comfortable or natural experience for anyone and since it is a natural and relaxed pose is what makes the best photos, the typical studio set up is something I shy away from. There are times it has it's place - for achieving a certain look or lighting effect, especially for commercial work or when using models, but for most of the time, especially when photographing children I prefer a much more familiar environment.



In an attempt not to get the strained smiles of typical school photographs and create pictures that you will be proud off I prefer to capture the children being themselves. So the best things to do are to let them play and act like they usually do whilst the photographer either blends into the background whilst photographing or alternatively I become familiar to them and they are happy to interact with the camera.

When I go to a nursery, playgroup, or toddler group to do a photoshoot I take the individual photographs hand held so there is no tripod to get in the way. I DO use a tripod for whole class pictures but otherwise I like the flexibility of angle and movement that handheld photography provides. It is much easier for me to interact with the children, get down to their level and engage them in the process and it makes for better pictures in my opinion.

If you would like to discuss a photoshoot at your nursery, preschool, playgroup, mums and tots group, or class please contact me by emailing jo@jobelfield.com. I work in the Macclesfield / South Manchester area mostly but will consider going further afield.

Jo Belfield