Julian Stumm

Last wedding of the year

2011-11-18T09:29:00.000Z

Thought I would share a very rare glimpse of behind the scenes at todays bridal prep. My last wedding dream of this year

2011-11-03T22:42:00.000Z

I had a spot of luck today. I managed to get a rare original NASA photograph from the Apollo 15 mission to the Moon, showing an astronaut fishing in the back of his moon buggy for his camera and lens. There was an auction at London Auctioneers Bloomsbury and there were some images that were simply breathtaking. All original NASA pictures from a private collection. Some I had my eye on went for ridiculous sums of money (5 figures) but fortunately noone was too bothered about this one and I managed to get it for the lower end of the value range placed on it. It isnt a particularly important piece historically, and though quite expensive for a single picture I guess, it isnt particularly valuable (relative to the worth of many of the other lots), it is really interesting - well it is to me anyway - and I intend putting it on public display for a short while once I have tied up the paperwork and actually have it in my hands.

James Irwin Scott retrieves the Hasselblad camera and telephoto lens from the Rover, Apollo 15, August 1971 Vintage gelatin silver print, 19 x 20cm (7 1/2 x 7 7/8in) description printed verso, [NASA negative number AS15-82-11121]

Crash Taylor

2011-10-25T15:23:00.000+01:00

Having a wonderful day in Nottingham with one of britains best wedding and portrait photographers - Crash Taylor
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Blackberry

2011-10-13T20:46:00.001+01:00

Its not been a good week for Blackberry. 3 days outage .. and now I've left my charger on the train. Ho hum!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Cinema

2011-10-08T14:05:00.001+01:00

Finally got to see Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Another Test

2011-10-08T12:11:00.001+01:00

Hopefully this will auto populate from phone to twitter to facebook!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Testing feed to twitter

2011-10-08T11:30:00.001+01:00

Just testing a feed from this blog to twitter to see if it will work :)

New Phone

2011-02-26T08:43:00.003Z

So.. it seems I am a fairly good customer, and O2 have decided to give me a new phone as an incentive to stay with them. Its a Blackberry Torch. I've not had a Blackberry before and it was between this and an iphone. Fabulous machine, no doubt about it. But with internet, facebook, twitter, email, music player, video player, camera, a million "apps" etc etc etc - it seems that using it as a phone is actually a by-product...

Christening

2011-02-12T10:47:00.001Z

I did my first Christening shoot a couple of weeks ago in Portsmouth for clients Sharon & Iain. It was a great occasion and followed by baby's first birthday party which she slept through pretty much all of! So I have now professionally shot the full set, a Christening, some Weddings and a Funeral!

Dentist time

2011-01-26T16:39:00.001Z

Never pleasant is it! With working away such alot trying to sort dental care out can be tricky. But ive bit the bullet and come to a dentist in hampshire. After an initial look around, the dentist is getting everything needed done in one visit. Not too much, scale, polish, replacement filling and small chip repair.

Breakfast club

2011-01-20T07:58:00.001Z

When Im around, I like to drop in to the breakfast club organised by my friend Terry Ohalloran. There are loads around the world. Ours meets 6 times a week. Very informal. Usually around 15 of us meet early in the morning having breakfast and then listening to a short presentation on some aspect of one of the groups business. Always a very worthwhile 75 minute investment of time.

Christmas dinner

2010-12-26T12:08:00.001Z

Had a wonderful christmas dinner yesterday with some dear friends. Merry christmas everybody

Jerry Ghionis

2010-01-21T11:41:00.003Z

I have just spent the most amazing time with one of the most influencial portrait and wedding photographers of the 21st Century, an Australian called Jerry Ghionis. I learnt so much from him in a very short space of time. He is a genius! He simply creates wonderful images from nothing. His starting point is pockets of light. He looks for them. Once he finds them, then he places his subjects to exploit them. He doesnt worry as much about location or backgrounds. Quite remarkable.

http://www.jerryghionis.com/

Final Richard Bacon Late Night Radio Show

2009-12-23T22:38:00.005Z

CLICK HERE for some more photographs I took at BBC Broadcasting House last night.

Broadcasting house

2009-12-22T20:43:00.001Z

Just arrived at bbc broadcasting house in london where I am a guest of bbc radio 5 live

Twickenham

2009-12-05T16:12:00.003Z

Very pleasant way to spend a few hours

Twickenham

2009-12-05T16:12:00.001Z

In the stadium. All blacks just trotting onto the field. Great atmosphere.

BBC Children In Need 2009

2009-11-22T09:34:00.004Z

Pictures of the final dress rehersal for BBC South Children In Need Night at The National Motor Museum.

Well over 1000 people turned up to watch the broadcast. I was interviewed live on TV (embarassing) but more important I raised almost £1500 for 'Pictures With Pudsey' during the week and on the night itself where I set up my mobile photographic studio and people paid to have a photograph taken with either the "real" pudsey, a giant cuddly pudsey or one of the attending personalities (none of whom I knew!)

Vikings

2009-11-14T12:53:00.001Z

At uni for an hour helping someone with lighting of a year 3 media project . . . Shooting vikings!

Lincoln Univeristy American Football

2009-11-07T09:24:00.002Z

Im really enjoying working with Lincoln University's American Football Team - The Colonials. First match is tomorrow but I have been spending the past few weeks with them as they train, learning the basics of the game. Here is a slideshow of my favourite 100 pre-season shots (takes about 10 mins to run through and has soundtrack)

http://www.shoot2print.co.uk/colonials/training/index.htm

Canon professional trade show

2009-10-27T20:55:00.001Z

Been to the canon trade show in london today and did some good business. Seminars didnt live up to expectation but I bumped into a few people in the industry that I knew and confirmed a fault with one of my studio lights which was sorted quite easily.

Newcastle falcons

2009-10-24T08:34:00.002+01:00

I'm in the lovely city of bath as a guest of one of my clients who has very kindly wined me, dined me and accomodated me in the same hotel as the Newcastle Falcons Rugby Team who are just wandering around. Shame I dont follow rugby else I might recognise some famous faces. The Falcons are in the rugby equivalent of footballs premier league I am told :)

BBC Children In Need

2009-10-20T20:26:00.002+01:00

Had an exciting call today from BBC South. They have asked if it would be possible for me to take my mobile studio and lab to their regional event on Children In Need night where, in between live TV broadcasts, I will photograph people with the real Pudsey Bear for a donation. Obviously I wont make a penny from it but its a great honour to be asked and I am very pleased to help out, and there should be a good live band or two to watch and with an access all areas pass I may even be able to get some nice informal photographs backstage. Hopefully I will raise hundreds of pounds which is what it's all about. Watch this space!

The power of music

2009-10-19T18:08:00.005+01:00

I've known for a long time how powerful music can be in guiding your emotions in various directions. Film makers have the art down to a tee. Often you know what is about to happen by the music they play. They match the music to the mood.

When I was at Heathrow about to fly out to Saudi I VERY nearly didnt get on the plane when they played "Beggin' You" in the coffee bar and I was at a low point. Gordon Brown once said that he couldnt listen to music for a year after the loss of his child. Lyrics always seem to have a resonance no matter what they are. They just always seem to fit if you are in a receptive state. It isnt physical so it can only be the psychological - all in the mind. The music is conducting the mind, putting it in a state that the artist has chosen to put it when he paints the words and sounds on his audible canvas.

I am thrilled to be be able to announce that I have published the photographs that I took at Steff & Chris's wedding. There is a soundtrack underneath the slideshow. Turn up the volume and listen to it loud as you watch the pictures. Im trying as much as can with the words, images and music to convey to you the emotions I was feeling as the tapestry emerged from the threads I was weaving. Enjoy x

http://www.shoot2print.co.uk/wedding/steffandchris

England warm up

2009-10-15T10:40:00.006+01:00

England squad warming up before the game

Inside the stadium

2009-10-15T10:40:00.004+01:00

Just before kick off. It was a real buzz being there. Cant wait to go to the next match.

Outside Wembley

2009-10-14T18:48:00.001+01:00

Watching england play tonight. First time ive been. Great carnival atmosphere outside the very impressive stadium.

Rps

2009-10-04T11:41:00.001+01:00

I have been a member of the royal photographic society for about a year now and am involved with helping out the east midlands region. Every few weeks they have a gem of a lecture at newark. Today it is by the guy in charge of the photojournalism course at shefffield. Very thought provoking in terms of the ethics of press photography and some interesting pictures that tell a story instantly which I guess is that that business is all about.

Back to edinburgh

2009-10-01T10:42:00.002+01:00

On the train heading back to edinburgh . This time its business. This has to be one of the most scenic coastal rail routes. (Hmm looked better in real life at the time LOL)

Katie & Sven

2009-09-23T23:38:00.003+01:00

I met up with Katie and Sven this evening to put the finishing touches to their Engagement Portfolio which is now finished. Here are the results:

http://shoot2print.jalbum.net/EngagementPortfolio/

Trees

2009-09-19T13:03:00.001+01:00

Found a great source of wood for my log burner! Should fill my store nicely ready for next winter

Nights drawing in

2009-09-14T19:54:00.001+01:00

Not even 8pm and already the sun has set. Looks like summer has been and gone.

Lincoln Colonials

2009-09-07T15:20:00.003+01:00

I am pleased to announce that I have been appointed as the official team photographer for Lincoln University's "Lincoln Colonials American Football Team" during the 2009/10 season. This is a very exciting project. I will be doing a photographic documentary of the season, covering not only the 8 home and away matches from a sports photography perspective but also off field and candid shots which I hope will illustrate the essence of the event, culminating in a yearbook which will be on sale at the end of the season. I wont make any money at all from this venture but it will be a great experience I hope.

Radio 1

2009-08-28T13:30:00.001+01:00

I was at a meeting in great portland street yesterday and unbeknown to me that is where the radio one studios are.

Coffee

2009-08-25T08:37:00.001+01:00

Even the coffee queue has vanished. Everyone must be on holiday

Where is everyone?

2009-08-25T08:32:00.001+01:00

Ive had to come into central london this morning and everywhere is very quiet. Ive not seen it like this during the morning rush. Usually its madness. Did i miss something?

Chinese warriors

2009-08-18T14:00:00.002+01:00

Firstly an apology to the followers of my blog who have complained about my neglecting it lately. I have gone from ticking over to flat out pretty much overnight. More of that on another post. I have taken some time out and was wandering through londons chinatown when i chanced upon an army of chinese warriors. That doesnt happen everyday!

Pleasure Island 2009

2009-07-05T09:49:00.002+01:00

Edinburgh Moonwalk Pt 2

2009-06-23T12:59:00.008+01:00

Im not a city boy. I find them too crowded and unfriendly places. But now and then I find one that is a joy. Edinburgh is one of those. It was my privilege to go up there this weekend to support the 10,000 walkers who attempted to walk either a full marathon distance or a half marathon distance to raise money for Breast Cancer Charity "Walk The Walk".

Moonwalk Volunteers

2009-06-20T22:01:00.001+01:00

Some of the volunteers

Moonwalk tent

2009-06-20T21:59:00.001+01:00

This is where the walkers are being entertained and fed. Becky and olywn go at 23.30

Edinburgh Moonwalk Pt 1

2009-06-19T23:01:00.005+01:00

Well Becky and Olwyn are safely in Edinburgh preparing (well getting drunk!) for their marathon walk of over 26 miles around the City through the night tomorrow along with 10,000 others, raising vast amounts of money to help in the fight against Breast Cancer. A hugely important cause. I myself will be travelling up there to join up with the small army of 1000 crew who will ensure the event runs smoothly.

Home

2009-06-19T22:42:00.006+01:00

I was home just in time for my birthday and it was lovely to spend it with my family. The timing of my return was pretty good. Birthday, Edinburgh Moonwalk, Fathers Day,Lincs Show, The Saturdays and 3 weddings (but no funerals I hope!)

Here are a few pics I got just before I left.

Mr. Marish, one of my drivers

The view from the top of Kingdom tower of Riyadh at night. This photo doesnt do it justice. It was spectacular.

Inside the top of Kingdom Tower

Last line of defence. One of the machine gun posts near my kitchen

The desert - very boring but had to be done!

My sampling of tradition arabic coffee and dates

Chop Chop Square. The chopping is done between the fountains after prayers on Fridays.

All Packed .....

2009-06-07T13:11:00.001+01:00

... but going nowhere.

I cant get on a flight for another 36 hours.
Oh well ... lounging by the pool or some souvenier shopping beckons!

Heading Home

2009-06-06T18:07:00.000+01:00

Hopefully fly home in a day or two. It's certainly been an experience!!

Camel

2009-06-05T18:53:00.003+01:00

Camel turned into a bolognaise. Delicious!

VideoBlog #4

2009-06-05T08:38:00.003+01:00

VideoBlog #3

2009-05-29T10:11:00.003+01:00

Driving in Riyadh

2009-05-24T18:45:00.003+01:00

Ive now had 4 return journeys in and around Riyadh and seen 12 cars crunched in accidents. Nothing too serious luckily. They want to take away my driver and give me a car instead. I dont think so!

Videoblog #2

2009-05-22T08:19:00.003+01:00

Apartment Pictures

2009-05-21T09:53:00.001+01:00

Ive now moved into the compound. These are a few pics of where Im living at the moment...

Video Blog #1

2009-05-15T15:33:00.007+01:00

First Weekend In Saudi

2009-05-14T15:33:00.000+01:00

Thursday and Friday are the weekend. Technically Friday is the religious day – like our Sunday – and the other weekend day could be a Thursday or a Saturday. However to allign with school weekends, many places take Thursday as the second weekend day. This causes some problems with communications with the west of course as effectively there is only Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday where one or other party is not on a weekend!!

Patience

2009-05-12T15:32:00.000+01:00

Finally getting somewhere. I have a gate pass – which is basically a bit of paper that have to get rubber stamped by security. The place is a hotbed of beuracracy. My internet connection is ok – with some restrictions on what I can access at what time., For example the systems prevent me from accessing the BBC website until 3pm. Who know why. Getting access to the databases that I need to look at is ludicrously difficult. I am flown 3000 miles to work on a system for which I do not have access. Whats the sense in that? But many things here don’t make much sense to me and patience is a virtue.

Frustrations

2009-05-11T15:32:00.000+01:00

Things that you would expect to have to be done time and again and for which there should be a slick process fall short of the mark, basic things like having an internet connection, a landline, a gate pass, even a desk. Its very much make do and mend at the moment. An Irish guy called Niall turned up today. He has got the right idea. He flys in for about 10 days a month does the job then flys out again. We have complimentary skills so I think I’ll be working with him for a while.
Im taken to get my car. There seems some surprise that I do not have my driving licence in spite of me telling them on Sunday that it was at home! I can see the car, but they cant release it to me. I shall continue to have a driver for the time being which suits me just fine. They drive like lunatics here and I cant read the arabian roadsigns!

Slept Well

2009-05-11T15:31:00.000+01:00

Up nice and early after having slept almost 12 hours. Downstairs for breakfast. Scrambled Eggs or as the signage says - Scrambled (Eggs). Im not sure what else they might scramble! Toast in the dodgiest toaster you have ever seen. I swear the lights dim and it makes a fizzing sound when the bread is put in. To call it toast is to use artistic licence. It is bread that is warmed up a bit with a slight crunch on the outside. Not really browned at all. Apparently when my appartment is finally refurbished I will get a "soft pack" which includes bedding, pots and pans, kettle, toaster etc. I can have real toast then! But there is lurpak butter which is unexpected, and I think kellogs honey nut loops and chocolate flakes together with what is described as tea but I would call it water with a hint of tea it is so weak and some lovely freshly squeezed orange juice. That sets me up for the day nicely. Out of the hotel into the car, out of the car into the office. Aircon all the way. Just as well. When I left the building to have a wander around the compound where I am working initially (which is huge) the heat was so intense it burnt the back of your throat when you breathed the air. Im still struggling to get the necessary access to the systems I need, and the guy to whom I report, a huge 7ft Norweigian called Jarl (I think there may be 2 dots above the "a" but I cant see how to do it on my keyboard!) thought he was getting sent some sort of project manager rather than a technical specialist. I did briefly get excited when I thought it might be my fast track ticket home but regretably not as he says he will need my skills in a few weeks. Which rather begs the question, what do I do until then!

Passport Worries

2009-05-10T15:30:00.000+01:00

Slept well. My driver arrived at 9am to take me to complete some formalities and collect some kit. My passport was taken off me and a receipt of some description was issued in case I was stopped and my documents requested. This wasnt a suprise as I had checked before I left the UK whether this would happen. Usually when I travel overseas I dont give up my passport. It is my guarantee of safe passage (or so it says!) and required for repatriation back to the UK. Saudi Arabia is different to most countries in that you require permission to leave the country as well as enter it. I did ask what happened if my visa expired but I was not granted permission to leave. Noone knows! Hopefully thats a good sign as it wont happen but I must remember to get the address and phone number of the british embassy just in case. I havent brought my driving licence. I'll have to have it shipped over by DHL at some point. No tea and coffee making facilities in my hotel room. It reminds me of Kathmandu.

D-Day

2009-05-09T15:21:00.000+01:00

D-Day. I wasnt convinced this would actually have to happen, but it has and after a brief stop in the departure lounge to pick up some last minute things Im onto the aircraft and on my way. I am trying to keep focussed on the reasons I must go else I would stay on the plane and it would bring me back again! My best strategy is to just go, get the job done as quickly as possible and get back home. The queues to get to through immigration were horrendous. They have started fingerprinting everyone coming in and the machines failled. After initially being put in a fast track queue we were sent to the back of one of the normal queues and only let Saudi Residents fast track. It took 3 hours. My fellow passengers told me that was a record, but my driver said he sometimes had to wait for 6 or 7 hours for people to get through passport control. My appartment in one of the fortified compounds was not ready for me so I was to stay in a Hotel for a few nights. Although classed as a 4* it is basic but comfortable. It would struggle to get a UK star rating although I can see that when new it would have been pretty nice. It just needs a bit of TLC.

Trauma

2009-05-08T15:20:00.001+01:00

The last 24 hours have been traumatic to say the least. I had decided that in spite of the consequences, I would not travel to the Middle East. I got very little sleep last night and had after having my mind changed had a very emotional farewell at the airport. But after flying to Scotland very briefly I am now at the Heathrow Hilton close to Terminal 5 where I shall spend the night before flying out to Riyadh in the morning. I am not terribly fond of Hilton Hotels. I have found them expensive and the rooms quite small in the past. However this one was is great. After flying into Terminal 5 on a wonderful BA flight with great service, nice meal and free bar. My baggage was available to me almost immediately I arrived at baggage reclaim. The teething problems at launch seem to have been resolved. A Hilton coach picked me up and took me the short distance to the Hotel where a package I had to have delivered there was waiting for me, the room spacious and comfortable and a much better nights sleep.

Wii

2009-05-08T15:07:00.000+01:00

Finally got the girls a Wii that they have been wanting for a long time before I left.

Lincoln Canoe Club

2009-05-03T12:51:00.003+01:00

Megan and her friend, Lily (crouching down in this picture), are joining Lincoln Canoe Club and went on their taster session yesterday which was great fun. See a slideshow of the morning's paddling here:
http://www.stumm.me.uk/photos/canoe

Dancing on ice

2009-04-08T16:13:00.003+01:00

Got some tickets to dancing on ice live tour in nottingham. Spectacular. Im ringside and icing on the cake sat a few seats away from england cricketer kevin pieterson who is here supporting his wife jessica taylor. Pictured is this years winner ray quinn after achieving a perfect 30 out of 30 from the judges.

By popular request, here are a few more pictures taken with my phone that Ive turned into a slideshow. Click the triangle to play.

Silverstone

2009-04-04T13:26:00.001+01:00

Great day out at the historic silverstone racetrack. Dad had a ferrari driving experience for christmas and as im not now going to saudi i was able to go and watch and maybe take a picture or two in the glorious sunshine.

Harrods

2009-03-14T14:57:00.004Z

Wandering around harrods. First time ive been. Who should i bump into? The owner mr al fayed.

Thames sightseeing

2009-03-14T11:44:00.001Z

The girls have seen london by bus courtesy of their school visit so this time we are doing the sights by river boat

Hogwarts express

2009-03-14T09:54:00.001Z

On platform 9 and three quarters at kings cross

X-Factor Live

2009-03-09T12:17:00.004Z

Fantastic show, one of the best concerts Ive been to.

Half time

2009-03-08T20:54:00.003Z

Amazing show cant wait for 2nd half

Carmen at nottingham

2009-03-08T15:19:00.001Z

Today we are having a full day at nottingham. This morning at the national ice arena then lunch, now at the caves of nottingham then bowling, tea and finally the x factor live tour at the trent fm arena where i was lucky enough to get front row seats.

French exchange

2009-03-08T07:16:00.001Z

The kids went to france and germany last autumn and over the next couple of weeks it is our turn to play host. Here is Hannah with french student carmen in lincoln yesterday. Megans exchange partner miriam arrives at the end of the week.

Harem

2009-03-01T00:37:00.002Z

At party to send me off with my harem!

Dancing on ice 2

2009-02-28T11:58:00.001Z

Torville and dean. Todd and ray. Megan and amy.

Dancing on ice

2009-02-28T11:43:00.001Z

Skating superstars Hannah and megan take a well earned break from wobbling around the edge of the ice rink. In fairness they did more than wobble around the edge and even stayed upright - just about - for the entire session. I of course was expert but no one got a picture (luckily!)

South london

2009-02-26T10:25:00.001Z

Just arrived at waterloo for what will be the last time for a while. Of the places i will miss whilst away, london is way down the list. Initially there is a buzz out of the place admittedly but once that wears off its just somewhere i have to go but which by choice i would rather not.

MMR Vaccine

2009-02-18T21:26:00.003Z

Im having to have some jabs ready for my trip. Today I went to my GP and questions were raised over whether I was protected against measels of all things. I had assumed I was, however the balance of probability suggested not. The measels jab was introduced in 1968 but the national uptake was low. I had had everything going at the time but was measels offered. Not sure. To be safe I could be re-immunised but it would mean the combined MMR vaccine. Did the protection offered outweigh the perceived risk. At the end of the day you sometimes have to put your trust in the professionals you have selected to look after you. I had the injection.

Dress Code

2009-02-17T17:43:00.005Z

First the bad news - it looks like Im going to have to wear a suit for the first time in years. And in searing desert heat too. The good news is that this summer, linen, the coolest fabric around (temperatures wise) is in vogue so I can get a linen one easily.

Persian Gulf

2009-02-14T17:32:00.002Z

In a few short days I shall begin my next new adventure as I travel to the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia where I shall be living and working for a while. My first couple of weeks will be in a hotel in Riyadh but after that I shall live in an appartment in one of the many compounds. I have agreed the terms of my assignment and will be back regularly, but as with all things new I feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. I always knew this was likely to happen at somepoint but now it's almost here. I shall try to enjoy the time I am away but at the same time count the days til my return. It will be a golden oppertunity for me to experience the middle eastern culture from a safe standpoint without the spin we get from what we see on the TV.

Snowtime

2009-02-05T13:15:00.000Z

Netbook Revolution

2009-01-29T17:08:00.003Z

I used to travel alot by train. Not so much now but I do have some trips coming up. My laptop is a little bulky for working on the move and last year I got myself an Asus Eee PC 4G which was one of the first of the Netbook breed of computer. A little PC smaller than a notebook (a notebook being smaller than a laptop). It was fine but connecting to the internet over the HSDPA high speed mobile data network was a bit cumbersome and storage was OK but not completely satisfactory on memory sticks and SD cards. Runing linux rrestriced the software that could be run too. Recently I bumped into this little beauty. The Advent 4213 Netbook. I got mine from Curry's. Im very impressed. It has a huge disc capacity of 160Gb, runs XP, connects by anything, bluetooth, wi-fi, lan, HSDPA, has sd and usb2 ports, built in webcam and more or less full size keys with a screen thats 50% bigger than the Asus. It is at the higher end of the netbook spec and is priced accordingly but lower end models are available for around £200 and are still packed with features. It runs like a dream and I think is the future of portable business computing (its definately NOT a games machine!). Economy notwithstanding, I dont think it will be long before you see everyone walking around with one of these. Just until people cotton on to this magnificent machine the Asus is holding its resale value so its time to sell!

Cathedral Service

2009-01-25T11:09:00.000Z

Attended a moving service at the Cathedral today to acknowledge the efforts of the Womans Land Army during the war. The Land Army Girls worked on farms to free up the men to go off to defend the Country. Long overdue, this endeavour was recognised last year with the presentation of medals to the the surviving members. My Nan who served in Retford from 1942 just missed out but her medal was awarded posthumously so me, my Mum and my Sisters were proud to represent her.

First Studio Shoot

2009-01-18T18:19:00.009Z

Had my first studio shoot yesterday and had alot of fun even though there was a bit of pressure and I could have done better I think with more time. This is a sample of the results. For first attempt I'm pleased with what I got. These small pictures dont really do the images justice and are the best example I have of the contrast in quality between jpg (these) and raw (the prints). The prints are much richer and have a far superior colour depth.

LRPS Work Started!

2009-01-09T14:45:00.003Z

Ive done my first shoot towards my LRPS Distinction at The Kinema In The Woods at Woodhall Spa Lincs. where the owner, Mr. Green, has very kindly agreed to support my project by allowing me to have complete access to his wonderful cinema when I need it. This will be an extended piece of work which will result in 10 images being exhibited for the Royal Photographic Distinctions Board to consider. I hope to be ready sometime next year for that.

Back to Bradford

2009-01-04T12:48:00.001Z

Return visit to the National Media Museum at Bradford. What a treasure trove including a really good Blue Peter exhibition. Definately not a traditional museum though. Much better! http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/

War on Weight

2009-01-03T09:58:00.003Z

Being fed up with seeing my weight pile on since I came back from the Himalayas its time for me to wage war on weight! I know all the theory, have read the articles, been to the classes, got the books and the pills. But 2009 is going to be the year when i knock at least 10kg off my weight and 5cm off my waist with a view to doubling that in the fullness of time to bring me back to within striking distance of my ideal weight. This time, instead of trying a particular method to get it shifted Im going to attack it on several fronts. An all out assult! And in this first week, in spite of it beng Christmas and the New Year with all the excesses that come with it I've reduced my weight very very slightly which is a great psychological boost, better than increasing it very slightly and sets me up nicely for the start of a long war that I cant afford to lose!

All over

2008-12-27T07:35:00.002Z

Thats christmas over for another year. A friend and her elderly mother made these amazing knitted nativity characters for me, and my sister crafted the stable. Clever girl. Mum was delighted to receive this yesterday.

School prizegiving

2008-12-27T07:34:00.001Z

The kids have worked hard as always and have picked up a couple of awards. Well done them!

Ian and jacki

2008-12-14T21:43:00.001Z

Spending a very pleasant evening at ian and jacki's annual pre christmas drinks party.

Simon roberts

2008-12-14T14:06:00.001Z

Another treat. The 2009 rps touring speaker is simon roberts. Simon has had alot of work published in national newspapers and magazines from the daily mail to the sunday times to maxim to gq. Today we get a preview of the 2009 lecture where he shows some of his reportage work along with his 'motherland' exhibition of images taken during a year long journey across russia.

Colour

2008-12-12T09:26:00.003Z

Im early for an appointment and stopped along a country lane when i saw this lovely landscape. The photograph has not captured the beauty though simply because the camer's dynamic range - its ability to see what our eyes see isnt good enough in spite of the order of magnitude advance in digital technology over the past few years. It hasnt captured the wonderful colours. So my message to the camera research boffins - keep working boys!

Christmas Market Pictures

2008-12-10T22:12:00.008Z

This is the main photo I took. Exactly the same place but at 5 minute intervals from which I shall select and mount a sequence of 5 images showing a gradient from daylight and no lit up Cathedral, to complete darkness with the Cathedral brightly lit, and probably this one in the middle. The blur in the foreground is the masses of people moving as I took the photograph but I like the way I have frozen the ghostly looking photographer also taking a picture in the middle. Bit difficult to see properly with this picture being small, so look closely!

Not much to say about this one, other that it feels a bit retro, which I think works quite nicely.

Bowling

2008-12-07T17:01:00.001Z

Hannahs birthday bowling at lincoln bowl. Very good venue since its makeover.

Christmas review

2008-12-06T21:20:00.002Z

Some friends are members of a Christian group - Treshold - and we have been lucky enough to be invited to their social events for some time now. Tonight is their annual Christmad Review. Always lovely food, amazingly talented band. I mean absolutely talent, gorgeous dancers, funny comedy and wonderful company. They never force their faith down anyone's throat and were it not for the very discrete flyers detailling their church services over the festive period you just wouldnt know it was a Church group. They are actually like real people. Very, very nice real people.

Lincoln Christmas Market

2008-12-06T15:18:00.004Z

Back at the spectacular market. Alot busier than opening night on Thursday. Im here early to get the best vantage point. At dusk when the illuminated cathedral will be at its best with a dark blue sky as a backdrop I'll take some pictures.

New phone

2008-12-01T23:07:00.004Z

My trusty S500i had to go back to the carphone warehouse again. I didnt find the quality of the calls satisfactory after it came back from having a new keypad fitted. To cut a long story short they lost my phone and gave me the original purchase price against a new one. So i got one of sony's brand new top of the range flagship c905.

Royal Photographic Society

2008-11-16T14:12:00.001Z

Had a couple of days away with the Royal Photographic Society of whom I im now a member. Yesterday in Birmingham and today at the fantastic National Media Museum in Bradford. Im almost certain to start work shortly on the first of (potentially) three internationally recognised distinctions in photography. This weekend has allowed me to look at and discuss with judges examples showing the standard required. Its very high and i hope working towards it will help focus my work. Pun intended!

Panorama

2008-11-11T22:05:00.001Z

Just found panorama mode on my cameraphone. Not bad. Ive become quite excited about panoramic photography and have ordered an attachment to my tripod which i hope will help me capture some nice images.

Katie Melua

2008-11-07T12:01:00.014Z

Was lucky enough to go to the first uk date of Katie Melua's european tour recently. Fantastic set and great value for money. Highly recommended.

Newark train station.

2008-10-15T07:09:00.001+01:00

Im at newark train station today. North gate. There are two. This one is on the east coast mainline which runs from london to edinburgh. Ive been watching with some interest the bbc 4 documentaries which i think set out to chart the railway's decline from the beechim report in about 1963. One short film showed, side by the view from the train cab the same journey in 1953 and 1983. They were virtually identical. I think rail is the key to getting people off the roads but governments baulk at the cost of extending the network. The film graphically showed the longevity of the investment in rail infrastructure and i do wonder if someone needs to take the political decisions that commit to this, and throughout the country not, just on what used to be called network south east. A return to the 1950s would be a step forward.

Phil

2008-10-07T12:43:00.001+01:00

Got a phone call from a very good friend phil inviting me to lunch. Well it would be rude to refuse!

Autumn

2008-10-06T17:06:00.000+01:00

The leaves are changing, autumn is just around the corner. Often it is said we havent had much of a summer and winters are not as hard as they used to be. But I think spring and autumn are two seasons that can always be relied on to deliver the goods.