Just some of the many photography sites that I use
www.sunbounce.com Lighting
www.dofmaster.com Deapth of Field guides
www.photoguild.co.uk Photography
www.cambridgeincolour.com Tutorials
www.leefilters.com Filters
http://en.fotolia.com Stock
www.123rf.com Stock
www.shutterstock.com Stock
www.crestock.com Stock
www.thephotoforum.com Forum
www.nicholasjamesphotography.co.uk Me
Please note that whilst I have used these sites, I have no responsibility for the content of other sites etc etc
Thursday 25 June 2009
Friday 12 June 2009
Moving Forward
It’s not that I don’t use computers, I do. I use email to communicate, Goggle for the things I need to find out about and ebay. I use digital cameras and software to enhance my business, so I’m not a total computer novice but there were limits.
This month I have decided to change all of that.
I have started writing this blog and so far it seems like fun. I am in the process of (after 20 odd years in business) putting together my first web site and I have joined a forum for photographers.
So “why now”?
The Nicholas James Photography Blog
I’m not really sure what the purpose of blogging is but it does appear to be somewhat like keeping a diary. Something that I’ve been meaning to do for years. So lets see how it goes. Mostly it will be about my life as a photographer and all things in the photographic world, but from time to time I may deviate into the personal.
Joining a Forum
I’ve always been keen to talk to other like minded people, especially about business related topics and in particular, photography. Getting to know what others are doing, opinions on new equipment or just chin wagging. Until now, this seems to have been the remit of attending courses and exhibitions. Now I have the ability to log on at anytime and converse with others. There has only been one problem with this so far – I keep taking breaks to look at new posts.
The Web Site
http://www.nicholasjamesphotography.co.uk/
I could never see the point in me having a web site. My business has been going for years, I have more requests than I can handle, I never advertise and all of my work comes from word of mouth. This year I am fully booked and talking to clients about next year’s available dates. I really could not see the benefit.
Until someone pointed out that whilst I attended courses to evolve as a photographer, my business image was stagnant. Well, I have never thought of my business as stagnant, I run around at 100mph most of the time so how could it be, but if that were the perception, then it needed to be changed. I consider myself cutting edge in photographic terms so will now reflect that on the web. At this stage it is early days so please do not judge the site too harshly, but soon it will be up there with the best.
Not having the ability to write the whole thing from scratch, not wanting to pay a designer (I was quoted £10,000) astronomical sums, I have opted for a supplier called Phosys I hope it works out.
http://www.nicholasjamesphotography.co.uk/
This month I have decided to change all of that.
I have started writing this blog and so far it seems like fun. I am in the process of (after 20 odd years in business) putting together my first web site and I have joined a forum for photographers.
So “why now”?
The Nicholas James Photography Blog
I’m not really sure what the purpose of blogging is but it does appear to be somewhat like keeping a diary. Something that I’ve been meaning to do for years. So lets see how it goes. Mostly it will be about my life as a photographer and all things in the photographic world, but from time to time I may deviate into the personal.
Joining a Forum
I’ve always been keen to talk to other like minded people, especially about business related topics and in particular, photography. Getting to know what others are doing, opinions on new equipment or just chin wagging. Until now, this seems to have been the remit of attending courses and exhibitions. Now I have the ability to log on at anytime and converse with others. There has only been one problem with this so far – I keep taking breaks to look at new posts.
The Web Site
http://www.nicholasjamesphotography.co.uk/
I could never see the point in me having a web site. My business has been going for years, I have more requests than I can handle, I never advertise and all of my work comes from word of mouth. This year I am fully booked and talking to clients about next year’s available dates. I really could not see the benefit.
Until someone pointed out that whilst I attended courses to evolve as a photographer, my business image was stagnant. Well, I have never thought of my business as stagnant, I run around at 100mph most of the time so how could it be, but if that were the perception, then it needed to be changed. I consider myself cutting edge in photographic terms so will now reflect that on the web. At this stage it is early days so please do not judge the site too harshly, but soon it will be up there with the best.
Not having the ability to write the whole thing from scratch, not wanting to pay a designer (I was quoted £10,000) astronomical sums, I have opted for a supplier called Phosys I hope it works out.
http://www.nicholasjamesphotography.co.uk/
Thursday 11 June 2009
Trash the Dress
Traditionally brides have kept their wedding dress so that they can make christening gowns out of the material or they hang them in a wardrobe unused or they flog them on ebay. But now comes Trashing the Dress, sometimes known as TTD. Not so much trashing as liberating! As usual with these things, the trend started in the USA and is catching on here in the UK fast. It involves wearing your wedding dress once again and taking part in a high fashion-style photography shoot in unusual, non-wedding type places. The one big difference though: this time you don't have to worry about getting it dirty! It’s a fantastic way to get those extra pictures that make you stand out from the crowd. One bride had a trash the dress session after her wedding but before she showed her friends (who could not be there) the real photographs. She made out it was her wedding day and apparently their faces were a picture. Another bride who had gone off to get married at an exotic location used the session to kick off a party at home to celebrate her marriage with friends who couldn’t attend. Whatever your reason for wanting a TTD session, it is sure to be fun.
http://www.nicholasjamesphotography.co.uk/
http://www.nicholasjamesphotography.co.uk/
Sunday 7 June 2009
Wedding Photography 2009
Please note that all dates for 2009 are taken. Those wishing to book a date for 2010. please contact me. Remember, I do not take bookings unless we have had a consultation first.
I photograph weddings and civil ceremonies on weekends and week days.
www.nicholasjamesphotography.co.uk
I photograph weddings and civil ceremonies on weekends and week days.
www.nicholasjamesphotography.co.uk
Digital or Film
Having trained with 35mm film, moving to digital photography was a bit of a wrench. But in truth, it is the best thing to happen to photography since Kodak introduced it to the masses. OK, it happened, for me, some years ago now so I’ve had more than enough time to adjust.
Looking back over the last few years, where I’ve had conversations about the virtues of film, I’ve realised that (for me) it was only nostalgia talking.
The digital format is a superb tool for people who take the odd “snap” whilst on holiday to the Pro who’s living depends on hitting the mark every time he/she takes the lens cap off.
We still need to learn photography, through trial and error mostly and even the most sophisticated camera will not frame the shot for you but I can guarantee that there are less bad pics about now than there were 20 years ago. And it’s cheaper because we can delete the dross without going to the expense of having a film developed only to find that the pictures are rubbish.
Most old Pro’s will tell you that the real art took place in the dark room. True in my opinion, but now that we can do the same thing with software such as Photoshop the art still exists. So, for me, there is no argument about moving with the times.
So why are photographers still divided into two groups, Professional and Amateur if everything is so easy?
I didn’t say it was easy to take good photographs but I do believe that the tools are better and we stand more chance of getting it right.
Photography, like art, needs two components. Technical competence (helped by digital technology) and an eye for the subject matter. I can paint a picture, but an artist I am not.
It’s the same with today’s “Darkroom”, Photoshop (or similar). Computers have made life easier but it is all very well being good with computers if you cant see where a photograph is and where it needs to be.
www.nicholasjamesphotography.co.uk
Looking back over the last few years, where I’ve had conversations about the virtues of film, I’ve realised that (for me) it was only nostalgia talking.
The digital format is a superb tool for people who take the odd “snap” whilst on holiday to the Pro who’s living depends on hitting the mark every time he/she takes the lens cap off.
We still need to learn photography, through trial and error mostly and even the most sophisticated camera will not frame the shot for you but I can guarantee that there are less bad pics about now than there were 20 years ago. And it’s cheaper because we can delete the dross without going to the expense of having a film developed only to find that the pictures are rubbish.
Most old Pro’s will tell you that the real art took place in the dark room. True in my opinion, but now that we can do the same thing with software such as Photoshop the art still exists. So, for me, there is no argument about moving with the times.
So why are photographers still divided into two groups, Professional and Amateur if everything is so easy?
I didn’t say it was easy to take good photographs but I do believe that the tools are better and we stand more chance of getting it right.
Photography, like art, needs two components. Technical competence (helped by digital technology) and an eye for the subject matter. I can paint a picture, but an artist I am not.
It’s the same with today’s “Darkroom”, Photoshop (or similar). Computers have made life easier but it is all very well being good with computers if you cant see where a photograph is and where it needs to be.
www.nicholasjamesphotography.co.uk
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