"What Were My Most Memorable Moments in the Month of November?"
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As a change to the usual blog which tends to focus on a subject, I thought this month I'd identify a few of my memorable moments of the month of November.
It's been full of variety. Here are the highlights.
Commercial Headshot Photoshoot
I was delighted to be asked back to Alan White Design in Kilmarnock to photograph their new Apprentice, Lottie. This shot was to be in line with previous images I cave captured for them. For continuity. So I headed over first thing on a Monday morning and, fuelled by a typically substantial amount of caffeine supplied by Emma, I spent a bit of time with Lottie and we were chuffed to finish with this:-
Actors Portfolio Photoshoot
Although shot during October, I was working on a set of images during November for actor, Erin whose mum I have known for about 25 years. We were newly qualified solicitors "back in the day", working in the same firm. We were aiming for three images, each with a different style. We captured these (two for example purposes) for her actor's portfolio - an absolute pleasure to work with and great spending a bit of time with Denise.
And then from the same shoot, one with a white background and a different light set up.
Helping the Federation of Small Businesses
Then, as a slight detour from the norm, I was asked by the Federation of Small Businesses to take part in a video campaign in the lead up to the Scottish Government's Budget in late November.
I am a Volunteer for the Federation and also a member of the Federation's Scottish Policy Unit. The aim was to try and help present small businesses as enterprises that involved people - rather than a large faceless institution.
It was to show the real life of a freelancer and suggest, perhaps, a couple of things that the Parliamentarians could take into account.
It was shot by the Communications Manager of the FSB in Scotland, Euan McGrory, and it took about an hour to do - it was shot at Cameron House by Loch Lomond whose staff were amazingly helpful. I bumped in the comedian Kevin Bridges there who said "hi mate" so I'm delighted to officially be his pal...
Here is the video - I share it with some trepidation as it's torture seeing yourself in a video...anyone else feel that way? I shouldn't complain. I put folk through it daily 😂.
It was a pleasure to be asked to help out. And a useful reminder as to how it feels to be on the other side of the camera! 😂
PR Photoshoot - for a Press Release
But before shooting the FSB's video at Cameron House I was on an early morning shoot, the details of which were embargoed until 1st December, for a long-time client/friends: formerly Mabbett and Associates and now Arthian.
An embargo is in place when information cannot be shared/revealed until a certain point - used a lot with Press Releases.
I met the team from Mabbett in about 2008/9 and we've been in touch since. They are a great bunch and the way the business has grown is nothing short of astonishing.
So we wanted to do group shots then I suggested a few more "PR" style shots with fewer folk in them. Here are two samples. Delighted for the business and how much traction the press release, with images, got.
The group shot was quite a challenge.
We had the use of the first floor of the hotel but there was furniture (and quite heavy at that) everywhere. I spoke to the Hotel staff and without any delay, everything that I needed shifted, was removed - the window cleaner even interrupted his routine, too, to help us. And, typically, there was a vehicle with a long hose I don't want to be in the shot, in the shot - so I had to edit that out. Then there was the light challenge. Here the light is coming from behind so I need to light the front. I had, at one point, three Profoto lights up on stands - two without modifiers to help make the images "crisp" and one with a large umbrella to light the faces with a more gentle touch. And all the time aiming to have a shadow under the chin but not shadows crossing each other's faces.
Event/Awards Ceremony Video and Photography
On top of shooting event photography I am also asked to shoot short videos. Here is one I shot for there Festival of Social Sciences - the idea was to have an informal, quickly produced, video for social media to help build traction online.
Event and Headshot Photography
I also had the second of five, pre-booked, photo engagements. These are a combination of event photography and headshots.
The participants get a headshot whilst engaged in the event. I cover the event and when the time is right set up my lights somewhere private. So here are the event organisers - they wanted a headshot too. And why not?!
Variety of the Spice of Life - Wedding Photography? Moi?
Yes, you're right, it's not something I typically do.
I have absolutely no objections to Wedding Photography. In fact, I rather like shooting weddings. People dressed up. Looking glam. Beautiful locations. Smiles. What's not to like? But I work a lot during the week, so to add on a wedding service, would be the end of free time!
I do, however, get asked by my commercial clients, from time to time, to cover their weddings and it's always a privilege (and a touch flattering) to be asked.
So I was delighted when Amelia and Colin were in touch from Edinburgh to ask me to cover a short period of time during (in their words) their "teeny tiny wedding." We had a chat and it was clear we were on the same wavelength in terms of what would work. I was off to the West Coast of Scotland, near Loch Long, one cold November Thursday night and was set up before they arrived. Regrettably it was after sunset so the use of the Loch was lost.
The staff at Knockderry House Hotel were great - moving so much furniture to give me clear shots - really fantastic people.
Amelia and Colin were great - I was with them for about an hour (very conscious that it was their day, not mine) so we covered what we were happy with and off I went.
Here is one, taken outside, (in very cold conditions) as the rain started. It was effectively night time. I had two flashes to the left with softboxes on (because I could see virtually nothing) and I grabbed a few outside shots marrying the the strength of the light with the background entrance.
Feedback - "you made it fun and painless."
Can't ask for more than that! Thank-you for the trust in inviting me along.
On a Personal Note....
Finally, and on a (self indulgent) personal note I was delighted to grab a few informal photographs of my good lady, Debs, in early November who graduated with a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Strathclyde.
So the last pic for this blog is one of her (and me) to celebrate the massive effort she has put in during the last two years.
Not taken by me (but of me) so I've included it anyway! 😂 A tenuous link to my monthly photo blog but there you go!
Thats a Wrap!
Well that was a busy month with lots going on - when I look back on it it seems crazy that so much variety was packed in - but thats what makes it a good way to make a living.
Hopefully you enjoyed it, too.
Feel free to comment below, and look out for future Blogs which come out about once a month!
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Cheers!
Guy