How to capture your kids!

Taking great pictures of children isn't the easiest task but getting that amazing shot makes it all so worthwhile.

Quite often, people see the sun is out and rush out in the middle the day to take pictures of their children.  STOP!  Put the camera down...and wait until later in the day when the sun is not so harsh.  Or, put them in the shade.  The sun is not so much of a friend when it comes to photography as it causes harsh shadows, particulary on the face.

Understanding little hints like this can drastically improve your images. 

So do you need a 'posh' camera to take better pictures?  In my opinion you don't, you just need to understand how to get the best from your piece of kit.  That means understanding light, composition and how to get the best from your little models.  Of course an SLR would be the best option for quality images and if you've got one then that's great.  Many compact cameras have the option to use manual controls too which is very useful..

I think that some of the best images are those lovely natural shots taken when the child is unaware of the camera.  So why do we insist that our children 'sit still' for their photograph? 

If you would like to improve the shots you take of your children and you love natural fun shots then my workshop might be for you..

I'm running a two part course in bite size chunks.  This means that you'll have time between workshops to have a practice.  Amongst other things we will cover...

Focussing

Composition

Working with light

How to blur the background

Tips for getting those natural shots

Flash - when to use it and why

The course will take place at the Quaker Meeting House in Colchester on Wednesday 22nd and Tuesday 28th June, 9.30am - 12.30pm.  The price is £95 for both workshops and discounts are available if you bring a friend.  There are only 8 places on the course, I've purposely kept the numbers low so that you all get plenty of attention and practice.

To reserve your place, please call 07849 854308 or email

www.sallyparkinson.co.uk

Sally Parkinson Photography

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Calling all creative businesses!

So you've spent hours creating your speciality whether it's jewellery, cakes, bouquets (the list is endless) and now you need a photograph for your website.  You could hire a professional each time (Ok, so I'm probably talking myself out of some business here!) or you could take the picture yourself.   I'm not saying you should never hire a professional but in this current climate I do understand that this may not be a practical option.

It's perfectly possible for you to take a good photograph of your product using your own camera and natural daylight.  The better the camera the better the quality of the image so if you have an SLR then that's great.  However you don't need a 'posh' camera to take a good image, ultimately it's about how you use your camera...I think that's another subject though!  Ideally you'll need a camera that allows you to use manual controls and alot of compact cameras have this facility.  

These jewellery images were taken using natural daylight by the window in my kitchen!

The idea for a workshop came about whilst talking to a Colchester business woman recently.  I thought it a great idea so I'm running a workshop June in two bite size chunks.  There are only 8 places which means that you'll get plenty of attention and practice.  

We will cover...

Focussing

Composition

Working the available light

How to blur the background

Filing and sorting your pictures

Hints and tips for your products

Please bring along your products so that you can get in plenty of practice.  

The workshops will take place at the Quaker Meeting House in Colchester on Thursday 23rd June & Wednesday 29th June, 9.30am - 12.30pm.   The cost is £95 for both workshops and there are discounts if you bring along a friend.

You'll have time to practice in between workshops giving you a chance to come back with your questions and of course, brilliant photographs!. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.  To reserve your place give me a call on 07849 854308 or drop me an email.

www.sallyparkinson.co.uk

Sally Parkinson Photography

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All for One!

Is this really work?! They kept me on my toes at rehearsals yesterday for the outdoor production of The Three Musketeers.  A fast moving production with plenty of action gave me plenty of photo opportunities whilst dodging swords! A very blustery (but sunny) day in Rowhedge, Colchester was the setting for this rehearsal. 

This promises to be a superb production, once again from Chameleon's Web Theatre Company.  I was very impressed with slick sword fighting which has been co-ordinated by a professional stage fight coach.  I look forward to the real swords, that will really keep me on my toes!

The acting as expected is excellent, the production is fun and I think audiences around Essex are going to thoroughly enjoy this swashbuckling production..

Venues in lovely surroundings are the settings for this production, make a note of these dates!

18.06.2011 6.00pm Sir Alfred Munnings Museum, Dedham 01206 366000

19.06.2011 6.00pm Layer Marney Tower, Nr Colchester 01206 366000

25.06.2011 6.30pm Minories Garden, Colchester 01206 765131

26.06.2011 4.30pm Minories Garden, Colchester 01206 765131

02.07.2011 5.00pm The Whalebone, Fingrinhoe 01206 729307

03.06.2011 4.00pm Hylands House, Chelmsford 01245 606505

Further info can be found on the Chameleon's Web website  www.chameleonsweb.co.uk

Sally Parkinson Photography

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www.sallyparkinson.co.uk 

Business women at their best...

I had the pleasure of photographing fusion dancer, Sarah Khouchane, in the studio last week. It was alot of fun and gave us both the chance to be creative!

Sarah Khouchane

 

I introduced Sarah to the Business Women's Network recently as I know she'll receive plenty of support from the other business women.  Dance to the Beat is Sarah's new venture offering dance classes to the young and not so young.  Her mixture of styles produces something very unique and fun, hence the name fusion dance.

Mixing ballet, flamenco, street and other types of dance is Sarah's passion which shone throughout her session.  Sarah plans to use the photographs to publicise her dance classes in Colchester.

The really great news is that I'll continue to see Sarah at the Business Women's Network and see her business grow.  We're also planning to work together during the summer holidays providing experience workshops for children so watch this space!

 

And finally, just for fun I took this video of Sarah in the studio...

www.sallyparkinson.co.uk

www.dancetothebeat.co.uk

www.thebusinesswomansnetwork.co.uk

Sally Parkinson Photography

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May contain nudity...

What a morning at the Business Womens Network in Colchester yesterday! Inspiring ideas and a challenge from Farleigh Hospice, an interesting in depth view of Help for Heroes ... and that was just the start.

Discussions ranged from a new dance school in Colchester to a fantastic ironing and holiday packing service soon to be launched.  But no one expected nudity to be on the agenda...!

Mandie came up with the idea (yes Mandie, it was your idea!) of a BWN calendar.  I'm sure you can see where this is going..not any old calendar, a naked calendar!  A cheeky selection of photographs (taken by me of course) of our wonderful business women in Essex all in aid of Farleigh Hospice.  Watch this space!! 

Alot of this was being tweeted as it was happening, oh the power of social media!

 

More piccies on facebook  www.facebook.com/sallyparkinsonphotography

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Lovely stuff!

At the weekend I had to out and photograph bluebells in a wood on a lovely day with people who are passionate about photography.  What a chore?! 

My 'On Location' Photography Club started up at the weekend and we were in the search of bluebells.  They weren't hard to find, I'm lucky enough to have a beautiful woodland on my doorstep.

Welsh Wood is on the outskirts of Colchester and every year it never fails to produce a spectacular display of bluebells and other wild flowers. 

 

We found several lovely spots and played with the light and shadows cast by the very bright sunshine.  I also intoduced the reflector, using it to bounce light back onto the subject.  A very handy piece of kit but equally as useful is some kitchen foil!  Much nicer than firing flash...

After a couple of hours we declared that we were 'Bluebelled Out'! A very satisfying and fun morning!

Next time we're off to find some animals and butterflies at Jimmy's Farm...am sure that will make for an interesting blog!

And finally, here's me talking about my photography workshops.  After several takes we got there in the end!

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www.sallyparkinson.co.uk