Category Archives: Environmental Portraiture

Belfast, Documentary, Environmental Portraiture, History, Ireland, Reportage, Streetscapes, Travel

Inspirational…

Motivation and Inspiration

It’s encouraging to drive along a road and see some inspirational words on a wall. In Belfast, it makes a nice change from some of the darker, paramilitary or terrorist inspired murals. Ant when you are ‘getting on a bit’ like me, this wall on the Newtownards Road is particularly appropriate – a good incentive to keep going!

Fujifilm X-T2, Acros Film Simulation, F=18mm, f/6.4 @ 1/125th sec on ISO400

This area of Belfast is known as ‘Ballymacarrett’ – an ancient townland name, and the home of many of the old Belfast industries, most notably the famous Harland and Wolff Shipyard, Short Brothers aircraft factory, the Belfast Rope Works and the Scirocco Works.

The mural features everything that is good about East Belfast, its community and renown, including CS Lewis, born in East Belfast. Also included are a ballerina, Belfast City Hall, and a group of children playing in the street, a boy releasing a dove, symbolising peace.

The main text on the mural is:

You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.

Inspirational indeed!

Belfast, Environmental Portraiture, Ireland, Travel

Crumlin Road Courthouse

On a visit to North Belfast I drove past the old Courthouse on the Crumlin Road, and decided that on my return journey, I stop and make some photographs.  The courthouse was, like many old buildings in Belfast, designed by the architect Charles Lanyon and built in 1850.  It closed in 1998 when the new court buildings at Laganside were opened, and it has remainded derelict since. Continue reading Crumlin Road Courthouse →

Beautiful Ulster, Co. Down, Environmental Portraiture, Photo-Essay, Uncategorized

Hillsborough, Co.Down

Hillsborough is one of the trendy, affluent areas of Northern Ireland.  Situated on the A1 between Dromore and Lisburn, Hillsborough boasts a fine park with a lake, historic buildings, a fort, and even a Royal Residence (Hillsborough Castle).

I visited the town for a ‘walk with a camera’ one morning recently, when the sun was shining and it was around 24 degress celsius.  Here’s a few of the images…

Hillsborough Main Street.

Hillsborough_01 GA

Continue reading Hillsborough, Co.Down →

Environmental Portraiture, Weddings and Events

Love Stories

5 Ideas for Telling Your Love Story in Your Engagement Session

What we want to do is really recount your love story through images. Now some of those will be a range of cuddly, romantic poses. But, how about if we can really personalise it around you.

Where did he/she propose? Can we use the spot of the proposal. If it was a restaurant then most owners are really happy to help you re-create the scene. If it was a park then we already have a gorgeous location. If it was on vacation – well we’re game 🙂

Where did you meet? Same as the proposal venue, if it was a pub, concert or sports event again the venues are usually really happy to help.

In both cases it is really nice to send them some images afterwards. We will provide the right info and license so the images are properly credited and the venue has our permission to use the images.

What are your common hobbies? Do you like dancing, let’s re-create your favourite dance. Do you play sports or support a sports team: sports jerseys, scarves, sports wear all make fantastic props.

Do you have pets? Dogs especially are terrific add-ons to your shoot, especially when they are part of your family. Cats don’t usually work so well – they are too lovably self-centred to co-operate. If you have something more exotic like snakes, reptiles or something else then I’m certain we can manage.

What about your personalities? Are you quiet and romantic, we can set you up for some pretty, cozy, lovey-dovey photographs. Are you loud and boisterous always out for a good time – then we can do something much more exuberant. And if you want both, then that’s fine.

All our engagement photoshoots aim to show the whole you and your whole love story, so we like to express both who you are and how happy you are together.

If you would like to reserve your love story photoshoot at Portraits2Go.co.uk then simply phone 07802466302 to make your appointment.

Environmental Portraiture, Family Portraits, Weddings and Events

Engagement Portraits. 

5 Ideas for Telling Your Love Story in Your Engagement Session
What we want to do is really recount your love story through images. Now some of those will be a range of cuddly, romantic poses. But, how about if we can really personalize it around you.
1) Where did he/she propose? Can we use the spot of the proposal. If it was a restaurant then most owners are really happy to help you re-create the scene. If it was a park then we already have a gorgeous location. If it was on vacation – well we’re game 🙂
2) Where did you meet? Same as the proposal venue, if it was a pub, concert or sports event again the venues are usually really happy to help.

In both cases it is really nice to send them some images afterwards. We will provide the right info and license so the images are properly credited and the venue has our permission to use the images.

3) What are your common hobbies? Do you like dancing, let’s re-create your favorite dance. Do you play sports or support a sports team: sports jerseys, scarves, sports wear all make fantastic props.
4) Do you have pets? Dogs especially are terrific add-ons to your shoot, especially when they are part of your family. Cats don’t usually work so well – they are too lovably self-centred to co-operate. If you have something more exotic like snakes, reptiles or something else then I’m certain we can manage.
5) What about your personalities? Are you quiet and romantic, we can set you up for some pretty, cozy, lovey-dovey photographs. Are you loud and boisterous always out for a good time – then we can do something much more exuberant. And if you want both, then that’s fine. 
All our engagement photoshoots aim to show the whole you and your whole love story, so we like to express both who you are and how happy you are together.

If you would like to reserve your love story photoshoot at Portraits2Go.co.uk then simply phone 07802466302 to make your appointment.

Child Portraiture, Environmental Portraiture, Family Portraits

Preparing for your spring photoshoot

Spring is all about new life, new colour, new sunshine coming to the world. So here’s some tips to help you have a relaxed spring photo session.

1) Location

We will find you a great spring location, with lovely buds, new blooms and bulbs arriving. We have a few special places, but if you have somewhere that you know – or is special to you – then please let us know.

2) Timing

Don’t leave it too late, there is a big difference between that perfect spring appearance and when things get a bit tired in summer. So, keep an eye on the weather and the plants around you and book early.

3) Clothing
We recommend you be dressed in layers, spring weather can be a bit hot then cold. Layers mean we can ring the changes very quickly and easily and you don’t get overheated or goosebumps.

4) Colours

Use the colors of spring, obviously green, but blues, pinks and yellows are fantastic in springtime. Go for a color theme throughout the whole group to help make you appear together. Denim jeans always work!

5) Accessories

Make your accessories work with your wardrobe. Again the colors listed above will work well. In general you want either big and chunky or small and discrete. Finely worked jewelry tends not to work too well in images. For women, hair accessories can be a really good, colorful choice.

6) Shoes

Bring a few changes just in case – the ground can be a little muddy at times in springtime. Trainers, loafers and flats are good. Boots can work too – but not furry winter boots.

Black & White, Environmental Portraiture

Men at Work

I’ve always been intrigued by the clutter of offices, personal spaces etc.  The character of the worker is very often reflected in their workspace. 

Visiting commercial premises in Craigavon recently I pooped my head through the door of an old friend and found him sitting amid all the clutter of his profession; his computer keyboard atop a pile of papers and documents almost a foot high. I couldn’t resist a shot…  

Hueless App on iPhone. 

Environmental Portraiture, News and Commentary

Helping Preserve Memories

Today I had the privilege of attending the funeral of Pastor Israel Ojo in the Covenant of Love Church in Belfast, and photographing the event for his loved ones, – a lasting tribute, and memorial.  Pastor Ojo has many friends and relations abroad, and the on-line gallery can be accessed from all over the world, so that they will see around 200 images made through the day, all over the world.

image

Many thanks to Pastor Ojo’s family, for allowing me to share in their day, and for commissioning me for this event, to Pastor Kevin Sambrooke for his patience and for permission to make images throughout the service, and to James Brown and Son, whose staff were very helpful and friendly.

It’s being able to share in people’s lives like this that makes professional photography a very special vocation indeed.