Category Archives: Studio

Photographer? Let the Buyer Beware!

The principle of ‘Caveat Emptor’ is well established in most business transactions. Let the buyer beware!  It’s so easy to be defrauded by someone who pretends he is something he isn’t – or who delivers second rate goods or services. This is certainly the case in ‘professional’ photography where a charlatan can set up a ‘photography business’ with no experience, no training or qualifications, no insurance and still get clients by offering prices that wouldn’t stand up financially. 

The end result of this is that the person who thinks they are getting a good deal are just being ripped off, used as someone’s Guinea pig or exploited. It would be tempting to conclude that they deserve it, for demanding work at an unrealistic price, if it wasn’t for the collateral damage that is caused to the whole industry in ruined reputations and overall suspicion. A client who has been deceived by a ‘photographer’ can demonstrate their resentment by smearing all photographers with the vitriol usually reserved for estate agents and second hand car salesmen. 

Here’s a case in point. I noticed a post on a photography discussion page, on which a woman was asking advice about a camera. She was starting a photography business so a relative had given a camera. She didn’t know whether the camera was any good for professional photos and was seeking advice from others. 

The camera in question was an old, Nishika 3D, ‘point and shoot’ fixed focus, 35mm film camera. Totally unsuitable, even when new, for producing professional images, yet she didn’t seem to know what it was, how to use it or how to make images. 

 

Nishika N8000
 
Just imagine what a total disaster it will be for her unsuspecting clients, who book her on some price comparison website. 

As with any other transaction, when booking a photographer – Caveat Emptor

Let the buyer beware!  

The #Nikon Df

It’s here!

My new Nikon Df has arrived!   The ‘f’ (apparently) is for ‘fusion’ and this camera is a perfect fusion between the old Nikon FM cameras and the Nikon Professional Digital range. It has the same sensor as the top of the range D4 but, designed for ‘pure photography’ it has no video capability. Which suits me just fine. 

The big advantage for me is the manually operated knobs. No more fiddling with digital controls!    


Wiki
:

  • The Nikon Df is a full-frame F-mount DSLR FX format camera announced by Nikon on November 5, 2013. It uses dedicated mechanical controls similar to those used on mechanical 35mm film SLR camera and has an appearance similar to the Nikon FE and Nikon FM film cameras.[1] Nikon’s website states “Using its large, metallic mechanical dials, photographers will rediscover a more direct connection with their camera.”
  • It has the same sensor overall score 89 of DxOMark with Nikon D4, the Nikon Df ranked first in a low-light test with 3279 ISO (Nikon D4 with 2965 ISO), but in practice the difference is small
  • In a departure from the rest of Nikon’s DSLR lineup, the Df does not record video, only still images; while most reviews were generally positive, this and other built-in limitations of the camera were seen as negatives. Also notable by their absence were built-in flash and a variety of automatic modes, though the backward lens compatibility extends to lenses from 1959 

Studio Renovations Continue…

Today was another step forward in our preparations for a busy 2016. 

Today Janette and I have extended the studio area length by two feet and extended the chroma key backdrop right across the room – now 12 ft wide – to allow us to accommodate larger groups – perhaps up to 8 or ten adults for group portraits – so our 2016 Groupon offerings will include Family Portraits as well as babies.   

We look forward to welcoming you and your family in 2016!

Terrible Twos? Not at all!

Terrible Twos? Not at all!

Someone once told me that when a baby turns two that marks the beginning of the ‘terrible twos’ – when all restraints are off, and baby does what she likes, when she likes, and learns to complain loudly when he or she doesn’t get her own way!  But not always!  Today for my single family portrait photography session at Dundonald, (I was at a wedding this afternoon) I had this really delightful little two-year old, whose activities were more than enough to provide fun for the camera!  Including a great desire to carry a chair around with her!  (A small Ikea child’s chair – I hasten to add!)

Here she is on the sheepskin rug in the studio..

GS_DSC_5494A

Shot in the studio, Nikon D700, f/11@1/125th Sec on ISO200

Reaching for the Moon #Nikon, #Chromakey

Reaching Up…

An advantage of digital photography is the spontaneity that it allows, which makes family portrait photography so much fun,and so full of unexpected opportunities. One of yesterday’s family photo sessions at Dundonald featured a little girl who reached upwards, just as the camera was on her.  What a great pose – totally unplanned, and so a great opportunity to show her reaching for the moon!

GS_DSC_5308

Shot on the Nikon D700, ISO200, f/10 at 1/125th sec, with studio lighting, against Chromakey ‘Greenscreen’ Backdrop.

Work Selfie

Playing with the Bronica after a Photoshoot today and I decided to do a ‘selfie’. Why not?  Everyone else is doing it!  So I propped the iPhone on a proper prop, and popped the camera thingy with a 10 second delay to allow me to pop back into position. 

2015 Christmas Family Photography Experience!

Buy one Family Photography Experience Voucher and get another half price!

Buy one voucher for the purchaser and their family to use in the next 2 months (valid from the date of purchase) for just £25!

The value of this voucher is £140, which covers the cost of a one hour family session worth £75 and a framed 7×5″ portrait in modern contemporary frame or black traditional frame (worth £65.)

Get the Second voucher just £12.50!  
This voucher can to be given to another family as a gift for Christmas and would be valid until 25th February 2016.

To book your gift vouchers ring 07802 466302.

Or complete the booking form:

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The October BABY OF THE MONTH Competition has Started!

October Baby of the Month!

Do you have a baby aged 0-12 months? Why not enter them into the Baby of the Month competition where five winners each month receive a £100 Mothercare voucher and qualify for entry into the Baby of the Year competition, where one lovely baby can win £5000!

Mothercare Vouchers
Mothercare Vouchers

Register today for an exclusive baby photography session at our studio where you will have the opportunity to enter your favourite image from the session into the competition and receive Tembo, your own soft toy elephant. Visit http://www.BobMcEvoy.co.uk/emmas-diary to book your session, or call 07802466302