London

Just a quick peek at my recent trip to London, was only there for a day so didn't have much time to fit a lot in!

Filters

I bought two filters yesterday, a circular polariser and an ultra violet. I had a quick play with the polariser. It's best used for bright sunlight and reflections and as I used it at sunset it didn't have the best effects but you can still see the difference. I've been wanting to use filters for some time now but didn't really know where to start as I don't know much about them, I figured I'd start with a couple of basic filters. The ultra violet is used for general photography and doubles up as a lens protector, I didn't get chance to use it yesterday so not sure what effect it'll have yet! Here are some examples of the polariser, like I say it's best used for water reflections and harsh sunlight as it increases colour saturation but the results can be seen below!

As I'm very new to using filters if you know anything about them or have any tips on when is best to use them etc please let me know! At the minute I'm just experimenting but it would be good to hear from people who use them regularly!

Fireworks

Fireworks taken on Bonfire night this year. First attempt at photographing fireworks, it was hard but can't wait to do it again!

Guinness, Guinness and more Guinness!

Recently (well about 2 months ago now so not that recent!) Me and George and his family went to Dublin for the weekend, George's Mum and Dad took part in the Dragon boating event off the river Liffey while me and George explored all Dublin had to offer! It was a brilliant weekend with good food, drinks (LOTS of Guinness) and company. We went round the Guinness factory which is a must, it was so fascinating and you got a free drink, yay! Also Temple Bar is a must see area, the pubs there are incredible! We'll definitely be going back (once we've saved a small fortune - it's very expensive!) would definitely recommend a weekend trip over there if you ever get chance!

Big lights will inspire you...

Ah New York! I've just come back from an amazing 10 day holiday. Went to go stay with a friend who lives in Jersey City, lovely place to live. Crammed in a lot of things in the time we were there, could have slept for a week when we came back but unfortunately it was back to work! I'm sure I'll look through my photos in a few weeks and come across more I'd like to share but in the mean time here are a few I've got round to looking at :)

Bridlington

Me and George went to Brid a few weekends ago now and I've just realised I've never posted the photos up! So here they are, a little insight to our day at the beach :)

Behind the scenes

Last week I got invited to photograph a make-up show for Retford Academy. I was the only photographer there so I felt quite a lot of pressure! It was my first time shooting anything like this so I wasn't quite sure what to expect but the whole day was so fun and I learnt so much. The following photos are backstage before the show. It was madness, lots of rushing around trying to get everything done so i tried to not get in the way while taking these!

I also took some studio shots for the make up artists portfolios, I'll put them up as soon as I get sorted with editing etc.

Floral Delights

It's been a lovely sunny past few weeks here so I thought I'd venture out into the garden to do some photography. It's amazing how much there is to photograph if you look for it! I used 3 different lenses for these photos, my Sigma 70 - 300 mm, my Canon 18 - 55 mm with a macro converter and George's Canon 50 mm. So if you're ever stuck at home with no inspiration then go look in your garden! I guarantee you'll find something interesting. Click on the photos for full size :)

I've been very busy recently editing photos from an exciting event I photographed so as soon as I get them sorted I'll post a lovely long blog about it all :)