As Summer comes to an end and Autumn begins, its a wonderful time of year to capture amazing outdoor photographs here in Croydon.
For me, these two pictures explore the diversity that can be found in our suburb and the fusion that we create together.
I look forward to seeing pictures of your Autumn/Fall too.
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On holidays we are at our most relaxed and most of us love to capture special moments with our families while away. Here is a simple guide to taking holiday photographs.
Try to fit in three points of interest. For example, in the picture above we have the table of interesting food, the person smiling and the background. Try to make sure that the image is simple without too much distraction. For example, in this image I made sure there was nobody walking past either in the restaurant or on the beach. Try out a few angles, this may involve moving the camera higher and lower and tilting it a little. Most cameras these days have great auto settings, but the placement of the camera itself can make a really big difference to the picture.
A service I am adding to Esselle Pictures from this month is your holiday photo edit. I am able to take your pictures and retouch them, giving them a natural appearance, taking out any unwanted blemishes and editing the pictures to make them really zing. I will give them the same care and attention I would any of my own images. I look forward to seeing your pictures!
Prices start at £45.
Esselle Pictures captured another playful toddler here, it seems to be becoming a speciality! Little Asha and I got out a blanket, cushions and watercolours and she was almost unaware of the camera. I did realise after I got the shots that she had been happily spreading paint all over an hb pencil, but its all good practice for her!
My Mum always talked about ‘Plan B’ when I was growing up. A good photographer will always have a plan B up their sleeve, but when working in all weathers and doing children’s portraits, the chances of plan B coming in to play are pretty high!
Yesterday, as we began a garden shoot the heavens opened. We went to plan B, parent’s sitting room, but little Zayn was not in the mood to sit still! So all plans were abandoned as Zayn decided on how his shoot was going to be… He explored and played til his heart was content, as I followed him around in ‘paparazzi’ mode. Adaptability is the name of the game on a children’s shoot and I was happy to do so.
The portraits are cute and playful, just like the shoot was. View the whole collection in the Gallery page.
Every pregnancy is unique to the individual. The usual advice is that around six months is a good time for your maternity photo-shoot. Many women feel good at this stage and the bump will be clearly visible by now. However, having worked with women on their pregnancy pictures, I know there are no rules.
Some women’s experience does not follow the usual pattern. They may feel unwell at six months, but at eight months have some time off work and can relax and enjoy having pictures taken. This is a time full of anticipation and can produce great pictures.
Equally, women have a changing relationship with their bodies during pregnancy. You may reach a stage where you particularly like your feminine appearance with the bump and feel more confident to have a photo session. This could be at any stage of the pregnancy, and a good maternity photographer will be happy to adapt.
The important thing is to find a photographer who is experienced at maternity pictures. They will anticipate your needs such as rest, refreshments and facilities. They will also know how to show off your bump and create a picture with the right emotion, whatever stage of the pregnancy. If you want your partner involved, be sure to say and a conceptual photographer will design your pictures to include you both.
Upcoming Portraits
Esselle Pictures will be working on more creative family and maternity shoots in the next few weeks. Follow the blog to see new pictures.
This lovely couple decided on a vintage themed shoot for their maternity portrait. I did a selection of images for them including a black and white one.
The shoot took about an hour and a half, and 6 months pregnant Hazel was glad of my assistance with make-up and my choice of venue with easy access to toilets. The Spring greenery and flowers added a nice touch to the pictures.
This weekend gone I did a shoot with the Bynoe family from Shirley, Croydon. They wanted a smart and stylish family portrait with grandparents and grandchildren.
We arrived at a garden party concept together and I arranged the scene to look authentic. It was actually bad weather outside, but you would never know. We all had great fun on the shoot, even baby Bailey!
This little baby and Mum were a delight to photograph. Babies really do take in the atmosphere around them… a relaxed outing at a cafe and plenty of playful chatter with him provided the perfect smiley photo opportunity!
I was with a great couple in Herne Hill this weekend doing their pregnancy portrait. This picture captures their playful relationship perfectly, as they await baby due in four weeks!
Pregnancy is a really good time to have a little pampering and a portrait done. Its great to capture a couple full of expectation and to know that their child will have fun looking at the pictures in years to come.
Esselle Pictures was at a flash mob in Covent Garden today. It was organised by GNappies for the premature baby charity Bliss. We created a human heart! Fantastic people and a very worthy cause.
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