Christmas Special Offers

With Christmas just a few weeks away we have a selection of luxury SMS Creative Photography - Gift Box - Special Offers, for you to treat your loved ones.

Each gift box contains a voucher for a photo-shoot to enjoy in 2018 - beautifully presented in a silver plated frame (tarnish resistant so no cleaning!) for the carefully crafted photograph from their photo-shoot to be displayed in.

This link to the 'Christmas Special Offers' page on our website shows you the selection of exclusive gifts to choose from.

Simply come into the studio or call us on 01883 722282 to pay and collect.

With love
Stella x

Into the Woods...

A little peek behind-the-scenes at this year's Christmas promotional photo-shoot and where my inspiration came from.

I wanted to do something a little different for my Christmas window display, so this year I have gained some inspiration from the Pre-Raphaelite artists. You may recognise Jemima, the lovely model I've chosen from the meadow photo-shoot back in the summer, her fair complexion and long wavy reddish-brown hair suited the overall look I was aiming for.

The shoot took place late on an autumnal afternoon, it didn't take long to find the perfect spot to set up a makeshift studio with my trusted lighting technician, armed with a variety of lights and reflectors to choose from.

For those of you who want to know, the lens I'm using is my favourite 70-200mm f2.8, I tend to shoot on a low ISO and slow shutter speed, to allow for a mix of ambient light and continuous or flashlight.

To view the final photograph on display, please visit us on Thursday 16 November for the Grand Window Reveal for some of Oxted's festive window displays, and for the town's official Christmas Lights switch on at 7pm - with late night shopping too!

Photographs of loved ones make ideal and original Christmas gifts - to book your studio or location photo-shoot, or to place an order for a personalised gift voucher, please call the studio on 01883 722282 - thank you.

Stella

Chubb Insurance Concours D'Elégance 2017

Thursday 31 August was the opening of the world renowned Salon Privé in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, majestically placed on the South Lawn, now in its 3rd consecutive year.

Salon Privé continues to attract some of the most important collector cars in the world - with a 12-year history, Salon Privé is firmly established as the UK’s most prestigious luxury Classic and Supercar Show & Concours d’Elégance.

I had the pleasure of photographing the day for the 2nd year and this year's show didn't disappoint. As well as photographing I spoke to a few of the owners to hear about the history of their cars, one in particular stuck in my mind - a stunning 1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 'Daytona Spider', bought in the late 80s, this very car won the trophy for the People's Choice and quite rightly too.

The selection of photographs below tells you a little more about how the day unfolded.

The day started with the world premiere of the all-new ATS GT - the first ATS for more than half a century - Automobili Turismo e Sports owner Daniele Martian explained the ethos of the team of talented young people bringing back this historically important brand.

Trophies basking in the sunlight, lined up ready for the afternoon presentations.

Judge, Vincent Van Der Vinne - automotive historian, and writer speaking to the owner of the 1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider.

This year the panel of judges were: Derek Bell as Chief Judge, Keith Bluemel, Henry Cole, Fabio Filippini, Marco Makaus, John Mayston-Taylor, Yasmin Le Bon, Hugo Modderman, Steve Parrish, Jeff Smith MBE, Frank Stephenson, Giles Taylor, Vincent Van der Vinne and youth judges, Ben Barkaway, Harvey Stanley and Marcus Willis with Max Girardo - Master of Ceremonies.
Seen above (l-r) Jeff Smith MBE, Steve Parrish, Max Girardo, His Grace, the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Yasmin Le Bon, John Mayston-Taylor, Frank Stephenson and Marco Makaus.

Some of the motorcycles needed a push!

Most OTT Motorbike: 1971 Kawasaki Millyard H1 500LC.

Jalil Rehman - Executive Vice President and Chief Business Operations Officer of Chubb Insurance, with Master of Ceremonies Max Girardo and His Grace, the 12th Duke of Marlborough (l-r).

Taking home top honours, with the Best of Show Trophy, was the revered and much-discussed 1960 Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM Pininfarina Superflow IV. This rare Alfa Romeo is the final evolution of four concept cars in one. The car initially began as a 6C 3000 CM race car, (driven by none other than Juan Manuel Fangio, taking 2nd place in the 1953 Mille Miglia), of the eight 6C 3000 CM's built, two were converted to street cars. Chassis #00128 was then given to Italian designer, Pininfarina, who used the chassis to evolve four prototype design studies ending with the Superflow IV with its Plexi roof.

Trophy presentation by His Grace, the 12th Duke of Marlborough and Jalil Rehaman - a car that hadn’t been shown in the UK until Thursday’s Salon Privé Concours debut; it shook off fierce competition in the Curvaceous Coupes Class, and will return to its home in the USA with not only the Best in Show Trophy but also a Best in Class award.

I can see why this Alfa Romeo won the Best in Class award as well the Best of Show trophy, it really is a car with class and style, I spoke to the owner who said people refer to it as the bubble car, I'm not sure that does it justice!

Andrew Bagley, Concours Chairman announcing the Special Award for Most Original Post-War: 1969 Aston Martin DB6 MkII.  
Built in 1969, this car is in exceptional condition with unbroken history and matching numbers. Chassis #4312 is a multiple award-winning car in both Concour d'Elégance and rallies. It is one of 5 in this particular colour Bahama Yellow and special to its kind, it has the capacity of changing the perceived colour depending on the lighting conditions.

Judges Henry Cole, Derek Bell MBE, Steve Parrish and youth judge Harvey Stanley.

This special 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 having only returned from Italy and Lamborghini’s in-house restoration team, Polo Storico, in July, took home top honours in the Evolution of the Supercar Pin-Ups Class.

The current owners and recipients of the award. This car was delivered to its original owner in late 1967, who gave it the nickname 'Tamuira' after his fiancée and reigning Miss Italia Tamara Baroni. 

One-of-37 ‘covered headlamp’ 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider restored in the UK during 2012, this exceptional SWB-variant California Spider wowed judges, becoming Best in Show runner-up, and taking home a Best-in-Class win in the Riviera Cruising category.

His Grace, the 12th Duke of Marlborough presenting the trophy. I think you'll agree this is one of the most desirable open top GT cars ever made.

Other winners of Italian descent include the last-ever UK-delivered, right-hand-drive 1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 ‘Daytona’ Spider, one of just 122 that originally left the Maranello factory in that specification. Remaining with its current owner for over 30 years, it won the hearts of Salon Privé guests and took home the People’s Choice Award. 

Thanks for reading, I'm already looking forward to next year at Salon Privé - to view more photographs from the day please follow this link to my website.

I'll be back next month with more news!

Bye for now.

Stella

Silverstone Classic 2017

The Silverstone Classic is firmly established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival. The epic event attracts more than 1,000 race entries and draws crowds of more than 100,000. The spectacular classic car celebration is staged at the famous Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire, the birthplace of the FIA Formula One World Championship and home to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. The three-day festival features the very best of classic and historic motor racing covering more than eight decades of motor sport, as well as live music from iconic rock bands and a wealth of family entertainment. In 2016, over 100 car clubs displayed more than 10,000 classic cars.

This is the reason why I look forward to photographing at Silverstone Classic, with accreditation to officially photograph - this blog shows a small selection of photographs I captured on the Friday and Saturday - to see more images from this prestigious event please click on each photograph to take you to the 'Events' section of my website.

Henry Hope-Frost on the screen before the Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy for Pre '56 Sports Cars - car number 6 - 1953 Cooper Bristol T24/25 - Qualifying.

Friendly banter before the Kidston Trophy for Pre War Sports Cars - Qualifying.

Crispin Harris in a 1960 Austin Healy 3000 about to take to the track in the Gallet International Trophy for Classic GT Cars (Pre '66) - Qualifying.

Georg Kjallgren preparing to take to the track in a 1989 Courage C26S - Qualifying.

Engineers with Team Captain Anthony Reid's Austin A35 preparing for the Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy Race. 

Theo Paphitis, part of the Screen Stars team, owner and the driver of this Austin A35 in the Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy Race.

Ant Anstead, with friend and co-presenter Philip Glenister from Channel 4's 'For The Love of Cars' in a jovial mood before the Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy Race.

After the Maserati Trophy for HGPCA Pre '66 Grand Prix Cars. Wiliam Nuthall came 3rd in car number 10 - 1960 Cooper T53 and Julian Bronson drove car number 30 - 1960 Scarab Offenhauser.

Jonathan Kennard came 2nd in the FIA Masters Historic Formula One.

Ant Anstead (Screen Stars) with Olympic Gold Medalist Rower Mark Hunter (Going For Gold), before the Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy Race.

Brian Johnson lead singer from rock band AC/DC before the Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy Race (Rocking & Racing) - he didn't take part in the race following the qualifying session.

Andy Wolfe preparing in a 1982 Tyrrell 011 for the FIA Masters Historic Formula One Race.

Entrants in the pit-lane for the FIA Masters Historic Formula One Race.

Greg Thornton won the FIA Masters Historic Formula One in a 1976 Lotus 77.

Martin Donnelly (Rocking & Rolling), Steve Soper (Bike Legend) and Mark Blundell (Screen Stars) in a celebratory mood on the podium for the Silverstone Challenge Trophy - Pro Class.

he Screen Stars team won the Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy Race – a new addition to the action-packed programme on Saturday 29 July. Led by former Formula 1 ace and Le Mans winner Mark Blundell, the winning team included Dragon’s Den host Theo Paphitis, Wheeler Dealers presenter Ant Anstead, BBC Radio 2 sports presenter Vassos Alexander, Sky Sports F1 pundit Tony Jardine and former Top Gear anchor Tiff Needell. Between them, the speedy sextet helped towards raising £10,000 for the event’s official charity partner, Prostate Cancer UK.

Left to Right: Tony Jardine, Vassos Alexander, Theo Paphitis, Mark Blundell, Ant Anstead and Tiff Needell.

Thanks for reading - at the end of August I'll be photographing at Salon Privé Concours D'Elégance with a blog to follow later in September.

Bye for now.

Stella

Every Picture Tells a Story

What's Your Story?

I took these photographs of Gladys four years ago to celebrate her 90th birthday, her daughter-in-law, a lovely long term customer brought her in for the shoot - she had made sure Gladys was looking her best - I think she looks fantastic!
Look at her face, all those contours and lines tell the story of her life. That's what I love about my work, telling the story of your life in the here and now.

I'm looking forward to capturing Gladys' portrait to celebrate her 100th year, that's a story waiting to be told!

Have you ever stopped to think, "What's my story?"

Now that's something I can help you with...

With love
Stella
and the SMS Creative Photography Family

Choosing a Camera

I'm frequently asked, "Which camera do you suggest I buy?"

Now, this is a tricky one as there are so many to choose from - compact, DSLR, bridge, film, digital, big, small you name it - it's so confusing! Often cameras are bought on price and are rarely used to their full potential, frequently discarded in frustration and replaced with something more readily available like the smartphone!

Nowadays smartphones are so brilliant and accessible that they have become the camera of choice and for so many understandable reasons, ease of use, convenience, social media sharing and practicality. I love the fact that I can grab a moment and share on Instagram, or send an image to loved ones in an instance, or be on the receiving end of this piece of magnificent technology is nothing but pure genius, creating a feeling of connectedness. 

But, and it's a big BUT, what if you want more from your camera and don't want to feel a deep obligation to share for all and sundry to see your world. This is where the humble camera takes pride of place in all its glory, below I've listed a few things to consider before you part with your hard-earned money; like any other purchase I suggest you shop around, these are just a few pointers for any budget and worth researching first.

All recommendations are my own, I'm not sponsored by any brand, enjoy the experience and do what makes you happy :)

So What's On Offer?

Point-and-Shoot and Bridge
Canon, Nikon, Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Fuji, Olympus

Easy to carry, ideal if you don’t have a big budget to spend on a camera and are not too concerned about the optimum image quality.

Pros:-

• The fixed lens has a great range from wide angle to telephoto

• No interchangeable lenses to worry about

• Easy to use for novices in auto mode

• Wide range of easy to use settings

• Can take video as well

• Most have written tips to help you get the best out of using your camera

• Special effects like panoramic feature

• Built-in flash

• Shoot in live view

• Bridge cameras have viewfinders and are a good transition to DSLR

• Pocket size

Cons:-

• No viewfinder (except with Bridge cameras) and hard to see image on the back of the camera in bright sunlight

• Can be too small to handle and fiddly to use the buttons (Bridge cameras are larger than point-and-shoot)

• Not easy to use in manual control

• Sound and image on video can be poor

• Not good in low lighting conditions

• No option to use a flashlight accessory

DSLR  
Nikon, Canon, Fuji, Samsung, Panasonic

Digital Single Lens Reflex means the subject is viewed via a mirror through the viewfinder to the lens - ideal if you want to control the camera in manual mode to achieve optimum results. A bigger budget is needed to get one of these, ideal for the serious photographer who cares about quality, results, and wants to learn to progress.

Pros:-

• Superior image quality

• Can be used in manual mode with complete control over settings

• Wide selection of interchangeable lenses

• Large image sensor for optimum quality

• Ideal for shooting in low lighting conditions

• Option to assign programmable functions to buttons

• Higher resale value than point and shoots

• The body can be purchased separately to the lens

• Full frame 35mm image sensor on professional options

• Cropped sensor will give the lens 50% more distance on the focal length

• Written information viewed on screen of camera to help you understand the controls and settings

Cons:-

• Big and bulky and a variety of lenses will fill your camera bag

• Lots to learn because of the vast options to control the end result

• Steep learning curve

• There are no special effect options in camera

• Cropped sensor will give the lens 50% more distance on the focal length (potential disadvantage if shooting wide-angle)

EVIL or Mirrorless
Fuji, Sony, Olympus

Electronic Viewfinder with Interchangeable Lenses
These cameras are sometimes used by professionals as an easy to use option when the occasion arises and in addition to DSLR's.
Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras (MILC)
Or Compact Systems Camera (CSCs)
A reasonable price range between a point and shoot and DSLR

Pros:-

• Provides excellent image quality on par with entry level DSLR

• Portable

• Better manual controls

• Easy to use and understand controls

• Shoot in live view

• Interchangeable lenses

• Good in low lighting

• Good for beginners to learn to progress to DSLR

• Good video results

• Panoramic special effects

• Reasonable resale value

Cons:-

• No proper viewfinder

• Limited lens selection using adaptors means loss of automatic use

• Can sometimes work out more expensive than DSLR’s once you add on the accessories like flashes and viewfinders

• Not pocket size

I hope this has helped to choose your next, or the first camera, please feel free to share with anyone who asks the question, "Which camera do you suggest I buy?"

Enjoy!

with love
Stella
and the SMS Creative Photography Family