Photography Masterclass Experiences - the Ideal Christmas Gift

When I’m not out and about on commissions, I like to reserve some time to pass on some of my expertise and knowledge, to offer one to one photography masterclasses to help others understand their camera better to achieve the best photographs.

I use to teach a group of aspiring photographers with different abilities and cameras, but found it more beneficial to tailor a masterclass experience to individuals, to offer tuition specific to each of their needs, knowledge and camera.

I have found two hours is sufficient to start with to understand the basic theory, and to put this into practice so it becomes more familiar. I always begin on manual mode so the photographer takes control of the camera and not the other way round!

To buy a personalised voucher, festively gift boxed for yourself or a loved one, do get in touch on 01883 722282 - prices start from just £185 - click on the ‘learn more’ button below to see your options.

Stella

Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run - 4 November 2018

On the morning of Sunday 4 November I arrived at Madeira Drive, Brighton to photograph the arrivals of the carriages that travelled the 60-mile journey from Hyde Park London to Brighton.

More than 400 drivers and their passengers set off at 06.59am with the first one arriving at the finishing line at 10.23am.

To read more about my day photographing at the world famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox, simply click on the ‘Read More’ button below which will redirect you to my automotive and lifestyle website - ‘Stella’ which this event comes under.

Thank you!

Stella

The Bull Inn Limpsfield a Fabulous Renovation

In late 2017, when the opportunity to buy Limpsfield's historic village pub The Bull Inn presented itself, a group of entrepreneurial locals set up Enterprising Limpsfield Limited, as a community-driven investment opportunity for locals to create a new business concept and be part of something amazing.   

Fast forward to mid-October 2018 and it looks like the locals have invested wisely - renovation is near completion and the new venture is due to open in November 2018. Something really very special has been created, a wonderful community “pub-hub" to promote local food, drink, innovation and to support other locally-owned small businesses and the community in general. 

I have been working with the project manager to photograph a few key elements before the pub officially opens to introduce their new website. I’m looking forward to continuing to create new visual content as this exciting social environment unfolds over the coming months.

The website is nearly finished and will have an online reservation diary, but in the meantime this link takes you to the holding page with the opening hours and contact information.

There is still time to invest and to be a part of this enterprising opportunity, you’ll be joining over two hundred others, to find out more please contact Enterprising Limpsfield for further information info@enterprisinglimpsfield.com

The Bull Inn Limpsfield - a wonderful place to eat, drink and socialise in a carefully considered and relaxing space in our wonderful and picturesque town called Limpsfield. .

Stella

The Classic Motor Hub Coffee & Classics Day

On Sunday 7 October I was invited by The Classic Motor Hub in Bibury, Gloucestershire to be a part of their final Coffee & Classics event of the year, and what a fabulous event it was!

To read about this, simply click the 'Read More' button below which will redirect you to my automotive and lifestyle photography website - 'Stella' - which this event comes under.

Thank you!

Stella

Sergey Sirotkin 'Under the Helmet'

Last month I was commissioned to photograph Sergey Sirotkin at the Silverstone British Grand Prix, to read about this, simply click the 'Read More' button below which will redirect you to my automotive and lifestyle photography website - 'Stella' - which this commission comes under. Thank you!

Stella

My August Inspiration

This month I'm taking inspiration from the summer sunlight which has a language of its own.

The afternoon sun creeping through the open garage doors at Silverstone Circuit, creating a golden light on racing driver Michael Lyons.

Now that we have passed the longest day of the year, which fell on June 21st the daylight hours start decreasing by a few minutes each day.

I love the fact that I can make the most of the early morning daylight right through to dusk, which gives me a full ten hours photographing time depending on what I want to achieve.

The early morning light bathes the subject with a wonderful glow as the sunrises, this same light falls at dusk with a similar glow. This light, leading up to dusk, and before dawn is called the 'golden hour' and is magical because of the golden soft light opposed to the harsh midday sun.

The photograph above taken recently at Silverstone Circuit of racing driver Michael Lyons pre-race, is a good example of the gentle sunlight towards the end of the day, it really is soft and golden, ideal for portraiture!

You have to be fairly quick to make the most of this light as it can very quickly change to a blue and cold light immediately before dawn and after dusk.

Below are other examples of the light during 'golden hour'. August is a good time to explore with your camera to capture landscapes, places, people, flowers or whatever takes your fancy!

I have used Nikon cameras and lenses, in particular D750 and D700 bodies and 70-200mm and 24-120mm lenses.

The cold and cloudy light just before the 'golden hour' falling on this restaurant at Larnaca Marina, Cyprus.

Early morning sun bathing 'Lower Slaughter Manor' in the Cotswolds.

The sun low in the sky just before sunset in Porto Cervo, Sardinia - photographed overlooking the Rolls-Royce Summer Studio with the wonderful backdrop of the superyachts.

Early morning light at the Hotel Cala di Volpe in Sardinia during the 'golden hour'.

The 'golden hour' in Malta just before sunset.

Stella