Well we have had a busy few days so apologies for the lack of posts. We have just finished a 1-2-1 mentoring studio portrait session with Chris who brought Katrina who had kindly agreed to be his model for the session. We went through all of the basic lighting set-up for traditional studio portraiture as well as some more contemporary techniques. Faye post processed this image before they left to demonstrate how we present our work to clients.

Of interest we have been asked by BOWENS to do a couple of lighting demonstrations at FOCUS and in addition supply 28 of our images for display in the Bowens Gallery at Focus so we are delighted and honoured to have been asked. Also delighted to have be invited back to speak at the London Portrait Group Tuesday the 6th of July and down to the MPA in Southampton for an all day wedding workshop on Monday the 21st of June. Email me if you need details of how to book a place and I will put you in touch with the relevant person.

Today we have an image taken by Faye during our lighting workshop at the SWPP Convention. Christiane is actually standing on some bench seats in the Planet Bar area of the hotel and simply leaning back into the blue wall. The image was lit by a Bowens head fitted with a Bowens fresnel spotlight and despite Faye’s ongoing eye problem she has done a remarkable job of post production. I should perhaps mention that Faye also created Christiane’s wonderful hairstyle.

Now I have started something by digging into the archives but though this was an interesting feature from 1992. For 4 years we did all the fashion spreads for Scotlands national newspaper The Scotsman. A wonderful experience working with top hairdressers, MUA’s stylists and journalists not forgetting the models of course. I think that despite being nearly 20 years old they still look pretty good. Hasselblad, 150mm lens hand held.

Last weekend, before our Loxley workshop, we did a session with our dear friend Nicola aka. Vivien (her stage name) for her new London agent and for Spotlight. We also did some hair shots for her father who owns one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious salons. We have only just got round to processing the files and when I saw what Faye was doing I just had to post them on the blog for you all to see. Again a mixture of Faye’s own actions, Kubota and Totally Rad.

Well as promised the final processed images from Monday’s Lighting workshop held @ Loxley Colour in Glasgow.

We had wanted to get some exterior shots during the day but as usual the weather decided to be nasty and the rain just seemed to sweep over Glasgow and Loxley for most of the day. With one, almost dry, break in the weather I dragged Aicha and our delegates outside Loxleys and down to the the metal fencing that surrounds the building. Though it was light drizzle we did manage to get several shots again using the Quantum Turbo head to light Aicha and her striking yellow coat.

Back inside I wanted to show how to light a portrait with a single soft box using one of the wonderful new Bowens Gemini 500R heads. Faye has processed a colour and black and white version. Let us know your favourite.

And finally back to the Loxley red wall where we shot this image of Aicha using the Bowens Gemini 500R head fitted with the fab Bowens Fresnel spotlight.

Well as promised, and despite the work schedule, unexpected visitors and studio sessions here are a few more images from yesterdays fabulous Lighting Workshop held at Loxley Colour in Glasgow. All of these images were created within the Loxley building, my stair shot using the Quantum heads, Faye’s red wall taken in the Loxley meeting room using our favourite Bowens fresnel spot and finally my daylight shot taken at the window of the Loxley boardroom. A final couple of images tomorrow and then we move on.

First the Loxley meeting room.

The Loxley internal staircase.

The Loxley Board room

Faye and I had a wonderful day in Loxley’s and though just back home and somewhat tired thought I would post a finished image from today.

Our delegates came from all over the UK and thanks to Chris Kay and Loxley’s for providing us with an excellent lunch. This image I took from the first floor of the Loxley Building and it was post processed by Faye during the afternoon session. More fabulous images tomorrow.

Just an example of a recent portrait commission and an indication of what we will be covering in our next workshop, Lighting Techniques @ Loxley Colour – Glasgow – Monday 19th of October. We still have some places available @ £99 for the day inclusive of lunch courtesy of Loxleys.

We are considering holding a fetish workshop this Autumn, probably down at Maunsel House, North Somerset. We need 10 delegates to make this workshop run so if you are interested please get in touch. The inclusive fee for the day will be £295.00