Brazilica Festival 2012

Last year I attended a workshop which was part of the Look 11 Liverpool Photography Festival .The workshop was about using photography to work with Community groups to develop not only skills in taking photographs but as a way of exploring their surroundings and issue that affect them. It was there that I met Jon Dawe, an incredibly talented social documentary photographer. 


Jon approached me earlier this year to see if I would be interested in being part of the Brazilica Festival in Liverpool this summer - this would involve working with a small group of aspiring photographers to facilitate them in covering the Festival and having the opportunity to exhibit their work afterwards. The Festival is organised by Orb Events and Jon and Steph Rooney from  This is Cirrus have been working with Orb events to create an opportunity for aspiring photographers to cover the Festival from the initial brief through to exhibiting their work. 


This is an extension of all the workshops that I have been involved with in the past where photographers get the opportunity to practice their skills and learn new ones, get advice and support and generally have a great time! The difference with this is that you get the opportunity to understand how to work to a specific brief, to try and meet the brief and also to have the chance to exhibit your work.


We were invited to the Launch of the Festival this week at the amazing Alma de Cuba restaurant in Liverpool and I managed to get some images behind the scenes , and of the catwalk show to showcase some of the costumes for this years Carnival parade 

If you think that you would like to take part in this workshop then head over to see more details http://expotbrazil12.eventbrite.com/


The website for Brazilica Festival is http://www.brazilicafestival.com/


Alma de Cuba can be found here  http://www.alma-de-cuba.com/homepage/

Petticoats and gorgeous girls!

 Morning....Happy Easter - yep I know Easter is over but I had a rare day off yesterday and so am playing catch up today!




Now I know that I have shown some of these images before but what the heck - thought they were good enough to share again!
The amazing Petticoats are made by Andrea who runs Petticoats- a Plenty - she is based in Liverpool but has plans to take over the world and I truly believe that she has the skill, drive and determination to do just that. She is quite a character and I have actually persuaded her to have a shoot done in her own outfits and so watch this space. So these images are from a couple of recent photoshoots showing the amazing Wedding Dresses that Andrea is now able to offer - teamed with her Petticoats. The reaction from all the girls who modelled for the shoot was the same - they did not want to take the dresses off - I think they would have worn them around Tescos if we had let them!


Thank you so much to our amazing models - Sukki Singapora, Ruby Heels, Heather Marie McHale and Dayna Leahey


Andreas website is http://www.petticoatsaplenty.com/. If you are looking for something different for a Wedding Dress, Prom dress or just to wander around Tescos in then give Andrea a shout.


If you want to see a bigger version of the pictures just click on them xxxx

Sue-Lyn model portfolio

One of the areas of photography that I adore is working with established and aspiring models, building up their portfolios. I never thought it would be something that my business would include this area , those of you who know me well will know that fashion and make up are not high priorities for me, ( jeans, t shirts and just a touch of mascara is more than enough!!!) but I adore the escapism of fashion magazines, the incredible beauty of the models and the creativity of the teams that work on them.


Before Christmas I had chatted to Sue-Lyn who wanted to update her modelling portfolio, we discussed when and where to do the shoot and decided to try the area around the Docks in Liverpool, one of my favourite locations, lots of great backdrops and  interesting side streets to explore. What we did not realise is that today was going to be one of the windiest days in recent memory! I always advise models to have a make up artist for shoots like this and the lovely Jenni Henshaw joined us today, go and have a look at her Facebook page - a very very talented lady.


So we headed to Liverpool, and here are just some of the images from today. I really need to thank both Sue -Lyn and Jenni for putting up with the cold and windy conditions, and I also have to thank the lovely Russian man who let us use his garage/office for make up....!!

Now what would be really nice is for you to let me know you have dropped by.... say Hi !!!

And if you are a model or looking to become one and you would like to discuss a shoot like this then please give me a shout 

Liverpool and Love!

Lindsay contacted me towards the end of last year to arrange a photoshoot for herself and boyfriend George. She is a keen photographer , but, as usual, she prefers to be behind the camera and so wanted some images of her and George together. It was lovely working with Lindsay to plan this shoot - she really wanted it to take place somewhere that has meaning for the 2 of them and as they met at The Albert Dock in Liverpool we decided to start there and over a coffee I found out a bit more about them - yes I am nosy but one of the best things about being a photographer is getting to know the people I photograph! 


I have decided that Lindsay has the best job ever - she works for Jaffa Cakes - the company that is - she doesn't get paid in Jaffa cakes! I also found out how much they love to go walking and Ingleton is one of their favourite places to visit - and it looks like I am going to be asked back to photograph them there this year which will be wonderful. Photoshoots should be a special occasion, they should be personal and that includes the location - I am more than happy to travel - me and Tallulah love an adventure..... Tallulah - my SMART car.... I really need to introduce you to her sometime!


So we started at the Albert Dock and wandered along the wonderful river front then headed to the docks area. Lindsay had seen pictures of Bob Dylan sitting on steps in the area when he visited in 1966 and so we went hunting for the same steps! And we found them!  Heres the link to the original images of  Dylan. 


So, dare I say that Valentines day is on its way and also its a Leap year! Lots of opportunities for romance and showing the world just how you feel about each other....... a photoshoot is the perfect way of doing this, celebrating a new relationship, an engagement, an anniversary.... whatever the occasion, I can be there to help to record the moment, wherever you may be......Tallulah is waiting!!!!

Many thanks to George for showing just how much he enjoyed the afternoon - thumbs up !!!!!