Runway for Research

I finally just got through all the images from the Fashion Show for Cork Cancer Research Centre last week.

Rice and Roses at the Runway for Research, with a touch of Degas

Some nice shots in there.  I think all the photographers there had a hard time with the lighting – especially when the models walked straight into four big spots under their noses at the end of the runway: lots of extra bright faces, harsh shadows and nothing lighting their feet!

There was great turn-out despite the times we’re in and the number of shows on at the moment.  Well done to all concerned.

CCRC Fashion Show this Thursday

Anyone wondering what to wear for the Christmas Party season might be interested to know what the Boutiques of Cork, Douglas and Midleton have to offer.  Cork Cancer Research Centre are running their ‘Runway for Research’ Fashion Show for Breast Cancer Research this Thursday (22nd) at thr Radison Blu Hotel.  7pm kick-off.

I did some publicity for them on Friday and I’ll be there snapping the fashion and all the lovely people on Thursday.

Models from the Runway for Rescue Fashion Show for Breast Cancer Research

More details on the CCRC website.

Never say ‘never’

The kids always want their photo taken when they get their face painted.  I’m a Dad, I usually oblige.  But generally it serves as nothing more than a record of face paint that at best stimulates a memory of a good party.

But now my kids have started painting their own faces.

Little Tiger by Big Sister
Little Tiger by Big Sister

And now you have an image which captures artistic endeavour, the relationship of three siblings and a boy who really is a tiger.

I never thought I would ever see anything in a picture of a child behind a mask of face paint.  Once again, my kids have enlightened me.

Card Tricks

I was sent this photo by a client who ordered Birth Announcement Cards as part of a baby session:

The Many Faces of Rosie M
The Many Faces of Rosie M

Poor Rosie doesn’t look a bit impressed by being out numbered by her own image.  Thanks to Dad for sending me this picture.

At home, we’ve been sending personal cards with photos of the family on for years – especially at Christmas.  It has been a delight to call to people in distant lands and find one of our cards still on the fridge, the mantle or even framed on the wall.

I know my wife will soon be telling me straight that I’d better get on with this year’s Christmas Card.

Premium Greetings Cards with an image from your session can be ordered in batches of 20 for €50

However I also offer a deal which includes a short photo session at a location of your choice (in Cork) plus 20 cards for €80.

Discounts apply for larger batches of cards.

I’d better get my own cards done. Now, where are those Santa Hats!

Small World

1960s Morris MG 1110 by Matchbox

My Dad did a turn out a while ago and arrived with a small selection of my old toy cars.  Now I’m not convinced, given that this is a 1960’s car, that this was actually originally mine (sorry sis) but I do remember it well because of the driver and the dog in the back.  Some of the scars on it are certainly my doing.

So this little Matchbox Morris is probably over 40 years old, has survived at least two of my family and is now in the hands of my small fella.  And the dog is still faithfully looking out of the back window.

They don’t make ’em like that anymore.

I did a quick search for the Morris MG 1100 and came up with this site.  Isn’t the Internet an amazing thing?

No gimmicks and no Photoshop

I came across this post on the BBC website by Phil Coomes.  The New Statesman have hired a photography editor to take control of the delivering their photographic style.

Wow.

As a youth my parents occasionally took the Guardian newspaper and even through that haze of teenage memory, I remember being struck by the photographs it carried in almost every issue.

I have since regularly read and heard journalists bemoaning the change in the industry, both in written, radio and photojournalism.  Don McCullin’s auto biography is very interesting on the subject.  John Simpson has even reflected on the changes at the BBC.

I have a selection of World Press Award books dating back to the early 90’s and even in that short span you can see a change in the style of photojournalism – or at least that which is being recognised within the industry.  Don McCullin’s stunning and moving photographs from various conflicts through the 60’s and 70’s rarely featured dead people: they reflected on the impact of death in conflict rather than death itself.  It is stark contrast to the images that came out of the Gulf Wars.

There seem to be very few news or feature periodicals that seek to make a specific statement in their visual content.  So All Credit to the New Statesman.  Good Luck to Rebecca McClelland, a true, classic style is a much harder thing to develop than following trends and using gimmicks.  I’ll definitely be watching her progress in Easons.