LINZI CASON : PHOTOGRAPHY

Pedestrian Exit

2012-01-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

Like many of my posts, this one includes some pigeons!
I thought that it was quite comical with the exit sign pointing to them, especially the one walking away on the right side.
A tip when shooting is to look for signs and wait for that moment when something interesting happens that either contradict or compliments what the sign says.

Skeletal Trees

2011-12-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

This was taken in the Lakes and on a day like today when there was no sunshine at all its even nicer to look at!
I always love the way the sunlight is so strong in the winter sky and how it creates great patterns and textures through the skeletal trees.
Not a lot has been done to this shot, just a bit of balancing the strong sunshine and shadows.
Enjoy!

NYC Buildings

2011-11-30T03:35:00.000-08:00

Todays photo was taken outside my hotel room in NYC. I love the tones and vibrant feel I have achieved in processing the image. I am not usually a fan of over processing but before this image lacked any excitement and now I feel it has come to life!

Natures Mirror

2011-11-24T04:54:00.000-08:00

Natures mirrors (puddles!) are perfect for framing and shooting in. They provide a great reflection on the skies above and also frame the scene with the foliage on the floor.
I think this one works particularly well as it has similar tones and a great contrast between the smooth water and rugged edges.

Landscape

2011-11-23T05:59:00.000-08:00

Landscapes are not my strong point but after a trip to the Lakes I thought this made for a nice scene. There was enough detail in the sky and the foreground field to balance out the shot.
I was able to frame the horizon slightly off centre so the billowing sky could add the size of the landscape.
Not much retouching has been done except to make the colours saturated and to burn in slightly the right side to balance out the hi and lo lighting.

Let me know what you think?

Seascape

2011-11-17T06:16:00.000-08:00

After a short trip to see the new Blackpool Comedy Carpet I decided to take a walk on the beach. The tide was out and it revealed the new stairs and water front that has been regenerated over the last year.
Looking back on Blackpool I could see a big change in its landscape and with new art work appearing it was a good chance to get a landscape.
Using the stairs as a guide to the shapes I decided it was best to keep the water stream in the foreground.
The sky was another part that was very busy with movement, shapes and shadows. I bought these out with the use of the HDR tool. I am no expert with this and don't really like to use anything on my images but what I took at the time but this combination was quite dramatic and so I kept it.
Let me know what you think and to this effect?

NYC

2011-11-10T03:17:00.000-08:00

The city that never sleeps! Well I was fortunate enough to get some photos in NYC while there on a mini break.
This was my favourite as you can see the movement and the bright lights quite clearly which in turn has captured the ambiance of the city at night.

The big city is where I feel great and it gets my creative juices flowing. There is so much to photograph and with only my small camera I found it so easy to snap away.

Breaking Dawn

2011-11-09T03:06:00.000-08:00

As you may or may not know I have just been working in the states and staying with family.
This image was taken on the first morning in the back garden at the break of dawn.
The area was really a change to what I am used to and I was really inspired by the autumn colours and strong light through the wooded area.

I have warmed up the image as it was a little cooler than this but at the first light it was usually this colour. While shooting a wild deer came by but it startled me and I ran..so did the deer!

Pike Place Markt

2011-10-07T03:40:00.000-07:00

Looking through the archives I came across this shot. After a bit of enhancing I thought it looked a lot better than the original!

Pike Place Market is a busy market that is famous for selling (and throwing!) its fish. It is situated by the doc and all of the fish is fresh that day.
On the floor of the market the tiles are all named and sponsored by people, but as you can see it was so busy that we couldn't see the floor to find the one my aunt had sponsored.

Cemetery

2011-09-29T03:48:00.000-07:00

So this blog post is quite a morbid one but at the same time I think its quite a beautiful image.
After a funeral I went to recently I ended up going back to a friends house, on return to my car it was dusk and the cemetery seemed so peaceful and the sky so alive with colour.

Usually I talk about images in a technical way on my blog forgetting all the theory I was taught and endless seminars I attended where we spoke about the meaning of the images. So for a change here goes..

The contrast in the light sky and the dark ground give the image a very spiritual atmosphere. There are three elements to this shot that give me this impression. The first is the obvious and that is the headstones and church silhouette. The second is the sky as it is in twilight and drawing to the end of the day. The sky is also a place people associate with heaven and the god above. The third element are the trees being in their skeletal form and reaching out from the ground to the sky connecting the two.

This is my interpretation of the image and many times I have been asked to explain why I took the image, why it came out the way it has or what does it mean. The answer is usually 'because I did'. I took this image because the sky looked beautiful that night and I happened to be in the Cemetery. All of the explanation above is because this is my life experience, cultural understanding, education and values. The next person may look at the image and think its spooky.

What I am trying to say it that although I have a photo blog that I use with words to show my work, the more important and interesting part is other peoples interpretation to me. Like with most art forms you are viewing something from an unique point of view and your personal interpretation is just as valid as the artists!

Exhibition 2011

2011-09-12T02:47:00.000-07:00

This is a selection of images from my current exhibition in the Culture Shops Project.
They are quite different from my last exhibition that included a lot of well polished images taken for Blackpool Council. They were themed around entertainment in Blackpool.
These images are taken around the same time as the work I did for Blackpool Council but are totally different in subject matter and meaning.
I wanted to capture a totally different view point to the one I was building up for Blackpool Council.
I consider these to be a more honest view of

Blackpool, of what is here but never publicised. Such as the beauty in the construction of the Tower headland or the humour of a typical seaside visitor.
This is contrasted with the tragic event of people who loose their lives out at sea every year here. Which in turn is a contrast to the great events that happen once and then never again.
I wanted to say that there is more to Blackpool than people make out and it doesn't always have to be doom and gloom. There is beauty everywhere if you just look at it from another point of view.

Pigeon Poo

2011-08-18T02:04:00.000-07:00

It seems that every where I go there are Pigeons. Its seems that every time I see Pigeons I photograph them. London was no exception.
I have no idea why I take their photo..maybe its because they are familiar in places that aren't? Or because they all look the same with a changing backdrop from city to town.
Either way - here is another Pigeon photograph!

Morecambe

2011-06-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

Looking through some past shoots and I came across this little beauty! It was shot a few years back but I love the bright lights of Morecambe captured over the still sea.
I think the tiny colourful landscape is really effective giving emphasis on the enormity of the sky and sea.

Bass Festival Application

2011-06-15T02:57:00.001-07:00

Supporting images for an application to Bass Festival this year. As you can see the images cover a variety of events and capture the action as its happening!

Tour of Britain

Volleyball Championships

Blackpool FC Homecoming

Switch On

Pleasure Beach

2011-06-10T03:41:00.000-07:00

Following on from yesterdays bright and breezy post this of a tunnel is quite a contrast. The Pleasure Beach Blackpool had a passage that leads through to the promenade and still has the original brick work dating back to the opening of the theme park.
The bright sunlight illuminates the features inside the dark concrete and draws our eyes to the lines and structure.

Fleetwood

2011-06-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to visit Fleetwood for a networking event. I knew that the venue was over the road from the beach so decided to go early and take my camera.
I got these shots on my iphone and although I have been using the Hipstamaic app quite alot to shoot, I just love the effect it has given to these shots!
The dreamy, vintage feel of summer being here and a mixture of clouds and bright sun.

Painted Poppy

2011-06-06T04:52:00.000-07:00

I don't usually use filters on my images but since I have been supplying work as art I have had to investigate!
I thought this painted effect would be quite fitting for this type of image. The overall effect is quite feminine and the colours are enhanced and complimentary.

Can you see this on your wall?

St.Marys

2011-05-31T06:09:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been shooting various weddings around the Stockport area. This church in particular was so beautiful inside and outside, this window especially being a main feature.
Although I have cropped in tightly to the window panes the overall structure was huge and towered over the car park on the approach to the wedding.
I haven't done any post processing except to lighten the overall tones as it was an overcast day when it was shot.

Cheeky!

2011-05-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

As part of my last blog about the art event at the weekend, I decided to blog another shot that was in the same location. Again I think the artist has chosen the space well and compliments the work.
The space is in the corner of a car park and not that visible when driving. When you do get a glimpse of the work and realise its a face there is a sense of fun like he is popping up with it a cheeky grin.
I really like the way it has been applied, almost like it was always there and blends quite well also.

Sand, Sea and Spray

2011-05-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

Sand, Sea and Spray was an art show held in Blackpool over the weekend. As I was away I have only just been able to go and snap up some of the art that has literally over night covered the ugly faces of brick walls around the town.
I was really struck by this piece as the setting and expressions held by the women have a real emotional connection to the viewer.
We see these faces in the news in the papers and usually in a setting as derelict and neglected as this one. The artist really has chosen the space well and bought out such a beautiful piece quite simply.

Motram Hall

2011-05-23T06:12:00.000-07:00

Wedding season is still upon us and this weekend it was Motram Hall near Presbury in Cheshire. It was a beautiful setting and the bride and groom were just as perfect!
The weather held out for some fun shots on the green at the back of the hall and we were all pleased with the outcome.

Here are two from the wedding..more on my website!

Iphone May

2011-05-19T03:12:00.000-07:00

Iphone. May.Enjoy!

Church Wedding

2011-05-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

Church weddings are always special and when you are in one so grand as this it is hard not to feel the love. As a partner in shooting the wedding I am able to get shots that others may miss being at the front where the action is happening. Being able to capture what no one else is seeing is really special and interesting to me. The bride and groom will get a vantage point they won't have thought of along with the shots that they asked for.

Summer!

2011-05-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Despite all the flaws regularly pointed out to me about Blackpool through various mediums you have to agree we have the best sun sets right?
When the sea is out and your sat in the shelter of the new spanish steps you get this beautiful calm sense and its a great way to end the day!

..now all we need is a cocktail in one hand and some warm weather - staycation here we come!

Gown

2011-04-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

As it is the count down to the Royal 'big day' I am looking through some of my wedding photos and thought it best to get into the spirit by blogging this shot.
I think that the soft tones and retro feel to it is something I am drawn to. Picking out detail is the easy part but alway makes the image more interesting with the shallow depth of filed I am always shooting.

Next blogg will be of Royal Wedding Fever that has taken hold of the nation...

Jock

2011-04-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

While out shooting for a client I was able to get this shot by chance. The pose is mimicking the mosaic one and the Jock t-shirt and kilt are indications to the gentleman in the shot. All the elements are there to make this an interesting portrait!

I see the moon

2011-04-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

I could stare at this photo for hours and you might wonder... why? Well because although it isn't a hard thing to do, I have never been able to capture it just right - tonight was the night though and I love the results.

Uncertain Times

2011-04-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

With all of the uprising in various countries, Tsunami, earthquakes and the ongoing wars I felt that we are in for uncertain times. The earth seems angry.
The seaside town I live in has always been hit by bad weather and the other day was particularly windy. I headed down to the sea front to get a glimpse of the sky. It had blown the clouds into wisps and swirls making the sun diffused but bright.
I had my point and shoot camera with me at the time and have to say its potential has stunned me. This shot is so moody and exactly how I wanted to capture it so a success in terms of technicalities.
I have left a hint of the sea in to show the enormous sky and give some perspective.

Childs Play

2011-03-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

I was shooting a wedding over the weekend on Manchester and during the evening I managed to photograph a child in mid dance...and I love it!
The little girl was full of energy and smiles running around the dance floor. She came close and I was able to shoot in mid jump, creating this lovely movement in he hair and dress.

I toned it down in Photoshop and also muted the colours. What do you think?

I love being a passenger

2011-03-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

This was taken two years ago on the road out of London heading back to Blackpool.
I couldn't resist trying to snap up the beautiful sunset with my little digi camera. I am happy with the results..I think we were going about 90mph so love the blurry silhouetted trees too!

Lost your Marbles?

2011-03-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

I thought this shot was quite ironic as the saying goes 'loosing your marbles' and here at the charity shop they are found and displayed in a marble ash tray.
This feeling of finding objects within a charity shop is quite somber as all the items are ones that used to belong somewhere to someone and now they have been given away for free.
The feeling of not being wanted but all of them together, re-united, in the shop ready to be sold again is quite a nice one!

Party Bag

2011-03-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

This party bag caught my eye as I am almost like a magpie when it comes to sparkles.
The bag was so bright and when put with the others really stood out to me as a modern piece surrounded by the older vintage ones.
The story behind this object comes across to me as one of the throw away society we live in. The bag was almost brand new so its use hadn't really been had before it was sent to the charity bag. Unlike the other objects I have shot the story doesn't seem as interesting. What do you think?

The man in the photograph

2011-03-10T05:46:00.000-08:00

I have always been interested in how these frames, photos intact, make it to a charity shop. Being passionate about any photograph it makes me sad that it was discarded to the charity shop bag without a thought to the image inside.
These questions come to mind when looking at most objects in a charity shop (as some are brand new!) but this one in particular struck a chord with me as it was shot so well!
What do you get from this shot?

Bow-Tie

2011-03-09T04:43:00.000-08:00

On my search for interesting places to photograph I was fortunate enough to get some time in the Shelter Charity Shop Blackpool. As we all know charity shops are an eclectic mixture of objects that once placed on the shelves can sometimes represent modern art.
This vintage bow-tie caught my eye as it was in a beautiful box stood looking proud on the glass shelve.
This makes me think of the person who used to own it, question who he was, what he looked like and the story of its journey to the shop?
There will be more in this series but I think this one is my favourite one out of them all. Simple and interesting.

Scorpion

2011-03-08T07:51:00.000-08:00

Portraiture is one of my favourite subjects and as with this image, it is the chance encounter portraits I love the most.
Simply scanning around and observing the people about you as they observe an event is an easy way to capture these. Their attention is focused else where so shooting in their direction ensures they aren't looking your way. This is a good way to capture these style of images.
I was lucky with this shot as I was able to get a good frame of lights almost pointing in his direction.

Dinners Served

2011-03-04T05:19:00.000-08:00

Following on from yesterdays wedding theme I decided to add this image to the blog to demonstrate another romantic style shot. I used the same layers of colour balance and also saturation to get the effect the same as the first one.
I love the way the light catches on the glasses giving you a fragile dimension to the shot and also the soft focus adding to its romantic features.

I purposefully used a shallow depth of field as I wanted to single out the centre of the table where the bride/groom sit. This also gives the shot an even amount of blur/focus areas.

Retro Wedding

2011-03-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

I have always been excited with the outcome of images taken with 'crappy cameras' - plastic point and shoots.
When shooting at a wedding this form of photography probably wouldn't be acceptable but with the help of photoshop I am able to get this effect almost instantly.
I love the dreamy feel it give the image and I am going to apply this to a few images to build up a romantic feel to some of the shots.

Doidge Wedding!

2011-02-27T04:55:00.001-08:00

Love this shot taken yesterday at sunny Mains Hall for the beautiful Doidge wedding! Congratulations again!

Hostess

2011-02-23T07:24:00.000-08:00

Portraiture is my favourite subject and today I got this shot down at the Showzam Festival.
I try to take six or seven shots of the same person in a short burst as I am able to get the best expression from at least one.
I always try to get a background that compliments the subject and their clothing. Here I only had a few seconds to get the shot so I was lucky.
Its sometimes nice to look around before you approach a person to take their portrait to find a suitable background and guide them to it for the shot. Most people are happy to do so, so don't be afraid to ask is my tip!

New Winter Gardens Dome

2011-02-23T03:24:00.000-08:00

I posted a shot yesterday (here) of the roof of the Winter Gardens dome and here is the new shot!
I love the structure of the windows and how it is naturally silhouetted against the bright cloudy sky.
The features really come alive at dusk when you can see reflections in the glass and below in the mirrors. I will get this shot and post in a few weeks.

Hula Showzam 2011

2011-02-22T07:14:00.000-08:00

Todays shot comes from St.Johns Square where the street performers were entertaining the crowd with a variety of acts.
This one was Hula Hooping with juggling and I got this shot as the woman had ten of them on the go!
If you follow my blog you might notice last years Hula Hooping shot of Marawa was more vibrant and energetic - Click here to see.

More to follow this week as I attend more of the shows!

Winter Gardens Dome

2011-02-22T03:35:00.000-08:00

Blackpool Winter Gardens has just been refurbished and restored to a former glory. I happened to find this image from a while back of how the dome used to look. I don't think you can get a sense of the size of the dome until you see the lights dangling from the edges.
The blue and yellow cloth cast a warm colour into the space but it now has all the windows and dome uncovered giving the natural light.

Let me know what you think!

Showzam 2011

2011-02-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

Showzam 2011 has arrived and with it 'Pinball Geoff' with his Pinballs!
I love the old style American pinballs and the odd interiors of them. This one had a scary man that ate the balls as they whizzed around..kids were loving it.

I used a shallow depth of field to get into the detail of the busy interior landscape and kept it quite light as the colours really pop out at you.

Let me know what you think!

The Storm

2011-02-14T08:03:00.001-08:00

As you all have probably noticed, Blackpool is quite a rainy place and this shot was taken on a particularly stormy day in 2008.
The waves can get so high and the contrast with the dark jagged rocks really balances this shot out.
I added a few effects in Photoshop and converted to black and white to add to the dramatic atmosphere.
It's not one of my favourite images but its always good to show images that are not from your comfort zone to see any reactions out there.

Let me know what you think guys!

January

2011-02-02T05:01:00.000-08:00

As most people in Blackpool know there are major refurbishments happening to The Blackpool Tower at the moment.
While out on a shoot yesterday I got this beautiful sunny shot from the top of a car park.
I would recommend to anyone to use local car park roof tops to get a different vantage point of their town as you would be surprised what you can discover!
Carrying on from my Stanley Park shot (Here) I changed the colours in the sky to give it a dated, dreamy feel as I love the way it warms up the scene.

Let me know what you think!

Stanley Park

2011-01-25T03:28:00.000-08:00

Stanley Park is one of my favourite places to visit, especially on a clear sunny day. The photo opportunities are endless.
I decided to take the new compact out and see whats its potential was and this is the result.
I have changed the colours from the sun to give it a crossed process, warmer atmosphere and love how this brings the focus of the sun out.
The foggy morning looked stunning shining through the trees and I am glad to see it picked up this as some compacts can produce flat images.

Let me know what you think!

Brooklyn

2011-01-17T01:23:00.000-08:00

The first post of the year! I have slightly neglected my blog over the festive period and this is mainly because I have been busy trying to sort out my main site (will be live soon!).

Like most people I had a clear out of files and work ready for the new year and I came across a lost CD of images I took in NYC. I have a few already on the blog but I wanted to add this one in particular as it is very different from the others. It was taken on the way into the city in Brooklyn and I remember being in such awe as I was on the way that I had to document everything I saw. This contrast of shooting through glass, graffiti on the subway (that is above ground) and the workman waiting to cross the road, give the image a gritty feel which it typical of urban shooting.

I have left the part of the window showing on the left as it gives a sense of looking out being the viewer of this scene that could quite easily be a film still.

Frozen Lake

2010-12-07T05:24:00.000-08:00

I took this shot yesterday when most of Blackpool was frozen stiff with the fog. I decided Stanley Park would be the best place to capture some atmospheric shots and here, with a little help from Photoshop, I think I have achieved my goal.
This image almost reminds me what it was like to shoot on 35mm film while at College and I love the textures that have been highlighted in the skeletal trees.
The toning has also given the image the dated feel and reminds me of a spooky film still - not my favourite choice of look but I thought it fit the image rather well.

Mint Tea. Camden

2010-12-01T04:15:00.000-08:00

I am aware that I have posted two images in a row that involve different types of tea, but this one is in such a beautiful setting!
I am always blown away by Camden Market and when I arrived a decided a nice cup of tea was in order. It would give me a minute to work out my shopping strategy! But when I was given this beautiful dish of mint tea I had to stay a bit longer and get a shot.
I love the black and white as it brings out the details and these weren't that visible in colour.

Jasmine Tea

2010-11-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

I came across this image when searching through my archives.
Its one of those shots that get lost when looking through reams of images taken from travels and usually never sees the light of day.
After a few changes in Photoshop I thought the skin tone really stood out, making it a moody shot.

This was taken Christmas last year when the snow had fallen and turned to ice and there weren't many people about. Me and a friend went for Thai food and managed to get some hot Jasmine Tea to keep warm before the food came.

I have to say its grown on me the more I look at it!

London Taaaaaan!

2010-11-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

Foggy London proved quite photogenic..especially at this park during the night.
I love the solitary character walking down the path as it adds another eerie element to the shot.
Using my point and shoot camera you can't really get the effects and density of the fig but never the less I like the shot!

Autumn

2010-10-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

Autumn has arrived and so has the occasional sunny/frosty mornings.
I was able to get this shot before the sun had totally come out and thought it was beautiful although I am not a huge fan of spiders. These cob webs are everywhere if you look closely enough and in the right light. You can catch them with any camera and have seen this type of shot a million times on cards and posters but have never done one myself.

If you want a copy then just ask!

Stormy

2010-10-12T03:50:00.000-07:00

Having the new Photoshop CS5 means there are a lot of new features to get used to. I have been messing about with the HDR filter and although it is no master piece I quite like the results on this stormy scene just off North Pier taken last week.
Making the colours vibrant really adds to the details and we can see more of the scene, especially in the sea.

I am unsure what it has done to the actual sun but I can work on this for next time.

Fun in the Sun!

2010-10-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well after a few blog posts of black and white fashion I decided to make a break and show this one. I took it today on the beach and after some shots for a client I thought it was time to have some fun with the deck chair. I have to let you into a secret here and tell you in all of my life I have never sat in a deck chair!
(After the shoot I had a sit down and they are quite comfy actually)

So here is a happy, sunny hello from Blackpool beach!

End of Route

2010-10-06T06:18:00.000-07:00

Trying to be creative while on a fashion shoot in the rain isn't always possible, but when you get just the right amount of wind, rain in the eyes of the model and a beautiful garment somehow it all comes together. Here the expression on the models face is beautiful and conveys some kind of strain really highlighting the black make-up. The hair is equally as beautiful, flicking up and making a shape that mimics the models pose and the lines on the dress.
The simple back drop and the contrasts bring the image together to make for a beautiful combination.

Designer - Michael John Bolton-Heaton

Make-Up - Jay Hickson

Photographer - Linzi Cason

Vamp!

2010-10-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

Continuing from the fashion shoot last week I discovered a mini series that had a vampish feel to them.
Previously I have used the desaturated colour/vamp red lips and found it gives a great fashion feel but the setting has usually been quite clean and simple. This all comes together on this shoot and I really think everything works well to give the Vamp feel I wanted.

Designer - Michael John Bolton-Heaton

Make-Up - Jay Hickson

Photographer - Linzi Cason

Fashion Shoot

2010-10-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Well guys and gals, its been a long time since I have ventured into my true passion of Fashion photography - and I am so glad that I did! I had a wonderful team and despite the grotty weather I am so pleased with the outcome.
More to follow but please leave me a comment!

Designer - Michael John Bolton-Heaton

Make-Up - Jay Hickson

Photographer - Linzi Cason

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside...

2010-09-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

The calm after the storm..always a good time to visit the beach as all the water is still in the sand crevices and the storm clouds a lot of detail.
I also love to walk along and see what the sea has left behind - crabs, stones, seaweed and the odd shell. This is what I consider to be a good thing about living besides the seaside. What do you like about living by the sea?

Big Dipper

2010-09-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

Following on from my Blackpool theme (last few posts) I decided to go with the flow and add this little beauty!
What a perfect day for shooting at the Pleasure Beach, but I am no fan of the roller coasters. Instead I took my camera and got some shots and this one was my favourite. I can remember going on it with an old friend over and over all day until we felt slightly sick in our younger days. Today I am too chicken to go on it!
Compositionally I would have liked more of the sign in but as I was running out of battery I had to get the shot and turn off. Probably a good rule for photographers is to carry spares about - doh!

Magic!

2010-09-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

Well I am always happy when Blogger makes me out to be a liar! I posted a few seconds ago I was having problems about blogging photos and have been for two weeks and like magic the problem goes away - blogs away!!

Here is a belated World Championship Fireworks image..check out the new Headlands and the people who came. I was quite impressed with the location as it made for a good composition but I wasn't too impressed with the actual fireworks on the last night. This was the largest 'bang' compared to last year ?where it was non stop - check out some of them here.
So tell me what you think? And if you want to know how to photography fireworks also!

Broken Blog!

2010-09-20T08:53:00.001-07:00

Dear Followers,

I am experiencing problems with posing images onto my blog. If anyone can help please do! I have reported the problem but I haven't heard back...
I basically upload the photo and it doesn't show and claims there is no image available.

Thanks
Linzi x

Peace & Tranquility

2010-09-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

Peace and tranquility is something that is difficult to balance out in everyday working life.
I find that working as a photographer it is easier for this to be restored as like while out on this shoot, you find moments where all is calm. I am fortunate to have good links with the local Parks Department and this provides me with great out door shooting opportunities.
This particular tree took my fancy as it was alone but seemed to dominate the section it was rooted to - something I like to think I am in my area with photography!

Mount Ranier

2010-08-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

This time last year I was in sunny Seattle and looking back through my images I came across this one. It was taken up Mount Ranier when the mist was thick and the the atmosphere was humid.
I went up the Mountain with my uncle and we had a blast eating blueberry pie at a log cabin and discovering streams like this during the trip.

Laura and Ben

2010-08-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

Baby photo shoots have always been a great way to get out and about with my camera in the Sunshine.
Here is Laura and Ben at Stanley Park enjoying the afternoon!
I have posted this shot so that people can see that you don't always need a studio and plain background to achieve great shots with the kids.

Lancashire Life

2010-08-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

So here is some more free PR for myself I have generated this month!
I entered a competition to win £5,000 and a new Land Rover (because everyone needs one of them!) with this image (largest on the left). The editors contacted me and asked to use it in a feature so I was more than please when they gave me the largest slot on the page. The beautiful starlings and the sunset made for a beautiful image earlier this year and I have to say its one of my favourite images.

I am getting quite good at generating free PR and I think that each month I will have to do this as its proving good for business.

NOTE* If I win the Land Rover - I will definitely post a photo of me in it!! Fingers crossed!

PR

2010-08-13T03:29:00.000-07:00

Self promotion is always good and to get it for free is even better!
I contacted the local paper about my exhibition and gained a full page on the Eve Supplement. I was so happy to get this as it is worth a lot in advertising space and I got this for free!
The coverage for my exhibition was also great and I will definitely be doing this again at my next event.

Crowds

2010-08-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

As promised I have had a go at making a model out of some more of the Airshow photos. I am not so sure it works on this as the people are quite small anyway but looking at the big wheel and tower it does show up slightly.
I have other shots that I will apply this technique to but for now here you go!

Model Citizens

2010-08-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

While at the air show I managed to get this quick snap of the people watching in the distance.
I thought that they looked like models and highlighted this with some Photoshop techniques!
I like the composition of the shot and think I may apply the technique to a few others from the day.

Here they come!

2010-08-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

This post is quite a long one but its a mini series taken from the Air show yesterday in Blackpool....

The Blackpool Airshow was a great experience for me and thanks to my zoom lens I got some great shots!
While editing the images it was quite apparent that some of the planes looked a bit boring against the white backdrop of the sky - until I remembered the work of Josef Hoflehner. His series entitled 'Jet Airliner' are some of the most inspiring images I have seen - ever.

The simple black and white he uses really makes you concentrate on the subject at heart.I know mine are no way near as impressive as it was only a small air show but the idea is there

and I really love how the details stand out with the contrast and being so zoomed in we can see even the details on the sides and wings.

The bomber photo really took to this contrasty style as it appears quite dark and strong looking, which is what it sounded like. I also like the tilt of it as it shows off the propellers and wings.

The last two are also really nice as the smoke adds to the movement without too much blur. I especially like the 'wing walker' shot at the girls on top are in perfect harmony which I find hard to believe at them heights!

Breitling

2010-08-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

The Blackpool Air show was a brilliant day for all - but I wouldn't like to have been these two!
I am quite please with the results from the shoot using my new zoom lens and was able to really see what was going on in the air.
These two were doing stunts on top of the plane and we were told that at certain heights they weighed 3 times what they normally weigh due to the G-Force. it was quite impressive that they could do all the stunts giving they had so much pressure pressing down on them!

Fish and Chips

2010-08-06T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Fish and Chips went down a storm at the event and I would recommend Nigel Smith from The Villa anytime!
Here are some photos of people enjoying the traditional cone of chips and a few cheeky wines at the launch!

As you can see they were quite delicious and David Shaw (who was behind the camera) got plenty of shots of people scoffing! Below you can see Paul Hough seriously enjoying the fish also..!

Viewing

2010-08-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to have another photographer (Sheila Morris from Dove Photography) photograph my launch night. This proved really handy as I was trying to mix with everyone and thank people for coming.
This shot is of the Mayor of Blackpool and Karen Winkely from Get Started. The photo they are viewing is of Laci a former Blackpool Tower Circus clown.

Here Sheila captured Paul from ThinkCreative and Darren from Caffe Dolce. Both said they were impressed with the work and look to hire me in the future - RESULT!

The shot in the back ground of my grandfather proved to be one of the most popular images of the night. I will be blogging all the shots individually soon and also will be giving people to opportunity to purchase prints.

Here we see the image of Brian London the far left and the former Miss Blackpool in the foreground.
I was really happy with the way both turned out and as you can see from the photo they generated a lot of interest.
Amanda (Intrepidfish) and Ian (Digitav) both gave positive feedback - again I am so pleased with all the comments and the general feedback from the evening.

Show Time!

2010-08-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

The exhibition launch night was a huge success and plenty of people came to view the work despite the monsoon style rain that decided to pour exactly at 6:30 - the opening time!

This photo was taken after a few beers (as if you can't tell!) and is of me and some of the team from my floor at FYC...thanks guys!

Step Two

2010-08-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

The next step to putting up the exhibition was to glue the wood to the back of the images and wait for them to dry..quite easy really!
I was quite afraid that the glue would not hold the weight of the boards but I was assured that they would.

Doing the hanging this way meant that I could use string to hang the images on the wall. This also makes it easier for people who buy the images to re-hang when the get home.

The reason the wood looks so thick on here is because I wanted them to hang level off the wall, with the same distance off the wall all around.

The hardest part (and the reason I got some help!) was measuring and planning out where to hang the images so they looked even.

Paul Hough from ThinkCreative helped out as I had an idea of where I wanted them to go but the actual screwing and marking out is not my forte!

Finally the images were hung onto the marked out screws and we were away in no time!

All this was done the night before the exhibition so there wasn't much to worry about on the day.

I am aware that it looks like I didn't do much but photograph Paul doing the work but I did secure all the 30 fixtures to the back of the images and do the string!

Watch out for tomorrows blog of all the people at the opening and also of some of the work!

Step One

2010-08-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

Exhibition time..and here is the first step to putting it up! I got 30 pieces of wood at 40cm in size and screwed some eyes into them. This consequently meant my finger swelled to twice its size but it had to look right and there was no other option!

I quite like this image because its quite abstract and pointless unless you know what it is about! The colours and soft focus work well together and its a great start to my exhibition blog.

Fancy Shrimp

2010-07-26T04:55:00.000-07:00

Pike Place Market in Seattle had to be one of the busiest markets I have ever been to. The flying fish and noise was fantastic and although I couldn't take any home with me to England I got lots of shots of the 'Fancy' fish on sale.
This time last year I was getting ready to visit family in Seattle and looking back through my archive I found some great shots from the day we visited the market. It was a photographers delight as so much was on offer and even the signage gave me some amusement!
These 'Fancy Jumbo Grilling Scampis' were one of the main attraction of this particular stall and they looked fab. I managed to get to the front of the crowd and get this shot. It did come out more of a stock image but something worth noting in the archive I am building up on here.

Matcho Statue

2010-07-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Sculpture has always been an art form I have never been able to grasp. I understand the artist sculpting to make a piece of art, but sometimes it doesn't really make sense to me - which I guess goes with most art forms.
Take Tracy Emin's 'My Bed' piece. It was so controversial but to me this was art as we were seeing a slice of reality represented to an audience. She had created a story and a feeling through objects, which I feel is what art is all about. A lot said it was something they see everyday in their own homes and so it wasn't art. But surely we have to take into consideration what peoples perceptions of art are? This only causes controversy when opinions conflict, which in return gains interest.

This image was quite difficult to take as I wanted to get nothing other then the sculpture and not to over complicate the shot. I have adjusted the colours as it was an over cast day giving quite a bland sky.

So where was this shot taken?

Lost and Found

2010-07-20T05:14:00.000-07:00

Mobile phone cameras have never really ranked very high with me due to the grainy out of focus effect they give. I am grateful however to have a camera with me at all times - even when I least expected to find a great shot.
This image, taken in Ipswich, was quite exciting to find. As a photographer you are always looking around with fresh eyes and this opportunity came while waiting to cross the street.
The feeling of 'finding' things to shoot on the street is always quite fun but mainly its just junk.

This image was the first indication last year that Autumn was upon us. I remember I was walking to a shoot without a coat and the heavens opened. I couldn't resist taking this shot, the leaf was so perfectly laid out!
I think these 'found' objects work really well because the ground is always going to be a darker shade making them stand out.

This last image is quite comical really as I was taking a shot of the dog's toy when he came and put his paw on it. It was the first time he had seen snow (hence the quite blue cast on the image) so we were trying to dig out all the toys for him.
Again the objects stand out from the dark floor making it quite eye catching.

I quite like this series when its put together on the blog. I think thats the other problem with mobile phone photography, you never quite look at your images as a series or critically as they're locked away on the phone - or maybe thats the beauty?

Let me know wat you think?

Blackpool Promenade

2010-07-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Looking through my archive I came across this image that I took last year on Blackpool Promenade. I was out shooting randomly when I noticed attached to the railings there was alot of flowers and went to explore.
It was sad to see. A young person had lost their life at sea the previous weekend (which I read about in the local press) and this was where they were last seen.
I sat for a while in the sun thinking about how many times I had read that someone was swept out to sea and can remember quite a few.

This image was also taken later that day with a medium format camera, just after the sea had gone out. It was quite emotional walking along the beach remembering about the young person who had died a few days before. This mood was reflected in the weather as it had turned quite cold and the clouds were ready to burst.
I noticed a guy walking along the beach line on his own and captured him as he is just about to walk out of the frame. I guess in this small series I was trying to convey loss and the feelings associated with this. The gray clouds, damp weather and muted colours all work together to give this feeling.

Let me know what you think?

Jane Fulton

2010-07-16T02:57:00.000-07:00

The oil spill in Mexico has outraged many, but one person in particular has taken an artistic approach to the situation. Jane Fulton has created images that appear to show people bathing in the oil infested waters. In fact she has re-created this (what with we don't know) but they certainly make for some very interesting and thought provoking imagery.
Jane wanted to highlight the exploitation of the world's resources and what effects on all life forms this catastrophe has had. On her website she states that -'We are also all responsible for the solution and we must work together to protect the balance of life'

By including families in her study she creates a connection to the viewer as they can relate to the situation and therefore sympathise with the situation more. The fact that the child pictured here has its hands out as if to say 'look at the dirt on me' makes us feel even more concerned as children are so vulnerable.
The full length style image also reminds me of Reneke Dijkstra's series of children on the beach. She had the similar idea of exposing this vunerable site of people in bathing costumes, exposing the everyday.

This last portrait has been shot in a different style so as to really focus in on the mans expression. I think this is one of the more striking images as we don't see the sand, just a bleak over cast sky and sea. This all adds to the serious subject at the heart of the project.

I like this series as it has a depth to it, a relevance to what is happening today in the world even though Jane isn't near the catastrophe. This shows you that creativity in photography can come from anywhere at any time.

All images are copyright of Jane Fultons.

Roof Top

2010-07-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I did my first guess where this is photo is post, well this one will really have you guys guessing!
I like the composition of this image as the pigeons fit just in the strip of sea along the horizon making it quite symmetrical- bar the one rogue to the right.

So? Where was it taken?!

Three little Pigeons

2010-07-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

I have decided that Blogging can be quite fun and with a little creativity I can try and get more than 6 followers! (NOTE - I do love each and everyone of my 6 followers!!)
SO I have decided to do a few little competition style blog posts, a sort of guess where this is? I am also doing this on my Twitter page if you want to see more.
I have noticed, walking around Blackpool, you can sometimes walk past a place everyday and only ever see the same thing - if I said this photo was taken on one of the busiest streets I bet you couldn't tell me which shop it was above? If you know already then please let me know!

Want to see more images? Look here or here!

UV Bars

2010-07-12T02:37:00.000-07:00

Local markets have always been interesting to me as you find so many photographic opportunities every second you are in one. When I visited Seattle's famous Pike Place Market I managed to get a great portrait of a fish monger which really inspired me to take more shots around markets in general.
In Blackpool there are quite a few indoor markets but Abingdon Street market is one of the more popular ones in the town center. This image is really colourful and vibrant, a stark contrast to the Lemon Meringues that are opposite this stall. This is what I love about the markets, you never know what is going to be in one of them!

Let me know what you think of this photo or to see more look here or here!

Fairy Cakes

2010-07-09T06:08:00.001-07:00

Cakes are my favorite thing to take photos of - they last alot longer than if I would have bought them to eat! The colours and oozing cream looks so delicious and inviting its hard not to snap them up. The image has a light and airy feel to it also as they are behind glass. I like the cherry on top also as it injects some colour into the image overall.

Let me know what you think about this photo or to see more look here or here!

Cake Stall

2010-07-08T04:40:00.000-07:00

After watching numerous episodes of Mary Queen of Shops (which I have to say is one of my all time favorite shows) I have found myself trying to use the local shops and markets as much as possible. Today I went to the cake shop and couldn't resist snapping away at the home made delicious cakes they offer - especially this individual lemon meringue's!

Let me know what you think of this photo or to see more photos look here or here!

'Freddie Rock'

2010-07-07T06:55:00.001-07:00

This is an image taken from a shoot for my exhibition. This isn't the one I will be using but I thought it was such a great shot I had to blog and share it! 'Freddie Rock' owned a rock stall on Blackpool's Golden Mile for about 30 years in total and was quite well known on the Blackpool circuit for a long time. Bringing him back to the Golden Mile area we talked about the different characters and stories of what happened back in time when he had his stall - it was a great afternoon.

Let me know what you think of this photo or to see more photos look here or here!

Windy

2010-07-06T08:19:00.001-07:00

Summer always throws us a day where it looks so hot but actually its cold because the wind is so high - well yesterday was one of those days in Blackpool. The wind turbines at the Solaris Centre Blackpool were in full swing when I got there to take photos of the Mirrorball (across the road). It was a perfect opportunity to grab this shot as its something I haven't shot before. I tried to get a slow shutter speed so that I could capture the wings but it was quite sunny and this is the result. I quite like the image as the colours all blend well and the motion is quite interesting also.

Let me know what you think of this photo or to see more photos look here or here!

Blackpool Youth Games - Frisbee

2010-07-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Well this week has been busy in Blackpool. The kick off for the Blackpool Youth Games has had me at the park most of the week and what a challenge it has been!
The first shot I blogged made it to the BBC Website which I was quite pleased about and the rest have been for use within Blackpool Council. I have found it quite a challenge as the kids are so fast at the games so prediction, timings and a lot of missed shots have been frequent this week. I have loved the determination in the kids to do this every day and also meeting lots of new people.
Well done to all the kids this week!

Let me know what you think of this photo or to see more photos look here or here!

Blackpool Youth Games 2010

2010-06-28T09:08:00.001-07:00

Blackpool Youth Games 2010 this week and to kick it off in the sports center the youths took park in all sorts of challenges. At the sound of the whistle they rotated around to the next challenge and I have to say it was quite difficult to catch them in action on camera!

Let me know what you think of this photo.

Waiting

2010-06-21T06:08:00.000-07:00

This dog was so patient sat waiting for its owner while he took in some sun at the weekend at the park. I love the way the dog is so interested in all that is going on behind me and its owner is totally oblivious to it as they fall asleep on the grass.
The composition was perfect also, I guess its one of those shots where I (usually) think..damn wish I had my camera to get that shot. Well I did this time!

Let me know what you think of this photo.

Fluffy

2010-06-18T02:44:00.001-07:00

This image was taken by the beach where Seagulls are all over the place. This one (I am told) is only a baby and was actually quite brave as I got really close to it without it flying away. It then ruffled its feathers turned and flew away. I like the movement in the shot as alot of the images of Seagulls I have are just after they have set off so look quite static and posed as they fly.

Let me know what you think of this photo.

Over the Edge

2010-06-16T08:26:00.001-07:00

Bird watching is not something I like to do but it seems there are more and more Seagulls around Blackpool every day so its hard not to take their picture. I try and get as close as I can, holding the camera to my eye while walking forward until they fly away. This in-flight shot always looks so good as they really do twist and turn their bodies and wings which is hard to see in real time.

Let me know what you think of this photo.

Kacee

2010-06-14T07:28:00.001-07:00

A personal shot here from the weekend while meeting my cousin for her 18th birthday lunch. I love the candid style of shots and here I have pulled out the badge using a layer and the eraser tool. Not too tricky to do (if you have a steady hand!) but I think it looks really effective - especially when the location isn't ideal.

Let me know what you think of this photo.

Ipswich Castle

2010-06-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

I am quite pleased with today's results using a black and white image and fine tuning it to get the above effect in Photoshop. I used different eraser brushes, a border around the image and also colour balance to get the effect. It fits well with the castle theme and I have cropped the original image severely also.

Let me know what you think of this photo.

Summer Autumn Tree

2010-06-10T06:21:00.001-07:00

This tree looked oddly winter like in the summer at Stanley Park on the weekend. It was hidden in between a lot of green 'ordinary' looking trees so really looked vibrant and caught my eye. As you can all tell by now I like to use a shallow depth of field in most situations. Using this method in nature shots really draws out features that you might not really see when looking ordinarily.

Let me know what you think of this photo.

Bloomin' Marvelous!

2010-06-09T05:26:00.001-07:00

Environmental Day 2010 at Blackpool's Stanley Park was a great success with lots of activities going on throughout the day. I was particularly interested in the pond skimming and didn't realize there are so many creatures in one scoop of the net! I did also enjoy the quiet walk through the park where the trees were covering the path making it quite peaceful. I spotted this pink flower on a tree and couldn't help snapping it up. The vivid colours made it stand out from the rest. Maybe I should start making and selling canvas prints of these, I think they would look lovely in a living room.

Let me know what you think of this photo.

Laurence Llewelyn Bowen

2010-06-07T09:00:00.001-07:00

Laurence Llewelyn Bowen today opened the new illumination depo - now called Light Works. I thought it was quite comical that at this angle it looked like the dinosaur was about to bite him while giving an interview - you see I am still a child at hear. Who said you can't have fun while on a job?

Let me know what you think of this photo?

Trainers - Gurskyess!

2010-06-04T03:50:00.000-07:00

I have been changing phones this last week and I have found many photos I took using my old phone. I don't rate using a mobile as a camera but then again I only had a 3.2mp camera, others are up to 8mp with all sorts of gadgets on it which would help the situation. I now have an iphone and have downloaded quite a few 'apps' that allow me to shoot as if I were using an old style camera - now this is exciting. I will now be testing this out and will upload them to the blog as I think its something that has almost passed me by.
This photo reminded me of a Gurskey type shot with the repetition and close crop. I don't know what else to say about the image as Gurskey was looking as mass consumerism in some of his shots and I guess this would fit into that. Shortly after I took this photo a few kids came and messed up the display..maybe I should have got an 'after' type shot?

Let me know what you think of this photo.

Rockafella

2010-06-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

This image was taken outside the Rockafella Centre in New York. I was really lucky to be there on a clear day when the wind could really show off the different flags, it was perfect for shooting.
I tried to capture the different lines and shapes of the buildings, poles and flags by tilting the camera. The sun makes the colours really stand out also.

Let me know what you think of this photo.

Grand Central

2010-06-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

I have been to New York for a total of a month spread over a few years and each time I am always interested in fulfilling a brief. This one was concerned with rush hour and in Grand Central Station I was surprised at how a simple idea can make for a really effective image. The light shaft came though the window and hit the one stair case that led down to the underground. I was so excited with the repetition and results I got that put together and printed large scale it makes for a great single shot.
This month I have been shortlisted for an online magazine called Pictory Magazine with this image. I have to say it is one of my favourite images I have taken.

Let me know what you think of this photo.