LONDON PHOTOGRAPHER :: MARGARET YESCOMBE

Fashion Product Photography

2011-08-24T20:57:00.000+01:00

Today my challenge was to photograph a handbag in the studio against a white background.

To give the image more interest, I placed white tiles underneath the bag to echo its texture and give an appealing reflection in the foreground.

String was tied from a boom arm to hold up the bag's handles, and the bag was filled out using material.

I spent some time trying out slightly different angles on the softboxes to get the most desirable reflections on the patent bag.

Happy with what I had achieved in camera, I took the image into photoshop to retouch out the string, work on the reflections and tidy up the bag itself.

If I hadn't already bought this bag, after seeing this image - I'd buy it! Wouldn't you?

Designer collection 3 shoots in 1!

2011-08-01T23:52:00.002+01:00

I was approached by a Designer called Rachel Antonio to shoot her AW11 collection. It was off to a great start as she sent sketches and snapshots of her collection and a wonderful moodboard with lots of inspiring images.

I offered to arrange the whole team. I was very happy with the quality of models that applied to the casting, in the end we booked Anna Tatton to Model and Dorota N for Hair/Make-Up.

I set up and tested the lighting int he studio the night before. For the mood of the collection I decided to go for a black backdrop, using a beauty dish on a boom to light the model from above, then a secondary light for her face.

But I also had another idea in mind.... there has been a huge blank white canvass sitting in the Studio waiting for the right project - I had a sneaky feeling this was it, so I bought a can of black spray paint from B&Q and on the day of the photo shoot, while the Anna was in hair and make-up, I asked if Rachel would like to have a go at spray painting the canvas as a background to shoot against. Rachel was a little worried at first, but I reassured her that we already had a photo shoot set up, so if it didn't look good we didn't have to use it.

Rachel went to work on it, creating large black crows to echo the print patterns in her designs. We decided to shoot each outfit in the Studio, then outside against the canvas (just using the sun and a silver reflector for lighting). But we didn't stop there... The wall at the end of the Studio where the canvas was propped against had a lovely texture with the peeling paint. So we shot the collection against there too. So we shot all 10 outfits in three different ways, all on the same day!

Improvements left right and centre :-)

2011-07-18T17:22:00.001+01:00

I'm always making little ongoing improvements here and there. There have been quite a lot more lately, as after being in business for around six years, I felt it was time to review every aspect of my working practice. This included reviewing the website, software, hardware, method and equipment for both shooting and retouching, admin/business practices and more. This 'shake down' review has brought about change at an exciting pace and it doesn't stop here!:

IMAGE DELIVERY

I used to email Contact Sheets to Clients from which to select the images to be retouched.

Now, after a photo shoot I work in Lightroom to apply any necessary adjustments, then export the RAW files as jpegs, and upload them to the new private online gallery which clients can view.

As the images are hosted online, it doesn't take up room in the Client's mailbox, plus the link can easily be shared with colleagues/peers to gain their opinions too, before selecting the images to be retouched.

Selecting images from the private online gallery to be retouched is quick and easy. Clients can click to 'thumbs up', or 'add image to lightbox' and invite me to view their lightbox when they are ready.

SOFTWARE

I've moved from using Bridge to using Lightroom 3 - which I've found speeds up elements of the image processing/exporting process.

DUAL SCREENS

I've gone from working with one computer screen monitor to working with two. This gives a lot more space to work which speeds up the workflow. I retouch on the main screen HP LP2475w (which is regularly colour calibrated) and use the second screen to have open the image browser, email inbox, or research etc.

NEW HARDWARE

As I often working with a lot of programmes and browsers open at once (Lightroom, Photoshop, Firefox with multiple tabs), the MacBook Pro dual core 15" I got in February has been replaced with a MacBook Pro 17" high res 4 core (with maximum RAM). Which is a great improvement and it can keep up with the way I like to work. It's amazing they can pack so much power into a laptop these days!

A BETTER WAY WITH WORDS

I have also been working closely with the head of a great online Photographers directory. Who has been writing some wonderful new text for www.margaretyescombe.com - This is the first time I've had someone else write text for my website - it's lovely to have a new perspective and help onboard!

LESS ADMIN MORE SHOOT TIME

Running a business needs a huge amount of expertise and time. So I can free up more admin time (to focus on shooting and retouching instead) I'm having a consultation this week with an Accountant that was recommended by a fellow Photographer.

Next stop on my list will be decide which Photographic Agents to approach.

CURRENT PROJECTS

I've just finished retouching image order for a corporate portrait photo shoot.

Now working on retouching images from a wonderful Designer's collection I shot recently. Will post more about this and the finished images soon. :-)

Thanks for reading!

Beautiful New Lighting Equipment for the Studio!

2011-06-21T16:54:00.001+01:00

Beautiful Lighting

Photograph by Margaret Yescombe, taken while sailing across the Atlantic in 2005

I wish I'd had a Canon 5D Mark II back then! :-)

I'm pleased say a new 40cm silver beauty dish (with optional honeycomb), and a heavy duty boom arm & stand on wheels have just been to add to the Studio Hire's Equipment List

This new equipment opens up a wealth of new lighting effects and positions for both myself, and Photographers / Clients who hire the Studio.

The boom arm/stand will allow the light to be directly positioned above the camera or around the rest of the studio keeping the stand far out of shot. With the stand being on wheels, it is also easier to move.

The beauty dish, with and without the honeycomb, gives a beautiful variety of effects.

I'm looking forward to shooting a few examples for you soon...

A beautiful new twist on actors headshots photo shoots...

2011-06-20T16:01:00.003+01:00

This weekend was spent absorbing wonderful information and inspiring images - I've certainly come away with a lot of great new ideas...

I've been watching Photographers from all round the world on YouTube discuss how they run their Studio and Location photo shoots, new lighting tips/techniques. One Photographer that I found videos of was Peter Hurley. A pioneer in a new style of Actor Headshots in the USA.

Traditionally Actor Headshots were printed in black and white because it was cheaper and always shot portrait (vertically). With the advances of printing technology the printing cost issue is no longer true - yet a lot of the industry still uses B&W. (I provide the colour version on the CD along with the B&W version for headshots photoshoots)

Peter Hurley's style of headshots fly in the face of tradition, his images are in colour , they are landscape, shot against a white background, and with the top of the head cut off. Understandable at first he was told that his style of headshots wouldn't work.

However Peter persisted and stayed true to his individual the style he believed and is now a hugely successful Photographer with Studios in both New York and LA. Peter has also recently photographed the actors from the hit tv show Lost!

I'm did a little test photo shoot which takes inspiration from Peter Hurley's style of headshots and combines it with my own lighting set up which gave a gradient of light to dark across the background - Looking at the test shot, I would prefer it to either be a grey throughout all the background, or to flip it round so that the darker background is against the lighter side of the 'model' for more definition, or go for a clean white background. Also next time I'll place a reflector under the model's chin to further soften shadows under eyes/larger pores etc.

It was shot in my Studio late at night using a long wooden spoon to press the shutter button on my Canon 5D Mark II. I must apologies for the rough looking model (me!) but - but you get the idea.

One thing you might notice from this shot, is that the nose has been slighting enlarged by the focal choice of focal length of the lens. This wouldn't be any issue at all when I'm photographing someone else, it's just due to the length of the wooden spoon limiting how far I could stand from camera for this test shot :-)

NEW WEBSITE DESIGN

Another development I have been working on is redesigning www.margaretyescombe.com - so that the images are much larger on screen. Part of the redesign has involved revisiting photos, cropping them to landscape it's lovely to the difference a well composed crop can make for really drawing attention and creating strong visuals. Compare the home page image with the full a landscape crop and the full uncropped version in the fashion portfolio here.

WORKFLOW & STAYING CONNECTED

I've also been watching great interviews and tutorials by Photoshelter on business practices and social media for Photographers on Vimeo - this has made lead me to lots of back of house changes which will improve workflow and make it easier for you guys to connect and keep up to date.

I've created a Facebook Fan Page and linked it to my twitter updates - please 'Like' the page so I can keep you up to date with the latest information, images and special offers.

QUICKER IMAGE TURN AROUND

Stay tuned as also currently under development is an online gallery that RAW image files will be uploaded to straight after the photo shoot to make it for quicker/easier for clients to make image selections/orders.

IMAGE ARCHIVES

I am also looking to create an online searchable archive of images Clients / Art Buyers / Picture Editors / etc can order images/prints from for personal or commercial use.

COMMUNITY / FEEDBACK

It's great to get feedback, comments and suggestions from you guys! And I'm always happy to give any advice or help where I can. So please do get in touch and let me know what's on your mind. :-)

Thanks for reading - stay in touch!

Just back from the USA...

2011-05-27T17:19:00.000+01:00

Hello Again

Here are a few of my touristy snapshots from my recent trip to the USA... :-)

Mississippi

Chicago

New Britain, CT

As some of you already know, I've been across the pond in America for the last month.

I'm now back in the UK, and quickly getting booked up with photoshoots and location hires already - which is great!

But does makes my current decision harder.... I'm debating whether to move to the USA for three months this summer to shoot in New York or California. New York definitely has a strong pull with its position on the fashion scene. However I do love the healthy/relaxed lifestyle that California has to offer.

If anyone reading this has any experience living in either I'd love to hear your opinion :-)

London Fashion Week - A Photographer's perspective

2011-02-21T14:40:00.000Z

I forgot to mention on the last post - I also took my panasonic Lumix GF1 camera with a 20mm pancake lens.

It's a lovely small unobtrusive camera/lens, which I had slung round my neck ready to shoot while the main camera and rest of the kit was in it's carry case.

I didn't shoot much on it, but it is always good to have extra options to hand.

Check out the photos that made the cut (and see if you can spot a few little differences in crops) on www.margaretyescombe.com under Photography / Fashion / London Fashion Week.

London Fashion Week - Jaeger Catwalk Show SS11

2011-02-21T01:11:00.000Z

I entered one of the photos from the previous post into a competition run by Professional Photographer Magazine in conjunction with Canon.

On Thursday at 5.41pm I received an email from Eleanor (the Deputy Editor) saying I had won!!! Lucky I checked my emails in time, as they needed a response by 8.30am the next day to confirm whether I was available on Sunday, I replied yes :-) - I was supposed to be going to Cambridge for an meal with extended family, but this opportunity was too good to miss...

The prize was to go along to Somerset House during London Fashion Week and photograph the Jaeger catwalk SS11 show.

For this I could have used my normal kit, but I wanted a few other things to give me more options. Calumet sent a bike over to my studio with the 70-200 lens, extra batteries for my Canon 5D Mark II, and a Canon Speedlight 580EX (I shoot mainly with studio flash, so on camera flash isn't a permanent fixture of my camera bag at the mo).

While I was standing in the courtyard of Somerset House, a fashion editor who freelances for www.Style.it asked to take a photograph of me, as she loved my huge geeky glasses (which I had bought for the model Kayt to wear in the last shoot).

Inside I signed the waiver form and met Grant Scott (Editor) and got to put a face to the name of Eleanor from Professional Photographer Magazine. There was tea/coffee and lovely moist cakes to nibble on, before heading to the catwalk.

They were still setting up lighting and the runway was covered with a long sheet. The models with half done hair/make-up and dressed in their own clothes, came down the runway for a practice. This was great to check lighting, work out angles and practice capturing the movement.

I was in a prime position right centre at the end of the catwalk. Though the space is very limited so I was crammed between two video cameras shooting for Vodaphone, and a fair few other photographers. Definitely helps to be thin, as we only had a shoe box sized area each, shoulder to shoulder! But everyone was really friendly and considerate, we swapped business cards and will keep in touch.

The catwalk show was introduced by Singer/T4 presenter Jameela Jamil, with a little run down of the mood behind the Jaeger collection.

The show kicked off, and clicks and flashes filled the air at a giddy pace. With the Kelvin (white balance) already set to 3000 on my 5D MkII (to compensate for the yellow catwalk lighting), I tried different shots as the models flowed quickly down the catwalk. Zooming in and out, some with flash some without. As I wasn't changing the Kelvin, using the flash gave it a more cool blue tone the images. With the huge lens on my camera and no room for a tripod it was a challenge to keep the camera still, to avoid shake, while also trying to capture the moving models in focus.

The pace was fast and within a short time is was all over.

We said our goodbyes and I headed back to the studio to edit the images. While shooting there wasn't time to appreciate the clothes, so it was good to go through the images and see what everyone actually comes to see!

Here are some contact sheets from the show.

I'll put some bigger versions up on www.margaretyescombe.com after I've done the Calumet hire returns tomorrow.

Thanks for reading! x

2011-02-16T12:51:00.000Z

The two models, Katy & Emilia, were good at emotion/expression and there is a whole variety throughout the shoot.

Which means that depending on which images are selected the shoot can have a completely different feel/mood/story. Like the two retouched shots above. :-)

You'll probably notice the colour/tone has been refined and changed from the contact sheet (on the previous post) where I took a rough storyboard for some initial processing 'rough drafts'.

2011-02-11T15:15:00.000Z

This week I Styled & Photographed a little test shoot with two freelance models.

This was a relaxed fun little shoot. Katy and Emilia were great, at showing expressions/personality.

Sharn Hunjan was the MUA/Hairstylist for both the models, it was good to work with her again.

Here are some of the unretouched but part processed images. :-)

Newly redesigned!: www.margaretyescombe.com

2010-12-08T03:18:00.001Z

After speaking with the person who was going to start rebuilding my website from scratch, I found that he couldn't create the custom flash gallery of my new design. Which was a surprising setback.

So he's now looking to see if he can find a very similar styled ready-made gallery. Otherwise, a separate Flash expert will need to be hired to get the look I ultimately want for www.margaretyescombe.com

After pondering this a while, a little lightbulb went on over my head! While he is looking into it, why not redesign the website myself (still on the current host site), so that it has all of the new

features and services and most of the new design/layout ready for action.

As a phase 2 the website will rebuild from scratch next year, to improve the SEO and get the custom gallery in.

After some very long working hours, it's now ready for you to take a look... www.margaretyescombe.com

Hopefully you will find it much easier the navigate and find the new services and information useful.

Please do take a look, feedback welcome!

www.margaretyescombe.com

FILM

I finally decided to go with Premiere instead of Final Cut Pro. So starting from the complete beginning, Zack, my in-house IT expert (aka my work-from-home technological genius of a neighbour) gave me a tutorial.

I can see that using Premiere is not too hard, it's just incredibly laborious. Though it is satisfying to watch the playback and see what you've spent all that time creating.

I was using some old home movies from my iphone to practice, will get the Canon 5d Mark II out and film some proper footage soon...

A/W Catch Up

2010-11-23T18:17:00.000Z

So what's been happening?

New website

Things have been progressing behind the scenes. I've designed the new website which will combine all the services into an easy one-stop-shop. The new website will house not only Photography and Retouching, but also Studio Hire, Location Hire, Styling (and later next year Filming).

There are so many ways to go about building websites, but after contacting numerous companies, advertising, and calling on friends of friends recommendations - I've finally whittled down the contenders to a man that can bring the new website to life. It's exciting to think if all goes to plan I may well be able to launch the site before this year is out!

Filming

Filming is definitely becoming a necessary addition to Photographers' bag of tricks. My little grey cells have also been ticking over ideas for testing the filming function of the Canon 5D Mark II. I will be shooting before the year is out. I've then got to get to grips with Final Cut Pro to edit. I love learning new skills. So keep an eye out for the results in 2011!

One-Woman-Band Test Shoot

19th October: I did a test shoot where I was a 'one-woman-band' if you like. Not only was I the Photographer/Retoucher but also the MUA/Hairstylist.

For this I worked with a freelance model. It was good to try out a different/additional role within the shoot. The shoot was serenely quiet compared to the hustle and bustle of the normal full team photoshoots.

While Make-Up/Hair is not something I will expand into, the experience did give me an even greater appreciation for the teams that I work with! Here is the result:

Styling

I've been busy working as a Stylist with different Photographers.

21st October: Photographer Fredrick just newly in town from Ireland hired me to Style a test, the model was Jenny F from Models1. The shoot took place at www.studioandlocationhire.com. Freddy didn't have any particular idea for the outfits in mind, so I styled a five black dress story. Here's one of the images from the shoot (I retouched this one). You can find more on www.londonfashionstylist.moonfruit.com

3rd November: A Photographer called Jenna wanted two outfits within a Caramel/Autumn Theme. The photoshoot took place at www.studioandlocationhire.com. Interestingly she brought a Set Builder/Dresser who created this Autumn/homely scene within the studio. Here's one of the images, I love the way the light catches the satiny dress and woven belt. The hairstylist was amazing, and created a hairstyle that blended perfectly with the coat.

Studio Hire

The Studio is also being hired more by other Photographers, some are testing to build their portfolios.

It's nice to be able to help others get set up etc and offer any advise if asked.

Unfortunately the studio's gels 'went walkabout' this year (tut tut tut to whoever took em).

Next year I'll be investing in additional studio equipment. So there will be even more options for the clients and my own shoots.

Location Hire

The Location has had some great hires recently. A well known brand hired it for their homewares/furniture catalogue photoshoot. And last week the kitchen was hired for an interesting piece on electricity consumption and sustainability by Battersea Power Station.

Christmas

It's not even December yet, but Christmas adverts are everywhere already. On my Wish List for Christmas is a Canon G12 Camera (which is much lighter then the Canon 5D Mark II for when I'm out and about), a boom-arm and more coloured gels for the studio!

If I don't get a chance to blog again before Christmas - have a wonderful holiday season!

All White - Worth the Wait

2010-08-06T22:09:00.000+01:00

I have been wanting to do an All White photoshoot for probably a couple of years now.

The expenditure was higher than my usual test shoots what with buying: the white backdrop, white balloons, helium, white plinth (+ borrowing a taller white plinth), smoke machine + lunch for the team etc.

I think the resulting effect feels like an ethereal party.

Stylist: Tory Turk

Model: Sana (Models1)

MUA/Hair: Christiana Howell

I'm finding it hard to narrow it down to the final images but once I have I'll put the rest up on www.margaretyescombe.com

I'll be submitting them to a magazine, fingers crossed they'll get published and give the team good tearsheets.

2010-05-06T17:28:00.000+01:00

Boy, I've been busy since I last posted. Here a a couple of images from my latest beauty test shoot that I did with Jade from Models1 and Francesca Brazzo (hair and make-up). It was shot in my studio using a lovely piece of art I bought recently to give it an interesting background.

I also did a fashion test shoot recently with Greta (Models1) and Leila (MUA/Hair), I styled the shoot myself and the theme was 'Covet Khaki', there were four outfits with gold accessories.

I have also had Living Etc Magazine hire my location through Lavish Locations for two days for a furniture shoot which will be out in the August issue. It was great to see how someone else would decorate the place, inspired by them I went out and bought a few plants. They also kindly left me a few kitchen herb plants, so the place is looking very lush.

2010-03-31T14:35:00.001+01:00

This week I've been using the down time to create a separate website for my studio / location which is available to hire for filming and photoshoots. I always felt a little uncomfortable having them on my photographic website when approaching people who would not be interested in my photographic work. Then speaking to my neighbour who is a Hairdressing Photographer he confirmed that he thought other Photographers may be put off by this.

Today I bought the domain name today and made it official : http://www.studioandlocationhire.com/ (catchy name huh? does what is says on the tin!). I've still got to re-shoot some areas of the location and get some better quality images up. Plus I have bought a lovely new big bit of art that I need to hang and photograph in situ.

Doing the extra location photographs will be made sweeter as this month I sold my Canon 5D to a Photographer on Model Mayhem, and purchased a Canon 5D Mark II which arrived today! Once I've read the instructions and had a play around, I might even think about using the new video function and doing a short film sweep around the location and putting it on the website so people can get a better feel for it. Keep your eyes peeled!

The weekend before last some students hired my location to film their final major project. I'm looking forward to seeing the short film they made at the location as the story line was a bit surreal (two lovers, one was the daughter of the Moon!?) and I was out most of the time they were doing the filming so I didn't really catch much.

I'm happy I took a damage reserve on the location hire, as they left white make-up all over the dark grey sofas and marked my new John Lewis purple cushion, and weirdly accidentally took my hairdryer? But all was made good as they posted the hairdryer back and the bill to have the cushion dry cleaned was only £3.50 and for a professional to come and clean the large sofas it was £50.

While the cleaning company was in I asked how much it would be to clean the carpeted area upstairs, so now I know that if there are any spills it will only be £50 to clean which makes me feel better as I thought it would be a lot more.

I definitely learnt the hard way, as up till now I have not been asking for a damage reserve. The first students that hired it laid down a camera track directly onto the middle of my lino floor which left lots of little wholes in it! Then when it was hired by Mushroom TV they broke a door lock which cost me £80 to fix and despite admitting they did it and saying they would pay - they never did; I'm still considering whether to chase through the small claims court. But I do hope it doesn't come to that.

Lavish locations have paid for the FHM hire, and since sent round another interested party for a recce for a tv series. Fingers crossed more location hires will come out of it as it really is an enjoyable way to diversify my income.

2010-03-10T11:50:00.000Z

FHM
FHM magazine hired my location for a photoshoot last Monday, it was almost and all female team (just one male assistant), they were shooting two models for two upcoming issues out in May and June 2010. It was good to see how the team worked and have a chance to discuss photography and websites with the Photographer, Zoe McConnell (who was herself and ex page 3 model). I talked to the Stylist, Mel Roberts, who is looking to do more women's fashion shoots (she has been focusing on underwear and menswear up till now) so hopefully we will find some time to work together. I also chatted to the guy who came to pick up the lighting after the shoot, he shoots weddings, and although he doesn't usually use assistants/second shooters he was willing to swap details in case things progressed that way.

WEDDINGS
Talking of weddings, I've got a telephone interview today with Jay, a Wedding Photographer, with a view to doing a bit of Assisting, then becoming a second shooter. It will be good to learn a new area of Photography and add a few weddings to my work schedule over the summer (up till now I have only shot a few small registry office ceremonies).

WALES
I took a long weekend away in a lovely cottage in Wales with my partners - it was so nice to get out of London and into the Valleys for a change. Very refreshing.

HEADSHOTS
Gemma, a lovely actress who I have photographed a couple of times before, has booked in for this Saturday to get some new Headshots (for Spotlight and castings etc). It will the first time she has been to the new studio.

LOCATION HIRE RECCE
I've got a few student film-makers coming round on Thursday evening for a recce to see if they want to hire my location for their film. It will either be a one or two day hire this month for an slightly surreal, interesting sounding short.

1st March 2010

2010-03-01T16:37:00.000Z

My Josephine Sitting shoot was published in the new magazine issue 1 www.e-mergemag.com

I decided not to join the photolibrary as the percentage split of profits was very poor and I asked around and had bad feedback about them from other Photographers.

A film crew from Perfect Storm hired my place to shoot a Dub Pistols music video, lovely people and I enjoyed watching the final video which you can see here.

I didn't do a photoshoot up in Nottingham after all - instead I enjoyed the break and had a day at a spa with my partner.

The 'Embellished' shoot I did with Stylist Sarah was a bit of a headache setting up; as not one, not two, but three MUAs let me down! In the end I called someone the day before that I had worked with once years ago and we went ahead with the shoot. (See image from shoot above).

The Model who was going to be her own stylist on her trip to London was very slow on communications, then after the proposed shoot date past she sent an apology in the hope of working with me on her next trip instead. Hmmm, I wasn't overly keen before but we'll see how it works out next time around.

I shot the AW10 collection for the loungeware designer, including her new menswear range. The male model was great, it was a shame there was only a few pieces in the mens collection this time around. I am waiting on the client to select the images and then I'll start retouching them and get them up on www.margaretyescombe.com

I've also had a little spate of shooting a lot of actor and actress spotlight headshots which is great.

On the marketing side I've now ordered some new business cards and postcards from www.Moo.com (with my contact details and a different one of my images the reverse of each card - some fashion, some actor headshots).

Today my location was hired by FHM for a glamour photoshoot, which was interesting as so far it has only been hired for filming. It was good to see how another Photographer / Team worked on a stills photoshoot. They were lovely people, turns out the Stylist is looking to shoot more female fashion, so we are going to arrange to do a test shoot together with the aim of submitting it to a magazine. This was the first time the location hire had come through one of the many location companies I have the property on with, hopefully the first of many!

2010 Happy New Year...!

2010-01-08T15:29:00.000Z

So here's a round up of what's going on in my little photography world over the next couple of months.

Last week:
I was approached by a Photographer who is starting up an e-zine (online magazine) and would like me to provide some images for Issue 0. Looking at the other Photographers he has onboard I believe it could be a good project, and it is good to get more of my current images 'out there' and more links to my website. I'll be resizing and sending the images over this weekend.

Today:
I had a phone call from an image library who think my work is sellable and want me to provide them as many images as possible. I've received their contract, so I'll read through it and start sending low res images to agree which they want, then send the high res versions - more work to do this weekend!

I also had a film crew come and look at my property today, they are going to hire it for one day next week to do a music video. Which is great as I can be quietly working at my laptop - while earning a few hundred renting out the space!

Mid January:
I've got to reshoot the office group shot as so many people were on holiday when I did it the first time just before Christmas - and they want the office to look bigger/more productive!

Late January:
I'm going up to Nottingham for a housewarming, I am debating about doing a test shoot in the hotel where I'm staying. Not being a local, and with there being a smaller talent pool up there - whether I go ahead with a shoot will really depend on whether I can gather a strong enough team who are all available on the only day that I can do the shoot. Of course if this was a paid shoot their wouldn't be a problem as I would just import the people I really wanted to work with. Though I realised that an MUA that I've worked with before in London is actually based in Nottingham so I'll check her availability and take it from there.

End of January:
I am looking forward to working with a Sarah, a new Stylist, on a test shoot. I've got a bunch of 30x30cm mirror tiles, so I may have the model laying on them. A relative bought me a smoke machine for Christmas; though it hasn't been delivered yet as it is on backorder - hopefully it will get here before the shoot and I can add that into the mix. I still have to book the Model and the MUA/Hair for the shoot, unfortunately my top three MUAs aren't available on the date of the shoot (one currently being in OZ and the others are already booked). So I am on the look out for a new MUA of suitable standard. I'll probably get the rest of the booked this weekend.

Soon-ish:
I've also been approached by a model who is coming to London for a holiday. She asked if I want to shoot her TfCD, as I've got so much else on my plate I've told her that if she can 'be her own Stylist' then I'd be happy to shoot her. I've sent her images of the sort of clothes she'll need to bring. This way I'll only have to book an MUA. It should be good to keep the portfolio/work moving on.

February:
The loungeware Designer has booked me to shoot her next collection (AW10) in February, which is expanding to include menswear. While I shoot a lot of male actors, I have focused my fashion work on womenswear, so it will be interesting to shoot this. I've booked a freelance male model who's look will work well with the female model (Vanessa, the Client's niece). Lisa Vice will be doing the Make-up/Hair again - we did the last collection together and the client liked her and asked for her again.

It can be pretty soul destroying being a freelancer when things go quiet - so it's great the New Year has started with such a bang.

16 December 2009

2009-12-16T22:07:00.001Z

Today I took a break from the norm as office I used to work at asked me to shoot their corporate portraits, meeting shots, and whole office group shot.

It was surprisingly pressured trying to find a way of shooting that would please everyone but they and I are happy with the results.. I'll put up a few snaps once they are retouched.

In the mean time - have a great Christmas and New Years Eve!

12 November 2009

2009-11-12T18:51:00.001Z

One of my shoots 'Day & Knight' has just been published in the online version of www.disordermagazine.com

I wasn't sure if the agency that I had got the model from was going to agree to it seeing as it was an unpaid thing, but I was pleasantly surprised when they said yes and I could give Disorder Magazine the go ahead.

Yay team.

Thursday 5th November 2009

2009-11-05T21:07:00.000Z

Happy Guy Fawkes!

Today I did a little shoot as a model (Josephine) had approached me asking if I wanted to test. I sent her through the idea I had in mind of the doing a shoot with all the poses sitting on the floor along with examples of the sort of outfits I was after. I asked Josephine to self style; she did offer to bring her Stylist friend onboard, but their portfolio was underdeveloped, so I thought I'd plow through with just myself, the model, and Francesca as the MUA/Hair. I wasn't expecting the shoot to be particularly great, but I thought it would be a good exercise in lighting/poses. But I'm very happy with the results.

Here's a couple of the images - more up on www.margaretyescombe.com

Quick catch up...

2009-10-29T11:58:00.000Z

Blimey time flies - it's been ages since my last post. What have I been up to? Well... let me see....

In October a bunch of film students hired out my place as a film location for three and a half days. That came about through a friend of a friend, so the budget was pretty small compared to if the place had been hired through any of the location companies that I have it on the books of. It was interesting to see them transform my space from very minimalist and tidy to a messy painter's studio (and back again!). Hopefully more location hires will come along. I've actually got someone coming round for a recce tomorrow - so fingers crossed!

Early September I did a test shoot using a friend's battle armour. Each outfit used one piece of armour and the rest of the outfits were sourced by Aartthie (Stylist). Laura Barrow did the Hair & Make-Up, it's the first time I've worked with her, and will again. The model, Mecia, was from Models 1 and turns out had been on Britain's Next Top Model.

In September I shot a collection for a Designer's lookbook - I love the shoot and it looks great in my book. But thinking it was her first collection and that she wouldn't have much of a budget I totally undercharged for my time/work. I later found out that the model was paid £800 for the day's shoot! Whereas, with all the days postproduction/retouching I did for the amount I charged it was painfully unbalanced.

Still, it was an enjoyable shoot and I made what will hopefully turn out to be a good contact in the form of the Designer's business advisor. As he works with new Designers often, and said he will send more my way.

I was also pleased by how the shoot came about in the first place, a model that I had shot in July last year called Morgaine had recommended me to the Designer. Which is lovely when you think how often models are shot by different Photographers.

In August I shot the SS10 collection for a loungeware designer (I previously shot her AW09 collection). That also went well. Though I was nervous as the Make-Up Artist/Hairstylist I has used for the last one wasn't available, then no-one I had worked with before was available, so I had to carefully pick a newbie, Lisa Vice. Luckily she turned up on time, was very pleasant, and did the job well - so hats off and I'll definately use her again.

Plus in between those bigger shoots/postproduction I've shot a smattering of Actor Headshots which has kept me busy and out of trouble....

2009-07-30T15:49:00.000+01:00

Did my second actor's headshot photo shoot last Sunday. Turns out the Actress had previously been in a film shot in another flat in my building.

I have contacted several location companies and put my place on their books, apparently summer is the busiest time, so hopefully something should come of it soon - I need to finish photographing the property when I have a bit of time next week.

Tonight I'm going to finish retouching, ordering prints, burning their CDs ready for posting.

I seem to be having positive feedback from my new email marketing campaign, it's just very time consuming. It's funny how much time you spend marketing verses actually shooting.

My second shoot for a lounge ware company is coming up in a couple of weeks. I'm disappointed that the great MUA/Hairstylist that I used last time is on holiday. I'd rather use someone reliable that I've worked with before on this, not that it's a very demanding one (it's just one natural look throughout), more that I want a smooth shoot and the client to be happy too. I've asked a couple of people and they are away also, just waiting to hear back from someone else. If not, then I use my new neighbour, she has been doing make-up on & off over the last 5 years but doesn't have a strong portfolio. I might see if she is willing to do a test first though to be sure.

Wednesday 22 July

2009-07-23T17:52:00.000+01:00

Finally settled into new place and did my first shoot, it was an actors headshots shoot and a good chance to test all the equipment and check nothing was damaged in moving.

It's great having such a large space to shoot in.

I'm also getting round to taking photos of the property so it can be hired as a location, see 'Studio Hire' on www.margaretyescombe.com for images and info.

Saturday 27th June 2009

2009-06-29T14:00:00.000+01:00

EXCITING NEWS:

I have now moved to:

De Havilland Studios

20 Theydon Road

Clapton

E5 9NY

There are images and information about the new place under 'Studio Hire' on www.margaretyescombe.com

Saturday 13th June 2009

2009-06-13T12:09:00.000+01:00

Ello ello.

Here's a combo set from my latest shoot 'Black & Gold'. This shoot was born out of me looking for a particular dress and stumbling on a trunk full of amazing vintage dresses in my attic which belonged to my mum & were just begging to be documented. Therefore I was actually the Stylist on this one as well as the Photographer/Retoucher. Francesca did Hair & Make-up and the model is Agata.

I've still got a couple more images from this shoot to retouch with the last outfit...

OTHER NEWS...

Speaking to my Solicitor we have agreed a date in principle for completing & moving to the new Studio as 27th June.

Nothing's signed yet so I'm still keeping fingers crossed that it all works out and soon I'll be able to flex my creative wings in a much bigger space and also start hiring out the studio to other Photographers.

Saturday 16th May 2009

2009-05-18T10:41:00.000+01:00

On Saturday I shot the AW09 collection for Nightwear/Loungewear Designer that is sold both in the UK and Egypt.

We used her niece Vanessa as the model, despite not being a professional model Vanessa was a natural in front of the camera.

Vanessa had been shot by another Photographer for the previous collection on their website, so I decided to update her look by having the MUA/Hairstylist, Francesca B, give her loose curls and a fresh natural make-up look.

Here are the unretouched contact sheets...

Tuesday 7th April 2009

2009-04-07T22:03:00.000+01:00

Today I photographed ten modern artworks by various artists for an art dealer's website.

The pieces were really interesting - I've attached the photographs of my two favorite ones.

It took longer to do the post production (uploading to computer, converting the files, retouching the colour/contrast and correcting the parallax error) then it did to photograph them!

Tomorrow I'm shooting an aspiring actress' headshots for spotlight/agents etc...

Saturday 4th April 2009

2009-04-05T11:41:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I shot Dominique to start her modeling portfolio (contact sheets attached). Francesca B did the hair and make-up, she was great, working quickly to produce a variety of looks.

I've also booked Francesca for the photo shoot I'm doing in May which is a designer's AW09 collection for their website. They had a model booked, but she has cancelled so the past week I've been casting for a replacement model. I'm looking forward to hearing which model they will choose for the shoot to represent their brand. As they are a start up company we will be using a freelance model to avoid high agency fees.

Saturday 21 March 2009

2009-04-05T11:30:00.001+01:00

These are a couple of shots from the beauty colour story. We ended up using Nicole from Models 1. It didn't really go to plan; the hair took longer than expected and the make-up was not looking great so we finished the shoot early afternoon with only two looks. I was surprised as I've worked with the MUA before and I know she can produce much better (she even teaches at a make-up school!), I will use her again, but next time I will be much more specific in want I want.

I've attached the before/after retouching which shows how I refined the make-up (click on the images to see them bigger).

2009-03-02T13:18:00.000Z

Ahhh, what a lovely day... The sun is shining, the lettuce on my window sill has sprouted; and I've just been booked to do another actress's headshots (Lisa) next Thursday.

Also friend of mine, Dave, has expressed an interest in being my Assistant. Which is great as I'd rather have a database of reliable people I know, than use the many teenagers who have been applying for Work Experience over the last few weeks. I'll probably call on Dave to be an extra pair of hands for the bigger location shoots that I will be doing over the summer.

I'm currently rearranging a beauty test shoot using Emi (Hairstylist) and I've got a second on Zuzana from Models1. I need to work out which MUA would be best for this - as it was originally Nicola Hamilton who asked me to set it up (but then cancelled because she had to take a paid job), and with all our busy diaries she can't make the rescheduled date; so I'm going to go ahead using someone else to get this one 'in the bag' and move on to the next idea.

Sunday 1st March 2008

2009-03-01T17:32:00.000Z

Gosh 1st March 2009 already. Best catch up on a spot of blogging. Here's just a few of the things I have been up to...

JANUARY:

Myself, Hairstylist (Emi), Make-Up Artist (Francesca B) and a Stylist I have not worked with before (Nickque) did a location shoot using Sefi (Model from Union Model Agency) - images attached.

I also assisted fashion Photographer Phillip Waterman on a fashion spread for Northern Woman Magazine.

FEBRUARY

Valentines day I photographed a recently engaged couple at Hotel 41 (Yasmina did Hair & Make-Up). I've sent off the contact sheets and am waiting to hear the ten image selections.

Yesterday I shot acress headshots for a lady named Elise's, again I've sent off the contact sheets and am waiting to hear the three images Elise wanted retouched, printed and put on CD.

MARCH

I've been reading a lot of negative things about the future of the Photographic industry & current financial climate, therefore today I'm spending a quiet Sunday with a cuppa tea researching new marketing ideas to keep one step ahead.

Thursday 11th December 2008

2008-12-11T17:39:00.000Z

What a lovely thing. The couple I photographed getting married in the Registry office have asked if I would be willing to shoot their main ceremony in Paris in January - they haven't even seen all the images yet.

The retouching was finished a while ago but I haven't given them the CD yet, as I've ordered a printed wedding photobook for them (free of charge) as a little surprise as they are so lovely - but I'm still waiting for it to arrive. Hurry up post people!

Thursday 4th December 2008

2008-12-04T15:45:00.001Z

I believe in quality, and I believe in karma.

Today I have decided to pioneer the Pay What You Think (PWYT) scheme for Actor Headshots.

I'm sure that there will be a few people who might take the mickey, however I think people are generally good and will see the effort/expertise/quality/time/etc that goes into the session and the post production/retouching.

As a close family member passed away from cancer, for the whole of January 10% of the fees from PWYT will be donated to:
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Donate/Donate.aspx

It will be an interesting social experment (especially in these Credit Crunch times)...

Saturday 29th November 2008

2008-11-29T20:16:00.000Z

Well I managed to replace MUA Yasmina with Rose.

Unfortunately both the MUA & Stylist turned up late. A train derailment delayed Rose, and Aartthie's GPS lead her onto a motorway going the wrong way.

Which meant by the time the model was ready to shoot, it only left enough time to do three outfits instead of the minimum of five I had planned.

Another disappointment was that with the late start, freezing weather & drizzle turning the Australian model blue, I just didn't have enough time to get the desired effect shooting in the woods - I did fire off a few shots but turned to Plan B and shot in the home studio instead.

Though I feel like I'm outgrowing my home studio - can't wait to move into a bigger space in May 09 so I can really flex my creative muscles.

Monday 24th November 2008

2008-11-24T22:39:00.000Z

Eeep, Yasmina can't do the shoot after all and the weather report now says 60% rain.

Hopefully I'll find a replacement MUA tomorrow.

I'm going to go ahead despite the weather just hoping that it won't be too heavy - if it is then we'll have to be Plan B & turn it into a studio shoot (I'll be mega disappointed but it should still be a good strong shoot for the portfolio).

On the plus side today a Client I've been emailing back and forth with for several weeks has finally settled on 20th Dec and paid the deposit. This project will be to shoot 40 dresses for a new website. I've arranged and booked the model and MUA. It's going to be a bit of a marathon day but we'll be keeping the lighting/make-up the same throughout so should be manageable.

I've been getting a lot of enquires for what dates I can do shoots, which often ends up as a lot of backwards and forwards emails juggling diaries - so to save time - today I've put up a calender on my website showing the dates that I have available to shoot. I've not seen any other Photographers' website with this - we'll see over the next few weeks if it puts people off or actually makes it easier for clients to book.

Thursday 20th November - Shoot Prep

2008-11-20T16:41:00.000Z

I’ve lined up a Test shoot for Friday 28th which is about amazing shapes/silhouettes. We’re going to do prep at my house then shoot in the evening under streetlights in Woods nearby. This is developing from an idea I had years ago when I was shooting a friend of mine who is a singer.

This shoot is weather dependant, but luckily www.weather.com predicts a low chance of rain.

Model’s 1 Agency has confirmed the model, which feels like a little mark of achievement in itself as it’s the first time they are lending me a model.

I haven’t worked with this Stylist before, Aartthie, she approached me a few weeks ago. She’s got years of industry experience but not a wide portfolio. It seems like we are on the same wavelength (the proof will be in the pudding), we’ll see what she turns up with on the day!

I hope no-one’s a fussy eater as I’ll be providing the team with teas/coffees & a light evening meal.

I’ve worked with Yasmina (MUA/Hair) many times while I was assisting another photographer. I once showed her my website and she said if I ever needed an MUA she would love to work with me. This is the first time she hasn’t been out of the country or already booked.

Yasmina’s great, but the main worry is that currently paid work takes priority for her. Which means it might be a last minute scramble to replace her with someone else.

If a MUA I hadn’t worked with said that, I would have simply booked someone else who’d be committed to this shoot (as who needs the extra uncertainty) – but Yasmina's a lovely girl and I haven’t seen her in ages – hopefully it will work out as I’m looking forward to catching up.

Fingers crossed!

Tuesday 18th November

2008-11-18T17:39:00.000Z

I just got published again - hip hip horray!

But they forgot to credited me as Photographer - boo!

A journalist friend was writing an interview re Terry Jones and asked if I would be happy to provide an image of the celeb to go with it.

Not wanting to under or over charge, I asked her how much the magazine were offering and was told £54, I agreed (afterall it wasn’t earning me anything just sitting on my harddrive) on condition they sent me two copies of the magazine and gave me a photographer’s credit.

I kinda wish I had looked up www.londonfreelance.org beforehand as they say for trade & specalist mags the going rate is £100 for a half page and to add 50% for simultaneous web publication. Doh!

Ah well, these things do happen.

I've left a little voicemail for the features' editor thanking for copies of the magazine but pointing out the missing credit. I wonder if what, if anything, he'll say about the matter.

To be continued...

Friday 14th November

2008-11-17T17:27:00.000Z

Want a trip to Paris but can’t afford it – go to Kensington instead!

People walking down the street there were talking French, the little café that I killed some time at with a cappuccino was French, with a French waiter, and the woman & two children on the table next to me were also French.

At the end of the day I felt like I had had a holiday – even though I’d been working!

The reason I was down there was to photograph a Registry Office Wedding with 30 guests. I found out an interesting fact, that you cannot legally get married in a Synagogue in Paris – therefore people do the legal bit at registry offices here, then do the religious ceremony with the guests etc over there. Oh, and by the way – the groom and most of the guests were French too!

I photographed the bride and groom before the ceremony with their closest friends down by the Thames, during the ceremony, afterwards on the steps with all their guests, then at the post service champagne reception at a lovely bistro round the corner.

They were a lovely couple and told me that if my photos were good they have a few friends who will be getting married in a similar way soon… plus Inga the bride wants to arrange for me to take my studio kit round to their house to do some shots with her close girlfriends.

I better get on with all the retouching!!!

Friday 31st October - Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-31T19:23:00.000Z

My day's shooting is over, everything went smoothly...

I was a little worried that there might be a problem with the MUA, as I haven't worked with her before and she was only flying into London for the weekend. But Anne Hanson was great - she turned up on time bringing enough kit to get the job done, suitable creative & talented, she completed the three different looks quickly but with attention to detail - meeting my high expectations with ease. I look forward to working with her again when she moves over to London in January.

After starting the shoot saying 'I hate having my photos taken' the actress/model, Anna, left commenting 'she could get addicted to this' and asked about buying extra images - which is always a compliment as well as a bonus.

As it's Halloween - I've handed out chocolates to the treat-or-treating neighborhood kids - thankfully no one got egg-ed.

All that's left to do is relax! (and work out my costume for Saturday night's fancy-dress Halloween Party)....

PS: I've attached some of the images she chose from the session - oh and did I mention we turned Anna into an androgynous alien?

Friday 24th October PM

2008-10-24T21:02:00.000+01:00

I have a good handful of MUA's that I work with regularly, but when setting up a shoot I tend to put up a casting. It is quicker than ringing round everyone checking availability - plus I get to select the MUA with the best/most relevant portfolio for the job.

I've received Anna's deposit - the actress who wants spotlight headshots plus a beauty shoot (with three 'looks' - one natural, one stronger, one fashion). So now I can go head and confirm the MUA.

For this one I've decided to work a MUA I haven't worked with before, she is called Anne (yep this is might get confusing a shoot with an Anna & an Anne!).

Anne lives in Sweden but is planning to move to London and happens to be over on the date of the shoot. She has a great portfolio and good email communication - I'm looking forward to working with her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vanessa, a MUA I've worked with a quite a few times, just invited me to her wedding reception in a couple of weeks (the actual wedding is in the USA) - which was a lovely surprise!

Friday 24th October

2008-10-24T14:59:00.001+01:00

I shot Graham's new set of headshots today. Some in the studio and a few outdoors too. His acting has been keeping him busy and has just got a new agent - it's always good to catch up and hear how people I've photographed are getting on.

I shouldn't take long to create/email the contact sheets out to him as it was only a 1gb cards worth - then i can go out and about and enjoy this beautiful Autumn day!

Tuesday 21 October 2008 PM

2008-10-23T14:27:00.000+01:00

It's always good to have time to prepare for a shoot, be it mentally, or 'doing your homework' researching inspiring images etc.

I had an email enquiry from Richard, a life/dating coach, who needed shots of himself for his website. A couple of emails went back and forth, price/package details etc, then everything jumped forward five paces when he telephoned saying yes he would like to go ahead and book the shoot. Opening my diary looking at next week I asked 'when were you thinking' - 'today' came the reply. Eeek!

What a long day, straight from a full days work, a quick half hour break for dinner, then setting up and doing the photoshoot.

He was an interesting guy and a natural in front of the camera, despite this being his first photoshoot. We chatted, had a cuppa, did the shoot (including several outfit & lighting changes)- everything went so smoothly it didn't really feel like 'work'.

Though as I knew I was going to be out most of the next day, after he left, I did have to stay up till about midnight uploading the shots, creating contact sheets emailing them off the images to him & his website designer for them to select the shots.

Tuesday 21st October

2008-10-21T14:22:00.000+01:00

Not really do to with photography - but the arts... Last night I had dinner with an old friend (or more actually, an old friend's mum), I help her with her website occasionally - she is an amazing painter who is currently exhibiting www.stellaparsons.moonfruit.com

Saturday 18th October

2008-10-18T23:02:00.001+01:00

Apart from a little cycle down to the dry cleaners, I've pretty much spent the whole of today glued to my computer (it's 11.20pm & I'm still going), mainly as I'm currently on a bit of a marketing drive, because sadly as we all know - talent alone isn't enough.

Though seems to be working well, received another two photoshoot bookings today! A lady wanting some corporate headshots that I'll be shooting tomorrow afternoon (the lady since emailed saying she was unwell, we rearranged but she failed to show up - unfortunately it was first time I haven't asked for a deposit in ages!) Plus an actress who already has headshots and wants something different for her website, using a MUA to do three different 'looks'.

I also did a bit of virtual shopping as my colleague is launching his website soon called www.AreYouMyPartner.com and he needs a photo of me for the About Us/Special Thanks section - I thought it would be good to do a new self portrait so I bought a cable release off Ebay.

Anyway, I'm pretty knackered so time to wrap things up and go off to sleep.

Friday 17th October 2008

2008-10-17T21:54:00.000+01:00

Last night I went down to meet another Photographer, Sean, that I've been talking with on email at his photography exhibition. Nice guy, hopefully we'll work together at some point - it's always good to hear how other Photographers are getting on work-wise.

It was also a great evening for making contacts, I swapped details with a Designer, a Hairstylist and a Clothes Stylist, plus I bumped into a MUA that I've worked with before; all while having a little tipple - a benefit of being invited to the Private View evening.

Today's been productive too. Graham, an actor I photographed two years ago, contacted me to book a shoot to update his headshots - nice to be remembered and get repeat business! Plus a lady booked me to Photograph her registry office wedding next month.

I'm also starting to brainstorm what I want to shoot for my next Test shoot.

Tuesday 14 October 2008

2008-10-14T19:41:00.000+01:00

Hey Y'all

I'm so pleased - one of my fashion shoots has been published in the Black & White photography issue of an online magazine www.styleologymag.com/flip/html (hit the 'back cover' tab then work backwards & mine is the first you'll come across).

Photographer: Moi!

Stylist: Huma Humayun

MUA: Vanessa Collins

Hair: Arno P

Model: Skye Kelly-Barrett

:0)

Saturday 11 October 08

2008-10-11T10:45:00.000+01:00

Been so busy all week with non-photography things that today I've got to make some headway (and ideally finish) retouching the images from test shoot last weekend, so I can post them off to FM Model Agency and the MUA (that's Make-up artist) Francesca Brazzo, - as well as do a bit of shuffling round on www.margaretyescombe.com to make some room for them + set up a flicker account (I'll give you the link later).

Here's a headshot of the model, Danielle, I shot at the beginning of the shoot to satisfy the Agency's request before getting to the heart of it...

.... (later) ...

PS: Finished Phew! - the new images are up under 'ROCK CHIC' on my new flicker - here you go... www.flickr.com/photos/margaretyescombe/

Brand-spanking-new-blog: Post Numero 1

2008-10-10T17:38:00.000+01:00

Hello World of Bloggers

Hope you'll welcome me, a clueless newbie, taking my first few stumbling steps in this new online world of Blogging.

I'm starting a blog to keep those of you who are interested informed about what is going on in my photographic career.

I'll be letting you in on the joys, sorrows, leg work, and anything else in between. Not always glamorous (as many people think when you say Photographer as your occupation).

I'd love to hear any feedback you guys have on my work and this blog (good & and more importantly bad - so I can learn from it).

Thanks for reading!

Margaret
http://www.margaretyescombe.com/

PS: this image is a (perhaps a mildly disturbing) self portrait - not sure why I like it - especially as someone said it makes me look like a man!?