Beach Fashion shoot - Patricia Martin Knitwear

Last week I posted about the rising star that is Patricia Martin, knitwear designer extraordinaire and promised to post the fruits of our photoshoot. 

Well never let it be said that I don't keep my word.  Despite ominous rain clouds and a chill breeze, Patricia modelled her knitwear like a pro - given the nature of the Scottish summer it helps that it was hats, gloves and shawls!  Here she is looking beautiful and knitty.  Next week I will post the gorgeous detailed pictures. 

Want a free photoshoot? Look no further...

It's been a busy, busy time the last few months. Too busy to blog, too busy for business. I've made a decision not to take any new commercial wedding bookings for the next twelve months so I can keep life happily balanced and under control.

BUT

I am keen to keep my creative juices flowing and I am interested in collaborating with other creative professionals on some specific projects:

1. Fashion and Knitwear photography. I've hugely enjoyed the photoshoots for Little Girl Pirate photoshoot for Imogen's Wardrobe and the knitwear photoshoot for Patricia Clift my nearly famous knitwear designing sister, and I'm interested in doing more. I'm looking for people who have handmade crafts or clothes, who are keen to collaborate on photoshoots. No fees, and you get a disk of the images. It's just for fun.

2. Historical reproduction photography. I'm looking for people who make pre-20th century reproduction clothes or costumes - Regency, Georgian,Victorian, Elizabethan, from Dangerous Liaisons to Pride and Prejudice. Clothes like the ones featured in this Flickr group. If you would like to show them off in a professional style photoshoot, get in touch. This is for fun, but I would also like the option of using the images in book cover designs (credited of course).

The rules:

1. You need to be in Edinburgh, or willing to travel to Edinburgh

2. I own the images, but you will have a disk of high resolution edited images with a waiver saying you can use them as you wish

3. It's got to be fun!

If you're interested in collaborating in either of these areas over the next year, please do get in touch!

Lucy Anderson, Soprano

Today I had the great pleasure of photographing talented Edinburgh soprano Lucy Anderson, who sings with the Glasgow-based female Chamber Choir Les Sirènes. I am hugely grateful for Lucy's fantastic good humour and expert modelling and hope these beautiful images are sufficient thanks for her hard work and patience!

A little more elfishness

Thanks to the fact Father Christmas brought me a Kindle, I have been exploring new directions in my reading habits and have immersed myself in the wonderful world of Science Fiction and Fantasy (much of which can be found as free Kindle downloads, for those who might be interested).

The combination of my reading matter along with the arrival of the wonderful hoods from my talented sister (see earlier post) inspired me to try my hand at some elf inspired imagery. These images have been draganized (inspired by Andrzej Dragan) in Lightroom, had the blacks and the red channel tweaked in lightroom (using curves), two layers applied (one turquoise fill and one texture) and a slight vignette added. The results are quite ethereal and, I hope, elvish with a sci fi twist!

A face for urban space

I wanted to share a couple of images from a recent informal photoshoot with Stephen Witherford, one of the founder members of Witherford Watson Mann Architects. Steve wanted some new profile pictures for use in editorials etc. We explored variations in expression, angle and posture to inspire different perceptions in the viewer. In one of the images below Steve is laughing and engaging directly with the camera, capturing a sense of his enthusiasm and approachability. In the other he is looking into the distance, and his expression is more preoccupied, as though he is envisioning his next design.

The pictures were shot in natural early evening sunlight, which gave a rich golden glow to Steve’s skin tones. Even when converted to black and white I think the warmth of the light still comes through in the pictures.

Witherford Watson Mann Architects were founded in 2001 with a commitment to explore how architecture can explore social engagement. Their projects include the Amnesty international UK Headquarters and the Whitechapel Gallery extension.

Contemporary Portrait - Jules Rawlinson

, originally uploaded by Margaret Clift McNulty.

Third image of Jules Rawlinson, from today's photoshoot. Again this was lit strobist style, but modelled completely differently. Although shot against the same background, the lighting makes it appear dark grey. Controlling light to create different effects is one of my favourite aspects of portraiture.

Contemporary Portait Photography - Jules

, originally uploaded by Margaret Clift McNulty.

Second photographic portrait of Jules shot in natural light against a white background - giving a totally different effect!

Contemporary Portrait Photography - Jules

, originally uploaded by Margaret Clift McNulty.

One of my favourite images from photoshoot of Jules Rawlinson. The purpose of the shoot was to try out different styles for promotional pictures of Jules, a musician and composer. The portrait was lit 'strobist style' using two speedlights - I love the flexibility and creative control using these small lights can give. For more information on my portraiture please see Cocoa Rose Boutique Photography my website for Edinburgh portrait photography.

Photography and Poetry - Michael Clift

, originally uploaded by Margaret (Degserella).

Following on from my last post, here is a poem Michael composed for the birth of my daughter Cora, who was born in the water on 30 November 2007. The poem had me in floods of tears by the time I had read the last word, it was so evocative of the moment of her birth!

Cora

Bubble born
sleeping still
swirlpool swim
and breathing,
blinking

you are here

born of triumph,
born from desire
aching on,
you are held

The best way,
The right way

Only of love

Photography and poetry - Michael Clift

, originally uploaded by Margaret (Degserella).

A portrait in celebration of the publication of , Michael Clift's first anthology of poetry, spanning two decades of evocative, thought provoking work. Voice is available from online bookstore Lulu.com priced at £7.95 - to find out more just click here.

If you are looking for something unique and individual for your wedding ceremony, you might want to think about commissioning a wedding poem to mark your special day, or as a gift for your future husband or wife. Michael has composed a number of wedding poems, and can work with couples to create a poetic work which captures the essence of your relationship. His personal, specially commissioned poems have been read at weddings throughout the UK. Michael can be contacted via his myspace site - here. Michael can also compose poetry to celebrate the birth of your child. I'll post an example shortly! Commissioned poems start at £100 for a bespoke poem for your wedding, which includes a free consultation with Michael.