Pete's Place

Just in case some of my regular readers are interested and newer ones can be informed...

Having been a member of Flickr.com for a few weeks some of my photos from Sri Lanka have become very regularly viewed. One photo accounts for over half of my viewing numbers. This has surprised me somewhat, as it is an image I have not considered for exhibition. So I will do a little tidying up and submit it for a local exhibition next month. It is an image which brings back such memorable afternoon talking to Sri Lankan children bathing and playing in the river.

For images linked to this click the link http://www.flickr.com/photos/22807981@N06/sets/72157603849955778/

Thanks for stopping by.

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Since I revived my love of portraits I have been in contact with a number of my subjects from the past. The latest being Emma. With the aim of getting my portfolio more comprehensive and improve my lighting techniques Emma contacted me to say she would be up from Bristol. So a time was set. The last time I took photographs of her she was so tiny for someone os thirteen. Now some ten years later; wow what a change. As is often the case both  of us started nervously but some good music courtesy of Aussie, Pete Murray and some great chat about friends from the past things settled down. I just asked her to move and position herself how she was comfortable. Me giving directions gets awkward and time consuming. A little break to look at other photos started the creative atmosphere really flowing. I tried various compositions and framings. The tough part of the evening was Emma wanting tasteful shots of the tattoo on her back. Number One; I really am not keen on tattoos. Number Two; I have not really got involved with semi nude work before and really had to think about lighting. The tattoo as you see is very cute and subtle. I actually liked it!! The lighting issue I suppose I sort of managed but with Emma due to meet her sister it was a little rushed and I really needed lighting accessories I have not got. I printed a few images off today including some atmospheric Black and White shots for Emma to take. When she came round to view everything tonight she was very pleased and the big hug as she left said it all. Lovely working with you Emma. Looking forward to the next time.

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Sometimes I get to the stage and I am sure others do, when overload means you forget things. Well such an event happened with me. The last batch of photos from Nafplion were remembered today and with Christmas TV so poor I spent time getting the images ready and turning them into a slideshow.

I am a solitary photographer by preference; allowing me to go and take images which I want from locations I choose. With the rest of my friends wanting to go shopping amongst the amazing shops of Nafplion I was able to wander unhindered. I must say that I was pleased with the results of my wanderings. Let me know what you think.

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A little later than promised but here nevertheless are the indoor potraits of Sam.

Arriving in Brighton it was great to see Sam again. Unloading my gear I felt she was a bit overawed by the gear. Certainly much more than in the past with the borrowed flash gear. Parking in Brighton is a nightmare as even on-street parking costs an arm and a leg. Problem sorted we looked at potential for a room. Being a student type house colour schemes were not good. So we settled for a tiny entrance hall/dining room. Only room for one light but ambient light the other side from the back door and the other light along with me in the kitchen. Mad and cramped? Yes! Nervous start? Yes! Both of use were very aware of our lovely photos from the past and here twelve years on we were trying to live up to that. After plenty of laughs and chat as we went things became much more comfortable and the images just got better. Smiling is not something that suits everyone in portraits and with Sam it kills the eyes and face shape although I did get a few natural smiles without this happening. Reminding Sam about smiling with her eyes; this really had an effect. Gentle portraits is how I would describe all my photos of Sam past and present which really portrays her very gentle, warm, nature. These indoor shots are a real contrast to the ones taken on the beach. What do you think?

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My regular readers will know "The Face in the Tree" photo!! The girl I used for the photo; Sam and myself lost contact for eight years. Through the labyrinth which is Facebook we got back in touch recently and met for lunch in Brighton a couple of weeks ago. Well lunch carried on with drinks on the seafront in Brighton. We agreed it would be fun to do some new photographs some twelve years on from the last ones.

The day started with indoor shots which were OK but the sparkle was missing from many. After lunch we decided to head for the beach. A beautiful cloudless day offered perfect conditions for afternoon outdoor portraits. Joined by Stacey, Sam's housemate the atmosphere changed and Sam just captivated shot after shot on the beach. The sparkle had returned to both of us. Ambient light for portraits and locations to create interest are where I first started with potraiture. The multi-coloured Beach-Huts presented loads of scope. We even got Stacey in on the act (more of that later). A Fishing boat freshly painted became the next location and with registration letters SM very appropriate. Stacey befriended a couple of fishermen and we chatted as the sun went down. Time sore a few more shots with the lowering sun and then back to the house to muse and browse the photos before embarking on some fun shots for Halloween. Driving home raced by as I was keen to work on the photos quickly to get some online the next day. 1.30am and tiredness got the better of me and I reflected on a great day. Thank you Sam!!!!!!

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