Welcome to my Blog

This will be where I give my ideas, opinions, and views on photography today, and as they occur to me. I will also post any last minute course and workshop cancellations here – so keep checking the blog!

Beacons of Light

What a great day we had yesterday. I met my guests at Talybont on Usk in the Brecon Beacons for our workshop and off we set for a day of photo technique, composition and even a coffee break in the middle! A lot of the snow had disappeared from last week but there was still enough just to lift some of the landscapes we experimented with.   Blue skies, white clouds and a happy bunch of photographers. We even did some experimental stuff, by vertically panning with pine trees – a technique I love to play with.
Now I need to get some more workshop days set up… 

Pine Forest in Brecon Beacons

Old Rolls Never Die…

This morning found me in the Bentley Cardiff showroom photographing a 1929 Rolls Royce for a future marketing campaign. With Bentley Cardiff’s permission here are a few shots. The car may have been built 83 years ago but it was (sorry, she was) driven from west of Bristol with consumate ease. What a beautiful piece of engineering!!

1929 Rolls Royce Close Up detail

Transforming Photography…

Interesting day last Wednesday. I was asked to take a set of shots to illustrate the upgrading of a 33/11kV electricity substation. I used to work for an electricity undertaking so had some idea of what to expect. A great day with a break in the weather – blue sky and sunshine. One happy client and so many photos of a transformer, men working up poles and on the ground and shots of the whole substation site. This kind of photography has an edge to it. Not soft or romantic or picturesque certainly, but nonetheless challenging to do well. And, of course, I need to check for details such as wearing protective gear correctly etc! Great fun…

Tumble 33 to11kV electricity substation

My Monthly Newsletter

Well, that’s my Monthly Newsletter for February compiled, despatched and for many, received – all today! The Newsletter gives ideas, tips and hints and tells folk what I am up to generally and how I can help with outdoor photography specifically.

Let me know if you would be added to the list, and I will also send you a back copy. All good stuff you know!!

Displaying my wares…

Last Friday evening I was invited to show my work to Kingswood Photographic Society, near Bristol. It was a great evening and I was made to feel so welcome!
This is an excellent way of not only showing people what I do (and where, how and why) but I can also get the opportunity to give my sponsors and supporters some publicity as well as recruit new clients. But, for me above all else, it is the immense pleasure I gain through simply sharing with others the absolute passion I have for my photography!  Off to the Rhondda Valley in south Wales later this week to do it all again – I do love my job 

Nick Up North…

Last week saw me presenting to  three camera clubs in Scotland; Dunfermline, Edinburgh and Kelso. I love showing clubs and societies what I do – it’s not about showing off, but rather about sharing. I was very well looked after by all three clubs and they seemed to enjoy what they were shown! It also helps raise my profile a bit and maybe attract more clients for my photo workshops at the same time.

On the way home I stopped over on the Northumberland Coast, a superb AONB with SO many opportunities. The weather was first class too – cold but dry and bright!

All in all a busy but massively enjoyable week. The car is now 1300 miles worse off and absolutely filthy!

Embleton Bay and Dunstanburgh Castle

On the offchance…

of some fairly favourable weather today I took off to Cardiff Bay and the nature reserve of Cosmestion Lakes, an old quarry beautifully converted to a country park, in Penarth. The blackest of skies and horrifically heavy hail did yield for short periods, giving some lovely moody winter light.

I did manage to get a few robin shots before it all kicked off again. One is attached.

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012!

The weather in that part of the UK where I live is currently what I believe the Scots call driech! Grey, wet, a bit cold and more than a bit miserable. But, that means it has to get better soon, so camera batteries charged, lenses cleaned and I am ready for the first whiff of blue sky!!

Lots planned for next year, including plenty of workshops; one day and longer. Also, I am getting into the swing of Blurb Books now – have you checked out my Frpm Trickles to Torrents yet?

Aiming to attract many more commercial customers too, to really help them promote their businesses – things are tight so I reckon every little has to help.

In the meantime, may I wish all of you a lovely Christmas and a happy and health 2012. Your support, Facebook comments (well some of them!), patronage and general enthusiasm is so much appreciated!

Nick J

From Trickle To Torrent…

I finally completed my latest Blurb book last night, at 12.30! It is all about waterfalls and how I photograph them. Waterfalls are one of my favourite photographic subjects and I am lucky to have so many quite close to where I live.Here is the link to the book. Have a flick through and maybe buy a copy.

http://www.blurb.com/books/2827125

Camera Club Presentations

Whilst I am infront of the computer, I had a lovely evening last Wednesday – gave a talk to Crai Camera Club in a hotel in Brecon. Some new photographs in the talk/presentation and, though I say it myself, it was pretty good! The same talk is ready now for Cardiff University Photography Society this coming Tuesday.

I really enjoy giving talks. It’s about sharing where I go, what I do and how I do it – and a presentation to a group is an excellent way to do that!